Jthumf> 'G3 NEW HAMPSHIRE PLANT GROWERS ASSOCIATION / DECEMBER 1994 / lANUARY 1995 New Symbol for Direction Signs / See page 2 1 t'T*. appy fc)G/taatioa[" ESTERN IMP NURSERIESi ■ ■VBB ESTACLISHEO 192J Box 250, One Evergreen Dr., Fryeburg, Maine 04037 The proof is in the planting. We could turn blue in the face tiying to tell you about the superiority of our service and conifer seedlings & transplants. Here's a better idea — call in your order and prove it to yourself. Oh, remember to ask about our written warranty! Place your order or receive our free catalog by calling: 1-800-447-4745 (or Fax 1 •207-935-2043) ^ ,„^ "I'dc been a completely happy customer for T5 years, my opinion, no better planting stock is available any- where and I've never dealt with any organization more devoted to customer satisfaction." -Peter Mollica Christmas Trees of Vermont, Springfield, VT Wholesalers & Retailers J ©MS 'Poinsettias 'Annuals 'Perennials ^PS Wi^^^^^ ^^M ^S^^ ^^ ^^x^^ i 1^ X^^m i^M 'Potted Plants 'Seasonal Crops 'Supplies Visit our 12 Greenhouses & Garden Center Ciaremont Hill, Newport, New Hampshire (603)863-1089 OPEN YEAR ROUND January JANUARY 4-6 MANTS VJinler Show. Baltimore Convention Center, Balti- more, MD: 410-882-5300 lANUARY 5 "Green Scttool" begins; Sturbridge Host Hotel & Confer- ence Center, Sturbridge, MA; for information: Kathleen Carroll at 413-545-0895 lANUARY 9-12 ERNAs Best Trade Show. The Concord Hotel, Kiamesha Lake, NY; for information; 203-872-2095. lANUARY I 7 Maine Landscape & Uursery Association (MLNAI Annual Trade Show. Holiday Inn-by-the-Sea, Portland, ME; for information: Edith Ellis at 207-225-3998, «*« JANUARY 18 New Hampshire Plant Growers' Association/New Hampshire Landscape Association ]oint Winter Meet- ing, Granite Street Bar & Grill, Manchester, NH; for information: Pe- ter van Berkum at 603-463-7663 lANUARY 18-19 Connecticut Nurserymen's Association Winter Meeting. Aquaturf, Southington, CT; information: 203-872-2095. lANUARY 22 FTD New Hampshire Cup Design Competition and Color Workshop. Bay State Floral, Manchester, NH; for information: Debra Defreze at 603-474-3020. lANUARY 26-28 New England Crows. Hynes Convention Center, Boston, MA; 508-534-1775. February FEBRUARY 2-4 New Hampshire Farm & Fores! Exposition. The Center of New Hampshire/Holiday Inn, Manchester, NH; information: Mary Ellen Pitman at 603-271-3788. FEBRUARY 2-5 AAN Management Clinic. Gait House, Louisville, KY; 202-789-2900. FEBRUARY 13-14 Rhode \sland Nurserymen's Association Education Day & Trade Show. Doubletree Inn, Newport, RI; 508-761-9260. FEBRUARY 1 5 MLNA Recertifica- tion Workshop, for information: Edith Ellis at 207-225-3998. FEBRUARY 15 Massachusetts Cer- tified Horticulturist (MCH) Exam. Eastern Region Cooperative Extension Center, Waltham, MA; for infor- mation: 508-534-1775. FEBRUARY 16 How to Plant the Treea Workshop with Alex Shigo, Manchester, NH; for in- formation: Mary Reynolds at 603-271-2214. FEBRUARY 22 Vermont Association of Professional Horticulluralisls Annual Meeting, Holiday Inn, Rutland, VT; 802-899-3361. March MARCH 5 Flore; Workshop, Kojoian's Greenhouses, Andover, MA: for information: Peter Konjoian at 508-683-0692. APRIL 7-8 25lh Annual University of New Hampshire Greenhouse Open House, Plant Biology and Thomp- son School Greenhouses, Durham, NH; for information: Otho Wells at 603-862-3208. April APRIL 24-30 Fourth Annual New Hampshire Orchid Society Show, Manchester, NH; for information: loanna Eckstrom at 603-654-5070. About Our Cover Design for symbol of nursery/ greenhouse business directional sign: Ron Reedy, Reedysigns, 77 Kingston Road, Exeter, NH 03833; telephone: 603-772-8774. Woodcut on page 13 by Bob Parker. 'ONTENTS DEPARTMENTS FROM THE BOARD i FORUM 5 NH NEWS 7 ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS II MEMBER PROFILE Barker Valley 16 PPGA Highlights Stock Plant Recommendations 25 WORTH REPEATING 26 DIAGNOSTIC UPDATE Dr Cheryl Smith 28 Some Changes in Arborculture 13 ]eff Garland AG Development Update Gail McWilliam New Symbol for Nursery/ Greenhouse Signs David C. Seavey Factors in Farm Stand Success 23 Paul Rees THE GRIFFIN GURU Z-NOTES ]im Zablocki HOW ABOUT HERBS Tanya \ack$on THE GREEN SPOT Mike Cfterim The Plantsman is published in early February, April, June, August, October, and December with copy deadlines being the first of each prior month. While camera-ready ads are pre- ferred, set-up assistance is available at a nomi- nal fee. Free classified advertising is offered as a member service. We will carry a short message (no artwork or logos) for one or two issues of The Plantsman. AD SIZE 6x IX 3 3/8-w X 2 1/4 -h $120 $30 3 3/8 'w X 4 V4"h $160 $40 7-w X 2 l/4"h $160 $40 7"w X 4 5/8 "h $250 $50 7"w X 9 l/2"h $400 $100 For further information, please contact the editor: Robert Parker at the UNH Research Greenhouses, Durham, NH 03824, (603) 862- 206 1 ; or PO Box 5, Newfields, NH 03856. (603) 778-8353. DECEMBER 1994 /JANUARY 1995 New SsssSUf Winner Pink Ice D.S. COLE Growersdh i: 251 North Village (603) 783-9561 Fax (603) 783-9562 > 'I f 4 Let Rough Brothers' expertise turn your greenhouse into a powerhouse — ^ffor profits. Call the experts at Rough Brothers for information and technical assistance on these quality products Manufacturers of • WhiteHouse • The International • Harvest House • The '2100' gutter-connected house • Free-standing poly arch houses • Techlite glazing • Ro-Flo benches • Ebb & Flo benches 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 1 •800/543-7351 '/QUALITY' SELEQION: '■',& SERVICE" This Is What We Grow At MilHcan Nurseries. See our wide selection of trees, evergreens and shrubs More than 1,000 vaneiies available Delivery throughout New England Located in Chichester, NH (13 miles nonh of Concord) Call us at 603-435-6660 Northern Grown Trees &^ergreens Shrubs Mon-Sac 7:00 - 5:30 Sun: 9:00 - 5:00 O'DONAL'S NURSERIES Located at junction of routes 22 & 114 Gotham, Maine 04038 Phone (207) 839-4262 or 839-6364 Fax 207-839-2290 We specialize in growing specimen plant materials. FROM THE Cut Flowers Tarnrmj Hathaway Growing cut flowers is new for me My focus in tfie nursery business has been on growing pe- rennials in containers, so it's been cfiallenging to try my hand at field- growing both annuals and perenni- als We offer a pick-your-own cutting garden along with fresh bouquets which I make up daily We use the honor system, which I think makes people feel good, trustworthy All my knowledge about growing perennials has come from practical experience, reading, listening to others, and of course, making mis- takes Im learning about cut flow- ers the same way While reading the book Cut Flowers lor Sale (which inspired me to try this venturel. I read about the Association of Spe- cialty Cut Flower Growers lASCFGl I wrote to the ASCFG and they sent me two of their most recent issues of "The Cut Flower Quarterly ' What excited me most was to find out that this national organiza- tion was broken down into eight regions, each with its own director And information on crops from other growers in the Northeast was great! "The Cut Flower Quarterly" is full of information on pricing, pro- duction and post-harvest proce- dures, and trial results of new varieties A culture profile of one specific variety is in each issue Marketing strategies are also fo- cused upon Members can learn of upcoming seminars--regional and national, new books and publica- tions, and upcoming legislation And a classified ad section is free to all members A second publication, which the ASCFG distributes yearly, is its membership directory It provides a state-by-state listing of growers of both fresh and dried crops It in- cludes a brief description of their operations — size (both field and greenhouse), major crops and. when available, phone and fax numbers, addresses and contact people This directory also has a listing of major crops from "Achil- lea" to ■"Zinnia." These are in table format and includes each grower Iby state! and the type of crop produced (fresh, dried, or both) I find this format, with the informa- tion indicating what varieties are being grown where and how theyre produced, very helpful The directory also has sections for growers interested in contrac- tual arrangements, buyers and wholesalers of both fresh and dried floral material, suppliers, retailers, and designers The ASCFG also holds an annual national conference offering semi- nars, a trade show, floral design displays, and informal regional meetings where members can dis- cuss specific growing and marketing strategies Ive found this organization to be extremely helpful in planning our own operation. It has made a difference in my crop choices and will help me in finding a niche in the cut flower industry I feel that everyone, from a per- son with a small roadside stand like our own to the owners of larger operations — both field and green- house, can benefit from the ASCFG As stated in its directory, "our es- sential goal, simply put. is to help growers of specialty cut flowers produce and sell a better crop " Tammy Halhaway has a PYO cut thwer business in Slralham. New Hampshire She can be reached al 603-778-3012 The Association of Specially Cut Flower Growers is al MPO Box 0268. Oberlin. Ohio 44074. lis phone number is 216-774-2887 ASSOCIATION OFFICERS President BOB DEMERS, JR Demers Nursery & Gardencenter 656 South Mammoth Road Manchester. NH 03103 625-8298 Secretary I Treasurer CHRISTOPHER ROBARGE UNH / TSAS Horticultural Facilities Manager Durham, NH 03824 862-1074 Directors ANDREA CAPRON Box 332 Center Ossippee, NH 03814 539-6030 TAMMY HATHAWAY 61 Squamscott Road Stratham, NH 03885 778-3912 ANN HILTON Gateway Gardens 430 Loudon Road Concord. NH 03301 229-0655 HENRY HUNTINGTON Pleasant View Gardens RED #3. PO Box 3701 Pittsfield, NH 03263 435-8361 PETER VAN BERKUM 4 James Road Deerfield. NH 03037 463-7663 ROGER WARREN Box 318. Meriden. NH 03770 469-3226 (H); 448-6110 (Wl RICHARD ZOERB Gloeckner & Company. INc 72 Hawkstead Hollow Nashua. NH 03063 886-8665 CLASSIFIED MANUFACTURERS REPRESEN- TATIVE WANTED Rapidly grow- ing manufacturer of mlnl-green- houses designed for the consumer market. Is seeking full time rep- resentative to call on garden centers, hardware stores, or any other retail market place selling garden products Must be experi- enced In sales to the resale mar- ket. Please call 603-964-1 I 15 and ask for Mike or Nan for more de- tails or to arrange an Interview. OCTOBER/ NOVEMBER IW4 QUALITY 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 •yTrTN^Our goal, quality Our strength, our employees" FOR A GREE^OUSE VETTUULV VIEFEKEUT CONTACT: ELLIS B.SPRAGUE ORONO. MINE TEL: 207-866-7919 FAX: 207-866-4747 O HfiRnOIS WINDING BROOK TURF FARM, "''' 2*)GriiwoURd WtliurtfuU.Cr 06109 ME 04043 . QUAUTY BLUEGRASS . BLUEGRASS • FESCUE BLENDS • LOW MAINTENANCE BLENDS • PENNCROSS BENTGRASS IhCT 203-529-6869 Dutribmor For: OmuuU CT t -800-243-0232 ^ftgSA '^ • n Pavers LAN NURSERIES, 259 CoUege Street, Magog JIX 2K4 Phone & FAX: (819) 843-5071 Lan is owned by a group of Quebec growers In order to present a \arqe variety of hardy flowering slirubs and perennials showing THE NOI^THERN BEAUTY Dogwood - Forsythia -Hydrangea Honeysuckle - Lilacs - Ninebark Potentilla • Rugosa Rose Spirea - Sumac Viburnum - Vine FORUM New England Greenhouse Conference Report Henry Huntington, the NHPGA repre- sentative on the NE Greenhouse Conference Connmittee reports "noth- ing but success" Attendance r'l700 plus" I was up speakers were seen as excellent, nnore vendors participated than in the past The one cloud in a sunny sky the bus tour may have to be re-evaluated There'll be a lull report at the Winter Meeting on lanuary 18 The NHPGA is the host organization for the 1 9Q6 conference and Henry may have something to say about that as Reminder It appears that many pesticide appli- cators are unaware that the PA re- certification meetings are no longer announced in the Market Bulletin You may obtain a list of upcoming meetings from • your local UNH Cooperative Extension office, • the Division of Pesticide Control (O03-27I-3550I. • or the UNH Cooperative Extension Entomology Department lt)03-862-l I50| The list is free and updated on a regular basis It includes all meet- ings (commercial and private! that have been awarded NH pesticide re- certification credits Worker Protection Exam Required for All Licenses "The 1904 growing season is coming to a close and the time to renew pesticide applicators licenses for 1^05 is fast approaching There are still a significant number of certified applicators, however, who have not yet added the Worker Protection component to their certification If you are one of them, you are re- minded that all private applicators and certain commercial applicators (those whose activities include pesti- cide applications at agricultural es- tablishments! must pass a Worker Protection exam before their licenses will be renewed for 1905 Keep in mind that the general provisions of the Worker Protection Standard go into effect on lanuary first "Exams are given every Tuesday at the Division of Pesticide Control in Concord or you can make arrange- ments through Cooperative Exten- sion to take the exam at your local extension office The Worker Protec- tion exam should take no more than twenty to thirty minutes "To prepare for the test, you may obtain appropriate study materials TIPS FROM THE GRIFFIN GURU What about your water quality? Our salespeople are confronted with the ever-Increasing prob- lem of why a specific chemical or particular fertilizer mix Isn t performing the way It was advertised or how It used to. The answer, more than likely, Is that the quality of the water Is not compatible with the products being used The quality of the water In shallow wells can change twice or more each year. Your water source can be checked for as little as $25 and the results can be the basis for any recommendations given by your fertlllier or chemical salesperson Know your water quality be- cause not knowing can cost you big In crop quality as well as In dollars. NEW MEMBERS KS ASSOCIATES 20 Barnard Road Granville, MA 01034 REEVE GARDEN HOLIDAYS 14 North Balch Street Hanover, NH 037S5 ROSELAND NURSERY 247 Main Street Acushnet. MA 02743 from Cooperative extension by call- ing them at 603-862-1 I 59 The pri- mary training guide is the "How to Comply" manual Videos and other training aids are also available "Once you have reviewed the study material, simply call the Divi- sion of Pesticide Control at 603- 271-3550 (if you wish to schedule your exam in Concord) or contact your extension educator to set up a test date at your local extension of- fice By doing this now. you will ensure that your license will be re- newed in a timely manner It will also allow you to train your employ- ees before the January first imple- mentation date of the standard " Murray L McKay Division of Pesticide Control Thanks Thanks go to Sue Englund and Kirk Wyant and the staff of Gateway Gar- dens. Concord. for welcoming NHPGA members and friends to a twilight meeting held at Gateway on September 14 The story of how a garden center emerged from an idea and a field in so short a time was both useful and entertaining After a tour of both the shop and the grounds, guests enjoyed refresh- ments and good company. Gateway is a work in progress Kirk showed the beginnings of a pool and waterfall in the hillside above the parking lot. another greenhouse is planned as well And there'll be more after that — so there will be plenty of changes to stop by and see in the months ahead OCTOBER' NOVEMBER 1^94 CD OWNERS! 9.50 Are You Earning Q, Interest Rate '^ Guaranteed For One Year? No Annual Fees! Guaranteed Return of Principal! Multiple Income Features! Call Now for More information On Tax-Deferred Annuities BOB NORMAN DEAU >^^ ^:ageman insurance zj^ 1-800-439-2451 Golden Rule Insurance Company Rated "A+" (Superior) by A M Best This rating indicates financial strength and stability This annuity includes a 3% first-year bonus Rate as of 1-3-94, subject to change PrnducehealMerhum, gankm^treesand^rubs u}HhAllGw'"ampost m Increase nutrient and water retention. m Provide natural fertilization for long term growth. m Increase organic matter to reduce compaction and erosum. m Provide slow release of nitrogen and trace minerals m Prevent turf diseases from forming. ■ Improve soU aeration and conststant root development m Be assured that it is a weed free product. m Save money over using topsnUs. peatmoss and t Grd .The Compost Company AUGro Inc., Liberty Lane, Hampton, NH 03842 800.662.2440 Newton Greenhouse 32 Amesbui-y Road, Newton, NH 03858 603-382-5289 Quality Plants green and flowering from 3" to 10" pots Holiday, bedding plants, & dish gardens year round cut snaps, cut tulips and iris in season, gloxinias and African violets Licensed propagator of Mikkelsen & Ecke New Guinea Impatiens "The Qeranium Specialists" Wholesale Growers 1 112" (.jeraniums (year round) 4" Pre-finished Geraniums 2 1/2" Ivy Geraniums &. Fuchsia Martha Washington Geraniums Spring Hanging Baskets, Lilies/Bulbs Azaleas, Cyclamen, Poinsettias, Foliage lOlIN B. CARPENTER, President RC)BERT j. C:ARPENTER, General Manager 603/659-3391 220 SOUTH MAIN STREET NEWMARKET, NH 03857 NEW HAMPSH Research Fund Begun At its October 1 1 Meeting, the Board (Ann, Bob, Chris, Henry, Peter, and Tammyl listened to a presentation by Mm Truncellito, a member of Davis, Towie, Gearan & Truncellito, a Concord insurance and financial services firm, who spoke briefly on investment possibilities for a NHPGA fund, the interest from which would be used to support research and projects (not neces- sarily in New Hampshire) that would benefit NHPGA members and the states green industry After jim left, and after much vigorous and animated discussion, the board voted on a motion made by Henry and seconded by Peter to authorize the investment of $10,000, $5000 in I OOS and the re- maining $5000 — minus expenses-in The Board hopes to continue adding to the fund through contin- ued profitability of its current ros- ter of events and perhaps some specific fund-raising It feels that continued research is vital to the health of the indus- try and that as government funding declines, organizations such as the NHPGA must fund the new work (An omission; in the list of people donating time and effort to the Summer Meeting, we forgot to mention that Rick Perillo, the orga- nizer of the all-you-can-eat barbe- cue of our last few years, contrib- utes an amount based on the num- ber of people he feeds back to the NHPGA for use in its scholarship fund or other membership-oriented activities This years amount was $12^ 00 and will be added to the NHPGA Research Fund We thank Rick and appreciate his support of the NHPGA I Membership News New Owner New faces are at Churchill Garden Center, Route lOIC, in Exeter |im and lean Moser became the new owners in mid-October However, in what looks like a very smooth and comfortable transition, |im Churchill will remain as grower, al- lowing |im Moser, as Moser says, "time to get all the ducks in a row ■■ ludy Churchill will continue in the shop Eventually, lean will become involved with that aspect of the business, but right now she's a full-time mother to tour young children lim Moser has a degree in orna- mental horticulture from Ohio State, worked for Chem-lawn for ten years before starting his own lawn care business. Granite State Lawn Care, in Manchester, in 1988 He wanted to get back into or- namentals He thought "wholesale,' then "retail," and — seeing Churchill as a "great opportunity" in an area of the state with major growth po- tential, sold his lawn care business to Chemlawn and bought it Moser hopes to expand the or- namental line, "buying in material I believe in "" There may be a few cosmetic changes — nothing major — "Churchill is a good business al- ready." To Be Noted Henry Huntington, Pleasant View Gardens, Pittsfield, has been elected to a new three-year term on the Board of the Professional Plant Growers Association IPPGAI and will also assume duties as Sec- retary/Treasurer Peter S Konjoian, President of Konjoian"s Floriculture Services, Inc , and part-owner of Konjoian's Greenhouses. Inc , of Andover, Massachusetts, has joined the Ohio Florists' Association as a publica- tions and education consultant Congratulations and best wishes to both Sympathy Extended Robert Ellison. 77. of 5 Brentwood Road, died October 20 at the Rockingham County Nursing Home Born in Exeter, the son of Lincoln and Daisy (Davis) Ellison, he was a life-long resident He was a gradu- ate of UNH, class of 1037 He worked at Exeter Brass and Gen- eral Electric of Somersworth and retired as Engineer from Raytheon in Andover, Massachusetts He also owned and operated Ellison's Greenhouses, known for its unusual and high quality plant material. Sympathy is extended to Bob's family: his wife of 56 years, Dor- othy (Tuttle) Ellison, a daughter, Patricia Washburne of Middleton, Massachusetts, a son. Kenneth, of Goode. Virginia, two grandchildren, a great-grandson, and several nieces and nephews. FFA Results On October 20, the FFA fall horticul- ture competition was held at the University of New Hampshire in Durham The first place team was Winnisquam (Tilton); second, Co- Brown Nofthwood Academy; third, Manchester School of Technology Individual winners were: first — Gin- ger McVicar (Co-Brown); second — a tie between Breanna Smith (Fall Mountain, Alstead) and Akiesha Samuelson (Winnisquam) , third, Tim Cote (Manchester) Congratulations to the winners and thanks to the volunteers who made this event possible. These in- clude Rene Gingras. Vicki Lawrence. Angi Pelletier. Dana Sansom. Maria VanderWoude. and Dave Wilson Workshops Announced Along with the FTD New Hampshire Cup Design Competition at Bay State Floral in Manchester. New Hampshire, on January 22. a work- shop on "Color in Design" is being planned It sounds fairly compre- hensive. Three designers will each demonstrate work in one of three color areas: "Monochromatic." "Vi- brant." and "Pastel " A professional color counselor will discuss coordi- nating flower colors with the dress, skin tones, and personality of cli- ents (This might be very useful in- OCTOBER/ NOVEMBER 1QQ4 NEW HAMPSHIRE formation in planning a wedding, for example I And a talk on new color trends in thie tiome industry by a buyer from a leading department store is also scheduled And there may be more! For details, contact Debra Defreze at 603-474-3020 « Basics are important lust how im- portant will be shown at a workshop dealing with the basics of tree plant- ing to be held in Manchester on February lb Featured speaker will be Dr Alex Shigo. who II deal with the most basic of the basics — the right depth, the proper amount of mulch, etc — and why trees die when these are not done correctly A second part of the workshop will be a panel discussion by various representatives — volunteers, town officials, vendors — of the SBA pro- gram Pre-registration is required, there will be a small fee For more infor- mation, contact Mary Reynolds at 003-271-2214 And Then There Were Three. ...Showtime '95 We re BAAAck," says the Farm & Forest brochure And so it is. As of November first, these are some of the |Q05 show highlights Thursday features an all-day NH Fruit Growers Meeting Friday, the vegetable growers have their all-day session In the morning, there s a series of talks un- der the heading. Alternative Tillage Techniques While Meeting the ACP Standards in the |085 Farm Bill, a featured speaker in the afternoon is Dr Richard Ashley. Professor of Plant Science. UCONN. discussing "Grow- ing Vegetable Transplants — Or Should I Buy Them?' And Friday night is 4-H Night, with lots of hands-on activities for kids. On Saturday, the NH Beekeepers Association, the NH Dairy Goat Asso- ciation, the NH Llama Association, and the Audubon Society of NH all have programs Also. NOFA-NH and the NHDA Or- ganic Certification Program are pre- senting a program of speakers that includes: Paul Sachs. North Country Organics. Bradford. VT ("Managing Turf Soils for the Long Term"); Leandre Poisson. author ("Solar Gar- dening with the American Intensive Gardening Technique. Using Organic Methods"!; David Trumble. Green Truck Farm. Francistown NH ("Or- ganic Tomato Disease Control'l: and Tim Sanford. Luna Bleu Organic Farm, Royalton, VT ("Organic Seed- ling Production for Commercial and On-Farm Use"), Also on Saturday are "four master gardeners with great programs" and the Farm & Forest .Auction ( NH products at great prices I The "Petting Farm" and the trade show remain — and are there all three days; new this year is a "Food Festival.' featuring NH products, in the Armory If interested in booth or commod- ity meeting space (the dates are February' 2-4; the place is the Center of New Hampshire Holiday Inn & Convention Center. Manchester), contact Mary Ellen Pitman at 003-271-3788 «' Two other shows are in planning stages. The Twenty-fifth Annual Greenhouse Open House at the Uni- versity of New Hampshire in Durham is scheduled to be held April 7-8 at the greenhouse facility there, A co- operative effort of Plant Biology and the Thompson School, the show will be the traditional mix of student dis- plays, plants for sale, lectures and food, raffle tickets and soil testing, and lots of people around to answer most any gardening question For information, contact Otho Wells at 603-862-3208 «' And the Fourth Annual New Hamp- shire Orcfrid Society Show. "Gallery in Bloom." will be held April 24-30 "in Manchester ' Three locations are being considered there, but as of early November, no final choice had been made. Planners see at least 40 exhibits and lots of plant sales wher- ever it's held. For information, con- tact loanna Eckstrom at 603-654-5070. [The Orchid Socielij still meets at I PM on the second Saturdaij ol each month, hut in a new location Bethany Chapel, on Newberry Street in Manchester. Again, for information, call 603-654-5070,) "WHOLESAL_ Price List Available ROUTE 101 P.O. Box 26 Dublin^ N.H. 603-56^-8180 PERENNIAL - HERBS - WILDFLOWERS 80 Varieties in 6-cell packs LPS Shipping Available Annuals bedding Plants (6 cell pacts) Zonal Geraniums-4 '/2 pot Hardy Mums in season 3V2qt.pan Perenials available in 2qt. - 3qt. - 4qt and 6qt. pots The Piantsinan Plant pests can be controlled biologically. If you want more details on the how-to, please give us a call or drop us a line. You'll receive an Informative catalog / technical manual for FREE The Green Spot, Depanment of Bin-Iiigeiiuin 93 Priest Road. Btirriiigtoii. .\H 03825 603-942-HV25 Wide setedion. Fast, reliable service Exemplarv lechmcai support Lew; poces ^ Tanglevvood Gardens & vjy Growers of Fine Plants ^1^ ^ 424 State Route 101 ^*^ 2^ Bedford, NH 03110-5029 ^» Z T Vi/ 603/472-3737 V]/ & Wholesale & Retail ^ -^ 2 1/2" - Geraniums • Fuchsias ^^ ^M Dracaenas • Vinca Vine ^g^ ] Ivy Geraniums & [ ^^ Pomsettias Vl/ y 4 1/2" - Prefinished ^ \1/ Geraniums & New Guinea \|/ ^^ Impatiens ^^ T^ « J^ Over 100 Herb Vaneties ^^ Open seven days a week ^^ Located on Rt. 1 0 1 : 1 000 ft West J of Weather\'ane Restaurant W^ HARNESS THE SUN!!! SUN-MATE FOR THE 90'S! 1, 2, 3 TEMPERED GLASS SKINS OR G.E. LEXAN OR ACRYLIC PLASTIC PANEL SKINS. SINGLE TEMPERED GLASS LEAST COSTLY AND PERMANENT. TEMPERED GLASS ARCH RE-SKIN A SPECIALTY See our tempered glass re-skin at UNH. We were chosen for high light, low mainten- ance, and permanent performance re-skin. G.E LEXAN AND ACRYUC PLASTIC PANELS NEW OR RENEW. 10 YEAR WARRANTY BY MFGR. I^XfiD Re-akin packages for dd glass or plastic re-akin, prefabbed, instructions, and plans for easy installation or labor installed. SINGLE TEMPERED GLASS LOWEST COST AND PERMANENT!! ADD 2ND OR 3RD SKIN LATER!! THIS IS THE HEART OF SUN-MATE rPIGGYBACK" Re-ekin 1, 2, 3 tempered glass skins on old alum. glass greenhouses. Prefabricated package easy to install with plans | & instructions or labor installed. Area Code 317 935-2111 NEW WINANDY GREENHOUSE COMPANY INC. ^^'^%, 2211 Peacock Road, Richmond, Indiana 47374 SUN -MATE TEMPERED GLASS "LOW SNOW" GREENHOUSES FROM $3.00 SO FT. D C M C \ A/ EASY TO ERECT AND LIVE WITHI COMPLETE PREFAB. AND INSTRUCTIONS l\ L IN L V V YOU CAN RE-SKIN OR ERECT WFTH INEXPERIENCED LABOR AND -SAVE'lll SUN-MATE RE-SKIN AND REPLACEMENT VENTS LESS INVESTMENT THAN WOOD OCTOBER NOVEMBER 1*3^4 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 NURSERY, Inc FOR QUALITY SOD AND SERVICE TSimonSif ROUTE 3A LITCHFIELD. NH 1-800-55&6985 • Big Rolls with Roll-out Service • Convenient Farm Pick-up • Prompt Delivery Service Laughton's Garden Center Inc. Col Laughton, Florist NURSERY STOCK • ANNUALS PERENNIALS FERTILIZERS • INSECTICIDES Distributors of Nursery Overwintering Blankets WHOLESALE AND RETAIL NURSERY Tel. 1-800-633-0159 155-165 Princeton Blvd. No. Chelmsford, MA 01863 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 a Sisal twine & poly twine 9. Woven polypropylene sqs. The Plan lb man Three FloraStar Winners Announced (from PPGA News. September. 10«41 Starburst Red' Geranium (Ball FloraPlanti is described as a best- seller: its uniform, centered flowers — on shorter stems — do not fade and last longer; It has pleasant scent and compact habit A unique aspect is that the large, single flowers have white petals heavily streaked with red in a kaleidoscope of patterns ' These variations are caused by what breeders call a "jumping gene" which makes the pattern unpredict- able and each plant unique Pink Ice Double Impatiens, one of the Summer Ice series of double- flowering, variegated-leaf impatience from D.S Cole Growers. Inc . is de- scribed as floriferous. very compact, with fully double flowers (rich laven- der centers progressing to light pink petals) contrasting well with foliage Its also easy to grow — with no pests or disease and no growth regulator requirements. Self-branching, it grows 12 inches tall, its neat habit lending itself to a variety of uses. Patriot Rainbow' Lantana (Ameri- can Daylily & Perennials) is "colorful" and "uniquely compact," growing only 12-16 inches tall It's multicol- ored florets open electric yellow and develop through tones of orange to final fuchsia pink It thrives in sum- mer heat, its compact globe-shaped mounds make a dramatic low border and work well in hanging baskets and patio pots For a free full-color flier des- cribing cultural information on all three, contact the PPGA office at 1-800-047-7742 Bulb Media Tips (from Greenhouse Manager. November. 1904) Growers forcing bulbs for pot plant production should take a serious look at their growing medium A. A DeHertogh, with North Carolina State in Raleigh, said pure peat and sand media can cut down on crop quality "Pure peat generally holds too much water, while sands have a very low pH and quite a bit of salt" DeHertogh said "They just don't have very desirable traits" Forcing bulbs requires a good, well-drained mix. DeHertogh said Here are some commercially avail- able mixes that are acceptable for forcing bulbs: Tulips Ball Grower Mix No 2. Ball Grower Mix No ^, Metro Mix 350, Metro Mix 3t)0. and Sunshine Mix No 4 Hyacinths Ball Grower Mix No 2. Ball Grower Mix No 3 Metro 350. Metro 360, Metro 500, and Sunshine Mix No 4. Daffodils Fafard No 2. Fafard 3-B, Fafard No 4, Metro Mix 350, Metro Mix 360, Metro Mix 500, and Sun- shine Mix No 4 Here are some additional tips on growing medium from DeHertogh: • make sure the medium is sterile; • pH should be 6,0-7 0; • soluble salt level should be low; • the medium should be moist at planting time. • at planting time, make sure the medium is the same temperature as the bulbs (50F-63F); • for freesia. Dutch iris, and lily bulbs, the medium must be fluoride-free For more: AA DeHertogh. North Carolina State University, 120 Kilgore Hall, Box 7600, Raleigh, NC 27605; Telephone: O|Q-515-201 I Z. BARK!!! The benefits of bark In a soilless mix go unrecog- nized. Bark will make a poor mix better. Bark will give the ad- ditional porosity (air space) that Is needed In basic peat mixes. Not only Is bark an Inexpensive amendment, but If added In enough quantity, It adds weight needed for efficient outdoor plant production. And bark doesn't shrink or degrade the way peat moss tends to do over a period of time. Generally speaking, I have fewer problems with people grow- ing plants In bark mixes than with those not Because of the po- rosity, plants will root faster. Bark gives the drainage needed for root development. And, because pythlum requires a wet soil In which to develop, better drainage means less disease pres- sure. Better drainage also translates Into less fungus gnats and shore files— both requiring decaying vegetation, something that of- ten occurs In wetter mixes. Bark also gives off toxins that sup- press diseases that could develop Inside your mix. Aged pine bark Is the key to--and bark ash Is the ultimate for-stabllity. Bark insufficiently aged or only composted can ac- tually be detrimental to your plants' health and vigor Poorly aged bark will rob nitrogen from your mix In order to help con- tinue Its aging and composting process (Bacteria Is actually what consumes the nitrogen, but these bacteria are responsible for the composting process I Having composting occur in your soilless mix could cause shrinkage and collapse. Whether you buy premade mixes like Metro Mix 360 or 5 10 (which use bark ash and may have aged pine bark in them as well) or mix your own, be sure to buy high-quality Ingredients. In four letters, dogs say It all. \im Zablodii. Terr/lory Manager. The SccKs Company. Northeast, is at 603-224-5583 OCTOBER NOVEMBER 1^04 HOW ABOUT HERBS Promote 'Native ' Here are some herbs — all native — that were be- ing used in North America long be- fore the first European colonists came lack in the Pulpit [krisaema tri- phyllum], sometimes called Indian tur- nip, is a woodland perennial wild- flower and a fine shade garden herb that was once used as a headache treatment The root, which contains the poison calcium oxalate, was pounded with water into a pulp and then allowed to dry, rendering it harmless. In this state, it was used as snuff and a medicinal tea About two feet tall when mature, a clump of 'lacks' is a fine accent plant Mountain Mint [Pycnanlhemum piio- sum] has a pungent mint-like odor and an interesting pinkish-white cluster of flower heads that dry well Unlike many mints, this one is not rampantly invasive, but grows steadily into a larger clump Native to the eastern United States, it was used by Native Americans It can take shade or sun. moist or drier soil Bearberry or Upland Cranberry {Arctoslaphyhs wva-urs/l, a member of the heath family, was once used as an "herbal tobacco" and the dried leaves as an astringent tea consid- ered soothing for indigestion It's a fine herbal ground cover, a trailing perennial shrub with deep green, odorless, leathery foliage and bland red berries that can be cooked and mixed with other berries. They are a favorite food of bears in spring Bergamont or Bee Balm {Monarda didyma) is a well-known herb — and it's a native The leaves, stems, and blossoms of this vigorous herb makes a tasty natural tea used (or soothing sore throats and settling upset stomachs The newer varieties of Monarda are less prone to mildew and will grow in a partially shaded or sunny garden This herb also combines well with regular tea Ac- cording to legend, this was the tea that was drunk in place of the tea that was thrown into Boston Harbor at the beginning of the Revolution- ary War Borage iBorago oflidnalis] is a com- mon native herb, the leaves of which make a tea rich in calcium and po- tassium. Native Americans used bor- age to promote healing and relieve cold discomforts It's a rather sprawl- ing herb, but the clear blue flowers are delicate and lovely It grows readily from seed Hepatica or Liverieaf {Hepalka amerkana] is a small wildflower whose leaves appear after its white, blue, or pinkish flowers It makes a lovely ground cover, growing about six inches high. It does best in partial shade and rich neutral soil and was used medicinally for liver problems ^ by Native Americans Finally. Filipendula ulmaria. a native North American plant commonly called Queen of the Meadow, is a dramatic perennial for the sunny moist herb garden I have seen it in gardens in Ohio, but have not found it in a nursery here It grows six feet tall and has yellow flowers It's used as a dye plant, making a greenish- yellow dye. and is fragrant These are just a few of the native plants that have herbal uses that are not commonly seen within the boundaries of area herb gardens, although they certainly would be attractive there Tanya ]ackson. a well-known area herbalisl. can be reached at 603-6774. BOOK REVIEW The editor was recently given an opportunity to review Grcwcr-laltis on Retailing edited by |ohn Saxtan pub- lished by Ball Publishing, containing l«2 pages of highlights from articles pub- lished in GrowciTalfn magazine from Sep- tember, IQ88 through |une IQO^ The book is divided into seven chap- ter headings (Marketing. Customer Ser- vice Employee Management etc I un- der which are anywhere from eight to 2'^ related selections These range in size from a couple paragraphs to six or seven pages Twenty-two black and white photographs illustrate points made in the text This book is basically about what has been done — these are the solutions in- terviewers observed when visiting retail greenhouses and garden centers across the continent Most aren't as surprising as they are sensible strategies based on the basics of service efficiency quality Some variations on these themes were clever — even funny i "Moose Bucks" was one), and people were aware of the im- portance of trends but when you read this you realize the industry is run by very praaical. no-nonsense people At first I wanted to know (ww these people did these things Then, as I was reading about a florist who grew tired of the fake country facades on the busi- nesses around her and decided to "go Victorian" and was wondering just how she went about creating this transforma- tion, I began to see that maybe the point of the piece was a message — "Be Different than your Competition "" The book is not a how-to-do manual but more of an inspirational tract — a series of small stories — most with an underly- ing message which--if appropriate and followed correctly — could lead to the readers self- improvement (i e more profit I Rather than wonder how Bob Madduxs "Delphi Way," an intriguing list of 14 rules on which to base employer/ employee relationships, came about ( "Did these evolve"' Or all happen at once in the midst of a crisis"'), you real- ize that the article is giving you the mes- sage "'Prevent high turnover by treating employees well "" along with 14 guide- posts to help you do just that It works — you'll get lots of ideas And some will be genuinely helpful It's a book in which to browse — but to maxi- mize its usefulness you might begin by reading two of the longer selections ("Marketing — What It Is and How to Do It "■ and "Practical Ways to Discover and Serve Your Niche Market." both in the middle of Chapter Sixl and use these as a reference point from which to see both your own business and the many ideas offered The only mention of New Hampshire I noticed is of a Vermont firm filling the bedding plant contract with "the Balsam's Grand Resort Hotel in Dixville Notch, site of the first open poll in the presidential primary" — which seems to suggest that we may not be at marketings cutting edge — which might be another reason to read the book It's compact efficient — it's nice having all these ideas (probably hundreds, both stated and impliedl in one place And its upbeat — it might feel good in late lanuary to have something on your desk thats filled with nothing but success (BPl CrowciTaitti on Rclailing sells for $27 II can he purchased froin Ball Puhlishiny PO Box Q. Balavia. Illinois bOS 1 0-0000 phone l-«00-4S6-'5?«0 Some Cftan^es in A RBORICULTURE JEFF GARLAND "THE CLIMBER played his line out slowly as he cdccd toward the end of the almost horiEon- tal oak leader. His cliinbin« rope was looped over a high crotch on the main trunk. He kept his weight on his rope to help maintain his balance. The bark of the leader was smooth and cluttered with suckers and deadwood. The stinging hair of old gypsy moth larvae irritated his bare arms as he inched out the limb to do his pruning. Uaing the rope again, he returned to the trunk, repeating these hazardous journeys several times before the tree was pruned properly." Such are the daily tasks of a professional tree climber, as he becomes more trusting of his si500 in grants matched to $9000 in funds from organizations and groups involved in agri- cultural promotion activities Fifteen projects were funded • The first-ever New Hami)shire hgricullural Producls VJholesale Guide, available in May and providing source information on a variety of items grown and made in New Hampshire Since May, more than 500 guides have been distributed to potential buyers across the country and another printing is in process. • Tourism efforts, including the compilation of infor- mation on agricultural businesses that welcome bus tours, the state rest area promotion program, the de- velopment and distribution of the Rural New Hamp- shire Visitors Guide, and working as part of the Timber/ Agriculture/Tourism Coalition for the development and distribution of the North Country Farm and Forest Visitors' Guide • Collaboration with other agencies and organiza- tions such as UNH, the Rural Development Council, NH Tourism and the other New England state de- partments of agriculture, to build opportunities for NH agriculture within New Hampshire and regionally • Participation on the Eastern US Export Council to encourage food and agricultural businesses from New Hampshire to get into the export market Its been a busy year and some exciting new ef- forts are on tap for |095 Anyone with questions or suggestions regarding agricultural development ac- tivities is encouraged to contact Gail McWilliam at the Division of Agricultural Development, 271-3788. Gail D McVJilliam is Director of ^gricultural Development. Slate oi New Hampshire Department of Agriculture. PO Box 2042, Concord. NH 03302-2042 OCTOBER/ NOVEMBER IW4 ^ee^ Gto^ For twelve years. Pleasant View Gardens has built a reputation for quality, service and reliability. Our aops are healthy and hearty because they're grown in an optimum environment, ana our newly expanded green- house area of 4 aaes enables us to provide greater availability and more varieties. Contact us today about: foliage aops ■ holiday aops 4" annuals and paks ■ foliage for intenor design hanging baskets ■ flowering plants plugs ■ large foliage plants cuttings and trees herbs ■ all your planting needs lleasant^eui Qordens New England s fastest growing wholesaler' RFD 3, Box 3701, PIttifield. NH 03263 I Tel. (603) 435-8361 Fax (603) 435-6849 I © Pleuant View (^anient 1992 1 BARK MULCH DIVISION P. O. Box 527. Route 122 Poland Spring, Maine 04274 WHOLESALE SUPPLIERS Jolly Farmer PRODUCTS NURSERY DIVISION: P. O. Box 56. Route 10 East Umpsier. N.H. 03605 WHOLESALE GROWERS Bark Mulch • Hemlock . Mix & Cedar... by the Tractor-Trailer load. Bagged Mulch - Our own bark mulch now available In 2 and 3 cu.tt. bags.. .Hemlock, Pine-Spruce, Cedar, Spruce-Hemlock & DaiV Bark. Alsc.Plne Bark Nuggets & Mini Nuggets. Bagged Soils & Manures - Top soii. Potting Soil, Peat Humus. Peat Moss, Composted & Dehydrated Cow Manures. Cut & Split Firewood • Annual Plugs • Rooted Cuttings • Geraniums • Bedding Plants • Potted Annuals • Hanging Baskets • Fall Mums • Cyclamen...Llners, Finished • Polnsettlas... Cuttings, Finished Telephone: -800-879-2275 U" Telephone: 1-800-695-8300 1-207-998-5580 ) 1-603-863-3370 1-207-998-2006 FAX: 1-603-863-7814 "Integrity, quality and reliable service since 1967" = The Planlsman New Symbol For Nursery/Greenhouse Business Directional Signs DAVID C. SEAVEY Patience is Rewarded The squeaky wheel finally got the grease as our dili- gent persistence paid off Nearly two years have passed since Rick Simpson. Rolling Green Landscap- ing in Greenland, and UNH Cooperative Extension re- quested approval from the New Hampshire Depart- ment of Transportation for a business directional sign exhibiting a greenhouse/nursery symbol The symbol received approval from the New Hampshire Landscape Association and the New Hampshire Plant Growers As- sociation The New Hampshire Department of Trans- portation Bureau of IVlunicipal Highways approved the request in September. 1004 We all know that gardening is one of the most popular recreational activities and that ornamental plants improve our quality of life and the air we breathe Now the potted plant symbol finds itself among the ranks of other symbols designating summer and recreational activities and necessary services: gas stations, restaurants, and lodging Past History A united effort involving UNH Cooperative Extension, New Hampshire Farm Bureau Federation, New Hamp- shire Tree Fruit Growers Association. New Hampshire Vegetable Growers Association, and New Hampshire Small Fruit Growers influenced the "powers that be' to adopt a special section dealing with tourism and roadside marketing of agricultural products. In IQOO, a rule change by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation allowed roadside horticultural opera- tions to erect business directional signs on all state highway right-of-ways except interstate turnpikes and divided limited-access highways The legislature has mandated the business direc- tional sign as an official state sign which takes prece- dence over local town sign ordinances Qualifications • One of two criteria must be met: I A principal activity is education or illustration of the history or development of specialized ag- ricultural products, processes, or husbandry 2. A principal activity is the production and sale of seasonal agricultural products An operation that is strictly wholesale would not be eligible. • The business must be open at least five hours a day, five days a week, and three months of the year. If the business is closed for more than fifteen days, the sign must be removed or covered • The sign must be within five miles of the business Sign Construction Signs are manufactured in accordance with state speci- fications and have a high quality of workmanship The applicant bears all costs of sign manufacture, installation .and maintenance In a given instance, one operator purchased two business directional signs for $56700 1 6 ft X lb in . 5-inch letters on blue background: 2 7 ft X 20 in , 6-inch letters The state will determine the location of signlsl, number of signs, and supervise their installation One panel per business per sign is allowed Due to the exact requirements involving letter size, materials, etc . it is best to leave construction to a professional private sign maker or the sign shop at the State Prison Correctional Industries Application A new permit is issued each year on April 1st, It is important to apply early because it will take approxi- mately three months for approval The yearly permit fee is $10 Where to Go It is necessary that consistency be maintained in the manufacture of these signs For application forms and sign specifications, contact Robert Barry. Administra- tor, Bureau of IVlunicipal Highways, or Walter Keyen- hoff. Department of Transportation, Room III, Hazen Drive, Concord, NH OS^Ol Telephone (603) 271-2107 Thank them for their support Dave Seavey is Extension Educator, hgricullural Resources, UNH Cooperative Extension. Merrimack County OCTOBER NOVEMBER 21 GRIFFIN GREENHOUSE AND NURSERY SUPPLIES uality in a Bale! Customblen^^ Until now, a baled mix was regarded as an inexpensive substitute for a quality growing media. Customblen™ has revolutionized the bale mix concept — the quality of Metro-Mix* compressed into a 3 cu. ft. bale. An industry proven combination of Canadian sphagnum peat moss, vermiculite. perlite, a nutrient charge and wetting agent, at an economical price. Customblen Plus TM Growing made simple! Consistent feeding everyday, with the technology of Osmocote* combined with the quality of the Customblen™ bale. Controlled release fertilizer incorporated at different rates for all your needs — from bedding plants to hardy mums'. For more information, caJI the Griffins location In MA at 508-851-4346. Ernie's Greenhouse T 107 WHITEHALL ROAD, ROCHESTER, NH 03868 TEL. 1-603-332-9195 Wholesalers of Pre-fitiished Geraniums, /vie Geraniums, Fuchsias, Geranium Ivie, Vinra, Dracaena he heart of our own rapidly expanding retail business is our lavish display of the best f^eranium, ivie geraniiuii and fuchsia varieties on the market today. Many of these are new Oglevee varieties that clearlv out-perform the old standbys. We dazzle our retail customers with color, growing plants in all popular sizes, including spectacular big planters priced to sell in \<)lume. Let us help vou increase vour sales and profit bv helping vou custom design just such a sales program. :\:nil/i/>lf Xanelies (Oiil = O^lfrcf fuilrnli'i/) ZON.M, (/KRAMl'M I Ml-. (JJIR.WIIM !• I (:il.SI.\.S Kmi. Red. Oj^l Svhil Holmes (rosebud pink) .SwinKtime (red/white) .Saj.s\, l)k Red. Ogl .Amethyst (violet) Dark lives (red/purple) Veroniea. Rose. Ogl Rliiebeard (deep biirRiindv) Blue F^ves (red/blue) Melodv. Pink, (),i;l Beaiitv of Fiastboiirne (rose) .Starry Trail (purple/white) {'ink Hxpettations. ()i;l .Simone. Red. O.i;! .SoiithKate (pmk) .Sno« White. Ojil Nicole, Pink, Or! Pink Marshmallow Aiiror.i (Molct) Minitaseade (red) Beth, (li.nht pink) AdcJtlional viiriilus m,i\ A nilwdua:! Wr shi/y loolnl (iillnitis iii SOD I'lich. 4 II-". f". ,V" /inil /i'' pii-linishr,l z.oiiiil i^eniriwms. ,itul S" oi 10" pre-lmished ivie iinmiiiinis ,iml jurhmis Wi mm nho hr tihle to lusliiw i;roz:- somr si-lirlfii tiniiu,ils in ,SVrt f,iii h (pn-tinnhril) POINTS TO CONSIDER Factors in Farm Stand Success PAUL REES Changes in both agriculture and the marirtiStrM(WMt nU: 806-664-4078 NEW HAMPSHIRE PLANT GROWERS ASSOCIATION WINTER MEETINC 1995 Wednesday, January 18, Granite Street Bar & Grill iVJanchester, NH See the bach cover \or information MICHAUD Nurseries & Greenhouses, Inc. Route 85, PO Box 334, Exeter, NH 03833 (603) 772-3698 Wholesale & Retail Annuals, Perennials, Nursery Stock, Landscape Supplies 75 CHESTNUT HILL, RTE 190 STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT 06076 W. H. MILIKOWSKI, INC. GREENHOUSE SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT PLANTS BULBS SEEDS ALL YOUR GREENHOUSE NEEDS GROW WITH US Conn. 203-684-5811 Out of Stale 800-243-7170 OCTOBER NOVEMBER PPGA HIGHLIGHTS Stock Plant Recommendations Since stock plants provide the starting material for the entire next crop, their quality and care is very important Start with clean new stock, virus-indexed if possible Provide a clean area for them. Removal of weeds and sanitizing with a dilute bleach solution is the minimum treatment that should be done in an area with no his- tory of problems with thrips or bacterial infections. Areas where thrips or bacteria have been a problem must be fumigated The goal of stock plant management is to keep the plants actively growing and healthy Use a soilless me- dium with excellent drainage, such as a mixture based on 60% peat moss, 20% perlite and 20% vermlculite, with dolomitic lime added for pH adjustment Monitor the fertility level of the media Regular track- ing of electrical conductivity (EC) levels allows you to re- spond to conditions in the pot, and will eliminate many problems. Generally an EC of 0.9 to 1.0 mS (12 extrac- tion methodi provides sufficient nutrients for healthy growth Avoid using oversized containers — 6-inch pots should be adequate for New Guinea impatiens, and 7 or 8-inch pots for geraniums The presence of buds or flowers on cuttings causes problems in propagation, so keep stock plants vegetative. Prevent flowering in short-day plants such as poinset- tias by lighting them during the night Long-day plants must be shaded to provide long nights, or treated with chemical plant growth regulators to prohibit flowering An ethylene source such as Florel can be used to maintain vegetative growth Wait 2 weeks after the treatment before taking cuttings For production of flowering plants, ethylene treat- ments should stop 0 weeks before sale of New Guinea impatiens, and 7 weeks before sale of fuchsia or gerani- ums Gibberellic acid and Cycocel also can improve cut- ting quality, and will not reduce the yield of cuttings harvested The effectiveness of all growth regulators is strongly influenced by environmental conditions, cultivar, and the age of the plant Its a good idea to trial these chemicals on a small number of plants first, and record the re- sults, Prevent fungal diseases on the stock plants, not in the propagation beds Spraying fungicides on the rooting cuttings, and then turning on the mist, is very ineffec- tive In addition, try to minimize the number of visitors or salespeople that come into contact with your stock plants Adapted from a presenUition by Mithem Sawaya. Focus Green- house Management PPCA Conjerence. October. |QQ3, Tampa. Florida Transcribed bi) Qathy 'Whitman, mchigan Slate Mniver- sitij [from PPGA Uews. September. 10041 25 REPEAT Twelve-hour REI Pesticides for Greenhouse Insect and Mite Control Ifrom GrowerTalks. October 1094) Common Trade Name Name Formulation' Manufacturer Class Toxicity Category Labeled For' Compatibility with Beneficials :tin Avid acephcSte Orthene TT£,0 PT 1300 azcidirachtm Margos^Tn-O Azatin EC 75S aerosol Scotts AgriDyr ap. fg. Im, mi. thr. wf ap. fg. Im. th. etc Not comp with some pred mites and insects, short residual Not compatible Not compatible Compatible with most Bacillus thuringiensis Berlinger var kurstaki Biobit Dipel 2X Bactospeme Javelin LarvoBT Steward Sok-B t Thuricide Several lepidopterous larvae or worms Bacillus Ihunngiensis Berlinger Gnatrol Not compatible bifenthrin Talstar T&.0 PTI800 Attai carbaryl Sevimol Sevimol Sevin Sevin chlorpynfos Dursban DuraGuard Pageant low or 67F FMC Pyr aerosol Whitmire 4F Rhone-Poulenc Carb 4F Chipco 4E Drexel 4S.50W,80S Rhone-Poulenc XLRT 50W DowElanco OP Whitmire :ip. s. th. w. etc Not compatible Not compatible cyromazine diazinon Knox Out PT 1S00 Diazinon dienochlor Pentac diflubenzuron Dimilin d-phenothrin Sumithnn PT 1400 fenvalerate Fluvalinate Precision Preclude Pydrin Mavrik Agu 7SW Ciba IGR 2F aerosol SOW. 4E Whitmire Whitmire Drexel OP 35W Rohm & Haas CH 4F 25W Sandoz Uniroyal CH IGR 2E aerosol Olympic Whitmire Pyr 75W aerosol 2 4E 2F Ciba Whitmire Sandoz Carb Pyr Pyr imidaclopnd Marathon fg. s. wt w. wf. etc ap. mi. s. th. wf. etc ap. s. th. wf Compatible Not compatible Not compaible with pred mites Compatible with insects Compatible with some insects Not compatible Compatible Not compatible Not compatible Common Name Trade Name Formulation Manufacturer Class" Toxicity Category Labeled For' Compatibility with Beneficials Poussium Stilts of fatty ticids (insecticidal soapl M Pede 49"/,iE Mycogen Misc IV ap. mi, s, th, wf Direct damage to beneficials, but they can be introduced after spray dries Hort oil S-kinoprene Sunspray ult Saf T-Side Enstar II afine SE Mycogen Florikan Sandoz Misc IGR IV IV ap, ih, ap. fg, Im, mi, s, wf fg, s, wf Direct damage to beneficials, but they can be introduced after spray dries Compatible malathion Malathion Malathion 8E 8E Amer Cyan Platte OP III ap. Im, s. w, wf. Not compatible methiocarb PT 1 700 Grandslam aerosol 75\X/ Whitmire Olympic Carb II ap. mi Not compatible pyrethnns Pyreth It X-clude Pyrenone PTMOO Naturaf Plus aerosol 1 l%L 6%E aerosol 3 0%E Whitmire Whitmire Whitmire Whitmire Olympic Bot III ap, wf. fg, mi, th. w, etc Not compatible resmethrin Resmethrin PT 100 2E aerosol Pratt Whitmire Pyr III ap. fg, mi, s. th. wf, etc Not compatible Steinernema Exhibit Ciba Nema IV fg Compatible carpocapsae ,i_Formulations of insecticides E=emulsifiable concentrate, F=flowable concentrate, G=granule, S=soluble powder, WG=wettable granules, and W=wettable powder b — Class of insecticides Bot=botanical, Carb=carbamate. CH=chlorinated hydrocarbon IGR=insect growth regulator. Micro=microbial. Misc=miscellaneous. Nema=nemalode. OP=OrganoPhosphate. Pyr-pyrethroid c_Key to pest abbreviations |only general category of major pests listed! ap=aphids. fg=fungus gnats. Im = leaf miners, mi = spider mites, s=scales or mealybugs, th=thrips, w=worm (caterpillars) and wf=whiteflies The etc at the end indicales registration on several more pests SPECIALIZING IN Heath. . .Heather. .. Bearbeny. . . Herbs . . . Seashore Plants . . . also, a full line of quality nursery stock 1028 Horseneck Road Westport, AIA 02790 608-636-6616 9KI 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 m TANKS > REELS > MOWERS - SAFETY EQUIPMENT OCTOBER NOVEMBER A G N O S T UPDATE The month of September held true to my predictions: sam- ples continued to arrive throughout the month, resulting in the greatest number of samples for the month of September in the nine years I've been here Thankfully, the num- bers dropped by half during Octo- ber and I can finally direct some time to computerizing the PDL records The majority of the diseases di- agnosed during September and Oc- tober were also problems that were also seen during the month of Au- gust Thanks to the warm weather, brown patch and Pythium contin- ued to plague home lawns and a few golf course putting greens The moisture and somewhat cooler temperatures during early Septem- ber created ideal conditions for mushroom growth As a result, I re- ceived several telephone calls from worried home owners concerned with ridding their lawns of the troublesome fungi I usually sug- gested mowing or having patience and waiting for drier weather Pow- dery mildew was also a common problem on home lawns during September and October A few in- dividual cases of anthracnose on deciduous trees, Botrytis on various flowering plants, and mis- cellaneous fruit rots were also di- agnosed There were a few interesting or important diseases that were diag- nosed in the last two months iSept -Oct I Five samples of fir seedlings (balsam and fraserl with basal Phomopsis canker were diag- nosed The disease appears to be more of a problem on plants that have been stressed Drought stress (l<593 and |une 1004), cold injury before a good snow cover was es- tablished, and a late frost in (Vlay |004 all contributed to predispos- ing the tissues at the base of the stems to infection by Phomopsis Similar problems on fir seedlings were reported by most of the diag nosticians at a recent Northeast pa thology meeting in Ithaca. NY Phyllosticta needle blight was diag nosed on balsam, fraser. and concolor firs This needle blight has been increasing in frequency over the last few years Very little is known about the life cycle of the fungus, but the general consensus among tree pathologists is that in- fections first occur around the time of bud break and may continue for three weeks or more Three hem- lock samples with Fabrella needle blight were received in September This is a disease that occurs spo- radically, usually after periods of stress caused by drought or winter injury Symptoms of Rhizosphaera needlecast on spruce began to show up in mid-October The symptoms were most likely the re- sult of infections that occurred dur- ing late-August or early-September The most notable problems on greenhouse crops were Fusarium wilt and impatiens necrotic spot vi- rus IINSVI on cyclamen Fusarium wilt seems to be a significant prob- lem in the cyclamen crop this year Symptoms include yellowing and wilting of the older, outer leaves, stunting, and eventual collapse of the entire plant Another diagnos- tic feature of the disease is a black streaking or discoloration of the vascular system that is evident when a cross-sectional cut is made through the corm Infected plants should be destroyed and the re- mainder of the crop should be drenched with an appropriate fun- gicide At the recent Northeast pa- thology meetings, Rob Wick |U fVlass I reported the occurrence of another disease called Cryptocline that has symptoms similar to Fusarium wilt. The discoloration is limited primarily to the upper portions of the corm, however, and streaking also occurs in the petioles Pythium root rot has shown up on a few poinsettias, but doesn't seem to be a major problem During the next month, be sure to protect shrubs and against snow and ice damage and winter desic- cation If the Old Farmers Almanac is correct, we should have snow cover by the end of November! Poinsettias should continue to be monitored for powdery mildew (to the best of my knowledge, only four cases have been reported na- tionally! If mildew is suspected, please submit samples to the PDL for confirmation As I mentioned in the last issue, geraniums should be carefully inspected and monitored for bacterial blight (see the |une/ luly issue of The Plantsman for a de- scription of symptoms) And re- member, nothing beats good SANI- TATION and careful monitoring for preventing disease problems There is one additional note I'd like to mention and that is that a fee system will be instituted for samples submitted to the Plant Di- agnostic Lab by late spring. 1005 The exact fee and final details will be reported in one of the upcom- ing issues of The Plantsman If uou wish lo suhmil plant material to the PDL for diagnosis, send samples to Dr Cheryl Smith. Plant Diagnosti( Lab. Nesmith Hall. UNH, Durham. NH 03824 Samples should he a(companied by an idenlili(ation form {available from ifour county Cooperative Extension office] There is no fee [at this time) Cheryl Smith is the UNH Cooperative Extension Specialist in Plant Health, and can be reached at (003) 862-3841 The Plantsman CALLFORFREE CATALOG! Quidity Greenhouses & Equipment • Gutter Houses and Quonset Houses - with the highest insurance rating in the industry • HAF Fans • Greenhouse Film & Fastening System • Poly-Patch Repair Tape • Goofing & Heating Equipment • And Much More! Engineering Ideas for Your Greenhouse Needs! 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NH 03103 (603) 623-8873 NE WATS: 1 -800-562-381 4 Fax #1-603-641-9486 Les Entereprises Dolbec Cookshire Ltee TREE PLANTER Characteristics ■ Each tree planter supplied with its own trailer ■ 16-30 diameter disc ■ Adjustable shear and disk ■ Made by Beloit Woodland model ™ ■ $1,200-2,400 Canadian funds 506, Chemin Dolbec, Birchton, Quebec Tel: 819-821-4188 Fax: 819-875-5372 0 ^^ 0 ^^ * ^16 m ^^ 0 0 m ^!d * ^r- * he New Hampshire Plant Growers' Association Annual Winter Meeting, our second joint meeting with the New Hampshire Landscape Association, will be held on Wednesday, January 18, at the Granite Street Bar & Grill, 50 Philippe Cote Street, IVlanchester After registration and coffee (8-8:301 and a brief business meeting (8:30-Q— both groups will have their business meetings at ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ this time), the days ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ program of speakers begins. Topics have been chosen to inter- est members of both organizations and the program is varied, with speakers coming from a variety of disciplines. There have been a pany safety handbook WINTER MEETING 1995 FAMILIAR PLACE, NEW IDEAS lot of questions about a com- which will be required in IQ95. The first speaker (unannounced as of November firstll will clarify what is expected and how to go about do- ing it. it's something you should know. The next speaker is Robert Childs. Bob is an in- structor of entomology in the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts, an Ex- tension Specialist, senior editor of the \^^4 New En- gland Recommendation Guide for Insects, Diseases, and VJeeds oj Shade Trees and VJoody Ornamenlah, and coordinator of the Urban Forestry Diagnostic Lab at UMass Amherst. The last speaker before lunch will be |ohn Bartok, Extension Agricultural Engineer, Natural Resources Management and Engineering Department, University of Connecticut, Storrs. Since \9bb, he's been a mem- ber of the Cooperative Extension System providing technical assistance to the greenhouse/nursery indus- try and various energy programs in New England. He's authored or co-authored 400 technical papers, bulletins, and articles on greenhouse systems, con- trolled environment plant growth, and energy alterna- tives, writes the monthly "Technology" column for Greentionse Manager, and is author of four books, in- cluding Greenhouse Engineering. He'll discuss designing greenhouse systems — layout, materials flow, organizing structures around work patterns. After lunch (12-1) and a chance to socialize, there are two other speakers. The first is Heather McCargo, Head Propagator at The Garden in the Woods, in Framingham, Massachusetts, the ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^- botanical garden of the ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^H New England Wildflower Society. She knows her Northeastern natives, how to propagate them, and their landscape uses. Her topic: "Culti- vation and Propagation of Native Plants." The second is Jo- seph Hudak, "a nationally recognized landscape archi- tect who has served more than 3000 individual and corporate clients in the course of his 40-year practice. Plant materials instructor for twenty years in the De- partment of Landscape Architecture at Harvard University's Graduate School of Design, he's written several books, including the original Gardening W/(A Pe- rennials Month by Month. This American classic on pe- rennials, first published in IQ76 and reprinted in 1985, was taken as a selection of the Garden Book Club and is largely responsible for the popularity of perennials today." It's a full day — new topics and old friends in a fa- miliar setting. The price is $24.00 for the first person from each company and $22.00 for each person after that. Reg- istration material is included in your membership re- newal package. (You may have it already.) If you want the entire day's events (meeting and meal), return your registration form by lanuary seventh. Walk-ins are welcome — the price ($18) doesn't include the meal. (There are other restaurants nearby.) So mark lanuary 18th on your calendar. We hope to see you then. NH PLANT GROWERS ASSOCIATION The Plantsman Editor UNH Research Greenhouses Durham, NH 03824 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 43