NEW HAMPSHIRE PLANT GROWERS ASSOCIATION APRIL AND MAY I 998 w. re have a special name for the trees that come from our farms — ArcticMist.™ When yon order ArcticMist,'^' yon are not just buying a tree, but all of the time, attention, and care — from seedling to shipping — that goes into creating a safe, healthy, and beautiful Christmas tree. We plant from seed to achieve maximum quality control. All ArcticMist™ trees are heavily needled and have dense conical shapes. Their lovely blue color, rich fragrance, and good needle retention make them ideal Christmas trees. Fraser, balsam, white spaice, and pine (white, scotch, and red) are available. In addition, we are introducing fralsam, a fraser-balsam cross. Wreaths are also available. Since our farms are in New Hampshire and Vennont, we har\'est our trees later in the season than many other growers. We also do everything we can to minimize moisture loss after harvest and during shipping. You can order the number of trees that is right for you — from 25 to a trailer load. We can arrange shipping or you may pick up the trees yourself We respect your schedule and guarantee on time delivery. Our trees arrive individually wrapped and ready for sale. All you need to do is remove the wrappers and set the trees out — no broken branches, no last minute trimming. T .0 place an order, or to receive specific information about this year's trees: Call us at 800/694-8722 or 603/237-5702. Send us a fax at 603/237-8439. Or write to us at 38 Bridge St., Colebrook, NH 03576. Our internet address is http://www.sibgotree.com SibgoTree Company We know wfiat you want for Christmasl ArcticMist CALENDAR Contents April 15 Connecticut Greenhouse Growers' Association (CGGN) "Evening at the Greenhouse," Michael's Green- house, Cheshire, CT; 203-261-9067. 20-26 New Hampshire Orchid VJeek W Wednesday, April 22, 5-7pm; New Hampshire Plant Growers' Association Twilight Meeting, Kathan Gardens, Newport, NH; Dennis Kathan at 603-863-1089. 24 Arfeor Day 24-26 Seventh Annual New Hampshire Orchid Society Show, Nashua National Guard Armory, Daniel Webster Highway, Nashua, NH; Joanna Eckstrom at 603-654-5070. May 8-9 (9:30-2) "Heritage Plant Sale," Strawbery Banke, Portsmouth, NH; 603-433-1108. 8-18 Canadian Tulip Festival, Ottawa, Ontario, and Hull, Quebec; 613-567-5757. 15-17 Greater Nashua Flower Show ("An Evening at the Opera"), Hunt Memorial Library, Nashua, NH; Kathy Sununu at 603-434-6870. June 17 CGGN "Evening at the Green- house," Van Wilgen Garden Center, North Branford, CT; 203-261-9067. ¥ Thursday, |une 18 New Hampshire Plant Growers' AssociatioM Twilight Meeting, Churchill's Garden Center, 12 Hampton Road, Exeter, NH; )im Moser at 603-772-2685. 19-20 (Friday, 5-9pm; Saturday 9am-2pm) TentA Annual "Pocket Gardens of Portsmouth" Tour, sponsored by South Church, 292 State Street, Portsmouth, NH; 603-436-4762. July 15 Connecticut Nurserymen's Associa- tion Summer Meeting, Imperial Nursery, Granby, CT; 860-204-9162. 18 Toar of the Gardens of Lake Sunapee, Newbury, NH; information: Friends of )ohn Hay National Wildlife Refuge at 603-763-4789. 22 "A Cruise into Lake Sunapee's Past" to benefit The Fells, Newbury, NH; 603-763-4789. 25-26 Mount Wasliin^fon Valley Garden Trail (awards ceremony: July 19); information and map locations: loan Sherman at 603-367-4764. 26 Nintii AnnMal State of Maine Open Farm Day, )ane Aiudi at 207-287-3891. August ¥ Wednesday, August 5 New Hampshire Plant Growers' Association Summer Meeting, UNH Research Greenhouses, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH; Paul Fisher at 603-862-4525. 5 Rhode Island Nursery and Landscape Association Summer Meeting, Roger Williams Park, Providence, RI; 508-761-9260. 7-9 24 Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) Summer Confer- ence, Hampshire College, Amherst, MA: 978-355-2853. 12 New England Nurserymen's Associa- tion Summer Meeting, Prides Corner Farm, Lebanon, CT; 508-653-3009. 14 Benefit Auction, The Fells, Newbury, NH; 603-763-4789. 15 Seventh Annual Plant Sale, The Fells, Newbury, NH; 603-763-4789. Looking aiiead... October 19-21 New England Greenhouse Conference, Worcester, MA; Henry Huntington at 603-435-8361. Departments 3 From the Board Ann Hilton 5 Forum 7 New Hampshire News 1 1 Elsewhere In the News 27 How About Herbs Tanya lac^son Features 17 Native to Northern New England and Pround of It. Cheryl Lowe 19 Two Simple Words Nancy Adams 21 MEMBER PROFILE: Chakarlan Farm Greenhouses 23 A Honeybee Ovevlew David C. Sorensen Columns 8 Kiwi Corner Paul R. Fisder 14 The Griffin Guru 18 The Green Spot Mifie Cherim 20 Z Notes ]im Zablocki 24 Pioneer Pointers Cover Late winter: Chakarian Farm Greenhouses; Photo: Rick Raymond The PlAntsman Is published In eariy February, April, June. August, October, and December with copy deadlines being the first of each prior month. While camera-ready ads are preferred, set- up assistance Is available at a nominal fee. Free classified advertising Is offered »s 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 1/4-h SI 50 $30 3 3/8-w X 4 3/4-h S200 $40 Tw X 2 1/4-h $200 $40 7"w X 4 5/8-h $300 $75 7'w X 9 1/2-h $500 $100 For further Information, please contact the editor: Robert Parker at the UNH Research Green- houses. Duttlam, NH 03824, 603-862-2061; or PO Box S, Newflelds, NH 03856. 603-778-8353. APRI L.MAY. 1998 CUSTOM FILLED FIATS! Oave I ime vbavG MonGiJ Oa\e Labor jtaia^feg- jUJHTaJS^: COHTAIHERS FILLED TO YOUR SPECIFICATIOHS! G can cusTom-iiii anL|ininq: ...fpom pluq flats to rianqinq basKets, ...to mani^ otrier vapieties of containcps. We can ship a/jywAerefrom our Southeastern NH Location! We also offer ON-SITE mactiine rental service. L/onlact jlcve at: --j- (207)-339-9693 g^-S^ lor prices and iniopmaiion We're very serious about biological pest control. Are you ready? The Green Spot, Ltd. 603/942-8925 ax 603/942-8932 E-mail GrnSpt@internetMCI CO Mail 93 Priest Rd Notttngham, nh 03290-6204 CO-RAY-UAC GROWTH ZONE HEATING THE ULTIMATE IN INFRARED HEATING SYSTEMS FOR GREENHOUSES ■ Slashes Fuel Bills up to 50%. ■ Extremely Low Maintenance. I Hundreds of greenhouse owners are saving up to 50% on fuel costs year after year! I No blowing dust or disease. I Virtually noiseless for more comfortable working conditions. I Zone temperature controlled to allow various areas to be heated separately. I The only gas-fired, vacuum-vented, infrared tube heating system manufactured in the United States that is designed with small burners firing down the same tube to produce more uniform heat. I Growth Zone Heating technicians will design a system for your greenhouse range and will prepare a price quote and estimated payback analysis based on your projected savings. Greater Heating Comfort. A.G.A. Design Certified Call for a FREE video and the name of the Grovirth Zone Heating '" sales representative nearest you: 1-800-932-2214 DJD Growth Zone Heiiting Systems l^ount Vernon. WA 98273 Components Manufactured by RobCrtS l4J GrOrdOIl.Inc. CO-RAY VAC features burners in series beaming heal down entire tube length to plants and soil below. THE PLANTSMAN FROM THE BOARD A Customer's Point of View Ann Hilton Last spring, for the first time in thirteen years, due to the birth of my son, I found myself not wori<- ing in greenhouses or a garden cen- ter. I though it would be wonderful to have the time off, but as spring approached, I found I really missed the activity. You'd think that after all those long, tiring days growing or waiting on customers, I'd want to stay as far away from it all as pos- sible, but I didn't. I realized I had a unique chance to visit places I'd heard about, packed orders for, or grew for at a time of year when they'd be at their best. So once a week, my son and 1 hit the road and visited places throughout New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts. I found myself looking at things from a customer's point of view. What attracted me to a place and made me want to go back? What made my shopping ex- perience pleasant? Or frustrating? What made me want to buy some- thing? Maybe some of the things I noticed can help you increase sales. 1 found myself attracted to places that were nicely landscaped or that had attractive displays that were well- maintained or that showcased some- thing new. I found it gave me confi- dence that the owners knew what they were doing and that 1 would find good-quality plants and knowledge- able staff. It upped the perceived value of the product. 1 also found cleanliness important: were there half-dead plants tucked into corners or under benches in the hope that someday someone would get around to resurrecting them? The bad plants made the good plants look not so good. 1 know from experience that on a nice Saturday in May, no matter how much staff you have, it's never enough. Your employees are bom- barded with questions. How many sales are lost because a customer didn't wait for an answer? How many just went ahead and bought the plant, only to have a bad expe- rience because it wasn't right for their needs? Having easy-to-read informative signs (with prices) will make your customers happier and free up your help somewhat Good signs also meant that I didn't have to go digging through pots or packs looking for tags. I'll put the tag back, but other people may not. (So, what color is that delphinium without the tag?) There are many options for good signs. Some can be purchased ready-made. Some can be gener- ated on computers and printed on Celebratimj our 15th Anniversan^ April Z4 9:30 AM To 8:00 VM April Z5 9:30 AM To 6.00 TM April Z6 9:30 AM To 4^:00 TM $4 AdulTs. $3 Seniors *ticMltu»*e.co>v\ 1 .800. WWW.^WeB ^r>v Jntewet Com lity to: • jind resources, iy\forn\afion, nev^s, ideas • loccj+e suppliers aruzi buyers • advertise and promoie your web prese-v\ce • review or pron^o+e proiiuizis or plant availability atte>'\d virtual trade sKov^s — register ^or t^\e real tKing create your own rKori-relaieii Wovne pa^e chat with colleaques life- long- learning launcn points • enjoy our weekly -Hort Tour • shop in our secure-transaction store Brougkt to you ejcclusively on tKe World Wide Web at tKe oddress you can grow to remember. ^orHcMll^ APRIL. MAY. 1998 gardSvs OF A L T ' IV WHOLESALE GROWERS and SUPPLIERS of QUALITY PLANTS Spring Annuals • Geraniums • Hanging Baskerts Perennials and Foliage Plants 3" to 10" P.O. Box 360 • Alton NH 03809 • Tel: 603-875^444 Located on Route 28, 1 ^/^ mile south of the Alton Traffic Circle Oxvners Bnice and Linda Holmes Rolling Green Landscaping & Nursery 500 varieties of perennials *> Annuals & herbs Ornamental trees, shrubs & vines -»> Trellises Wholesale prices available -p^ Call for 1998 listing 64 Breakfast Hill Rd., Greenland, NH (Next to 1-95) 603-436-2732 Gar Jen Center Consultations and Landscaping Designs Greenhouses, Nursery, Craft, and Ctiristmas Shop 656 South Mammoth Road (Rte. 28A) Manchester, NH 03109 (603) 625-8298 MICHAUD Nurseries & Greenhouses Route 85, PO Box 334, Exeter, NH 03833 (603) 772-3698 Wholesale & Retail Annuals, Perennials, Nursery Stock Blue Heron Images Photography Catalogs. Brochures, Annu;il Reports. Web Sues, Special Events Richard H Raymond Specializing in Horliciilliiral Images Traditional and Digital Photographic Services Hluc Heron Images 1 Consuble Road. Durham. XH W82J Phone (603) 659-7.113 Perennials, Plugs, Geraniums, Preflnished Mums Bulbs, Holiday Crops, Flowering Plants Joseph Giannino Co. Representing Fine Growers of Quality Plant Material P.O. Box 757, Rowley, Massachusetts 01969 Telephone: 978/948-8167; Fax: 508/948-8167 y^ <^\ Container-Grown O^oLJa V c5hrubs, Roses les George M. Timm O^vner Davis Brook Farm io6 Bonds Comer Road, P.O. Box 476 Hancock, New Hampshire 03449-0476 Phone/Fax 603-525-4718 THE PLANTSMAN ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS Connecticut, Office of Communica- tions and Information Technology, U-35, 1376 Storrs Road, Storrs, CT 06269-4035. Wfed Management in Horticultural Crops, "a practical guide to hands-on weed management techniques and procedures, will help horticul- turalists, extension agents, farmers, nursery operators, landscapers, and gardeners fight back against wide- spread weed problems." Published by the ASHS Press (a subsidiary of the American Society for Horticultural Science) and edited by Milton McGiffen, jr. (University of California, Riverside) from the pro- ceedings of a joint ASHS and the Weed Science Society of America workshop held in February, 1997, the book discusses management methods in horticultural crops — vegetable, tree fruit, landscape, nursery, turf, as well as management techniques ranging from organic to chemical. To ensure breadth, most chapters are authored by scientists from several regions of the country To order (for $29.95 plus ship- ping), write the ASHA Press at 600 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-2562. the phone number is 703-836-2418; the fax, 703-836-6838. Preferred Stock [Greenhouse Grower, February, 1998) Kieft Seeds' new series of green- house cut flowers offers a wide range of color. The Matthiola incana (stock) QIS series is made up of 100% selectable types with a high percentage of double flowers, green leaves, and strong stems. Consisting of ten colors (white, cream, light rose, dark rose, carmine. red, dark red, light blue, dark blue, and blue-purple), this series is uni- form in color and has a flowering period from March to May in West- ern Europe. It is also suitable for fall flowering. For information, contact Jeff McGrew, Kieft Seeds, 2209-B Bulson Road, Mt. Vernon, WA 98273; phone and fax; 306-445-2031. Winners [Green Profit, March/April, 1998) New variety awards during the Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition (TPIE) in Ft, Lauderdale, Florida, this lanuary went to ficus "Midnight Princess," from Miami Agra-Starts Homestead, FL, which received the Best New Foliage Plant award. Globba winitii Ruby Queen won the Best New Flowering Plant and Best Cabemted? "The Geranium Specialists" Wholesale Qrowers 2 l/l" 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 J.B. CARPENTER & SON, INC. 603/659-3391 220 SOUTH MAIN STREET NEWMARKET, NH 03857 WEBBER'S DUBLIIV Nursery PERENNIAL SIX-PACKS WHOLESALE PRICE LIST PERENNIALS ♦ HERBS ♦ WILDFLOWERS 150 Varieties in 6-celI packs UPS Shipping Available WEBBER'S DUBLIIV NURSERY P.O. Box 266 DubHn, NH 03444 603-563-8180 603-563-8272 APRIL. MAY. 1998 Plant Specimen awards. Midnight Princess is the latest in Miami Agra-Start's dari<-Ieaf ficus series. It has extremely dark, blue- black leaves that are elongated and have a ruffly appearance. Ruby Queen is one in a series of unique tropicals from Hawaii. It's a peren- nial that flowers from |uly through November with 6-12 flowering stems per 6-inch pot. It prefers me- dium light and is pest-resistant. The Year of the Mint The International Herb Association has chosen mint as its 1998 Herb of the Year. Easy to grow and avail- able in many varieties, for orna- mental use, try corn mint {Mentha arvensis), Corsican mint (M. requienii), or pennyroyal (M. pulegium). Na- tional Herb Week is May 4-10. informational packets are avail- able from the International Herb So- ciety (phone number: 847-949-4372). The Griffin Guru Cost vs Yield — Are You Saving? As a supplier, we don't lilte to lose an order. It's doubly painful when the order is lost because our price Included the freight and the competing price did not. By the same token, you are not pleased when you realize you didn't get the deal you were led to expect. I have always used the example of the bag of fertilizer that costs 25% less, but you need twice the amount to achieve the same results. It's very Important to compare coverage, count, yield, and even the weight when comparing the costs of products before placing your order. It's also a good Idea to ask If it will arrive at your place of business when you expect It. The Griffin Guru is leaving the pages of The Plantsman and heading for the open road. Retiring to an RV, the guru (Kim Miller) and his wife will be visiting the many places they've always wanted to see. Perhaps a new guru will arise, But this column marks an ending. Vie thank Kim for his steady, informative contribution and wish him well on his journeys. Wholesale Horticultural Distribution Centers Great Selection: Shade, Flowering & Evergreen Trees, Deciduous & Evergreen Shrubs, Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Perennials & More. . . . Available All Season Long In The Sizes & Quantities You Require! D EPIC A TED TO SER VING: The Professional Landscaper, Nurseryman, Grounds Manager and Golf Course Superintendent, with the highest quality & selection of plant materials & horticultural supplies. Distributors of: • Lofts Turf Seed • Anderson Turf Fertilizer • Lebanon Tiirf Fertilizer •DeWitt Landscape Fabric • PennMiilch •OlyOla Edging • Permaloc Edging • Spreaders & Sprayers • Gelscape • Nature Safe •Concrete Pavers • ■Wallstone •Bluestone • Bulk Stone •Hydroseeding Mulch • AllGro Compost • Bulk Mulch • Par Aide Golf Accessories • AND MUCH MORE! Two Locations For Your Convenience: 1 6 PiNKHAM Rd West U.S. Route 5 Barrington, NH White River Jct., VT (603) 868-71 72 (802)295-2 1 1 7 •^1'^^^ THE plantsman A world leader in development, production and sales of horticultural products (growers, greenhouses and wholesale only) Only the finest floral products bear thf Yoder name You can see them on television and In picture spreads in ieadmt} publications In numerous store and garden center promotions. In municipal parks and botanical gardens and countless home and backyard settings. li5der ...something, to grow on Mary-Jayne Lattig (203) 468-8890 1-800-232-9557 Ext 800 Fax: (203) 468-8891 New England Aetere • Keepeake Azaieae • Foliage * Foineettiae * Frophet eeriee garden mums • Fot Mume Kosee • Dahlias * Hibiecue • Ne^v Guinea impatiene * drokered Fluge and Oerarwume * Ferenmale ^M NURSERY? 1028 Horseneck Road, Westport, MA. 02790 508-636-4573 508-636-5615 508-636-3397 FAX Specializing In Heath... Heather... Bearberry... Perennials... Seashore Plants... also, a full line of quality nursery stock "Our Sen ice Keeps droning and Groning." Laughton's Garden Center Inc. Cal Laughton, Florist Distributors of Nursery Overwintering Blankets WHOLESALE AND RETAIL NURSERY NURSERY STOCK • ANNUALS • PERENNIALS • FERTILIZERS • INSECTICIDES 1-800-692-7752 155-165 Princeton Blvd., No. Chelmsford, MA 01863 CHARLES LAUGHTON. PRESIDENT • DAVE POLGREEN, NURSERY SALES APRIL. MAY. 1998 Northern Grown Trees Evergreens Shrubs Mon-Sat 7:00 - 5:30 Sun: 9:00 - 5:00 O'DONAL'S NURSERIES Located at juncnon of routes 22 & 114 Gorham, Maine 04038 Phone (207) 839-4262 or 839-6364 Fax 207-839-2290 We specialize in growing specimen plant matcnals Complete Landscape Supplies "The landscape professional's choice for unique, landscape size plant materials" ♦ Largest tree & shrub inventory in Seacoast NH ♦ Accessible & convenient location at Stratham Circle (Rtc. 108/33) ♦ Informative tree and shrub tagging system ♦ Quality ♦ Selection ♦ Friendly & knowledgeable staff (603)778-3711 FAX: (603) 778-3773 Monday to Saturday, 7-7; Sunday, 9-5 Other hours arranged by appointment STRATHAM CIRCLE Nursery & Landscape WHOLESALE SUPPLIER OF NURSERY & WETLAND STOCK TO THE TRADE. I NURSERIES, INC HERBACEOUS & WOODY WETLAND PLANTS -ORNAMENTALS -GROUNDCOVERS PERENNIALS -VINES DEALER FOR BON TERRA WETLAND FABRICS CONTRACT GROWING AVAILABLE 24 BUZZELL RD, BIDDEFORD, MAINE 04005 (207) 499-2994 (207)282-7235 FAX: (207) 499-2912 CALL FOR A QUOTATION OR A COPY OF OUR CATALOG. -WE DELIVER- pUANr OUAIITY SINCE 1192 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. RO. BOX 9169 WETHERSFIELD. CT 06129-0169 1 (800) 326-HART THE PLANTSMAN Native to Northern New England and Proud of It CHERYL LOWE New England, relatively small in size compared to other regions of the United States, neverthe- less holds a number of incredibly diverse and fascinating natural habitats and plant communities. These special natural landscapes are part of our re- gional identity — the alpine areas of our highest peaks, the coastal plain, rocky outcrops and hilltop balds of exposed granite, bogs and swamps, and, of course, the boreal forest and eastern deciduous woodlands that dominate much of our region. How sad that some of our local urban and suburban landscapes look like Any- where USA. Bringing New England's native plants into the landscapes of our homes and businesses can help us define a regional character and remind us of local places we treasure At Garden in the Woods, the New England Wild Flower Society (NEWFS)'s headquarters and botanical garden, our horticultural displays incorporate natives from all over temperate North America, even though our conservation and education programs emphasize New England. But we, too, are beginning to think more regionally as we create displays like the New England Garden of Rare and Endangered Plants. We are also beginning to work with regional educational institutions such as the Cape Cod National Seashore and the Appalachian Mountain Club to develop other demonstration landscapes which reflect the character of local plant communities. Our new joint venture with the Appalachian Mountain Club is to redesign part of AMC's Pinkham Notch Visitor Center landscape in Gorham, New Hampshire. This site offers a wonderful opportunity to display native plants of New Hampshire and educate thousands of visitors about the wonders of the region's native flora (and how to care for it when using the region's trails.) The landscape design process is just beginning. The Pinkham Notch staff has identified the sites most in need of attention. These include the existing display garden, foundation plantings around several buildings, and the open field over the new septic leach field. Planning and implementation will be done in phases — our estimated completion date depends on successful fund-raising and the efforts of volunteers working with NEWFS' New Hampshire Chapter as well as staff and volunteers from AMC. We are using only plant species native to New Hampshire, so we developed a working list of plants suitable for this northern New Hampshire site. Whether or not we plant all of these at Pinkham Notch, the fol- lowing may be of interest to other northern New En- gland landscapers looking to bring a little of their re- gional landscape closer to home. Although some of these may be available in the nursery trade already, others are uncommon, but worth the search. HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS AND GROUNDCOVERS Gorham, New Hampshire, is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3, but herbaceous perennials sheltered under a layer of snow (in most winters) are actually experiencing a win- ter typical of Zone 4 or 5. This may not apply for ex- posed sites, but microclimates are a fact of nature and of landscape design. For moist, shady sites where soils tend to be on the acid side, native woodland wildflowers like Actaea alba and Actaea rubra (white and red baneberry), Arisaema triphyllum ||ack-in-the-pulpit), Clintonia borealis (bluebead lily) and Cornus canadensis (bunchberry) extend the sea- sonal interest with colorful fruits in summer and fall. In moist, more well-drained sites, Hepatica americana (round- lobed hepatica) heralds spring, a welcome sign for all New Englanders. Although their spring flowers are fleeting, the dark, shiny texture of Coptis Irifolia var. groenlandka (boldthread) or the interesting leaf shapes of Sanguinaria canadensis (bloodroot), Polygonatum pubescens (Solomon's seal), or a smaller, more compact Smilacina stellata (starry false Solomon's seal) add variety to any woodland garden. These have great potential as an eye-catching ground- cover when planted en masse. For moist, sunnier sites. Aster macrophyllus (large- leaved aster) can give you that big bold-leaf look, while Lilium canadense (Canada lily) lends an air of vertical grace. Chelone glabra (white turtlehead) is another peren- nial for sunny areas Better suited to more well-drained, sunny sites are Solidago puberula (downy goldenrod) with its compact habit and bright yellow summer flowers, Baptisia linctoria (wild indigo), or the low-growing Potentilla tridentala (three-toothed cinquefoil) with its bright red fall color. Most people are familiar with Adiantum pedatum (northern maidenhair fern). We can never stock enough of this fern favorite to supply our visitor/customer de- mands. Other less familiar ferns suitable for northern New Hampshire include Deparia acroslichoides (silvery spleenwort) with its narrow, light green fronds, the ever- green vase-shaped Dryopteris marginalis (marginal wood fern) and the tall, beautiful semi-evergreen fronds of Dryopteris clintoniana (Clinton's wood fern). APRIL. MAY. 1998 17 SHRUBS AND TREES Acer pensylvankum and Acer spicatum (moosewood and mountain maple) are dominant understory species in much of the northern forests and deserve more use in our planted landscapes. The soft green leaves and early catkins of Corylus americana (American filbert) make it another worthwhile addition to upland forest edges or fencerows. Plus, we can enjoy the edible fruits in late summer. Typical of dry open woods, old fields, and oak or pine barrens and hardy to Zone 3b, Ceanotfius amerkanus (New jersey tea) is a small dense shrub (3 ft) with small, slightly fragrant white blossoms in late June which are particularly attractive to butterflies. Other choice native wildlife plants include the Vibur- nums. Wiburnum acerifolium (mapleleaf viburnum) and Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides (witherod viburnum) are tolerant of a wide range of shady conditions from moist to dry. Highly desirable in the nursery trade, but not common because it is best grown from seed rather than rooted cuttings. Viburnum alnifolium (hobblebush) is one of the most common understory shrubs in northern New Hampshire, and well-adapted to cool, moist woodlands throughout the northeast. This is just a small sampling of the possibilities. Try some and make a statement about where you live. Contact Cheryl Lowe at 508-877-7630 ext. 3401 or lowe@newfs.org if you are interested in donating plants or helping with the AIVIC Pinkham Notch project. If you are a commercial nursery and interested in NEWFS's experiences propagating any of these plants, please contact the Nursery Manager at 508-877-7630 ext. 3402 or email at cullina@newfs.org. m THE GREEN SPOT The Power of the Pinch NEWS FLASH: an informal real-life techniques trial performed by The Green Spot, Ltd., during the summer of 1997 revealed that hand-picking can be an effective means of insect control. The details follow... An 8'x6' plot of nasturtiums was planted from fiats In an on-site garden. Roughly two weeks after the planting and after growth had begun, a scout- ing regimen was employed. The plot was thor- oughly scouted once a week, utilizing 0.05 man- hours (three minutes) per visit. Plant problems, dis- eases, and pests were monitored. By scouting session number four, a smattering of black bean aphlds was noted, instead of employing biological controls, as had been done in past tri- als, or spraying, as might have been done other- wise, we kind of took matters Into our own hands — literally: the pests were pinched to death. (This required the expenditure of an additional 0.09 man-hours.) Granted, this action did leave some black "resi- due" (which washed off with the next rain) on some of the leaves, but was entirely effective against the pests at hand. The scouting resumed and on two additional oc- casions— the next two weeks, more bean aphlds were introduced to the bright, white light. Thereaf- ter, however, no more aphlds were found. The ones which were crushed were the pilgrims from which new families would have sprung forth. Normally, without the scouting and pinching, the aphlds would have reproduced and developed Into a full-blown bean aphid Infestation which could have caused considerable damage to the plants. But all that was changed by our actions. The crop turned out to be the best we've ever had: no pests, no damage, lots of flowers and beautiful foliage. To us, this seemed the answer to a specific pest control problem. Good timing and a tiny amount of labor proved to be a solution of epic proportions. But Is this set of techniques appli- cable to the grower In a large operation? From the perspective of labor, the answer will probably be an emphatic NO. But Isn't It ail relative? For us, the entire process — Including eradica- tion and continued scouting — cost less than two man-hours (or |ust over two minutes per square foot) for season-long control and a perfect crop. No matter how it is sliced. It seems good scout- ing and immediate and manual response works. Mike Cherim is president of The Green Spot, Ltd., Department of Bio-\ngenuity, 93 Priest Road, Nottingham, NH 03290-6204. The phone number is 603-942-8925. THE PLANTSMAN Very e Words Nancy E. Adams LANT LABELS: two very simple words which by themselves may seem dull and ordinary but, if devel- oped correctly, can become crucial selling tools on the front line of plant sales. Whatever their shapes or sizes, labels are vital in providing information to cus- tomers and creating an excitement and desire to pur- chase the plant item. Are you using plant labels to your best advantage? Marketing research, conducted in 1992 at Michigan State University, shows that the public wants certain information on plant labels. The information most consumers felt was most important is presented first, followed by the second most important, etc. 1. WHERE TO PLANT IT. Should it be placed in full sun or shade? We com- monly see labels which provide this information with the use of a sun icon or some other similar symbol. 2. ANNUAL OR PERENNIAL. While we often expect customers to understand the difference between annuals and perennials, it's sur- prising the number of home gardeners who could use some guidance in this area. Take this opportunity to teach them. 3. GENERAL CARE INFORMATION. Most plant labels devote a considerable amount of space to providing this type of information. This in- cludes water requirements, fertilizer needs, flowering habits, planting instructions, and pruning suggestions, if necessary. 4. PLANT HEIGHT AT MATURITY. As a customer, I would hate to buy a plant for my front flower border, only to find that it grows five feet tall and completely obscures the rest of my land- scape. Are the plant heights listed on your labels ac- curate for your local growing conditions? 5. COMMON NAME OF PLANT. It's interesting that this item falls so low on the list. With the impact of Martha Stewart and the cable-TV gardening channel, we are bombarded with requests for specific plant material; however, the general pub- lic is often more interested in the other features. This becomes particularly apparent when new plants are introduced to market. Customers may not remem- ber the name of bacopa, but they will remember that it performed well in their container garden last year as a low-growing, white-flowered, constantly blooming plant which loved full sun You will have to help sup- ply the name! Are you surprised that price hasn't yet been men- tioned? Of course, it is important to consumers but they must first be inspired to buy the plant. Only then will they look to consider the price. Prices should be easy to find (preferably located on each pot or pack), easy to read, and, if necessary, barcoded. Interested in increasing add-on sales? Consider the use of promotional labels which will guide cus- tomers concerning products that will enhance their plant purchases. Market it as preventative health care for plants . . . their very own HMO. Fertilizers, trel- lises, decorative containers, growing media, drip irri- gation, etc., can all be effectively highlighted on pro- motional labels. The plant owner will be happy with your concern for their new "baby" and you'll be happy with the increased sales. A word of caution; a rule of thumb is no more than two labels per plant or pot. Too many labels create a cluttered look confus- ing to customers. Growers are always experimenting with new plant material or varieties which fall outside the range of commonly available plant labels. Where will you find APRIL. MAY. 1998 19 labels which meet your needs? Think computers. Technology is progressing so quickly that it is very easy now to produce labels in full color on inexpen- sive dot matrix printers. Start with a word processing program such as Microsoft Word or Corel WordPerfect, import a scanned or digital photo of the plant in flower, add pertinent plant information text, and print the result in color. For longevity, laminate the page. Digital imagery is a rapidly changing and exciting industry. Companies such as Kodak will digitize any slide or negative you provide them. They will return your originals plus provide you with a CD (compact disk) which contains the digitized images. It is also possible to visit places such as Kinko's (a 24-hour, multi-service copy center) and use their scanner equipment attached to a computer. Bring along any color photo, place it on the scanner, and let the com- puter work away. The image becomes digitized and you save it on a computer disk for later use. Digital cameras are another alternative for supply- ing digital images. Sharp price decreases are making them affordable for the average business user. These cameras do not use film. Instead, the image is digi- tized and once saved on your computer hard drive, can be brought into other software programs. Is it time to reassess your plant labels? Are you providing all the necessary information your customer needs? Are your prices clearly marked? Are you tak- ing full advantage of add-on sales through promo- tional labels? Are you making your own labels to highlight plants, which otherwise, would suffer from lack of key information? 1 hope the answers are yes. Nancy Adams, Extension Educator, Agriculture Resources, UNH Cooperative Extension, Rockingham County, can be reached at 603-679-5616. Not by Lime Alone The pH of your soil Is not determined by lime alone. As a matter of fact, the lime charge in your soilless mix has very little Impact on what the final pH of your soil will be. You can have anywhere from two to seven pounds of lime per yard incorporated Into your mix. Peat and bark mixes tend to have a "natural" pH of 4-5 with- out lime. To adjust for this low pH, growers and soil mix manufacturers will Incorporate lime. Unfortunately for what we learned in Agronomy 101, lime does not work In soilless mixes the same way It does In field soils. A study a few years back showed that 60% of the lime Incorporated into a soilless mix will leach out in less than six weeks — quite different that the two-to-five-year time span that exists with conventional soils. Field soils are significantly more finely textured and able to hold elements more effectively than our horticultural mixes. This concept is referred to as Cation Exchange Capacity (CLC). We could use coarser lime In our mixes, but unfortunately, most of the lime would not be available to the plant while It Is in your produc- tion facility. Increasing the lime rate per yard means that at one point early in the production cycle, too much lime will be available, causing your early pH's to be over 7 — not a good thing for most plant growth. Before the lime charge In your mix becomes fully available (usually after three or four waterings), your pH will appear low. In fact, an error many growers make Is to check the pH of their mix right out of the bag, bale, or pile, before the lime becomes fully available. Knowing this, how does a grower manage his pH? With something I've mentioned many times In the past concerning your water and fertilizer. Your water pH will Impact your media pH more than anything else. Every time you water, your media Is coming closer to matching your water pH. What if your water pH Is not acceptable? Too high? Too low? Only fertilizer can adjust this problem. Choosing the proper fertilizer based on your wa- ter quality is key. Remember — for growers with high alkalinity In their water, adfusting their pH Is more difficult; for growers with low alkalinity, ad- justing your pH can occur very quickly. ]im Zablocki, technical manager of the Northern Horticultural Croup, Scotts Company, can be reached at 603-224-5583. THE PLANTSMAN MEMBER PROFILE CHAKARIAN FARM GREENHOUSES Home-grown Quality I like growing flowers," Bill Chakarian says. And the emphasis at Chakarian Farm Greenhouses is on just that. Both Bill and Deb grew up in a Salem more rural than it is today. Neither had an agricultural background, but Bill always wanted to grow plants and, soon after their marriage, they bought 50 wooded acres in Derry in 1977. They cleared five acres and built the 40'x96' gam- brel-roofed barn — the first floor for sales and storage; the second, an apartment ("We'd always thought this would be temporary — but we're still here"); Bill's office is still basically the kitchen table. They wholesaled, specializing in herbs and less ordi- nary vegetables — bok choy, napa.but when a major broker, finding he wasn't their only customer, canceled his account, they needed to sell material at the farm. They found that not only were there people out there willing to buy, but that they enjoyed dealing with indi- vidual customers. "Good feedback is one of the things that keeps you going — the retail side of things can give you this." The retail world also seems less volatile. In wholesal- ing, there would be abrupt changes as trends were an- ticipated— or created. In the retail side, these trends appear, but not everyone is interested. "The numbers of people and the variety of tastes create stability. You can plan more comfortably." Today, 80% of their busi- ness is retail. When they were farming, there was a greenhouse in back of the barn — a 20'xlOO' single poly — a two-by- four frame on telephone pole supports — used to get a jump on the season with early lettuce, mint, and tomatoes. This is gone, but today there are nine others. Di- rectly behind the barn is a row of six — a 63'x96' three- bay gutter-connected XS Smith (houses I, 2, and 3) and three 30'x96' double-poly hoop houses (4, 5, and 6). To the right of the barn is the most recent addition, a 63'xi44' three-bay gutter-connected (houses A, B, and C) put up in 1996. THE BUILDINGS ARE AWAY FROM THE ROAD. The driveway, lined with young sugar maples, leads past two irrigation ponds toward the unadorned barn and greenhouses around it. To the right are fields; beyond these is woods. Other than the maples, there's no land- scaping to speak of. The outdoor crop displays will fill any bare ground. The season begins in January, but much work has been done beforehand. They close at the end of Octo- ber and in November, the entire range is disinfected. "We disinfect pots, benches, everything inside the houses. ..we're very cleanliness-conscious — we take off our shoes if we need to stand on the benches. ..but we rarely use fungicides." In December, pots are filled and set in the appropriate houses. "We reuse pots — we en- courage customers to return them — but we try to keep things uniform." Much of their material is grown from seed. They use a Bouldin and Lawson computerized precision needle seeder. This recently replaced a small vacuum seeder and they're happy with the new speed and precision. They use pelletized seed whenever possible. Thirteen- year-old son josh is the expert operator ("he knows more about it than we do"). The seeder is set up in House 5. The newly seeded 288 plug trays are set on benches without bottom heat and misted whenever needed. There's an 85-90% germi- nation rate. Bill sees himself primarily as a grower and his deep- est interest is in perfecting techniques. Records are carefully kept and notes are taken. After several years, patterns emerge and become the basis for production. "We grow something of everything — 30 varieties of pansies; 25 of tomato; 15 of hot pepper (these rated for hotness). He grows a variety of material in hangers — about 5000 total — and sees each variety as having its own re- quirements. He buys three growing media and mixes them in various proportions to accommodate the re- quirements of each. Hangers are set on benches and are not only hand-watered — but spot-watered, until A P R I L . M A Y MEMBER PROFILE well-rooted and growing. This careful process continues through the low- light days of mid-winter. This and the preference to grow in slightly cooler temperatures adds to production time (he grows cool to keep the plants stocky and is careful to harden off gradually to prevent stems and leaves from being burnt), but Bill feels that the improved qual- ity is worth it He also uses growth regulators if needed. Mini-environments are utilized. Ivies, for example, are grown near the furnace within the air movement from the fans. This promotes growth and prevents oedema. Bougainvillea is started in twelve-inch hangers in August, overwintered at 40 degrees, then pinched in spring to help fill it out. But he also uses technology where speed and unifor- mity are required. Three houses are equipped with trough benches These work well with geraniums, the leaves of which can shed overhead watering and pre- vent nutrients from reaching the soil. Annuals are major — they fill Houses A, B, and C. Cool- ing here is by cross-ventilation. There are three sliding doors across both ends and several along the sides. As warm air rises through automatic ridge vents, cool air comes through the doors: "With no fans or noise-making machinery, the place is quiet and very people-friendly." There's also a roll-up sidewall, so that in mid-spring, with doors open and the wall up and customers with carts in the wide center aisle and material being brought from the hoop houses to keep benches stocked, the place has the feel of an open-air market. "If anyone asks for anything, we grow it; we're al- ways finding out about new plants:" dipladenia is a heat-tolerant "California type" that requires minimal care Mexican heather is grown in pots; amaranth, in four-pacs. Fall means mums. Asters in 6 1/2-inch pots and cab- bage, and kale are grown as well, but Bill sees mums as Chakarian Farm's signature crop. He grows 16,000 (2000 of them Belgian) ten-inch pots , each with its own drip tube. The process begins in May, when unrooted cuttings arrive. Pinching is key — the first pinch is done while the cuttings are still in the trays — which are kept inside the greenhouse (cuttings shouldn't be cool too early). Plants are pinched back four times during their growth cycle — the last may require over a hundred indi- vidual pinches. Done by hand, this is time-consuming, but the results — and the customers' reactions — are worth it. is by cross-ventilation With no fans or noise-making machinery, the place is quiet and very people-friendly. ooling here jhe Chakarians work to make the place attractive and accessible. Again, cleanliness — inside and out — is important: there are no weeds. A canvas awning on the side of the barn facing the road creates focus ("it makes it look less like the end of a barn") and protects waiting cus- tomers from the weather. Even with three cash registers, there are lines on spring weekends. Some smaller products (seed packets, for example) are displayed here as well. Between the barn and the greenhouses behind it, bricks are laid in a herringbone pattern and with enough space between them to allow drainage. It's attractive — and people don't have to walk in mud or dust. Displays are important. Benches of material fill the areas between the houses and barn and facing the parking lot. A fence is put up alongside House C and window boxes filled with annuals in idea-provoking combinations are hung from it. Signage — made by Deb on the computer — is large and easy-to-read. Pricing is simplified. All standard hangers are one price. This is also true for 6-pacs and four-inch and 6 1/ 2-inch material. "It's less confusing for customers and easier at the register." One very successful program is the VIP Card. Each customer's purchases are recorded on a frequent buyer card. When the total amount reaches $100, the customer receives a numbered lami- nated VIP card. This entitles its carrier to ten-percent off every purchase for the rest of the season. Last year, 900 of these cards were issued. Bill and Deb stress the fact that the material is home-grown. "This is important. People like this — they like going to a place that actually produces what they buy." THE CHAKARIAN CHILDREN— Rebecca, Sarah, Emily, Joshua, and Jonathan, ranging in age from 17 to five — all have important roles here. Although outside help is re- quired (certainly in spring). Bill and Deb see Chakarian Farm Greenhouses as a family operation and view its present size as "about right." But change still happens. This year, the 40'x30' retail space in the barn will be re- designed (pots, tools, and more bagged mixes will be offered) and a door put in the side of the building to allow customers easier access from the greenhouses. After all these years, there may even be an office. But the main areas of change will continue to be in improved production and new crops. After all, Bill Chakarian is primarily a grower. (BP) "WE DON'T ADVERTISE— word of mouth still works best:" but they market in other ways. Chakarian Farm Greenhouses is located at 114 \sland Pond Road, Derry, NH 03038. The phone number is 603-432-9103. THE PLANTSMAN A Honeybee Overview David C. Sorensen In the last few years the media has given a lot of atten tion and publicity to the honeybee Apis mellifera. Not native to the United States, the honeybee was brought from Europe in the 1600s. To many people, the honey- bee is just another bee that stings, causes pain, and, to a few who are allergic to the venom, is a cause of death. To farmers and more educated consumers the honeybee is a very important insect that is primarily used to pollinate crops. Honey- bee pollination activities add an estimated $15 billion to the value of United States food crops each year. The loss of the honeybee in the United States would create a dramatic impact before even considering the value of other bee prod ucts (such as honey) with sales of 150 mil- lion a year. In the mid-80s, honeybee colonies were dis- appearing in alarming numbers. A little eight-legged microscopic bug (tracheal mite) living in the tracheal tubes of the bee was causing the bee to suffocate. Then in the late 80s, another )this time an external) eight-legged bug (varroa mite) was found sucking the blood and deforming the undeveloped bee in the cell. At about the same time (1988), the term "killer" bee was invented by the news media to attract atten- tion of the public to an aggressive, but not inherently hostile, bee. The sting of the African bee is no more venomous than that of the honeybee, which has lived in North America for 300 years. Over the past 30 years, people in South America have learned to live with African Honeybee (AHB). People there stay away from honeybee swarms and colonies and leave the handling of bees to the prop- erly trained beekeeper. The African bees have not advanced throughout the United States as fast as au- thorities once thought. The prognosis of their future in New Hampshire is still out, but we do know they can survive our cold temperatures. One of the latest methods to identify AHB is the temper tester (or stingometer), which records the number of times disturbed bees hit a target. A ge- neticist is also mapping the genes of European hon- eybees. This may allow the genetic engineering of a superior bee that could outbreed the African bee. Several United States chemical companies have developed materials for control of the troublesome mites, but in most cases there are limiting conditions for their use. Some of these materials may build mite resistance, can't be used during a honey flow, may carry over in the wax, or are only effective above cer- tain temperatures And this is not mentioning the ex- tra cost in supplies and labor to install. In 1995, a USDA entomologist tested natural plant extracts which killed both of the mites. A blend of plant oils, primarily thymol and eucalyptus oil, kills fungi, bacteria, and other organisms, as well as mites. The major advantage of these plant oils is that they have low mammalian toxicity. About the same time, another USDA researcher tested smoke from 40 differ- ent plants. A desert shrub called creosote bush, native to Mexico and southwestern United States, when used in smoke, was found to knock off mites and kill them. Dried grapefruit leaves were also found to be effective Re- searchers are still trying to identify and isolat chemi- cals that act as miticides. In February, 1998, a Minnesota Extension specialist found a way to breed honeybees which can detect the presence of the mites on immature bees (brood) and remove the parasitized brood from the colony. These hygienic bee colonies can remove up to 70 percent of infested brood, which interrupts the mite's reproductive cycle. In New Hampshire, it is estimated that about 10 percent of the bee colonies do not make it through the winter, and this is mostly due to mites. The less knowledgeable beekeepers continue to lose better than 50 percent of their colonies. Here in New Hamp- shire, we now have honeybees that are more toler- ant to the tracheal mite, but the varroa, unless treated, can still cause large losses. Sooner or later, a honeybee which can live with both mites will be found, perhaps simply through survival of the fittest. Meanwhile, the wild honeybee population is at its lowest level in several years. Farmers who grow crops requiring pollination need to be concerned about having enough bees available, either through having a high population of bumblebees or renting honey- bee colonies as insurance. A great deal of interest in identifying and raising pollen bees commercially has taken place in recent years. Bumblebees are now being raised and sold 40- in-a-box for greenhouse pollination. They tend to work longer hours and don't mind toiling in the rain APRIL. MAY. 1998 or cooler weather. Other native pollen bees {Osmia ribiflohs and Osmia cornifroms) that work three times as fast as the worker honeybee are being considered. African bees and mites have certainly made their presence felt. Those growers who rent pollinators have only a slight worry, but those who depend on the availability of wild bee pollination have much more to think about. David Sorensen, UNH Extension Educator, Carroll County, can be reached at PO Box 367, Conway, NH 03818; the phone number is 603-447-5922. <^ Pioneer Pointers For the last few months, you and your employ ees have been laboring In the greenhouses, filling pots in order to build up your plant inven- tory In anticipation of converting all this material into revenue/sales In the spring. After you've successfully (so you think) completed this tasli, you might ask yourself the following questions: ■ Do i have enough material in Inventory to meet all my orders? ■ Do I have additional inventory on hand to handle the increased orders that my sales staff or i marketed through last fail and early winter? ■ As orders are filled, how can I be sure that the availability of plants remaining In inventory is tracked so that I don't fail short of any particular variety later In the season? Tracking Inventory is a form of record-keeping that is vital to your business. As a grower, you're already good at growing quality plant material, but how good are you at tracking what you grow? Methods which track Inventory range from basic to sophisticated — depending on the size and needs of your business. Inventory can be moni- tored manually or with specific software designed for tracking on computer. So stay on track with your inventory — it provides needed efficiencies (i.e., less labor, better marketing) that will ulti- mately improve bottom-line profits. If you'd like more insight regarding the importance of tracking inventory — or other record-keeping tips — First Pioneer Farm Credit, ACA, has staff knowledgeable in this area. ApCHEK, a farm accounting software pack- age supported by First Pioneer, contains a module for tracking inventory. Give us a call at 1-800-825- 3232 — it may be just what your business needs. (SW) 1-800-447-4745 visit our website: www.westernmainenurseries.com sl/r bare-root conifer seedl^gs and transplants li i\e helped to keep landowners, tenneis, nurseries, and forest uidustries successfully in the green for sevenrv'-five years. Ask for a catalog, today! ^IWestern PO Box2S0 frvehtirg MFOIUV Fix (207) 0^5 204^ Homes • Bams • Livestock Machinery • Fanner's Liability Livestock Health & Mortality Workers Compensations • Auto filM r^^ Insure with New Hampshire's largest independent agricultural agency. 1-800-439-2451 will put you in touch with an agricultural insurance professional THE PLANTSMAN Wholesale SOO FARM & NURSERY. INC Gold Star Whalualc Nunery is a family owned business. Suet 1952 we have been ofTering the finest wholesale planting materials to landscape contncion throughout the N£. aiea along with the one element that truly sets us apart from the competiQon„.service. Gold Star welcomes your comments and suggestions. Make us your ooe-stop for the best in wholesale landscape supplies Canterburv, New Hampshire 03224 Exit 18, 1-93, 1/2 mile ■ Tel: 800-287-4716 The Mors You Grow, The Mom You Know. We've been in this business a long lime. We know our r^ ^^^^OVthCCiSt NUVSCTX ItlC. uslomer's needs and demands. It dosen't make a difference of the l*"^ -^ •'^ fe've been in this business a long lime. We know our cuslomer's needs and demands. It dosen't make a difference of ihe ^^ lime of year or the size of the project. Northeast Nursery covers il f ^5 all. With ihe widest selection in wholesale plant materials and ^^ landscape supplies in all of New England it's no wonder many consider Northeast Nursery the best One-Stop shopping for all your landscape and green supplies. 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 Wnte for catalog Member MNA. NENA Millers Falls Road, Turners Falls, MA 01376 Telephone 413- 863-2510 s Jewarts NURSERY, Inc HARRY SIDLLER & CO., Inc. 109-113 Essex St.. Haverhill, Mass. 01830, (508) 37^6838, (800) 322-0332 We 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 a Sisal twine & poly twine 9. Woven polypropylene sqs. APRIL. MAY. 1998 • Nu-Form Products • Landmark Products • Pre-filled Flats & Pots • Klerks Films "Helping You to Grow" B.E. Supply GREENHOUSE SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT Hemlock Road, Langdon Mailing Address: P.O. Box 0, Charlestown, New Hampshire 03603 • Restricted Pesticides • Kord Products • Fertilizers • Distributors for Hyde Park & Sunshine Soils Pleasant View Gardens v^rowers of Quality Liners ^& Finished Material 7316 PLEASANT STREET LOUDON NEW HAMPSHIRE 03301 603-435-8361 OR 1-800-343-4784 FAX 603-435-6849 THE PLANTSMAN HOW ABOUT HERBS Feverfew Tanya ]ackson There are nearly 30 million mi- graine sufferers in the United States Drug stores and media ad- vertisements are full of remedies for headaches of all kinds. But per- haps the biggest hope for the future lies in a pretty little plant that's been around for eons and is known in old herbals as "the housewife's herb." This is feverfew, known scientifi- cally as Chrysantfiemum parthenium (more recently as Tanacetum parthe- nium) and present in nearly every traditional herb garden. It makes a medical claim with its name, from the Latin febrifugia ('fever reducer"). The early Romans discovered its powers; then it fell out of favor in Elizabethan times. In recent years, it has been rediscovered — not as a fever cure, but as a powerful anti- inflammatory and migraine head- The early Romans discovered its powers; tlien it fell out of favor in Elizabethan times. In recent years, it has been rediscovered . . ache remedy. Open any health magazine and you'll find feverfew right there along with St. John's wort and echinacea. Historically, use of the plant was almost always connected to women and their health needs. In the 1700s, astrological herbalists dedi- cated feverfew to the planet Venus and used wine steeped with fever- few and ground nutmeg to treat women for tension-induced head- aches It was considered useful for problems encountered during child- birth, for menstrual discomforts, melancholia, and vertigo, and for a variety of other problems that in- cluded infant colic, constipation, and insect bites. The British have long used it for self-medication: the English herbalist )ohn Gerard recommended it as a headache remedy in 1633. Recent sci- entific findings support its claims for effectiveness. In 1978, scientists wrote of feverfew in Lancet, a British medical journal, and later confirmed that a study they'd conducted had found it was similar to aspirin. In 1985, the British Medical \ournal re- ported another study which showed feverfew's usefulness in relieving mi- graine. Researchers speculate that substances in the plant make smooth J.D. Power and Associates ranks International Best conventional medium duty truck in customer satisfaction. ^ INTERNATIONAL Bum FOR Ydur Business. LIBERTY INTERNATIONAL TRUCKS, INC. 1400 South Willow Street, Manchester, NH 03103 Inside or out, Quality iscoyered. As the authorized Hamois dealer in the Northeast, the professional staff at Greenhouse Supply, Inc. will handle all your greenhouse needs. Whether you are looking for free standing or gutter connected houses, call us. 1-800-696-8511 FAX: 207-989-1553 GREENHOUSE SUPPLY, INC. HPRnOI5 email; greenhse@agrotech.com http://hamois.agrotech.com APRIL. MAY. 1998 HOW ABOUT HERBS muscle cells less responsive to body chemicals that trigger mi- graine muscle spasms {Rodale's \Uus- trated Encyclopedia of Herbs, 1987). Varro Tyler, Ph.D., well-known professor of pharmacognosy, Purdue University School to Pharmacy, sug- gests that "if you take feverfew by eating the leaves, it should be in very small doses — from 50-bO milli- grams, which is three or four little feverfew leaves each day." In his book, The Honest Herbal, updated in 1993, he writes that long-term toxic- ity tests are urgently needed to es- tablish the herb's safety. Old-time herbals suggest putting the herb leaves in food or tucking them into tiny bread-and-butter sandwiches, as contact between the mouth and the herb can cause small sores, should a person be sensitive to it. Today, a number of capsules and tablets that contain feverfew are available. The plant is about two feet tall. is hardy to zone 5, and has deeply cut leaves and clusters of small daisy-like flowers. It will grow any- where and readily reseeds. Ordinary well-drained soil and full sunshine are its basic require- ments, although I am certain that it can take some shade. Propagation is easiest by seed, but several vari- eties (including a double-flowered that is popular for perennial bor- ders) should be grown by divisions or cuttings. I believe the pant is polli- nated by wind or is self-pollinating, for there is mention in Rodale's that bees hate the smell of feverfew and that it shouldn't be planted near plants needing such pollination. Feverfew is an excellent, easy-to- maintain ornamental that flowers again and again throughout the summer. Cut it back as the blos- soms go by and you encourage more flower clusters. Lovely in fresh bouquets, it also works well in dried wreaths and arrangements. Mordanted with chrome, the fresh leaves and stems produce a green- ish dye for wool An ingredient thought to be present in feverfew is pyrethrin — which would explain its old-time use as an insect repellent (a tea of feverfew flowers applied to the skin), ludith Benn Hurley, author of The Good Herb, suggests planting feverfew around basil to keep insects away — which would be fine as you really don't want your basil to be pollinated and to set seed while you are eager for a har- vest of leaves. As interest in alternative medi- cine continues to grow, there will undoubtedly be many more scien- tific studies of feverfew. But even if you're not among the millions of migraine suffers waiting for a cure, introduce your customers to fever- few for its simple, natural beauty. Tanya ]ackson, a well-known local herb- alist, can be reached at 603-431-801 1. Jolly Farmer' PRODUCTS BARK MULCH DIVISION BARK MULCH.. .by the tractor-trailer load Hemlock • Cedar • Mix • Premium Mix • Dark Mix BAGGED PRODUCTS... Our own Bark Mulch in 2 and 3 cuft bags Hemlock • Pine-Spnjce • Cedar • Spruce-Hemlock Dark Bark gi0^ Wholesale (growers and Suppliers'' jiragg Pine Bark Nuggets and Mini Nuggets & Hemlock Bark Nuggets and Mini Nuggets Now made in our plant at Poland Spnng. ME Soils & Manures PLAYGROUND MULCH ■ ROOT MULCH ■ BUDGET BARK GREENHOUSE DIVISION Box 527 • Route 122 ■ Poland Spring, Maine 04274 Phone: 1-800-879-2275 • FAX: 1-207-998-2006 "Integrity, quality, & reliable service since 1967" Annual Plugs Perennial Plugs Rooted Cuttings Geraniums Bedding Plants Hanging Baskets Potted Annuals Hardy Mums Pot Mums Cyclamen... liners, finished Poinsettias... cuttings, finished Box 56 • Route 10 • East Lempster. NH 03605 Phone: 1-800-863-8300 • FAX: 1-800-863-7814 ^ PGM" DIVISION PROFESSIONAL GROWING MEDIA Made and usad by Jolly Farmer Box 56 • Route 10 • East Lempster. NH 03605 Phone: 1-800-565-4746 • FAX: 1-800-966-4746 THE PLANTSMAN TAKE ROOT v)^ SHERMAN! "^•Illng to somcon* creates a sal*, but helping someone to buy creates a customer." Represented by: Frank Thomann Charter Oak Landscape 29 Mountain Terrace Road West Hartford, CT 06107 Toll Free 1-800-431-6625 or 1-460-521-2638 Fax 1-860-561-4130 Professional * Experienced * Dedicated rman SHERMAN NURSERY COMPANY P.O. Box 579 • 1300 Grove Street I Charles City, Iowa 50616-0579 1-800-747-5980 or 1-515-228-1124 Fax 1-800-361-7759 "Growing With America Since 1884" SKerman o^rs a mmplfte Uae o/ barefoot and contnmer nurs ery stock iwduAinq: Frmf Trees, Stnall Fruit, Skac(« and Orna mental Trees, OmanxentcKi Skrubs, Peonies, Roses, Evergreens, Hedging, Vines, Perennials, Rooted Cuttings and Polterf Liners jj^i di|l 3^1 j^ jj^i a Stocked^^ with Savings GRIFFIN is... AVAILABILITY, AVAILABILITY, AVAILABILITY. Our warehouses are stocked by trained professionals who understand the economical benefit of quick service. By maximizing space in our warehouses, we can minimize freight charges and shorten lead time. In addition, all of our warehouses are connected viacomputer. This enables us to know m.yfa«f/vwhereaproduct is located when we are quoting a price. By knowing exactly what is in our fully STOCKED warehouses, our quotes are more accurate, our deliveries quicker, and your overall savings are greater. MAKING MORE SAVINGS AVAILABLE TO YOU!! ^^ GRIFFIN w- MASSACHUSETTS 1619 Main Sueel Tewksbury. MA 01876 Phone 978-851-4346 FAX 976-851-0012 GREENHOUSE & NURSERY SUPPLIES CONNECTICUT MAINE NEW VORK-Lalham 20 Grandview Court 50 WesI Gray Road 4 Airport Park Boulevard Cheshire. CT 06410 Gray. ME 04039 Lalham. NY 121 10 Phone 203-699-0919 Phone:207-667-6442 Phone 518-786-3500 FAX 203-699-9615 FAX 207-657-5439 FAX 518-786-3586 NEW YORK-Auburn NEWJERSEV VIRGINIA 1 Ellis Drive 2 Corporate Drive 5612 PncJe Road Auburn, NY 13021 Cranbury, NJ 08512 Richmond. VA 23224 Phone 315-255-1450 Phone 609-409-9399 Phone 804-233-3454 FAX 316-256-0580 FAX 609-409-9360 FAX 804-233-8855 NHPGA TWILIGHT MEETING Wednesday, April 22, 5-7pm Kathan Gardens, Newport, New Hampshire Kathan Gardens is a 25,000-square foot wholesale/retail greenhouse operation — a family operation in business for 42 years. They grow 85% of what they sell: annuals, perennials, hangers, holiday plants... Recently they've begun offering gardening supplies in order to give their customers more complete service The meeting will include a tour of the facilities (trough benching, etc. I and a demonstration of a new — and very useful — sign maker. Dennis has also worked with David Seavey, Cooperative Extension, Merrimack County, in doing a customer survey, the results of which were used to develop a new marketing plan. Dave will be there to talk about the sur- vey— the questions, the results, and the changes that took place because of it So join us to see how one of our members uses years of experience to grow excellent material and what they are doing to continue to im- prove the operation, especially in the areas of marketing and signage. Refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Dennis Kathan at 603-863-1089. DIRECTIONS: Follow Route 8Q North to Exit 9, then Rte 11/103 to New- port. Bear left around traffic circle onto South Maine Street. At lights by Irving station and Rite Aid, go right, then over a bridge and far right up hill. Kathan's is at the top. Coming on 89 South, take the Grantham/Newport exit and take Route 10 into Newport to the lights at the Irving Station, etc Association Officers President ROBERT C. RIMOL 670 N. Commercial Street Manchester, NH 03101-1149 Telephone: 603-629-9004 Fax: 603-629-9023 Secretary / Treasurer CHRISTOPHER ROBARGE UNH/TSAS Horticultural Facilities Manager Durham, NH 03824 862-1074 Directors ROBERT DEMERS Demers Nursery and Garden Center 656 South Mammoth Road Manchester, NH 03103 437-6336 TAMMY HATHAWAY 61 Squamscott Road, Stratham, NH 03885 778-3912 ANN HILTON 4 Karacull Lane PIttsfield, NH 03263 435-6425. HENRY HUNTINGTON / Pleasant View Gardens 7316 Pleasant Street, Loudon, NH 03301 435-8361 GEORGE TIMM / Davis Brooi< Farm PO Box 476, Rte. 137 South Hancock, NH 03449 525-4728 PETER VAN BERKUM 4 lames Road, Deerfield, NH 03037 463-7663 TIM WOLFE / Uke Street Garden Center 37 Lake Street, Salem, NH 03079 893-5858 Extension Liaison NANCY ADAMS 113 North Road, Brentwood, NH 03833 603-679-5616 Alternate Member DAVID CIURLEO 324 Howard Street, Northboro, MA 01532 508-393-4534. NH PLANT GROWERS ASSOCIATION The Plantsman Editor UNH Research Greenhouses Durham, NH 03824 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 43