Nebraska Nursery News - NNLA · Nebraska Nursery News Nebraska NUrserY aND laNDscape associatioN...

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SPRING 2014 www.nnla.org THE NNLA MISSION: TO SERVE THE GREEN INDUSTRY BY EDUCATING AND SUPPORTING OUR MEMBERS TO SUCCESSFULLY IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF OUR ENVIRONMENT. NEBRASKA Nursery News NEBRASKA NURSERY AND LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION Spring 2014 1 continued on page 4 T he 2014 Nebraska GREAT PLAINS Conference proved to be another success for the Nebraska Nursery and Landscape Association and the Nebraska Arborists Association. This was the second joint winter conference for the two associations. Once again, the conference was held at the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln. The conference was held January 16 and 17; a month earlier than the 2013 conference. Lieutenant Governor Lavon Heidemann welcomed attendees to Lincoln, and the conference started off with keynote speaker Kaizad Irani who provided a presentation entitled “Grow to Sell, Sell to Grow - Achieving a Successful and Profitable Balance.” Thursday was full of numerous breakout sessions featuring topics on visual thinking for the green industry, opportunities for women in horticulture, starting a vineyard, content marketing, resilient landscapes, and much more. Kris Bachtell, director at the Morton Arboretum, started off Friday morning with a keynote presentation “New Elms for American Cities.” Some of the topics of the breakout sessions for the day included spring training, hardscapes, grid design principles, customer service, safety regulations and more. We were excited to bring back the Backyard Farmer panel to our conference as they presented, “Myth Busters - Who Ya Gonna Call?” Jason Cupp provided the final keynote in the afternoon - ending the conference with a great session on “Understanding Your Sales Process: It’s About You or All About the Client.” Jason was able to fill in last minute for Judy Guido and we had numerous requests to bring him back next year. Once again, both associations hosted a Silent Auction. There were a wide variety of items to bid on. This year we brought back the live auction which closed out the day on Thursday. There were a lot of great items and generous bidders! Thank you to those companies and individuals that donated to the NNLA auction. Please be sure to donate to the NNLA auction next year as the funds go toward the scholarship fund. Just over $3,200 was raised this year! The NNLA Business Meeting was held on Friday during lunch. Nebraska GREAT PLAINS Conference The exhibit hall featured a new layout and included auction items NNLA members attended the Business Meeting

Transcript of Nebraska Nursery News - NNLA · Nebraska Nursery News Nebraska NUrserY aND laNDscape associatioN...

Spring 2014 www.nnla.org

The nnLA MiSSion: To Serve The green induSTry by educATing And SupporTing our MeMberS To SucceSSfuLLy iMprove The quALiTy of our environMenT.

Nebraska Nursery NewsN e b r a s k a N U r s e r Y a N D l a N D s c a p e a s s o c i a t i o N

Spring 2014 1

continued on page 4

the 2014 Nebraska Great plaiNs conference proved

to be another success for the Nebraska Nursery and landscape association and the Nebraska arborists association. this was the second joint winter conference for the two associations.

once again, the conference was held at the cornhusker Hotel in lincoln. the conference was held January 16 and 17; a month earlier than the 2013 conference.

lieutenant Governor lavon Heidemann welcomed attendees to lincoln, and the conference started off with keynote speaker kaizad irani who provided a presentation entitled “Grow to sell, sell to Grow - achieving a Successful and Profitable balance.”

thursday was full of numerous breakout sessions featuring topics on visual thinking for the green industry, opportunities for women in horticulture, starting a vineyard, content marketing, resilient landscapes, and much more.

kris bachtell, director at the Morton arboretum, started off Friday morning with a keynote presentation “New elms for american cities.” some of the topics of the breakout sessions for the day included spring training, hardscapes, grid design principles, customer service, safety regulations and more. We were excited to bring back the backyard Farmer panel to our conference as they presented, “Myth busters - Who Ya Gonna call?”

Jason cupp provided the final keynote in the afternoon - ending the conference with a great session on “ U n d e r s t a n d i n g Your sales process: it’s about You or all

about the client.” Jason was able to fill in last minute for Judy Guido and we had numerous requests to bring him back next year.

once again, both associations hosted a silent auction. there were a wide variety of items to bid on. this year we brought back the live auction which closed out the day on thursday. there were a lot of great items and generous bidders! thank you to those companies and individuals that donated to the NNla auction. please be sure to donate to the NNla auction next year as the funds go toward the scholarship fund. Just over $3,200 was raised this year!

the NNla business Meeting was held on Friday during lunch.

Nebraska Great plaiNs conference

the exhibit hall featured a new layout and included auction items

NNla members attended the business Meeting

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president’s MessagebY kiM DaviDsoN

NNla members,

Did anyone see it? that big yellow thing up in the sky? Yes - the sun, and with it comes warmer

weather. What typically follows are robins singing, with trucks and equipment having been serviced and ready to go, but wait, where are the employees?!! it seems as though our industry just never has enough people to fill all the vacant positions that need filled for the season.

the NNla board has been hard at work this winter brainstorming on how we can help bring people into the field of horticulture. We have committed to having a booth at the FFa state convention in lincoln this spring as well as sponsoring two scholarships through their Agriculture Proficiency Awards.

the board just recently approved

funding for commercial spots to run on this season of the backyard Farmer. as business owners and managers ourselves, we are committed to helping promote the NNla as the industry standard in all things horticulture.

We are hopeful this not only sparks interest in high school students early, but leads them to make horticulture a career choice! it is just as important that the public recognizes our organization and why it is so important to ask for a certified nursery professional when contracting landscape work or purchasing plant materials. We also want to encourage the public to look for the NcN (Nebraska Certified Nurseryman) behind the name which is a guarantee that they are a qualified, confident and recognized green industry professional. so the next time you are talking with a client, make sure you promote yourself as the horticulture professional with the NcN status and/or a member of the NNla. if you are neither, maybe this is the year to become one!

essentially, winter is almost over and if you missed the Nebraska Great plaiNs conference, to say you missed a lot is an understatement. We had a huge crowd this year thanks to Mother Nature for holding off on the white stuff. speakers from across the nation were on hand, as well as the live and silent auctions which brought in

money for our college scholarship fund. the live auction was brought back this year and inspired bidders to dig deep into their pockets!

New board member addie kinghorn was elected as a director and brian Munk was re-elected to continue to serve as a director. congratulations to both!

We have also planned another Western Field Day as well as a summer Field Day, so watch for dates and locations on these events as they will be on opposite ends of the state this year.

as always, the board welcomes comments and suggestions from our members. We look forward to seeing everyone at one or both of the upcoming events. Have a great season!

kim

Spring 2014

kim Davidson addresses the NNla Membership during the annual Meeting

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NEBRASKA Nursery News

Spring 2014

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Nebraska Great plaiNs conference (continued)

During the meeting, president kim Davidson introduced the current board members and thanked them for their service to the association. outgoing board members christine karloff and brian Munk were presented with plaques. brian decided to run again for one of the open board positions along with addie kinghorn. both were elected to serve on the board as directors. congratulations brian and addie!

the scholarship committee selected four individuals out of the 11 who applied for the NNla scholarship. Wade obermier and emily stine were presented with $1000 scholarships during the conference. the other two award winners, erica Hughes and Melinda knuth, were unable to attend the conference.

kim Davidson presented lee vieselmeyer with the Distinguished Nursery professional award and todd Faller with the Hall of Fame award and thanked them for their dedication to the association and for being instrumental in advancing the Green industry.

addie kinghorn provided an NcN update and asked companies to encourage their employees to become certified. Miles Imel became certified this past year and was presented with a plaque, certificate and name badge. addie then announced that tom Hamernick was the NcN of the Year. tom received his new NcN jacket and was presented with the traveling plaque.

special thanks to the planning committee members: Nancy sohns, chas berke, christine karloff, tom Hamernick, Jake sittner, kim Davidson, kevin popken, Jim keepers, cody Forristall, Jessica Heller and kent Holm.

be sure to save the date for the 2015 conference. the NNla board has already visited a new site for the conference and a contract has been signed. the conference will be held at the newly renovated ramada plaza in omaha, January 21 & 22, 2015.

We look forward to seeing you in omaha!

view the next page for more photos and also be sure to view the album on the NNla F a c e b o o k page.

kim Davidson and addie kinghorn present tom Hamernik with the NcN of the Year award

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NEBRASKA Nursery News Nebraska Nursery News

Spring 2014

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Nebraska Great plaiNs conference (continued)

the backyard Farmer panel presented “Myth busters: Who Ya Gonna call?”

christine karloff, chas berke and Miles imel presented scholarships to Wade obermier and emily stine

todd Faller jokes that he is somewhat surprised to receive his award.

lee vieselmeyer received the Distinguished Nursery professional award.

Miles imel became the newest NcN.

auctioneer lance larsen convinced bJ barcel to bid more on todd Faller’s pie.

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NEBRASKA Nursery News

some of you may have had a visit from a Nebraska Department

of Agriculture (NDA) Entomology inspector this spring, as they conduct seed potato inspections.

seed potatoes can vector a number of serious pests, including columbia root-knot nematode (CRKN) and viruses. NDa enacted a quarantine for crkN in 2002, in order to prevent the introduction of this pest into our state. staff regularly checks seed potatoes being offered for sale to ensure that if they are coming from a quarantined area, they have been properly tested and certified.

the entire states of california, idaho, oregon, and Washington, and portions of colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, texas, Utah, and Wyoming

are all regulated for crkN. seed potatoes coming in from these areas must come from a field that was found negative for crkN based on an official soil survey. Each shipment of seed potatoes from these regulated areas must be accompanied by a state phytosanitary certificate stating the seed potatoes are in compliance with the NDa quarantine.

additionally, all seed potatoes offered for planting must be certified seed potatoes. this means that they were grown as part of an official seed potato certification program, generally overseen by a state agency, with specific standards for various pests. each lot must have the certification documents sent with the potatoes, such as a blue tag.

NDa inspectors will ask for paperwork proving compliance with these requirements. Certification documents are required for each shipment of seed potatoes. so when you are placing your next seed potato order, talk to you supplier to make sure they are aware of the seed potato regulations in Nebraska, and can provide the proper documentation. When the shipment arrives, file the documentation so you have it on hand when the inspector stops by.

if you have any questions about seed potato inspections, or requirements for shipping seed potatoes into Nebraska, please contact Julie van Meter at (402) 471-2351. A full copy of the crkN quarantine can be found online at http://www.nda.nebraska.gov/plant/crk_nematode.pdf

keeping an eye on seed potatoesJUlie vaN Meter, eNtoMoloGY proGraM MaNaGer, Nebraska DepartMeNt oF aGricUltUre

Spring 2014

Lawn & Landscape Scholarships

Lawn & Landscape Magazine has updated their annual horticultural scholarship for 2014. They will give away

two awards this summer worth $2,500 each.

Follow the link to view the application process: http://www.lawnandlandscape.com/horticultural-scholarship.

aspx

The scholarship is open to any student pursuing green industry careers – landscaping, golf course maintenance, nursery/greenhouse operations and

garden centers.

Please share with your students, members and employees!

Chuck BowenEditor and Associate Publisher

Lawn & Landscape

330-703-1848 (m)216-446-2712 (o)

Spring 20147

NEBRASKA Nursery News

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Spring 2014

keep Nebraska beautiful - Grow big red!

BOARD  OF  DIRECTORS    

Bruce  BonFleur  Whiteclay  

Meghann  Buresh  Norfolk  

Kelly  Danielson  David  City  

Andrew  Fereday  Omaha  

C.  Kelly  Fleming  Omaha  

Donald  L.  Green  Nebraska  City  Matt  Hazen  

Omaha  Patrick  Henry  

Omaha  Justin  King  Columbus  

Chad  Mardesen  Omaha  

Sharon  Medcalf  Papillion  

Beth  Pierson  Omaha  

Gary  Seeger  Omaha  

Denise  Trine  Madison  

Kim  Wiese  Gretna  

 Ex-­Officio  

Dave  Heineman,  Governor  State  of  Nebraska  

Pat  Rice,  Acting  Director  Dept.  of  Environmental  

Quality  

David  Stern,  Emeritus  Paul  O’Hara,  Emeritus  

Jane  Polson  President  

   

 February  20,  2014  

 RE:  Grow  Big  Red  Program    Dear  Nebraska  Nursery  and  Landscape  Association  Members,    In  1997,  Keep  Nebraska  Beautiful  began  a  beautification  program  called  “Grow  Big  Red.”    We  worked  through  the  Nebraska  Nursery  and  Landscape  Association  to  help  promote  the  program  and  would  once  again  invite  you  to  partner  in  our  efforts  to  promote  it  in  2014.      This  year  is  the  50th  Anniversary  of  our  organization  and  we  believe  there  is  no  better  way  to  celebrate  it  then  to  encourage  Nebraskans  to  make  our  state  even  more  beautiful  by  planting  red  flowers  from  border  to  border!    The  program  is  an  effort  to  celebrate  the  environment  as  well  as  Nebraska  athletics  and  the  Go  Big  Red  spirit  that  prevails  in  our  state.  We  simply  encourage  communities,  groups,  businesses,  schools,  and  individuals  to  plant  red  flowers.  (Any  kind  of  red  flowers  is  fine.)    Keep  Nebraska  Beautiful  will  soon  be  doing  some  increased  media  promotions  for  the  program  and  special  mailings  to  every  Nebraska  community  and  various  groups  throughout  the  state.  We  wanted  to  make  you  aware  of  our  promotional  efforts  to  make  sure  there  are  plenty  of  red  flowers  and  red  flower  seeds  available.    There  are  8  1/2  x  11”  posters  available  to  download  from  our  website  at  www.knb.org/growbigred.html  if  you  are  interested  in  using  them  to  inform  your  customers  about  the  program.  There  is  also  a  general  brochure  you  are  free  to  use  if  you  choose.  Please  don’t  hesitate  to  call  (402-­‐486-­‐4562)  or  email  <[email protected]>  with  any  questions.  Thank  you  for  any  help  you  can  give  us  in  promoting  the  program.                   Best  regards,  

                                   

Jane  Polson  President  

Keep  Nebraska  Beautiful  3201  Pioneers  Blvd.,  Suite  118  

Lincoln,  NE    68502-­‐5963  Phone:    (402)  486-­‐4562 ❖    Fax:    486-­‐4563  

Website:  www.knb.org &  www.nebraskasc3.org ❖ Email:    [email protected]

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NEBRASKA Nursery News

2014Nebraska FFA State Convention april 9-11, 2014 pershing auditorium lincoln, Ne www.neffafoundation.org

NSA Spring Affair april 27, 2014 9:00 - 4:00 lancaster event center lincoln, Ne www.arboretum.unl.edu

NSA Wildflower Week Plant Sale June 7, 2014 shade House UNl east campus lincoln, Ne www.arboretum.unl.edu

Summer Solstice Lecture Eco-Friendly Gardens evelyn Hadden June 19, 2014 lauritzen Gardens omaha, Ne www.lauritzengardens.org

Nebraska GREAT PLAINS Summer Field Day august 8, 2014 arbor Day Farm Nebraska city, Ne

Western Nebraska Summer Field Day September 2014 (TBD) bur oak canyon/ common scents Nursery Mccook, Ne

additional events can be found at: www.plantsearchonline.com/events.htm

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NEBRASKA Nursery NewsSpring 2014

How to engage Younger customerskatHrYN DaGer

the future of the garden center industry relies on us attracting and

keeping new customers. according to today’s Garden center’s 10% project consumer study, we are headed for a crisis. We have a loyal clientele that is aging and our younger generation is not feeling very comfortable about shopping in our stores. if you avoid shifting your strategies to address these trends you may regret it.

What Do Your Loyal Customers Want? they want an energized, educational and entertaining experience. they want your assistance when they are ready to engage you in conversation. they also have high expectations you need to decipher and deliver.

What Do Younger Customers Want? they are hypersensitive to being judged. they already don’t feel like they belong, so if they muster up their courage to come to your “high-end” garden center, they do not want to be intimidated. one wrinkled brow or rolling eyes will indicate you are judging them and that will send them

away. they want to be welcomed and treated like they are in the perfect place to learn about the joys of growing their own food, flora and fauna.

Strategies That Work With Younger Customers 1. stay present. Have you noticed that when we are rushing or attempting to fulfill our own agenda, we are not where we are? Our mind is fixed on whatever we are attempting to accomplish outside our body.

this is how customers become a “distraction.” We become so focused on completing our own tasks, we shift priorities and end up ignoring our customers. Ultimately, we end up serving ourselves instead. Naturally, this is a turnoff to new customers. they could categorize you as just another big-box experience and never come back.

the good news is that becoming present is easy to do. Wherever you are, just stop for a moment and take a deep breath. bring your awareness back inside your body. take two more

deep breaths, and you will feel calm and refreshed. Do this several times a day.

2. be approachable. Did you know that 85 percent of your communication is nonverbal? that means that your facial expression is broadcasting your mood and thoughts. support every teammate to consciously choose approachable behavior — a smile on their face, eye contact, shoulders back, walk with a quick pace and stay present. if anyone on the team starts looking stressed or slumping, create a little prompting phrase like, “come back.”

3. read your customer’s body language. since 85 percent of our communication is nonverbal, use this knowledge to read your customers. customers tell us when they want assistance and when they want to be left alone. there are only three signals customers send and you can see these signals from across the yard:• i want assistance now. • i don’t want any attention now, but maybe later. (I’m browsing.)• leave me alone.

one key indicator is the customer’s pace. New customers start their visit by browsing, moving at a slower pace, picking things up & putting them down. at some point during the visit, they shift gears. When they get excited and want assistance, their pace picks up. When they don’t want assistance they move slowly and take their time. Here’s a hot tip — during busy times, only engage with customers who want assistance.

4. When they want assistance, interview your customer. Don’t assume anything. Go over to them and say, “looks like you want assistance. May i ask you a few questions to understand what you want for your garden?”

continued on page 9

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NEBRASKA Nursery News

Get their information first by asking fact-finding questions and listening. Use your natural curiosity and follow their lead. ask broader questions to clearly understand their lifestyle, gardening experience level and outdoor living preferences. as they describe their yard, picture it in your mind. ask, “What’s behind that corner? How is their home positioned? Where is the water supply?” through this brief interview you will both know you are on the same page. Get their whole picture before shifting to suggesting products.

What Are Fact-Finding Questions?• they begin with “Who?,” “What?,” “Where?,” “When?,” “Why?,” “How?” and “tell me.”• they cannot be answered with a “Yes” or “No.”• they prompt the customer to give you a lot more information.• they make you listen to get their answers.

Here are some great fact-finding questions to ask budding new gardeners:1. tell me about your gardening experiences so far. 2. How do you currently use your yard? (Explore kids, pets, family, etc.)3. How much time do you have to devote to gardening each week?4. tell me your wish list for your backyard.5. Finish the interview before you mention any products. this interview takes two minutes or less. if you start talking about product during the interview, you have cut them off and are looking at your own picture.

Interviewing Can Lead To Bigger Purchases And Happy Customersone benefit of the interview is that customers may not have a clear idea of what they want. However, through this process they have more clarity of their own needs and wants.by the time you finish, you will know

the customer very well and they will be open to you. You will be able to show them something from every department in your garden center. if you have a tremendous amount of suggestions, ask them how much time they have today. can you see how much credibility you will have with the younger gardeners?

Customize Product Knowledge To Fit Into Their Lifestylerelate every product, plant and accessory to the customer’s lifestyle and preferences. present every suggestion creatively, incorporating their personal facts into your description of products, plant material or merchandise.

Here are some examples:“since you travel frequently, i would probably suggest a low maintenance groundcover that requires less frequent watering.”

“these two hanging baskets will look gorgeous on your porch and you will be the envy of your neighbors.”

“that sunny spot on the side of your house would be a great place for an herb garden planted in colorful containers.”

so take this opportunity to get ready to wow your young customers. When you attend to new young customers on their terms, they think you are brilliant.

the interview strategy alone will make a huge difference in your relationship. stay present, bring out your best and develop meaningful new relationships. Focus on their nonverbal communication. attend to customers who want assistance first. interview customers, make tailored suggestions that fit their world and you will have every customer coming back.

Kathryn Dager is president of Profitivity, Inc., as well as an internationally recognized speaker, consultant and trainer. She has developed a unique training program for retail garden centers that can be customized. Find out more at www.ProfitivityInc.com or email her at [email protected].

This article was reprinted with permission from Today’s Garden Center. View their website at www.todaysgardencenter.com.

How to engage Younger customers (continued)

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NEBRASKA Nursery News

spring affair, the Midwest’s largest gardening event, will be

saturday, april 26, at the lancaster event center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 500 different varieties of plants will be offered at the day-long plant sale, with educational talks, “talk-abouts” and garden vendors all under the same roof.

the 2014 theme, “plants are the bee’s knees,” refers to the importance of gardens as far more than just places of beauty, said UNl extension Horticulture specialist kim todd. “Gardens have always been valued for their beauty and shelter but they’re becoming increasingly essential for diversity, pollination, wildlife habitat and other broad environmental issues.”

entomologists from UNl are giving one of the day’s talks, “the buzz on bees,” on the importance of pollinators. bob Henrickson, Nebraska statewide arboretum Greatplants® coordinator, will talk on “Great plants for Great Gardens.”

in the afternoon, Nsa executive Director Jackie Urkoski and Green infrastructure coordinator Justin evertson will talk about “the Difference a Garden Makes.”

throughout saturday, more informal presentations on trees, shrubs, vines, shade and dry sites will be given around the plant tables.

plants available at the sale are selected for regional suitability, uniqueness, demand and are provided by bluebird Nursery, inc., of Clarkson. Gardeners will find perennials, herbs, native plants, temperennials, vines and a variety of trees and shrubs—something for everyone. For best plant choices,

the spring affair preview party is Friday night, april 25. this is a ticketed event that gives plant lovers an opportunity to mingle, enjoy good food and drink, and purchase plants with a wine glass in one hand and a basket in the other.

admission to the sale is free. the plant sale, plant talks by noted plantspeople, educational booths, and vendors of garden art, sculptures, furniture and other items are all under one roof in pavilion i, on the northeast edge of the lancaster event center. plenty of parking is available north of the building.

throughout the day, speakers will wend their way through the plant sale discussing color combinat ions, plant texture, plants for d r o u g h t , c h i l d r e n ’ s gardens and plants for specific locations and uses. plant experts will be available to answer questions and guide attendees to their selections.

spring affair is sponsored by Nebraska s t a t e w i d e arboretum in partnership with the University of Nebraska-l i n c o l n Department of agronomy & H o r t i c u l t u r e ,

UNl extension and extension Master Gardeners. this annual event serves as both an educational tool and a fundraising event for the ongoing growth of the arboretum and the Department.

the 2014 spring affair Newsletter was mailed in early april. For more information or to get a copy of the newsletter, call 402-472-2971 or visit springaffair.unl.edu.

spring affair—plants, talks and Garden items

Spring 2014

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Spring 201413

NEBRASKA Nursery News

Spring 2014

the passage of lb68 in the spring of 2013 resulted in the

new nursery licensing structure that went into effect september of 2013. the renewal process has gone reasonably smoothly, and the Nursery stock Distributor licenses have been mailed out. We are continuing to follow-up with firms that did not respond to their renewal notice. assisting new applicants and making contact with firms that may need to be licensed is also keeping staff busy.

You may see a new face or two during inspections this year. libby smith, formerly the central and Western Nebraska inspector, has taken over the lincoln/southeast/south central inspection territory. libby has been with NDa for about a year, is a UNl grad with a degree in environmental science, and worked in the nursery industry prior to joining our team.

trevor Johnson is our newest inspector, covering central and Western Nebraska. He is a UNl grad

with a bs in agriculture, and brings with him great plant pest survey experience gained while working for UsDa in Nebraska. please make a point of getting to know both these inspectors.

Never hesitate to contact our Department if you have any questions, at (401) 471-2351.

entomology program UpdatesJUlie vaN Meter, eNtoMoloGY proGraM MaNaGer, Nebraska DepartMeNt oF aGricUltUre

Membership renewal forms will be sent in May for 2014-2015. The NNLA membership year runs from

July 1 - June 30.

Be sure to renew your membership to continue to receive the quarterly newsletters, email updates, discounted educational rates for the Great Plains Conference and Summer Field Days, marketing &

outreach and much more...

NNLA Membership Renewal

NNLA, PO Box 10, Milford, NE 68405 - (402) 761-2216

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NEBRASKA Nursery News

Spring 2014

Nebraska Nursery & Landscape AssociationBoard of Directors 2014

Kim Davidson, NCNPresident 2013-15Estate GardenersP.O. Box 758Elkhorn, NE 68022402-289-7519 – CellEmail: [email protected] Imel, Vice President 2011-14 Peaceful Prarie Nursery 140090 Brook Way Dr Mitchell, NE 69337 Cell: 308-631-7452 Email: [email protected] Hamernik, NCN, Past President-2011-13 Bluebird Nursery 519 Bryan Street Clarkson, NE 68629 Cell: 402-750-3680 800-356-9164 Email: [email protected] Berke, Treasurer 2012-15 SunValley Landscaping Inc. 41761 Road 754 Eustis, NE 69028 308-325-7070 [email protected] Sittner 2013-2015 Tailored Landscapes 17001 Midway Road Walton, NE 68461 402-416-5691 [email protected] Kinghorn, NCN, 2014-16 1419 South 46th Ave. Omaha, NE 68106 402-578-4678 [email protected]

Nancy Sohns, NCN 2012-15 S&N Landscape Design 4211 N. 100 St. Omaha, NE 68134 402-510-7125 [email protected] Gilbertson, NCN 2013-16 Heritage Nursery West 1300 Deer Trail Roca, NE 68430 402-610-0881 [email protected] Munk, NCN 2014-16 Campbell’s Nursery 5625 Pine Lake Road Lincoln, NE 68516 402-423-1133 [email protected] Schildt, Nebraska Nursery & Landscape Association, Executive Director 521 First Street Milford, NE 68405 402-761-2216 [email protected] Fougeron Nebraska Nursery & Landscape Association, Associate Director [email protected]

Be sure to tune in to the new season of Backyard Farmer on Thursdays at

7:00 pm.

Watch for the NNLA commercial spot!

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NEBRASKA Nursery News

DriftWatch is an online map system for displaying locations of specialty and pesticide sensitive crops for pesticide applicators. the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is the data steward for this web site. basic eligibility for crops to be approved for DriftWatch in Nebraska is as follows:

•Crops must be commercial in nature - that is, sold in some way and not solely for personal use.• Crop categories in Nebraska are: – Grapes – Fruits – vegetables – beehives – Greenhouse - high tunnel

– Nursery crops – orchards – Fish Farms – other (plants grown for seed, cut flowers, flowers for scented products, woody florals, hops, certified organic crops, and certain non herbicide-resistant crops)

• Certified Organic crops, including alfalfa, pasture, and native prairie, are considered eligible, if they are a part of a commercial operation. Growers, who are certified organic or transitioning, have invested in the certification and verification process to increase their crops’ value. similar classifications, such as naturally grown, organically grown, natural,

etc., are not considered eligible, unless they also fit into one of the other categories of crops as listed above.

• Conventionally grown pasture and native prairie are not considered specialty crops or pesticide-sensitive crops at this time. While any plant may be sensitive to herbicides, drift or misuse complaints concerning these crops happen infrequently.

More information on DriftWatch can be found at fieldwatch.com. More information about NDa’s pesticide program can be found at bit.ly/NDapp.

DriftWatch Update - crop eligibilitybY craiG roMarY, eNviroNMeNtal proGraM specialist, Nebraska DepartMeNt oF aGricUltUre

advertise in the NNla Newsletter Would you like to see your company featured in an ad in the Nebraska Nursery & landscape association’s quarterly newsletter, Nebraska Nursery News?

You will have the opportunity to present your company logo, products/services and company identity to members from across the state. check out the new lower advertising rates on the last page of the newsletter. this is a great, affordable opportunity to reach members and anyone who views the newsletter on the website.

Please contact the NNLA office at [email protected] or (402) 761-2216 for further details.

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NEBRASKA Nursery News

Using pinterest to promote Your business interest - an amazing addiction for so many people. some of you might have a dozen or more “boards” while some of you are asking, “What is pinterest?”

pinterest is a relatively new form of social media that helps people collect and organize the things they love. Here’s how it works for you.

The Pin Cyclepins can be almost anything - a gift, recipe, or even a quote. they’re like little bookmarks people add to pinterest that always point back to the sites they came from (like yours!). If you add the “pin it button” to your site, people can use it to add stuff to pinterest.

1. a pin is born - a creative landscape design catches a pinner’s eye. they pin it to their “Dream landscape” board.

2. the repin - a follower sees the pin and repins the landscape design to their “outdoor escapes” board.

3. the discovery - someone browsing their home feed or searching for “Dream landscapes” discovers the creative landscape design.

4. the click-through - More people discover, repin and click through to the original source (your website).

Beautiful Boardsboard are where people collect and organize their pins. each board tells a unique, hand-crafted story about what that person cares about. people can follow boards whose pins they like - like yours!

Simple Discoverypinterest helps people discover things in a simple visual way. Pinners might find something they love while browsing your boards, scrolling through a category you’re listed in or searching for you directly.

Connecting Interestspinterest connects people through shared interests - their passions, hobbies, tastes and values. You can inspire them by using pinterest in a personal, authentic way.

Put Pinners Firstbefore you get started, consider what pinners really care about. check out your web analytics to see what they like best, or talk to them directly. tailor your pins for them.

Curate Your Collectioncreate a few boards to start your collection. they very best boards are inspiring, with beautiful images that draw people in. They’re also about a specific topic like travel or recipes.

be sure to use plenty of high quality images. Your website may

already be full of stuff that can be pinned, but make sure you have enough images and that they’re high resolution.

Show What Inspires Youinstead of just showing off your products, show what inspires them. create boards for the ideas, places, people and moods behind your brand and company.

Share Your Pinsonce you’ve started to grow your community, you can promote your pinterest account and even showcase your pins on your own site.

so now you know a little more about pinterest. could this be a great new tool to help market your products and designs? First things first - Create a business account, verify your website, and add the pin it button to your site.

learn more about how pinterest can help grow your business by visiting http://business.pinterest.com/ and start pinning today!

Information found on the Pinterest for Businesses website. All rights reserved.

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NEBRASKA Nursery News

NcN spotlight - tony schukei, NcN & cole Weston, NcN

the Nebraska Nursery and landscape association’s

newest Nebraska Certified Nurserymen are tony schukei and cole Weston. tony and cole both took the NCN Certification test during the Nebraska Great plaiNs conference in January and passed all three segments of the test.

tony schukei is currently employed at campbell’s Nursery in lincoln and has worked there since september of 2013. He works as a landscape designer, specializing in residential design.

He indicated that campbell’s encouraged him to become certified which allowed him to increase the level of knowledge in the field.

cole Weston is currently employed as a landscape Manager at Finke Gardens & Nursery in lincoln. He will soon receive a degree in turfgrass and landscape Management from the University of Nebraska in lincoln.

cole’s employer encouraged him to become certified and he also thinks that it is important to show his customers/clients that he is committed to being a professional in the industry.

“i think the promotion of the certification falls more on the members than the organization. Hopefully people who are certified are creating better landscapes and selling better plants than those who are not certified. If quality is associated with people who

are proud of their certification, it should reflect well on the rest.”

the NcN program was established to promote the professionalism of individuals within the industry. a rigorous three part test, which covers plant identification, landscape, and the NcN manual, must be successfully completed.

are you interested in becoming a Nebraska Certified Nurseryman? Visit www.nnla.org/certification for more information.

Show your customers that you are a professional... become a

Nebraska Certified Nurseryman

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NEBRASKA Nursery News

Accent Nursery, LLCAlta Falls & Pond SuppliesAnderson Nurseries, Inc.

Anderzhon Nursery Sales, Inc.Association of Professional

Landscape DesignersARBORjet

ArborSystems, Inc.Bailey Nurseries

Barcel Landscape ProductsBFG Supply

Bluebird Nursery, Inc.Estate Gardeners

Great PlantsGreat Plains NurseryGreenlife Nursery Co.

HH Wild Plums Inc.Heritage Nursery

Home Nursery, Inc.Hughes Mulch ProductsJohn Deere Landscapes

Kankakee NurseryLoma vista Nursery

Michael Johnson ConstructionMidwest Trading Horticulture

SuppliesMiller EvolveMiller Seed

Nebraska Community Forestry Council

Nature’s CompanionNebraska Department of

AgricultureNebraska Forest Service

Nebraska Statewide ArboretumNexus Corporation

Northern Agri ServicesNorthern Family FarmsOlsens Outdoor Power

oPPDPapio valley Nursery, Inc.

PBI GordonPlains Tree Farms

Prairie Gold NurseryReTree Nebraska

Sester FarmsThe Tessman Company

UNL Agronomy & Horticulture Department

vermeer High PlainsWilliams Lawn Seed

Xylem, Ltd. Golden valley Hardscapes

Nebraska Great plaiNs conference - thank You!ExhibitorsThank you to all of the Nebraska GREAT PLAINS Conference exhibitors. The expo would not be a success without the support of our exhibitors. It would also not be as fun since the attendees enjoy walking around and learning more about new products and services. They also enjoyed getting updates on the newest educational opportunities and programs; research; and association news.

Spring 2014

Gold Sponsorlincoln electric system

Silver Sponsorsblack Hills energy

bluebird Nursery, inc.Finders keepers landscaping llc

papio valley Nursery, inc.

Platinum Sponsorsbarcel landscape products

bFG supply companyHughes Mulch products

Bronze SponsorsHome Nursery, inc.

Housley lawn & Nursery salesMutchie tree care

the rock place

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NEBRASKA Nursery News

Nebraska Great plaiNs conference - thank You! Directory Advertisers

Agrium Advanced Technologies Direct SolutionsBluebird Nursery, Inc.Great Plains NurseryHeritage Nursery Inc.

Michael Johnson Construction, LLCMidwest Trading Horticultural Supplies

Nebraska College of Technical AgriculturePapio valley Nursery, Inc.

REAMSThe Rock Place

Williams Lawn SeedXylem Ltd./Golden valley Hardscapes

Auction DonationsAdvanced Association Management

Alta Falls & Pond SuppliesAM LeonardAulick’s TLC

Bailey NurseriesBarcel Landscape Products

BFG Supply CompanyBluebird NurseryBobcat of Omaha

Campbell’s NurseryChas Berke

Fairbanks InternationalFaller LandscapeThe Feed Store

Great Plains NurseryHH Wild Plums

Kansas City RoyalsLincoln Children’s Museum

Lincoln SaltdogsNNLA

Nebraska Nursery & Color GardensPetsMartREAMS

Jana RichardThe Rock Place

Nancy ScottWhitehead oil Company

Wild Horse Golf Club

*Funds raised from the auction go toward the scholarship funds. Please consider donating an item for the NNLA Silent/Live Auction in 2015.

Photo by Jim Keepers

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NEBRASKA Nursery News

Advertising Rates and Specifications

Nebraska Nursery News

2014 Advertisement Purchase Order Form

Annual Rates for Four (4) Issues - Full Color

Size Square In.

Full Page

Business Card

Half Page

$100

$200Quarter Page

$500

$700

Company

Contact Name Title

Address City StateZip

Phone Fax

Email Address

Ad copy changes can be made; however, new artwork must be submitted at least one month prior to the publication date. Publication dates are scheduled for January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1. You may upgrade your size option during the year if desired.

Ad Stipulation/Quality: All advertisements must be sent via email to [email protected]. The following formats are accepted: .pdf and .jpeg at 300 dpi minimum resolution.

Payment: Ads will not be printed without payment. Please fill out the credit card information below or send a check made out to NNLA, along with this form to:

NNLA PO Box 10

Milford, NE 68405

6.375”

18.75”

37.5”

75”

1 Column WxH

2 3/8 x 2 3/4”

2 3/8 x 7 3/4”

2 Column WxH

5 x 1 1/8”

5 x 3 3/4”

5 x 7 1/2”

3 Column WxH Rate

7 1/2 x 2 1/2”

7 1/2 x 5”

7 1/2 x 10”

Credit Card Information

Name on Card: Card Number:

Expiration Date: Total: Signature:

Billing Address: Zip Code:

Thank You For Your Support!