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FNGLA Celebrates Success at 62nd Annual Convention

July 2014 | Volume 35, Issue 7

More than 150 FNGLA members participated in FNGLA 62nd Annual Convention at the Marriott Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach. With a perfect balance of events and open time for networking and relaxing, the convention provided learning opportunities, industry updates, inspiring words from leaders and was a celebration of the association and its members’ accomplishments.

While there were many special moments during the convention, well-spoken and articulate presentations by FNGLA leaders and guests topped the list. Outgoing FNGLA President Mike Marshall and incoming President Sandy Stein each shared heartfelt and inspiring comments with fellow members. FNGLA’s CEO Ben Bolusky offered articulate and encouraging words about the industry’s future, while Commissioner Adam Putnam and Secretary of the Department of Transportation Ananth Prasad shared enlightening and gratifying perspectives related to stronger partnerships between the nursery and landscape industry and their agencies.

During the FNGLA Annual Meeting, members enjoyed seeing the abridged version of all of FNGLA’s extensive activities for 2013/14 via the FNGLA Year In Review video presentation. Additionally, FNGLA’s 2014 Industry Awards were presented at the Annual Meeting, with FNGLA’s most prestigious award, the Wendell E. Butler Award, going to Chet Peckett (Peckett’s, Inc., Apopka). Chet was recognized for his many years of unselfish service to FNGLA and to the National Foliage Foundation (NFF). For a complete list of award winners, visit http://www.fngla.org/recognition/industry-awards. The Year in Review presentation is available at: https://vimeo.com/98929634.

FNGLA convention attendees were treated to complimentary and exclusive programs by fellow FNGLA members while in Ponte Vedra Beach. Bob Chabot, horticulture director of the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, provided a tour of the zoological gardens for nearly 50 FNGLA members. Dr. Hannah Carter, director of the UF/IFAS Wedgworth Leadership Institute, led a leadership session focused on winning business and influencing friends through sharing knowledge, building networks and showing compassion. Todd Fonda, landscape manager of TPC Sawgrass, hosted a behind-the-scenes tour of the famous TPC golf course and clubhouse.

FNGLA’s Frontrunners Chapter, under the leadership of convention chair Bonnie Marshall (Marshall

Continued page 2

F N G L A ’ S M O N T H L Y P U B L I C A T I O N : D I G I T A L M O N T H L Y I S S U E L O C A T E D A T H T T P : / / G R E E N L I N E . F N G L A . O R G

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Sandy SteinFNGLA 2014-2015 PresidentPRESIDENT’S LETTER

How honored I am to follow in the footsteps of so many outstanding trusted servants who held this position before me. I imagine all the presidents start off their first letter by saying this, but it really hit me as I returned from our annual convention and settled back into my life in Miami. I have spent years trying to give back my small

share to the Association that does so much for all of us collectively. To accept the nomination for this office was simply the next right thing for me to do for the FNGLA, but nevertheless, this experience is just so humbling.

My family was there to see my installation and hear as I addressed our membership, detailing our family’s personal history: My youngest brother, born deaf and blind, and institutionalized as a young child, led my parents into service fighting for the improved care of those born with severe mental challenges. This experience changed everyone in my family for the better, and informs my life in so many ways to this day. Without equivocation, my brother’s role in my family directly relates to why I now hold this office and find myself writing to our awesome industry today.

I also must also “give a shout-out” to my wife, Robin, who will take more responsibility for the business we own together over this next year. Without her support, I would not be able to meet the responsibilities required of this office. She has sacrificed much to enable my life in service for years now, and this opportunity to thank her publicly was not going to be missed.

The FNGLA is the largest state nursery and landscape association in the country. We haven’t gotten here by accident. We’re the product of many trusted servants and a staff, who collectively have seen where our needs are, and found and used all means possible to interject ourselves into issues of relevance to our industry, create educational programs, trade shows and the like for the benefit of this association and its members. We always welcome anyone who believes working in the nursery, landscape, and our allied industries is just a great way to spend your working life, and that volunteering in service for the Association that works for our collective good is a just a calling. Everyone has a story, a history that can be used to fuel our involvement in something much larger than themselves. I now truly understand the intrinsic rewards of service are so much greater than the energy we will ever put in through our time, creativity, or passion.

I wish to thank our amazing staff in advance, for all I know they will do for us over this next year, just as they have done in the past. It could be really scary taking on the role as President of this association, yet I feel so supported by so many people who would never let any of us fall down, at least not without being helped back up. I know I will have one of the best experiences of my life and I will come out shining on the other side - because the greatest extended family anyone could have - would have it no other way.

Thank you all for this great honor. I will do my best to live up to the outstanding jobs of my predecessors. I know this will be a great year for FNGLA.

Sandy SteinThe Jungle Nursery (Homestead)sstein@junglenursery.com

Its an Honor to Follow Great Footsteps

Continued from page 1 Tree Farms) welcomed convention attendees with a gift bag of locally-produced coffee and cookies and a special coffee mug from Stallings Crop Insurance, the convention’s signature sponsor. Each event was beautifully decorated with plants from chapter members and B&L Landscape Co. in Jacksonville. The Frontrunners hospitality suite was the most popular meeting spot throughout the three days of the convention. Special thanks to convention committee members Bonnie Marshall, Ed Bravo, Leslie Marshall, Tim Crawford, Alan Shapiro, Justin Slaymaker, Shaun Brown, Lou Harrelson, Susan Lucas and Shawn Thomas. Access the complete 2014 Convention Photo Gallery at: https://plus.google.com/photos/101900735408609469622/albums/6031081925664816929

FNGLA’s Convention is typically held in the area of the state where the sitting FNGLA President is located. Following that tradition, the June 2015 convention will take place in South Florida. The date and location are being investigated and will be announced this coming Fall.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS BUCK ROBERTS

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FNGLA HAPPENINGS

Seize the Momentum: Plan Ahead for The Landscape Show!

Mark your calendar for The Landscape Show, taking place September 25-27 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. FNGLA’s signature event for nursery and landscape professionals will not only be packed with plants, trees and products to enhance your business, it will provide valuable connections, innovative thinking and inspiring displays.

“The economy is finally showing positive momentum and The Landscape Show is the place to seize that momentum,” said Linda Adams, FNGLA Chief Operations Officer. “Florida’s nursery and landscape industry has certainly changed in the past five years. The Landscape Show is a very convenient and affordable place to meet the new players coming into the industry, assess product availability and take advantage of the latest industry news and information.”

With 2014 being an election year, the Opening Session of The Landscape Show provides a political focus. Entitled, “Election Insights from Political Insiders,” this timely conversation-style session will take place Thursday, September 25 at 9 a.m. Join Jim Spratt, FNGLA’s master of Florida politics, as he peels back the layers of media and political blitz to get to the crux of the November ballot amendments and races which will most impact your business. Adding to the political perspectives will be Tallahassee insiders Screven Watson (D), senior campaign strategist for a wide array of clients, and general campaign consultant David Johnson (R). The conversation between these three political insiders will not only be instructive, but lively and fun.

Adding to the political atmosphere of The Landscape Show will be the Farm Credit/Ag Institute Candidates Forum taking place Thursday at 11:30 a.m. At the forum, gubernatorial and Florida cabinet candidates will be invited to present their ag platforms. This is a ticketed event offered by the Ag Institute of Florida every four years. It typically attracts up to 300 members of Florida’s agriculture community.

While politics are an important industry concern, improved professionalism is also a significant goal of the industry. FNGLA certifications offer the industry’s best measure of professionalism and with this in mind, The Landscape Show will provide an FNGLA Landscape Certification Exam Showcase. This special area will feature demonstrations centered on Plant ID, Irrigation, Plan Layout, and, Grading and Drainage. Certification mentors and exam judges will be available to provide details about the exam and share the benefits of becoming and hiring FNGLA certified professionals.

Increased professionalism comes through industry education as well. This year, the TLS Knowledge College offers six in-depth workshops, each focusing on a sector of the industry. Programs will include BMPs, pest management, landscape design and landscape maintenance efficiencies.

While The Landscape Show continues to take place in the North/South building of the Orange County Convention Center, the show has moved to the South Concourse, facing International Drive. The new headquarters hotel for The Landscape Show is the Hilton Orlando, which combines the best of a business hotel with the recreational amenities of a resort. The Landscape Show hotel reservation service is open with hotels at various price ranges available.

The Landscape Show continues to be the best one-stop, economical resource for anyone in the nursery and landscape business. It’s all about face-to-face learning, connections and inspiration that will help build your business for today and even more in the future. Trade show badges are only $15 for all 3 days of the show. Online registration is now open.

Exhibit opportunities are available for new exhibitors in The Landscape Show. For information regarding exhibit space contact Billy Deal at bdeal@fngla.org or Sabrina Haines at shaines@fngla.org. For more information about The Landscape Show visit www.thelandscapeshow.org or call 800-375-3642.

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F

September 25 - 27

Lobby Banners – $500 - $1000 Take advantage of front and center exposure as thousands of participants pass through this central

show area every day. Multiple high visibility locations available. Banner to be supplied by sponsoring company. Estimated 14,000 impressions.

Solutions Center Presentations – $750 Be sure your company is seen at the show center stage during the daily high visibility events. Your company name and logo will appear on promotional items.

Also your company will be acknowledged and thanked at each event.

Opening Day Reception – $1000 - $5000 If you didn’t meet up with all your colleagues at the show, you’re sure to find them at the

“Opening Reception.” Your customers will be relaxed with a drink and appetizers as you wrap up business for the day. Special Recognition at the reception plus additional drink tickets for your customers. Various opportunities available.

Main Lobby Column Wraps – $750 each Be eye level and in front of show attendees. These column wraps are high visibility high

traffic locations throughout the show to extend your presence. Estimated 14,000 impressions.

Entrance Area Floor Graphics – $500 each Steer every visitor who walks onto the show floor. Use these floor decals to steer visitors directly

to your booth. Only four opportunities available.

The Knowledge College – $750 per workshopPosition yourself to a specific targeted audience. Each program will bring

a concentrated targeted audience. Contact us for more details. Six Sessions available.

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FNGLA HAPPENINGS

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Get in front of MORE PEOPLE

at The Landscape Show!

MORE IMPRESSIONSMORE EXPOSURE

Morning Coffee Service – $1200 What is it that attendees and exhibitors all look for in the morning at a show? COFFEE!! Perfect opportunity to be the talk of the show every morning! Service is for one hour.

Rest Stops – $500 eachBenches paired with street lamps and your company signage will be a welcome sight for buyers wanting to sit down and rest during their travels in the exhibit hall.

Mobile Website Display Ad Space – $200Step in front of attendees as they use the FNGLA Mobile Tradeshow Web/App. Your company will be featured on everyone’s cell phone screen before, during and after the show to maximize your digital presence! Only three positions available!

Aisle Banner – $750Own the aisle with this great option! Excellent visibility for your company with your logo hanging beneath the aisle number on a double-sided sign. Select your aisle or strategically pick from the remaining aisles in the show.

Show Poster – $2000Have your company logo displayed on The Landscape Show poster this year. Everyone wants to see the poster and over 3,000 are distributed and to show attendees and exhibitors each year.

TappedIn: A Networking Event for Young Professionals – $250+An after-hours networking event targeting the up and coming professionals within the industry. Multiple opportunities.

Commit Early to Maximize Your Exposure!

Contact Billy Deal: bdeal@fngla.org or info@fngla.org

September 25 - 27

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FNGLA HAPPENINGS

Sign up for The Landscape Show/SHARE Golf Tournament It’s the best game in town during The Landscape Show — The Landscape Show/SHARE Golf Tournament! Taking place Wednesday, September 24, this annual fundraiser event returns to the Marriott Grande Pines Golf Course. Located conveniently near the Orange County Convention Center, home of The Landscape Show, Marriott Grande Pines offers a beautifully maintained course with each hole designed to be a strategic challenge to bring out the best in each player’s game. The course received rave reviews from golfers participating in past show tournament.

Golf registration fee is only $99 — a great bargain for this exciting course! Back by popular demand are package prices for mulligans, red tee shots and the Par 3 Challenge. The tournament includes green and cart fees and lunch. Awards will be given to the top three teams, closest to the pin and longest drive.

This annual fundraiser, hosted by FNGLA’s Allied Division, has raised more than $161,800 since 1994 to benefit the FNGLA Endowed Research Fund through SHARE/UF. Participating in the golf tournament is an excellent way to support the industry while enjoying a morning of sports with colleagues.

Sponsorship opportunities are available at 2013 prices. Sponsors will receive exposure at the tournament and also at The Landscape Show. Higher levels of sponsorship include golf registrations and can be viewed using the registration link. Register online to reserve your spot in the game. For more information call FNGLA at 800-375-3642.

Exhibitor Access to Services at MyBooth.org

Exhibitors can add or change directory plant and product listings, add a logo to their listings, reserve sponsorships or directory advertising, register booth personnel, reserve banner sites in the lobby and promote new plants or products online at mybooth.org. All exhibitors have been issued and sent a password for site access. If you need this information, contact Sabrina Haines at shaines@fngla.org

Exhibit space is available at The Landscape Show. Contact Billy Deal at bdeal@fngla.org or Sabrina Haines at shaines@fngla.org for booth availability or visit the show online at www.thelandscapeshow.org to access a current floor plan and exhibitor opportunities, such as sponsorships and advertising.

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FNGLA HAPPENINGS

October 25: Mark the Date for the Plant Geek Ride/Walk The Plant Geek Ride/Walk gets back to nature on Saturday, October 25 as it moves to the new Lake Apopka Loop Trail located on the north ridge of Lake Apopka. In its third year, this FNGLA friends and family event, will offer a long-distance 30 mile trail ride as well as a shorter, leisurely ride which will include stops for descriptions of the flora and fauna along the trail. A walk will also be offered with a naturalist expert on hand to help identify the myriad of birds which migrate to the north side of Lake Apopka each year.

The rides and walk will finish with a group cookout at Magnolia Park, the trail head for the Lake Apopka Loop Trail. “The Plant Geek Ride/Walk is a terrific combination of healthy activity, celebration of the benefits of plants and trees, relaxation time to spend with friends and family, and, an opportunity to make new friends,” said Linda Adams, FNGLA’s coordinator for the Plant Geek sports event.

The new route offers more than a path along the lake for riding and walking. There is an abundance of wildlife to view in the native habitat. Lake Apopka has some of the finest birding in central Florida with more than 300 bird species documented. The area also has the highest species total for an inland site in the 100-plus-year history of the Christmas Bird Count.

Other wildlife species seen there include the American Alligator, Northern River Otter, Northern Raccoon and Bobcat. 65 species of butterflies have also been recorded in the area.

With the combination of fitness and nature, the Plant Geek Ride/Walk is especially appealing to young people, families and those interested in keeping fit. While unpaved, the solid base and flat terrain of the trail make it a friendly course, even for beginners.

For the more experienced rider, the thirty mile ride will make an exciting and unique ride as large alligators along the pathway are a common site.

Observation towers to view all of Lake Apopka are located along the trail and make perfect rest and refueling stops for all level participants. Learn more about Lake Apopka’s north shore at: http://floridaswater.com/recreationguide/lakeapopka.

Save the date now for this fun event! More details, including how to register, are to come as plans develop.

Sign up as a sponsor! Contact FNGLA’s Billy Deal at bdeal@fngla.org.

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From floriculture industry trends to new plants and ideas; growers, landscape professionals and garden center retailers found new and innovative concepts

to take back to their businesses at FNGLA’s Floriculture Field Days in May. Breeders from across the country showcased new varieties of floriculture

crops to see how they stood up to southeastern heat and humidity.

Industry attendees were asked to choose their top three choices from over 140 new varieties at the Field Days and the votes are in:

Caladium ‘Cherry Tart’ stole the show as the favorite plant! Trialed by Bates Sons and Daughters, Caladium ‘Cherry Tart’ is a rose pink

colored caladium with green margins. It is a compact strap variety and makes a great 4” or larger pot with or without de-eyeing. ‘Cherry

Tart’ also shows well in a hanging basket. In the landscape or in combination patio planters, ‘Cherry Tart’ makes an ideal border plant tolerating up to 8 hours of morning sun. This is a University of Florida release.

Salvia ‘Cathedral Shining Sea’ was also very popular: ranking as the second favorite plant at the trials. Propagated vegetatively, the Cathedral series of Salvia from Greenfuse include four hues: purple, deep blue, sky blue and shining sea. They are best grown in 4” to 12” containers and has a more compact growth habit than previous series of salvia. They also finish quickly. 12” to 18” tall, the variety grows 12” to 16” wide. Pinch after transplant to help create a quality plant.

The first of eight new coleus releases each named for a famous street, Solenostemon ‘Mainstreet Abbey Road’ has large, serrated dark green leaves with dark greyed-purple center and veins with a dark green margin and was voted as the third favorite plant. The Mainstreet Coleus series is an herbaceous evergreen annual bedding plant with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced with a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition. A relatively low maintenance annual bedding plant, the flowers may actually detract from its ornamental features, so they can be removed as they appear. This variety grows well in sun or shade. UF has partnered with Dummen to develop this plant.

More New Plants for FloridaConference attendees received a complete packet detailing each of the 15 participating breeders plants showcased in the trial gardens.

Access this great resource for Florida growers, garden center and landscape professionals!

2014’s conference was filled with great happenings, learning opportunities and an influx of networking for the many attendees. We hope you’ll be a part of the 2015 experience! View the 2014 photo gallery at: https://plus.google.com/photos/101900735408609469622/albums/6014104492256600897.

For more details on this event, visit Floriculture Field Days on the FNGLA website or you can call FNGLA at 800.375.3642.

Brought to you by:Trial Plant Details

May 14 & 15, 2014Trial Sites: Walt Disney World®, Harry P. Leu Gardens and UF/IFAS Orange County Extension Service

and Performance Trials at Epcot ®

Voted by Conference Attendees: Top Choices for New Varieties At FNGLA’s Floriculture Field Days

FNGLA HAPPENINGS

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FNGLA HAPPENINGS

Voted by attendees as the top three choices from the over 140 varieties featured were: (1) Caladium ‘Cherry Tart,’ (2) Salvia ‘Cathedral Shining Sea,’ and (3) Solenostemon ‘Mainstreet Abbey Road.’

Floriculture Field Days...

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UF/IFAS Researchers Find Chemicals to Treat Citrus GreeningA University of Florida research team is cautiously optimistic after finding a possible treatment in the lab for citrus greening, a disease devastating Florida’s $9 billion citrus industry. It is the first step in a years-long process to bring a treatment to market.

Claudio Gonzalez and Graciela Lorca led the research team at UF that examined three biochemical treatments: phloretin, hexestrol and benzbromarone.

The team sprayed greenhouse tree shoots separately with one of the three biochemicals and were successful in stopping the bacteria’s spread, particularly with benzbromarone, which halted the bacteria in 80 percent of the infected trees’ shoots. They expect to begin field experiments with this treatment later this year. Their research was published in late April by the online open access journal PLOS Pathogens.

Gonzalez and Lorca are UF associate professors in the Microbiology and Cell Science Department, part of UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. The team also works under the auspices of the UF Genetics Institute.

The researchers found that benzbromarone targets a specific protein, known as LdtR, in the citrus greening bacterium. When benzbromarone binds to LdtR, it inactivates the protein, which disrupts a cell wall remodeling process critical for the greening bacterium’s survival inside a citrus tree.

“As a consequence of the chemical treatment, several genes were not expressed and the bacteria were not able to survive inside the phloem of the plant where osmotic pressure from sugar is high,” said Fernando Pagliai, a co-author of the study and a UF graduate assistant. Phloem is the living tissue that carries organic nutrients to all parts of the plant.

Interestingly, benzbromarone is typically used to treat gout in humans.

Citrus greening first enters the tree via a tiny bug, the Asian citrus psyllid, which sucks on leaf sap and leaves behind bacteria. The bacteria then move through the tree via the phloem. The disease starves the tree of nutrients, damages its roots and the tree produces fruits that are green and misshapen, unsuitable for sale as fresh fruit or for juice. Most infected trees die within a few years.

The disease has already affected millions of citrus trees in North America and could wipe out the industry in the next decade if a viable treatment is not found. Industry experts, though, say it could be five to seven years before a new active-ingredient product could be commercially available because of the amount of time field testing takes and government regulations.

Read the complete story at: http://news.ifas.ufl.edu/2014/06/ufifas-researchers-find-chemicals-that-treat-citrus-greening-in-the-lab or stay tuned for more detail on citrus greening as its develops.

INDUSTRY NEWS

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INDUSTRY NEWSNew Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM Mobile Web App ReleasedThe Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ program is excited to announce the release of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Plant Guide mobile web application. The application works on any device with a web-enabled browser, such as an iPhone, Android, PC or tablet. Developed by University of Florida/IFAS horticultural experts, the app provides trusted, research-based information and is jammed-packed with images of each plant.

More than 400 Florida-Friendly plants: Find the right plant for the right place with detailed information on light, soil, and water requirements. You will also find information on disease and pest problems as well as Florida native status. Plant characteristics such as shape, color, and size are included to help you design an attractive garden.

Plant pictures: This database has more than 400 beautiful color photographs of Florida-Friendly trees, shrubs, palms, ground covers, vines, ferns, annuals, perennials and ornamental grasses.

Developed by horticultural experts: Get up-to-date, science-based information from a database developed by UF/IFAS horticulture and landscape design experts.

Fully searchable: Searchable by plant name, type, shape, light requirements, native status, and more. The database contains recommended plants for north, central and south Florida.

Available for mobile and web: This mobile web application works on any device that has a web-enabled browser: iPhone, Android, and Windows phones, tablet devices, and Microsoft or Mac computers. A one-year subscription is just $1.99.

For more details on this app or on the Florida-Friendly™ Landscaping plant program, visit: https://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

New Florida Citrus Repository Opens in LaCrosseFlorida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam recently hosted an open house for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ new 20,000 square-foot Florida Citrus Repository in LaCrosse., The new greenhouse provides a way to safely introduce healthy new citrus varieties into the state.

The $2 million facility includes four greenhouses totaling 20,000 square feet and a 5,000-square-foot building with labs and offices. It was funded by a state legislative allocation.

The Citrus Repository was built at a former state forestry nursery to expand on the Florida Department of Agriculture’s Citrus Germplasm Introduction Program now housed in a 4,000-square-foot greenhouse in Gainesville near the DPI headquarters.

The opening featured Commissioner Putnam with guest speakers Dr. Richard Beeson and Peter Chaires. Presentations were followed by a tour of the new greenhouse.

Citrus greening is found in several Asian and African countries. It was first discovered in Florida in August 2005 and has spread to as many as 70 percent of Florida’s citrus trees. A 2012 report by extension scientists determined that greening cost Florida’s economy $4.5 billion in 2011.

Garden Media Group offers Free Guide on Marketing to Millennials

There are more millennials than baby boomers, and the millennial generation has the power to spend more than $200 billion a year.

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Garden Media Group also offers additional resources throughout the year which are noteworthy. Look for their annual garden trends report each December. Visit: http://www.gardenmediagroup.com.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

SNA 2014: Educational Sessions, Researchers and Industry Members GatherJoin thousands of industry professionals heading to Atlanta July 22 - 24 at Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) for the SNA Show. The facility is conveniently located adjacent to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. SNA 2014 combines the Southern Plant Conference, SNA Research Conference, the SNA Annual Business Meeting, and SNA State Officer’s Conference with the SNA Marketplace to bring one unparalleled event – all under one roof!

The event brings together the most forward-thinking growers, breeders, researchers, retailers, landscapers, manufacturers, and distributors from across the Southeast. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with other industry professionals from across the region to share ideas, learn new techniques, address key industry issues, and locate new products. A regional event, the product mix will include ornamental trees and shrubs, color, related landscape and outdoor living products, garden gifts and accessories, seasonal products, and more.

Special Educational Sessions, designed specifically for growers, landscapers and retailers can help you set your business on a more profitable course. Full of takeaways, these sessions offer innovative ideas, and sound, practical advise for both personal and business growth and development. You’ll discover the latest plant varieties and industry trends, ways to increase profit, and solutions to some of your toughest issues.

Today’s Garden Center will offer two educational sessions geared specifically to retail garden centers and the Georgia Green Industry Association (GGIA) will offer two educational sessions for landscapers. Other components of education will be the Southern Plant Conference, offering a RARE opportunity for both growers and retailers to learn from top plant experts and get a glimpse of the hottest new plants coming to market, and the SNA Research Conference, spotlighting the latest horticultural research on hundreds of topics in thirteen categories. CEUs approved by FNGLA, PLANET, TCNP and more. Learn more about the event at: www.sna.org.

Longtime Farm Credit of Florida Board Member Retires Farm Credit of Florida, a leading agricultural financial cooperative serving Florida, recently honored fourth generation Marion County farmer Thomas Richard Barber Jr. on his board retirement after 20 years of service to the Farm Credit of Florida Board of Directors. Upon retiring, he was presented with an American flag which had flown over the Farm Credit of Florida Ocala branch office.

“Serving on the Farm Credit of Florida Board of Directors is such an honor. I am very proud of what we have all accomplished together during times of successes and challenges,” said Barber. “I feel blessed to be involved in agriculture. Agriculture is my passion.”

Barber, 75, has a farming career spanning five decades producing peanuts, watermelon and cattle. In 2000, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Dan Glickman, appointed Barber to a three-year term representing Florida on the National Peanut Board. Barber was also appointed Chairman of the Research Committee for the National Peanut Board the same year. Barber is the recipient of many honors, including memberships in the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame, Marion County Hall of Fame and the UF/IFAS North Florida Research Education Center Hall of Fame. Barber is a founding member and past president of the Florida Peanut Producers Association.

Thomas Richard Barber, Jr.

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CERTIFICATIONSFNGLA Sets Fall Landscape Certification Exams ScheduleSince the 1980s, Florida’s nursery and landscape professionals have realized their potential while providing top quality service to their customers through FNGLA’s certification programs. Certified professionals are committed to keeping current with the latest techniques and committed to investing in themselves by upgrading their knowledge and skills. Don’t miss your chance to do the same.

FNGLA offers two landscape certification exam dates this coming Fall. Applications are available online at FNGLA’s website: https://www.fngla.org/certifications/preparation/registration.aspx.

FNGLA Certified Landscape Technician (FCLT-Installation): August 9 – SeaWorld Horticulture, Orlando

SeaWorld has established a successful Central Florida test site and will once again host the FCLT-Installation exam at its horticulture offices. With outstanding support from SeaWorld staff, this site is centrally located and a perfect venue. The deadline to apply for the SeaWorld FCLT-Installation exam is Monday, July 14.

FNGLA Certified Landscape Maintenance Technician (FCLMT): August 23 – SeaWorld Horticulture, Orlando

FNGLA’s landscape maintenance exam returns to SeaWorld for the second time in 2014. There are currently more than 250 professionals who hold one of FNGLA’s landscape technician certifications. The deadline to apply for the SeaWorld FCLMT exam is Monday, July 28.

Manuals for each certification are now available through FNGLA. For more information on these exams, and to receive exam materials, contact Merry Mott at mmott@fngla.org. Complete information about the exams – and a short 10-minute video that describes FNGLA’s certification programs – can be found on the certification section of FNGLA’s website: http://www.fngla.org/certifications/.

FNGLA’s Certified Landscape Technician (FCLT-Installation) exam takes place August 9, 2014 at SeaWorld and FNGLA’s Certified Landscape Maintenance Technician (FCLMT) exam takes place

August 23, 2014 in Orlando.

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CERTIFICATIONSHorticulture Students Complete FCHP Testing for School Year315 students took FNGLA’s Certified Horticulture Professional (FCHP) exam this school year. 229 earned this industry certification – bringing the passing rate this year to more than 70%.

2014 marks the 5th year high school students throughout Florida have taken the FCHP exam with increasing success. Twenty eight high school horticulture programs participated in FCHP testing, introducing these students to the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in Florida’s nursery and landscape industry.

FCHP continues to be the recognized certification for high school horticulture students throughout Florida. For more information on career development, contact Merry Mott at FNGLA at 800-375-3642.

Nearly 500 high school students currently hold the FCHP designation and 2014/15 is expected to bring

many more!

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MEMBER NEWS

NASA Selects Florikan’s Nutricote for Use on Space Shuttle Experiments

After many years of extensive research, NASA has selected Florikan Nutricote controlled release fertilizer (18-6-8 T 180) for production of vegetables for NASA astronauts on the space shuttle and in deep space exploration to come. FNGLA congratulates Florikan!

Kurt Bluemel, ‘King of Ornamental Grasses’ DiesKurt Erwin Bluemel, known as the ‘King of Ornamental Grasses’ passed away June 4 at a hospice in Towson, Md. He was 81.

Born April 6, 1933, in Maffersdorf in the former Czechoslovakia, Mr. Bluemel left the area as a WWII refugee in early 1946, ending up in southern West Germany. He began to work on a farm in Bavaria. Later he found a job growing vegetables in a market garden near Zurich.

In 1953 Mr. Bluemel moved to the Swiss nursery of Arnold Vogt that specialized in perennials and alpine plants. The next six years proved pivotal in his life’s work. It gained him a deep knowledge of ornamental grasses and rock garden perennials. It also brought him into contact with a young American horticulturist who persuaded him to come to the United States to work at his father’s perennial nursery in Maryland.

Perfecting production and propagation techniques, Mr. Bluemel was able to supply the growing demand for plants generated by the broad shift in the 1980s and 1990s to herbaceous gardens and landscapes.

In 1995, the Walt Disney Co. asked if he could re-create an African savannah at its Animal Kingdom resort. He propagated 4 million grasses for the project. He later opened a production nursery in Holopaw, in part to keep the safari park replenished with plants eaten by the animals. He also founded a wholesale nursery in Maryland.

Mr. Bluemel was a landscape designer and contractor, as well as a widely-traveled planter, who discovered and introduced popular new varieties of grasses and perennials into the landscape trade. Mr. Bluemel held leadership roles in the American Horticultural Society, the Perennial Plant Association and the Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association.

Read more on Mr. Bluemel’s life accomplishments at http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/king-of-grasses-kurt-bluemel-81-who-recreated-a-savannah-for-disney-dies/2014/06/10/3936c8d2-f0b5-11e3-9ebc-2ee6f81ed217_story.html.

Kurt Erwin Bluemel

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NEW MEMBERS

Welcome New MembersThe following are new FNGLA members: from May 22, 2014 - June 21, 2014

ACTIONNancy Megill (Supportive)202 Venetian BaySanford, FL 32771 407-321-0730

Lentus ProductsBill Moline232 S Dillard St Ste 211Winter Garden, FL 34787 321-754-7777

BROWARDWaste ManagementKaren Hawkins2700 Wiles RdPompano Beach, FL 33073 954-579-7655

COASTAL SPRINGSBrooksville Cold Hardy PalmsJoseph Weeks23325 Lake Lindsey RdBrooksville, FL 34601 727-269-1034

Sumter County Extension - CentralDale Wallace (Suportive)7620 State Rd 471 Ste 2Bushnell, FL 33513-8716 352-793-2728

Mogg FarmStephen Mogg1915 CR 245 SOxford, FL 34484 352-400-6324

INTERNATIONALBahamas Landscape Association (BLA)Conray RolleWest GrovePO Box N-3250Nassau, Bahamas242-424-9628Rec’d by: Dave Self, Wyld West Annuals,

LAKE REGIONReclamation TreesConnally Barnett2713 Hwy 98 EFort Meade, FL 33841-9658 863-698-3606

MANASOTAOrban’s Nursery, Inc.Tyler Orban9601 9th Ave NWBradenton, FL 34209-9602 941-792-8717

MIAMI-DADEInsurance for Agribusiness, Inc.Charles Stilwell10691 N Kendall Dr Ste 102Miami, FL 33176 305-274-3970

NORTHEASTGerald V. Roman (Supportive)8110 Buttercup StJacksonville, FL 32210 505-206-7355

OUTSIDE FLORIDAJeffrey Pease (Student)197 Lefoll BlvdSouth Windsor, CT 06074 860-882-4349

Envelor, Inc.Suresh Kanthaswamy1056 NJ State Hwy 9 South Ste 134Parlin, NJ 08859 732-387-3569O. L. S., Inc.Alessandro De Luca1063 Branch LnRepublic, MO 65738 417-655-3742

PALM BEACHNanak’s Landscaping, Inc.Deva Khalsa998 S Military TrDeerfield Beach, FL 33442-2900 954-596-5337

Florida Public UtilitiesLyn CacellaBill McGoldrick (Associate Member)1641 Worthington Road #220West Palm Beach, FL 33409 561-838-1785

PINELLASCloverBrent Wahl 10429 53rd Ave NSt. Petersburg, FL 33708 727-492-3870

Josh Schwabe (Student)3619 Manatee Dr SESt. Petersburg, FL 33705-4013 727-243-5626

ROYAL PALMMainscape, Inc.Richard Walters (Associate Member)3080 Ravenna AveNaples, FL 34120-1600 239-597-8136

Big Cypress Landscape Maintenance Co., Inc.Tom SimmonsPO Box 990504Naples, FL 34116 239-825-5061Rec’d by: John Schwind, Steele Truck Center, Inc.

TAMPA BAYNextran Truck Center TampaDennis Graham (Affiliate Firm)7810 Adamo DrTampa, FL 33619-3506 813-484-4291Rec’d by: Shawn Steed, Holmberg Farms

University of FloridaJemy W Hinton (Supportive)1610 N Taylor RdBrandon, FL 33510

TREASURE COASTVosters Insurance, Inc.Doug Vosters (Associate Member)1310 NW Lakeside TrStuart, FL 34994-9545 772-692-2626

Calendar of EventsFNGLAPhone: 407.295.7994Toll-free: 800.375.3642Fax: 407.295.1619E-mail: info@fngla.orgWeb: www.fngla.org

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERBen Bolusky

GREENLINE EDITORJennifer Nelisjnelis@fngla.org

PresidentSandy SteinThe Jungle Nursery29100 SW 162 Ave Homestead, FL 33030(305) 246-5324

Past President Mike MarshallMarshall Tree Farm17350 SE 65th StMorriston, FL 32668-4508(352) 528-3880

President-Elect Billy ButterfieldAmeriScapes Landscape Management Services, Inc.PO Box 568762Orlando, FL 32856-5041(407) 872-0855

Secretary/Treasurer Robert ShoelsonGetting Green Plant Services & Betrock Information SystemsPO Box 840107Pembroke Pines, FL 33084(954) 680-1819

Contact UsSee and submit events at http://www.fngla.org, under calendar

About FNGLA

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2014-2015 STATE OFFICERS

1533 Park Center Dr iveOr lando, FL 32835-5705

Read the latest FNGLA news inside & visit Greenline online at http://greenline.fngla.org

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PAIDORLANDO, FLPERMIT #2041

This publication is produced by the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) as a service to its members. The statements and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Association, its staff, Board of Directors, Greenline or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers or their identification as members does not constitute an endorsement of the products or featured services.

The mission of the Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association is to promote and protect the success and professionalism of our members.

July12-15: Cultivate ‘14: An AmericanHort Experience, Columbus, OH

16-18: Florida Irrigation Society Water Summit, Kissimmee

22-24: SNA Show, Atlanta, GA

24: Green Industry Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) Training, North Ft. Myers

24-26: Southeast Builder’s Conference (SEBC) 2014, Orlando

28- 31: 2014 American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference, Orlando

30 - 31: PANTS, Philadelphia, PA

August8-11: Garden Writers Association 66th Annual Symposium, Pittsburg, PA

13-16: Society of American Florists 130th Annual Convention, Marco Island

14-16: 2014 Nursery & Landscape Expo, San Antonio, TX

21-23: 2014 Farwest Trade Show, Portland, OR