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NEW HAMPSHIRE PLANT GROWERS ASSOCIATION /AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER 1998 wf c liave a special name for the trees tliat come from our farms—^ArcticMistJ" When you order
ArcticMist,™ you are not just buying a tree, but all of the time, attention, and care—from seedling to shipping— that goes into creating a safe, healthy, and
iicautiful Christmas tree.
We plant from seed to achieve maximum quality'
control. All ArcticMist™ trees are heavily needled and
have dense conical shapes. Their lovely blue color, rich
fragrance, and good needle retention make them ideal
Christmas trees. Fraser, balsam, white spaice, and pine
(white, scotch, and red) are available. In addition, we
are introducing fralsam, a fraser-balsam cross. Wreaths are
also available.
Since our famis are in New Hampshire and
\ emiont, we harvest our trees later in the season than many other growers. We also do everything we can to
minimize moisture loss after harvest and during shipping.
You can order the number of trees that is right for
you— from 25 to a trailer load. We can arrange shipping or you may pick up the trees yourself We respect your schedule and guarantee on time delivery. Our trees arrive
individually wrapped and ready for sale. All you need to
do is remove the wrappers and set the trees out—no
broken brandies, no last minute trimming.
io place an order, or to receive specific information
about this year's trees:
C^all us at 800/694-8722 or 603/237-5702.
Send us a fax at 603/23 7-8439.
Or write to us at 38 Bridge St., Colebrook, NH 03576.
Our internet address is http://www.sibgotree.com
SibgoTree Company We know what you want for Christmas'.
RemmiBer, you can only buy ArcikhMsP^ at Sibgo Tree Company. CALENDAR
Departments
3 FORUM 6 NEW HAMPSHIRE NEWS
9 ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS 27 HOW ABOUT HERBS Tanya Jackson
Features
16 PEONIES REDISCOVERED Karen Cast
18 NEW VARIETIES OF CARNIVOROUS PLANTS David Lane
19 CONTINUITY: MOVING THE BUSINESS INTO THE NEXT August ture, UMass, Amherst, MA; GENERATION 413-545-2222. 15 Seventh Anttual Plant Sale, Kirk B. Leoni The Fells, Newbury, NH; 3 Hay Day: A Family Open House, 21 MEMBER PROFILE 603-763-4789. The Fells, John Hay National Wildlife Refuge, Bungay Jar: 16 Third Annual Rockingham Newbury, NH; 603-763-4789. Fanciful Habitat County Open Farm Day; informa- tion and itinerary: 603-679-5616. 7-9 National Lawn and Garden 24 PLANNING MARKET Trade Show, Fort Washington STRATEGY 19 Vermont Association of Profes- Center, Fort Washington, sional Horticulturalists (VAPH) Expo Gail McWilliam PA; 203-847-9599. Summer Meeting and Trade Shoiv, Columns Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe, VT; 7-10 International Plant Propagators 12 THE GREEN SPOT Scott Pfister at 802-224-5327. Society Eastern Regional Meeting, Toronto, ON, Canada; Margot Mike Clierim 26 Massachusetts Certified Brigden at 860-429-6818. Horticulturalists (MCH) Day, 14 Z NOTES Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cam- 8-10 International Plug Conference; Jim Zablocki bridge, MA; the MNLA office Kissimmee, FL; 630-208-9080. 413-369-4731. 20 PIONEER POINTERS at 19-21 New England Greenhouse September Conference, Centrum Centre, Worcester, MA; Henry Hunting- Cover 9 Connecticut Greenhouse Growers ton at 603-435-8361. The lily pond, Bungay Jar; Association (CGGA) "Evening at the Greenhouse," Grower Direct, 24 Fall UNH-FFA Interscholastic photograph by Rick Raymond Somers, CT; 203-261-9067. Career Development Event, Univer- sity of New Hampshire, Durham, 16 New Hampshire Landscape Asso- NH; David Howell at 603-862-1760. ciation Twilight Meeting, Gold Star Sod Farm and Nursery, Canter- 28-31 Association of Specialty Cut The Plantsman Is published In early February, April, |une, August, October, and December bury, NH; 1-800-287-4716. Flower Growers National Conference with copy deadlines being the flist of each prior and Trade Show, Raleigh, NC; 18-October 4 Eastern States month. While camera-ready ads are preferred, set- 216-774-2887. Exposition, 1305 Memorial Ave., classified advertising Is offered as West Springfield, MA; 413-737-2443 November service. We will cany a short message (no artwork (in NH, Sally Barney at 4-6 ERNA's Expo Fall '98, Atlantic or logos) for one or two Issues of The PUuttsman. 603-862-2199). City Convention Center, Atlantic AD SIZE 25 New Hampshire Day, Eastern City, NJ; 1-800-376-2463. States Exposition. 17 MNLA/UMass Business Short October Course, Holiday Inn, Boxboro, MA; 413-369-4731. 2 Green Industry Demonstration Day (to acquaint high school 18 CGGy4 "Evening at the Green- students with school programs) house," DeVylder Florist, Stockbridge School of Agricul- Cheshire, CT; 203-261-9067. > 1 f i We're very serious about '/QUALin; biological pest control. SELECTION: Are you ready? "',& SERVICE"
This Is What We Grow At Millican Nurseries.
See our wide throughout New selection of trees, England Located evergreens and m Chichester NH shrubs More than (13 miles nonh of
1 .000 vaneiics Concord) Call us available Delivery at 603-435-6660 The Green Spot, Ltd. 603/942-8925
CO-RAY-VAC I Hundreds of greenhouse owners are saving up to 50% on fuel costs year after year! GROWTH ZONE HEATING I No blowing dust or disease. I Virtually noiseless for more comfortable THE ULTIMATE IN working conditions. INFRARED HEATING SYSTEMS I Zone temperature controlled to allow various areas to tie heated separately.
I The only gas-fired, vacuum-vented, infrared FOR GREENHOUSES tube heating system manufactured in the United States that is designed with small burners firing down the same tube to produce Slashes Fuel Bills more uniform heat.
up to 50%. I Growth Zone Heating technicians will design a system for your greenhouse range and will Extremely Low prepare a price quote and estimated payback Maintenance. analysis based on your projected savings.
Greater Heating Call for a FREE video and Comfort. the name of the Growrth Zone Heating " sales representative nearest you: 1-800-932-2214
ajD Growth Zone Heating Systc
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
CO RAY-VAC leatures burners in series beaming Components Manulactured by RobCrtS L^J GordOIl.Inc. heal down entire tube length to plants and soil below.
TH E PL ANTSMAN —
Looking Ahead skit at the summer meeting. Maybe on the Fourth of July this will inspire more pledges. New Hampshire Peter van Berkum Maybe, in the next issue, I can Horticulture write that we're over the top Endowment I'm writing this on the fourth of that we've reached our goal. I July, a month and a day before hope so. It's been a great team ef- our summer meeting. So you're fort—a fun project—and we thank reading this after the meeting and everyone who's been involved. some of the things I'm looking We're now setting up guide- ahead to have already passed. lines for the awarding of the seed ofa great Goal: $100,000 "The spring rush is about over grants— also an interesting, re- idea is growing into 90,000 and it's time to refocus on the en- warding project. But the real dowment. We can look back at sense of accomplishment will a reality! J|[ 80,000 the highly successful year we just come when we see the money 10,000 finished, in which we received being put to use." 60,000 pledges for over $85,000. But we For those wishing to contribute, f 50,000 now have to look ahead to the checks made out to "New Hamp- 40,000 challenge of finally reaching our shire Horticultural Endowment" 30,000
$100,000 goal. Just $15,000 to go. can be sent to New Hampshire 20,000 It's so close!!! Horticultural Endowment, 7316 10,000 Some of you will have seen the Pleasant Street, Loudon, NH 03301. r
Membership Drive! ^^' We are looking for a few good new members.
WHO DO YOU KNOW? Pass tliis on to someone who'd benefit from membership. The more members w^e have, the more we can do for you and our industry.
WHY |OIN? Twilight Meetings. Visit horticuhural operations around the state, talk with your colleagues, and see how another business solves the same problems you have. Summer Trade Show. Our big event! Meet directly with your suppliers, make new contacts, and enjoy a great barbecue. The Plantsman. The best horticultural association publication in the Northeast. Free with every paid membership. Legislative Issues. More members means more clout on the political front in Concord.
Firm Notes of Thanks workshop on May 20. Ann and Pooh vices. The well-fed crowd found showed the teachers the farm, stress- much to learn. "Thank you for the presentation ing the importance of getting an ac- Thanks go to Jim and Jeanne you provided at Edgewater Farm curate picture of today's agriculture Moser and the staff at Churchill's for one of New Hampshire Agri- into the classroom; Bob Rimol pre- for an evening that was both in- culture in the Classroom's teacher sented some possible classroom dem- formative and a lot of fun. training workshops. The teachers onstrations. As Lisa says, it was a learned a lot and were glad to ex- successful day. For Those Who Want More perience hands-on activities they can do with their students. They ?f Thanks to Faye Cragin, com- are excited to have materials to puter specialist, and Nancy use in the classroom as well as to Another successful event was Adams, our liaison with Exten- learn about community resources the NHPGA twilight meeting at sion, we're on the WEB. Selec- for field trips and support. Churchill's Garden Center in tions from The Plantsman are on Thanks again for a successful day. Exeter on June 18. Over 100 a NHPGA page on the UNH Co- We look forward to working with people feasted on lobster, clams, operative Extension WEB site. you in the future." chicken, etc., listened to Cheryl The address of the Ornamental Lisa Derby Oden Smith discuss botrytis and its Horticulture Publications section Education Director cures, and toured the center. of this site is
period of evolution as it finds information, Faye Cragin can be Ann and Pooh Sprague's Edge- ways to use its limited space reached by phone (603-862-4579), water Farm, Plainfield, was the set- more efficiently while increasing fax (603-862-1585), or e-mail ting for an Ag in the Classroom the quality and variety of ser- ([email protected]).
WHOLESALE SUPPLIER OF NURSERY & WETLAND STOCK TO THE TRADE. Northern Grown Trees Evergreens Shrubs lERSON NURSERIES, INC.
Mon-SaL 7:00 - 5:30 Sun: 9:00 - 5:00 O'DONAL'S HERBACEOUS & WOODY WETLAND PLANTS -ORNAMENTALS -PERENNIALS -GROLNDCOVERS -VINES DEALER FOR BON TERRA WETLAND FABRICS CONTRACT GROWING AVAILABLE NURSERIES 24 BUZZELL RD, BIDDEFORD. MAINE 04005 (207) 499-2994 (207)282-7235
Located at junction of routes 22 & 1 14 FAX: (207) 499-2912 Gorham, Maine 04038
Phone (207) 839-4262 or 839-6364 CALL FOR A QUOTATION OR A Fax 207-839-2290 COPY OF OUR CATALOG. We specialize in growing specimen plant materials. -WE DELIVER-
THE PLANTSMAN Xke f-|o^^ticultu^^al Web .Kot*+icMl+ui*e.co»n
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j\ PyKvamlc Jnie.y^ei Community fo:
::itiend viHual +»*aae si^ows - • enjoy our weekly •Hort Xowi- rie'.vvs/ ideas • sKop in owl* secMi»e-+t-ansacfion • loco+e SMppIieKs ciruj t^uyers ->"eate yowK- own koK-t-i-elQ ted s+ore • oavei'tise and p»-o>«o+e you*^ Uome page web pj'esence =Kat wi4\ colleagues Bfowght io you ej Complete NEW HAMPSHIRE NEWS HB 170—It Passed! g. an irrigation system not make this proposed legislation fixed to the underlying real into law. If you have any ques- On June 26, 1998, Governor estate. tions, call Bob Rimol at Rimol Shaheen signed into legislation Greenhouse Systems at 629-9004. This act shall take effect April 1, House Bill 170 which exempts 1999. freestanding greenhouses from Retirements: taxation. Changes for Extension The NHPGA would like to The bill reads in part: thank the following with their Three UNH Cooperative Exten- Section, Property Tax Ex- help with this new legislation: 1. New sion educators recently retired af- emptions for Certain Greenhouse. Brenda Clemens of the Farm Bu- ter long careers here; a fourth has Amend RSA 72 by inserting after reau, Doug Cole, Henry and Jeff left to continue elsewhere. 12-c the following section: Huntington, Bob Rimol, Dave Seavey, Peter van Berkum, and all Jim Mitchell joined Extension in I. Demountable, plastic-covered of the other people who helped 1964 as an Extension agronomist greenhouses shall be exempt from taxation if all of the following qualifications are met: a. removal of the demountable Fall at Thompson School greenhouse will not affect the util- ity of the underlying real estate; The Thompson School at UNH offers a wide selection of b. the demountable greenhouse courses in ornamental horticulture, a portion of which is is not permanently affixed to the listed below. Half-term 1 runs from September 2 through October underlying real estate with con- 23; half-term 2, from October 26 to December 14. Some courses crete or similar non-portable foot- may have prerequisites. ings; HT205 Introduction to Plant Materials F 8-11 2 cr c. removal of the demountable greenhouse can be accomplished HT207 Plant Structure and Function MW 10-11, T 10-12 3 cr without significant damage to the HT215 Soils and Land Use MWF 11-12, Th 10-12 (half-term 1) greenhouse and will not render 2 cr the greenhouse unfit for subse- HT217 Soils and Plant Nutrition MWF 11-12, Th 10-12 quent use as a demountable (half-term 2) 2 cr greenhouse; HT227 Horticulture Facilities Management M 8-9, 2 lab hours d. the demountable greenhouse arranged 2 cr is specifically designed, con- structed, and used for culture, HT237 Pest Management: Weeds M 1-4 (half-term 1) 1 cr propagation, and protection of ag- HT239 Pest Management: Control Applications M 1-4 ricultural products; (half-term 2) 1 cr e. the demountable greenhouse HT240 Introduction to Floral Design TTh 5:30-8:30pm is not used for the retail sale of (half-term 1) 2 cr any non-agricultural products. HT243 Floral Design Seminar TTh 5:30-8:30pm (half-term 2) 2 cr II. For purposes of this section, HT245 Flower Shop Management W 5:30-8:30pm 2 cr the term "demountable plastic HT254 Water Management F 10-1 2 cr covered greenhouse" may include: 8-11 a. framework; HT257 Woody Landscape Plants W 2 cr b. coverings; HT261 Interior Plants and Plantscaping M 6-9pm 2 cr c. electric services not fixed to HT263 Landscape Construction and Maintenance W 11-5 4 cr the underlying real estate; HT275 Floricultural Crop Production TTh 8-10 3 cr d. benches; e. a source of heat not fixed to To enroll, phone the Division of Continuing Education at 603- the underlying real estate; 862-2015 or access on-line at THE PLANTSMAN NEW HAMPSHIRE NEWS He's well-known for his corn of Extension educator in Carroll small fruit schools. He was the and alfalfa cultivar evaluations County in the summer of 1969. first from New Hampshire ever to and his herbicide and weed man- In the agricultural area, he ini- serve as president of the National agement strategies. His help and tiated the first statewide effort to Association of County Agents. Re- friendship have been extended to remove unwanted pesticides from cently he has provided leadership countless individuals throughout farms before they caused contami- in The Mount Washington Valley the Northeast. nation; he was involved in issues Economic Council, developing a concerning honeybees and was in- number of educational programs Dave Sorenson assumed the role strumental in the development of to help communities and busi- Jolly Farmer' ''Wholesale growers PRODUCTS and Suppliers'' BARK MULCH DIVISION GREENHOUSE DIVISION BARK MULCH...by the tractor-trailer load Annual Plugs Potted Annuals Hemiock • Cedar • Mix Premium Mix • Dark Mix Perennial Plugs Hardy Mums Rooted Cuttings Pot Mums BAGGED PRODUCTS... Geraniums Cyclamen ..liners, finished Our own Bark Mulch in 2 and 3 cuft bags Bedding Plants Poinsettias... cuttings, finished Hemlock • Pine-Spnjce • Cedar • Spruce-HemJock Hanging Baskets Dark Bark Box 56 Route 10 East Lempster. NH 03605 Pine Bark Nuggets and Mini Nuggets & Hemlock Bark Nuggets and Mini Nuggets Phone- 1-800-863-8300 • FAX: 1-800-863-7814 Now made in our plant at Poland Spring. ME Soils & Manures PLAYGROUND MULCH ROOT MULCH PGM" DIVISION BUDGET BARK PROFESSIONAL GROWING MEDIA Box 527 • Route 122 • Poland Spring, Maine 04274 Made and used by Jolly Farmer Phone: 1-800-879-2275 • FAX: 1-207-998-2006 Box 56 Route 10 • East Lempster, NH 03605 Phone: 1-800-565-4746 • FAX: 1-800-966-4746 "Integrity, quality, & reliable service since 1967" Wholesale Gold Star Whalesale Nunery is a family owned business. Since 1952 we ofFenng the finest wholesale planting materials to landscape connxton N£. area along with the one element that tnily sets the competition- jervice. Gold Star welcomes your comments and suggestions. one-stop for the best in wholesale landscape supplies. tH.lljy.lllilM.14lllt!l,ll.W,IIJliJ \11A Exit 18, 1-93, 1/2 mile lei: 8UU-2» AUGUST.SEPTEMBEI HAMPSHIRE NEWS nesses in Carroll County. A Gift to Horticulture Charlie Williams became the Maggie Paine state's Extension specialist in ornamental horticulture at man who made his living as a landscaper and horticulturist for UNH in 1969. He worked with A nearly fifty years has made a gift of $i million to the University various trade groups and was of New Hampshire's plant biology program to help growers through- one of the original organizers out the state. of the New England Green- The gift from Raymond Tuttle of Wolfeboro will support teaching, re- house Conference and the UNH search, and outreach in the University's horticulture program. This will Greenhouse Open House.. Ac- include curriculum development, student internships, and support for fac- tivities included wildlife habitat ulty, as well as plant breeding, tissue culture, biotechnology, greenhouse improvement and aspects of hor- management, and design. Outreach efforts will raise public awareness of ticulture therapy. Since 1975, horticulture and assist the region's growers. Where possible, research will he's planned the plantings at focus on environmentally friendly horticultural practices. Prescott Park in Portsmouth. Funds will also be used for collaborations with New Hampshire Bill Zweigbaum, Extension Public Television, including internships, program acquisition, and lo- specialist, agriculture business cally produced programs for horticulturists and home gardeners. management, is not retiring, Tuttle joined his father's Lakes Region landscaping and caretaking but moving on, "to a great op- business in 1947 ^^^ ^^^ active in the horticulture business in New portunity." He'll be a business Hampshire for nearly half a century. He retired in 1992. consultant for First Pioneer "I see UNH as a place where growers can not only find students to Farm Credit. Based in their hire but also learn about materials and methods that can help their Enfield, Connecticut, office, businesses," Tuttle says. "The University is doing more and more work he'll be on the road, covering with New Hampshire plant growers, and I hope to encourage that." the territories of five offices: This year, interest earned on the Anna and Raymond Tuttle Environ- "It's all one-on-one consulting, mental Horticulture Fund will be used to hire a technician to work in the thing I love to do best." greenhouse production technology, especially management of pH and irri- He's moved to New York— to gation, and integrated pest management for the ornamental horticulture Kinderhook, in the Hudson industry. In addition, the fund will support two thirty-minute television River valley. There's an apple programs on the changing face of agriculture. One will focus on water orchard nearby. He can be and agriculture, the other on ornamental horticulture. reached at 1-800-562-2235. "Ray's tremendously generous gift has given us the resources to un- dertake many initiatives to help growers and to promote horticulture to All have had lasting impact on the public," says Paul Fisher, assistant professor of plant biology. "This the state's Green Industry. We gift will ensure horticulture will always have a central role at the Univer- give them best wishes for contin- sity, and that's essential if we're to fulfill our land-grant mission." ued active and interesting lives. Maggie Paine writes for UNH publications. HARRY STOLLER & CO., Inc. 109-111 Essex St., Haverhill, MA 01830, (978)373-6838, (800)244-0332 We cater to the small and medium size nursery in any quantity desired 1. New heavy grade domestic burlap sqs. 5. Wire baskets untreated and no-rot treated 6. Flat-folded burlap basket liners 2. Open burlap bags 7. Truck covers 3. New windbreak burlap 8. Sisal twine and poly twine 4. Balling bags 9. Woven polypropylene sqs. THE PL ANTSM AN — — THE NEWS Bigger and Better some of the new material he's Subirrigation"). In the evening, found on his travels. Doug also Alan Stevens speaks on "Labor: The 1998 New England Green- joins Chris Beytes to discuss Working Smarter, Not Harder" house Conference will be held "Greenhouse Automation: the Real- and Gary Grueber on "Mixed October 19-21 at the new Cen- ity and the Dream" (Doug presents Container Gardening." trum Centre in Worcester, Massa- Reality); Tom McElroy and Barbara Wednesday's speakers include chusetts. The larger space encour- Pierson discuss snapdragon pro- Terri Starman ("Hanging Baskets: ages a larger trade show—as of duction; Cheryl Smith and Leanne Combinations that Work and How late June, over 130 vendors had Pundt, IPM for perennials. to Do It!") and Vincent Naab signed up. Monday's speakers include ("Marketing to Mass Markets"). The program looks equally Gary Grueber ("Perennials for These are a few: "Bigger and prom-ising. There are three days Fall Sales"), Kurt Fromherz Better" is used a lot, but in this of four concurrent sessions on ("Marketing Trends for the Re- case, it may actually be accurate. such topics as production, propa- tailer"), and Chris Beytes ("How You may have already received a gation, marketing, pest manage- to Track Hot! New! Trends"). brochure giving details and direc- ment, greenhouse engineering, Tuesday's program includes Allan tions. For more, call Larry Car- and niche crops. Armitage ("Specialty Annuals ville at 860-872-2095 or Henry Speakers from the area are Not All Annuals are Bedding Huntington at 603-435-8361. Paul Fisher ("Tools for Fine-Tun- Plants"), Royal Heins ("Perennial ing Lily Production: Height Con- Production: Cold Requirement, Ju- The Tulips Come North trol, Timing, Nutrition") and venility, Photoperiod, Height Henry Huntington (Proven Win- Control"), and John Bartok and The Dutch Bulb program in the ners); Doug Cole will talk about Rich McAvoy ("What's New with United States is moving from Ra- Let Rough Brothers' Temperature Misting Controls expertise turn your & greenhouse into a for Greenhouses of all sizes for profits. powerhouse— Misting automatically adjusts Sunny day misting with changes in sunlight Call the experts at Rough Brothers for information and or shine!! technical assistance on these quality products. reduce disease, increase yields, Manufacturers of: reduce labor, reduce rooting time • WhiteHouse • The International • Harvest House Solar 3B (3 zones. $385) Solar 12B (12 zones. $890) • The "2100" gutter-connected house • Free-standing poly arch houses Temperature Electronic Temperature Control • Techlite glazing 2-stages of heating control, and V • ' / Ro-Flo benches 3-stages of cooling control with • Ebb & Flo benches [5- horizontal airflow (circulation); or Distributors of Set separate temperatures 4-stages of cooling; or roof vents; • Alcoa Alunninum Fin Heating fornight,sunrise and day. or side-curtains. • Heating and ventilating equipment • Maintenance supplies, glass, parts DIFtrol 23A ($385) DIFtrol24A ($575) ...and more MiniTempl ; New Bottom Heat Controller with Rough Brothers electronic precision in Splash-proof enclosure 5513 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45217 Proud to have New England Distributor rmn Rimol Greenhouse Systems (603)-629-9(XH ROUGH BROTHERS AVIS Tel: (818)-993-0607 I I FAX: 0472 1-800/543-7351 %ngineering AUGUST.SEPTEMBER.199f — ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS leigh. North Carolina, to Cornell Zinnias—tiie Best University, Ithaca, New York. (In {Greenhouse Grower, June, 1998) recent years, the program has been headed by August A. De Greenhouse Grower awarded its Hertogh, who is retiring as pro- 1998 Medal of Excellence to Sakata fessor of horticultural science at Seed America's Profusion zinnias. North Carolina State University in Profusions are a cross between Raleigh.) Zinnia angustifolia and Z. elegans. The announcement was made In the greenhouse, early uniform by the Dutch Wholesalers Asso- plants can be produced for sale in ciation for Flowerbulbs and Nurs- ten weeks or less and respond well ery Stock and by the North to growth regulators. Plants are American Flower-bulb Wholesal- adaptable to pack and larger con- ers Association, made up of mem- tainer presentations. Hot, trendy bers of the Dutch and North direct the bulb program. Miller colors ('Orange' and 'Cher-ry') American flower bulb and green- has, with collaborators and stu- should increase impulse sales. house industries. dents, published a number of pa- In the garden, Profusions per- The announcement notes that pers on bulbous plants and other form well in a range of climates New York state has various cli- floricultural crops and a book, in heat, drought, and humidity. mate zones that are available for Easter and Hybrid Lily Production, Although Z. elegans varieties are research and is in a part of the published by Timber Press. Miller susceptible to foliar diseases, the country with a rich tradition in will join the Cornell faculty late Profusions seem exceptionally re- flower bulb horticulture. this summer. sistant. Low-maintenance, heavy Cornell has selected William B. For more, contact Blaine Fried- blooming, new colors are in the Miller of Clemson University to lander, Jr., at 607-255-3290. works. Congratulations. WHOLESALE GROWERS and SUPPLIERS ^^"fp of QUALITY PLANTS Spring Annuals • Geraniums • Hanging Baskerts Perennials and Foliage Plants 3" to 10" P.O. Box 360 • Alton NH 03809 • Tel: 603-875-4444 GARDmS Located on Route 28, 1 V4 mile south of the Alton Traffic Circle Oziniers Bruce and Linda Holmes \z: The More You Grow, The More You Know. w.fe ve been in this business a long lime. We know our ^^f^ortheast Nursery, Inc. cusiomer's needs and demands. It doseni make a difference of liie time of year or the size of llie project Northeast Nursery covers it Plant Material & Landscape Supplies | Supplying Fine all. Wiih the widest selection m wholesale plant matenals and 234 Newbury Street, Rt. 1 South landscape supplies in all of New tngland it's no wonder many consider Northeast Nursery the best One-Slop shopping for all Peabody, MA 01960 your landscape and green supplies. Tel. (508) 535-6550 Fax (508) 535-5247 THE PLANTSMAN J.D. Power and Associates ranks International Best conventional Inside or out, medium duty truck in Quality is covered. customer satisfaction. As ttie authonzed Hamois dealer in the Northeast, the professional staff at Greenhouse Supply. Inc. will handle all your greenhouse needs. Whether you are looking for : standing or gutter connected houses, call us. 1-800-696-8511 FAX: 207-989-1553 ^ INnRNATIONAL GREENHOUSE ForVbuR Bum Business. SUPPLY, INC. LIBERTY INTERNATIONAL TRUCKS, INC. 1400 South Willow Street, Manchester, NH 03103 HfiRDOIS email: [email protected] http://hamois.agrotech.com Grow your business to new heights with Your Source structures, products, and accessories from Rimol Greenhouse Systems, Inc. FOR THE • Greenhouse Structures • Drip Irrigation & Fittings • GH Film and Polycarbonate • Fertilizer Injectors & Timers Finest in • Heaters, Fans, & Vents • Plant Carts & Monorail Systems • Environmental Controls • Shade Cloth & Ground Cover Greenhouse • Generators & Sensaphones • Benches & Expanded Metal Technology. New Company, New Ideas, New Way of Doing Business 670 N. Commercial Street INRIMOL^ Manchester, NH 03101-1149 ^ Greenhouse Phone: 603-629-9004 Fax 603-629-9023 Systems, Inc. AUGUST. SEPTEMBER. 1998 The Green Spot Operation Clover *tpS3. like to think I was outstanding in my I'd field . . . but I don't have a field, just a garden. And at the very edge of that garden is some clover (a trap-crop, if you will). And on that clover live some aphids. I'm going to release some ladybugs out there. Red Maple Wanna come with me? I'll show you how. .5-3 ) ' caliper " It's raining gently this evening. The clover is Varieties Red Sunset", Autumn Flame glossy from the rain. It's warm. It's muggy. This is (PP. 2377), and Armstrong the perfect time to release ladybugs. They'll probably specimen quality, own root (no incompatibility devour the aphids. There are other pests out there problems), high limbed for street and commercial use too, but the ladybugs will probably only prey on the 604 Main Street, Cromwell, CT 06416 aphids— that's what they prefer. If they do happen to Phone (203) 635-5500 FAX (203) 635-3685 eat something else, itTl be a bonus, I guess. I have a whole bag of ladybugs, but I'm not go- j|fl|U Trees Since 1929 ing to release them all. Putting out too many at once can have a negative effect: they may aggregate, which ^illane 9?ursenes,^nc. would aggravate . . . me. Then I'd have to collect and Growing SOO Acres of New England s Finest Trees i Shrubs re-release them. I took out just what I needed to do the job — while they were still in the fridge and man- ageable. If I did the separation while they were out of cold storage, I'd have a real mess on my hands: ladybugs everywhere! Out in the garden, I'm careful to sprinkle the ladybugs evenly throughout the clover. But I'm con- centrating them a little on the aphid hot spots. It's often discouraging to watch ladybugs just after a re- lease. I'm watching some drink warm rainwater; oth- ers are stepping over aphids to get somewhere. Some are just laying on their backs twirling stuff with their six tiny black legs. Some are dead. I just don't get it sometimes. I wish they'd perform for me. I know what will happen, though — they will perform. CALL US ABOUT OUR Well, that's it. That's a ladybug release. No big deal — it was kinda fun, I suppose. My kids loved it! Fall Floivering A few evenings from now, I'll release another batch, then another a few evenings after that, and so on, as Assortment necessity dictates. If it's not raining, I'll water the plants — whatever it takes, but I will release my beetles. And the routine will be the same. I may note the presence of orange, football- shaped ladybug eggs and the subsequent black, alli- gator-like larvae in a week or two. The aphids will likely diminish, the clover probably thrive, and most D.S. COLE of the ladybugs fly away. Oh well. They won't do it in front of me, but they'll do it all the same. Mike Cherim, president of The Green Spot, Depart- G^^i North Village Road, Loudon, 03301 ment of Bio-Ingenuity, ^j Priest Road, Nottingham, 271 NH NH oj2go-6204, can be reached at 60^-^42-8^2^. Phone 603-783-9561 Fax 603-783-9562 THE PLANTSMAN Perennials, Plugs, Geraniums, Prefinished Mums Bulbs, Holiday Crops, Flowering Plants Joseph Giannino Co. ?*?-^ Garden Center Representing Fine Growers of Quality Plant Material Consultations and Landscaping Designs Greenhouses, Nursery, Craft, and Christmas Shop 656 South Mammoth Road (Rte. 28A) P.O. Box 757, Rowley, Massachusetts 01969 Manchester, NH 03109 Telephone: 978/948-8167; Fax: 508/948-8167 (603) 625-8298 Container-Grown ohrubs, Roses MICHAUD Z^ylilies Nurseries & Greenhouses George M. Timm Route 85, PO Box 334, Exeter, NH 03833 Owner (603) 772-3698 Wholesale & Retail Davis Brook Farm Annuals, Perennials, Nursery Stock io6 Bonds Comer Road, P.O. Box 476 Hancock, New Hampshire 03449-0476 Phone/Fax 603-5x5-4718 Ball Seed Company Blue Heron Images Your Source for Superior Plant and Seed Material Photography Catalogs. Brochures. Annual Reports. Web Sites. Special Events Annualplugs, geraniums, "Vigor Indexed" seed, Richard H Raymond spring plants, perennials, pot plants, holiday crops, prefinished flatsA hanging baskets, and more! Specializing in Horiiaillural Images Traditional and Digital Photographic Services David Giurleo : Heron Images, 1 Corauble Road, Durham. XH 03824 Phone: (603) 659-7313 324 How/ard Street, Northboro, MA 01 532 Phone: 508-393-4534, Fax: 508-393-0003 Toll Free Pager: 800-719-9360 STEENBURG & CALLIORAS THE AUCTION Rolling Green PROFESSIONALS, INC: Landscaping & Nursery AUCTIONEERS: Archie Stecnburgh 500 varieties of perennials »> Annuals & herbs 603/989-5690 Ornamental trees, shrubs & vines *> Trellises Route 10, Haverhill, NH 03765 Wholesale prices available *> Call for 1 998 listing Peter Callioras, C.A 1 64 Breakfast Hill Rd., Greenland, NH (Next to 1-95) 603/868-1070 603-436-2732 Calef Highway (Lee), Dover, NH 03820 AUGUST. SEPTEMBER. 1998 m Cakpented, NOTES Air Is the Secret Many growers have recently been discussing soil mix and how porosity fits into the equation. Porosity is "the ratio, usually ex- pressed as a percentage, of the volume of a material's pores to its total volume." It's better "The Geranium Specialists" to look at the amount of air space a soil mix Wholesale Qrowers has. This is defined as "the amount of air a media has after it had reached container capac- 2 1/2" Geraniums (year round) ity"— or, simply put, how much air is left after 4" Pre-finished Geraniums the media is saturated. 2 1/2" Ivy Geraniums & Fuchsia A good soilless mix should have a total po- Martha Washington Geraniums rosity of 75-80% and air space of 20-30%. How- Spring Hanging Baskets, Lilies/Bulbs ever, in peat-based mixes, these numbers are Azaleas, Cyclamen, Poinsettias, Foliage short-lived. Most peat-based mixes will shrink by 25% after one or two waterings — and as J.B. CARPENTER & SON, INC. much as 50-60% over the life of the crop. This 603/659-3391 STREET shrinkage will reduce your air space by up to 220 SOUTH MAIN 40-50% NEWMARKET, NH 03857 A way to reduce this shrinkage is to reduce the amount of peat and add either aged pine bark or coconut coir. Both have less shrinkage than peat (coir has 50 % less). WEBBER'S D.R. Fonteno from North Carolina State Uni- versity has devised and standardized a test to detect the total porosity and the amount of air DUBLIN space in mixes. Why this standardization is im- portant is that these numbers will vary accord- ing to the size of the pot and how the mix is Nursery handled. The height of the container will dic- tate the air space of the mix. Going from a four-inch pot to a six-inch pot increases air space by 50%, simply by increasing the vertical column of soil and gravity. Try this with a wet sponge. Lay it flat and let water drip out. If PERENNIAL SIX-PACKS you turn it on edge, more water will drip out, WHOLESALE PRICE LIST making more air available. * * Why is all this important? Plants root where PERENNIALS HERBS WILDFLOWERS there is air, not water. Water is important in 150 Varieties in 6-cell packs keeping cuttings or seedlings from drying out, but air is the secret. Mixes that are more com- pacted or excessively wet allow little air space UPS Shipping Available and, of course, little rooting. WEBBER'S DUBLIIN NURSERY P.O. Box 266 Jim Zablocki, technical manager of the Northern Horticultural Group, Scotts Company, can be Dublin, NH 03444 reached at 60^-224-^58^. 603-563-8180 603-563-8272 THE PLANTSMAN PRUNERS SPRAYING ACCESSORIES- ^^OESCO Catalog OESCO, INC. . PO Box 540 • Rte. 116 • Conway, MA 01341 800-634-5557 • 413-369-4335 • FAX 413-369-4431 • www.oescoinc.com • email:[email protected] A world leader in development, production and sales of horticultural products Only the finest floral products bear the Yoder e You can see them or\ television and in picture spreads in leading publications. In numerous store and garden center promotions Tunicipal parks and botanical gardens and countless home and backyard settings Mary-Jayne Lattig (203) 468-8890 l&der 1-800-232-9557 Ext 800 ...something, to grow on Fax: (203) 468-8891 New England Aetere • Keepeake Azaieae> * FoWaqe * Foineettlae • Prophet eenee qarden murne • Pot Mume Koeee • Pahliae * H\biecue> * HeiM Guinea Impat'tene * drokered fluqe ar\d Oeraniume * Ferenrwale Quality Landscape-Grade Plants all season long! The Winter Blanket - a better way to overwinter your nursery stock Call for info or a product sample 1-800-692-7752 fax: 978/692-5887 Specializing In Heath... Heather... Bearberry... Perennials... Seashore Plants... also, a full line of quality nursery stock 1028 Horseneck Road, Westport, MA. 02790 "Our Service Keeps Growing Growing. 508-636-4573 508-636-3397 FAX and www.sylvannursery.com AUGUST. SEPTEMBER. 199! Iljlf.^ — where the best-looking peonies grow. They both are a plant in demand as both a landscape plant and agreed that it was in the cemeteries. The question as cut flowers. The question is how are you going to then was how the peonies in the cemetery were fer- sell them. Traditionally, peonies are usually sold as tilized. The answer is not what you think, but that bare roots in the fall or spring. Now many are sold they aren't. as containerized plants in the spring. This creates an Peonies can be grouped into four categories: her- instant landscape and provides the gardener a guide baceous, tree, inter- on how deep to sectional or Itoh hy- plant. These are of- brids, and species. ten sold by color Herbaceous types are rather than cultivar. your standard gar- If sold by cultivar, den type that every- they often command one is familiar with. a higher price. They are in the The tree, Itoh, Paeon section of the intersectional, and genus Paeonia. There species peonies are are thousands of cul- for a very special- tivars of these. Most ized upscale market. are selections of the The plants are hard species Paeonia offici- to come by and ex- nalis and P. lactiflora pensive to propa- and hybrids of these gate. Most are sold two as well as with mail-order by the other species. hybridizer or collec- Tree peonies are tor. I see them as a grafted woody shrubs specialty crop pro- that usually overwin- As with any perennial, duced as a sideline. ter without dying In the past five back. They are in the the planting site and soil bed preparation years, three new Moutan section of the books have been genus Paeonia. They are of utmost importance published on peo- usually flower earlier nies. The American especially since they may be in the ground than the herbaceous Peony Society also types because they has a wealth of undisturbed for many years. often have a shorter knowledge and con- chilling requirement. The ones at my grandparents' grave tacts. It is nice that They are known for gardeners are redis- their large showy are more than sixty years old. covering the carefree flowers. versatility of a plant The next group is with such beautiful the intersectional, or fragrant blooms. Itoh, hybrids. Mr. Toichi Itoh was the first person to successfully Peony resources include The Peony, by Alice Harding, produce an intersectional hybrid between the updated by Roy G. Klehm; The Gardener's Guide to Moutan (tree) type and Paeon (herbaceous) type. Growing Peonies (with listing of peony sources), by The roots look like tree peony roots, but the top of Martin Page; and Peonies (also with a listing of the plant looks like an herbaceous plant, with the sources), by Allan Rogers. All are published by Timber flowers having the rich true reds and yellows of Press, 133 SW Second Avenue, Suite 450, Portland, OR the tree peonies. 97204 (telephone: 503-227-2878). The last group is the species. These are in all the The American Peony Society can be contacted by writ- section of the genus Paeonia including Moutan, Paeon ing to Mrs. Greta Kessenich, 250 Interlachen, Hopkins, and Onaepia.This is usually the realm of the true MN 55343. peony connoisseur. These are often rare and sources are hard to find. Since the Iron Curtain came down, Karen L.B. Gast, associate professor and extension horti- many new species are being introduced in the West. culturist, postharvest and marketing at Kansas State Some have ornamental value but others may only of- University, has been conducting postharvest research on fer germplasm for developing new hybrids. several herbaceous peony cultivars the past four years. For commercial plant growers, herbaceous peonies Her e-mail address is [email protected]. AUGUST. SEPTEMBER. 1998 New Varieties of Carnivorous Plants DAVID LANE Several new varieties of car- and an overlay of maroon mar- nivorous plants have been bling. It is hardy in zones 6 to introduced in the past year 9. The source is given as Niche or so and some have been fea- Gardens in Chapel Hill, which tured in recent issues of American maintains an online ordering Nurseryman and Horticulture. This system at its website. This nurs- brief article describes four new ery also sells another smaller varieties, lists sources for li\e hybrid from the same team plants, and provides addition called 'Dixie Lace,' which has information. The ability to easily prominent red veins. I bought a propagate new hybrids, especially small plant of 'Dixie Lace' from by tissue culture, should lead to Larry Mellichamp himself at a increased availability of these meeting last year and have been ever-popular plants. growing it in a window sill en- About a year ago, the Atlanta vironment for several months. Botanical Garden released a robust all-red form of The January 1, 1998, issue of American Nurseryman Venus Fly Trap called 'Akai Ryu' (or Red Dragon) in [v. 187 (1) p. 14] has a story about a new "All-Green which the entire plant becomes burgundy-colored in Purple Pitcher Plant" (named Sarracenia purpurea sufficient light. I have grown this variet)' under fluo- subsp. venosa var. burkii forma alba) to be introduced rescent light, on a windowsill, and in the green- by the Atlanta Botanical Garden this year. In reality, house. Propagation for commercial release of this the scientific name given is incorrect. The actual cultivar was being handled by Agristarts III of name is Forma luteola. This is an all-green (anthocya- Apoka, Florida. Plants are now available from the nin-free) form discovered originally growing wild, I specialized mail order nurseries that cater to carnivo- believe. Seedlings are currently for sale from the At- rous plant enthusiasts. The Carnivorous Plant Newslet- lanta Botanical Garden at $25 each. are formally described ter , sponsored by the International Carnivorous All of these varieties being Plant Society, lists these nurseries annually. Several in the Carnivorous Plant Newsletter whose sponsoring of these nurseries have websites and provide online society serves as the International Registration Au- ordering over the Internet. thority for carnivorous plants. By the time you read The December 15, 1997, issue of American Nursery- this, three of these varieties will be growing in the man [v. 186 (12) p. 77] introduces a new cultivar of UNH greenhouses. The greenhouses are open to the pitcher plant named 'Ladies in Waiting.' It's a public. I will add the fourth variety, the all-green multispecies hybrid developed by Rob Gardner at pitcher plant, as soon as I receive it. UNC-Chapel Hill and Larry Mellichamp at UNC- Charlotte. This variety is also featured as a "TOP David Lane, biological sciences librarian, Biological PICK" in the February, 1998 issue of Horticulture Sciences Library, Kendall Hall, University of New [v. 95 (2) p. 34-36]. It's a vigorous upright green Hampshire, 129 Main St., Durham, NH 03824-3590, pitcher that reaches 1 1/2 feet high. The upper por- can be reached at 603-862-3718 or [email protected]. tion of the pitcher has an open hood with fluted edges, lettuce green interior with white speckling. Illustration by Kristina Bilonick TH E PL ANTSMAN Continuity Moving the Business into the Next Generation KIRK B. LEONI Family businesses generate all the challenges current estate planning and to review alternatives faced by other small businesses, but add the for meeting financial objectives elements of family dynamics to the mix. Sev- 4. Consider: enty percent of family businesses never make it to Gifting stock the second generation. Recognizing these challenges Establishing retirement plans early in the business life cycle can result in minimiz- Insurance funding ing taxes, smoothing management transition, and Second generation stock purchase avoiding family conflict. Updating current will Family businesses often do not formulate compre- Change of business form (proprietorship, hensive plans for dealing with succession issues. Fre- partnership, LLC, C-corporation, S-corporation) quently the entrepreneur is so busy with current challenges that he or she does not feel they can af- Do not expect to reach final decisions at this ford the time to address these issues. Unfortunately, point; the purpose of this phase is to identify some this situation is like the woodcutter who cannot take alternatives and to identify the issues that do not the time to sharpen her saw because she is too far have ready solutions. behind schedule cutting the wood. After some time to consider the above alternatives Comprehensive succession planning involves stra- and possible solutions, meet again with your advi- tegic business planning, management succession sors to map out a preliminary plan. planning, estate planning, entity (form of business) planning, and tax, finance, and insurance planning. The sophistication and complexity of this planning is Communication contingent upon the size and complexity of the busi- ness, the financial needs of family members, and the 1. Communicate your wishes regarding the future current financial health of the business. with the next generation The following checklist can provide a guideline 2. Identify areas where the objectives of the next for breaking this process down to manageable pieces. generation are in conflict with the "plan" This will help to ensure that major concerns are not overlooked. 3. Ensure that the next generation shares the "vision" 4. Discuss the sale of the business as an alternative to the plan (This is an important step, as the appeal Current Owners' Wishes of continuing to manage the family business must be 1. Current owners meet to discuss their objectives evaluated in contrast with the short-term financial regarding transition of the business to family mem- rewards of a sale) bers and to outline their financial needs through retirement Plan Implementation 2. Discuss strengths/weaknesses of second genera- tion family members expected to be involved in the In conjunction with your lawyer, accountant, banker business and insurance broker: 3. Meet with attorneys and accountants to review 1. Review current retirement plans (401k, profit- All GUST. SEPTEMBER. 1998 sharing, etc.) and modify as needed 2. Determine the best way to finance the estate and income tax implications of the plan (compensation, Pioneer Pointers life insurance, borrowing) 3. Review and revise corporate documents governing authorized shares, stock restrictions, and manage- Is Your Business Ready for YZk? ment authority 4. Develop a training and /or mentoring program for In today's increasingly computerized world, identified future family business leaders (Training there is virtually no greenhouse operation that can involve formal education, on-the-job training, or will not be affected in some way by the Year working for an unrelated business. Mentoring can in- 2000 a.k.a. Yak. No business can exist in a volve outsiders or key managers who are not family vacuum. Your operation is part of a chain of cus- members) tomers, suppliers, utilities, and vendors. As a re- sult, Yzk issues can affect you. 5. Develop appropriate compensation programs for Here are some things you can do to prepare key nonfanuly members to avoid loss of key people and be ready for the next millennium: 6. Develop compensation guidelines for family mem- . Complete an inventory of all computer hard- bers in the business ware, software, and telecommunication equip- ment. Include date of installation, name of 7. Review your insurance portfolio, specifically manufacturer, and who currently services it. regarding disability insurance and life insurance . Identify all greenhouse equipment and software (to provide working capital for transition or funding with date-sensitive operating controls. Include for stock purchases) time-set watering, planting, and/or heating sys- 8. Communicate the plan to key employees (impor- tems as well as accounting software. Is any tant employees are often lost due to concerns sur- equipment digitally controlled or set? If so, com- rounding the unknown impact of business plete the same information listed above. succession) . Identify all suppliers to key inputs to your business — seeds, pots, soil, fuel. 9. Consider the Board of Directors content and whether nonfamily members/advisors would be . Contact your suppliers to verify that they can handle the change to January i, 2000, and be- beneficial yond. You should prioritize based on a system's importance to your business. If your business it, not assume it will Congratulate Yourselves can not survive without do be unaffected by the millennium bug. You have accomplished what few family businesses . If your suppliers cannot certify that they or have managed to accomplish. Once a plan is estab- their equipment , software, or services are Year lished, it should be revisited every few years to con- 2000 compliant, have a plan to correct or replace plan, consistent with firm that it is still an effective key systems. Don't leave it to chance. changing business/family dynamics. While Y2k has the potential to be a serious business challenge if not properly managed, Kirk Leoni is a certified public accountant with there are good solutions for possible problems. Nathan Wechsler and Company, 33 Pleasant Street, Time is on your side: address the issue now Concord, NH 03301-404. The phone number there is rather than wait until the last moment, (sw) 603-224-5357. First Pioneer Farm Credit, being a financial This article was furnished by the Business Forum services provider, is working very hard to ensure Office (BFO) located at UNH in Room 116 of that our Green Industry customers avoid any McConnell Hall. The BFO oversees a number of business disruption from Yik. We're checking all programs addressing the needs of businesses by way our electronics systems from telephone and fax of forums and workshops. The Center for Family machines to complex loan-accounting software. Business offers several membership programs: the All our AgCHECK and Red Wing farm accounting Petiley Forum for the Family-owned Business, the software is Year 2000 compliant and we stand Shapiro Forum for the Entrepreneurial Family, and ready to assist you in bringing your own account- the Leadership Development Program. For information ing software up-to-date. For more information, about these and other programs that may be useful for give us a call in Bedford at 1-800-82^-^252. your business, contact Peter Parady at 603-862-1107. THE PLANTSMAN MEMBER PROFILE BUNGAY JAR Fanciful Habitat Jar" —the expression could be turn is framed by plantings) is the garden's focal point. BungayAbenaki—or Scottish —or North Country One line of plantings—nearer and parallel to the New Hampshire: "a mysterious rumbling B&B creates a sheltered upper lawn. Another group of sound emanating from the depths of Mount plantings cluster in a parallel area centered around the Kinsman, thought to have made early settlers queer in pool. On the right, the lawn rises to a birch-shaded the head;" "a phantom roar that accompanies a strong path that skirts a wildflower meadow, then leads into spring wind moving up the Easton Valley toward surrounding woodlands and to the river. Franconia." And now "Bungay Jar" is a bed and break- Locally quarried granite is used in walks, stairs, re- fast on the Easton Valley Road and these definitions taining walls, sitting areas. Strimbeck did most of the are part of the copy on a promotional T-shirt. masonry work, placing larger pieces with block-and- The B&B is in a 200-year-old 40'x40' barn brought tackle. from Littleton in 1967, set into a hillside, then aban- doned. When bought in 1983 by Kate Kerivan and her husband Lee Strimbeck, a patent attorney who brought CRAB APPLES on either side of the main walkway his practice to Littleton because he liked to hike, there create a bower; honeysuckle climbs a rustic per- was no heat and ceilings were falling. gola, as does a native clematis. Climbing roses never Within this structure, they've created seven rooms, quite make it to the top in the brief growing season each with a private bath, on four levels around a cen- (although shrub roses elsewhere—'William Baffin,' tral core. Each room is unique: "The Hobbit Room" has 'John Cabot'—are a fine success). The walk beneath the an antique sleigh bed; "The Stargazer Suite," twig fur- pergola leads to the path skirting the meadow. niture. And each is filled with decorative objects ac- These shaded walks alongside areas of sun increase centing its special flavor. the range of mood. The plant material is eclectic, but Kate's background includes a degree in plant science feels natural—those surviving the winters work well from UNH and a graduate degree in landscape plan- together. ning and design from the Conway School (Conway, Some plants surprise (it's zone 3): a lotus survived Massachusetts). She ran her own design business in in the pool for six years, but finally succumbed—not to Derry and worked in city planning in Manchester. In cold, but to careful and sensitive repotting. Water lihes Easton, she began immediately to create a garden. (Nymphaea 'Pink Sensation') grow in tubs. Behind the B&B, the land slopes down to the Ham Most material is less exotic. Kate uses natives: vibur- branch of the Gale River before beginning its climb to nums, red-twigged dogwood, clethra. Canadian burnet Kinsman Ridge. Most rooms open onto balconies or (Sanguisorba canadensis) borders the pool; Culver's-root terraces; all have fine views. (Veronocastrum virginicum), mullein (Verbascum thapsus), But in 1983, woods came up to the back of the black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) and May apple building—branches touched the windows and the (Podophyllum peltatum) are scattered throughout. ridgeline could not be seen. Kate started with the ba- Lowbush blueberry is groundcover. sics. She hired a logger to clearcut; the slope was re- Near the pool, jack-in-the-pulpit and Ligularia shaped into a series of gentle terraces. Trees—focal przewalskii 'The Rocket' flourish in a bog garden made points—were planted. of peat and llama dung (there are several llamas on the The plan is simple: a walkway descends from the place, as well as dogs, horses, and at least one cat). building to a pool centered in open lawn. Three-and- Vines—all annual: cup-and-saucer (Cobaea scan- one-half-feet deep, butyl-lined, with a small pump re- dens) —her favorite, hyacinth bean (Dolichos lablab), cycling the water—this small circular body of water, morning glory—climb the rail fence around the cutting framed by a patio on which guests can sit (which in garden; sweet peas are "planted faithfully each April A 'J GUST. SEPTEMBER. 1998 — — — MEMBER PROFILE 15, but they never get going until July." Under the assumption that retail sale of this mate- Among all these are hardy perennials—lupine, rial was permitted under "agriculture" in the Easton asclepia, ageratum 'blue horizon,' Johnson's Blue zoning ordinance, Bungay Jardins opened on May 10. cranesbill. Annuals Datura metel, larkspur, cleome, The Easton Board of Selectmen, which regulates poppies— fill in. Terra-cotta pots "are moved around land-use decisions, decided that the business could not like furniture." be permitted under "agriculture" and advised Kerivan The rest of the twelve acres are woods. These are to apply for a special exception. They then rejected the tended in their own way. Some areas are mowed; some application, arguing that the fact that she'd applied for trees removed. Chosen plants—trillium, lady slipper, a special exemption showed that Bungay Jardins was Canadian mayflower, goldthread (Coptis groenlandka), not a legitimate agricultural enterprise: "Retail sale of sassafras, moosewood (^4. pensylvanicutn) —are encour- plant material is not agriculture. This definition would aged; columbine seed scattered. The stages of succes- mean that Butson's Supermarket, which sells plants de- sion created allows a range of material to thrive. livered by truck to its store in Littleton, is a horticul- tural enterprise and not a market." Kerivan and Strimbeck appealed the decision in KATE'S TAKEN PART in the New Hampshire Co- Littleton District Court. In July, Judge Peter Cyr backed verts Project. Funded by UNH Cooperative Exten- the selectmen. sion, NH Fish and Game, US Fish and Wildlife, and They then hired a second lawyer, Larry Gardener, the Ruffed Grouse Society, this is a volunteer education who asked that the board reverse its decision. At the and outreach program in which 25 people are selected hearing before the Zoning Board of Adjustment (after a each year to attend a training workshop that teaches stand-in was found for the selectman who also serves management practices that enhance wildlife habitat. on Easton's board of adjustment), abutters described These people then become Coverts Project Cooperators the nursery as a safety hazard and a commercial intru- and share with their communities what they've sion. Easton's approved uses for agricultural— businesses learned. were admitted to be exceptionally narrow "but that's The Projects' ideals mirrors her own: "People move how the local population wants it." up here—they clearcut an acre, put a house in the cen- The decision was once again against Bungay Jardins it ter, plant a rhododendron, a couple yews . . . then step and the case was brought to Superior Court, where back and say, "Hey, this isn't what we came for.' I'd was decided in its favor. like to write about using what's here and incorporating And it's not over yet—Kerivan and Strimbeck are appropriate material—just a simple pamphlet—and suing the town for harassment and damages. This suit give copies to local real estate agents to give to clients." may also end up in Superior Court. She doesn't want to expand the B&B, just find ways Having not heard both sides, one prefers the idea to fill it during offseason. Classes (weekend garden that land-owners can do pretty much as they choose workshops) and special activities (a "Midsummer's Eve within generously interpreted guidelines, but one has Magic Garden Celebration" —which included picking to admit the neighbor's view is definitely less pastoral. herbs and fern-seed, visiting the animals, a candlelit buffet meal, and a reading from Shakespeare's play an evening definitely not for the serious-minded) have THE NURSERY is small—a few benches—bedding been held; marketing emphasizes events like the tri- plants, vegetables—many unusual, most bought town lupine festival held each June. in—set on an area of bark mulch in front of the new "But I really want to be outdoors." Any money- construction. Kate admits her energy has gone into making activities should "connect with what's already other things: it has not been a good year. ." is to a 25'xl7' here, with what makes being here so interesting . . But the construction—of what be What makes being here interesting for Kate is her shop—is already a mix of the fantasy and pragmatism garden and in 1997, she decided to create a retail nurs- that animates the best of the property: it incorporates ery—Bungay Jardins—offering unusual and native "two-hundred-year-old beams from a bam that had al- plants, some of which she'd propagate herself. The ready been torn down;" it has eleven-foot ceilings ("I Littleton Courier described what the enterprise hoped to insisted"). The structure will double as a classroom be: "the nursery will offer hundreds of culinary and besides plant material, product offered include a way ornamental herbs, flowering native and introduced her- of seeing. This will— require education. baceous perennials, vines, antique shrub roses, and old- A greenhouse "small, straight-sided, probably poly- fashioned cottage garden plants. Garden whimsies in- carbonate"—will attach to the rear of the structure. clude wobble gates, white cedar raised beds, butterfly Kate plans to have it in operation this winter and is and bird houses, trellises and faux antique containers." looking at how to best use the space. Propagating un- THE PLANTSMAN MEMBER PROFILE usual material to be sold through a mail order business for both home-owners and summer people and for (her customer base has never been local) seems to all the landscapers and garden centers who offer mesh nicely with her overall situation. The mix is still their services. (BP) evolving. Bungay far, PO Box 15, Easton Valley Road, Fraiiconia, REGARDLESS OF THE eventual use of the garden NH 03580, can be reached by phone at 1-800-421-0701. center or the outcome of the suit pending, the gar- It's on the Web at dens remain genuinely impressive. Their beauty dress is TREES • EVERGREENS • SHRUBS 150 acres of quality plants Wnte for catalog Memtier MNA. NENA ,tewart^ Millers Falls Road. Turners Falls, MA 01376 NURSERY, Inc. Telephone 413 863 25 1 S New HampshireA^ermont CHRISTMAS TREE ASSOCIATION Wreaths ^ Trees * Boughs ^ Cones Over 300 Members • Over 250 Growers • Christmas Trees • Christmas Wreaths • 40 Years of Service For a FREE brochure of wholesale producers and vendors contact: Pam Dywer, Executive Secretary 53 Heath Road, Wolcott, VT 05680-3088 (802) 888-7255 email: [email protected] www.nh-vtchristmastree.org A 'J GUST. SEPTEMBER. 1998 Planning Market Strategy GAIL MCWILLIAM may consider marketing to be the biggest you let people know about your unique products? Youthorn in your side or the most exciting part What price will you charge for your product? of your business. Either way, if you offer a product or service for sale, marketing is a key part How will price effect your product's appeal? of your business operation and deserves a significant portion of your attention. Research and analysis are absolutely critical to Keep this in mind: Growing your product is the substantially reduce trial-and-error, saving you time easy part. Selling your product is the challenge. and money. Research can pinpoint the prospective Often, when people are considering starting an ag- target audience, identify any product modifications, ricultural business, it seems that most of their plan- and help design pricing, promotion, and distribution ning and preparations are focused on production and strategies. The customer is a key component of any not much thought is devoted to marketing. Certainly marketing strategy. Your marketing efforts should production is not a trivial part of an agricultural target the customer most likely to buy your product. business, but selling does not happen by itself. A You must know and understand everything about business plan must include a plan for marketing as your customer so that your products meet his/her well as for production. goals, objectives, wants, and needs. Remember, it's Marketing is an endless cyclic process that in- not what you sell that counts, but what people want cludes finding out what the customer wants/needs to buy. Research will help you understand and meet and providing it at a profit to the seller. The basics your customer's needs. of marketing are the same whether you sell plants, Determining potential outlets for your products cheese, or microchips. The key elements of marketing will help you define your target customer. Potential are known as the "marketing mix", also sometimes market outlets for greenhouse and nursery plants in- called the "3 Ps and a D:" clude: • Product (what makes it unique) • Direct-to-consumer sales at your location • Price (value) • Sales to other retailers, garden centers, • Promotion (telling the customer about the supermarkets/home centers, or florists product) • Wholesale flower market • Distribution (how you get your product to • Farmers' markets market) • Contract growing • Landscapers/landscape designers Your goal is to find the optimum combination of • Municipalities this marketing mix to maximize profits. Start by do- ing some research and analysis to help identify and Each outlet category involves a different set of re- define your market: quirements. For example, selling to the consumer at What is unique about your product(s)? How is your location means you are in a relatively accessible your product going to stand apart from the rest? location and you provide things like adequate park- ing, staff for customer assistance, carts or wagons for Who are your customers? What do they want? easy moving of plants, information about plant care Will your product have broad appeal or be spe- and use, related products, etc. Selling to other retail- cific to a certain audience? ers means in addition to some of the above men- Who is your competition? tioned, you are also likely involved with trucking or shipping products. To sell to landscapers, you might Evaluate your location. Where are you located and need to carry more mature, fully grown plants to how will that effect your business? create finished landscapes. How will you promote your product? How will Another important component of market strategy TH E PL ANTSMAN ^ Could any of these current issues impact your business or livelihood? is to build your company's name recognition. This is also known as image building. Participation in and/ * Current Use & Zoning or sponsorship of community events, industry trade • shows, and special events help to keep your name in Greenhouse taxation front of your customer and potential customer. Some * Pesticide regulations of these events may have a very peripheral connec- tion to your business, but they help your customer * Motor Vehicle laws & Ag see and understand your community relationship * and spirit. Agricultural employee laws You don't have to develop a marketing strategy all by yourself. Help is available from many different New Hampshire Farm Bureau sources, including private marketing consultants, has, over the years, led the way on legislative groups such as the Service Corps of Retired Execu- issues that affect New Hampshire's farms and tives (SCORE), and governmental agencies such as agricultural businesses. We will continue to the small business development centers. Small Busi- do so Into the future and hope to involve more ness Administration, and Cooperative Extension. If of you, our friends & colleagues involved In you need more background in marketing principles, horticulture in N.H. start by reading some books on the subject to begin to understand the concepts and common terminology. If you answered yes to the question above Love or hate it, marketing is essential to any busi- and would like more information ness. Make it an integral part of your business plan on what for a strong future. benefits Joining N.H.F.B. will bring to you, please contact: Gail D. McWilliam is director of agricultural develop- Wendle Loomis at 224-1934 ment, NH Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food. Sponsored by Merrimack County Farm Bureau She can be reached at 603-271-3788. 1-800-447-4745 mCEMM INSURANCE r bare-root conifer seedM^gs and transplants havj^elped to keep landowners, Homes • Bams • Livestock crs, nurseries, and forest Machinery • Farmer's Liability mdustnes successfully in the green for seventy-five years. Livestock Health & Mortality Askfor a catalog, today! Workers Compensations • Auto ESTERN AINENURSERIESiNc ^^^^H ESTABLISHED 1923 PO Box2S0 Frveburg MLO^O? Fax (20")<)1S 204 feu k^ Insure with New Hampshire's largest independent agricultural agency. 1*800-439-2451 will put you in touch with an agricultural insurance professional. AliGUST.SEPTEMBEl "Helping You to Grow" B.E. Supply GREENHOUSE SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT Hemlock Road, Langdon Mailing Address: P.O. Box 0, Charlestown, New Hampshire 03603 Nu-Form Products • Restricted Pesticides Landmark Products • Kord Products Pre-filled Flats & Pots • Fertilizers Klerks Films • Distributors for Hyde Park &. Sunshine Soils Work: 603/835^6930 Home: 603/835-2523 Fax: 603/835-2180 7316 PLEASANT STREET LOUDON NEW HAMPSHIRE 03301 603-435-8361 OR 1-800-343-4784 FAX 603-435-6849 THE PLANTSMAN HOW ABOUT HERBS The Art of Miniatures TANYA JACKSON The art of creating a container Options for containers are un- door plants enduring summer herb garden is just that—an limited. We'll not address this rains, is critical. There are several art! It's of increasing interest for here except to suggest that you new products—the pot-watering many herb gardeners because of consider anything as a container: polymers—on the market for pro- space limitations, because it's an familiar terra-cotta pots and stone viding moisture to plants: present easier way to care for more diffi- urns always work; rustic baskets, these possibilities to your custom- cult-to-grow plants, and—most of containers made of wood or twigs, ers who are shopping for their all, because of all the interesting wine crates, whiskey barrels, and container gardens. plants and combinations that are hollowed logs and stumps (for The herbs for containers are super for this form of gardening. shade-loving woodland herbs) all many: here are just a few ideas. Creating a container garden re- make great planters. Thymes are perfect: try silvery grey quires knowing cultural require- The most important cultural creeping wooly thyme (Thymus ments as well as having an eye considerations are proper soil for praecox subsp. articus 'Lanuginosus'), for relationships— the relationship each individual plant and proper crimson thyme with brilliant ma- between flower, foliage, and form; drainage for each container. The genta flowers (T.p. subsp. 'Coccineus'), the relationship between plants latter generally means a drainage caraway thyme with tiny tasty and container; the relationship be- hole in the bottom of the con- leaves (T. herba-barona), and white tween the containers themselves. tainer (do not cover this with pot moss creeping thyme (T.p. subsp. One nice thing about container shards, as we did in the "old articus 'Albus'). There's also the gardening is the ability to easily days:" this actually obstructs very tiny creeper. Thymus minimus, move things around until you're drainage). Herbs hate wet feet, so satisfied with the results. good drainage, especially for out- continued on next page 75 Chestnut Hill, Route 190 Stafford Springs, CT 06076 W.H. MILIKOWSKI, INC. Greenhouse Supplies & Equipment Newton Greenhouse Plants Bulbs 32 Amesbury Road, Newton, NH 03858 All Your Greenhouse Needs 603-382-5289 Quality Plants 'Our Goal Is Your Success' green & flowering from 3" to 10" pots David E. Goudreault Holiday, bedding plants &. dish gardens NH & Maine Representative Year-round cut Snaps, Gloxinias & African Violets CT 800-243-7170 Liscensed propagator Fax: 860-684-3022 of Mikkelsen New Guinea Impatiens AUGUST. SEPTEMBER. 1998 HOW ABOUT HERBS continued from page 17 brought inside—and a container within their potted boundaries. I makes that easy. Consider color- like grey santolina and colorful violas jump-ups) in a pot and Doretta Klaber thyme (T. vul- ful miniature peppers such as (Johnny small garis 'Doretta Klaber') that grow Thai Hots to liven up your con- on my porch. There's a new blue-and-white viola called "Cutie," with tiny leaves in a neat flat mat tainer arrangements. peek charmingly that creeps easily over the side of A lemon-scented selection whose flowers of through the grey foliage and are so a container. German thyme and could include separate pots French thyme are both well-be- lemon thyme, lemon balm (which cheery and impish that 1 cannot help haved small bushy plants that will remain smaller in a con- but smile at them each morning. com- blend well with the creepers in tainer), lemon verbena, lemon ba- These are but a few. When consider containers. These and many other sil (wimpy and difficult in the bining pots and plants, foliage, texture, and color thymes can be found at Rabbit garden; easier in a pot), a lemon the form, Shadow farm, 2880 East Highway geranium—all these massed in of each herb separately, then begin large to envision a variety of combina- 402, Loveland, CO 80537. The price smaller pots in front of a pot of tall lemon grass. I like this tions. Tailor the soil to the plants list is $1, refimdable with an order. Small scented geraniums like idea so much I just want to run and move them to where they get lemon crispum, nutmeg, and out and do it right now! the proper amount of sun. Easy — artist in strawberry are good choices. Tri- Green santolina (Santolina virens) gardening! Let the you custom- color sage and golden sage, with mounds of bright green, finely take over, encourage your fun their variegated foliage, tend to cut foliage with lemon yellow ers to do the same, and have remain smaller than ordinary sage button flowers—and grey santo- with herbs in containers. and love growing in containers. lina (S. chamaecyparissus) are good These two are not always hardy container plants. They grow large, Tanya Jackson, well-known area herbal- ist, can he reached at 603-431-8011. in our winters and like to be but are easily clipped and kept DEDICATED TO SERVING: The Professional Landscaper, Nurseryman, Grounds Manager and Golf Course Superintendent, with the highest quality & selection ofplant materials & horticultural supplies. • PennMulch • Nature Safe • Hydroseeding Mulch • OlyOla Edging •Concrete Pavers • AllGro Compost • Perwaloc Edging • Wallstone • Bulk Mulch • Spreaders «& Sprayers •Bluestone • Par Aide Golf Accessories • Gelscape • Bulk Stone • AND MUCH MORE! Two Locations For Your Convenience: 16 PiNKHAM Rd West U.S. Route 5 Harrington, NH White River Jct., VT (603)868-7172 (802)295-2117 ^- '"-^"^ ^.^^lU... J itt.L.iun{k THE PLANTSMAN ! TAKE ROOT v)^ SHERMAN! "^•Iling to iom*on« creates a sal*, but helping som*on* to buy cr*at«s a customsr." The Natives "^ Represented by; Frank Thomann Charter Oak Landscape 29 Mountain Terrace Road West Hartford, CT 06107 Toll Free 1-800-431-6625 or 1-860-521-2638 Fax 1-860-561-4130 Professional * Experienced * Dedicated SHERMAN NURSERY COMPANY P.O. Box 579 • 1300 Grove Street Charles City, Iowa 50616-0579 1-800-747-5980 or 1-515-228-1124 Fax 1-800-361-7759 "Growing IVuh America Since 1884" Skerman ojiers a complete Ime o/bareroot and contnmer nur% ery stock i^vclwrimg Fruit Trees, Small Fruit, Shade nnd Orna tnl Tnts, Ornamental Shrubs, Peonies, Roses, Evergreens, Hedging, Vines, Perennials, Rooted Cuttings and Potted Liners VanBerkun Nursery ^^^ff ^^^ff ^^^ff ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^Stocked'' with Savings GRIFFIN is... AVAILABILITY, AVAILABILITY, AVAILABILITY. Our warehouses are stocked by trained professionals who understand the economical benefit of quick service. By maximizing space in our warehouses, we can minimize freight charges and shorten lead time. In addition, all of our warehouses are connected viacomputer. This enables us to know instantly where a product is located when we are quoting a price. By knowing exactly what is in our fully STOCKED warehouses, our quotes are more accurate, our deliveries quicker, and your overall savings are greater. MAKING MORE SAVINGS AVAILABLE TO YOU! GRIFFIN GREENHOUSE & NURSERY SUPPLIES MASSACHUSETTS CONNECTICUT MAINE NEW YORK-Latham NEW YORK-Auburn NEW JERSEY VIRGINIA 1619 Mam Sireel 20 Grandview Court 50 WesI Gray Road 4 Airport Park Boulevard 1 Ellis Drive 2 Corporate Drrve 5612 Pride Road Tev»ksburv, MA 01876 Cheshire, CT 06410 Gray. ME 04039 Latham, NY 121 10 Auburn. NY 13021 Cranbury. NJ 08512 Richmond. VA 23224 Phone 978-851-4346 Phone:203-699-0919 Phone 207-657-5442 Phone 518-786-3500 Phone:315-255-1450 Phone 609-409-9399 Phone:804-233-3454 FAX 978-851-0012 FAX: 203-699-9615 FAX 207-657-5439 FAX 518-786-3586 FAX: 315-255-0580 FAX 809-409-9360 FAX e04-233-8855 Association Officers New President ROBERT C. RIMOL Hampshire 670 N. Commercial Street Manchester, NH 03101 Fairs 629-9004 Vice-Prei\den\ GEORGE TIMM PO Box 476, Rte. 137 S., Hancock, NH 03449 525-4728 Secretan/ / Treasurer CHRISTOPHER ROBARGE UNH/TSAS Horticultural Facilities Durham, NH 03824 862-1074 August Directors ROBERT DEMERS 15-16 Belknap County Fair, Mile Hill Road, Belmont; Sue Roberts at 656 S. Mammoth Road, Manchester, NH 03103 267-8135 437-6336 21-23 Cornish Fair; Robert Bladen at 542-4622 TAMMY HATHAWAY 61 Squamscott Road, Stratham, NH 03885 778-3912 September ANN HILTON at 2-7 Lancaster Fair, US Route 3, Lancaster; Paul Thurston 4 KaracuU Lane, Pittsfield, NH 03263 778-4531 435-6425. HENRY HUNTINGTON 3-7 Hopkinton State Fair, Contoocook Fairgrounds, Contoocook; 7316 Pleasant Street, Loudon, NH 03301 Alan Hardy at 746-4191 435-8361 11-13 Hillsboro County Agricultural Fair, Route 13, New Boston; PETER VAN BERKUM 4 James Road, Deerfield, NH 03037 John Robertson at 588-6106 463-7663 18-26 Rochester Fair, 11 Lafayette Street, Rochester; Jeffrey Taylor at TIM WOLFE 332-6585 37 Lake Street, Salem, NH 03079 893-5858 October Extensiofi Liaison NANCY ADAMS 1-4 Deerfield Fair, Route 43, Deerfield; Jane Boucher at 463-7421 113 North Road, Brentwood, NH 03833 679-5616 10-12 Sandwich Fair, Center Sandwich; Richard Papen at 284-7062 Alternate Member DAVID GIURLEO 324 Howard Street, Northboro, MA 01532 (Telephone area codes are 603.) 508-393-4534. NH PLANT GROWERS ASSOCIATION NON-PROFIT The Plantsman Editor ORGANIZATION UNH Research Greenhouses US. POSTAGE PAID Durham, NH 03824 PERMIT NO. 43