Tfmxtimm NEW HAMPSHIRE PLANT GROWERS JUNE «. JULY 1 997 w f c have a special name for the trees that come from our famis — ^ArcticMist.™ When you order ArcticMist,' " you are not just buying a tree, but all of the time, attention, and care — ^from seedling to shipping — that goes into creating a safe, healthy, and beautiful Christmas tree. We plant from seed to achieve maximum quality control. All ArcticMistT^" trees are heavily needled and liave dense conical shapes. Their lovely blue color, rich fragrance, and good needle retention make them ideal Christmas trees. Fraser, balsam, white spnice, and pine (white, scotch, and red) are available. In addition, we are introducing fralsam, a fraser-balsam cross. Wreaths are also available. Since our famis are in New Hampshire and Vemiont, we harvest our trees later in the season than many other growers. We also do everything we can to minimize moisaire loss after harvest and during shipping. You can order the number of trees that is right for you — from 25 to a trailer load. We can arrange shipping or you may pick up the trees yourself We respect your schedule and guarantee on time delivery. Our trees arrive individually wrapped and ready for sale. All you need to do is remove the wrappers and set the trees out — no broken branches, no last minute trimming. T place an order, or to receive specific information about this year's trees: Call us at 800/694-8722 or 603/237-5702. Send us a fax at 603/237-8439. Or write to us at 38 Bridge St., Colebrook, NH 03576. Our internet address is http://www.sibgotree.com SibgoTree Company We know wfiat you want for Oiristmasl ArcticMist ^^^^^ Rpmember. uou can onlu buu ArcticMisP^ at Sibao Tree Comvanu. CALENDAR June 18 f*?f-?f New Hampshire Plant Growers' \ssociation Twilight Meeting, b-8pm, Longacre's Garden Center, 220 Mechanic Street, Lebanon, NH; Norm Longacre at 603-448-6110. 18 UMflss Turf Field Day, South Deerfield, MA; Mary Owen at 508-892-0382. 19 Landscape/Athletic Field Seminar, 9am-3pm, Keene State College, Keene, NH; Bruce Clement at 603-352-4550 or )ohn Roberts at 603-862-3202. 20-21 9th Annual Tour of "The Pocket Gardens of Portsmouth," spon- sored by South Church, 292 State Street, Portsmouth, NH; times and information: 603-436-4762. 20-22 "Thorne in Bloom Exhibit," Thorne Sagendorph Gallery, Keene State College, Keene, NH; 603-358-2720. 21 Family Day Open House, The Fells, John Hay National Wildlife Refuge, Newbury, NH; 603-763-4789. 22 NH Rose Society Annual Show, Nashua Mall and Plaza (Exit 6 off Everett Turnpike), Nashua, NH; Dave )ordan at 603-437-0306. July 13-16 Lawn & Garden Marketing and Distribution Association (LGMDA) A«- nual Convention, Westin Hotel Copley Place, Boston, MA; 617-262- 9600. 16 Connecticut Nurserymen's Associa- tion (CNA) Summer Meeting, Pride's Corner Farms, Lebanon, CT; 860-872-2095. 23 A Cruise \nto Lake Sunapee's Past (a fund-raiser sponsored by Friends of The Fells), Sunapee, NH; 603-763-4789. 24-25 AMniversart; Customer Appre- ciation Day, W.H. Minkowski, Inc., 10 Middle River Road, Stafford Springs, CT; 800-243-7170. 26 Second Annual Daylily Extrava- ganza, Davis Brook Farm, Route 137 S., Hancock, NH; George Timm at 603- 525-4728. 26-27 Mount "Washington Valley Garden Trail, times and map loca- tions; Margo Ellis at 603-367-8587. Wednesday, July 30 Neic Hamp- shire Plant Groivers' Association Annual Summer Meeting, D.S. Cole Growers, 251 North Village Road, Loudon, NH; 603-783-9561. August 5 Massachusetts Certified Horticulturalist (MCH) Exam, Waltham, MA; Rena Sumner at 413-369-4731. 8-10 Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) 23rd Annual Sum- mer Conference, Hampshire College, Amherst, MA; )ulie Rawson at 508-355-2853. 13 New England Nursery Association (NENA)/MflsSflcA«sel(s Nursery and Landscape Association {MNLA)/R.hode \sland Nursery and Landscape Associa- tion (RINLA) Summer Meeting, hosted by Quansett Nurseries, South Dartmouth; Sylvan Nursery, South Westport, MA; 508-653-3112. 15-16 6th Annual Plant Sale, The Fells, lohn Hay National Wildlife Refuge, Newbury, NH; 603-763-4789. 20 Vermont Association of Professional Horticulturalists (VAPH) Summer Meet- ing, Equinox Valley Nursery, Manchester, VT; 802-253-8565. 22 Third Annual Maine Landscape & Nursery Association (MeLNA) FieM Day, University of Maine, Orono; Paul Cappiello at 207-581-2918. 22 Meeting of the International Plant Propagators' Society, Eastern Region, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT; Leonard Perry at 802-656-2630. 21 GriffiM Greenhouse and Nursery Supplies 9th Biennial Open House/Gala Golden Anniversary Celebration, 1619 Main Street, Tewksbury, MA; 508-851-4346. 23 UNH Woodman Experimental Farm Twilight Meeting, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH; |ohn McLean at 603-868-2345 October 20-23 Annual Meeting. International Plant Propagators Society, Eastern Region, Newport, Rl; Margot Bridgen at 860-429-6818. Contents 3 Departments Forum 3 From the Board Bob Rimol 6 New Hampshire News 9 Elsewhere In the News 16 Member Profile: Phillips Farm Produce 27 Diagnostic Update Dr. Cheryl Smith Features 13 Planting New Hampshire: Some Trees and Shrubs for New Hampshire Gardens Ralph M. MJinslow jr. 23 Bedding Plant IPM Work: 1997 Dr. Alan Eaton 23 A Coalition for All Agriculture Bill Zweigbaum 24 Pitfalls In Hiring and Firing Thomas ]. Flygare, Esq. and lames P. Reidy, Esq. Columns 19 The Green Spot Mike Cherim 20 Pioneer Pointers 20 Z-notes Jim Zablocki 23 The Griffin Guru Cover GreenAoHse at D. S. Cole Growers, Loudon, NH; photograph by Rick Raymond. The PlAntsman Is published In early February, April, June. August, October, and December with copy deadlines being the flist of each prior month. While camera-ready ads are preferred, set- up assistance Is available at a nominal fee. Free classified advertising Is offered as a mem-ber 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 1 l/4-h 3 3/8-w X 4 3/4-h 7-w X 2 1/4-h 7-w X 4 5/8-h 7-w X 9 1/2-h $IZO $30 $160 $40 $160 $40 $250 $50 $400 $100 For further Information, please contact the edItoR Robert Parker at the UNH Research Green- houses, Durtlam. NH 03824, 603-862-2061: or PO Box S, Newflelds, NH 03SS6, 603-778-8353, lUNE & |ULY 1997 Insurance Problems? M PrOblGin^ with a jaderloon Greenhouse Your Insurance Comes Built-in Jaderloon's Gutter Connect Greenhouses have the leading structural & polyethylene gutter design in the industry All aluminum extruded gutter provloes practically unlimited life compared to galvanized gutters Unique structural design of the gutter gives I-beam type support for extra strength Deadmen bracing provide extra wind & snow load Kwic-Klip'" polyethylene film fastening system is extruded as an integral part into gutters providing watertight seal and efficient installation of poly coverings Jaderloon's Quonset Greenhouses • Quonsets have a truss with every bow, providing superior strength over other types of greenhouse structures. • Unique system of cross connectors maintains 100% of structured integri- ty. Most other greenhouse companies bolt their purlins to the bows resulting in a 25% loss of strength where the connection occurs • Free-standing greenhouses include 2x4 endwall brackets, a tremendously Qdbcl QualiiyGreenlifluses&EquipniEnl Contact Your Northeast Product Specialist: BobRimol 1-800-258-7171 -1-603-425-6563 NORTHERN NURSERIES WHOLESALE HORTICULTURAL DISTRIBUTION CENTERS U.S. Route 5, White River Junction, VT 05001 1 6 Pinkham Road West, Banington, NH 03825 JL SERVING THE PROFESSIONAL WITH ABOVE GROUND PLANT MATERIAL Distributors in the following lines: • Lofts Seeds . Biidunder Sprayers • DeWitt Weed Barrier . Lebanon TurfFcitilizcrs • Corona Hand Tools . Mulch & Grow Hydroseeding Fiber • Eaithway Spreaders • Nursery & Landscape Supplies Contact: Jim Babb, Mgr., White River Junction, VT, (802) 295-2117 Bob AvcreU, Mgr., Barrington, NH, (603) 868-7172 GOOD SERVICE . DEPENDABLE QUALITr* CONVENIENT LOCATION THE PLANTSMAN FORUM Welcome New Member! Richard Raymond I Constable Road Durham, NH 03824 A Note of Appreciation The first NHPGA Twilight Meeting of 1997 was held at Newton Green- house in Newton, New Hampshire on March 1 1 . Some things seemed familiar — the tiny house of African violets, the cut snaps in blossom, the big soil bin (Tom still mixes his own), fine hydrangeas and cyclamen. ..but Newton Greenhouse has evolved and expanded, reacting to the changes around it in positive and pragmatic ways. Although many ele- ments are the same, their context and proportions are different. Even for those familiar with the opera- tion, there was plenty to learn and see. Turnout was excellent and the members and guests attending thank Tom McElroy, his family, and crew for their hospitality. Introducing the New Hampshire Horticultural Endowment Peter van Berkum For a number of years, the board of the New Hampshire Plant Growers Association has been talking about new ways in which the NHPGA could benefit its members. It be- came clear that one problem we all face is that we have no good av- enue to get help with growing problems that might require a little research to solve. We could read the results of research done in other parts of the country and hope that it's applicable to our problems here, but we have no way to focus on our own needs. Then came the idea for the En- dowment. We decided to raise a sum of money that will be invested and use the interest to fund re- search at colleges, universities, and research institutions — with one cri- terion: that the research be directly related to New Hampshire plant quality and growing issues. Once the Endowment is in place. if a grower or retailer has a prob- lem with plants, he or she could contact a university and speak with the horticulture department to en- courage them to help solve this problem and tell them that poten- tial funding is available right here From the Board The Pursuit of WOWI Bo^ Rimol I've recently read a. book by Tom Peters entitled The Pursuit of WOW\ — Every Person's Guide to Topsy-Turvy Times. The author, one of buslness's leading management experts, uses In his book several ex- amples of management expertise demonstrated by none other than Ver- mont farmers. These struck me, and perhaps other readers, as unusual models of exemplary business expertise, yet — whether they're Vermont farmers or New Hampshire plant growers, credit should be given where It's deserved. Let's face It — the greenhouse Industry doesn't have the glamour of Wall Street or the glitz of the Fortune 500, yet the business and man- agement practices of many In this Industry are noteworthy none-the- less. Owners of small businesses must be "jacks-of-all-trades" and are crucial to their company's survival. Step back and take a look at our in- dustry and your business. Although a greenhouse Is a "controlled envi- ronment," control can be very hard to maintain. Dealing with live plant material. Insects and diseases, outside weather conditions, labor Issues, low margins of pay, and the Increasing complexity of government regula- tions is a challenge and requires great management skill. You — not the greenhouses, the tractors, or the Irrigation equipment — are the greatest asset In your business. In an age of chain stores, strip malls, and merg- ers and acquisitions, it's easy to get lost in corporate America and to feel at times that you're nothing more than the little guy. But with our small entrepreneurial ways, we can not only survive — we can thrive. We can WOW our customers! Let's look at our association as not only one of outstanding growers and nurserymen, but as a resource for business and management exper- tise. After this season Is over, take a look around and make a list of twelve things you're going to Improve this year — that's one a month. Then take a day and go on a long drive to visit similar operations. Trav- eling always broadens one's horizons. Invite the owners of the places you visit to see your operation. And lastly, if you're thick-skinned, ask someone to openly criticize your business. The best advice often comes from outsiders who see things objectively. A little bit of time pursuing these ideas can go a long way. Make your business WOW people when they come through the door. Remem- ber— passion is contagious. Bo6 Rimol is owner and operator of Rimol Associates, 17 Wyndmere Drive, Londonderry, NH 03035. He can be reached at 603-425-6563. JUNE & JULY 1997 FORUM in New Hampshire. We spoke with a number of professors and re- searchers and they felt this was a very possible scenario and that it wasn't that expensive for them to set up themselves or their graduate students to do specific projects. We also feel that this is timely in light of the new upgrading that is taking place at the UNH greenhouse. The Endowment Committee is made up of five people: Nancy Carlisle (Nancy Carlisle Interior Plant- ings), Doug Cole (D.S. Cole Growers), Kirk Wyant (Gateway Gardens), Henry Huntington (Pleasant View Gardens), and Peter van Berkum (van Berkum Nursery). We've been meeting for nearly a year to set this up, writing mission statements, deciding how grants will be awarded, and figuring how the money will be raised. Here's the important part. As a start, we'll be raising $100,000 for the Endowment. We hope to con- tinue after we reach this goal and that the Endowment will be a con- tinually growing fund. We've hired Sandi Mitchell as our fund-raising advisor. Under her guidance, we'll be asking for contributions from all plant growers in the state, as well as from all allied industries, includ- ing out-of-state vendors that sell widely within New Hampshire. The money will be held by the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, which is the largest manager of charitable funds in the state, man- 1997 New Hampshire Fairs ]uly 24-27 North Haverhill Fair, Fred C. Lee Memorial Field, North Haverhill; David Keith at 787-6696. ]uly 25-27 Stratham Fair, Route 33, Stratham; Stanley Walker at 772-2990. ]uly 29-August 3 Cheshire Fair, Route 12, North Swanzey; Sandra Amadon at 357-4740. August 15-17 Cornish Fair, Town House Road, Comlsh; Robert Bladen at 542-4622. August 16-17 Belknap County Fair, Mile Hill Road, Belmont; Sue Roberts at 267-8135. August 20-24 Plymouth State Fair, Exit 26 off 1-93; Russell Merrill at 536- 1690. August 27-September 1 Lancaster Fair, Route US 3, Lancaster; Paul Thurston at 788-4531. August 2S-SeptemBer I Hopklnton State Fair, Contoocook Fair Grounds, Contoocook; Alan Hardy at 746-4191. September 5-7 Hlllsboro County Agricultural Fair, Route 13, New Boston; |ohn Robertson at 588-6106. September 11-21 Rochester Fair, 72 Lafayette Street, Rochester; Jeffrey Taylor at 332-6585. September 25-28 Deerfleld Fair, Route 43, Deerfleld Fair; Jane Boucher at 463-7421. October 11-13 Sandwich Fair, Center Sandwich; tarle Peaslee at 284-7062. Telephone »re» codes are 603. aging over 13 billion dollars worth of endowments. We will set it up a designated fund — meaning that we will have control over the award of the grants. We'll be kicking off the fund-rais- ing campaign at this year's NHPGA Summer Meeting at D.S. Cole Grow- ers on |uly 30. Please come and hear more about this project. And also be thinking about the donation you would be willing to make. Do- nations can be made over a three- year period and are tax-deductible. This very important project will be successful with everyone's enthusias- tic support. We believe it is a worth- while cause and we will be working hard to make it happen. Watch for more on the New Hampshire Horti- cultural Endowment; we hope to see you at the Summer Meeting. \/L '^'"-Z" GARDENS OF A L r w IV WHOLESALE GROWERS and SUPPLIERS of QUALITY PLANTS Spring Annuals • Geraniums • Hanging Baskerts Perennials and Foliage Plants 3" to 10" P.O. Box 360 • Alton NH 03809 • Tel: 603-875-4444 Located on Route 28, 1 V^ mile south of the Alton Traffic Circle Oicners Bnice and Linda Holmes THE PLANTSMAN See You on July 30 PS. COLE Growers ^TTTrttTTr 271 North Village Road, Loudon, NH 03301 Phone 603-783-9561 Fax 603-783-9562 Perennial plants & Herbs 31/2" (4- DEEP) POT 18 per tray Greenhouses 171, GRAND RANG • ST-THOMAS-D'AQUIN ST-HYACINTHE, P.Q. CANADA HIGHWAY #20, EXIT 123 Phone: 1 800 565-PION Phone: (514) 796-3193 • Fax: (514) 796-2121 ^^W.H. Minkowski, Inc. ^"^ invites you to Customer Appreciation Day celebrating our 25th year in business July 24th, 1997 at our office/warehouse location 10 Middle River Drive Staffords Springs, CI^ Vendors will be on hand with New Product Demonstrations and Special Pricing! And ,of course, we will be^^ offering our own Open House Specials! Please mark the date on your calendar and stop by to have a look around, meet our sales staff, have a bite to eat and a bit of fun! NH/ME - David Goudreault (603-659-7830) J.D. Power and Associates ranks International Best conventional medium duty truck in customer satisfaction. ^ INnRNATIONAL BUIITnwVIOURBllSINES& LIBERTY INTERNATIONAL TRUCKS, INC. 1400 South Willow Street, Manchester, NH 03103 (603) 623-8873 NE WATS: 1-800-562-3814 Fax #1-603-641-9486 lUNE&JULY 1997 NEW HAMPSHIRE NEWS A Practical Invention A New Hampshire greenhouse worker has created a low-tech device that makes a basic green- house task easier. Don Cashion, an employee at Plants Alive, has invented "The Skid Manual Pot Filler;" its patent is now pending. This pot filler consists of a large box (which could sit on legs) with a platform to accommodate soil behind it. Templates have been designed for various pot sizes ranging from four-inch to one gallon. There are ten templates. And there's a plastic grate used for breaking up soil. The procedure is simple. Place pots in the box. Select proper template and place over pots. Place the grate over box. Put soil on grate and sift it onto template. Cover template completely, then sweep soil to other side. Remove template, then remove filled pots. The pot filler can fill 20 eight- inch hangers or 48 six-inch pots or 120 four-inch pots at one time — which can add up to a great deal accomplished by one or two people in a very short time. Don is interested in marketing this Skid Manual Pot Filler. For more information or a brochure, contact him by writing Don Cashion, 7 Acre Street, Bennington, NH 03442, or by calling 603-588-2647. A Service Offered Ron Laurence, a recent new mem- ber of the NHPGA and recently registered Licensed Professional Engineer, is now establishing a consulting practice offering assis- tance in greenhouse engineering — specifically fluid systems and components/controls — relating to water and nutrient distribution as well as to heating, cooling, and ventilating. Ron writes, "My background, in- tensively/extensively in valves and fluid systems, coupled with my keen interest in agriculture, should yield a useful service to members of the association and the ag indus- try in general I also have consider- able experience in marketing, busi- ness development, and export ad- ministration and can offer assis- tance in these areas as well." Ron is at 6 Greenleaf Woods Drive, #302, Portsmouth, NH 03801. He can be reached at 603-431-3 290. CabpenteDc "The Geranium Specialists" Wholesale Qrowers 2 1/2" Geraniums (year round) 4" Pre-finished Geraniums 2 1/2" Ivy Geraniums &. Fuchsia Martha Washington Geraniums Spring Hanging Baskets, Lilies/Bulbs Azaleas, Cyclamen, Poinsettias, Foliage J.B. CARPENTER & SON, INC. 603/659-3391 ZZO SOUTH MAIN STREET NEWMARKET, NH 03S57 Inside or out, Qa4L/ry is covered. As the authonzed Hamois dealer in the Northeast, the professional staff at Greenhouse Supply, Inc. will handle all your greenhouse needs. Whether you are looking for free standing or gutter connected houses, call us. 1-800-696-8511 FAX: 207-989-1553 GREENHOUSE SUPPLY, INC. HfiRflOIS email: greenhse@agrotech.com http://hamois.agrotech.com THE PLANTSMAN NEW HAMPSHIRE NEWS New Sullivan Ag Agent (VJeekhj Market Bulletin. March 12, 19Q7I UNH Cooperative Extension lias hired Stephen )udd to fill the po- sition of extension educator, agri- cultural resources, for Sullivan County. He recently finished his PhD program at the UNH Depart- ment of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, where he's been working with Dr. loanne Curran-Celentano looking at beta-carotine and its effects on cows and humans, in 10Q5, he received COLSA's Out- standing Teaching Assistant Award. |udd also has had practical ex- perience working with commercial dairy and livestock operations. He began his duties on IVlay 12 and can be reached at 603-863- 9200. FFA Results The Spring FFA Career Develop- ment Events were held at the UNH Thompson School in Durham in May 2. Five schools entered the Nurs- ery/Landscape Event. The highest score went to Cheshire Center of Applied Science and Technology, Keene; the second highest, to Coe-Brown Academy (Northwood); the third, to Pinkerton Academy (Derry). Individual high-scorers were lonathan Gray, |oshua Conley (both Cheshire Center of Applied Science and Technology!, and la- son Adams (Pinkerton). And five teams entered the Floriculture Event as well The highest score here went to Dover High School; the second highest, to Pembroke Academy; and third, to the Seacoast School of Technol- ogy (Exeter). Individual high- scorers were — in order — Wendy Lee, Cherie Redmond, and Sarah Haindler, all of Dover. Congratulations to all top-scor- ers. The number of participants was up — which is encouraging to the many people — from the uni- versity, from the FFA, from private industry — involved in organizing this event. A word of thanks goes to everyone who helped. NHOS Winners The annual show of the New Hampshire Orchid Society (NHOS), held at the Nashua Armory on April 23-25, generated not only a small profit, but — more impor- tantly— 22 new members. This year's trophy, created by Roger Belisle's Granite Crafts in Hooksett, was a piece of granite cut in the shape of the state of New Hampshire; on it was at- tached a NHOS pin and brass plaque. In several categories, tro- phies were not awarded (ribbons were given, but judges felt that trophies were not merited). The trophy sponsored by the NHPGA for the best cut-orchid arrange- ment was one of these. However, there were many high- lights. Among them were a trophy- winning ("Best Large Specimen" and "Best Cypripedium") Paphio- pedilum lowii — a slipper orchid — with 4 1/2-foot-long stalks and 32 blos- soms (this was grown by Ovid's Or- chids of Kingston, Massachusetts). Another Massachusetts grower. Dr. Wilfred Neptune, exhibited a Renanthopsis 'Mildred Jameson' with over 100 blossoms — this was awarded "Best Vanda in the Show." And from New Hampshire, Gordon LaBonte, from Man-chester, won his first AOS award ("Best On- cidium ") for a spectacular Oncidium papilio— the "Butterfly Orchid." This plant had eleven flower stalks — none under four feet, each with a blossom in full bloom. (The NHOS has had a busy spring, exhibiting at the Massa- chusetts Orchid Society show, in Art in Bloom at the Museum of Fine Arts In Boston, and at the second annual Nashua Flower Show at the Hunt Library in Nashua. For information about the NHOS and its activities, contact loanna Eckstrom at 603-654-5070.) |UNE & JULY 1997 Call us for quality conifer seedlings 8 transplants, backed with great customer service! WHOLESALE SUPPLIER OF NURSERY & WETLAND STOCK TO THE TRADE. NURSERIES, INC HERBACEOUS & WOODY WETLAND PLANTS -ORNAMENTALS -GROUNDCOVERS -PERENNIALS -VINES DEALER FOR BON TERRA WETLAND FABRICS CONTRACT GROWING AVAILABLE 24 BUZZELL RD, BIDDEFORD, MAINE 04005 (207) 499-2994 (207)282-7235 FAX: (207) 499-2912 CALL FOR A QUOTATION OR A COPY OF OUR CATALOG. -WE DELIVER- WAGEMAN INSUmCE Homes • Bams • Livestock Machinery • Farmer's Liability Livestock Health & Mortality Workers Compensations • Auto u ^ Insure with New Hampshire's largest independent agricultural agency. 1-800-439^2451 will put you in touch with an agricultural insurance professional. Northern Grown Irees Evergreens Shrubs Mon-Sat 7:00 - 5:30 Sun: 9:00 - 5:00 O'DONAL'S Located at junction of routes 22 & 114 Gorham, Maine 04038 Phone (207) 839-4262 or 839-6364 Fax 207-839-2290 We specialize in growing specimen plant materials. THE PLANTSMAN E W H E R E THE NEWS Summer Events: A Silver Anniversary... "W.H. Minkowski, Inc., would like to invite everyone to our 25th Anni- versary Customer Appreciation Day on |uly 24, 1997. Please stop by our office/warehouse complex at iO Middle River Drive in Stafford Springs, Connecticut, anytime be- tween 8:30 am and 4:30 pm (call 800-243-7170 for directions) Many of our most popular vendors will be on hand with product demonstra- tions and special pricing. Of course, food and refreshment will be avail- able as well as all of our sales staff — eager to meet our customers "up front and personal." It will be a great chance to greet old friends and make some new ones. Hope to see you!" and a Gold. Griffin Greenhouse & Nursery Sup- plies is also celebrating an anniver- sary— its Golden — fifty years in business — with a Gala Open House at its 1619 Main Street, Tewksbury, office/warehouse complex from 9 to 4 on August 21. Over 100 exhibitors, a speakers program offering educa- tional benefits and timely informa- tion (and recertification credits), lunch and refreshments, discounts and prizes, and a white elephant sale — Griffin organizers promise that this biennial open house — the ninth — will be "the Biggest and the Best." They could be right — a flyer is forthcoming. For more informa- tion, call 508-851-4346. Awards — New England Greenhouse Conference The New England Greenhouse Con- ference, held last October 21-23 in Sturbridge, made the following awards for 1997: • Ms. Nancy Adams, University of New Hampshire. Digital camera for Extension's educational resources. $1,348. • Dr. Carol Auer & Mr. Eric Mercure University of Connecticut. Research on "the effects of temperature, gib- berellins, cytokinins, and seed coat removal on helleborus seed germi- nation." $2,000. • Dr. Douglas Cox. University of Massachusetts. Research on "Phos- phorus fertilization effects on poin- settia growth and phosphorus leaching." $2,000. • Dr. George Elliot & Dr. Wade Elmer University ot Connecticut and Connecticut Agricultural Experi- ment Station. Evaluation of biologi- cal fungicides for the control of soil-borne pathogens. $1,800. • Dr. Paul Fisher. University of New Hampshire. Fertilizer injection sys- tem for use in research on predict- ing easter lily harvest dates. $1,768. • Dr. Susan Han. University of Mas- sachusetts. Studies on the use of commercially available growth regu- lators to prevent leaf yellowing of easter lilies during greenhouse pro- duction. $1,800. • Dr. Richard McAvoy. University of Connecticut. Studies on poinsettia bract necrosis. $2,000. • Dr. Margaret Skinner & Dr. Bruce Parker. University of Vermont. Re- search into spray techniques for in- sect-killing fungi in greenhouses. $2,000. • Dr. Cheryl Smith. University of New Hampshire. Professional im- provement training at plant virus inclusion workshop. $670. Congratulations. The list represents $1 5,386-worth of grants — the contributions of those attending the New England Greenhouse Conference did far more than pay for the excellent bi- ennial meeting. Dr. Mark Bridgen, University of Connecticut, was chair- man of the Awards Committee Awards — New England Grows On January 30, 1997, Randy Wright, president of New England Grows, made grant presentations of $4,000 each to representatives from the six New England state Cooperative Ex- tension systems. These 1997 grants will be used as follows: Connecticut: to expand Connec- ticut's impressive nursery and land- scape Web site on the Internet. Maine: to support and expand Maine's recycling program for recy- cling pots and poly products Massachusetts: to continue the Landscape Pest Message System, an 800 number for Green Industry professionals to access weekly pest and disease information. New Hampshire: to develop per- sonnel management and computer workshops, expand the UNH plant diagnostic clinic reference library, and purchase computer software. Rhode Island: to enhance the Rhode Island nursery industry's Web site, support nursery career publications, and expand extension materials on sustainable plant ma- terial. Vermont: to expand research in- formation on UVM's web site, es- tablish a shrub rose trial garden, and help graduate students begin research on perennial geraniums. The next New England Grows is scheduled for lanuary 22-24, 1998. For more information, contact Vir- ginia Wood at 508-653-3009. More Choices for Fall Proven Winners® has introduced a "Fall Magic" line of plant material to be used along with the tradi- tional pansies, mums, and asters in fall gardens. There are twelve selections. All JUNE & JULY E W H E R E THE NEWS seem interesting, but some descrip- tions stand out. Ajuga reptans 'Rain- bow' produces "dari< bronze foliage with irregular spots and patterns ranging in color from yellow to or- ange and red. Its display of vibrant fall color becomes even more in- tense as colder temperatures set in " Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens' is "distinguisfied by soft eggplant-col- ored leaves that hold up nicely against the frost." Euphorbia amygda- loides 'Purpurea' also weathers frost well, with reddish leaves that turn purple in cold temperatures. It also produces bright greenish yellow flower umbels in early spring, mak- ing it a good two-season addition. And so forth. With recent springs cooler and wet, perhaps fall is the time to emphasize new plant mate- rial. For a complete list, contact Page Donovan at 619-566-3930. More Winners [Greenhouse Grower, May 19971 All-America Selections for 1998 in- clude two bedding plants and two vegetables. Floranova's 'Prism Sunshine' is a single, grandiflora, yellow petunia. In greenhouse trails, this cultivar blossoms early and remains com- pact The three-inch blossoms are a bright, pure yellow — consistent without a pink blush. It's seen as an excellent garden annual, with heat-and-drought tolerance and freedom of bloom. Goldsmith Seed's 'Victorian Rose' is an improved semi-double- flowering impatiens grown from seed In greenhouse trials, this cul- tivar flowered in 8-10 weeks from sowing, considerably earlier than its closest comparisons. Blooms are consistently semi-double and are colored a soft blue-rose that blends well with other annuals. 'Bright Lights,' a new Swiss chard from lohnny's Selected Seeds, of- fers an unusual range of color. Stems can be yellow, orange, gold, pink, violet, green. ..as well as the standard white or red. Leaves are dark green or bronze. Improve- ments include a mild chard flavor and tender leaves. Bred by Purdue University, 'Sweet Dani' is an improved lemon basil: "leaves burst with lemon fra- grance when lightly touched." Plants, under greenhouse condi- tions (such as above 65F) will grow rapidly to salable pack size. For information, contact All- America Selections, 1311 Butterfield Road, Suite 310, Downers Grove, Il- linois 60515. The phone number is 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 "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 f^mn ROUGH BROTHERS 1-800/543-7351 girdms,1msandshrubs tuikMOnT'composL Increase nutrient and water retention. I Prmide natural fertilization for long term growth. I Increase organic matter to reduce compaction and ervsiott I Provide slow release of nitrogen and trace minerals I Prevent turf diseases from forming I Improve soil aeration and consistant root development I Be assured that it is a weed free product. I Save money over using topsoils. peatmoss and manures. '&]i .The Compost Company AUGro Inc., Uberty Lane, Hampton, NH 03842 800.662.2440 THE PLANTSMAN ELSEWHERE THE NEWS 630-963-0770 Most seed should be available from your supplier. Fleuroselect, the international or- ganization that tests new varieties of seed-grown flowers, announced its 1998 gold medal winners — three bedding plants and three cut flowers. The award recognizes outstanding reliability, breeding, and beauty. • Victorian Rose' {Impatiens wallerana). also an All-America Selection, is cited for its short cul- tivation period, uniformity, and long life. Here, however, the flower's described as a "pink-red double" that "contrasts superbly against dark green leaves." • 'Prism Sunshine' [Petunia grandi- flora), is another All-America Selection. It's noted that the "light yellow " blossoms do not fade or turn brown. • 'Daybreak Red Stripe' {Cazania splendens], PanAmerican's new ad- dition to its Daybreak gazania se- ries, has the same compactness and earliness for which the series is noted Red stripes radiate from the center over each deep yellow petal. (The series has won other awards: two cultivars have won Fleuroselect's gold medal and the British Royal Horticultural Society recently named "Daybreak Bright Orange " and Daybreak Garden Sun" 1996 Award of Garden Merit winners I • 'Sakata Seeds Champion Cam- panula medium series has radically reduced the flower's production time, lit used to require two years in a greenhouse.) Along with a shorter production time, 'Cham- pion Blue" and Champion Pink' have "wonderful flowers, impres- sive uniformity, and high produc- tivity" and are expected to in- crease the popularity of campanu- las as a cut-flower. • Last year, Klieft Seed's celosia Bombay Purple' became the first cut flower to receive a Fleuroselect gold medal. This year, Bombay Yellow Gold' {Celosia argentea cristata). is honored for its uniformity and refinement along with its exceptionally short culti- vation period and high yield. For more, contact Fleuroselect, Parallel Boulevard 214 d, 2202 HT Noordwijk. Nederland. The phone number is 31-7136-49101; the fax, 31-7136-49102. Newton Greenhouse 32 Amesbury Road, Newton, NH 03858 603-382-5289 Quality Plants green & flowering from 3" to 10" pots Holiday, bedding plants & dish gardens Year-round cut Snaps, Gloxinias & African Violets Liscensed propagator of Mikkelsen New Guinea Impatiens |UNE & JULY Rolling Green Landscaping & Nursery 400 varieties of perennials *> Annuals & herbs Ornamental trees, shrubs & vines * Trellises Wholesale prices available *> Callfor 19% listing 64 Breakfast Hill Rd., Greenland, NH (Next to 1-95) 603-436-2732 Blue Heron Images Photography Catalogs. Buvhures, Annu^il Repvins. Web Sites. Special Events Richard H Raymond Traditional and Digital Photographic Services : Heron InugM. 1 ConsUblc Road. Durtumv NH 03824 Phone (603) 659-731 3 Consultations and Landscaping Designs Greenhouses, Nursery, Craft, and Christmas Shop 656 South Mammoth Road (Rte. 28A) Manchester, NH 03109 (603) 625-8298 STEENBURG & CALLIORAS THE AUCTION PROFESSIONALS, INC. AUCTIONEERS Archie Stccnburgh 603/989-5690 Route 10. Haverhill, NH 03^65 Peter Callioras, C A I 603/868-1070 Calef Highway (Lee). Dover, NH 03820 1028 Horseneck Road, Westporl. MA 02790 508-636-4573 508-636-5615 508-636-3397 FAX Specializing In Heath... Heather... Bearberry... Perennials... Seashore Plants... also, a full line of quality nursery stock "Our Sen icp Keeps Grouing and Growing." ^HEBBERs 'HOLESAl Price List Available Route loi PO Box 266, Dublin, NH 603-563-8180 Perennials ♦ LIerbs ♦ Wildflowers no Varieties in 6-cell Packs UPS shipping Available Annual Bedding Plants (6-ceIl packs) Zonal Geraniums (4 1/2" pot) Hardy Mums in Season Perennials (available in 2, 3, 4 and 6 qt. pots) THE PLANTSMAN Planting New Hampshire: Some Trees and Shrubs for New Hampshire Gardens Ralph M WJHs/ou' jr. Despite living in a challenging plant-growing climate, New Hampshire gardens could easily reflect a greater variety of landscape plants Granted, it can be difficult to garden in New Hampshire. But perhaps it's this tenacity to cultivate nature that fortifies our perseverance. As dependable and useful as many of our old standards may be, the quest for plants that are less known, underused, and of ten not fully appreciated is a worthwhile pursuit, espe cially in a region where plant selection can be limited. Today's modem landscape reflects a different way o life than that of a more agrarian and industrial past Contemporary families often have many demands that compete for time with yard and garden work Nowa- days, cultivating plants is not so much a critical surviva practice as it is a relaxing and therapeutic pastime. The home environment can be viewed as a place of refuge and solace, a place to relieve stress and to renew one's soul. Since many of us may be spending less time at home, time spent there deserves to be maximized for enjoyment. Since residential landscapes are often smaller than the more pastoral ones of a century ago, it is especially important to select landscape plants that offer numer- ous ornamental qualities. The trees and shrubs de- scribed below are grouped by landscape function and are generally well-suited for many New Hampshire sites. This listing was compiled for multiseason appeal, reduced maintenance, minimal pest problems, and good winter hardiness as based on this author's experi- ence. Although no hardiness ratings are given, listings can be readily found in numerous references. However, hardiness ratings should be treated as a guide only, and not as a guarantee of survival. Although some of the plants below may be unfamil- iar, these choices are the beginning of a list of sugges- tions that might help please your clientele. DECIDUOUS TREES Korean Mountainash {Sorbus alnifoUa). Generally superior to its commonly planted European cousin, this medium- sized, pyramidal-to-broad oval shade tree offers white flowers and glossy green, beech-like foliage which turns yellow, orange, and golden brown in the fall The per- sistent brilliant red fruits offer food for birds and add to the fall foliage display. A better park than street tree, this plant is definitely one of the best mountainash. Eastern Redbud {Cercis canadensis). An understory tree native to areas south of New Hampshire, it is noted for early, abundant rosy pink flowers and graceful, upright habit. The large, heart-shaped leaves emerge as red- dish purple and gradually change to a lustrous dark green. Be sure to buy plants propagated from northern seed sources and avoid the frequently less-hardy culti- vars. Star Magnolia {Magnolia stellata). One of the hardiest magnolias, the early, showy white flowers can occur on even young plants. This trouble-free magnolia has effec- tive summer foliage that turns to a nondescript leathery brown in the fall. Winter exposes an attractive, smooth, gray bark on this low-branched tree or large shrub. Sargent Cherry {Prunus sargentii). One of the largest and hardiest of the cherries, this medium-sized shade tree features showy pink blooms followed by lustrous green foliage. The round-headed crown sports bronze-to-red- dish fall foliage, and the trunk has a polished, chestnut brown bark. One of the better Prunus species for New Hampshire where the choice of cherries is often limited. Japanese Stewartia {Stewartia pseudocameUia). Not well- known or widely available, this small-to-medium-sized, upright, oval tree is possibly one of the best small trees for the garden Surprisingly hardy, the showy white flowers are accented by orange anthers and occur over a three-week period in July. The dark green leaves may turn yellow to dark reddish purple in the fall. The bark is first-rate for winter effect, developing a mottled, peeling character. Japanese Tree Lilac [Syringa reticulata). This tough, adaptable small tree is noted for its large, showy, creamy white flowers in June. The dark green foliage may turn a translucent yellow in the fall — not over- whelming, but generally superior to most lilacs. The cherry-like, reddish brown bark is accented by promi- nent horizontal lenticels. EVERGREEN TREES White Fir {Abies concolor). Resembling a Colorado blue spruce, the look is softer and less stiff. For the more discriminating client, this blue-to-grayish green-needled fir is adapted to a variety of soil types and can tolerate somewhat drier, hotter sites than many other A^ies species. Serbian Spruce {Picea omorika). A great choice for a lim- |U NE & JULY '^iffffiff^Tffffftiiitfn ^»^i«ag^.aa«»iiK.^38.g8HssK^g^^ http://www.horticulture.com /ahiy (Albuquerque Hydroponics & Lighting) /hillcresty (Hillcrest Nursery) /blackmorc/ (Blackmorc Company, Inc.) /kurtweis.s/ (Kurt Weiss Florist. Inc. ) /bulbs/ (Tlie Bulb Select Search Twl) AandmarkV (Landmark Plastic Corporation ) /cgga/ (Conn. Greenhouse Growers Association) /Iidochem/ (LidoChem, Inc.) /coex/ (CO-EX Corporation) /miga/ (Mass. Flower Growers Association) /corny (The HortWeb Commerce Center) /mccalif/ (McCalif Grower Supplies. Inc.) /commune/ (The HortWeb Communications Center) /monsees/ (Monsees & Company) /crfarm/ (Charles River Farm) /optimaray (Optimara African Violets) /(lanschanlz/ (Dan Schauta Farm and Greenhouses) /org/ (The HortWeb Organization Center) /diamond/ (Diamond Lights) /pennseed/ (Penn State Seed, Co. ) /dummen/ (Dummen, Inc.) /plantiech/ (Planttech. Inc.) /edu/ (The HortWeb Education Center) /prs/ (Plastic Recycling Services) /empire/ (Empire Mums) /schaffan/ (Schaefer Fan Company) /fuller/ (Fuller System, Inc. ) /search/ (The HortWeb Search T(»l) /germania/ (Germania Seed Company) /se-gh/ (SouUieast G/H Conference & Trade Show) /gov/ (The HortWeb Government Center) /terra/ (Terra Enterprises, Inc.) /greenbiz/ {Greenhouse Business Magazine) /tic/ (TLC Polyform, Inc.) /greenieaf/ (Green Leaf Enterprises. Inc.) /welcome/ (The HortWeb Welcome Center) /hmoonhydro/ (HydroMoon Hydroponics) /xolic/ (The Exotic Seed Company) The Horticultural Web continues to help our industry grow with tlie use of Internet technology. And forward-thinking companies continue to sptmsor our goal: to foster a sense of community, learning and communication so that we can maintain a competitive edge and commercial efficiency over other geographic regions - and other industries - in order that disposable income continues to flow to our industry's bounty. If you'd like to sponsor our efforts and receive the bcnefiLs of being on the Internet call us at 1-8(M)-WWW-6WKB (999-6932) or email us at postmaster(a>horticulturc.com Nu'Form Products Landmark Products Pre-filled Flats &. Pots Klerks Films "Metpin^ You to Crow" B.E. Supply GREENHOUSE SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT Hemlock Road, Langdon Mailing Address: P.O. Box 0, Charlestown, New Hampshire 03603 • Restricted Pesticides • Kord Products • Fertilizers • Distributors for Hyde Park &. Sunshine Soils Work: 603/835-6930 Home: 603/835-2523 Fax: 603/835-2180 HE PLANTSMAN ited space, this conical evergreen tree is noted for its distinctive fishhook branching and refined habit. Al- though fairly adaptable as to site, this spruce does best on deep, well-drained — yet moist — soils with winter protection from strong winds. Carolina Hemlock [Tsuga caroUniana). Less well-known than our native Canadian hemlock, this somewhat less graceful tree is more tolerant of city conditions. More compact, deeper green, and slower growing than our native species, this evergreen is offered as an alterna- tive to, but not as a substitute for, our Canadian hem- lock. Bristlecone Pine (Pihms aristata]. Probably never des- tined to be a mainstream commodity, this surprisingly hardy and tough plant can make a picturesque, bonsai- like focal point for a private patio or meditative garden. Extremely slow-growing and not commonly found, this would be a good choice for a distinctive specimen plant. DECIDUOUS SHRUBS Brilliant Red Chokeberry {Aronia arbutifoUa 'Brilliant- issima'). This six-to-eight-foot, upright, suckering shrub is a terrific choice as an upright, deciduous hedging ma- terial where space is at a premium. Although the white flowers are not overwhelming, the summer foliage is a lustrous, almost waxy, dark green which turns a brilliant scarlet in the fall. The bright red fruits are favored by birds. This selection, as well as the species, tends to become leggy with age, and the use of a facer plant, such as the Taunton yew listed below, is recommended for best landscape effect. Cornell Pink Rhododendron [Rhododendron mucronulatum Cornell Pink'). One of the first rhododendrons to bloom, its true pink flowers held on naked stems are a welcome harbinger of spring. This medium-sized, com- pact shrub is nearly rounded in outline and has soft green summer foliage which changes to shades of yel- low and bronzy crimson in the fall. Winter habit is clean and neat. Northern Lights Hybrid Azaleas {Rttododendron 'Northern Lights'). Hardy to nearly -40F, this group of deciduous rhododendrons blooms early in a variety of colors. Flowering in white, yellow, orange, rosy pink, or lilac, these plants are medium-sized and compact. Reported to not be especially resistant to powdery mildew, atten- tion to site selection and cultural conditions — good air circulation, low humidity, and proper sanitation — is im- portant. However, this group of especially hardy shrubs might be a good choice where the selection of rhodo- dendrons is limited. Compact Koreanspice Viburnum [Viburnum carlesii 'Compactum'). A preferred selection from a superior plant group, this viburnum is attractive year-round. The early, semisnowball-type white flower clusters are pink in bud and are very pleasantly fragrant. It is this author's observation that the attractive green foliage turns a more consistent red to maroon-bronze in the fall than the species and then drops to reveal a clean winter habit. Hobblebush [Viburnum alnifolium). Despite being a native plant best used for naturalizing, hobblebush does have several ornamental qualities of merit. The large, white, flattopped flower clusters are a one of the showiest of any native woody plant. The clean green foliage emerges, becoming an effective deep red-to-maroon in the fall. This leggy and somewhat open plant appears to be hobbling around on its knees and elbows and is best used when faced with greenery or a stone wall. Hobblebush does best in light shade on the edge of moist, deciduous woods. Witherod Viburnum [Viburnum cassinoides) . Another native viburnum, this plant fits in well with our natural New Hampshire landscape. The creamy white flower clusters produce a fruiting display that passes through a se- quential ripening process, changing in color from green to nearly white and then to pink, rose, and blue, finally becoming black. Often all stages are present together on the same fruiting cluster. As unusual as this trait is, the fruits are quickly enjoyed by birds. Foliage is a shiny rich green followed by a brilliant and dependable red. Like most viburnums, its clean winter habit is an asset in the winter landscape. EVERGREEN SHRUBS Blue Star Juniper [\uniperus squamata 'Blue Star). A bril- liant blue-green, this tough little shrub is well-adapted for sunny, well-drained areas. Maturing to a height of about two and one-half feet by about four feet in width, this compact juniper is ideal for foundation planting. Taunton Yew [Taxus x media 'Tauntonii'). A smaller, more compact Taxus that grows to a height of about three feet and a width of six to eight feet, it is extremely resistant to winter burn and responds well to regular clipping. Although expanding our New Hampshire plant palette can be a slow process, dependent on careful evaluation of both conventional and newly developed plant forms, it is a valuable goal. As large department store chains continue to offer more and more products and services traditionally provided by landscapers and nurseries, it's important for small businesses to remain competitive. Given the incoming wave of active, affluent baby boomers approaching retirement age, providing superior plant choices and innovative services is only part of the strategy to find one's niche in a dynamic and expanding market. Ralph M. WiHsloif jr., is an Extension Educator, Agricultural Resources and Community Development, in Belknap County. He can be reached at 603-524-1737. JUNE & |ULY MEMBER PROFILE Phillips Farm Produce A Friendly Ail-Around Place Wr ilbur Phillips, upon graduation from the UNH Thompson School with an associate's de- gree in dairy science in 1961, be- came a technician for the Soil Con- servation Service. He worked in a number of counties — Strafford, Grafton, Belknap, Hillsboro — and stayed in the SCS for 27 years. Then, as the number of farms de- clined and "the SCS lost its sense of mission," he began to move to- ward another career. He'd bought the house on the 1.68 acres off Routes 3/1 I in Tilton in 1970. At first, he and his family grew vegetables. They sold from a wagon set next to the road in front of the house: "When my father and I were sugar- ing on the other side of Silver Lake — the last of a chain of lakes on the Winnipesaukee River — we found two pairs of old wheels in the woods. We decided to make a sales wagon We built it of wood, 6'xl4', with a roof to protect the produce and an overhang to protect the customers. It was all self-ser- vice. We'd stock the wagon in the morning before going to work (Norma, Wilbur's wife, is a medical librarian) — people would weigh the produce themselves and put the money in a locked box. "In the mid-to-late seventies, to- matoes were a good product — we could go through 300 pounds on a Saturday morning at the Laconia Farmers' Market. One day my wife said, ^if we had tomatoes earlier, we could sell more,' so we grew our tomatoes under a hothouse we set up in the middle of the garden and had ripe fruit by the first of |uly. "But we wanted them still earlier and in 1984, we set up our first house — a 30x140' quonset That year, we were sell ing tomatoes by mid May." Wholesale torn toes became a major crop Eight green houses— 13, 00 0 square feet— were put up between 1984 and 1991. He gives credit to his family to his wife, to their children daughter Robin, twin sons Robert and Rodney, and to Rodney's wife, Vicky: "The business was built by all of us, all together." His family has gone on to do other things, but their help is acknowledged — and they still help, when time and dis- tance permit. AS THE BUSINESS GREW, the wag- on could no longer hold the pro- duce needed for an entire day; as more people came, Wilbur began to worry about pilfering. In 1986, he and his sons built a 30'x42' retail shop. Floor and part of two walls are concrete. Trusses cross the en- tire span without interior supports; the roof is double poly, creating an open space full of light. The build- ing is fronted with a porch. Then, "four years ago, we had germination problems and didn't get fruit enough to pay the cost of growing the plants;" tomatoes were no longer as easily marketed: "Mo- cally grown' isn't necessarily a sell- ing point." It seemed like a time to move in other directions. He'd experimented with other crops: he'd grown cut flowers — free- sia, Dutch iris — some wholesaled to local florists, some retailed in early spring before the outdoor planting season began — but this was too specialized to be profitable on a small scale. Routes 3/1 1 is a major road into Laconia and Lake Winnipesaukee — he realized his market was driving right past his door. Phillips Farm Produce evolved into a non-specialized gar- den center catering to the people who summer by the lake: they pur- chase plants for their cottages and — often on the way home — for their year-round residences. This — com- bined with wholesale sales (50% of his business) to grocery stores, flo- rists, and other nurseries — accounts for most of his business today. EIGHT GREENHOUSE STRUCTURES, the shop, storage buildings, park- ing, display areas, and his own home fill the steeply rising land — space needs to be fully utilized. Half of the first house— still known as "the Tomato House" — is used for tomato production; the rest is filled with bedding plants and hangers Half the production space in two of the houses is equipped with TAK rolling trough benches with ebb-and-flow subirrigation. In order to moderate feed temperature, a THE PLANTSMAN MEMBER PROFILE 500-gallon water storage tank and the feed tank and injector are set up in the cellar of Wilbur's home. The mix is pumped into a storage tank under one of the greenhouse benches. A swimming pool pump lifts the feed into the troughs. A slight slope returns the feed to a nar- row trough from which it goes through PVC pipe to a sewer pump that re- turns it to the tank — the filter at the end of the return line is old panty hose. A house is watered in half an hour; "the system works super — I never had better geraniums." Wilbur buys in plugs, but seeds vegetables, marigolds, some petu- nias, other annuals. He bought a hand seeder with a battery-oper- ated vibrator — "it never worked right and a friend suggested remov- ing the vibrator and attaching an old razor. Now it works fine." The flats go into a home-built germination chamber — a 4'xl4'x4' frame of 3/4-inch square tube with walls of insulation board. More tube divides the inside into vertical sections. Eighth-inch angle iron is attached to the frame and divid- ers— the lip of the tray slides onto the angle iron — the chamber holds a hundred. Trays of water on heat- ing cable buried in an inch of per- lite on the floor of the chamber give humidity. There are no lights — "this is for germination; once the seeds start to sprout, the flats come out and onto the bench " His help includes one full-time employee (for eight years now), Rachel Caruso, and three part-time- when-needed people year-round. They transplant into a variety of Metro-Mixes; geraniums in Metro- Mix 560 Coir; 806s in Metro-Mix 360. They grow 3500 hangers; ivy gerani- ums are most popular ("they hold up"); supetunias (all colors) and Purple Wave petunias sell well; fuchsia, rosebud impatiens, and Proven Winners have their shares of the market. Wilbur offers a range of perenni- als, potting up 7000 starters in March, storing what's left under Microfoam in winter. The summer people extend his season. Jumbo annuals sell well — and plantings sometimes dry out when people are away from their cottages, so bedding plant sales last into August. in busy times, there can be as many as seven employees. Material is moved down to the shop and the display benches around it, but cus- tomers can go into any of the houses. There are no trays or wag- ons— "If people need help, we're here to do just that." The one check-out is in the shop. FOR SOME, fall is less active— lots of mums, but a lull between spring/ early summer and the start of the Christmas season. Here, fall seems to be the most creative and festive Temperature & Misting Controls for Greenhouses of all sizes Misting automatically adjusts with changes in sunlight rain or shine!! increase yields, reduce disease, reduce labor, reduce rooting time Solar 3B (3 zones, $385) Solar 12B ( 1 2 zones. $890) Temperature ter^ure Set separate temperahires for nighUsunrise and day. Electronic Temperature Control 2-stages of heating control, and 2-stages of cooling control with horizontal airflow (circulation); or 4-stages of cooling; or roof vents; or side-curtains. DIFtrol24A ($890) DIFtrol 22 ($385) Northeast Distributors Brighton By-Products (800)245-3502 % Fred C. Gloeckner Co (800)-345-3787 AVIS Tel: (818)-993-0607 ngineering ^^^'' ^"^^ "The landscape professional's choice for unique, landscape size plant materials" Largest tree & shrub inventory in Seacoast NH Accessible & convenient location at Stratham Circle (Rte. 108/33) Informative tree and shrub tagging system Quality ♦ Selection ♦ Friendly & knowledgeable staff (603) 778-37 11 FAX: (603) 778-3773 Monday to Saturday, 7-7; Sunday, 9-5 Other hours arranged by appointment STRATHAM CIRCLE Nursery &' Landscape lUNE & JULY MEMBER PROFILE time of all. Mums start selling ("asters never really caught on") in mid-August and Wilbur offers a variety: 4- and 6-inch pots. 10-inch fiber pots and half-bushel baskets. He also grows hanging baskets — mums planted in holes in the side of a 10-inch hanger. He grows his crop on black plastic in the open spaces around the houses. He also rents land on the other side of Silver Lake and grows 5,000 fiber pots there. The shop is stocked with pump- kins, Indian com. and winter squash. Ears of com are sold braided into groups of three or singly — "people like to pick their own." Pumpkins are painted — and images are far more than an outline of a carved face Wilbur hires a local artist who creates scenes of bare trees silhouetted against the moon, haunted houses, witches on broomsticks. cats, ghosts — each pumpkin is unique. "We sell hundreds" — painted, unpainted. in all sizes, at prices ranging from 75 cents to S25.00. And there's more artwork — this year, a panel depicting scarecrows blowing in an autumn field was placed behind displayed pumpkins. Holes in the panel where the scarecrows' heads should be allowed customers to stand behind it and be photo- graphed. And Wilbur recently bought a cider press and has be- gun to sell cider. He has yet to de- sign his own mix and presses what- ever he can buy from local or- chards, but freshly pressed cider sells well: last year he went through 200 bushels of apples. And in October, he hauls mums and pumpkins and the cider press on a flatbed trailer to the Octo- berfest at Loon Mountain He brings a collapsible frame that sup- ports an awning — it's a newer ver- sion of his and his father's wagon THE SHOP GOES THROUGH several transformations: the first is in April when bedding plants are displayed on wire-on-wood-frame benches set on concrete blocks; hangers are suspended on the trusses above them. Around the first of luly. 100% shade cloth is put over the roof: slotted bins are fit into plywood support panels and the shop be- comes a vegetable stand. And in late fall, benches with 12-inch side panels are set onto the display benches and cut flowers are grown in six inches of soil.. A sensaphone system helps monitor temperature on winter nights. Four years ago. Wilbur bought a new emergency genera- tor— a 15kw Wisconsin. He's used it once — during a five-hour power out- age caused by an ice storm. Problems seem to come more from wildlife than weather At one time, he raised bees, but bears were getting the honey before he was. The bears left when the hives did. but racoons remain In sum- mer, to prevent them from entering the houses, Wilbur strings strands of electric wire at the places he has cut and rolled up the poly for ven- tilation The current is turned on only at night, after all potential law- suits have left. For a business that relies on tourists, there's remarkably little conscious image-making. If there's an image, it's friendly and straight- forward. Wilbur admits that he could market himself more — espe- cially since the new plazas and dis- count stores clustered around the intersection of Routes 3/11 and 140 have created so much traffic that it's less easy to pull off the road to make a spontaneous purchase. He does advertise — he buys a border ad around a page of TV list- ings— "where people will see it" — in the local paper. And he does things that put him in the public eye. One year, he entered a float in the Tilton Old Home Day parade. "Trel- lised tomatoes and women in bon- nets— "Old-fashioned Days' — we won first prize, but we never did it again " Another year, he created the floral displays at a benefit dance up at Gunstock. But these are not part of any overall promotional plan — just things any good member of the community might do. "Friendly." "all-around " — Phillips Farm Produce is at 256 Laconia Road (Routes 3/11) in Tilton, New Hampshire. The phone number is 603-286-3020. IBP I Laughton's Garden Center Inc. Cal Laughton, Florist Distributors of Nursery Overwintering Blankets WHOLESALE AND RETAIL NURSERY NURSERY STOCK • .\NNU.\LS • PERENNIALS • FERTILIZERS • INSECTICIDES 1-800-633-0159 155-165 Princeton Blvd., No. Chelmsford, MA 01863 CHARLES L\UGHTON. PRESmENT • DAVE POLGREEN. NXTISERY SALES THE PLANTSMAN The Green Spot Are You Ready for IPM? How well do you score. ..biologically speaking? Choose the best, most honest answers to the test questions below. Tally up your points — the number of the answer is the amount that answer's worth. Com- pare your tally to the ranges in the score box. A. How often do you scout your crops for pests and diseases? 1. I have a regular, weekly scouting program. 2. Every week or so. 3. Whenever the mood hits me. 4. Never. B. When do you typically treat for pests with chemicals? 1. At the very first sign of their presence in the crop. 2. When their numbers reach a specific density. 3. When pressured to do so by the state, customers, etc 4. When horrific pest pockets are noticed. C. How do you typically spray? 1. Thoroughly, but only in problem areas I spot-treat). 2. Thoroughly, in the entire crop or range. 3. Sporadically. 4. I'm not sure. D. How do you react to the presence of pests? 1. I assess the situation to uncover all possible options. 2. 1 wait for a week or two to see what happens. 3. I access the situation to determine what to spray. 4. I spray the entire range immediately. E. Are you likely to try a new pest-control product? 1. Very likely. 2. Somewhat likely. 3. Not very likely. 4. Very unlikely F. V/hich comment best describes your pest-control budget? 1. Open and somewhat flexible. 2. Things can be worked in. 3. Spoken for. 4. Budget? G. How do you approach a problem with your crop? 1. I try to be scientific and open-minded 2. I want to fix it and control it. 3. I find the responsible party and tell them to fix it. 4. I hope it goes away H. Do you regularly read up on the latest trade innovations? 1. Always. 2. Sometimes. 3. Not very often 4 Never. I. How do you feel about insects? 1 . Depends on what kind. 2. If 1 don't bother them, they won't bother me. 3. Yuk! lust keep them away from me. 4. The deader, the better. J. Do you interact with your customers? 1. Always: workshops, seminars, education and enlightenment. 2. Most of the time: plant culture tips. etc. 3 Hardly ever I'll answer their questions if they ask. 4. Never. How did you do? Are you ready for biological pest control? If you scored 10-16 points, you should be do- ing IPM — if you're not already. If you scored 17-23 points, you should consider trying IPM. If you scored 24-30 points, you might consider reading up on the subject and taking possible steps toward it — but slowly. If you scored 31 points or higher, forget it — IPM is just not right for you at this time. Mike Cfierim is president of The Green Spot, Ltd., Department of Bio-Ingenuity. 93 Priest Road, Nottingham, NH 03290- 6204. He can be reached at 603-942-8925. MICHAUD Nurseries & Greenhouses, Inc. Route 85, PO Box 334, Exeter, \H 03833 (603) 772-3698 Wholesale & Retail Annuals, Perennials, Nurser>- Stock, Lontainer-Grown cjhrubs, Roses Z^vlilies Davis Brook Farm lo6 Bonds Comer Road, P.O. Box 4-6 Hancock, New Hampshire 03449-04-6 Plione/Fai 603-525-4-28 George -V. 71mm Owner JUNE a. JULY 1997 Pioneer Pointers Essential Steps in Expansion Planning The past few years have been really good. All of your products sell out early. In fact, you usually have to turn customers away because you can't grow enough plant material. This sce- nario usually leads to a grower wanting to ex- pand the operation. The following are some pointers to help you In the planning stages of an expansion. First things first: your business has to be built on a solid foundation. This means: • Have more demand than supply; • Have customers who are reliable and finan- cially strong; • Have a good staff In place. 1. Business Plan: Every business needs to know where It's going. This means the owner and management team have to put some effort Into focusing on mission and priorities. 2. Capital Spending List: This should Include short- and long-term Investments. Include cost estimates and prioritize the Items In order of Importance. 3. Budget: A budget should be completed for the coming year and should Include a best case and worst case scenario with a backup plan If the worst case becomes reality. 4. Organizational Structure: Develop a chart that shows how the people In the business fit to- gether and get the work — especially the In- creased demands of a bigger business — done. 5. Bid Package: if this Is a major Investment, then you need a bid package that Includes de- tails of layout and a list of materials along with all permit requirements. This information was taken from a presentation given by Don Rogers at a greenhouse industry forum in Riverhead, New Mork. Don is a consultant with First Pioneer Farm Credit and has been an invaluable resource for the many folks with growing businesses. For more, call the Bedford Office at 1-800-825-3252. (O.W.) >/Notes 'XT One at a Time How many times in the course of the year do we evaluate some new component of our growing system? It seems like everywhere I travel, growers are evaluating new mixes, fertil- izers, pesticides, pots, plastic. You get the picture. Unfortunately, the process of evaluation is flawed more often than not. We owe It to our- selves to have some procedure in place to evaluate any new purchase we make that's go- ing to in some way affect production (and, hopefully, make It more profitable). If at all possible, you need random replica- tions. If you're evaluating a new pot or soil mix, samples can be placed at various locations on a bench or within a house. This will ad|ust for any temperature or watering variation. Poly, heating, or ventilation systems can be reviewed by trialing one house rather than your entire range. Evaluating for more than one crop cycle or season will help as well. January's sunlight is different than April's. The humidity affecting your polnsettia crop Is not the same humidity affecting your mums. All these factors will make a difference. And finally, avoid evaluating more than one product at a time. The more variables present, the more difficult it is to tell what's causing the final results. ]im Zablocki is Technical Manager of the Northern Horticultural Croup, Scotts Company. He can be reached at 603-224-5583. Perennials, Plugs, Geraniums, Prefinished Mums Bulbs, Holiday Crops, Flowering Plants Joseph Giannino Co. Representing Fine Growers of Quality Plant Material P.O. Box 757, Rowley, Massachusetts 01969 Telephone: 888/948-2001; Fax: 508/948-8167 THE PLANTSMAN The Morc You Grow, The Moie You Know. w> I've been in this business a long lime. We know our customer's needs and demands. It dosen't make a difference of the time of year or the size of the project. Northeast Nursery covers it | all. With the widest selection in wholesale plant materials and landscape supplies in all of New England it's no wonder many consider Northeast Nursery the best One-Stop shopping for all your landscape and green supplies. (fr^^f^ortheast Nursery, Inc. Supplying Fine Plant Material & Landscape Supplies 234 Newbury Street, Rt. 1 South Peabody, MA 01960 Tel. (508) 535-6550 Fax (508) 535-5247 Wholesale Gold Star Whalesale Nursery is a family owned business. Since 1952 we have bees offering the finest wholesale planting materials to landscape contiactots throughout the N£. area along with the one element that mily sets us apart fmm the competition_service. Cold Star welcomes your comments and suggestions. Make us your ooe-siop for die best in wholesale landscape supplies. JBB!.M1.111!l!IMIiai,miBWlliH.HHI!llll1,flMiliMiWWr HARRY STOLLER & CO., Inc. 109-113 Essex St., Haverhill, Mass. 01830, (508) 373-6838, (800) 322-0332 We cater to the small and medium size nursery in any quantity desired: 1. New heavy grade domestic burlap sqs. untreated & no-rot-treated 2. Open burlap bags 3. New windbreak burlap 4. Balling bags 5. Wire baskets 6. Flat-folded burlap basket liners 7. Truck covers 8. Sisal twine & poly twine 9. Woven polypropylene sqs. 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 jtewarts NURSERY, Inc JUNE «^ JULY 1997 Our beneficials can be downright mean to your pests. If you're looking lor a large selection ot quality organisms and related products at Ian prices . And if you want experienced support and reliable service to go along with the goods, then i Ask to receive a complimentary copy of our 145 page I'^'J? Gree Melhods" catalog ' The Green Spot, Ltd. 603/942-8925 Fax 603/942-8932 E-mail GrnSpt@internetMCI com Mail 93 Priest Rd Nottingham, NH 03290-6204 *ONE COPY PER ADDRESS RETAIL VALUE $8 95 pUANr QUAir SINCE 1192 New England's Leading Full Line Seed House • Packet Seeds • Lawn Seed • Fertilizer • Grounds Maintenance Chemicals 1 (800) 326-HART FAST, COURTEOUS SERVICE The Chas. C. Hart Seed Co. RO. BOX 9169 WETHERSFIELD. CT 06129-0169 1 (800) 326-HART HoMng's Missing Argus is Total EnvironmenUil Coordination. Nothing is missing, everything is there from the start. Argus includes every control capability you might need so that when you expand, you don't need to start over, just add the sensors and outputs, and you're up and running. No missing pieces, ever... it's Total Environment Coordination. Argus handles hundreds of complex functions including imgation, nutrients, chemicals, runoff, energy management., everything you need to consider in total environment coordination. V '^■^ '^ Designed for growers not computer programmers, Argus is simple to operate and maintain. We back Argus w^ith free technical support for as long as you own It... and, we've been doing that successfully for over 1 7 years. VWiy buy a system that only has a few of the pieces? Let Argus -^W^*/-* manage your greenhouse so you can manage your business. Growth Zone Systems 1-800-932-2214 E Mail GZS@SOS.NET See our Web Site at http://www.Argus-Controls.com ■p^- THE PLANTSMAN Bedding Plant IPM Work: Man Eaton 1997 Normally I teach a course in integrated pest management in the spring. This year, with my co- instructor on sabbatic leave and the course not taught, I was able to do work on bedding plant IPM. As with many things I do, this effort was aided by colleagues — Nancy Adams, Paul Fisher, Margaret Pratt Hagen, David Seavey, Margaret Skinner (UVM), Cheryl Smith, and Stan Swier. The first project was a scouting program. We selected four greenhouses where we would pilot the program. We visited weekly from early February through early May. We used sticky cards and plant examinations. We set out indicator plants for INSV. When diseases ap- peared, we checked them out in the plant health lab. We taught the growers how to identify insects on sticky cards, and introduced scouting. We also learned our- selves about the logistics of running a scouting pro- gram. 1 learned a lot about the different plants (boy, you sure grow a lot of different things!!). We also re- fined tools for data collection and plotting. The second part of the bedding plant work was a training session. We ran a session on April 10th at the Plant Biology greenhouses. Fifty-nine people attended. They learned many of the skills mentioned above, plus got a peek at research by Drs. Paul Fisher and Margaret Skinner. Response was overwhelmingly positive, so we will try more sessions in the future. Perhaps we will in- corporate a grower panel and more information on bio- logical controls in future sessions. For now, we have concentrated on basics. Dr. Man T. Eaton is an Extension Specialist. Integrated Pest Management, at the University of New Hampshire in Durham. He can be reached at 603-862-1734. A Coalition for All Agriculture B(7/ Zweigbaum The New Hampshire Coalition for Sustaining Agricul- ture is an aggregation of agricultural groups that have come together to recognize the benefit of re- peating a common theme: that agriculture is a valued and vital part of New Hampshire's economy, environ- ment, and communities. This theme connects all as- pects of farm and forest promotion into a single focus. Consistent repetition of worthy attributes is the hall- mark of creating a brand identity. Creating a presence in the public mind that agriculture is not just vaguely favorable, but clearly beneficial to society is the key to sustaining agriculture in New Hampshire. As an indus- try, agriculture needs to build for the future by creating positive public perception, utilizing issues other than defensive ones. The Coalition hopes that ag-related groups will see the benefit of repeating this common theme when communicating their own unique stories to the public. We are also interested in identifying indi- viduals who are interested in serving as "Agricultural Ambassadors" and who would be wiling to participate in a training program we will be sponsoring in August. The Coalition can be contacted through Bill Zweigbaum, 302B lames Hall-UNH, 56 College Road, Durham, NH 03824-3589, phone (603)862-4631; fax (603)862-0208. Bill Zweigbaum is an Extension Specialist, Agricultural Business Management ^B^^ The Grififn Guru Lverything Must Be Right Before It Can Go The manufacturer Is responsible for getting a "new" product formulated, packaged, labeled (correctly, as mandated by law), and shipped to their distributors so that when the news re- leases and advertising hit the street. It's all set to go. There Is one other |ob the manufacturer must do If the product is a chemical — and that Is to register It In each and every state In which It's to be offered. That state will be the authority on how and to whom It can be sold. As in the case of the "new" Marathon 60% wettable powder, it received a federal EPA reg- istration and was shipped to our warehouse and It will remain In our warehouse until the prod- uct has been cleared by the state. (Note: by the time you read these words, we sure hope we are shipping.) Even though we're receiving calls every day, it is Impossible to enter a potential order until we receive the proper okay from the state. That's the way we protect ourselves (Grif- fin) from wrongfully shipping and the way we protect you from using an unlicensed product. The tip Is this: save the expense of calling around. Ask your supplier to call you when a product that has a problem like the one just described Is ready to be released for your use. And In the meantime, thanks for understanding the problem. ..or at least trying to. |UNE & |ULY 1997 Pitfalls in Hiring and Firing THE MOST COMMON EMPLOYER MISTAKES Jfiomas ]. Flygare, Es^. and \ames P. Reidy, Esq. Employment disputes are responsible for one of the fastest growing areas of litigation in the United States today and are one of the largest sources of uninsured liability for businesses of all sizes. Irrespective of litigation, the hiring and firing of employees costs companies time and money that most need to avoid. For small businesses, time spent early in the process will pay dividends later in the form of risk avoidance. This is especially true for family busi- nesses, where the natural inclination is to treat family members differently from other employees. This, as dis- cussed below, can be risky. The employment relationship is now much more heavily regulated by government at all levels than it was several decades ago. New laws from Congress and state legislatures are constantly making employment decisions more complicated. With the overlap of state and federal laws in this area, confusion is inevitable. In addition, decisions and verdicts from state and federal courts make everyday employment issues much more complex. While it might be said that liability for employment disputes is just one more cost of doing business in the modern era, this attitude fails to take into account the many affirmative and preventive steps that employers can take. With that in mind, we have developed a se- ries of suggestions designed to and minimize the risk of disputes with employees. Getting Off to a Bad Start: Lack of a Job Description or List of Duties. Suggestion. Prepare job descriptions with simple and clear descriptions of each job's required experience/ skills, duties and obligations. Each position in your company should be carefully de- fined and job responsibilities and performance criteria outlined. This not only helps to communicate the ex- pectations of each employee but also describes the ba- sis upon which to evaluate the performance of that em- ployee. Later, if there is a question or issue about whether the employee was fulfilling the expectations of the job, the position description can be consulted (or modified) to resolve the matter. Failure to Communicate Expectations and Performance Criteria Suggestion Adopt, implement and maintain an effective performance evaluation system Along with a position or job description, each employee should be told precisely how his or her performance will be evaluated Each criterion should be defined and the relative importance of the criterion should be indi- cated. For example, if the quality of work is more im- portant than the volume produced, then the employee should be told that performance criteria related to quality will be given more weight than performance cri- teria related to quantity. It is not necessary that each criterion be a factor that can be evaluated objectively. That is, performance evaluation can encompass more than those items which can be measured quantitatively, such as output, attendance, etc. Subjective factors such as judgment, decision-making skills, cooperative atti- tude, etc. are certainly valid aspects of any evaluation. A specific schedule of performance evaluations should be established. The evaluations should not be so infrequent that significant changes in job responsi- bilities or performance could occur between them. By the same token, performance evaluations should not be scheduled so frequently that they become perfunctory and meaningless. A good system is one which calls for regular performance evaluations every six months, but allows for adhoc evaluations when requested by the employee or the supervisor. The whole system of performance evaluation will be meaningless if supervisors do not provide frank and critical assessments of the performance and conduct of employees. Failure to Effectively Notify Employees of Work Rules and Policies Suggestion Develop and adopt an employee manual or handbook. To clearly and consistently communicate company rules and policies, the preparation of an employee handbook is advisable. It would typically include provisions re- garding hours of work, work rules, employer policies, disciplinary procedures, etc. The handbook need not THE PLANTSMAN be lengthy; clear, concise provisions are best. All em- ployees should have easy access to a copy of the hand- book. To avoid dispute, avoid the contractual effect of an employee handbook. It should include a disclaimer which provides that the handbook is intended as a guide to company policies and is not a contract. Even with this disclaimer, employers shouldn't put anything in an employee handbook that the company does not intend to fulfill No handbook should be issued if top management is lukewarm or equivocal about any of its provisions. In order to assure that a handbook accom- plishes its objectives — boosting morale and providing a clear and consistent statement of the terms and condi- tions of the employment relationship — management must support its provisions in all respects. Misclassification of Employees as Overtime Extempt Suggestion: Be certain that your employees are properly classified as salaried or hourly wage-earners and whether they are eligible for overtime. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), a federal wage and hour law which applies to most employers, requires covered employers to pay employees, unless they are exempt under provisions discussed below, one-and- one-half (I 1/2) times their regular wage for each hour over 40 worked each work week. Employees who are exempt from the overtime requirements of the FSLA are outside sales representatives, independent contrac- tors, and executive, administrative, and professional employees. All others (with some narrow exceptions) must be paid overtime. Employers should not be lib- eral in the application of the exempt classification, be- cause the Department of Labor is not and the cost of accrued overtime and penalties can be severe. Based on experience in our practice, it appears that many employers are incorrectly applying the exemp- tions under the FLSA. That is, many nonexempt em- ployees are paid on a salary basis and given no addi- tional compensation for overtime, in some instances, nonexempt employees are paid on an hourly basis with no premium for overtime work. It is critical that all em- ployees be properly classified as exempt and nonex- empt so that provisions can be made to pay the nonex- empt employees an overtime premium. The many exemptions to the FLSA's overtime re- quirements include an exemption for certain agricultural workers. However, this and other exemptions are nar- rowly defined and construed. Companies should consult with legal counsel to check all proposed exemptions. Failure to Promote Anti-discrimination Policies Suggestion. Adopt and implement a policy against illegal discrimination in the workplace. State and federal laws prohibit employment discrimina- tion on the basis of race, age, national origin, religion, gender, marital status and disability. Employers who are covered by these statutes and are found respon- sible for acts of illegal discrimination may be subject to substantial damage awards. One of the most dangerous forms of liability for em- ployers today is a charge of sexual harassment Unlaw- ful sexual harassment under both state and federal law includes not only sexual advances and requests for sexual favors in exchange for job benefits, but also other conduct (including verbal) of a sexual nature which interferes with an employee's work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environ- ment. While sexually-oriented joking and flirting may be acceptable to some employees, other employees may find it intimidating and offensive. In this sense, sexual harass- ment is very much a subjective offense; that is, certain conduct may or may not be sexual harassment depending upon how it is interpreted by each employee. Accordingly, it is important to take all appropriate steps to reduce or eliminate the likelihood that sexual harassment will occur. If you have not already done so, you should immedi- ately adopt a policy against sexual harassment. How- ever, it is important that the issuance of this policy not be simply a mechanical gesture. Communicate to all employees, particularly members of management, that sexual harassment of any type will not be tolerated and that the company will take most seriously any com- plaints of sexual harassment in the workplace. Failure to Respond to Complaints of Discrimination Suggestion. Maintain a workable complaint procedure and promptly investigate all claims of discrimination. All complaints of illegal discrimination in the workplace should be promptly investigated and appropriate action taken. All sides of the matter should have an opportu- nity to state their position, but in the end, management must decide whether or not the discrimination occurred and, if so, how it should be treated. Certain forms of discrimination should lead to the discharge of the per- petrator. Others may deserve less serious responses. It is important to allow employees a few avenues for lodging complaints of discrimination. If your policy re- quires the employee to file such a complaint first with his or her supervisor, this may lead to problems if that supervisor is the alleged perpetrator. Accordingly, your policy should allow complaints to be lodged at two or more different points in the management structure. Saying Too Little: Failure to Notify Employees of Problems and/or Not Giving the Real Reason for Adverse Employment Decisions Suggestion. Require that management inform employees of performance problems and provide the real reason for management actions. Supervisors and other members of management should be required to communicate to employees and docu- ment in the file any instances or patterns of unsatisfac- JUNE & |ULY 1997 Jolly Farmer' PRODUCTS BARK MULCH DIVISION BARK MULCH. ..by the tractor-trailer load Hemlock • Cedar • Mix * Premium Mix ■ Dark Mix BAGGED PRODUCTS... Our own Bark Mulch in 2 and 3 cuft bags Hemlock • Pine-Spnjce • Cedar ■ Spruce Hemlock Dark Bark M^ I 'Wholesale (growers and Suppliers'' Pine Bark Nuggets and Mini Nuggets & Hemlock Bark Nuggets and Mini Nuggets Now made in our plant at Poland Spnng. ME Soils & Manures PLAYGROUND MULCH ■ ROOT MULCH ■ BUDGET BARK GREENHOUSE DIVISION Annual Plugs Perennial Plugs Rooted Cuttings Geraniums Bedding Plants Hanging Baskets Potted Annuals Hardy Mums Pot Mums Cyclamen. ..liners, finished Poinsettias... cuttings, finished Box 56 • Route 10 ■ East Lempster, NH 03605 Phone: 1-800-863-8300 • FAX: 1-800-863-7814 J. *',*.'^ PGM^ DIVISION ; 527 . Route 122 • Poland Spnng. Maine 04274 Phone: 1-800-879-2275 • FAX: 1-207-998-2006 I PROFESSIONAL GROWING f^^EDIA Made and used by Jolly Farmer Box 56 • Route 10 • East Lempster, NH 03605 Phone: 1-800-565-4746 • FAX: 1-800-966-4746 "Integrity, quality, & reliable service since 1967' Plccisant View Gardens vTrowers of Quality Liners ^& Finished Material 7316 PLEASANT STREET LOUDON NEW HAMPSHIRE 03301 603-435-8361 OR 1-800-343-4784 FAX 603-435-6849 THL PLANTSMAN tory performance or misconduct. This is not to suggest that the file be "papered" or that the employee be ha- rassed into quitting, but only that repeated or serious unacceptable performance or conduct be noted in the file and communicated directly to the employee. When informing an employee of discipline or termi- nation, give the actual reasons. If you give false reasons (common examples are a reorganization or a decline in revenues! and your actions are later challenged, you will have to backtrack and document the real reasons for your actions This frequently happens when the em- ployer responds to the employee's claim for unemploy- ment compensation and later desires to say something different in response to a discrimination or wrongful ter- mination claim. Be truthful and consistent. Saying Too Much: Disclosing Too Much Information or Failure to Control What Is Disclosed and to Whom Suggestion: Designate one or at most two representatives to speak on behalf of the Company and respond to reference checks. Employers are always torn between saying too little or saying too much when it comes to employment refer- ences for former employees. On the one hand, employ- ers are afraid of defamation lawsuits and related claims by former employees especially when information pro- vided by that employer may affect a former employee's ability to get another job. On the other hand, em- ployers are now faced with claims for providing false or misleading references when they fail to disclose poten- tially important information to prospective employers. Most jurisdictions, including New Hampshire, now recognize a legal claim against employers who are negligent in hiring and retaining employees: that is, when the employee causes harm to others and the employer knew, or should have known, the employee had dangerous propensities. As a result of burgeon- ing legal theories in the hiring arena and the busi- ness cost of hiring the wrong person, prospective em- ployers have good reason to thoroughly check and screen the background of potential employees. Refer- ence checks can be among the most valuable tools for screening applicants , but they are not without their potential legal pitfalls. Although the general rule is that employers are protected by a qualified privilege when giving references to a prospective em- ployer, that privilege only covers communications made in good faith. it is because of the pitfalls in giving employ- ment references that many employers, as a matter of policy, have stopped giving references altogether, be- yond confirming the dates that the former employee worked for the company. However, such a policy, de- pending upon how it is communicated to a prospec- tive employer and whether there is any additional "off-the-record" discussion, may effectively convey the wrong message and have the effect of creating the type of liability the employer tried to avoid. As a rule, therefore, employers should designate one or two representatives to speak on behalf of the com- pany. Those representatives should respond to refer- ence checks with simple, verified statements of fact about the former employee. Adding Insult to Injury: Inviting a Lawsuit by Mishandling Discipline or Discharge Suggestion. Strive to achieve a balanced, fair, and con- sistent approach to discipline and discharge. In order to avoid or reduce the chances of a lawsuit arising out of employee discipline or discharge, we offer the following advice: Don't fire an employee after a heated argument or major dispute. The best time is after a regularly scheduled performance evaluation when cooler heads prevail; don't delegate the difficult task of informing an employee of termination. And don't inform the employee of termination by letter only, unless that is the only means of communication. However, it is an acceptable practice to write a termination letter and to give the employee an opportunity to read it in your presence. Don't insult or belittle the employee during a termination session. Stick to the facts re- garding the unsatisfactory performance or misconduct and outline the benefits that will be provided with the termination. Don't characterize the reasons for an employee's work problem. That is, don't use terms like "laziness," "lack of intelligence," etc. Avoid dis- cussion of the employee's personal problems, home life, or other factors related to performance at work. Simply describe the unsatisfactory performance or misconduct. Don't deny the employee an opportunity to respond to the evidence upon which you have based the decision to terminate. This will not only demonstrate openness, but you may also learn some important things about the way the employee was treated in the company. Don't attempt to persuade the employee that termination is the appropriate step. If you try too hard, you're likely to engage in "overkill" and provide the employee with some emo- tional incentive to file a lawsuit or discrimination complaint. And don't rule out compromise. Be aware that there are solutions besides termination which may be appropriate to the problem. Force your man- agers to consider such alternatives before recom- mending that an employee be terminated. Tom Flygare and ]im Reidy are members and directors of the law firm Sheefian Phinney Bass and Green, Professional Asso- ciation, Manchester, NH. They both practice in the area of la- bor and employment law. Tom can be reached by phone at (603) 627-8168 or by e-mail at: ttlygare@sheehan.com. \im's phone number is (603) 627-8217 and his e-mail address is: ireidy@sheehan.com. JUNE «. JULY 1997 DIAGNOSTIC UPDATE £3 We have certainly had our share of •bizaiie' weather this spring! I'm holding out hope for June to be more typical" and not like last year (with only six days above 80 degreesl. The cloudy, cool weather was a major contributor to an increase in BOTRYns problems on greenhouse crops, particulariy bedding plants. Root rots caused by pythium have also been fairiy common on pansy, impatiens. and geranium. The lack of sunlight decreases the rate of transpiration and. as a result, the amount of water required by the plant is also reduced. If watering is not reduced accordingly, the wet growing media can favor the devel- opment of the root rot. .\nother problem favored by these low-light conditions is edema, a disorder common on ivy geraniums. Many geranium growers throughout New England have also reported symp- toms resembling nutrient imbal- ances. Most of the samples that were submitted to the UNH-PDL were diagnosed with high soluble salts damage or iron-manganese toxicity. Symptoms of soluble salts injury include necrosis (browning) of die leaf margins, interveinal chlo- rosis or yellow/brown speckling, and upward cupping of leaf margins. Iron-manganese toxicit>' symptoms are similar to those caused by high soluble salts, except the interveinal chlorosis and browning are usually more severe. Iron-manganese toxic- ity is common with poor drainage and/or low pH. The cold weather also caused problems on dianthus and tomatoes. The leaves devel- oped a purple pigmentation (actu- ally due to a phosphorus dencienc\ caused by cold soil temperatures i Additional problems diagnosed on greenhouse crops included phyto- PHTHORA root rot on fuchsia, ixsv on amarylis. and bacterial bught on German iv>'. T^TC DiEBACK due to winter in- jury drought stress is beginning to show up on a wide range of woody species. Remember, we can expea to see symptoms of the '95 drought for another year or two. Besides twig dieback (due to natural prun- ing' or increased susceptibility to fungal infections), needle loss on conifers (particularly on the upper branches of spruce) is also a com- mon symptom of drought-induced injur>'. Some areas in southern New Hampshire experienced a four-to- six week drought last summer. This will compound the effects of the pervious droughtis). The wet fall may also have delayed dormanc\- in some species, thus increasing the chance for winter injurv. Prune any branches that did not break bud by the end of .May. Most of the prob- lems diagnosed on woody orna- mental during March and April were due to winter desiccation. Turfgrass infected with either (or both) of the snow mold fungi be- gan aTTi>ing in the PDL in April. Al- though we did not have prolonged snow cover in the southern part of the state, we did have plenty of moisture. F*ink snow mold does quite well under these conditions and can continue to be a problem as long as the conditions remain moist and cool. During the eariy summer months problems on turfgrass include BROWN P.^VTCH and PYTHIUM BLIGHT (both common during periods of warm, humid weather with rainy periods), and leaf spots Red THREADS has been fairly common on both perennial ryegrass and fescues. Several diseases cause problems every year on annuals and p>erenni- als. BoTRYns bught is probably the most common. The disease is fa- vored by high humidity' and pro- longed leaf wetness, so any mea- sures to increase air flow and re- duce the duration of leaf wetness will go a long way in reducing the impact of this disease, leaf spots caused by a multitude of fungi and seve.ral bacteria are also common on herbaceous plants Wet condi- tions favor their development and spread. One other problem is com- mon on this group of plants during the growing season. Clusters of circu- lar, brown spots often seen on the upper or youngest leaves are usu- ally caused by pl\.nt bug feeding. A small dark spot or puncture wound can been seen in the center of each spot upon close inspection with a hand lens. Shoot bught (Monilinia) can cause significant damage to PruHus sp. Fungicides should be applied dur- ing bloom, and infected twigs should be removed during dry weather Primary apple scab lesions should be evident on Ma/us sp. by early lune. Secondar>' scab infec- tions should be controlled with fun- gicides to reduce the likelihood of early defoliation on susceptible crabapple cultivars. Bacterial blight on lilac and forsythia occurs every year. A combination of prun- ing and copper fungicides usually provide effective control. Be sure to prune during dr>' weather and dis- infect the pruning tool between each cut Remember, sanitation and wa- tering practices that avoid pro- longing the duration of leaf wet- ness are the most important cul- tural methods for preventing dis- ease problems. If you visk tc submit plant material to the PDL lor diagnosis, send samples Witk a check for 512.00) to-. The UNH Plant Diagnostic Lab. CO Dr. Cheryl Smith. Plant Biology Department, Spaulding HaH-UNH. Durham. NH 03824 Sampks should be accompanied by an identification form {available from your county Cooperative Extension). Cheryl Smith is the U.NH Cooperative Extension Specialist in Plant Health, and can be reached at (603 1 862-3200. THE PLANTSMAN Van Berkum Nursery Wholesale Perennials ^ & Qfoundcovers 1997 ^ 4 James Road • DeerfiebL Nc^ Hampdiire 03