0> ^ w INTER i^E E T I N G Thursday, January 17, 1991 The Margate at Winnipesaukee 0. Details Inside Front Cover NEW HAMPSHIRE PLANT GROWERS ASSOCIATION rr J' he he annual Winter meeting of the New Hampshire Plant Growers' Association will be held on January 17, 1991, at the Margate in Laconia. Registration begins at 8:00. A brief, but important, business meeting begins at 8:15. Reports on finances, the NE Greenhouse Conference, the Manchester Flower Show, and The Plantsman will be given. New officers will be elected and plans for next year's summer meeting will be announced. Members' ideas and comments are appreciated. At 8:45: "What's New for '91." Richard Zoerb, the representa- tive from Gloekner's, discusses new plant products and market trends. At 9:30: "Prolonging the Life of your Small Engine." Tom March, UNH Thompson School, gives the do's and don'ts of preventive maintenance. This illustrated presentation includes tips on lubrication, valve adjustments, air filters, winter storage, and a lot more. And at 10:30, "What's Bugging You?" Tom Durkis, State Entomologist, will give a review of the latest insert problems facing the New Hampshire horticulturist. The featured speaker is Donna Singer Her topic wiUbe "Understanding Differences: Making a Better Workplace." Workers in the 1990s want to be respected. They want their ideas heard they want to be part of the organization. Greenhouses and florist shops and nurseries can rarely pay the highest salaries, and a good worker is a valuable asset. It's important that he/she wants to stay with your company. One reason that a worker wants to stay is that he/ she has a valued and appropriate place in your business. But everyone is different. Where would he/she fit best? In this workshop, you will examine different styles of doing things and how these styles affect others. And this includes your own style as well. Understanding these differ- ences— and utilizing them — can enhance the workplace situation. It can be a calmer, friendlier, and more productive place. Workers will slay; customers return; the business will grow. Donna Singer is an organizational consultant who has been working with adult learners for more than twenty years. Recent clients include businesses, schools, hospi- tals, and the State of New Hainp- shire. Her style is dynamic, knowledgeable. and entertaining; she has a sense of humor. The information she offers is genuinely useful and will affect your relation- ships with fellow workers, employees, and customers. Her presenta- tion— a work- shop combining both lecture and highly interac- tive discussions (you won't be sitting in your chair) — will begin around 11, break for lunch (a buffet; filet of sole, baked ham, etc.), then continue for the remainder of the afternoon. It's a warm and useful way to spend a cold day in January. Cost per person for the complete program is $30.00 for members and $35.00 for non-members. Only those registering in advance will be eligible for meal reservations. Walk-in registra- tions the day of the meeting are $15.00 for members and $20.00 for non-members. See you there. q/lA N T E R i^E E T I N G ^^ m/ D EC E M B E R/ J AN U AR Y 31 ^ EMD December 1990 13-14 New England Arborists' Exposition. The Sheraton, Boxboro, MA. For information: (617) 332-8683 27 Connecticut Nurserymen's Association Annual Meeting. Southington, CN. For informa- tion: (203) 872-2095. January 1991 8-11 Eastern Regional Nurseryman's Association Annual Meeting, Concord Resort Hotel, Lake Kiamesha, NY 10-11 New Hampshire Turf Conference, Manchester, NH 14-15 Connecticut Nurserymen's Short Course. For information: (203) 872-2095. 17 The New Hampshire Plant Growers' Association Winter Meeting. The Margate, Laconia, NH. For information: Chris Robarge at(603) 862-1074. 22-24 Massachusetts Horticul- tural Conference. Best Western Royal Plaza, Marlborough, MA. For information; (617) 266-6800. 22-24 Maine Agricultural Trade Show, Augusta, ME (on January 23: Maine State Florists' Conven- tion). 27 FTD America's Cup Design Competition. Portsmouth, NH. For information: Peter Collins, Collins Flower Shop, Nashua, (603) 882-2723; or Debrah Defreze, Jasmine's Flower Shop, Seabrook, (603) 474-3020. 28-30 New England Nurserymen's Association. Copley Plaza, Boston, MA. For information: (617 ) 964-8209. February 1991 1-3 The Wholesale Nursery Growers of America 1991 Manage- ment Clinic. The Gait House East. Louisville, KY. For informa- tion: (202) 789-2900. 6-7 Massachusetts Landscape Conference. The Sheraton, Boxboro, MA. For information: (617) 964-0452. 7-9 NH Farm & Forest Exposi- tion, The Center of New Hamp- shire Holiday Inn and Convertion Center. For information: call Donna or Zib at ( 603 )271-3552. 11-14 The 46th Annual Pennsyl- vania Nurserymen and Allied Industries Conference. Hershey Lodge and Convention Center, Hershey, PA. For information: Denise R. Calabrese at (717) 238-1673. 15-16 The 5th Annual National Landscape Architecture and Design Symposium on the Envi- ronment. Holiday Inn, Bethesda, MD; 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. For information on exhibitor booths and registration: Sandra Lemerat(301) 652-1212. March 1991 6-10 Granite State Garden and Flower Show, National Guard Armory, Canal Street, Manches- ter, NH. For information: Ginny Grand Pre' at (603) 446-7866. 14-15 New England Landscape Exposition, The Center of New Hampshire Holiday Inn and Convention Center, Manchester, NH. For further information call Guy Hodgdon at (207)439-5189. 15-17 Fifth Annual Seacoast Area Flower and Landscape Show, National Guard Armory, Ports- mouth, NH. For information: Brenda Schure at( 603) 436-0815. August 1991 22-23 The first Landscape and Nursery Trade Show and Confer- ence, sponsored by the Pennsylva- nia Nurserymen's Association. At the ExpoMart, Monroeville, PA. For information: Denise R. Calabrese at (717) 238-1673. INSIDE FROM THE BOARD 3 FORUM 6&7 NEW HAMPSHIRE NEWS lO&Il ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS 14&15 GREENHOUSE ENERGY A Hot Topic! Nancy E. Adaina 18 Profile MILLICAN NURSERIES Evolving Toward One-Stop Shopping 20 TIPS from the Griflfin Guru 24 Silence is Not Golden Thomas K. Sarlini & Doubly Safe Investments Salvadore Morgani 25 Minutes The Planlt^man is published in early February, April, June, September, Oc- tober, and December with copy dead- lines being the 5th of each prior month. WTiile camera-ready is preferred, as set-up assistance is available at a nominal fee. P>ee classifiesd advertis- ing IS offered as a member service We will carry a short message (no artwork or logos) for one or two issues of The Plantsinan. AD SIZE 6x Ix 3 3/8"w X 2 3/8-h $60 $10 3 3/8"w X 4 7/S"h $80 $15 7"w X 2 3/8"h $80 $15 7"w X 7 7/8"h $125 $25 7"wA:10"h $200 $50 For further information, please con- tact the editor: Robert Parker, UNH Research Greenhouses, Durham, NH 03824, 862-2061, PO Box 5, Newfields, NH 03856, 778-8353 December/January 1 F Gardening at an Institution Jennifer Gould 9 or the past ten years I have been employed by Phillips Exeter Academy which is a private school for students in grades 9 through 12. My job has been to design flower gardens, and toplantandmaintainsixteen major garden areas on campus. Through these experiences I have learned that while all gardening is chal- lenging, gardening at an academic institution has its own advantages anddisadvantages. While the general landscaping on campus must have a continuity of plant material, fences, signs, and walkways, flower gardens are not restricted by the same guidelines. Academic, administrative and resi- dential buildings divide the cam- pus into several sections. The parti- tioning permits diversity of garden themes and color schemes. Each garden has a purpose and a reason for being located where it is. Inevitably an errant ball or frisbee lands in a garden with a student running behind it Many garden locations were se- lected because of their high visibil- ity. For example, the Admissions Office, the Alumni/ae Office, dining halls, and the main administration building are among the busiest buildings on campus and all are adorned with flower gardens. Out- side the Principal's Office there is a large garden which supplies cut flowers for the offices all summer as well as provides a colorful place for visitors who have a few extra min- utes to stroll. Some gardens exist because of spe- cial events on campus. At Exeter, graduation exercises are held in early June in frontof the main aca- demic building. The gardens there contain more flowering shrubs and perennials intended to bloom in late spring and early summer. Annuals fill in the color for the rest of the summer. The problems with gardening at an institution occur with the in- creased numbers of people , ani mals and vehicles on campus. Activity is constant and, unfortunately, not all people are sensitive to their envi- ronment. The first challenge was the "spon- taneous picker". This person appre- ciates flowers and picks a few to gi ve to a friend or to keep. Too many "spontaneous pickers" can strip a garden of its color, not to mention the possible damage to other plants that can occur in the process. This problem is impossible to eliminate but has been controlled by sending memos each spring to all faculty, staff and students asking for their cooperation with the gardens by not picking the flowers. They do have areas on campus where they can maintain their own gardens. If someone needs cut flowers for a special occasion, I do the cutting. This way I can cut from the gardens that have the heaviest bloom and reduce the numbers of trampled plants. Another problem occurs when stu- dents relax from academic sched- ules by playing casual games of la- crosse, touch-football or frisbee. In- evitably an errant ball or frisbee lands in a garden with a student running behind it. Though there is no way to avoid this situation, by watching where the students play before selecting a garden site, one canlocate agarden farenough away from the activity to minimize the damage. The last problem I will mention is the damage to lawns and gardens by maintenance and delivery ve- hiclesdrivingonnarrowroads. The roads were meant for walkers, and vehicles have difficulty making the sharp turns. Too often they leave tire tracks in the gardens. I have solved this problem by "planting" granite posts and rocks in strategic locations in the gardens. They add interest to the gardens and are very effective in eliminating tire tracks! By careful observation before selecting gardening sites on a campus, by providing a source for replacement plants, and by providing as much natural protection for the garden as one can, it is possible to maintain attractive gardens in a public area. By careful observation before se- lecting garden sites on a campus, by providing a source for replacement plants, and by providing as much natural protection for the garden as one can, it is possible to main- tain attractive gardens in a public area. Working with "Mother Na- ture" always has been unpredict- able. Dealingwiththehuman being has been the ultimate challenge. ^ Jen niferis the greenhouse manager and campus gardener at Phillips ExeterAca demy. 2 THK Pi. ANTSMAN Special Thanks to Members Representing the Plant Growers' Association Tom Price (Meredith Gardens, Center Harbor) will serve as the NHPGA's representative on the New Hampshire "Farm and Forest Council." This newly-formed group will work to increase the visibility of New Hampshire farm and forest products. It will also "advise decision-makers of the needs of the farm and forest community". Kirk Wyant (Gold Star Sod Farm & Wholesale Nursery, Canter- bury), will represent the NHPGA on the state's "America the Beau- tiful Council." This council will di- rect New Hampshire's part in a national promotion backed by President Bush that will plant millions of trees across America in the next decade. Hopefully, a few of them will come from Gold Star. And Alan Eves (Garden of Eves Greenhouse, Greenland), will serve as an NHPGA representative on the Granite State Garden & Flower Show Board of Directors. A Query from the AAN Update (October 22) Disposal of greenhouse poly film and plastic containers is a growing issue. To explore solutions, AAN is communicating with plastics in- dustry gi-oups. They are asking for information. Has your firm found solutions to plastics disposal prob- lems? Have you found sources for recycli ng used pi astic? Do you have any innovative ideas? Please FAX your ideas and solutions: (202) 789-1893. Or call Clint Albin or Craig Regelbrugge at (202) 789- 2900. Any information would be appreciated. Locally, Yuda Daskal, owner of Blue Bell Greenhouses in Lee (where he grows cut flowers — snaps, freesia, and godetia— year- round and bedding plants in sea- son), looked into recycling possi- bilities in this area. The only com- pany he found was Plastics Recov- ery Corporation in New Haven, Connecticut. They would come for a truckload of used plastic— which is 22,000 lbs. They pay one-and one- half cents a pound or $30.00 a ton. They want the plastic clean and bailed. They recycle it, making re- demption bags. As Daskal pointsout, the plastic on an average 27x100 gi-eenhouse weighs around 250 pounds, so there aren't too many growers in the state who would be having 20,000 pounds of used plastic to get rid of He wonders if theie would be any interest in a cooperative scheme with one or two central collection points. Or if there are companies closer than New Haven. Most small greenhouse operators are still able to dispose of their used plastic legally. A lot of people are glad to use it for mulch and in- sulation. Apparently some people even use it to make skating rinks for their little children. (They staple a floor of used plastic onto a wooden frame, then pour water on the plastic and let the water freeze.) But for people who don't skate, as it becomes more difTicult to dispose of plastic at the local dump, a cooperative collection sys- tem might be an answer. Those in- terested in pursuing the idea fur- ther can contact Daskal at (603) 659- 2997. Or call Tom Gurty at Plastic Recovery Corporation at (203) 785-0458. ^»- 3 L A B I F 1 GROWER/DESIGNER looking for winter work at a living wage. Full time/part time. Seacoast area, years of professional experience in all aspects of raising annuals, vegetables, perennials & herbs in greenhouse/garden. Design experience; small perennial gardens a speciality, floral arrangements, dried flower wreaths. Mature, hard worker, good organizer/manager, common sense. Especially interested in growing organi- cally. Call 778-0692 any day after 5:30. Ask for Kathie. MILLIONS OF SEEDLINGS High Quahty, Reasonable Prices. Over 100 Selections for Christmas Trees, Ornamentals, Windbreaks, Timber, Soil Conser\'ation, Wildhfe Cover. Free Catalog. Carino Nurs- eries, Box 538, Dept. CC, Indiana, Pennsylvania 15701. The Plantsman offers free classifed advertising as a member service. We will carry a short message ( no artwork or logos) for one or two issues. Please mail your classified to: Robert Parker, Editor, UNH Research Greenhouses, Durham, NH 03824. Dkcemrkr/January 3 REARS SOLO fO^ HYPRO HAN NAY AGTECH Orchard Equipment and Supply Company P.O. Box 540. Conway, MA 01341 (413) 369-4335 Manufacturing and Distributing Specialized Equipment for Agriculture SPRAY GUNS FORKLIFTS MOWERS SAFTEY EQUIPMENT Call us at: 1 800 634 5557 to request our new catalog and for all your spraying needs. ^Aa^esa/& J/a 35 PortKind St., East Rochester, NH 03867 • (603) 332-7388 • 332-0127 • 332 B & B CONTAINER AND BARE ROOT GROWN: TREES • EVERGREENS • SHRUBS SMALL FRUITS - FRUIT TREES • ROSES • AZALEAS • RHODODENDRONS ANNUALS • PERENNIALS • GERANIUMS • 10" FALL MUMS NURSERY CARTS • TRACKING TRAILERS CALL OR WRITC FOR CATALOG • DELIVERY SmVICE OR FARM PICK-UPS WELCOME • HARDY NH GROWN PimTlAATHm. NORTHERN NURSERIES WHOLESALE HORTICULTURAL DISTRIBUTION CENTERS U.S. Route 5 • White River Junction, VT 05001 16 Pinkham Road West • Harrington, NH 03825 SERVING THE PROFESSIONAL WITH ABOVE GROUND PLANT MATERIAL Distributors in the following lines: ^?s? Lofts Seeds DeWitt Weed Barrier Corona Hand Tools Eartliway Spreaders • Birchmeier Sprayers • Lebanon Turf Fertilizers • Mulch & Grow Hydroseeding Fiber • Nursery & Landscape Supplies )lies > (Contact: Jim Babb, Mgr. • White River Junction, VT • (802) 295-2117 Bruce Fuller, Mgr. • Barrington, NH • (603) 868-7172 GOOD SERVICE • DEPENDABLE QUALITY • CONVENIENT LOCATION 4 THE Plants MAN SPIDER WEB GARDEPiS Established in 1938 Route 109 A CenterTuftonboro,NH 03816 Quality-Grown Annuals, Perennials and Nursery Stock A few of our specialties include: Lilacs, Canadian Hemlock, Peonies, Daylilies, Hosta, Forced Bulbs, and Partridge Berry Wreaths Open Year-round Daily 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. (603)569-5056 TREES • EVERGREENS • SHRUBS COLORADO SPRUCES 3' to 10'... QUANTITY PRICES AVAILABLE O'Donal's Nurseries HOURS: Mon. - Sat. 7:00 - 5:30 Sunday 9:00 - 5:00 (except July & August) Sat. & Sun. by appt l.rx-atcd ill i.inclion n( roulps 22 & 1 IH Gorham, Maine 04038 Phone (207) 839-4262 or 839-6364 We specialize in cjroixiing specimen plant materials PAUL CAVICCHIO GREENHOUSES INC. Wholesale Growers ANNUALS PERENNIALS GROUND COVERS HARDY MUMS 110 Codjer Lane Sudbury, MA 01776 (508) 443-7177 December/January ^SfilPSMII Regionalized Extension Approach Examined Reprinted from the Weekly Market Bulletin, Sepiemier 12, 1990. Leaders of New England's six land grant universities have often talk- ed about ways to better serve the research and educational needs of agriculture and forestry of this re- gion through cooperative programs organized across state lines. A number of agreements concern- ing teaching programs have been worked out and there have been joint efforts in such areas as infor- mational publications. Now the Council of Presidents of the six institutions is beginning to design a model for a region- wide Cooperative Extension Consorti- um to make possible the formal sharing of extension resources Curt Givan, New Chairperson of Plant Biology at UNH, writes: "/ am very pleased to have joined the Plant Biology De- partment at UNH for what I hope will be a long and fruitful association. The Department derives its strength from its di- versity and its multi-pronged mission in teaching, research, and agricultural extension work. "It is my hope and intention that the Department will, as one of its principle activities, promote scientific advances that will benefit plant growers in New Hampshire and else- where. This will involve con- tinuing interactions betweenthe Plant Biology Department at UNH and the growers to the benefit of both parties." THK PlANTSMAN throughout New England. Accord- ing to the Chronicle of Higher Education, the effort could resul tin the merger of the entire coopera- tive extension program in the six states. "We're not quite sure yet how it's going to work," says Bill Lord, UNH Extension Fruit Specialist and New Hampshire's member of the project team, "but there's al- ready a tremendous amount of New England-wide cooperation." Bill gave the area in which he works as an example: educational meetings, research, and agent training are already being planned and developed by the New England fruit specialists as a team. So whatever develops may not be an actual merger, but a "continued development and refinement" of processes already in motion. Lord is very positive. He says that the Director of New Hamp- shire Cooperative Extension, Peter Home, is looking at this as a way "to enhance — not replace— pro- grams." There has been a serious erosion of staff members because of cuts in government funding, so this growing cooperation between the specialists in each state should benefit the entire region. Foundation gi-ant funds are un- derwriting the project, which should take about a year to com- plete. If it works in New England, the whole effort could become a model for strengthening Exten- sion's role across the nation, its sponsors say. New Compost Facility On October 8, Waste Manage- ment of New Hampshire, Inc., opened a state-of-the-art lined compost facility adjacent to the Turnkey Landfill in Rochester. This facility will initially handle unbagged leaves. The tipping fee for utilizing the facility will be $15.00 for standard one-ton pick- ups. Hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 until noon on Saturday. Customers bringing bagged leaves to the fa- cility will be surcharged $1.00 per bag. For further information, call Scott Keil, Marketing Manager, at 1-800-847-5303. Show Time in New Hampshire From mid-winter through early spring, a wide range of horticul- tural shows take place in New Hampshire. At first glance, one seems only to repeat another, but each has its own special emphasis and each is worth attending. First on the calendar is the New Hampshire Farm & Forest Exposi- tion on February 7-9 at the Center of New Hampshire Holiday Inn and Convention Center in Man- chester. Donna and Zib (603) 271-3552) have some new ideas and say everything's moving along just fine. Less than a month later (March 6-10), the Granite State Garden and Flower Show is held at the National Guard Armory on Canal Street in Manchester. This year the theme is "Through the Garden Gate" and the commit- tee plans to erect a large garden gate just inside the armory doors through which visitors will pass into "the gardens." Garden catego- ries this year are "Urban" "Natu- ralistic," "Traditional," "Tropical," and "Functional." Twelve exhibitors (filling approxi- mately 6,200 sq.') have signed up so far. Other people interested in doing so should contact Booth Hemingway; (207)439-2241. The displays will be judged, com- peting for seventeen awards and a cup. There will be a flower auction, floral arrangements, commercial booths, talks. Ticket are $5.00. Paul Godbout, one of NHPGA's representatives on the show's board, urges all members "to par- ticipate and attend this all -New Hampshire show." He especially urges florists to submit designs and then "to come and enjoy the beauty of the flowers." For further information, call Paul at Jacques' Flower Shop in Man- chester; (603) 625-5155. Then on March 14-15, the First Annual New England Landscape Exposition, sponsored by the NH Landscape Association, will be held at the Convention Center in Manchester. It is open to the public; registration for both days is $35; recertification credits valid in four states — ME, NH, VT, MA— can be earned. The keynote speaker will be Michael Lawn, Superintendent of the White House grounds. Other speakers include John Roberts, UNH Extension, and Dr. Alex Shigo, "the tree wizard." Other topics include design, perennials, wetlands, and irrigation. A trade show ("we're looking at fifty booths or better") is also being planned. For information, contact Guy Hodgdon; (207)439-5189. Overlappingslightly (March 15-17) is the Fifth Annual Seacoast Ai-ea Flower and Landscape Show in Portsmouth. Brenda Schure writes: "Plans for the 1991 Seacoast Area Flower and Landscape Show sponsored by the Portsmouth Regional Visiting Nurses Association are coming to- gether nicely. In addition to adding a day, hours will also be extended. So, mark your calendars now for March 15, 16, and 17, 1991, at the National Guard Armory, McC^ee Drive, Portsmouth, New Hamp- shire. We'll update you later con- cerning hours, demonstrations/lec- tures, etc." For more information, call Brenda at (603) 436-0815. Michaud's: the first greenhouse, Winter 1960 Robert J. Michaud 1924-1990 With sadness, we report the death on September 27 of Robert J. Michaud, 65, of 79 Newfields Road in Exeter. He was a lifelong resident of Exeter who spent fifty years in the nursery business. He was always a landscaper. He also started out working for Charles Williams' Wildflowers "just around the corner" from where Michaud's Nurseries and Greenhouses are now, then for Charlie's brother Ike at Exeter Wildflower "down by the under- pass" after Charlie retired. In 1954, he and his wife built their house on Newfields Road; in 1959, they added a small greenhouse. Their first crop was bedding plants and geraniums. A small shop was built in 1966; in 1972, the house and the shop wereconnected;in 1979,theygrew their first perennials; in 1982, a larger shop was built. Today, besides a large shop area, there are three heated green- housesandthreehoophousesused mostly for perennials. Bob was a US army veteran, a member of the Kensi ngton Amer- ican Legion, the Exeter Congre- gational Church, and several bowlingleagues. He was a found- ing member of the New Hamp- shire Plant Grower's Association. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Caroline; his son, Kent; his daughter, Beth Carter of Exeter; and four grandchildren. And the UNH Plant Biology De- partment, in cooperation with the UNH Thompson School, will hold its annual open house again this year at the greenhouse facilities on Mast Road in Durham. No date has been set (it's usually the weekend before Easter), but a planning committee has been formed. Dr. George Estes is chairman. With all this, who need spring? ^ December/January 7 HARRY STOLLER & CO., Inc. 109-113 Essex St., Haverhill, Mass. 01830, (508) 373-6838, (800) 322-0332 l^e cater to the small and medium size nursery in any quantity desired: 1 . New heavy grade domestic burlap sqs. 5. Wire baskets untreated & no-rbt-treated 2. Open burlap bags 3. New windbreak burlap 4. Balling bags 6. Flat-folded burlap basket liners 7. Truck covers 8. Sisal twine & poly twine 9. Woven polypropylene sqs. Laughlon's Garden Center Inc. Cal Laughlon, Florist NURSERY STOCK • ANNUALS PERENNIALS FERTILIZERS • INSECTICIDES Distributors of Sentinel Foam Overwinter Blankets CHARLES LAUGHTON - PRESIDENT JAMES SIMPSON - NURSERY SALES LAUGHTONS WHOLESALE AND RETAIL NURSERY Tel. 1-800-633-0159 155-165 Princeton Blvd. No. Chelmsford, MA 01863 BSV^as Safety Storage Cabinets • Meet OSHA Requirements • Meet NFPA Code 30 Requirements • Are FM Approved 45 gal. capacity. Shelves are adjustable. Each shelf can support over 500 pounds. Each shelf is supported by four brackets. Cabinet has four leveling legs. Keep flammable liquids near work areas in Eagle Safety Cabinets all are constructed of 18 gauge steel Sides, top. bottom, doors are double-v/alled iy2"air between walls Both vents, with 2" pipe thread fittings, have fire baffle and cap Yellow caution enamel, red warning Plus grounding attachments, 3-point key lock. 2" raised, leakproof door sill Buy Eagle' ^^GRIFFIN Cat. No. 80-3042 GREENHOUSE AND NURSERY SUPPLIES 619MAINSTREET-RT 38 • PC BOX 36 • TEWKSBURY, MA 01876-0036 PHONE (508) 851-4346 FAX (508) 851-0012 8 THE PlANTSMAN Let Rough Brothers' expertise turn your greenhouse into a powerhouse — for profits. Call the experts at Rough Brothers for information and technical assistance on these quality products. Manufacturers of: ■WhiteHouse • The International • Harvest House • The "21 00" gutter-connected house ■ Free-standing poly arch houses •Techlite glazing • Ro-Flo benches • Ebb & Flo benches Distributors of: • Alcoa Aluminum Rn Heating ■ Heating and ventilating equipment • Maintenance supplies, glass, parts ... and more. Regional Sales Manager Mike Foley -P.O. Box 355 Reading, MA 01 867 -61 7/942-1 246 nmn ROUGH BROTHERS Cincinnati. Ohio- 1-800/543-7351 71 Burlington, Street, Woburn, MA 01801 (617) 933-9815 Woburn, MA ^!^^4 foliage ■ holidays ■ hanging plants '^^^^hjt ^^^^' bedding plants • hardy mums ^^^^^M [t] WHOLESALE ■ RETAIL KATHAN GARDENS GREENHOUSES i GARDEN CENTER NEWPORT, NEW HAMPSHIRE TELEPHONE eO3-S63-10B9 OPEN ALL YEAR AROUND MRCH/1/lONr IRRIGATION / SNOWMAKING in Manchester, NH Providing all your irrigation needs. Design services also available. 180 Zachary Rd. Unit #3 ■ ■ n^ Manchester, NH 03101 (603) 622-8825 1-800-558-9888 in NH only RICHARD C. ZOER8 26- STREE1 5K, N. Y, lOOlO ■381- 0920 72 HAWKSTEAD HOLLOW NASHUA. NH 03063 603 886-8665 Dkckmbek/January 9 IL SI WM]g HE New Hybrids Coming Reprinted from Nursery Business Grower, October 1990. Two of the world's leading green- house manufacturers, Rough Bro- thers of Cincinnati, Ohio, and J.M. van de Hoeven b.v. of Graven- zande, the Netherlands, have signed an agreement whereby Rough Brothers will become the exclusive distributors for van de Hoeven greenhouses. The prece- dent setting agreement covers the entire continental United States, except for California and Nevada, which are not served by Rough Brothers. For several years. Rough Brothers has offered its own highly success- ful International Series of Venlo- style greenhouses and Rough's ex- panded Venlo product line will continue to be marketed under the International brand name. How- ever, it is anticipated that future products will be hybrids of van de Hoeven and Rough Brothers mate- rials. "We'll source materials that will provide the customer with the most desirable and economical product," said Bruce Rowe, Rough's Treasurer and Co-owner. Mike Foley, Reginal Sales Manager for Rough Brothers, feels this merger "will give us capabilities to add ontoexisitingDutch structures which we did not have before." For further information, call Mike at (617)942-1246. The Nicest Greeting of All Reprinted from Greenhouse Manager, October 1990. In a move to boost sales beyond its core greeting cards, Hallmark Cards Inc. has begun test-mar- keting fresh flowers in some of its stores. The test of packaged floral ar- rangements marks the first time 10 THE PlANTSMAN the nation's largest card marketer has tapped into the retail floral business. The 80-year-old company is testing flower sales in about 100 Hallmark shops in the Baltimore, MD, and Indianapolis, IN, areas. An ad campaign including 30-second television spots began in those markets in September. At each shop, a collection of floral gifts, including cut arrangements, bouquets, and potted flowering plants is displayed. Each arrange- ment includes a combination of flowers, specially designed con- tainer, and coordinated gift card. Hallmark plans to test the fresh flower concept for about a year. For further information, contact Hallmark Cards Inc., 2501 McGee Street, Kansas City, MO 64108. "Fertilizer Sensor" Developed at Ohio State Reprinted from Grower Talks, October 1990. A "fertilizer sensor" designed at Ohio State University could help growers reduce water contamina- tion from greenhouses. The elec- tronic device monitors fertilizer levels at the root level. A meter tells the rates the plants take up fertilizer, and gives immediate up- dates on fertilizer levels. With the sensor, growers can avoid applying too much fertilizer while feeding plants for maximum yeild and quality. Growers can increase or decrease fertilizer based on the analytical readings. The sensor was developed as part of the OSU's Controlled Environ- ment Research Program. Bill Bauerle, associate professor of horticulture at Ohio State Univer- sity Research Development Center, says scientists there are studying "stable, efficient" ways to grow crops without pollution. Three Blue Ribbons... Reprinted from Grower Talks, October 1990. Eighty-six new varieties of fresh flowers and flowering plants were awarded ribbons at the Society of American Florists' Annual New Varieties Competition during SAF's 106th Annual Convention in Washington, D.C. Blue ribbons were awarded to Acapulco Oriental lily, exhibited by Sunburst Farms, Miami, Florida, and developed by Vletter & Denhaan, the Netherlands; Pre- mier hybrid tea rose, displayed by Parjaro Valley Greenhouses, Wat- sonville, California, and developed by W. Kordes-Sohne, the Nether- lands; and Rex micromini daisy pompon, displayed by Van Zanten, the Netherlands, and developed by CBA, the Netherlands. ...and a FloraStarAward Reprinted from Grower Talks, Oc- tober 1990. Thalia streptocarpus from Mik- kelsen's has been named a winner by FloraStar, the all-industry pot- ted plant trialing competition es- tablished to promote new varieties and foster industry marketing ef- forts. Thalia was bred by Lyndon Drewlow for Mi kke! sen's and is being added to the Olympus series propagated and distributed by the company. Thalia is heavy bloom- ing, with many large white ruffled flowers with carmine-streaked throats emerging from a compact rosette of yellow-green foliage. Thalia will be available January 1, 1991, and distiibuted through ap- proximately 30 brokers. For fur- ther information, call Mikkelsen's at (216) 998-2070. Washington Effects Beetle Quarantine Reprinted from AAN Update, October 1, 1990 A Washington State Japanese beetle quarantine is in effect. Regulated states are Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michi- gan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Penn- sylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, District of Columbia, and the Provinces of Quebec and Ontario. Individual countries verified to be free of Japanese beetle may be ex- empted. Regulated articles include all plants with roots (except bare root plants free from soil); soil, hu- mus, compost, and manure (except commercially packaged); grass sod; plant crowns or roots (except free from soil); bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes (except free from soil). Arizona, California, Nevada, and Oregonenforcesimilarquarantines in an effort to prevent establish- ment of the beetle. For information, contact Washington State Depart- ment of Agriculture, Plant Services Division: (206) 586-5306. FACTS ABOUT THE JAPANESE BEETLE Excerpted from an article by Miles McCoy in the August 1990 Digger The Japanese beetle (Popillia ja- ponica ) was first introduced into this country in New Jersey in 1916 and has now spread throughout most of the eastern United States. Both the adult and larval forms can cause serious damage to many types of plants — the Oregon De- partment of Agriculture estimates this pest feeds on more than 300 species of woody and herbaceous plants. The rose family is a favor- ite. The feeding grubs can damage large areas of turf. It is easily transported on plant materia] and can accidentally be carried in planes, autos, and other vehicles. The larvae (grub) are most easily transported in soil sur- rounding plant roots. Identification. The bright metal- lic-green Japanese beetle adults are oval-shapea, measuring 3/8 to 1/2" long. Their wing covers are copper or reddish-bronze. Two small tufts of hair occur just behind the wing covers; five patches of hair are also along each side. The larvae look like many other insect grubs found in the soil. Their bodies are C-shaped and creamy-white with darker rear ends. A full-grown grub is about 1 1/8" long. Life Cycle. In most regions, the Japanese beetle cornpletes only one life cycle a year. This makes its control a little easier. Adults start appearing in mid-June with peak emergence in July and August. Following emergence, the adults mate and the females soon start laying eggs in the soil. The eggs hatch in about two weeks and the young grubs begin feeding on roots, similar to root weevils. They continue to feed until fall. The grubs then over winter in the soil within about five inches of the soil surface. The following spring, they resume feeding until fully grown. They then form a 'pupa', or resting stage, from which the adult form emerges. The adult lives for about 30-45 days. Control. Dr. Stan Swier, Exten- sion Entomologist at UNH, sug- gests Ofanol, a granular powder that can be broadcast on lawns, for use against Japanese beetles in their grub stage. Seven is effective against adults. Multiple sprayings may be required. Both these mate- rials can be bought over the coun- ter. There are more powerful in- secticides available, but these are better for use near homes or on plants that will be handled by cus- tomers. J. B. CARPENTER & SON, INC. — Olde English Greenhouses 220 South Main Street — hev^market, MH 03857 — (603) 659-3391 ''The Geranium Specialists'' Wholesale Growers 2'/2" Geraniums (year-round; Lilies/Bulbs 4" pre-finished Geraniums Azaleas 2V" Ivy Geraniums & Fuchsia Cyclamen r'artha Washington Geraniums Poinsettias Spring Hanging Baskets Foliage Hydrangeas JOHN B. CARPENTER, President — ROBERT J. CARPENTER, General Manager December/January 11 YOUR FULL SERVICE WHOLESALE and RETAIL GARDEN CENTER CaU or iHsit our convenient Cocation to see our compUu stock_of these fine products: Annuals, Perennials and Nursery Stock Scotts' Lawn Pro Authorized Dealer Ortho • Ames Tools Country Pride Compost Products Featuring Seasonal and Holiday Plants and Accessories Route 16, Osslpee, N.H. 03864 603-539-5995 Hours: 8-5 7 Days Featuring 'NH Gold' Forsythia The best of the new, hardy forsythias developed here by Paul Joly. Several sizes available. Rooted Cuttings — Potted Liners of other hard-to-find shrubs and trees. Send for a catalog. Perennials & Nursery Stock Wholesale and retail. Landscape Consulting M WIHDSOR ROAD NURSERY Rt. 2 - Box 884 - Comish, NH 03'''i'^ Call for an appointment Telephone 603-543-3239 WHOLESALE NURSERY TREES • EVERGREENS • SHRUBS 150 acres of quality plants Write for catalog Member MNA. NENA, AAN Millers Falls Road. Turners Falls, MA 01376 Telephone 413- 863-2510 S Jewarts NURSERY, Inc. ¥' m^ CANTERBURY, NEW HAMPSHIRE 03224 EXIT18, 1-93. 1/2 MILE TELEPHONE 1-800-642-1661 SOD FARMS & WHOLESALE NURSERY, INC GROWERS AND DISTRIBUTORS; NURSERY STOCK • GARDEN SUPPLIES • CHRISTMAS TREES • SOD 12 THE PlANTSMAN NEW-SKY GREENHOUSES Custom-Grown Specialty Crops For Landscapers And Retail Greenhouses WHOLESALE ONLY GROWERS OF THE VERY BEST: Perennials - Flowering Annuals Vegetable Plants WE DELIVER! SHARON NEWSKY (603) 659-3288 DAME ROAD DURHAM, NH 03824 DEEP-ROOTED QUALITY Hardy iMorthern-Grown Evergreen Planting Stock Bare-root TVansplants Bare-root Seedlings Container-Grown Seedlings Call or write fur our cuirent lisl of lining-out stock. 1-800-447-4745 FAX 207-935-2043 ^MfESTERN Dept. NHPDO, One Evergreen Drive Fi-yeburg, Maine 04037 SPECIALIZING IN Heatii. . .Heather. . .Bearbeny. Herbs... Seashore Plants... also, a full line ofqiialiLy nursery slock 1028 Horseneck Road Westport, MA 02790 508-636-5615 isma FOR QUALITY SOD AND SERVICE WmmniFRf mmmaammmsm Route 3A Litchfield, NH 427-7000 Hubbard Road Berwick, ME 1-800-848-7550 Big Rolls with Roll-out Service Convenient Farm Pick-up Prompt Delivery Service December/January 13 Greenhouse Energy AHOT TOPIC ! Nancy E. Adams It seems that we are revisiting the early 1980's again with the high cost of fuel and the pressure this exerts on running a profitable greenhouse operation. Oil prices have risen dramatically the past few weeks and electricity rates are expected to continue their upward spiral. Howcan we better cope with these changes and still manage an efficient operation? Let's review some possibilities. Glazing Options Many changes were made by greenhouse operators in the 1980's to improve greenhouse efficiency without adversely affecting plant growth. Oldleakyglasshouseswere either replaced entirely or regl azed with more improved versions of glass, polycarbonates, acrylics, or fiberglasses. Polyethylene films became available, such as "Cloud Nine", which were long lived and were treated with infrared absor- bent materials to reduce energy losses. These surfaces allowed for improved energy efficiency without sacrificing solar radiation. Now that most of New Hampshire's greenhouses are fairly tight from a glazing standpoint, it's time to step backandreassessother greenhouse components. Ever wonder where your energy dollar is spent? Figure 1 illus- trates where the typical commercial greenhouse operation spends its energy dollar. Variations can be expected due to the climate, condi- tions of the structure and the crops grown. Would you agree with these figures? Energy costs alone some- times exceed 20% of total green- house production costs. Fuel choices and cost comparisons Many growers have combustion units that can bum more than one 14 THE Plants MAN type of fuel. Before switching fuel sources, consider not only the com- parative cost of the alternative fuel but also its availability and labor requirements. The accompanying table, figure 2 provides a fuel cost comparison based on their heating equivalent as expressed in dollars per million Btu's. To use this chart, draw a vertical line through the price of the fuel being considered to the Heating EquivalentCostline on top and bottom. This line shows the price per MBtu. For example, if fuel oil costs $1.10 per gallon, the equivalent fuel cost is approxi- mately $10.80/MBtu.The same heating equivalent for green wood chi ps would cost $62/ton and for coal about $148/ton. Does it make sense for you to switch? Maintenance Suggestions 1. Oil burner efficiency testing is extremely important. A simple ten minute test will help determine if your unit is operating at optimum efficiency. Adjustmentofthe burner to obtain \%-2% greater efficiency can significantly reduce fuel usage over the heating season. For ex- ample, a 2% increase in efficiency in a 10 gallon per hour burner that operates 3,300 hours from September to May will save about 650 gallons of fuel. 2. Cleaning fuel oil heaters will in- volve removing soot from inside the furnace. A 1/8" soot deposit can in- crease fuel consumption as much at 10%. Wirebrush and vacuum or cleansurfaceswithspecial cleaning compounds. 3. Ventilation systems should be checked for worn belts, lubricated bearings, and tight sealing louvers. Good maintenance of the ventila- tion system can save 10% to 20% of fan energy use. 4. Thermostat calibration can play an important role in energy conser- vation. An inaccurate reading of only a few degrees can result in lost fuel. Forexample, when the outside air temperature is 40 degrees F, a greenhouse at 62 degrees F will use 10% more fuel than the same house maintained at 60 degrees F. Sim- ply aspirating thermostats will greatly reduce the temperature fluctuations experienced by ex- posed, unshielded units. Additional Modifications 1. Windbreaks constructed of a mixtureofdeciduousandconiferous trees or fencing can effectively cut heat loss 5% to 10% below that of an greenhouse located in an open area. A well-planned windbreak containing SCX' to 60%' open space placed upwind of the prevailing winter winds will reduce wind velocities for 10 to 30 tree heights downwind. 2. Insulated 6" concrete foundation walls with one inch of polystyrene (R = 4.0) can reduce heat loss through this surface by 75%. Insu- lation can be installed either inside oroutsidethegreenhousestructure. 3. Horizontal aircirculationcreated by small fans pi aced at set intervals throughout the greenhouse can more evenly distribute the warm air and prevent temperature gradi- ents. These are just a few suggestions to consider as you look at your green- house operation. Additional infor- mation can be found in a booklet entitled "Energy Conservation for Commercial Greenhouses", pub- lished by the Northeast Regional Agricultural Engineering Service and available from UNH Coopera- tive Extension Publication Office for $4.25. Call 862-2346 to receive a copy. ^• Nancy E. Adams is an Agricultural Extension Agent at tlie UNH Rockingham County Cooperative Extension. Figure 1 ENERGY DOLLARS refrigeration: 1% ventilation: 5-10% soil sterilization: 7-9% office & warehouse lighting: 2% Typical Annual Energy Dollars Spent in a Commercial Greenhouse Operation ■' Variations are dependent upon climate, greenhouse design, structural conditions, and crops grown. Figure 2 FUEL COST COMPARI SON 60 70 SO 90 ICO no 120 130 140 160 Coal, $/ton I 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ' Natural Gas, $/therm Fuel Oil, $/gallon Propane, $/gallon Green Wood Chips, 30 45% moisture, $/ton >— .40 0.50 0.60 0.70 0.80 0.90 1.00 1.10 1.20 0.80 0.90 1.00 1.10 1.20 1.30 1.40 1.50 0.50 0.60 0.70 0.90 1.00 40 50 60 70 80 Heating Equivalent Cost, Dollars per Million Btu's ($/MBtu) Assumptions Coal: 13,000 Btu/lb. 60% efficiency. $/MBtu = $/ton ^ 13.8 Natural Gas: Therm = 100,000 Btu. 70% efficiency. $/MBtu = $therm ~ 14.3 Fuel Oil (Average #2 & #6): 145,000 Btu/gallon. 70% efficiency. $/MBtu = $/gallon x 9.8 Propane: 85,000 Btu/gal. 70% efficiency. $/MBtu = $/gallon x 16.8 Wood Chips: 45% moisture. 38oo Btu/lb, 75% efficiency. $/MBtu = $/ton ^ 5.7 December/January 15 45 CHESTNUT HILL. RTE 190 STAFFORD SPRINGS. CT. 06076 W. H. MILIKOWSKI, INC. GREENHOUSE SUPPLIES& EQUIPMENT PLANTS BULBS SEEDS ALL YOUR GREENHOUSE NEEDS ■CHOW WITH US Conn 203-6845811 Ouiof State 800-243-71 70 BrXLER AgricitUural Insurance Specialists Since 1967 508-366-1512 ^ ..,„t=„ Fa« 508-898-9230 . s-VOEET • WESTBOROuga, cP^"* 60^>n£SS • FARM . HaatTH S[ '^^ ^ Address . Phone n Update n Questions Newton Greenhouse 32 Amesbury Road, Newton, NH 03865 Phone: 603-382-5289 Quality plants, green and flowering From 2 1/2" to 10" pots Holiday, bedding, plants and dish gardens Year-round snap, pot mums. Gloxinias, and African violets Licensed propagator of New Guinea Impatiens GREENHOUSE PLANTS CHRYSANTHEMUMS NURSERY STOCK POINSETTIAS BULBS/LILIES GERANIUMS PERENNIALS CYCLAMEN SEEDLINGS AZALEAS PLUGS SEEDS D. A. POSOCCO Greenhouse Plants - Nursery Stock David Posocco P. O. Box 158 Stafford Springs, CT 06076 203-684-3086 (Office) Fax 203-684-9849 GREENHOUSE PLANTS C11RYS/\NT11E.MU'MS NURSERY STOCK POtNSETTlAS BULBS/LILIES GERANIUMS PERENNIALS CYCLAMEN SEEDLINGS AZALEAS PLUGS SEEDS D. A. POSOCCO Greenhouse Plants - Nursery Stock Sue Kramer 135 Foster Street Lowell, MA 01851. 508-4584368 (Home) Fax 508-441-9035 MICHAUD Nurseries & GreenhouseSj Inc. vv^ Route 85 — PO Box 334 — Exeter. NH 03833 (603) 772-3698 Wholesale & Retail ISursery Annuals. Perennials. Mursery Stock. Landscape Supplies 16 THE Plants MAN WINDING BROOK TURF FARM, INC. Quality Bluegrass Sod Connecticut's Largest - est. 1959 Deliveries Made Daily throughout MA, CT, Rl, Eastern NY, Southern NH and ME 100% of Deliveries made with Sod Handler Palletized Sod - 504 sq. ft. Big Rolls - 200 or 250 sq. ft. Bluegrass Blends Penncross Bent Available Maine Division Farm Location: Intersection Rtes. Ill & 35 Kennebunk Corporate Office: 240 Griswold Road fl^ , Wethersfield, CT 06109 (203) 52^^69 All Ordering: 800-243-0232 Custom Soil Products By the Trailerload Recycled, tested and competitive North Countiy Products offers New England a collection of custom soil products for the gardener, landscaper, contractor and nursery operator. Whether it's mulch, topsoil, soil amendment, or liming agent, you may call on North Country Products. Everything we sell meets Maine's tough environmen- tal regulations. We welcome new distrihu- tors to serve New England. Brochures, analyses, customer references, and prices are available. Resource Conservation Services, Inc. (RCS) 42 Main Street Yarmouth, Maine 04096 (207) 846-3737 Jolly Farmer Products East Lempster, New Hampshire 03605 WHOLESALE SUPPLIERS Bark Mulch - Hemlock & Mix Bagged Mulch - Cedar & Pine Landscape Ties Cut & Split Firewood We are here to fulfill your needs.... Call Toll Free today! New Hampshire: 1-603-863-3311 New England: 1-800-537-0031 WHOLESALE GROWERS Annual & Perennial Plugs Rooted Cuttings Tuberous Begonias Bedding Plants Potted Annuals Hanging Baskets Cyclamen - Liners, Prefinished, Finished Poinsettias - Cuttings, Prefinished, Finished Nationwide: 1-800-695-8300 Local: 603-863-3370 'Integrity, quality and reliable service since 1967' December/January 17 00000000000000000000000 PROFILE: MiLLiCAN Nurseries Evolving Toward One-Stop Shopping I /\ I bout four miles north of / % the Epsom traffic circle, _/ ^^ there's a spot on a quiet ' M county road where a lot seems to be happening. You notice first the small sign under the line of maples, and then, beyond the stone wall, beyond a lawn pat- terned with beds, a house with three large Daphne burkwoodii 'carol niackie' under the flower- filled bow window. Below the lawn is a holding area for balled trees. Contain- erized shrubs are be- hind this — rows of them on areas of black plastic — and on the slope above and' behind the house are work and storage buildings and green- houses connected to them. John Bryant, the own- er of Millican Nurs- eries, showed me a- round. The landscape beds are new and are meant to showcase unusual and under utilized plants. The plantings were still incomplete in late-September, but Korean Mountain Ash (Sorbua ainifolia) — "a more inter- esting leaf and bark than the fa- miliar European type," Glossy Abelia (Abelia grandiflora)- "a test to see if it's hardy enough for this area," and the Katsura tree {Cercidiphyllum japoniicum) — its leaves turning apricot — were in place. Several compact (A twenty- year-old plant is 3' high) Yaku 18 THE PlANTSMAN Rhododendrons (Rhododendron yakusimanum ) are included, and the maroon-red leaves of Dwarf European Cranberry {Viburnum opulus 'nana') — "one of the finest and most under-utilized dwarf shrubs" — standout. Noteverything was exotic — our native Checker- berry (Gaultheria procunibens) is being tried as a ground cover. The gardens seemed full of possibilities. at the Antioch College graduate school in Keene, began to think that maybe he didn't want to spend the rest of his life sitting behind a desk. Always interested in grow- ing things (He'd grown up on a farm in Iowa and, after graduating from college, had worked as an ex- tension agent in the Central Afri- can country of Malawi, teaching cotton farmers how to use a back- pack sprayer in the fight against boll weevil), John began looking at nursery centers for sale. He looked at 46 of them up and down the east coast. Millican's was the 47th. He saw it in October of '86 and bought it in Decem- ber. Millican's began as a retirement hobby. John Millican, the founder of Pleasant View Gardens next door (who founded Lexington Gar- dens in Massachusetts before moving to New Hampshire), start- ed the wholesale nursery in 1981. But by 1986, the business had grown too large and he was looking for a buyer. Around the same time, John Bryant, then a financial manager He had no experi- ence in running a wholesale nursery, but he, his wife Julie ("She works time-and-a-half; I couldn't do it without her.") and young daughter Nicole ("She helps too.") seem to have figured things out. The business has tripled since John bought it. The demographics have changed — today, 30% of his business is with garden centers and 70% with landscape designers; when he started, the reverse was true. Customers are from every New England state but Rhode Is- land. He has four year-round employees. From the first of December to 00000000000000000000000 mid-February, they keep busy making rustic bird feeders, arbors, and trellises — three or four thou- sand of them — that are sold to re- tail garden centers throughout New England. But in spring, there are 10-12 people working there (In summer, the number's down again — to 8-10.). Potting begins in mid- Feb- ruary. 80- 100,000 bare- root shrubs (John orders from 45 different firms — mostly northern — Iowa, Minnesota; "I just feel that a northern-grown pi an t will do better in New Hampshire") are potted. There are two shifts — the first be- gins at 6:30 in the morning; the second ends around 11 at night. Six people work on each shift (a crew of three at each of two potting benches — with the potting mix coming down a central conveyor belt). The potted shrubs are kept in covered hoop houses until mid-April; then they are moved out- side. Mr. Millican used loam scraped from his land. Bryant no longer does. Not wanting to expose his employees to the Vapam (he tries to limit his use of chemi- cals— he uses no re- stricted ones) used in sten'lization, he's ex- perimenting with soil- less mixes. He's cur- rently usingMetro-Mix 5-10. His biggest prob- lem with artificial mixes is that they're too light — the pots blow over. But he uses enough Metro-Mix that the manufacturer was willing to make for him a spe- cial blend incorporating additional "washed granite sand." With this addition, the weight of a bale is in- creased from 45 to 66 pounds and the texture is coarse enough to help with the drainage. He is also experimenting with Superhumus Soil Mix (basically made up of wastes generated by logging and paper manufacture), T^, he idea of broadening the lines of merchadise sold is not new. But the idea of "life style" -- the awareness of its importance and of the importance of one's own action in keeping its quality high-is. The quiet changes- fewer pesticides, recycled mixes, simple... machines- may be the real innovations. 0 It's a large piece of land — 96 acres — but long and narrow — only 600 feet wide, it goes back for a mile. 80% of it is woods, but in the cleared area before the trees begin, rows of young lilacs have been planted. In 1987, fifteen hun- dred— James McFarlanes, Miss Kims, dwarf Koreans — were plant- ed; today two-thirds are gone. An- other 800 were planted in 1989 and another 2200 this year.The field- grown lilacs have sold well. Syringa is one of the Millican Nurseries specialties. The current catalog lists twenty-seven shrub lilacs and several in tree form. For the first time, they are offering va- rieties introduced by Fr. John L. Fiala, founding director of the In- ternational Lilac Society. John began growing these lilacs in the summer of 1989 from tissue culture liners. They grow fast — some plants grew three feet in one year. They are big-leafed and mildew-free; there's a wide range of height and color: 'Blanche Sweet' is 10' tall with flowers de- scribed as "whitish blue tinged pink;" 'George Eastman' is 5' tall and its fiower is "deep pinkish-cherry." Limited quantities (five per customer of each of seven cultivars) of Fiala's introductions will be available in the 1991-92 season. made by Resource Conservation Systems, Inc., in Yarmouth, Maine. Bryant has concerns about the consistency (whether one load will be exactly like another), but he likes the savings and believes in the concept of recycling. Using it straight made too heavy a mix, but O'Donal's, in Gorham, Maine, uses a mix of half Pro-mix and half Superhumus. Apparently every- thing does fine, so this year Bryant expects to try some sort of combi- nation. The field-grown stock uses a lot of manual labor — mostly in control- ling the weeds. Round-up helps. Bryant uses a "sort of dog house on wheels" invented by Mr. Millican that applies a band of the herbicide safely. He's thinking about other methods of weed control — of buying a weed badger and of applying a pre-emergence herbicide to the pots during potting. (His crew went through the entire inventory twice continues on next page December/January 19 00000000000000000000000 this summer and there were plenty of weeds left in September.) John Millican was known for his deciduous shrubs. John Bryant added to that diversity. Another addition will be of perennials next year. Bryant has dedded to make Millican's a one-stop buying center for his customers — "which will save them a lot of time in the busy sea- son." The acorn-roofed greenhouse connected to the main work area will have the plastic removed, be covered with shadecloth and be- come the selling area. John's not quite sure how things will be set up, but he hopes to have seventy- five varieties — all in two- gallon containers — in there this spring. And in the future, he'd like to do his own propagation — but that's another year. Not everything is changing. One of the more remarkable legacies of Mr. Millican's ownership is the winter storage — "the Cadillac of winter storages," Bryant says. Built in 1981 at the cost of $65,000, the 30x100' peak-roofed structure of one foot-thick concrete is built into a hill. Evenly spaced 4x4 posts with 4x4 crosspieces are designed to hold three tiers of pallets that can accommodate 15,000 two and three-gallon shrubs; the center — one third of the total space — is open and can hold taller material. Before going in, the plants are stripped of remaining leaves, then sprayed with benlate. High cellar- like windows — four along each side— are opened; the fans are turned on; the lights are turned off; the big door is shut. That's it. 'The only mistake was the gravel," John says. Spread on the floor after the structure was complete, it covered the bases of the wooden posts and its moisture has caused some rot. The gravel's been scraped away and new 4x4's have been bolted onto the posts most badly deterio- rated. Why did he make the move from college administrator to nursery operator? "For a better life style," John said. The idea of broadening the lines of merchandise sold is not new. But perhaps the idea of 'life style" — the awareness of its importance and of the importance of one's own ac- tions in keeping its quality high- is. The quiet changes — fewer pes- ticides, recycled mixes, simple— rather than complicated — ma- chines— may be the real innova- tions. Below the house, a small wooden structure — a house for a child— sat between the burlapped trees and the first rows of nursery stock. The window box was empty, but a fine specimen of Thuja occidentalis stood at one comer and a robust bed of Rubus idaeus ran along the back. A small metal street sign— "Nicole Drive"^was nailed to the side. His daughter's playhouse, I thought. The land beyond the deer fence was simply a mowed field and beyond the field was woods. There were customers around, and a few cars on the road, but it was genuinely quiet. I commented on how rural it still was. 'It'll change," John said; "I figure I've got fifteen years." Still. ..as other people begin to re- alize the value of the tranquil landscape, maybe that fifteen will stretch into a little longer. (B.P.) Millican's is located on Pleasant Street in Chichester, New Hamp- shire. For further information, call 603-435-6660.) ^ From the Griffin Guru I asked the Griffin Guru how long he had been writing for The Plantsman. Kim Miller (which is the Guru's real name), Vice-President for Marketing at Griffin Greenhouse Supply, said that in 1988, Kathy Gamester (the editor at the time) had asked for new input and that he had phoned in three '"tips" she could use. They came out in De- cember of that year. And the guru's been writing ever since.... So congratulations — and thank you — to our longest running col- umnist. And to start off his third year, the guru has two tips for you: Do you have a fax machine? We have been surprised and pleased with the way our fax machine has been working out for us. Much like the copy ma- chine, we didn't want to spend the money on something we were afraid we wouldn't use that much. As it turns out, in placing orders alone, it has saved us money in phone charges and the person can see what we want rather than just hear the order. Thus we have less mistakes. One customer requested an M.S.D.S. sheet on a product and, because they had a fax machine, received it within minutes of the call. Remember: Communication is one of the keys to success. Meetings and trade shows Whether it be Florist, Green- house, Nursery or Garden Cen- ter, you are the most important component of any meeting or trade show. Your attendance and support are considered the re- ward for the hours of preparation and cost of renting the hall, so to speak. If your enthusiasm does not keep pace with the cost and effort to produce the function then it will most like wather and die. 20 THE Plantsman roptim you. A quality^ wholesale grower of shrubs, trees, and evergreens in Chichester, N.H. Call for our free catalog \Bk~M\ (603) 435-6660 MILLICAN NURSERIES. INC DRAGON PRODUCTS COMPANY AGRICULTURAL LIMESTONE The science of sweeter soil ' ' PQ Box 19L Thomaston, Maine 04061 (800) 541-9127 WE'VE GOT IT ALL From nursery stock to dry soods, Sharon Sales has it all. We represent the finest srowers' and manufacturers' of lawn and garden supplies in the country. Whether it's Lee Lime or Premier Brands, /v^ssarelli's l^wn Ornaments, plain and fancy planters or just about any kind of nursery stock, our merchandise is available to you. Call your nearest Sharon Sales rep today, and see how working with us can help your business really blossom! QUALITY. QUANTITY 'SERVICE Herb Weiner 275 Turnpike St Canton, AAass. 02021 (617)821-6440 (617)773 RossL Tamblin3S0.-. 11 Indian Hill Rd. New Fairfield. Conn 06812 (203)746-7398 David O'Connell Linda Cakes 60LongwoodRd, 200 South St. Ouincy, Mass. 02169 Concord, N.H. 03301 I (603)226-0242 Judith Mattson 131HollisterSt Manchester, Conn. 06040 (203)643-8363 December/January 21 AV^^S You To G. ^o ky B,E, SUPPLY GREENHOUSE SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT Hemlock Rd. - Langdon Mailing Address: P.O. Box O Charlestown, New Hampshire 03603 »pre'filled flats & pots •restricted pesticides ►fertilizers •distributors for Plasti Form & Plasti Vac ►distributors for Hyde Park ■ squaresand rolls, ■ '■^^ bogs, shade clotti, '.-ri digging stppfes, "J . juteerosioncontrol r'y\ ' ratting and many ■■-':■ accessory products. -'fi . ^';^;'" Sirx;el910,weh>ave - '-' worked to aid ttie (»is growerarxj nurseryman -.— with quality products, in stock and ready for immediate stTpment. You Deserve the Best . . . You'll get it at Dayton Bag & Burlap! For Cutlomer Sentee Ca> Ton Free: 1 -800-543-3400 The "Source" in New Hampshire For Specimen Quality Shade Trees At Bid-Winning Prices. • 500 Acres of New England's Finest Landscape Size Plants • Visit our Extensive Distribution Yard for Fast and Easy Service 604 Main Street .^ Cromwell, Connecticut 0641 6 ^ 862-2015. Make sure you get on their catalog mailing list too. For more information on course content, the new part-time de- gree program, or the Diploma in Landscape Horticulture, call the Hort Tech folks at ' 603 • 862-1035. HT264 HT261 FT 264 HT258 HT260 HT244 Horticultural Pruning: 2 cr.. W 1-4 pm Interior Plants and Plantscaping: 3 cr.. W 8-12 Arboriculture: 3 cr.. M 11-12. and M 1-5 or F 8-12 Bedding Plant Production: 2 cr.. M Th 10-11 and M 1-4 > Meets 7 uks.. Jan 23- Mar 15 1 Flower Garden Design and Culture: 2 cr., M Th 10-11 and M 1-4 'Meets 7 uks. Mar 25 -Mav 14/ Plant Propagation: 3 ci Tl-3 mv 9-10. and T 10-12 or HT259A Pest Management: Diseases: 2 cr..M\VF 10-11, and Th 10-12 or 1-3 BMeets 7 uks. Jan 23 Mar 150 HT 259B Pest Management: Insects: 2 cr.. M\^'F 10-11. and Th 10-12 or 1-3 'Meets 7 uks. Mr 25 - May 14) HT 245 Nurser%- Culture and Operation: 3 cr.. T 11-12 and 1-4' HT246 Landscape Design: 4 cr.. MF 9-10 and F 1-5 (Prerequisites for Landscape Design: Introduction to Woody Plants, Woody Landscape Plants, and Landscape Construction and Maintenance, all offered in Fall Semester/ 1990 New Hampshire Plant Growers' Association Officers President Kirk Weyant Gold Star Sod Farm & Wholesale Nursery Canterbury, NH 03224 738-4716 Secretary /Treasurer Chn.-topher Robarge UXHTSAS Horticultural Fadlities Manager Durham. XH 03820 862-1074 Directors Jennifer Gould Philips Exeter Academy Exeter, XH 03833 778-0224 Tom Price Meredith Gardens RFD 1. Box 233 Center Harbor. XH 03226 284-7709 Alan Eves Garden of Eves Greenhouse 192 Breakfast Hill Road Greenland, XH 03840 436-3581 Richard Emerson Emerson Avenue Greenhouses 181 Emerson Avenue Hampstead. XH 03841 329-5525 Bruce Holmes The Greenery of Ossipee PO Box 1449 Wolfeboro. XH 03894 539-5995 New Hampshire Plant Growers Association The Plantsman Editor UXH Research Greenhouses Durham, XH 03824 Non-Profit Organization US Postage PAID PERMIT NO. 43 ■■^