THE PlANTSMAN WINTER MEETING Thursday, January 15, 1992, Sheraton Tara Wayfarer, Bedford, New Hampshire D t C H M B E R 1991 / 1 A \ I A R Y 1992 W^terSpriiig Summer or FsdL Northeast Nurseiys Qne8top Shopping Covers itM It doesn"t make a difference what the time of year, or the size of the project. Northeast Xurser\- has supplies and materials for all your needs. Northeast Nursery has the widest selection m wholesale plant materials and landscape supplies in all of New England. We direct ship throughout all of New England and offer many other services. Stop by today and see why many consider us the best in supplying the landscape and green industries with quality products and senices. Were Northeast Nurser>', your one-stop nurserv^ for all your shopping needs. r'^:J^^ortheast Nursery, Inc. ^^•^^^^^ Supplying Fine Plant Material & Landscape Supplies 234 Newbury Street, Rt. 1 South Peabodv, MA 01960 (508) 535-6550 Fax (508) 535-5247 C ALE ND AR January 1992 2 Connecacut NuTsersmen s .■\ssociaaon Annual Meenng; Aqua Turf Club, PlanrsviUe/Southington, CN; (203)872-2095. 7-10 ERMA Trade Shou: Kiamesha Lake, NY. 1 5 The New Hampshire Plant Gnni'trrs' .\ssocuiaon Winter Meeang; Sheraton Tara Wa^i-arer, Bedford, NH; Chris Robarge at (603)862-1074. 16-17 Connecticut Nurseryinen s .Assucumon Short Course: Farming- ton Marriot, Farmington, CN; (203)872-2095. 20-22 MASS Hart Congress: Dunfey's, Hvannis, MA; tor information, contact MNA at (617)426-6400. 24, 28, 29 TurflPM Segment. Laridscape IPM Short Course. Eastern Mass. Agricultural Center, Waltham, MA; for information: Kathleen Carroll at (413) 545-08. 27-29 New Engiami Nurserymen's .\ssocuiaon Annual Meeting; Coplev Plara, Boston, MA; (617) 964- 8209. 3 1 -February 2 The Management CUnic (co-sponsored by the National Landscape Association, the Garden Centers ot America, and the Wholesale Nursery Growers ot America); Gait House East, Louisville. KY.; (202) 789- 29CC. February 6-8 NH Farm & Forest Exposition: Center of New Hampshire Holiday Inn &. Convention Center, Manchester, NH. ; for information: Zib or Donna at (603) 271-3552. 10-13 The 47th Annual Pennsyl- i'ania Nursery Conference: Hershey Lodge and Convention Center, Hershey, PA. ; (717) 238-1673. 11-13 Woody Ornamentals 1PM Segment. Landscape IPM Short Course. Eastern Mass. Agricultural Center, Waltham MA.\ for information: (413) 545-089. 1 9 The Third Connecticut Organic LxmdscapingConfererKe: Keeney Center, Wethersfield, CN. ; tor information: Nancv DuBrule, (203) 453-1228, or Bill Duesing, (203) 888-9280. 25 Landscape Plant Materials Segment. Landscape IPM Short Course. Eastern Mass. Agricultural Center, Waltham, MA; for information: (413) 545-089. 26 Vermont Plantsmen's Associa- tion's .Annual \X 'inter Meeting & Trade Shcni: Rutland Holiday Inn. Rutland, VT; tor intormation: Richard Quattlander at (802) 223- 2944. March 11-13 The Second .Annual Neu- England Laruiscape Exposition: Center of New Hampshire Holiday Inn &. Conference Center, Manchester, NH; for information: Guy Hodgdon at (207) 439-5189. 13-15 Sixth .\nnual Seacoast Area Flower & Landscape Show: Pease AFB Recreation Center, Portsmouth, NH. ; for information: Brenda Schure at (603) 436-0815. 14 The Natural Organic Farmers of Connecticut (NOFA/CT) Winter Conference; Keenev Center, Weth- ersfield, CN. ; for information: Nancy DuBnile, (203) 453-1228, or Bill Duesmg, (203) 888-9280. April 1 -September 20 .Amen/Iora '92; Intemaaoruid Garden Festival. Columbus, OH. 3-4 U'nii'erstr>' of New Hampshire Greenhouse Open House: Plant Biolog\' and Thompson School Greenhouses, Durham, NH. For information: Otho Wells at (603) 862-3208. 24 New Hampshtre State FF.A Compeaaons: UNH, Durham; for information: David Howell at (603)862-1760. Looking Ahead February 3-4. 1993 .Veu' England Grous '93; H\Ties Convention Center, Boston, M.A. , for information: Virginia Wood at (617)964-8209. INSIDE 3 FORUM 5 FROM THE BOARD Plue into the Future Chns Roharge 7 NEW HAMPSHIRE NEWS 11 ELSEWTIERE IN THE NEWS 13 Horticultural Courses 15 Using New Low Maintenance Turfgrasses Outside the Greenhouse John M. Roberts & David C- Seave>- 18 Carpenter's Olde English 21 Timing is Everything K'en Buzzell 25 Tree Citv USA 28 WORTH REPEATING (Ibuld Taxus Help Treat Cancer.' Bruce Vanicek Thi Picmxsman l« published in early Febru- an. Apnl, June, August. October, and December with copy deadhnes being the 5th ot each pnor month. While camera- ready ads are pretened, set-up assistance is available at a nominal tee. Free classiried adverusmg is ottered as a member serx-ice. We will carry a shsrt message I no artwork or logos) tor one or two issues ot TJie Ptrntsman AD SIZE 6x Ix 3 3/8- w .X 2 3/8'h SI 20 S30 3 3/8" w X 4 7/8-h S160 S40 7- w X 2 3/8-h S160 S40 ?■ w X 4 7/8"h S250 S50 7- w X 10 -h S400 5100 Cover ILLUSTRATION: MarkCrisf; R->r tunher mtortnation, please contact the editor Robert Parker at the UNH Research Greenhouses, Durham, N'H C3824. (603)862-2061; or PO Box 5, Newhelds.NH 03856, (603)778-8353. ] December 1991 /January 1992 1 Rhododendron PJM (Hi;bridized in 1940) ■ Rhododendron PJM (1940)' ■ Rhododendron Henna's Red (1958)' ■ Rhododendron Shnmp Pink Hybnds fJ 958)* ■ Rhododendron Agio (1964)' ■ Rhododendron Olga Mezitt (1964)' ■ Rhododendron Weston's Pink Diamond (1 964)' ■ Rhododendron Molly Fordham (1966)' ■ Rhododendron Milestone f J 972j* ■ Rhododendron Apnl Snow (1978)' 'A WESTON NURSERIES INTRODUCTION' A phrase which stands for the very best that fifty years of horticultural innovation and testing can produce Weston Nurseries is proud to have developed and introduced these outstanding plants for the benefit of the American Nursery Industry, Azalea Jane Abbott ^i 942;* Azalea Vyking^J 958j* Azalea Pink and Sweei (1963)' Azalea Parade (1 963)' Azalea Golden Showers (1963)' Azalea Pink Clusters (1972)' 'YEAR HYBRIDIZED FOR THE FINEST "NEW ENGLAND-GROWN" PLANTS, VISIT OUR WHOLESALE SALES YARD OR CALL AND ASK FOR TOM WILHELM, DAVE WALKER OR TOM WILLIAMS. WE LOOK FORWARD TO HELPING YOU. Since 1923 Weston I^rseries \ Inc of Hopkinton Growing New England's largest variety of landscape size plants, shrubs, trees and perennials E. Main St. (Rte. 135), P.O. Box 186, Hopkinton, MA 01748, Tel. (508) 435-341': From Boston 235-3431, Toll tree in MA, 1-800-322-2002 FAX 508-435-3274 2 THE PlaNTSMAN FORUM COMMENTS APPRECIATED There may be changes at the Plant Diagnostic Lab at Nesmith Hall (UNH, Durham) next year. The student currently running it, Cheryl Smith, will be graduating soon. This is good news of course, but it also means that there will be no one there to run the lab. Costs of running it full-time (equipment, technician's salary, etc.) are high — around $50,000 — and that amount of money is difficult to find. Cooperative Extension is looking into a variety of options, among them an arrangement with another New England college. No decisions have been made. If you use the lab or would use it if it offered expanded services or simply want to make your viewpoint known, contact Bruce Marriott, Program Leader, Agricultural Resources, UNH Cooperative Extension. He's at Taylor Hall, UNH, Durham, NH 03824, and can be reached at (603)862-1928. (Budgetary pressures are not only in New Hampshire. Because of cuts in its state funding, Cornell Cooperative Extension laid off employees last January for the first time in many years and in October announced the following fees: 1. $25 for each insect, weed, and disease identification. 2. A fee of $40 for each virus diagnosis requiring laboratory testing procedures. 3. A fee of $40 for nematode identification. "Much thought and discussion has preceded the decision to make these adjustments in fee policies. The current fiscal situation has left no alternative if Cornell is to continue to provide this service.") SPECLAL THANKS The Board wishes to thank the hosts of our two fall twilight meetings, Peter and Leslie Van Berkum of V;in Berkum Nursery in Deerf'ield and Bill Conlcy of The Conley Farm in Rochester. We alst) wish to thaiik Bob Demers, Jr., (and family) tor supplying the refresh- ments at Cxmley's. Both places were well worth seeing. At both, the information given was solid and the hospitality e.xceptional. Again, thanks to all concerned. (The NHPGA is beginnini;; to put together a series of twilii^ht meetings for 1992. .Anyone interested in hosting a meeang should contact one of the Board.) EPA ISSUES NOTICE OF INTENT TO REMOVE 358 PESTICIDE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS FROM THE REREGISTRATION LISTS EPA intends to remove 358 pes- ticide active ingredients from any further consideration for reregistration (renewed license to distribute or sell in the United States) and to cancel the registration of 1,053 pesti- cide products containing these active ingredients. The Agency is taking these actions because the registrants of these active ingredients tailed to support or have withdrawn support for the reregistration of their product(s). Because of the pos- sible ettects ot cancellation, particularly on minor users, the Agency is allowing 90 days for existing registrants, users or oth- ers ati'ected by the loss of these products tt) commit to support the regulatory, scientific and tec requirements to maintain con- tinued registration and use of the product (s). Today's notice includes 164 active active ingre- A New Member Welcome James McNahh 1832 Pearce Road PolkCity,FL 35868 dients from list C, nine from list B and 185 from list D. The im- pact of removing one-third of the 173 active ingredients in list B and list C is not expected to be significant because there iire not registered products contain- ing these ingredients. Of the remaining two-thirds, most had annual production of less than 100,000 pounds, a few had pro- duction between 100,000 and one million and one had pro- duction of over one million. Of the 185 active ingredients in list D, 116 no longer are contained in any currently registered prod- uct and of the remaining 69, most had reported annual pro- duction of less than 100,000 pounds. Fi\-e reponed produc- tion greater than one million pounds. To cushion the impact ot cancellation actions on users and to provide time to seek al- ternative pesticides, products being cancelled generally will be permitted to be sold by the reg- istrant for six months after the cancellation becomes effective. Existing stocks- in the hands of dealers and users generally can be sold and used until the stocks are exhausted. Today's actions appeared in the Federal Register Oct. 4. To report com- mitments to support reregi- stration oi an active ingredient, contact Virginia Dietrich, Office of Pesticide Programs (H7508C), U.S. EPA, 401 M St. S.W., Washington, D.C. 20460, or Al Heier, (202) 260-4374. December 1991 / j a k u a r y 1992 3 erry Sffill nurseries inc. / ^ , Cherry Hill Street / West Newbury, Massachusetts 01985 We Welcome Your Visit! WHOLESALE ONLY Growers of Quality Hardy Plants Trees - Shrubs - Evergreens B&B and Container Grown 508-462-6688 A <^oioin<^ tradition since 1832 ^X^xng YOH To Q ^o, ^ //^v\\ GREENHOUSE SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT \\4 Hemlock Rd. - Langdon Mailing Address: P.O. Box O •pre-filled flats & pots Charlestown, New Hampshire 03603 •restricted pesticides •fertilizers •distributors for Plasti Form & Plasti Vac •distributors for Hyde Park & Sunshine Soils •Kord products •JMM greenhouse 603-835-6930 4 THE PlaNTSMAN FROM THE BOARD Plug into the Future Chris Rohargc JL n this d.iy ot junk mail, wc\c all received a tlver or rwo which we ne\'er reqiiested. Most are promptlv deposited m the circLi- iar file k)r sate keepini;. A short while ayo, however, 1 receix'ed one such flyer ad\XTtisirm a computer program packat,'e. It consisted ot ,i series ot programs enabling you to create drawings and illustrations, 50 bar graphs, word charts, manuals, reports, and newsletters. Also included was a paint brush program tor color illustrations as well as over 600 pieces of computer clip art and a tree mouse (the kind o\ mouse which attaches to vour computer). 1 read the tlyer o\-er a few times to get the gist ci the otter and then set it aside. It seemed to good to be true — all these programs and a tree mouse for $99.90. Plus a 30'dav tree trial period. A tew weeks later, while thumb- ing through a computer maga- zine, I noticed one of the pro- grams which had been adver- tised in the flyer. It was just the graphics part of the pack- age, but it alcme sold for ewer $150.00. This raised my curiosity iuid I dug out the tlyer for one more look. Sure enough — it was the same identical program. A little more searching lead me to tind the other programs included in the package, all at substan- tially higher prices. After reading the descriptions ot the programs and comparing the cost, I de- cided to give the offer a trv. Well, to my surprise, the entire package came on time, in one piece, with a simple instruction manual and easy installation procedures. And it did every- thing it said it would. And what about the computers themselves.' It you h.iven't priced computers lately, you'll be surprised ,it how things ha\e changed in just the la-t year. .•\ )S6 unit with \'GA monitor, 40MB hard drive, 1 floppy disk dri\-es and key board can be tound for $1299.00. Add a printer tor $229.00, a bargain pn:\gram package as described here for $99.90 and you're on your way to designing and creating promotional business material with a protessional look. The Summer and Twilight Meeting Flyers are just such ex- amples. The possibilities are endless and limited only bv vour imagination. So what's my [XJint.' Well — to remind us all that there are some good buys out there on computers and computer pro- grams tor the small horticulture business. They can be tound at affordable prices and — better yer — can be operated with very little computer background. We should all take a chance once in awhile, mcive ahead with tech- nology, and update our business resc:>urces. So the next time that unwant- ed computer tlyer shows up, maybe you ought to give it a second look, ask a tew questions, and plug into the future. Have a great holiday season and see you at the Winter Meeting. C/tn.s Rnhar'^ii! is Honicuhund Facilmci mivuii^er, Thompson School of Apphcd Science. UNH. For further information, One Call Gets It All! iliix .irul (l.'plli ..I and a iK.rlKultur.il iu-.'(ls Call 1-800- 343-3132 K.d.n in discuss li.m GrowinR Operaiic Brokerage Offices: DUCEMBER 1991 /J, The Mitsubishi Fuso 4WDFG. Built to work where others can't. There's always been a need for a four-wheel drive, cab-over light-duty truck that can conquer sand, snow, steep hills, and off-road conditions. A real truck. The 127 HP, 11,600 Ib./GVW, intercooled, turbocharged diesel, MTTSUBISm FUSO 4WD FG, is exactly that truck. A cab-forward design with exceptional fit>nt and side visibility lets drivers see over, and around, snowplows. Up, and down, hilly tenain. And threatening conditions that conventional designs hide. Wheelbase options help maintain the original design integrity that's often sacrificed by unnecessary adaptions. A durable, reliable chassis, frame, and suspension system not only makes the ride smooth. But also protects the truck, the load, and your investment And, accepts a variety of body and box options. It is a truck that has survived over 5»000 miles of Areatening condi- tidiis in the Australian outback to finish the 1988 Wynn's Safari Rally Race when 50% of the entrants didn't MITSUBISHI FUSO 4WD FG will work on those jobs that destroy ordinary, conventional trucks. ^ INTERNATIONAL LIBERTY INTERNATIONAL 1400 South Willow Street Manchester, NH 03103 Parts: 669-8524 623-8873 NH WATS: 1-800-562-3814 A MITSUBISHI FUSO 6 THE PlaNTSMj NEW HAMPSHIRE NEWS NEW HAMPSHIRE RECEIVES SBA GRANT FOR TREE PLANTING PROGRAM United States Small Business Administration (SBA) District Director William K. Phillips ;in- nounced in Concord on October 4 that a grant totalling $64,680 had been awarded by the SBA to the State of New Hampshire under the federal government's national tree- planting program. The amount of the grant was determined on the basis of the state's total population. Under the National Resources Development Program (an amend- ment to the Small Business Act) federal dollars tor tree planting on state or local government hind are made available to states which agree to match at least 25% of the grant. In addition, any state or local government which partici- pates in the program must use small businesses as contractors. In New Hampshire, the state solici- ted application from cities and towns willing to commit matching funds and able to meet SBA's strin- gent qualifications. The folkiwing nine communities, representing a commitment of $93,000, were selected: Berlin (awarded $10,000), Concord ($14,215), Dover ($9,295), Hampton Falls ($2,645), Portsmouth ($5,119), Rochester ($5,991), Rumney ($1,885), Som- erswonh ($5,300), and Woodstock ($10,230). The total dollar amount which will ultimately awarded to small businesses exceeds $157,000. Small business contractors inter- ested in bidding on one of these tree-planting projects should con- tact the apprc^priate city or town. Funding for the second year of the SBA tree-planting program has recently been approved. For information on how to obtain funds for your community, write Mary Reynolds at the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development, Division of Forests and Lands, 172 Pembrokt. Road, PO Box 856, Concord, NH 03301. e>callherat(603)-271- 2214. CHANGES Pleasant View Gardens (Pittsfield) has decided to no longer handle bench foliage plants — from 2 l/2s up to large floor items. The market is miiving in new directions and the Huntingtons are moving with it. They are still growing hangers — "the Swedish ivy, bridal veil, grape ivies — they're all the same;" and they plan to expand their seasonal lines and increase production ot perennials, holiday and potted flowering items, and plug and cell pack material. For more information: (603) 435- 8361. NEW TAGS FOR NEW HAMPSHIRE PRODUCTS UNH Cooperative Extension has developed hanging tags and stickers for use in promoting New Hampshire-grown-and-produced commodities. The idea began as part of a Coop- erative Extension forest product marketing effort, but it was decided to design a logo that could be used with a wide range of fanii and forest products — from lumber to honey; from crafts to holiday plants. The tags and stickers were designed by Bob Johnson of B.j . Graphics, Westmoreland, and produced by Bannerman Sign and Promo, Lebanon, and Delta Graphics of Winchester. The design is an outline oi the Old Man of the Mountain with "Naturally, from the fields and forests of New Hamp- shire" printed msidc it. The re- movable stickers come in two sizes, 1 X 1 1/2" and 2 3/8 x 3 1/2". The folding tags are 2 x 3" and open up to 4x3". Project coordinator was Marshal Patmos, Extension EduciUor, Cheshire County. For a sample and pricing information, contact Pat- mos at UNH CJtioperative Exten- sion, C'heshire (xiunty. Box 798, Keene, NH 03431; (603) 352-4550. WINNERS: New Hampshire Places Second at "the Big E." In the two FFA competitions — Nursery/Landscape and Flori- culture— at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield in September this year, the Alvime (Hudson, NH) FFA Chapter placed second in Floriculture. This one contest consisted of several separate ones: General Knowledge, Problem Solving, Plant Identification, Sell- ing a Product, Job Interview, Floral Arranging, Dish Garden, Corsage, and Bouquet. So a wide range of skills were required. Congratulations to Felicia Rati and the Alvime team for their fine showing for New Hampshire. Eight states competed: Ohio was first; Maine, fifth. Ohio also placed first in the Nursery /Landscape Compe- tition. Eleven states competed. Massachusetts was second; Con- necticut, third. Again, congratu- lations to all of you. ...and at the Local Level On October 19, The College o\ Life Sciences and Agriculture again sponsored the University of New Hampshire FFA Interscholastic Judging Contest. Three teams — Pembroke Academy, Alvime High School, and Man- chester School of Technolog\' — competed in the honicultural area. The contest included a general exam, plant identification, repotting of planting material, and nurseries problem identification. December 1991 /Janlary 199; ' A'virne placed first, Pembroke, second; Manchester, third, hidividual placing? were: Ben Na- deau (Alvime), first; Gail Whitney (Alvime), second; Kiley Thompson (Pembroke), third. (Congratulations to all. We look forward to seeing you at the State Floriculture and Nursery landscap- ing contests at UNH on April 24- WINNERS— THE AMERICA'S CUP At the District Meeting ot the State of New Hampshire FTD Florists held in Keene on Novem- ber fifth, Debra Defreze cif Jasmine's Flower Shop (Seabrook) won the New Hampshire FTD America's Cup Design Competition tor the second year in a row. This year's design categories were "A Bridal Bouquet," "Autumn in New Hampshire," and "At Peace with the Earth." Debra's inter- pretation of "At Peace with the E:4rth" started with a quotation she'd remembered: "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the second best time is now." Using a copper dry sink as a container, her interpretation included cypripe- dium orchids, gloriosa lilies, and a small tree. There were mushrooms and mosses and a brook — with goldfish— running through it. Debra will represent New Hampshire at the FTD Regional Competition in Newton, Mass- achusetts, next March. Second place winner was Ray Savage of Flowers by Ray Savage (Keene); third place went to Meg Ranta of Anderson the Florist, also from Keene. Congratulatieins to all ot you. Other business at the meeting included showing the Mercury 3000 IBM 386 Computer. By 1996, tlonsts must have this type of machine in order to be on the FTD network. Machines can be rented from FTD for $110 a month, but this may be an expensive proposition for some of the smaller shops. This meeting gave people an .opportunity to begin thinking about the future. NEW HAMPSHIRE PEOPLE: An Award- Nancy Adams, Educator, Agricul- ture Resources, Rockingham County Extension, recently re- ceived the Distinguished Service Award trom the National Associa- tion of County Agricultural Agents. Nancy was elected to receive this honor by her peers in the national association; this is the highest honor bestowed on Exten- sion agents by the NACXCAA. Congratulations. ...A Departure Tom Price (Meredith Gardens, Center Harbor) has accepted a position with Josh Chandler, a landscape architect in St. Hellena, in the Napa Valley of Calitornia. He will be doing design work there and also managing a crew. He left New Hampshire at the end oi November. His father, George Price, will continue to run the greenhouses m Center Harbor. To the NHPGA he says, "I enjoyed my short time being your President. I'm sorry to leave. I've appointed Bob Demers, Jr., to he Acting Presi- dent and hope he will assume the job next year." He wishes the Plant Growers' Association success in its ventures and we wish him the same. ...and a Marriage Margaret Pratt, Hillsborough County Extension Educator, Agri- culture Resources, was married to Carl Hagen on October 1 2. Our best wishes to both ot them. SHOW TIME 92 The board members of The Granite State Garden & Flower Show Cor- poration have voted to cancel the 1992 version of the show. John Jacobs (Mr Bee's, Concord) cited lack support as the reason. As o( November seventh, there were only eight sure exhibitors. "We can't do it if we can't get commitments," RR 1 • TYLER BRIDGE ROAD • HINESBURG, VERMONT • (800) 525-9405 • FAX (802) 482-4056 • CALL US FOR COMPLETE LISTINGS • FAX US YOUR WANT LIST •HAND PICK YOUR TREES •WE'LL DIRECT SHIP • QUANTITY DISCOUNT PRICING GROWERS OF FINE QUALITY SHADE TREES S THE Plant; John said. "There's no point in putting It on it we can't do it right." The Granite State Garden &. Flow- er Show is a non-profit corporation that was formed when three organi- zations— the New Hampshire Landscape Association, the New Hampshire Federation of Garden Clubs, and the New Hampshire Plant Growers' Association — each committed $1000 seed money seven years ago. The loans were paid back from the profits of the first show, but the corporation still exists. Board members will meet in March to "try to see where the flower show should be going." The New Hampshire Farm &. For- est Exposition is the first of next spring's shows, taking place February 6-8 at the Center of New Hampshire Holiday Inn and Conference Center m Manchester. The theme hasn't been decided, but "seems to be going in the direction ot stewardship" — what does caring tor the land really mean? The program will come later as well (there are matching grants avail- able to outside organizations spon- soring speakers), hut some of the displays are sure: the maple people will be serving maple milk and you can win an apple at the fruit grow- ers' booth. Six calves (one from each breed) will be there, as well as a draft horse and a llama. From 5 to 9 on Friday night the 4-H kids will do hands-on demonstrations; on Saturday morning (before the auc- tion), the Extension will sponsor a program entitled "Playing It Safe" — about using different safety gear. So there already seems to be plenty to do. It's free. It sounds like fun. For more information, call Donna at (603) 271-3552. ■*• Next is the second Annual New England Landscape Exposition. Sponsored by the NH Landscape Association, it will be held March 11-13, also at the Center of New Hampshire. From the Griffin Guru CHECK IT OUT! Many times during your business career, you will be faced with a decision on which piece of equipment to purchase or which structure to build. Unlike an auto or a truck, you can't take the equipment for a test drive. You can, however, ask the salesperson to provide the name and location of someone who has a similar item and whether or not that person would mind showing it off. You could at least take the time to check it out by giving the person a call. Better than that, make a date and go to see it in operation. If you're going to spend your hard-earned money, you should take every opportunity to make sure it's the right thing for you. The program is pending, but the general plan — layout, talks, trade show — "will be basically the same," Guy Hodgdon, NHLA spokesperson, says. TTiere will be recertification credits available for people from all six New England states. One change is that "we've stayed away from a keynote speaker. There will be a keynote panel instead, with each member showing slides ot a rarely seen (usually because there's no public access) New Hampshire landscape. And the Pearson Annual Awards Banquet has been combined with the Exposition this year. This will be held Thursday night. The price is separate from that o\ the exposition, but the public is invited to attend. For information, contact Guy at (207) 439-5189. ■« The Seacoast Area Flower & Gar- den Show's annual "Celebration of Spring" will definitely be "bigger than ever" this year. To be held on March 13-15, the show will be at the old recreation building at Pease Air Force Base. Brenda Schure is excited about the move: the show had begun to outgrow the Armory; this year, there will be plenty of space (2500 square feet, compared with last year's 14000); the new location's easier to get to ("the base entrance is right oft the Spaulding Turnpike; take your first left after the chapel; it's a quarter mile down the street"); and there's plenty of parking. A mailing has been sent "to ev- eryone we can think of — land- scapers, retailers, florists — looking for participation. TTie facilities are more elaborate — there are several rooms (carpeted) off the main display area that will he used for smaller scale talks and displays. Floral arrangements, tor example, will be in one of these. Brenda says, "This year we're going to be classv." So-^for information, call her at (603) 436-0815. Otho Wells, the chairperson of this year's University of New Hamp- shire Greenhouse Open House Committee, says "there's nothing definite other than it will be Friday and Saturday, April 3 and 4. But we're working on it." For information, call Otho at (603) 862-3208 D E C E M B E R 1991 / J A N U A R Y 1992 9 GRIFFIN CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT The only supplier in the Northeast with an entire department dedicated to getting the job done right. WE TAKE THE PROFESSIONAL APPROACH GREENHOUSE FRAMES • COVERINGS • ENVIRONMENT CONTROL • BENCHING • IRRIGATION SYSTEMS . . . AND MORE NEXUS • NATIONAL • X. S. SMITH • WADSWORTH ACME • MODESTE • SIEBRING CYRO • POLYGAL Construction Department location: Griffin Greenhouse & Nursery Supplies 1619 Main Street, Rt. 38, Tewksbury, MA 01876-0036 Phone 508-851-4346 • Fax 508-851-7559 10 THE Plant, ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS Sumdm^ {left to nshl) Tom XivullL SbS\ V irginiii Wood. Manngemeni Sfxaalucy (lu ]uhn B(irdri/i. MN A. Seated — Mike Liieders , ALCM:.\ndyFelix.MAA. FOUR REGIONAL NE GREEN INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS TO CONSOLIDATE SHOWS Bosum — September 12 . Four regional NE green industry associations have taken steps to consolidate trade shows in 1993 in a move that may be trend-setting as the need for improved industry education meets the budget concerns of the associations' boards ot directors. A regional show, NEW ENGLAND GROWS "93, is scheduled for February 3-4, 1993, at Hynes Convention Center, Boston, and is expected to draw visitors from all six NE states. The Associated Landscape Contractors oi Massachusetts (ALCM), the Massachusetts Arborists Association (MAA), the Massachusetts Nurserymen's Association (MNA) and the New England Nurserymen's Association (NENA) will forego their 1993 trade shows in a gesture of suppon for what will be the largest green industry trade show in New England. "We expect to attract over 3000 visitors and to offer a wide variety of educational programs each day," said Virginia Wood, show manager and Executive Director of ALC^4, MAA, and NENA. "There will be between 400 and 500 exhibitors who will benefit from the increased traffic created by a consolidated show," she said. As Tom Vanicek of the NENA said, "this gives all four associations the opportunity to proceed equally and as one to create the most successful regional event in our industry's history." For further infonnation, booth reservations, or queries about program offerings, contact Virginia Wood at (617) 964-8209. GLOECKNER FOUNDATION AWARDS Reprinted from Greenhouse Manager, October 1991 The Fred C. Gloekner Foundation of New York, NY, awarded 24 grants totalling $157,511 to 18 colleges and universities and to the US Department of Agriculture. New England recipients include: William L. Steinhart, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine, "Engineering resistance to cymbidium mosaic virus in orchids," $4,300. Mark Bridgen, University o( Connecticut, Storrs, "Bedding plant production ot alstroemeria," $7,000. Susan Han, University of Massa- chusetts, Amherst, "Studies oi foliar chlorosis of Easter lilies," $7,600. A NEW SERIES OF NEW GUINEA IMPATIENS The Danziger Series ot twelve New Guinea Impatiens varieties is being introduced in the United States and Canada by Fischer Geraniums, USA, Inc., according to Michael Henzler, Vice-President ot Marketing. "The series is especially noted tor its large flowers in unique colors and tor outstanding outdoor performance under extremely hot weather conditions." Bred in Israel, they are available exclusively from Fishcher. (Fischer currently produces the Mikkelson Sunshine Series, the Kientzler series, and the Bull Series.) Orders can be placed through any Fischer broker in the US or Cana- da. For more intonnation, contact: Fischer Geraniums, USA, Inc., 24500 SW 167th Avenue, Home- stead, FL 33031; (305) 245-9464. LANDSCAPE INTEGRAT- ED PEST MANAGEMENT SHORT COURSE This three-segment course is an opportunity tor landscapers, aborist, turf managers, and other profes- sional working in the tie Ids ot residential landscaping and golf course management to learn how to apply a practical — yet environmen- tally sate — approach to problem- solving using principles ot integrat- ed pest management. University of Massachusetts taculty. Cooperative Extension staff, and respected in- dustry protessionals will cover a variety ot topics: state-ot-the art intormation on successful land- scape IPM practices.cultural and pest problem diagnostics m the landscape, irrigation basics, and IPM marketing. Noted instructor include Dr. Michael Raupp of the University of Maryland, Gary Kol- ler ot the Arnold Aboretum, and Sheila Darr ot the Bio-Integral Re- source Center in Berkeley CA. A separate certificate of completion will be awarded to those complet- ing each segment: Turf IPM to be held Janu-ary 24, 28, 29; Woody Ornamentals IPM, February 11, 12, 13; Landscape Plant Materials, Februar>' 25. Pesticide recertification credits will be given tor certain segments oi the course. The location is the Eastern Massachusetts Agricultural Center in Waltham. For registration dead- lines and intormation, contact Kathleen Carroll, UMASS Coop- erative Extension System, French Hall, UMASS, Amherst, MA 01003. Or call (413) 545-0895. December 1991 /January 1992 11 Jolly Farmer Products East Lempster, New Hampshire 03605 WHOLESALE SUPPLIERS Bark Mulch - Hemlock & Mix Bagged Mulch - Cedar & Pine Landscape Ties Cut & Split Firewood We are here to fulfill your needs.... Call Toll Free today! New Hampshire: 1-603-863-3311 New England: 1-800-537-0031 WHOLESALE GROWERS Annual & Perennial Plugs Rooted Cuttings Tuberous Begonias Bedding Plants Potted Annuals Hanging Baskets Cyclamen - Liners, Prefinished, Finished Poinsettias - Cuttings, Prefinished, Finished Nationwide: 1-800-695-8300 Local: 603-863-3370 "Integrity, quality and reliable service since 1967" Hardy Northern-Grown Planting Stock A Partial Listing BARE-ROOT STOCK Minimum oraer $100 ana 100 of one size ana varietv Concolor Fir 2-0- a-6 .00 .28 .20 Eastern White Pine 2 2 12-18 1.30 .91 .65 2-2- 9-15 1.20 .84 .60 2-2 6-12 1.16 .81 .58 SO 9-15 .40 .28 .20 2 0 a-6 .28 .20 .14 luugho Pine Pumilio 2 2 a-8 1.20 .84 .60 3-0 a-8 .34 .24 .17 Red Pine 30 8-12 .36 .25 18 20 3-6 .24 .17 17 Black Hills Spruce 2-2 9-15 1.20 .84 60 Colorado Blue Spruce 2-3 12-18 1.40 .98 70 22 9-15 1.30 .91 .65 22 6-12 1.20 .84 .60 2-0 6-9 .24 .17 17 Norway Spruce 22 12-2a 1.20 .84 .60 2-2 9-18 1.10 .77 .55 2-0 6-12 .24 .17 ,12 White Spruce 2-2 12-18 1.16 .81 .58 2-2 915 1.10 .77 .55 2-0 6-9 .24 .17 12 3-2 12-18 1.30 .91 .65 23 9-15 1.20 .84 .60 SPECIES CONTAINER-CROWN STOCK Minimum oraer d trays i2 of same varieryi 2-6 8 TRAYS ACE SIZE TRAYS & UP Concolor Fir Austrian Pine Mugho Pine Pumilio White Pine Black Hills spruce Colorado Blue Spruce Norway Spruce Serbian Spruce American Arborvitae Canadian Hemlock rneie 3-5 3-6 2-4 3-5 6-12 ■ grown of me combiners in gooa conairion wirnm 60 c ana sre snippea even numper of upon return ^^E«SJ0* ESTERN AINE ^H^s^'^iES Canadian Hemlock ■Spring 1992 only ONE EVERGREEN DRIVE • P.O. BOX 250 FRYEBURC, MAINE 04037 1-800-447-4745 • FAX 1-207-935-2043 Deep-rooted quality since 1923. THE P L A N T S M .A, K HORTICULTURAL COURSES This IS a partial listing ot horticultural courses offered this winter at the UNH Thompson School. The winter/spring semester runs from January 22 through May 12, 1992, with some course^ offered in seven-week modules. Some courses may have prerequisites (courses or experience). Prerequisites for Landscape Design are Introduction to Woody Plants, Woody Landscape Plants, and Landscape Construction and Maintenance — all offered m the fall semester. HT 244 Plant Propagation 3cr. MWF9-10andT 10-12 or T 1-3 HT 245 Nursery Culture and Operation 3cr. T 11-3:30 HT 246 Landscape Design 4cr. MF 9-10 and F 1-5 HT 249 Introduction to Floral Design 2 cr. TTh 3:40-6:30 Meets 7 wks — Jan 22-Mar 13 HT 252 Floral Design: Weddings 2 cr. TTh 3:40-6:30 Meets 7 wks — Mar 23-May 12 HT 257B Horticultural Facilities Management 2 cr. T 8-9; 2 hr. lab arranged HT 258 Bedding Plant Production 2cr. W 10-11, M 1-4 Meets 7 wks — Jan 23-Mar 13 HT259A Pest Management: Diseases 2cr. MWF 10-11 and Th 10-12 or 1-3 Meets 7 wks — Jan 22-Mar 13 HT 259B Pest Management: Insects 2cr. MWF 10-11 and Th 10-1 2 or 1-3 Meets 7 wks — Mar 23-May 12 HT 260 Flower Garden Design and Culture 2cr. MW 10-11 andM 1-4 Meets 7 wks— Mar 23-May 12 HT 261 Interior Plants and Plantscaping 3cr. Th 11-3:30 Ht 264 Horticultural Pruning 2cr. W 1-4 Ht 264 Arborculture 3cr. M 11-12 andM 1-5 or F 8-11 You may enroll in these courses by phoning the Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at (603) 862-2015. For information on course content, the new part-time Associates Degree program, or the Diploma m Landscape Horticulture, call (603) 862-1035. Additional courses are offered at UNH in Plant Biology, Entomology, and other departments. HARRY STOLLER & CO., Inc. 109-113 Essex St., Haverhill, Mass. 01830, (508) 373^838, (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 8. Sisal twine & poly twine 9. Woven polypropylene sqs. 35 Pofend St., East Rochester, NH 03867 • (603) 332-7388 • 332-0127 • 332-57^ B & B CONTAINER AND BARE ROOT GROWN: TREES • EVERGREENS • SHRUBS - SMALL FRUITS • FRUIT TREES • ROSES - AZALEAS • RHODODENDRONS ANNUALS • PERENNIALS • GERANIUMS • 10" FALL MUMS NURSERY CARTS • TRACKING TRAILERS CAI± OR WRTTE FOR CATALOG . DBJVERY SBRVCE OR FARM PICK-UPS WELCOME • HARDY m PLA^^"M^^H^tAL December 1991 /J/ NORTHERN NURSERIES WHOLESALE HORTICULTURAL DISTRIBUTION CENTERS U.S. Route 5 • White River Junction, VT 05001 16 Pinkham Road West • Barrington, NH 03825 SERVING THE PROFESSIONAL WITH ABOVE GROUND PLANT MATERIAL Distributors in the following lines: • Lofts Seeds • Birchmeier Sprayers • DeWitt Weed Barrier • Corona Hand Tools • Earthway Spreaders • Lebanon Turf Fertilizers • Mulch «ft Grow Hydroseeding Fiber • Nursery & Landscape Supplies Ck)ntact: Jim Babb, Mgr. • White River Junction, VT • (802) 295-2117 Bruce Fuller, Mgr. • Barrington, NH • (603) 868-7172 GOOD SERVICE • DEPENDABLE QUALITY • CONVENIENT LOCATION Wholesalers & Retailers J ©MS 'Poinsettias 'Annuals 'Perenials Visit our 12 Greenhouses & Garden Center Claremont Hill, Newport, New Hampshire (603)863-1089 OPEN YEAR ROUND 'Potted Plants 'Seasonal Crops 'Supplies 14 THE Plant; USING NEW LOW MAINTENANCE TURFGRASSES OUTSIDE THE GREENHOUSE John M. Roberts UNH, Extension Specialist, Turf David C. Seavey Memmack Country Extension Educator TABLE 1 ENDOPHYTE LEVELS FOR FINE-LEAF FESCUE % Enodph Vte Content Variety Hi Mod. Hi Jamestown II 100 Reliant 100 Warwick 96 Southport 94 SR5000 92 SR3000 64 Rainbow 63 Valda 47 TABLE 2 ENDOPHYTE LEVELS FOR PERENNL\L RYEGRASS Variety % Endophyte Content Yorktown III Palmer II Prelude II SR4200 Regal is common practice in the greenhouse industry to neglect the area surrounding the greenhouse. Backfill, consisting primarily o( sand, will grow beautiful, deep- rooted broadleat weeds that harbor insects and disease organisms! It is ironic that we diligently spray to control insects indoors while ten feet away through open vents hundreds oi insects are breeding. Frequent mowing will further increase insect immigration. While that ideal low mainte- nance turfgrass has not been fully discovered, seed producers are getting closer. In the past 3 years UNH Cooperative Extension has initiated various field trials around the State to evaluate new grass varieties that are capable of per- forming well under low mainte- nance conditions. Can these grasses reduce insect migration through greenhouse vents? We're especially interested in those varieties which have very low (dwarf) growth characteristics and contain high levels of fungi called endophytes. Seed -borne fungi in cer- tain varieties produce substances within the turf to form a natural (biological) resistance to surface- feeding insects. In addition, turf- grasses high in endophytes have also shown improved tolerance to drought and other environmental stress. See tables 1 and 2 for vari- eties which contain high levels of endophytes. In total, over 40 varieties of 10 different grasses have been ob- served. The trials have been con- ducted under real life settings and maintenance levels. Locations have included raspberry patches and apple orchards, sloping banks out- side greenhouses, and landscaped areas. Other than periodic mowing, the sites received little, it any, water, fertilization, or pesticides after establishment. The most recent seeding oc- curred at Pleasant View Gardens in Pittsfield. Seedings of low-main- tenance, low-growing grasses were made on sloping banks outside the greenhouses. The major objectives identified in the demonstration included: L reduced mowing time (anticipated 50 percent reduction) 2. reduced pressure from insects migrating through open vents 3. introduction ot a grass species that will tolerate drought condi- tions with minimal maintenance. The grasses selected were low- growing hard fescues (SR 3000 and Reliant) and a perennial ryegrass (SR 4200). The seeding rate was 4 lbs. per/1,000 square teet. The mix consisted of 80% hard fescue and 20% perennial ryegrass. The area was treated with Roundup prior to seeding in early September. A study is currently being con- DeCEMBER 1991/jANUARY 1992 15 ducted to identify insects on the site prior to seeding. Alan Eaton, UNH Cooperative Extension IPM Specialist, has identified a high population ot aphids, leathoppers, parasitic wasps, and spiders and a moderate population of plant bugs, flies, ladybugs and thrips. Specific species of thrips will scxin be identified. It appears from the test results that the fine-leaf fescues are the species we would like to encourage. In particular, the hard fescues. For years fine-leaf fescues have been regarded as turfgrasses which have low-maintenance requirements. They have been used tor decades m New Hampshire in many non- showcase areas and have persisted when everything else has diedl They can commonly be found m home lawns, parks, roadsides and other sites which receive little fertilizer, irrigation or other main- tenance. While there are different species of the fine fescues, here are some of their basic characteristics and maintenance requirements. Characteristics Cool-season grass, deep green color, finest grass blade of any lawn grass — upright growth habit creates a pleasing uniformity. Recommended Usage: Well-adapted to shade and dry soil. Considered a survivor in many low maintenance areas. Temperature Tolerance: Good — tolerates hot and cold weather well — can be used in areas that are subject to widest temperature fluctuations. Drought Tolerance: Very good drought tolerance for a cool-season grass — can go dormant in summer if irrigation is withheld yet will green up again when rains return. Shade Tolerance: GocxJ — most shade tolerant oi all grasses. Best cool season grass for dry, shady areas. Wear Resistance : Moderate — grass blades are non-succulent and hardy. Does not recover well from severe injury. Water Needs . Low — can tolerate 16 THE PlaNTSMAN dry periods in the summer well. Mowing and Thatching: Fine fescues generally possess a slow growth habit, in some ot the newer dwarf varieties, mowing can be reduced by 50% compared to the older, more vigorous varieties. Fine fescue can be left unmowed for a "meadow look." Soil and Fertilizer Needs: Tolerates acid soil well, growing within a soil acidity range of pH 5.0 to 6.5 — has the lowest fertilizer requirements of anv cool-season grass. To hasten es- tablishment rates, fertilization at time of seeding is recommended. Disease & Insect Control Most varieties have good resistance to many turfgrass diseases and in- sects, making the need for pesti- cides minimal. Establishment Rate: Average. This is a potential weakness unless weed control is provided the first year following seeding. Especially true with the newer dwarf varieties which are less aggressive and tend to be slower in their establishment rates. To get these and other turf-grasses off to a good start, here are some suggestions: Soil Preparation Proper soil preparation plays a vital role in establishment. The area should be thoroughly cultivated to a depth of 6 inches. This is espe- cially important on compact soils as turfgrasses will not develop success- fully otherwise. Remove any large stones. Liming; When soil tests indicate a need, agricultural limestone (cal- cium carbonate or dolomitic lime) should be thoroughly mixed into the upper 6 inches. Fertilization: Incorporate a 'starter type' fertilizer (such as 10-20-10 at 10 pounds/ 1,000 sq. ft.) or equiva- lent into the upper inch prior to seeding. Complete the final grade by raking or lightly harrowing the surface. Seeding Apply seed at 2 to 4 pounds per 1,000 sq. ft. uniformly over the ground. Good results have been obtained using a ratio of 80% fine leaf fescue and 20% perennial ryegrass. Suggested varieties of the fine-leaf fescues are. Reliant, SR 3000, Valda, and Longfellow. Suggested perennial ryegrass vari- eties include SR 4200, Elka and Regal. Lightly rake the seed into the upper 1/ 4 inch. Roll and apply mulch if applicable (especially on hillsides where erosion is a serious threat). Post- Seeding Practises Weed Control: Weeds are often the most troublesome pests in new seedings the first year. Broadleaf weeds like dandelions germinate throughout the growing season. On small areas, physical removal by a knife or spade-type tool is possible. However, on larger areas where this removal is not practical, the use of a herbicide is suggested. Once the grasses are established and have formed a dense sod, the invasion of weeds will be eliminated. Crabgrass is often a problem in seedings made from spring to mid- summer. Pre-emergent herbicides are on the market to prevent this weed from germinating in seedings made during this period. However, the best means of avoiding this weed is to seed in late summer/early fall. Watering: If possible, lightly irrigate to keep the soil surface moist for 14 days following seeding. Once estab- lished the fine fescues can tolerate droughty conditions. Thus, the need for watering is eliminated. Mulches: Mulching using hay or straw is a practice designed primarily to conserve soil moisture and reduce erosion on slopping land. On level areas and where the capability for frequent irrigation exists, mulching is not necessary. If straw or hay is used, be certain it is weed-free. Otherwise, the seeded area will likely become a weed patch 1 For further informaaon contact either John Roberts at (603) 862-3202 or David Seavey at (603)796-2151.'^ EASTERN WHITE PINE 6-10' Height Beautiful, heavy, Vermont, Connecticut Valley nursery grown. Growing 500 Acres of New England's Finest Trees & Shrubs 604 Main Street Cromwell, Connecticut 06416 Phone (203) 635-5500 Fax (203) 635-3685 ^illane 95iireeries,%c. J. B. CARPENTER & SON, INC. Olde English Greenhouses 220 South Main Street — Newmarket, NH 03857 — (603) 659-3391 "r/ie Geranium Specialists'* Wholesale Growers 2' 2" Geraniums (year-round; Lilies/Bulbs 4" pre-finished Geraniums Azaleas 2' ■' Ivy Geraniums & Fuchsia Cyclamen r\artha Washington Geraniums Poinsettias Spring Hanging Baskets Foliage Hydrangeas JOHN B. CARPENTER, President — ROBERT J. CARPENTER, General Manager December 1991 /Jan la ry 1992 Carpenter's Olde English The vear after Rose Carpenter opened a small flower shop on South Mam Street in Newmarket in 195C. John built a small glass green- house^lOxlS — beside it. His first crop was geraniums. Tnese were hobbie- — hobbies m New Hampshire tend to somehow earn monev — but five vears later, John and Rose lett their jobs and entered the rlorist,'sreenhouse business fiill-time. Bv 1975. there were six houses and an expanded flower shop. More greenhouse expansion beean around 1975. That was the vear of an unusually hezw snowstorm "when all the gutter-connected houses went down." 5a to prevent possible stww build-up and "to give us peace oi mmd," the newer houses — seven 27x96 gothic-st\le "New Eriglanders" and — latet — ^four 17x96 "inflation busters" — have all been free- standing poly. Today at Olde English, 17 houses sive 6C,00C square feet of growing area. Geraniums are still the main crop; seven houses are specifically for :hem. .And the letail side, with the f.cwer shop as a major component, is flourishing. "\i'e"re several businesses here," Rob Carperiter, the son of "J. B. Carpenter &. Son, Itk.," says. ">X'holesale geraruums is just one." Thirteen :onal tvpes arvi fourteen .\nes are grown. Rob has "alwa>"s staved awav from the ro\-alties hassle." but this vear, he's offering Oglevee's "Kim" and "Pix\k Expectations" xsruls and "Simone," "Nichole," and "Monique" ivies. The royalt>- fee adds to the price, but customers ask for them." 2 1/4's (Jiff\- 7'5) are produced year- round (a half-million were produced last year), but spring is the busiest time. Major crops then iiKzlude both IS THE PLASTSMAS There's Ahva-ss Somethino- Neu'. finished and pre-fmished -^ geraniums. The pre-rmished are "one step beyond the 2 1/4's and are for growers who want to stav closed a linle longer." This is the tourth year that Olde English has ottered them and Rob savs they're selling well. Thev now also sell off 90% of their stock plants in March after the plants have been stripped oi their final cuttings. ('The>- make spectacular patio plants," Rob says.) During the wmter in one of the shut- down "inflation busters" (two shut down m wmter), people fill pots whene\-er there's time. 36C Hea\A Weight Metro-mix is used. (The mixture is bagged — not haled. Rob says "it costs more, but it doesn't freeze; it's never wet; it's not too hea\-\ — one person can handle it. It's worth a little more expense.") The pots are stored on pallets ( 1 500 per pallet) and covered with plastic and wTapped in shrink wTap. Bv spring, 70.000 4" pots have been prefilled. As the 2 1/4's and stock are sold, the 4' pots are brought in with a forklift. Cuttings are direct stuck. Most of them can be put on berKhes with Biotherm bottom heat and there is verv' little loss. W'holesale holiday crops is another busmess. Olde English wholesales 6000 hnished poinsettias. Rob buys unrooted cuttmgs rather than keep stixik plants because his summer retail business goes into August and It's more profitable to use his houses tor that. He finds Hegg most reliable. He liked Lilo, but found it "too finicla ." .A.nd he liked Marble — it was his tavonte — but customers like red, so he's cutting back on other t\pes and colors. Easter crops irKlude flowering bulbs and 2500 Easter lilies. In tall, thete are 3500 mums m 8 1/2" fiber pots. The plants — two of them per pot — are direct stuck around July first and pinched once. Normally, mums are begun m May, but by using two plants, he saves t*o months of labor and creates a selling point: "You get two tor one," customets are told and they like dns, splitnng the pot and plantmg each half with its flat side against the house. One house is used only for cool- temperature crops. VtHien the house is empn- oi cyclamen after Chrisrmas, Rob pots up 1200 Martha Washingtons. using one single- shooter pre-ciX)led cutting in a 5' pot or three single-shooters m a 6 1/2. To stop white tlv problems, evenT:hing else is kept out of the house. The roots "don't like svstemics, but with the use of pvtethrums and Safer Soap, "there's no white tlies." With 14-hour days Vmcandescent bulbs on a timer) and constant feed, the Januan- cutnngs begin to blossom m Apnl. They're sold berween Eastei and Mother's Day. "The\'re a nice crop." Rob says, "because thev sell whenever they're readv." Six thousand S and 1 C" hanging plants — ^fuchsia. New Guinea impatieni, shade impatient, porrulaca, begonias, i\'>' geraniums — are also grown each year. In spring, hangers are overhead everN-where. And one of the back houses is filled just with A-trame racks that allow hangers to be grown in large numbers at eve level. "Four years ago, we decided we needed to increase our retail business," Rob said; "we needed to find ways to become more accessible to the public. We were there; we were growmg — bur no one could see us — we needed to be more visible, "^^hat we had was a florist shop coruiected to an empt\- rwo-story house, built in the fifties. Behind the house were three connected glass houses, gable ends facmg the road. "I wanted to tear down the whole place and put up a new garden center, but I worked with Dick Buckley, a consultant, who told me to keep what I had — just use it better." The key was "rustic." The quarter-acre front lawn was made into a sales yard for nursery stock and pereruiials. .An 8x10 shed was built as a place for an outdoor cashier. The area bevond the shed became addinonal parking. In front oi the sales vard is a split-rail fence. This is built in sections with Its posts set into wooden bases filled with cement that are set on the ground — so the fence is adjustable. It can be taken down in winter or moved to change the si:e oi the parking lot. Between this fence and the sidewalk is a 3 1/2x100' dispby bed. "When Dick first came," Rob said, "he asked me what busmess I was in. Tlants, flowers," I said- "How would I know?' he asked; "There's not a plant in sight."' Now. along the sidewalk. 3000 tulips bloom m spnng; when thev've gone bv, 300 6' geraniums are planted; in hill, there are 240 hardy mums. "People dnve bv to see the color," Rob savs, "and then decide to stop m. It's a great promonon device." Behind the sales vard are two oi the glass houses. Double swing doors were installed and the Coroplast, a double-walled plastic sheeting that was used as insulation m the 70s, was taken oH and replaced with glass. From Mav through August, these are predominantlv retail areas. The glass walls and open doors invite pec^le to wander mside and fill little red wagons with produce. (The third glass house is a vear-round retail area and is directly behind the shop.) The shop is a full-service flower shop with two wire ser\ices and ernxigh work to emplov the manager, Gerr\ Finle>-, and three designers. More gift items are sold now. Balloons do well — as do stuffed animals. The si-e is unchanged, but the space is HKDre open. The ser\ice counter, for example, was pushed back three feet to help create a direct traffic Ime to the greenhouse bevond the shop. A garage between the 5hi-)p and the greenhouse has become a retail area as well. Rustic 1 untreated wood walls, cement floor) in feeling. seasor\al items are sold here — Christmas items in December; garden Items in spnng. In the greenhouse itself, the floor's alternating strips of crushed rock and cement show where the berKhes and walkwavs once were, bur the benches have been cut into sections, set on cement blocks, and arranged throughout the space m a pattern that allows customers to move around them easilv. Statuars- is displaved at one end. In summer, tbliage plants are displaved; m spnng, it's full of flowering garden plants; at Christmas, there are ners of poinsettias Olde English holds two open hixises — in spring, on the first Sunday in May, and at Christmas, on the first Sundav in December. Advertismg is bv direct mail, using their own lO-OC-person list and other, bought lists. This year, Rob targeted Newmarket homeowners. This year's spring i>pen house — the twent\'-sixtli — "was the best." There used to be tents arxl barbecues, entertainment and crafts, but nou- all they do IS sell plants, with a 25% discount offered on selected items. 4.500 people came to the one-dav event. There was no special program, but they did have a clown. "She was excellent," Rob said; "she pamted faces and made animab out oi balloons, but what was best was that the kids watched her while their parents shopped." Rose and John are semi-renred. The%- live year-round at their camp m Eliot, but are there when needed. Good help has staved. Gerrv has worked in the shop twerux- vears; Paul BaldelU, the head geranium grower, has been there fourteen, and Mart\ Couture, assistant ornamentals grower, has been there eight. This consisteiKy has steadied the turmoil of growth. Were there other plans tor Olde English? There were. Rob didn't see more greenhouses, but he saw crops m the back fields — "mavbe pick-your-own blueberries. .And take-out ice cream from June through Labor Da\- near the parkmg lot." "Ice creamr He laughed at mv surprise. "Well, whv notr ■^'ell..." I thought. These people weie cerrainlv game ibr new ideas. The\'d make it work. "Sure," 1 said, "whv not." (B. P. i;^. For more rmormanon . ut.k Otic Engfisii Greenhouses. 22C SouA .Vknn Street. .Veu-marfcer. .VH C3S57 or cau. Rob Carveraer ax (603 ) 659-339 J . DECE.VBER 1991 1: i9p: 1'3 PRODUCTS COMPANY Lawn & Garden Limestone Decorative Landscape Stone White Playsand P.O. Box 1521 • Portland. ME 04104 (800) 541-9127 Wre roptmg you. A quality^ wholesale grower of shrubs, trees, and evergreens in Chichester N.H. Call for our free catalog H (603) 435-6660. MILLICAN N L R S E R 1 E S , INC 20 T H E P L A N T S M / Newton Greenhouse 32 Amesbury Road, Newton, NH 03858 603-382-5289 Quality Plants green and flowering from 2 1/2" to 10" pots Holiday, bedding plants, and dish gardens year round snap, pot mums. Gloxinias, and African violets Licensed propagator of New Guinea Impatients TIMING IS EVERYTHING Sound Borrowing Principles for the Seasonal Business Ken Buzzell The same pruidelines tor healthy borrowing that apply to any business hold as well tor seasonal enterprises. As a lender, 1 always look at what I call the "5 C's of credit: character (credit history, m;inagement ability), capital (tin;Tncial position compared to industry, liquidity), capacity (earnings, repayment ability), conditions (special risk tactors), collateral (security tor long-term loans). Some standard ratios also help m evaluating any business. Net worth should be at least 50 percent, preterably closer to 65 percent. The ratio of current assets (including inventory) to liabilities (like outstanding bills) should be at least 1 .5 to 1 , or better yet, 2 to 1 . For a seasonal business, financial liquidity and inventory manage- ment are probably the two most important factors in sound borrow- ing. And for overall financial health, discipline is crucial. Inventory Management Inventory management is a big part of every seasonal business. Are you moving inventory effectively, or do you have to discount large blocks? Most people tend to be too opti- mistic when ordering, or they order too soon. You should avoid carrying debt for inventory year to year. Old formulas ("5 percent over last year's order") don't work in today's vola- tile consumer market. You have to track the history ot your inventory year to year and analyze it against current market conditions. If your business does not operate on a 12- month cycle, then you should be purchasing some ot your inventory with earnings because you don't know what the market will be in two or three years. For very long- term investments like Christmas trees, we bankers have a special technical term called "feeding the beast," referring to the years of plugging capital in before you get anything out. But that's another article in itself. Liquidity Liquidity, or available cash, is an important measure of the health of your business. Do you have enough to carr>' you through the off-season? What about interrup- tions to your business, like weath- er catastrophes? Adequate re- serves are crucial to high risk sea- sonal enterprises. There are ways to assess liquidity other than counting the cash in your pocket. For example, a mature business should not have to finance ac- counts receivable, even if the vendors you sell to are less than prompt in paying you. You should have enough cash on hand to carry you through delays. New businesses operate under different guidelines. You may need financ- ing for "growth receivables" until your profits catch up with vendor lag times. Discipline Discipline is the most vital ingre- dient oi the successful seasonal business. You're likely to make up to 90 percent oi your income in three months. It's important to pay oft your operating line of credit immediately, both to save on interest and to resist tempta- tion. This takes discipline when that "slug of income" hits. Capi- tal spending should be based on a list of needs you have carefully drawn up before the money is in your checkbook. Remember that probably at least 50 percent of your expenses are fixed and pay- able every month. One person in your operation should be respon- sible tor keeping an accurate, up- to-date, monthly cash flow worksheet. Keeping track ot your financial situation month to month helps you plan your financing year to year. An annual line of credit should be set up tor your potential needs (based on historical data) and your unique business cycle: when you plant and when you sell. You need to have enough cash available to meet your off-peak operating expenses, but you don't want to borrow more than you need. With careful planning, a line of credit is there when you need it - and you'll only need it tor seasonal production. You should plan to pay off bills before you pay oft debt. Most important, segment your credit line year by year: pay off last year's debt with last year's crop. Meticulous record-keeping is the only way to track where your bor- rowed dollars are actually going. It can also take discipline to turn on and off your seasonal expenses. Labor is a prime example. Don't hire seasonal help tcx) soon. Plan for overtime during your peak season, then cut off extra labor as soon as your season is over. TTiis can be diftfcult, but with today's nartow profit margins and high labor costs it's absolutely essential. Keeping track c:)f your financial situation month to month helps you plan your financing year to year. An annual line oi credit December 1991 /January 1992 21 should be set up tor your potential needs (based on historical data) and your unique business cycle: when you plant and when you sell. You need to have enough cash available to meet your off-peak operating expenses, but you don't want to borrow more than you need. With careful planning, a line oi credit is there when you need it - and you'll only need it tor seasonal production. You should plan to pay oft bills before you pay off debt. Most important, segment your credit line year by year: pay off last year's debt with last year'>> crop. Meticulous record-keeping is the only way to track where your borrowed dollars are actually goint^. It can also take discipline to turn on and ott your seasonal expenses. Labor is a prime example. Hon't hire seasonal help too soon. Plan tor o\ertime during your peak seascm, then cut ott extra labor as soon as your season is over. This can be ditticult, but with today's narrow profit margins and high labor costs, it's absolutely essential. Kenneth H. Buzzell n « Vice President of Farm Credit of the Connecacut Valley and is the Branch Maruigcr of the St. Johnsbury Office serving Coos and (wtls of Grafton County in New Hampshire and Caledonia and parts of Orange, Essex, arid Washington Counties in Vermont. His address is P.O. Box 126, St. Johnsbury, VermontOSSl^. Phone (802) 748-4006. ^' MARKETING TIPS Tiivi Sawtelle Now's the time to draw up your marketing plan for the season. Marketing is one of the essential tools for success, but one of the easiest to put on the back burner. Therefore, if you have a plan to follow, you'll be better prepared. Plan for: 0 Special events 0 Signage (roadside and retail) 0 Display techniques and layout 0 New product lines 0 A speciality you can call vour own 0 Merchandising 0 Customer service techniques (employee preparation and promotional materials) Set your marketing goals for 1992 and make a com- mitment to following through with a marketing plan. RICHARD C ZOERB 72 HAWKSTEAD HOLLOW NASHUA. NH 03063 603 886-8665 75 CHESTNUT HILL, RTE, 190 STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT 06076 W. H. MILIKOWSKI, INC. GREENHOUSE SUPPLIES8, EQUIPMENT PLANTS BULBS SEEDS ALL YOUR GREENHOUSE NEEDS -enow WITH U. Conn 203-684-5811 Out of State 800-243-71 70 71 Burlington, Street, Woburn, MA 01801 (617) 933-9815 Woburn, MA ^jjjjj^^ /f-'^'«?^ ■ holidays ■ hanging plant, bedding plants • hardy mums BUTLER Agncullural Insurance Specialists Since 1967 508-366-1512 ^^ uv,ccx»^ F»» 508-898-9230 ^©^■^"ioBVf^tS^ - "RN. - HEALTH ...'^A „. Address . D Update D Questions y<>^^''Om goai, quality Our strength, our employees" FOR A GREENHOUSE VEFJNITLV VJFFEREhIT CONTACT: ELLIS B.SPRAGUE ORONO, MAIWE o TEL: 207-866-4747 FAX: 207-866-4747 HfiRHOIS WINDING BROOK TURF FARM, INC. Qualiry Bluegrass Sod Connecticut's Largest - est. 1959 Deliveries Made Daily throughout MA, CT, Rl, Eastern NY, Southern NH and ME 100% of Deliveries made with Sod Handler Palletized Sod - 504 sq. ft. Big Rolls - 200 or 250 sq. ft. Bluegrass Blends Penncross Bent Available Maine Division Farm Location: Intersection Rtes. Ill & 35 Kennebunk ^- Corporate Office: 240 Griswold Road ]J^ Wethersfield, CT 06109 (203) 52*6869 All Ordering: 800-243-0232 MRCH/VlONr IRRIGATION / SNOWMAKING in Manchester, NH Providing all your Irrigation needs. Design services also available. 180 Zachary Rd. Unit #3 v> Manchester, NH 03101 (603) 622-8825 1-800-558-9888 in NH only 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 061 29-01 69 1 (800) 326-HART December 1991 /J ak u.<\ r y 1992 23 TREES • EVERGREENS • SHRUBS COLORADO SPRUCES 3* to 10'... QUANTITY PRICES AVAILABLE O'Donal's Nurseries HOURS: Mon. - Sat. 7:00 - 5:30 Sunday 9:00 - 5:00 Located at junction of routes 22 & 1 1 4 Gorham, Maine 04038 Phone (207)839-4262 or 839-6364 Fax 207-839-2290 We specialize in growing specimen plant materials OF OSSIPEE YOUR FULL SERVICE WHOLESALE and RETAIL GARDEN CENTER Coil or visit our convenient location to see our compUu stocks of these fine, products: Annuals, Perennials and Nursery Stock Scotts* Lawn Pro Authorized Dealer Ortho • Ames Tools Cjuntry Pride Compost Products Featuring Seasonal and Holiday Plants and Accessorjes BAGCrBURUP [iSm Nursery Supply — ^ Needs^Since 1910! Hartford, Connecticut 12031 653-8191 • FAX (203) 653-8221 We Are Major Manufacturers and Distributors! order direct from ftie manufac- ^ -,, furer of quality plain and treated " No-Rof burlap Ti'-,'; squaresand rolls, I , bags, shade clotti , '.^ii diggingsupplies. ' -j . jute erosion control ,''j rTettingarxJmany ': accessoryproducts. .;:■« Slrv:el910.wehiave -' ' worked to aid ttie %ti« grower arvd nurseryman witfi quality products, in stock and ready for immediate ' shipment. You Deserve the Best . . . You'll get 11 at Dayton Bag & Burlap! mmm 1-800-543-3400 Route 16, Osslpee, N.H. 03864 603-539-'5395 Hours 8 ■ 5 7 Days Featuring 'NH Gold' Forsythia The best of the new, hardy forsythias developed here by Paul Joly. Several sizss available. Rooted Cutting.s -- Potted Liners of other hard-to-find shrubs and trees. Send for a catalog. Perennials & Nursery Stock Wholesale and retail. Landscape Consulting M WINDSOR ROAD NURSERY Rt. 2 - Box 884 - Cornish, NH 03745 Call for an appointment Telephone 603-543-3239 24 THE Pl, TREE CITY USA What Ls Tree City USA? A national award presented to communities throughout the country recognizing their community tree program. How many Tree City USA communities are there in the United States? Approximately 1,500. Which state has the most Tree City USA communities? Ohio, with 135 communities. Hmv many Tree City USA communities are there in Neu' Hampshire? 1 1 (eleven): C^laremont, Durham, Hanover, Lyme, Dover, Nashua, Plymouth, New London, Wolteboro, Manchester, and Keene. How; long has Netv Hampshire participated in the Tree City USA awards program? 13 (thirteen) years, since 1978; Durham became the first community in 1978. How long have other Neu^ Hampshire Tree City USA communities participated in the program? Durham, 13 years; Keene, 12 years; Hanover, 1 2 years; Wolfeboro, 9 years; Plymouth, 7 years; Manchester, 7 years; New London, 5 years; Dover, 3 years; Lyme, 3 years; Nashua, 2 years; Claremont, 1 year. How can my town become a Tree City USA community? The Tree City USA Program is a ■national community improvement project spons<.)red by the National Arbor Dav Foundation in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. The awards program recognizes towns and cities throughout the United States which meet the standards of the Tree City USA Program. Tree City USA has been designed to recognize those communities that are effectively managing their community tree resources. Just as important, it is geared to encourage the implementation of local community tree management programs based on the Tree City USA Standards through the professional leadership ot participating State Foresters ot the National Association of State Foresters. Public Law 92-228 of 1972 gives the State Foresters authority and responsibility for providing technical assistance for the "protection, improvement, and establishment ot trees ;ind shrubs in urban areas, communities, iind open spaces". The Tree City USA Standards are basic. Many communities are already eligible for recognition since, according to the Standards, they: 1. have a legally constituted tree body (a department, board, commission, or other authority) with statutory responsibility for developing and administering a comprehensive community tree program; 2. have adopted a community ordinance or statute providing for tree planting and maintenance; 3. have an active, comprehensive community tree program, supported by a minimum of two dollars per capita public funds; and 4. have a tormal Arbor Day proclamation by the Mayor/ Selectmen and have a community tree planting each year. The award is not simply for pretty trees, but also for the program that makes trees handsome and functional. The designation of Tree City USA IS made to communities upon recommendation by the State Forester. Winning communities receive a Tree City USA flag, a walnut-mounted plaque, and signs to place at the community entrances. Let Rough Brothers' expertise turn your greenhouse into a powerhouse — for profits. Call the experts at Rough Brothers for information and technical assistance on these quality products. Manufacturers of: •WhiteHouse •The International • Harvest House • The "21 00" gutter-connected house • Free-standing poly arch houses ■ Techlite glazing • Ro-Flo benches ■ Ebb & Flo benches Distributors of: •Alcoa Aluminum Fin Heating • Heating and ventilating equipment ■ Maintenance supplies, glass, parts ... and more. Rough Brothers P.O. Box 16010 Cincinnati, Ohio 45216 rrm ROUGH BROTHERS I I 1-800/543-7351 For funher information about the Tree City USA Program in New Hampshire and applications contact Man' K. Reynolds, State Forester's Office, Division of Forests and Lands, New Hampshire Department ot Resources and Economic Development, PO Box 856, Concord, NH 03302-0856. Telephone: 603/271-2214. What is the deadline for Tree City USA award applications? DECEMBER 31, 1991 December 1991 /J an u a r y 1992 2 = 1028 Horseneck Road Westport, MA 02790 508-636-5615 SPECIALIZING IN Heath. . .Heather. . .Bearbeny. . . Herbs .. . Seashore Plants . . . also, a full line of quality nursery stock Jf^ ■■V' FOR QUALITY SOD AND SERVICE ROUTE 3A , rotib^ LITCHFIELD, NH 1-800-556-6985 DISTRIBUTOR • 'Big Rolls with Roll -out Service • Convenient Farm Pick-up • Prompt Delivery Service PRUNERS ■ LADDERS > SPRAYERS FORKLIFTS PUMPS ROUTE 116, P.O. BOX 540 CONWAY, MA 01341 413-369-4335 For Friendly, Courteous, Efficent, Technical Service CALL US AT 1-800-634-5557 FOR INFORMATION AND CATALOGS HOSE ■ TANKS > REELS ■ MOWERS > SAFETY EQUIPMENT Laug\\lon*s Ciarden Ceriler Inc. Cal Laughton. Florist ... .^r^r-r^^y r^T^^.y A K . 1. 1 1 I A I o CHARLES LAUGHTON - PRESIDENT NURSERY STOCK • ANNUALS dave polygreen - nursery sales PERENNIALS FERTILIZERS • INSECTICIDES LAUGHTONS Distributors of Sentinel Foam Overwinter Blankets WHOLESALE AND RETAIL NURSERY Tel. 1-800-633-0159 155-165 Princeton Blvd. No. Chelmsford, MA 01863 lb THE PL/ crp:enik)use plants chrysanthemums nursery stock i'oinsettias hulbs/lhtes geraniums perennials CYCIv\MEN SEEDLINGS AZALEAS PLUGS SEEDS D.A. POSOCCO Greenhouse Plants - Nursery Stock Joseph Giannino 14 Sigourney Street Revere, MA 02151 617-286-6541 (Home) Fax 617-286-6541 grjzenhouse plants chrysanthemums nursery stock poinsettias bulbs/lilip:s geraniums perennials cyclamen seedlings azalf:as PLUGS SEEDS D.A. POSOCCO (ireenhouse Plants - Nursery Stock Steve Calautti PO. Box 2092 Middletown.CT 06457 203-346-7980 Fax 203-346-5235 SUPPORT: MICHAUD Nurseries & Greenhouses, Inc. [Sant Fain is for Route 85 — PO Box 334 (603) 772-3698 Exeter, MH 03833 Wholesale & Retail Nursery '/ '>^ Annuals, Perennials. Nursery Stock, Landscape Supplies 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 tewart^ NURSERY, Inc a 'Mpi' CANTERBURY, NEW HAMPSHIRE 03224 EXIT 18, 1-93, 1/2 MILE TELEPHONE 1 -800-287-471 6 WHOLESALE NURSERY, INC SOD FARMS §F GROWERS AND DISTRIBUTORS • NURSERY STOCK • GARDEN SUPPLIES • CHRISTMAS TREES • SOD December 1991/Ianuary 1992 27 MINUTES October 3, 1 99 1 TTie meeting was held ai Deniers Ciarden Center. Bob Demers (acting president). Paul Godbout, Peter Corey, Jennifer, and Chris were there. Previous minutes and tinancial report were read and accepted. Paul reported on the Granite State Flower Show. It was decided lo hold the Winter Meeting in Manchester this vear and several hotels that offered meeting facilities were discussed. Bob and Paul will look at what each offered and make a linal decision. It was decided not to otter pesticide credits this year. Peter will contact a possible main speaker; other speakers will be needed. It was decided to man a booth at Farm iSl Forest and maybe sponsor a speaker Peter Cxirey (The Village Green, Littleton), Henry Huntington (Pleasant View Gardens, I'litsfu-ld), and Richard Zoerb (Gloeckiur. N.isliu.i) have all expressed interest in scrxuig on the board next year. Although oihet candidates are still needed, this was encouraging iiews. The preparations for the twilight meenng at Conlev Tree Fanii were done; the fivers were out and on time. Jolly Farmer Products (East l.empstcr) has expressed interest m hosting next year's hummer Meenng. Peter asked^in behall oi his business partner bveretl .Aldticl.— il the NHPCj.A would be interesied in allowing a |omt NH/ VT Telctlora meeting to l..ke pl-'-e at the summer meeting alongside e\ervthing else, ll was thought that thi-- speci.il meeting might be bettet organi:ed il il were separate and maybe in September. The meeting adjourned at nine. NovemfcerS, 199) The meeting was called to order at 7: 10 al Demets Garden Center. Bob, Bnice, and Chns were there. The minutes and financial rcporl were read and accepted. Membership is curtentiv .it 24^. Planning tor the next New hngland Cireenhouse Conference is beginning; Richard F.merson will be keeping us inlorined. The Plannvwn will continue to be sent to members ever\ other month; costs have been ml and ll seems to be on a more solid financial base. The idea of a simpler logo with greater impact was brought up. The Board decided to see how the membership felt about a new l«3go at the Winter Meeting. The program for the Winter Meeting was discussed. Ideas for speakers and topics seemed to center around management in various forms and it was decided that this topic would be the theme of the meeting. Speakers will be confirmed in a few days and a tlver will be seni oul in early December. There are several possible candidates for the two vacancies on the Board, but thev haven't firmly commuied themselves at this time. Both twilight meetings — at Van Berkum Nursery in September and Conlev Tree Farm in October — were seen as successful. Atten- dance at both was somewhat higher than ex- pected and the information given was worth- while. The Board hopes to plan a series of twilight meetings fot I'^'^l, choosing a variety of operations in different pans of the state. Next veat's Summer Meeting will be at the jollv Farmer in Fasi l.empMer, probably in the ihird week .>f .Augu-I l>.b Pemers recently visited the openuion and reported that thete IS delinitelv plentv lo see. There's plenty o\ r