Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Â
Citation preview
T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E T E X A S N U R S E R Y & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I A T I O N
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
SAN ANTONIO, TX
Permit No. 244
2015 Year in Review!PAG E 7
Check out the Economic Forecast for 2016PAG E 2 4
Winter Sweet Could Be Your Next Ornamental PlantPAG E 3 1
P LU S :
33 Retailing Tips35 Winter Showcase Highlights 36 Newly Certified IndividualsPAG E 1 8
THE NEW BOARD OF
DIRECTORS CHAIR,
Meet
Billy Long, TCLP
EwingIrrigation.com/locations
3
Stay Connected!
31
18
Texas Nursery & Landscape Association
7730 South IH-35
Austin, TX 78745-6698
phone: 512.280.5182 or 800.880.0343
fax: 512.280.3012
email: [email protected]
www.tnlaonline.org
7
F E A T U R E S
7 2015 Year-in-Review!2015 was a big year for the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association! See all the achievements and milestones we reached together last year!
18 Meet the New Board of Directors Chair, Billy Long, TCLP!On March 1, 2016 Billy Long, TCLP begins his term as the Chair of the TNLA Board of Directors! Learn more about him and his goals for the Association this year!
24 2016 Economic ForecastGet a heads up on what to expect from the economy this year! By knowing what to expect you can plan and budget your business to success! by Dr. Charlie Hall
C O L U M N S 27 Integrated Pest Management Can We Grow Impatiens Again? by Dr. Kevin Ong
31 GreenVi$ion New Ornamental Crops with Great Potentials: Winter Sweet (Chimonanthus praecox) by Mengmeng Gu, Ph.D.
33 Retailing Tips Making Time for Success: 5 Tips for Busy Retailers from Dallas Market Center
D E P A R T M E N T S 36 New Members
36 Newly Certified
37 Calendar of Events
38 Advertisers Index
With over 30 years of experience and the endorsement of the Texas Nursery and Landscape
Association (TNLA), Texas Turf Irrigation Association (TTIA) and many other industry associa-
tions, we understand what it takes to protect your green industry business. We’ll make sure you
have the coverage you need to protect your business and that it’s cost-effective. Both are good
objectives for growth. As a Trusted Choice® independent agency, we’ll access many of the nation’s
leading insurance companies to provide all the coverage your business needs in one strong yet
cost-effective solution.
Call 800-899-9810 or visit www.hiallc.com today
to schedule a no-obligation consultation.
Online at www.hiallc.com
30 years of experience and the nation’s leading insurance companies all under one roof - www.hiallc.com
General Liability » Business Property » Workers’ Compensation » Equipment » Pesticide & Herbicide » Business AutoEmployee Benefits » Pollution Liability » Nursery Inventory » Umbrella » Bonds and more!
Good coverage. It’s essential for growth..
5
T N L A G R E E N
the official publication of the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association
TNLAGREEN
M I S S I O N S TAT E M E N T
The Texas Nursery & Landscape Association’s mission is to enhance members’
business success through legislative/regulatory advocacy, education,
networking, and promotion of professionalism.
O F F I C E R S
Billy Long, TCLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Antonio
Bill Carson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Austin
Johnette Taylor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dallas
Amy Graham. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Austin
B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R SKevin Grossberndt. . . . . . . . . . . . San Antonio
Jay Williams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .League City
Herman Vess, TMCNP . . . . . . . . Edgewood
Jason Craven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dallas
Mike Whisenand. . . . . . . . . . . . . Fort Worth
Steven Akers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Slaton
Todd Kinney, TMCNP . . . . . . . . . . . . Donna
Jared Pyka. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Austin
Tim Little . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dallas
Jerry Maldonado, TCLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Antonio
Kevin Norris . . . . . . . . . . . . Coppell
T N L A S T A F F. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Amy Graham
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cheryl Staritz
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Aimee Luna
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim Reaves
. . . .James Theiss, TCLP, WS, TCLA, Certified Arborist
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Debra Allen
. . . . . . . . . . . Sarah Riggins ,CEM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amy Prenger, CEM
. . . . . . . Mike Yelverton , TCNP & WS
. . . . Trevor Peevey
. . . .Nancy E. Sollohub
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nathan Flint
. . . . . . . .Molly Wallace
T N L A G R E E N S T A F F
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Molly Wallace
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marie Leonard
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stephanie Shaefer
TNLA Green magazine is a member service of the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association, and is published bi-monthly. Advertising information is available from TNLA, 7730 South IH 35, Austin, Texas 78745, online at www.tnlaonline.org, or by calling 800-880-0343. TNLA office hours are weekdays, 8:30AM - 5 PM CST. © 2015 Texas Nursery & Landscape Association
T N L A G R E E N
A Video Message from Amy Graham,
TNLA President
GROW YOURNETWORK
by connecting with us
facebook.com/TNLAOnline
@LandscapeTexas
Green Talk Blog
Texas Nursery & Landscape Association
For more information about our products, visit www.arborjet.com or call 781-935-9070
REVOLUTIONARY PLANT HEALTH SOLUTIONS
FROM SOIL TO CROWN
7
T N L A G R E E N
TNLA Looks Back
at 2015!FOR THE TEXAS NURSERY &
LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION! THERE
7
8
T N L A G R E E N
EDUCATIONMade Easy! New TNLA ACADEMICS website launched
to make accessing education resources easier,
including online education courses!
accessed webinars live and on
YouTube throughout the year!
8
9
T N L A G R E E N
Over education events
over three days!
Over offered!
T N L A G R E E N
Nursery/LandscapeEXPO EDUCATION
9
10
T N L A G R E E NT N L A G R E E N
CERTIFICATION Gave Members a Professional Edge!
New
Certification offered!
certified professionals
certified professionals
in the State of Texas!
10
11
T N L A G R E E N
COMMUNICATIONSStarted Conversations!
Texas Nursery &
Landscape Association
across its social media
e-newsletters!
blog,
continued to be a
forum for Members to
issues online!
11
12
T N L A G R E E N
The was a new event that
gave a warm welcome to first time attendees and exhibitors!
Newcomers got a tour of the Tradeshow Floor and had the
opportunity to network in the Hookah “Like” Lounge!
This was the first year for the Naturally-Inspired
! The event provided an
and enjoy being together!
The featured live music,
dancing and lots of fun! It was a great opportunity to connect
EVENTS Helped Attendees Make Connections!
TRULY NATURALLY INSPIRED! Sold out Tradeshow Floor featuring more than 1,000 booths! The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center was buzzing throughout the whole show with over 830 first time attendees!
12
13
T N L A G R E E N
TRADESHOW Made Business Happen!
Won TSNN Top 25 Fastest Growing in Attendance Award!
Marketplace showcased
gifts, artisan decorations and unique products!
A beautiful display
designed by Tarleton State University students
wowed attendees!
inspired BOOTHS,
presenting Best Booth
Awards was difficult!
The winners seriously
impressed the judges
and attendees!
13
14
T N L A G R E E N
LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY Protected Members’ Business Interests!
Legislators to a mmend and oppose bills to protect
to pass legislation giving a week-long
sales tax holiday for mulch and the Environmental
TNLA worked with a coalition to repeal the
paying the Occupations tax are also required to pay
14
15
T N L A G R E E N
SUMMIT
ARPCalloway’s Nursery
Award:
Zac Tolbert, Local Plant Source
HONORARY Lifetime Membership
Award: Todd Staples, Former
Texas Department of Agriculture
Commissioner and Rick Agee,
Formerly with YC Nursery
Texas Excellence in Landscaping
Award
Lambert’s for A Spanish Colonial
Masterpiece
AWARDS Recognized Achievements of Members!
15
17
T N L A G R E E N
Creekside Nursery
Tree Town USA
Landscape Management Network (LMN)
Living Earth
STRATEGIC PARTNERS Helped TNLA Grow!
17
18
T N L A G R E E N
The Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) is excited to
present Billy Long , TCLP as the 2016-2017 Chair of the Board.
THE NEW BOARD OF
DIRECTORS CHAIR,
Meet
Billy Long, TCLP
19
T N L A G R E E N
Billy has tirelessly served TNLA in many different capacities whether it was as an officer on the Board of Directors, leading Task Forces or Committees or
volunteering at TNLA events.
Those that know him wonder how he fits everything he does in one day, but he always finds time for those things that are most important to him. Over the course of his career, he has built Billy Long Landscaping, Inc. out of San Antonio, Texas and more recently, opened up a restaurant and Retail Garden Center, The Ridge in Kerrville, Texas. As Chair, Billy will use his considerable experience, knowledge and skills to help guide the Association and the Board of Directors through the year.
Cultivating the Future of TNLAHearing Billy describe his career in the Green Industry is hearing about amazing networking. He recounts calling up TNLA Members early in his career to solicit advice, and exclaims “They saved me years of mistakes!” In talking about his goals as TNLA Chair, there is a consistent theme of developing the TNLA network and creating opportunities for mentoring within the Membership. “It’s so important to give back to the TNLA community, to reinvest, because we all take so much from the TNLA community,” says Billy.
Even his big picture goals, his goals for the Association, center on developing relationships. “I want to move TNLA forward globally through meaningful partnerships,” he declares. One of his top goals for 2016-2017 is strengthening the partnership between TNLA Regions and the State office. As
(continued on page 23)
23
T N L A G R E E N
Chair, he wants to take the time to get to know each of the eight TNLA Regions and to understand what doing business is like for Members across the state. He hopes that a deeper relationship will benefit TNLA Members by allowing the Association to provide valuable benefits and higher returns on Membership.
“If you want to see the value of the organization, get involved,” he says before sharing countless stories about meeting people who influenced his career simply because he attended aregion meeting or a social event. According to Billy, one of the most valuable components of being a TNLA Member is having access to the knowledge and expertise of those Members who have been in the industry for years. Within the Membership, he wants to see people getting more involved, taking opportunities to speak up and become leaders within the industry. His hope is that TNLA Members will become
a source of inspiration, advice and motivation for each other and, in time, for the entire industry. Billy says, “I like to lead by example. If there’s one thing I always tell people, it’s be a leader.”
When talking about his tenure as Chair, it is immediately apparent that Billy will do whatever he can to help all TNLA Members achieve success by protecting, serving and growing their businesses. He says “Success to me looks like helping others achieve their goals.”
Billy believes the 2016-2017 Board of Directors shares his vision and are as anxious to get down to business as he is. “I’m encouraged by the Board Members,” Billy says “Their passion and their enthusiasm energize me.” He hopes that energy will be contagious across the TNLA Membership this year, and that Members will be excited to deepen their involvement with the Association.
Billy is not one to stand on the sidelines, he is ready for challenges
and is not afraid to explore new opportunities. In his quest for excellence, he often goes out on a limb to ensure that his processes are the absolute best they can be. His experimentations range from using drones to making promotional videos to exploring new ways of doing business to taking up beekeeping. He jumps into whatever he does with both feet. He describes himself as “not a humdrum person,” and anyone who knows him can attest that he is constantly on the move.
(continued from page 19)
One thing is for certain,Members can expectto be engaged, to beinvolved and to bemeeting new Membersbecause according toBilly Long, “People wantwhat we got!”
24
T N L A G R E E N
WHAT DOES
LOOK LIKE?BY D R . C H A R L I E H A L L
In December, the Federal Reserve has now raised short-term interest rates for the first time in nine and a half years. In their statement, the Fed signaled that policy will still be accommodative, that future action will be data-dependent, and that the pace of rate increase is likely to be gradual. None of that should be a surprise, in that officials viewed the risks to growth and inflation as “balanced.”
However, several officials noted lingering concerns, including the impact of a strong dollar and the less-than-stellar prospects for China. While the mid-December dot plot (the individual Fed officials’ forecasts of the appropriate level of the federal funds target rate) was more tightly bunched for the end of this year,
there was still some disagreement. Of the 17 FOMC meeting participants, seven expected four rate hikes, three saw three rate hikes, and four were looking for only two. That range reflected differing views on the amount of slack in the job market and the prospects for inflation returning to the Fed’s 2% goal.
I have a mildly optimistic outlook for 2016 in that I expect the broad economy to continue to expand at a moderate pace. I have often referred to the current economy as a low horse (versus a race horse) and I expect that analogy to hold in 2016. Most macroeconomic modelers that I follow expect a growth rate between 2 and 2.5 percent, possibly a little higher.
That rate of growth should be sufficient to maintain positive momentum in employment
conditions. Growing employment—in both jobs and hours—adds to aggregate household incomes that, in turn, keep consumer activity growing and is very important politically in an election year.
The hiring trend in our economy has been quite encouraging. The official unemployment rate is 5.0 percent. This statistic doesn’t tell the whole story, but we’re making impressive progress. There is still a gap to be closed to reach full employment. Over the next year or so, I believe we’ll see measures of unemployment and underemployment fall within the range most economists equate with full employment. As you may know, full (or maximum) employment is one of the two congressionally mandated objectives of monetary policy.
Growing employment-in both jobs and hours-adds to aggregate household incomes that, in turn, keep consumer activity growing.
25
T N L A G R E E N
As we move through 2016, I expect to see growing signs of a tightening labor market. Wage growth, for example, should accelerate as labor markets tighten. In fact, a lot of green industry business contacts have said in recent months that it is increasingly difficult to find and retain employees. There is not yet convincing evidence of faster broad-based wage growth, but there were some hints of a pickup in wage growth in the second half of 2015.
After more than a decade of head-snapping ups and downs, the housing market has settled into a steadier, less-spectacular groove. In 2015, home prices nationally rose 4%, following a 6.4% hike in 2014, according to Clear Capital, a provider of real estate data and analysis. Kiplinger forecasts that home prices will moderate even more in 2016, rising 3%—at the low end of the historical range.
Sales of existing homes rose by nearly 9% in September over September 2014, to 5.6 million, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). That’s the second-fastest pace since early 2007. NAR economists say the trend represents the release of pent-up demand by homeowners who have regained enough equity to sell and trade up. But when you combine that with homeowners who might move but are stuck because they don’t have enough equity, plus a notable lack of newly built homes, you have a shortfall of homes for sale.
That tight supply is the speed bump for many home buyers, as well as for sellers who want to trade up. Nationwide, inventory has hovered at about five months’ supply (the time it would take to sell the current number of homes for sale at the current pace), which is considered equally favorable for buyers and sellers. But inventory
in many cities is much lower and strongly favors sellers.
Homeowners who want to sell and have enough equity to cover the transaction costs face a chicken-and-egg situation: They won’t list their home until they’ve found their next home, and they can’t do that until there are more houses for sale. New construction will help break the stalemate but not anytime soon. A lack of buildable lots, skilled labor, and construction loans have held builders back.
Many homeowners don’t have enough equity to move up, and that’s adding to the scarcity of homes, especially at the entry level. Meanwhile, as the economy has improved, members of the millennial generation are moving out on their own in greater numbers. They want to buy, but many aren’t ready yet. Burdened by student debt and high rents, they’re struggling to save for a down payment and qualify for a mortgage.
Housing starts are on pace to increase over 10% in 2015. And even after the significant increase over the last four years, the approximately 1.1 million housing starts in 2015 will still be the 11th lowest on an annual basis since the Census Bureau started tracking starts in 1959 (the seven lowest years were 2008 through 2014). The other lower years were the bottoms of previous recessions.
Most analysts are looking for starts to increase to around 1.25 million in 2016, and for new home sales around 560 thousand. This would be an increase of around 12% for both starts and new home sales.
I think there will be further growth in 2016, but I’m a little more pessimistic
than some analysts. Some key areas - like Houston - will be hit hard by the decline oil prices. And I think growth will slow for multi-family starts. Also, to achieve double digit growth for new home sales in 2016, the builders would have to offer lower priced homes (the builders have focused on higher priced homes in recent years). There has been a shift to offering more affordable new homes, but it takes time. My guess is growth of around 4% to 8% in 2016 for new home sales, and about the same percentage growth for housing starts. Also I think the mix between multi-family and single family starts will shift a little more towards single family in 2016.
Without a doubt, the data above confirm that the downturn in housing and its less-than-stellar recovery had a profound impact on green industry product sales in recent years. Bedding plant growers have had an easier market in which to compete, as households have tended to downsize their plant purchases in an attempt to maximize their purchasing power; for example, smaller but more numerous plants at lower price points. Interestingly, the only plant categories that experienced increases in the number of households buying them during this time were in the edibles category. However, given the aforementioned housing market trends, it is likely that green industry products and services will be facing an increase in demand in the next few years.
Charlie Hall’s major areas of specialization include innovative management and marketing strategies, financial analysis and benchmarking, and the situation/outlook
for nursery and greenhouse crops.
St. A
ugus
tine
Zo
ysia
gra
ss
^ Reduced Mowing up to 75% !
^ Dense Sod With Minimal Thatch
^ Drought Tough
^ Good Cold Tolerance
^ Top Rated in the NTEP Trials
^ Exceptional Cold Tolerance
^ Top Rated for Wear Tolerance
^ Excellent Resistance to Spring Dead Spot
^ Striking Blue-Green Color
^ Extreme Drought Tolerance
^ More Shade Tolerance
^ Exceptional Wear Tolerance and Recovery
^ Reduced Fertilization
^ Chinch Bug Resistant
^ Lush, Dark Green Color
^ Slow Leaf Growth Habit Means Less Mowing
^ Dense Canopy and Deep Root System
Ber
mu
da
gra
ss
^ Blue-Green Color
^ More Durable
^ Drought Tough
^ Softer Texture
^ Good Shade Tolerance
^ Fine Leaf Texture With a Dark Green Color
^ Extremely Wear Tolerant
^ Minimal Thatch Problems
Improved Turfgrass Varieties for Texas
^ Dark Green Color and Finer Texture
^ Superior Shade Tolerance
^ Excellent Resistance to Cold and Frost
^ Exhibits Heat and Drought Tolerance
SodSolutions.com
®
27
T N L A G R E E N
That is the question that I have heard several time last year in the summer from landscapers and homeowners who said they enjoy
the prolific flowering and colors of this plant. The reason for this question is that several years ago, there was an outbreak of a disease called Impatiens Downy Mildew (IDM), caused by the pathogen Plasmopara obducens, which had a devastating effect on Impatiens walleriana.
A little history lesson: This is not a new disease or even a new pathogen. This pathogen has been found on impatiens pallida specimens from the late 1800s (Iowa, 1884; New York 1891; Alabama 1896). First reports of this disease on I. walleriana in the US was in 2004, in
California, Tennessee and New York. Occurrences were minor and sporadic, and manageable. In 2012, numerous states report incidences of IDM, including Texas. In 2013, IDM was reported in 38 states. In Texas, we saw a decrease in use of I. walleriana and there were a number of landscape maintenance operators who were concern with the plants that could be used to replace I. walleriana.
Fast forward to 2016: What is the outlook and what have we learned?While looking through literature and in communication with my colleagues from other states, I have come across some new “things” that has been found in dealing with IDM. Many deals with results from fungicide testing and best
management procedures.
Dr. Aaron Palmateer’s group in Florida explored efficacy of Phosphonate fungicide treatment on plants in the landscape (PDMR 2015, OT012). They found that Agri-Fos 53L gave a 7 day advantage (disease free) over the other phosphonate fungicide that were tested. In another test 9PDMR 2015, OT011) utilizing fluopicolide (Adorn 4SC) in a tank mix (Pagaent Intrinsic 38WG or Daconil Ultrex 82.5WG), they found that disease severity was reduced by about 50% in all treatments. The sad realization is even though
(continued on page 28)
T N L A G R E E N
Integrated Pest Management
Can We Grow Impatiens Again?by Dr. Kevin Ong
Associate Professor &
Extension Specialist,
Department of
Plant Pathology &
Microbiology, Texas
A&M University.
28
T N L A G R E E N
fungicides do help to reduce disease incidence, it does not eliminate it in the landscape setting.
In another recent study from Dr. Mary Hausbeck’s group in
Michigan State University, they tested fungicides in greenhouse plantings (young plants) and found that all the fungicide that they tested prevented sporulation 8 days after inoculations. Fungicides that they tested include Subdue Maxx,
Adorn SC, Segway SC and Pagaent WG (PDMR 2015, OT015). In fact, a recommendation that came out of Dr. Hausbeck’s lab is for greenhouse producers to utilize a rotation of various fungicides over the growing season and to finish with a Subdue + Adorn tank mix spray prior to shipment.
In 2015, the All-American Selections recognized Impatiens Bounce™ Pink Flame PPAF ‘Balboufink’ as a Flower Award Winner.
This interspecific impatiens hybrid issaid to have a I. walleriana growth habit but is resistant to downy mildew.
The good news is that there has been progress in our
(continued from page 27)
Alliance ............ 817.232.3380Austin ............ 512.282.2331Bedford ......... 817.545.7756Corpus Christi ... 844.804.1501Dallas . ............ 972.466.1600Frisco ................ 972.712.5000
Houston .........713.934.9500Richardson.....972.680.0007Round Rock . .. 512.255.1990San Antonio ..... 210.408.9090Spring ............... 281.681.0600
=Service Center on site 800.PVC.TURF (782.8873) | Parts Hotline: 844.411.PART (7278)
Power equipment is an essential part of your business. That means its an essential part of ours, too.Horizon Service Centers offer:
Fully stocked parts counters Factory-trained technicians Tune-ups, repairs, warranty service and more
Scan here to learn more about your local Horizon Service Centers.
Rev up for Spring with Horizon’s Parts & Service Centers!
Call and book your service appointment today.
irrigation | outdoor living | landscape | equipment
29
T N L A G R E E N
understanding and best management practices for Impatiens Downy Mildew since the outbreak in 2011 and 2012. We are getting a better feel on how to select for and utilize fungicides properly to manage this disease. Additionally, there is progress in the development of varieties that contain desirable growth traits while possessing some resistance to this disease. So YES, we can grow impatiens again. It will take a little more inputs and more care.
Reference Resources
30
T N L A G R E E N
Our new varieties have outstanding form, fl owers and foliage. Available in a range of sizes from petite 10-12” tall Mini to the supersized blooms of Jazz Hands Bold Loropetalum, these new varieties will delight you with rich, non-fading color.
Amy Howard, 616-223-3365www.springmeadownursery.com 800-633-8859 ext.1105
Jazz Hands®
Loropetalum
Download the iBook at http://springmeadownursery.com/catalog
Learn about these and other Proven Winners plants with the new iBook for landscapers. Easy-to-read overviews of each genus lead to detailed, downloadable pdf sheets for individual varieties.
www.commercial-trucks.com 940-210-7443 [email protected]
JAMES WOOD’S TNLA SPECIALSINCLUDE 5-YEAR, 125,000-MILE ISUZU POWERTRAIN WARRANTY
NEW 2016 ISUZU MOWER RIGSGAS
14,500-GVWR
CREWCAB
$47,852
GAS14,500-GVWR
REG.CAB
$43,490
Plus Tax, Title and License. Regular Cab: #261552. MSRP: $55,153. Wood Discount: $10,413. Rebate: $1,250.Crewcab: #260865. MSRP: $61,190. Wood Discount: $12,088. Rebate: $1,250. BOTH OFFER #87351
14-FOOT MOWER BED WITH DOVETAIL & RAMPCOMMERCIAL TRUCK CENTERDENTON
31
T N L A G R E E N
In the first couple of days in 2016, temperature plummeted throughout China and snow fell in many places, including Guangdong Province. To
put this into perspective, Hong Kong and Macau, the tip of Guangdong, are south of the Tropic of Cancer. While my WeChat account, a social media worth of an introduction article of its own, was bombarded with snow pictures from my friends all over China, only one set of pictures from a friend, who shared pictures from her friend in Nanjing, caught my eyes. On those pictures with snow in the background, a large shrub was full of golden yellow flowers on its young twigs and branches. I could just smell the fragrance from my smart phone screen. It is just that fragrant! And it’s the beloved winter sweet, Chimonanthus praecox.
I could not name as many ornamental plants as I can now, when I left my home in Jiangsu Province (about Zone 7) to attend
Beijing Forestry University in Beijing (Zone 6, but really feels like Zone 5). Winter sweet was one of them. It’s very unique, in many ways. First, it flowers in the dead winter in areas snow is still a common phenomenon. You may argue many Prunus plants, such as the Mei flower or Japanese apricot (P. mume ) or flowering cherry (P. serrulata), flower during very cold time of the year before leafing out. But they still wait for the temperature to warm up a little in early Spring. As the cold hardiness has always been one of the breeding objectives for Mei flower breeders to solve the overwintering issue in Beijing that never seems to be a problem for winter sweet. In Beijing, winter sweet still flowers even during the coldest times, just like it does in my hometown.
Secondly, the flowers are so sweet! I haven’t seen one here in the U.S. since 2001, but the second I saw those pictures on WeChat, I took several deep breaths, TCLP and may have smelled something. It’s not a subtle fragrance. It’s you-can-smell-it-from-50-yards away fragrant. When the winter
Mengmeng Gu ,
Ph.D. is an Assistant
Professor/Extension
Specialist at TAMU.
She received her BS in
landscape horticulture
and MS in ornamental
horticulture from
Beijing Forestry
University
T N L A G R E E N
(continued on page 32)
GreenVi$ion
New Ornamental Crops with Great Potentials: Winter Sweet (Chimonanthus praecox)
by Mengmeng Gu, Ph.D.
Winter sweet flowers during the coldest time of a year and snow does not hurt the flowers.
Some cultivars have bright yellow waxy petals, forming a nice contrast with the blue sky.
32
T N L A G R E E N
sweet was blooming, we often saw ‘human bees’ with their nose hovering over the penny size flowers. During its blooming season the cold temperatures help preserve the fragrance. It starts the nice smell even at the bud stage, and the scent reaches a climax when the flowers fully open. The whole process lasts up to 3 weeks.
Botanically, winter sweet, are in the Calycanthaecae family, a
relative of sweetshrub or Caroline allspice (Calycanthus floridus), a native shrub in the Southeastern U.S. The leaves of these two plants look similar, but the upper side of winter sweet leaves feels like sand paper. The leaves generally change to golden yellow in the fall. During most the year, winter sweet, a deciduous shrub about 15’-20’ tall, is easily lost in the background of the landscapes, until the golden yellow buds start to swell up.
Among the six species in the genus, only C. praecox is commercially grown in China. Common cultivars include ‘Concolor’ (‘Luteus’)----quarter size flowers, bright yellow and light fragrance, ‘Luteo-grandiflorus’----bright yellow 1.5” flowers, ‘Grandiflorus’----1.25” deep yellow flowers with red center, leaves as long as 7”, ‘Cotyiformus’----1.25” flowers with tiger paw-shaped purplish red center, ‘Parviflorus’----small ½” light yellow flowers with purple center, and var. interdedius----small lightly fragrant flowers with pointed petals and red center. The flowers are waxy in texture and could last for a long time when used as cut flowers.
Winter sweet is not a picky plant. A native from central China, it’s been commonly used in landscapes from Zone 5 to Zone 8. In Texas, you may have a better chance in areas north of I-10 than the south. It likes full sun conditions and fertile well drained soils. It’s also very drought tolerant and doesn’t like wet feet. Heavy pruning does not bother it either and it flowers on the current year growth, but we don’t want to turn it into another victim like ‘crape murder’.
Once you have a chance to smell the flowers, you’re going to love it and want to have one for yourself.
(continued from page 31)
Safety and Dividends Go Together Like Seed and Soil.
Texas Green Industry
Safety Group
To see how safety can grow your dividend, contact your agent
or Becky Walker at (972) 512-7770 or [email protected].
© 2016 Texas Mutual Insurance Company
Flowers, with red center in this one, appear on the current year growth.
33
T N L A G R E E N
There’s an old adage that states if success were easy, everyone would have it. Well, Dallas Market Center
believes everyone can. Today retailers have more decisions than ever to make about their businesses – from promotions and marketing to product mix and visual merchandizing. In addition to the responsibilities that come with the day-to-day operations of their stores, a retailer’s to-do list can grow to feel impossible. But with a little help and a lot of planning, even the busiest of retailers can make time for success.
Omni-channel is a multichannel approach to sales that seeks to provide the customer with a seamless shopping experience whether the customer is shopping online from desktop or mobile device, by telephone or in a brick and mortar store. The goal is to create a cohesive and easy approach for customers to interact with your company across every channel that is available to them.
An estimated 91% of adults keep their smartphones within arm’s reach and 9 out of 10 mobile searches lead to action, more than half leading to sales1. How can you ensure your business is getting a piece of that pie? Make sure your website is mobile friendly – and even better, make sure the e-commerce component of your website is mobile friendly. In the third quarter of 2015, United States retail
e-commerce sales were $87.5 billion, an increase in 4.2% from the second quarter and 15.1% from the third quarter of 20142. Needless to say, e-commerce functionality is leading the way.
But, not all success depends on these technologies; consumers still value the “little things.” Allowing price comparisons in-store, offering interactive and reliable customer service and quick delivery make your consumers’ shopping experience about more than just the product and leave a lasting impression.
Yes, sometimes more is better. Your product mix, or product assortment, is extremely important to your customers. Bringing in new categories maximizes profit of your store. When you’re shopping, are you more inclined to go to multiple stores for multiple things you need or visit your one-stop shop for your whole list? Make your store that one-stop shop. Dallas Market Center sees increased amounts of cross-over buying with every market; apparel retailers are beginning to carry gifts and even housewares while home and gift retailers are carrying fashion accessories. Buying low price-point, yet high-margin items in various categories allows retailers to maximize ROI and sets them apart from their competition.
People have an underlying need for uniqueness; they want to be
perceived as being different from one another. And as consumers, they want to possess things that not everyone has. This is where your store comes into play. Offering unique items can differentiate your business from others of similar nature. Consumers are more inclined to buy one-of-a-kind items with unique stories and they’ll be willing to pay more for it. In 2013, 50% of consumers ages 40-44, agreed they would pay more for goods and services from companies that give back, up from 38% in 20113.
But where do you find unique products? Trade events such as ones held at Dallas Market Center cater to retailers who appreciate the value of distinct, quality handcrafted one-of-a-kind products bring to their stores. Original artisan-crafted, mixed-media items from all gift categories: textiles, ceramics, glass, wood and much more are featured in dedicated temporary areas and a juried assortment of antique, repurposed pieces make the Dallas Market stand out.
Social media has become an important part of an omni-channel approach. Not only is it absolutely free, but it’s absolutely necessary. Social media can boost your business by allowing you to reach a new customer base and reconnect you with your existing customers. The average user spends 1.72 hours a day on social platforms, which accounts for nearly 30%
(continued on page 34)
T N L A G R E E N
Retailing Tips
Making Time for Success: 5 Tips for Busy Retailersfrom Dallas Market Center
34
T N L A G R E E N
of their online activity4. Of these users, Millennials lead the way. This incredibly influential generation is 83.1 million strong, making up ¼ of the US population5. Millennials have continued growth in buying power and the best way to reach them is through social media.
In-app shopping is on the rise. Now, with buyable pins on Pinterest and in-app “Buy Buttons” on Facebook,
Twitter and Instagram, consumers don’t even have to leave their social media feeds to purchase products. Amp up your social media content by hosting contests or offering discounts to allow you to easily communicate with and get to know your customers with very little effort.
Market can seem overwhelming, especially when you’re new to
the game. The most efficient way to experience a market is to plan ahead. We encourage our buyers to browse the Exhibitor Directory on our website or use our app and schedule appointments ahead of time. Our mobile app also has the most up-to-date information about exhibitors and their lines, event schedules, meal outlets and more. Planning which events and seminars you will attend in advance will save you a lot of time and allow you to plan your buying accordingly and time to discover new resources. It is also helpful to consult the marketplace you are attending’s social media channels for a visual sneak peek at specific products to look forward to and make a note of where to find them. Utilizing all your available resources, including emails, social media, the website, mobile app, and Dallas Market Center’s SOURCE Magazine will ensure you are prepared for your next market and help you tackle the marketplace efficiently.
Sources:
1. “50 Amazing Facts About Mobile,” by Jamie Turner for HubSpot
2. “Quarterly Retail E-Commerce Sales, 3rd Quarter 2015,” by U.S. Census Bureau News
3. “Nielsen: 50% of Global Consumers Surveyed Willing To Pay More For Goods, Services From Socially Responsible Companies, Up From 2011,” by Nielsen
4. “28% Of Time Spent Online Is Social Networking,” by Shea Bennett for SocialTimes
5. “Millennials Outnumber Baby Boomers And Are Far More Diverse, Census Bureau Reports,” by United States Census Bureau
(continued from page 33)
36
T N L A G R E E N
LivingEarthad here
New Members
R E G I O N 1RetailGardens at the Ridge
Associate MemberMike McDaniel13439 S Ranch Road 783Kerrville, TX 78028www.gardensattheridge.com
R E G I O N 2EducationShipp Research
Matt Shipp8862 Brookes DrMontgomery, TX 77316www.shippresearch.com
R E G I O N 7GovernmentUniversity of Texas
Rio Grande ValleyEric Delgado1201 W. University DrEdinburg, TX 78539
R E G I O N 8GovernmentLady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
4801 La Crosse Ave.Austin TX 78739www.wildflower.org
R E G I O N 9SupplierJobber
Connor Bradley10520 Jasper Ave NWEdmonton, Alberta T5J1Z7 Canadawww.getjobber.com
Dümmen OrangeAndrew Konicki250 High St., 6th FloorColumbus, OH 43215na.dummenorange.com
GrowerFish Branch Tree Farm
Wendy Hunter1680 Fish Branch RoadZolfo Springs, FL 33890www.fishbranchtreefarm.com
Lewis Land and LivestockStacy Lewis1807 Don Lewis Dr.Artesia, NM 88210
TNLA would like to welcome its new members. If you would
like to become a member, or if you have any questions or concerns about
your current membership, please contact us at 800.880.0343. Visit www.tnlaonline.org to learn about the benefits of becoming a part of TNLA.
newly certified individualsTexas Certified Nursery Professional (TCNP)Jarratt Calvert, Shades of Green, Inc.
Ashley Grubb, Enchanted Gardens
Angelita Martinez, Calloway’s Nursery
Zoanna Payne, Red Barn Garden Center
Texas Certified Landscape Professional (TCLP)Karen Meder, Yardspell
Texas Water Smart CertificationBen Pamplin, Heart Of Texas Landscape
& Irrigation Co., Inc.
Learn more about the benefits of certification at www.tnlaonline.org
37
T N L A G R E E N
Get on theguest list!
Scan the QR code withany mobile device to
visit the eventscalendar on
TNLAOnline.org!
Find Green Industry events -from TNLA Region meetingsto education seminars on the
TNLA Online eventscalendar!
WATER MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS
Self-flushing
For ponds, canals and rivers 50 to 3,500 GPM and up Automatic and pre-assembled Compact - fits in 14’ x 6’
area or less Quick backflush
APOLLO DISC FILTERReaching for the Stars
PRODUCT GUIDE Includes all you need for the ultimate water management systems: Driplines, Valves, Sprinklers, Controllers, Injectors, Sensors, Tubing and much more.
(100 micron fog)
mini-wobbler
Bridgeless Micro Sprinkler
Bridgeless design - no dripping
PC and non PC
Flat trajectory High distribution uniformity
For misting, humidifying, fogging and sprinklingGreenhouse & Nursery Systems
www.submatic-usa.com
Container SystemsTwist Weight Assemblies On/Off feature Highly versatile
Spray Stakes Unique oval pattern Multiple flow rates
38
T N L A G R E E N
A X
For media kit and advertising information, email [email protected]
PAGE ADVERTISER WEBSITE
6 ArborJet www.arborjet.com
29 Bandit of Texas banditchippers.com
2 Ewing Irrigation Products, Inc. www.ewing1.com
40 Groundworks Texas www.datepalm.com
28 Horizon Irrigation www.horizononline.com
4 Hotchkiss Insurance www.hiallc.com
30 James Wood Autopark www.commercial-trucks.com
36 Living Earth www.livingearth.net
39 OHP, Inc. www.ohp.com
37 Shweiki Media www.shweiki.com
16 SiteOne Landscape Supply www.siteone.com
26 Sod Solutions www.sodsolutions.com
30 Spring Meadow Nursery www.springmeadownursery.com
37 Submatic www.submatic-usa.com
32 Texas Green Industry Workers www.texasmutual.com/agents/ pr_tgig.shtm
20, 21 The Thompson Group at Classic Chevrolet www.classicfleet.com
38 Vital Earth http://www.vitalearth.com/
34 Vitamin Institute www.superthrive.com
We’ve Got Your
Fertilizer!
Available Through Your Favorite Distributor
www.carlpool.comA Division of Vital Earth Resources, Inc.
for GROWERS, LANDSCAPERS &GARDEN CENTERS
Earth Safe Organic (19 items)Fertilizer Components (Huge Selection)Root Activator (Organic - All Natural)Vitazyme (Bio-Stimulant)Plant Specific FertilizersCustom FertilizersMicro-Nutrient PackagesGrower MixesVital Earth SoilsCustom Mixes
Bactericide and FungicideApproved for organic and non-organic productionFoliar and drench applications
© 2015 OHP, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Triathlon is a registered trademark of OHP, Inc.
ohp.com
#triathlon_ba
@OHPSolutions
ohp.com
(800) 356-4647
INSECTICIDES
FUNGICIDES
MITICIDES
PGRS
HERBICIDES
Biofungicide/Ba ctericide
