77443 azna mayjune2014 mag web

THIS ISSUE:Saturday Night Game Night FunArizona Arbor Day & Arbor WeekGrand Tour of Gardens

MAY/JUNE 2014VOLUME 31 NUMBER 3

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MAY/JUNE 2014 | 1www.azna.org

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2 Frontline

3 Insights

4 Industry News

5 AmericanHort News

6 It’s the Law

7 Feature

8 ANAFUND News

10 ANA News

12 Insurance Update

13 Qué Pasó

14 Safety News

16 Advertiser Index

southwestHorticulture

Arizona Nursery AssociationOfficers and Board of Directors

PresidentJay Harper ............................ Harper’s Nursery

President-ElectDon Waltemeyer .................. Treeland Nurseries

TreasurerRoger Ramsey ..........................Ewing Irrigation

Past PresidentJoe Traficano ............................West Coast Turf

Board of DirectorsPatty Beuerlein .........................Gro-Well BrandsMatt Bigham ..........................Western GrowersJessica Cox ............................Cox Cactus FarmPhil Hemminghaus .......................... Wilbur EllisDan SchollLes Shipley ...............................Civano NurseryScott Tenge..................... Queen Creek GrowersCarol Ward-Morris ....... Arizona Municipal Water

Users Association

Ex-Officio MembersBrett Cameron..Arizona Department of Agriculture

ANAFUND Representativeto the Board

Cindy Riding .................Arizona Best Real Estate

StaffCheryl Goar ......................... Executive DirectorSusan Chase .....................Communication and Education Director

Official Magazine of the Arizona Nursery Association

1430 West Broadway Road, Suite 110Tempe, Arizona 85282

480-966-1610 Fax 480-966-0923e-mail: [email protected]: www.azna.org

SouthwestHORTICULTURE Magazine

Mission StatementSouthwestHorticulture Magazine is the official news and educational publication of the Arizona Nursery Association, its members, affiliates and officers. It pro-vides opportunities for academics to publish research of importance to ANA members, communicates significant information about ANA members and events, contains information that increases knowledge within the industry and presents a professional image of our members and affiliates. It offers advertising space to ANA members and non-members, which generates revenues in excess of publication costs.The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Arizona Nursery Association or its members. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or their identification as members of ANA does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured.SouthwestHorticulture is published bi-monthly by the Ar-izona Nursery Association. It is sent to ANA and ALCA members as a membership benefit. Subscription rate for non-members is $50 per year. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to 1430 West Broadway, Suite 110, Tempe, Arizona 85282. Phone: 480-966-1610.

southwestHORTICULTUREMAY/JUNE 2014VOLUME 31 NUMBER 3

CalendarDepartments

Cover Photo: Courtesy of ANA Board Member Carol Ward-Morris, Arizona Municipal Water Users Association

Features7 Saturday Night Game Night A Success

JUNE

4 ANA Networking Reception, 5 pm at Warner’s Nursery, Flagstaff 4 – 6 ANA Board of Directors Long Range Planning, Flagstaff

AUGUST

15 SHADE Conference, Glendale Renaissance

27 ANA Board Meeting, Tempe

The Arizona Certified Nursery Professional class will be offered at the SHADE conference on August 15, 2014, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel, 9495 W. Coyotes Boulevard, Glendale, AZ. The exam will occur in September, approximately one month following SHADE.

For more information contact Susan Chase at (480) 966-1610 or [email protected].

ACNP

2 | southwestHORTICULTURE Arizona Nursery Association MAY/JUNE 2014 | 3www.azna.org

Do you feel “special”? Are we acting like we are?Hopefully by now “Plant Something” is a very familiar theme and hopefully you’ve

seen an ad, a TV spot or a billboard promoting plants and their value to our community, society, and well being. Did you know however that the funds your nursery association obtained from the department of agriculture came from a grant for “specialty” crops? Specialty is defined as “a special object or class of objects: as (1): a legal agreement embodied in a sealed instrument (2): a product of a special kind or of special excellence”. Compare this to the definition of Commodity “an article of commerce especially when delivered for shipment <commodities futures> c : a mass-produced unspecialized product <commodity chemicals> <commodity memory chips>”.

So what is so special about us and do we act accordingly or are we really marketing commodities? When I think of something special, it is usually Orvis, Browning or Nordstrom. Nothing against Eagle Claw, Winchester or Kmart but they aren’t very special to me. They may be a lot cheaper and easier to find, but because of that, they don’t seem special to me.

Perhaps you’ve found certain plants, especially trees, not so easy to find lately? They are not as easy to find, but still seem to be priced about the same. In fact thanks to a couple of research assistants, Beth Gosnell and Bob Hawkins, I’ve compiled a very short and unscientific sampling of prices from the 1980’s and have compared them to current day:

Trees 1985 TodayCercidum floridum - 15 gal $32 $35 Cercidum floridum - 24” box $150 $120Eucalyptus microtheca - 15 gal $32 $35Eucalyptus microtheca - 24” box $130 $120

As you can see prices haven’t changed very much in 30 years - prices of plants that is! How do these prices of “specialty” crops compare to what we would consider “commodities”? Well since you asked:

1985 Today Milk $2.26/gal Milk is $3.50-3.75/galBread 99c/loaf Bread $2.00/loaf

How about some of our industry input costs? What have they done? As a further comparison, minimum wage in 1982 was $3.35/hour and gas was $1.20 per gallon!

It doesn’t look to me like we are very special, in fact the sellers of commodities have done a better job of increasing their prices and margins as costs have gone up. And to top it off, their products are not in short supply. On my last visit to Safeway there were all kinds of choices for milk and bread. We all know how hard it is to grow a nice looking nursery product. We all know how much “value” our products have (just read a “plant something” ad or promo). Yet the economics don’t show that we think it is hard or that our products are very special.

Perhaps we underestimate the “value” the public really puts on our products? Are we out of touch or just bad marketers? The growers of Kale know how to market. According to U.S.D.A. studies, in 2011 there were 4700 outlets selling Kale at a price of .88/bunch. Somebody found out how good Kale was for you and in 2014 there are 50,700 outlets selling Kale and the price has gone up to $1.10 a bunch. Hmmm… selling a product that is good for your health - the supply increased over 10 fold and the price, well you can see for yourself. Seems to me we sell products that are good for you, create oxygen, beauty, shade and all kinds of other value to our community. Our supply certainly hasn’t increased.

If I haven’t convinced you that it is time to take your own businesses pricing very seriously, well just today an article reprinted from American Express by American Hort just might make you take a second look. You can find the article at: www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/openforum/articles/why-its-time-to-raise-your-prices/?linknav=us-openforum-exp-carousel-1-1

I have always been a fan of learning from history however in this case, perhaps we need to forget about what used to be and remember what “value” we are creating – how special our products really are – and then think about how we should be priced?

frontlineJay Harper, President

insightsCheryl Goar, CAE, Executive DirectorIt has been almost a year now since the Arizona Nursery Association Board of Directors held their planning session in Tubac to contemplate what exactly our

association should deliver and be involved with for the current year. The ANA staff mirrored the staffs of most of your businesses, leaner. The Board decided it was critical to the association’s future to not strive to be “involved in everything”. The plan was to offer member services and benefits which were critical to the industry’s businesses. With this in mind, it was agreed that our tactic would be to promote ourselves as providing Communication, Education and Representation. We even had quite cutting-edge, multi-foldable business cards printed for our board members to use as they are out and about visiting with associates touting our services. ANA has had the tagline “Where Growing Businesses Can Thrive”

and now we have at least three pillars of how we do that.

ANA’s 3-Pillars business card

ANA’s next step……to see if we are offering the right things for you and your

business or to say it another way, the items critical to your future business success. The association utilizes federal grant funds for some of our promotional programs and being able to measure your success of what we offer is the basis for all of those funding sources. So, with that in mind, ANA just launched a Membership Satisfaction Survey the results of which will form this year’s agenda for their planning session. It has been one full year, how are we doing in these areas?

We know that you know what it is like to be a member of our association. You have information, insight and opinions about the services, information and value you receive from your membership in ANA. We also believe you might have ideas for what can be done to improve our services, communications and anything else which might be important to keeping you a satisfied and loyal member of ANA. The board and staff are aware of the industry’s needs from our perspective and are diligent to strive to meet those needs and take action

to make improvements. This time, we want to hear from you where we are doing well and where we might do better.

We have used current technology and the survey was sent via a direct email link to each association member as well as being included in our e-update. If you did not receive the link and would like to participate, please give me a call or email me and I’ll get you the information.

Thanks for your membership in ANA and your participation in the survey. As Rob Johns always reminds you, this is YOUR association, please be active, participate and share your opinions.

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Industry newsArizona Landscape Architects Awards Gala 2014The Arizona Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (AzASLA) hosted their annual Design Awards Gala at the Desert Botanical Garden on Saturday, March 29th. Speaking at the event was National Past President of the American Society of Landscape Architects, Tom Tavella, PLA, FASLA. The Gala brought together professional and student landscape architects to celebrate exceptional projects from the public space, urban planning, private, and educational sectors.

Cindy Riding and Susan Chase attended on behalf of ANA and spoke regarding the ANAFUND-AzASLA scholarship partnership. Numerous previous scholarship recipients were recognized with awards this year.

Winning projects received Awards of Excellence or Honor and were judged by landscape architects based upon design and planning quality and execution, response to site context, environmental sensitivity and sustainability, and value to the public, the client, and other designers. The full list of awards and project photos can be seen at www.azasla.org.

Additionally, special awards were given in the categories of Friend of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Sage of the Year, Landscape Architect of the Year and Educators of the Year.

SHADE committee member Jim Coffman, RLA, ASLA, Arizona State University, was recognized as Educator of the Year along with Lauri MacMillan Johnson, ASLA, The University of Arizona.

ANA Board member and SHADE committee chair Roger Ramsey, Ewing Irrigation Products, was given the Trailblazer award. This is given out annually by each Hunter Industries district to a leader in water conservation and sustainability.

Ewing Gives BackPhoenix based Ewing Irrigation Products continued its commitment to volunteerism and philanthropy with the second annual PRIDE Project, an opportunity for Ewing employees from across the country to work together toward a common goal while giving back. On April 15, more than 350 Ewing Irrigation employees and partners converged at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic School in Dallas to renovate the entire campus irrigation system and build a football field, community garden and outdoor entertainment area.Ewing selected the school as this year’s recipient because it didn’t have the resources to construct a safe field for the students to play on.

“The highlight of the day was when the students came out to say ‘thank you’ and wave as we finished our work,” said Doug York, Ewing Irrigation President. “This is why we do what we do.” Recycling Opportunity for Poly Tubing, PVC and other Nursery ProductsPlastics Recovery Inc will start a pilot project collecting and recycling old drip feed systems, PVC pipe, nursery cans and flats free of charge. A company in California that makes drip feed systems recycled 3,000,000 pounds of plastic which was destined for the landfill in 2005. They reported that farms in remote areas leave old drip feed systems on the corner of a field, as it is too expensive to rent a dumpster and pay landfill charges. Ephraim Warshawsky of Plastics Recovery Inc. believes this project will reduce waste reduction efforts and lower farmers’ and growers’ operating costs through resource management and recycling. Plastics Recovery Inc. will supply a dumpster free of charge to the farm and haul it away when filled. Plastics Recovery recently recycled 72,000 pounds of drip feed material from a farm in Eloy, Arizona.

Mr. Warshawsky can be reached at 602-340-0400.

newsAmericanHort Requests Worker Protection Comment ExtensionBy Craig RegelbruggeThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed extensive and complicated revisions to its Worker Protection Standard regulation. Member nursery, greenhouse, and Christmas tree growers will be affected. AmericanHort icollaborated with other interested national organizations, state partners, and affected growers to assess the proposal and develop official comments, which were originally due by June 17. For much of our industry, this proposal’s timing could not be worse. It is Spring, and horticulture businesses are extraordinarily busy! With this in mind, AmericanHort and partners submitted to EPA an official request to extend the comment deadline by 90 days, to September 16, 2014. A 60-day extension was awarded, changing the deadline date to August 16. See the entire rules package at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0184-0119

The Great Recession’s Impact on Horticulture Evident in New Agriculture Census By Joe Bischoff, Ph.D.The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistical Service (NASS) recently released the results of the 2012 Census of Agriculture. The 2012 census was the first to capture the fallout of the Great Recession, which most economists agree began in 2007 and reached it depths in 2008-2009. While some sectors of agriculture are showing recovery, the horticulture industry is not nearly as fortunate.

Nursery and Floriculture crops, which includes things like cuttings, bulbs, annuals, perennials, woody plants, and Christmas trees, took a significant hit since the last census. Sales dropped nearly $2 billion (14%) since 2007, with nursery sales seeing the biggest drop, approaching $1.5 billion, a decline of 22 percent. Much of this decline is attributed to the Great Recession’s impact on the housing market and new residential and commercial construction. However, many also believe changing consumer demographics associated with the aging of the “baby boomers” are an underlying factor.

Read more at: americanhort.theknowledgecenter.com

“Trailblazer” Roger Ramsey of Ewing Irrigation

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Nursery certification is explained in detail in the Arizona Administrative Code (rule) R3-4-301, including how to get a certificate, provisions for meeting the certification standards, deadlines to apply, and the possible outcomes of non-compliance with the certification issued by the department.

Three options are available to nurseries in this voluntary offering; the General Nursery certification, the Special Nursery Stock certification and the Single Shipment certification. Each comes with its own set of guidelines, but generally, nursery stock has to be free-from quarantine pests of concern, and maintained so, commercially clean of other quality pests, and with the exception of the General Nursery Stock certification, the certificates may not be reproduced without the department’s permission. Department inspectors will not make recommendations to issue certifications when a quarantine pest has been detected until the pest has been eliminated. Similarly, if an inspector determines that a non-quarantine pest is adversely affecting the nursery stock, or exceeds a reasonable level of cleanliness, a recommendation to certify will be withheld until the pest is controlled.

There has been good compliance with the provisions of the certifications generally, however, certification should not be considered a given when requested or during the certification period. A certification may be refused by the department if, after inspection, the Associate Director determines that an applicant has not met a requirement for certification including implementation and completion of mitigation measures prescribed by the department. A certificate may be suspended for misuse or

misrepresentation of the certificate, and can be revoked, depending on severity, if a condition of the certification was violated. In addition, the department may refuse to issue or may suspend a certificate if the applicant or certificate holder fails to produce documents requested by the department related to the nursery stock to be certified.

A sound certification system saves the nursery stock producer time and money in numerous ways, facilitates market access and offers protection of the Arizona industry by holding out-of state shippers to similar standards when the department reviews certifications on material presented for inspection at destination.

It’s the Law Contributed by John CaravettaAssociate Director - Plant Services Division, Arizona Department of Agriculture

Each year, industry members and friends get together for the Arizona Nursery Association’s annual fundraiser which supports ANA’s programs.

Saturday Night Game Night was held at the McCormick Ranch Clubhouse on April 12th. Attendees dined and socialized with beautiful golf course and Camelback Mountain views and had complimentary group photos taken with this lush background.

The ever-popular Blackjack and Craps gaming tables were back, and the new Corn Hole Tournament brought out competitive spirits and some finely honed tossing skills. The games were filled with “wild cards”, “high rollers”, flying bean bags and lots of laughs! Scott Tenge of Queen Creek Growers was card shark of the night and won a Pebble Smartwatch. A silent auction was taking place throughout the night as well as a Grand Raffle for 7 great prizes: • Ricardo 2-piece Luggage Set – won by Larry Hollett • 3 seats to the Diamondbacks vs. San Francisco Giants – won by Dan Goar • Apple iPad Mini–16 GB – won by Melanie Contreras • 16-piece HGTV Solar Landscape Lighting System – won by Michael Koury • 28” LED LCD HD Television – won by Dan Escalante • Coach Leather Tote – won by Bill Annis • Brighton necklace & earrings – won by Robbie Johns

Silent auction winners left with everything from golf packages, to horseback riding lessons, to weekend get-aways, and, of course, smiles on their faces. The 46 auction items raised over $2000 and incited plenty of competition, with friends racing each other to the tables to make last-minute final bids. Thank you to all who provided items for the auction!

Proceeds from Game Night totaled $7400. Thank you event committee members: Patty Beuerlein of Gro-Well Brands; Jessica Cox of Cox Cactus Farm, Mike Johns & Robbie Johns of A & P Nursery; Cindy Riding of Arizona Best Real Estate; Scott Tenge of Queen Creek Growers and Bo Zvida of Zvida Growers. Also thank you to all who supported this event and the future of the green industry. Without all of you who participated, this could not have happened!

A Special Thanks to our generous sponsors:Royal Flush SponsorsSummerWinds NurseriesV & P NurseriesWest Coast TurfWestern Growers InsuranceWhitfill NurseryWilbur Ellis

Full House SponsorsArid Zone TreesBerridge NurseriesDesert Tree FarmMountain States Wholesale NurseryTreeland NurseriesWestern Tree Company

Saturday Night Game Night Fundraiser a Success

Hiring New Nursery Workers?The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) currently requires employers provide Basic Training to all employees before they work in a treated area. A treated area is any location where a pesticide has been applied in the previous 30 days. The 30-day window begins when the restricted-entry interval (REI) for the treatment ends. Employers can provide basic training simply by highlighting the points on the EPA Pesticide Safety Poster. A more complete pesticide safety training must be provided before their 6th day of work in a treated area.

For more information on WPS regulations for Agricultural Worker Training and additional details about Pesticide Handler Training requirements go to: http://www.epa.gov/agriculture/twor.html or contact Jennifer Weber at [email protected]

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April 15th was not only tax return day, it was the deadline for the ANA Foundation (ANAFUND) scholarship applications and we had an enthusiastic response with 32 applicants. These students represent a variety of industry interests and there are many good candidates. The scholarship committee will be reviewing and making decisions in the coming weeks – a thoughtful and time-consuming process. Thank you to the scholarship committee:

Chairperson Cindy Riding, Arizona Best Real Estate; Roger Athey, Nakase Brothers Wholesale Nursery; Tim Businda, SummerWinds Garden Centers and Jean McGrath, for their dedication to the future of our industry. In 2013 ANAFUND awarded over $23,000 in scholarships.

Save the Date August 15, 2014

5 Tracks - Earn CEUs

See Friends & Network

Visit Exhibitors at the MARKETPLACE

For more information, visit www.azna.org, call 480-966-1610 or

email [email protected]

SHADE 2014: Southwest Horticulture Annual Day of Education

at the Renaissance Glendale, Glendale, AZ, next to the Cardinal Stadium An award winning educational program from the Arizona Nursery Association

Sneak Preview:The Innovative Use of Materials in Landscape Architecture Steve Martino, Steve Martino Landscape ArchitectsCustomer Training – Creating a Demand for Good Horticulture Cass Turnbull, Plant AmnestyPractical Applications & Use of Reclaimed Water for Landscape Irrigation Jim Trog, Four Peaks LandscapeUtilizing Inventory Data in Tree Maintenance Programs Gordon Mann, Mann Made Resources

New 6 sessions in each Track. For newly released agenda go to: www.azna.org

ANAFUND news

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Arizona Arbor Day CelebrationOn April 25th, the Arizona Nursery Association, in collaboration with the Arizona State Forestry Division, the Arizona Community Tree Council, The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners and the USDA Forest Service hosted a statewide Arbor Day event. The celebration was held at the Wesley Bolin Memorial Park and included a variety of educational opportunities and tree activities, including a tree hugging booth for school groups in attendance.

The tree activities were followed by the reading of the Governor’s Arizona Arbor Day Proclamation by Arizona State Forester Scott Hunt, the annual Tree City USA award ceremony, and the planting of two oak trees. Thank you to Desert Tree Farm for the donation of the oak trees. Awards and prizes were also given to the Arbor Day Poster Contest winners and the designated 2013 Magnificent 7 trees.

Additionally, in honor of Arbor Day and Arizona Arbor Week, fifteen 24”-box trees were on display for the week on the Capitol mall representing Arizona’s 15 counties. Each tree was labeled by genus and species and the county in which it could thrive. Thank you to Mountain States Wholesale Nursery for supplying the 15 trees for our lawmakers and Capitol visitors to view.

Beginning in 1872 in Nebraska, Arbor Day is now celebrated in all 50 states and in 32 countries around the world. The most common

date for Arbor Day is the last Friday in April, although some states celebrate on differing dates which coincide with the best time to plant trees based on the local climate. Arizona has celebrated Arbor Day as early as 1898.

Grand Tour of GardensPlant Something was in the garden for the Phoenix Home & Garden’s 16th Annual Grand Tour of Gardens. Five of the Valley’s most enchanting outdoor spaces were highlighted on April 6th, offering different perspectives on outdoor desert living.

ANA President Jay Harper, President-elect Don Waltemeyer, and past Presidents Cindy Riding, Robin Franklin and Susan Chase served as on-site hosts at the homes, answering gardening questions and promoting Plant Something. A portion of the proceeds from the tour benefit the Desert Botanical Garden.

Farm-City Breakfasts held at Member NurseriesDuring the month of April, the Maricopa County Farm Bureau and the U of A Maricopa County Cooperative Extension held breakfasts in each of the five county board of supervisor’s districts. Two ANA member nurseries hosted the events again this year. ANA President Jay Harper served as host at his Mesa location for the district 2 breakfast for Supervisor Steve Chucri. The district 3 breakfast was held at Arizona Wholesale Growers in north Phoenix for Supervisor Andy Kunasek, with Bill and Shawn Cox hosting. The other three were held at farm sites and a dairy. The combined attendance was a record this year at 370. These breakfasts serve as an opportunity for urban neighbors to meet their rural counterparts and understand their issues. Susan Chase and Cheryl Goar attended the breakfasts on behalf of the nursery industry.

ANA newsLunch with our LegislatorsANA participated with 10 other agricultural commodity associations to host an Arizona Agriculture Legislative Luncheon on Tuesday, March 1st. ANA President Jay Harper attended on behalf of ANA as well as staff members Susan Chase and Cheryl Goar. Over 60 legislators attended this event where they were greeted by representatives of the agriculture community and treated to a BBQ lunch. This annual event is an excellent opportunity for industry members to have “face time” with lawmakers, ask questions and/or voice concerns. Thank you to Dream with Colors for the donation of the color bowl centerpieces.

Ag TransportationANA Executive Director Cheryl Goar joined Ana Kennedy of the Arizona Farm Bureau and Jeannette Fish of the Maricopa Farm Bureau at both East and West Valley Police Chiefs’ meetings this spring to represent the industry regarding agriculture transportation

rules. Cheryl spoke specifically to nursery operations and the past challenges regarding ag exemptions for moving plant material. The chiefs were given Ag Transportation Handbooks (compiled by Arizona Farm Bureau), were receptive and asked pertinent questions. For more information on this issue or to receive a Handbook, please contact Cheryl at (480) 966-1610.

Plant Something at a GlanceThe new Plant Something digital billboards were flashing on the freeways in April. Did you see them? The ANA office received many positive comments and numerous phone calls from curious commuters inquiring about the message. This photo was taken on the fly (by a passenger).

Plant Something at 60 Something mph

ANA news (continued)

Hug a Tree for Free!

Phoenix Home & Garden Tour draws plant enthusiasts

ANA President Jay Harper answers attendee questions

President-elect Don Waltemeyer represents Plant Something

Legislators and Industry enjoy AZ Ag Bounty

Supervisor Chucri speaks at Harper’s Nursery

Hosts Bill & Shawn Cox, AZ Wholesale Growers


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Insurance update ¿Qué pasó?Matt Bigham, Desert Region Manager, Western GrowersWestern Growers Insurance Services is endorsed by the ANA to provide health benefits and property and casualty insurance to its members. You can reach Matt at 602-266-6147, ext 7452

There are many challenges in today’s business climate and Healthcare reform is just one of them. It is this subject matter that causes an employer pause to consider all their options and weigh all of the facts to come up with an answer. Back and forth, day and night, question and more questions, if this then that. Where does it end? How does it end? Ultimately, what will it cost?

According to a professional publication put out by the Phoenix based general agency Black Gould and Associates, large US employers remain committed to providing benefits to their employees. But what about small employers? Most ANA members are small employers. That remains to be seen and from my perspective the story is not written yet. But let’s look at some of the published facts. According to BGA’s publication $9,560 is what the cost will be for a single employee to be covered in 2014, up 4.4% from 2013 where that figure was at $9,157. Not a huge percentage shift but those dollars add up.

This affect of this rise in cost will impact the employee because the

same study shows employers will have no choice but to defer an average of 37% of it to the employee. Will an employee of a small employer be able to cough up $2,975? Part of the law says they have to have medical insurance. I wish I had answers for you but I am not seeing any widespread participation yet. What I do anticipate, however, is that the more time goes by and people get used to the new law, they will find ways to participate and be compliant with the law. I wish I could be more definitive but honestly, I am just not seeing any proof right now.

WGIS has been consulting with employers for a year now on how this law will impact them financially and legislatively and they are ramping up the dialogue. They are no longer ignoring it and wishing for the day that the law gets repealed. They are concerned for the financial viability of their business but also their moral obligation for employees and what happens to them. We will continue to be a resource to vet options, cost and implementation strategies.

Hebets MemorialThe Phil Hebets Memorial was recently installed at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix honoring the significant contribution Phil made in his efforts to salvage native plants in the state of Arizona. This lasting memorial consists of a boxed Ironwood tree and a Saguaro cactus sculpture made of used pick axe heads, designed and built by Phil’s cousin, Jeff Hebets.

A ceremony for this memorial was held at the Garden on April 5th. In addition to Phil’s family, there were many former Desierto Verde colleagues in attendance. The memorial vignette is located on the Harriet K. Maxwell Desert Wildflower Loop Trail.

Ewing Industry Barbeque showcases King of the RoadOn May 2nd Ewing Irrigation Products Phoenix branch treated industry members to fresh lunch off the grill. This has become one of the most anticipated and best attended events of the year. There was a new piece of Ewing equipment on hand, the King of the Road, a travelling marketing, education and entertainment center with the latest digital devices and an amazing sound system.

Hello from the LindquistsLong-time ANA members and supporters Ed and Gail Lindquist stopped by the ANA office recently. The Lindquists owned Sun Valley Specialties and you probably remember Ed as the ANA Trade Show “Sherriff”, roaming the aisles with his orange vest & clipboard. Even though they are now retired, they maintain their ANA membership and read Southwest Horticulture cover to cover. Ed says, “I miss everyone and being able to participate in all of the activities. Best wishes to all – give me a call!” Ed, ever a man of action, has taken up cooking as they are spending more time at home these days. He researches and experiments with recipes and Gail says, “He’s actually a great cook and takes such good care of me.”

Ed & Gail Lindquist

Haven’t heard of us yet?We are a wholesale grower offering the Valley’s widest

selection of Agaves, Aloes, Euphorbia, & Cactifrom one gallon to 30in box

We have excellent quality & unsurpassed customerservice offering fast & friendly will-calls as well as

deliveries Valley wide

We’re open Monday - Friday and most Saturdays.We also have flexible hours and are available by

phone at any time. Need something on a Sunday?Or at five o’clock at night?

Give us a call… we’ll tell you more!

COX

CACT

US F

ARM

we’re so much more than cactus…

Ryan Cox602.402.8074

[email protected]

Jessica Cox480.220.1848

[email protected]

fax: 480.336.2933

– Located in North Phoenix near Carefree Hwy & I17 –1537 W. Desert Hills Drive - Phoenix - AZ - 85086

www.coxcactusfarm.com


In the nursery and landscaping industries, it is essential for employers to protect workers by training them to recognize the hazards of the profession. Cuts and amputations, hand injuries, exposure to chemicals, eye injuries, hearing loss, and vehicle or machinery accidents all are potential risks.

Yet many accidents can be prevented by implementing the safest approaches to ergonomic lifting techniques, fall prevention strategies, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and the careful use of tools. A Place for EverythingGood housekeeping can help reduce slips and trips, so it is wise to keep foot and machinery paths clear of debris. Be aware of curbs, rocks, holes, trenches and tools that could cause workers to trip. Storage of pipes and other landscaping materials should be stacked in even piles on level ground. Use extra caution when walking in wet areas and never jump over trenches – use other means to cross.Ladders are commonly used in outdoor work, but pose significant risk of falls. To be smart and safe when using ladders, employers may want to train workers to: • Choose the right ladder for the job. • Inspect it for damage, including loose rungs, cracks and splits. • Place the ladder on a firm, level surface. • When using a straight or extension ladder, position its base out 1 foot for every 4 feet of height. • Never stand on or above the third rung from the top of a straight or extension ladder; or the second step from the top of a stepladder. • Avoid over-reaching by moving the ladder as close as possible to the work area. • Stay clear of overhead electrical wires. • If the ladder is unsteady, tie it to something secure or have someone brace the base.

Hand and Power ToolsSafe horticulture activities involve keeping tools in good working condition. Employers may want to instruct workers to sharpen, clean and lubricate cutting tools regularly and then store them safely. Handles on shovels, pickaxes and rakes should be inspected and replaced if broken or splintered.

Workers using blowers should wear eye protection, long pants and respirators or dust masks when necessary. Be aware of where debris is heading when using a blower, as the trash may cause injuries to bystanders.

Do not operate a chain saw unless you have been trained and are aware of all hazards, including the kickback. When using a chain saw, avoid wearing loose-fitting clothes; use eye protection, work gloves and steel-toe shoes.

Keep both hands on the saw when cutting. Workers using chain saws to trim overhead limbs should wear hard hats and eye protection; protect your hearing by wearing ear plugs.

Hefty LoadsLarge sacks of soil amendment, heavy tree limbs and electric machinery all have the potential to cause back injuries, which can be costly and painful.

When manual lifting is required, assess whether the load requires help from others. Generally, a 50-pound load or more should be lifted by two or more people. Bulky loads also may require help. Other everyday manual lifting aids – dollies, hand trucks, loading ramps and mechanical lifts built into trucks – should be employed whenever possible.

Heavy MachineryForklifts, backhoes and cranes often are used to plant trees or place rocks. Only trained, authorized employees should operate these machines, which must be inspected before starting work. Such equipment should steer clear of overhead electrical lines by at least 10 feet; use a spotter if a driver’s vision is obstructed. Other workers on site should not be allowed to walk under or go near suspended loads or overhead work.

Working at sites with heavy vehicular traffic poses more risk of injury or fatality because drivers often are focused more on specific tasks than the people around them. Federal safety regulations require employees to wear highly reflective safety vests when working in or near traffic areas.

Join with CopperPoint in the National Stand Down for Safety, June 2-6.

Safety news

SCF Arizona is becoming

Arizona’s premier provider of workers comp insurance

Get a Quote 1.888.706.4070

Contributed by Bruce TrethewyCopperPoint Mutual Insurance Company

[email protected]

16 | southwestHORTICULTURE Arizona Nursery Association

Advertiser IndexA & P Nurseries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13All Season Wholesale Growers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Arid Zone Trees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Arizona Wholesale Growers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Arizona Dept . of Agriculture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15CopperPoint (formerly SCF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Cox Cactus Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Desert Tree Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Desert Trees Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Elgin Nursery and Tree Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Hunter Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Paradise Wholesale Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Plants for the Southwest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15PRO CAL - Wilber Ellis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Queen Creek Growers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Rancho Soledad Nurseries, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16SHADE SAVE THE DATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Southwest Forest Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFCSunrise Tree Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Sunset Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Treeland Nurseries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11V&P Nurseries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBCWest Coast Turf/Western Sod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBCWestern Growers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BCWestern Tree Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Wilber Ellis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Zvida Growers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

’

RANCHO SOLEDAD NURSERIES, INCAlways growing since 1954

Rare & Unusual Aloes, Agaves, & Xerophytic Plants

18539 Aliso Canyon Rd., Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067(858) 756-3717 Fax (858) 756-4597

www.ranchosoledad.comAgave parryi truncata

Aloe munchii Aloe marlothii spectabilis

Agave Ferdinand-Regis

Local Sales Representatives:Dawn Hunter-Clark (480) 296-5233 &

Jean-Marie Hing (480) 540-3710

NURSERY LOCATION:Jeff: 602-809-41508606 West McDowell RoadPhoenix, AZ 85037

CALL FOR PRICE QUOTESJonathan Mobile: 602-903-3700

Fax: 623-936-4737

“Green and Growing”

www.elginnursery.com

Gilbert • Chino Valley • Queen CreekCorporate Sales 480-917-9847 • Fax 480-917-2856

V&P Nurseries, Inc.

{ruellia brittoniana ‘katie’} {bougainvillea ‘barbara karst’} {caesalpinia pulcherrima} {agave vilmoriniana}

Growing with the Southwest

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

PAIDPhoenix, AZPermit No. 1

ARIZONA NURSERY ASSOCIATION1430 West BroadwaySuite 110Tempe, AZ 85282

Change Service Requested

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Documents

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