Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Fall Issue of The Dirt 2023
Fall Issue of The Dirt 2023
2
PRESIDENT’S LETTER Gabe Bushey, Crafted Landscapes, LLC
Strictly Business 33
What the Market Will
“Bare”
5
With Deep Sadness
It is with deep sadness that we clerk, financial secretary, and
share the news of Dorothy Pellett’s cabinet secretary. She was also a
passing. Dorothy was a long-time deacon and her family suspects she
member, supporter, and past board probably served on most every
member of the VNLA. She was avid other committee. She initiated a
about spreading the word on program of milk donation through
horticulture in Vermont. the church to the Salvation Army
for the benefit of pregnant
Just after the terrible flooding in mothers. Over time, this caused the
July, Dorothy phoned the VNLA church to be known as the "milk
office to ask about how the church." Dorothy donated her
Association was offering aid to exceptional hostas that still adorn
flood victims. Dorothy spent her the side of the vestry. Along with
life thinking of others. Her phone Norman, they gave time and
call planted the seed for the VNLA resources to create a playground at
to donate the Summer Meeting a the church in 1996 in memory of
auction proceeds to NOFA-VT’s their daughter Kerri. Lastly,
Farmer Emergency Fund. Dorothy Dorothy was appreciated for her
will be deeply missed and certainly habit in her various leadership
left this world and Vermont a better roles of quietly asking thoughtful
place. Below is a reprint of Dorothy’s obituary found questions that needed to be asked.
on Legacy.com.
As a freelance writer, Dorothy was published in many
Dorothy Jean (Engel) Pellett passed peacefully in her sleep national home, industry, travel, and horticultural
surrounded by family on August 26th, 2023. magazines. She also wrote as a Chittenden County local
news correspondent for the Burlington Free Press for
Dorothy was born to the late Clarence Arthur Engel and fourteen years. She was inspired to write by her favorite
Stella Frances Starr Engel on June 25, 1935, in Cedar author, Ronald Rood.
Rapids, Iowa. She graduated from Iowa State University
with a bachelor’s in science in horticulture. It was here Perhaps most noteworthy, Dorothy’s family still marvels at
that she met the love of her life and husband of 67 years, how they never ever—not even once—heard her say a bad
Norman E. Pellett. word about anyone.
Most important to her was her faith and her family. She is predeceased by her son Dwight Allen Pellett in 1959
Although she had two diverse careers in her lifetime, the and by her daughter Kerri Pellett Frost in 1994.
most important one to her was that of wife and mother.
She is survived by her husband, Norman Pellett; sons,
As owner of Rock Crest Gardens, a wholesale nursery, she Alden Pellett (Tara Brown) and Andrew Pellett (Rachel
was known throughout the state of Vermont for her unique Smith); grandchildren, Hannah Frost and Laurel Pellett;
selections of hardy hosta, day lilies, trillium, other son-in-law, Gregory Frost; and her dear friends, Vic and
perennials, and native plants and had an unrivaled Wanda Bean and Jim (and late Joan) Olson.
reputation for providing specimens of incomparable
perfection. She was also a member of the Vermont Nursery A service of thanksgiving for her life was held on Thursday,
and Landscape Association, including serving on the September 21st at 2:00 p.m. at the Charlotte
board. Congregational Church. In lieu of flowers, donations in
Dorothy’s memory can be made locally to the Nature
She was a longtime, dedicated member of the Charlotte Conservancy (of Vermont), 575 Stone Cutters Way,
Congregational Church providing years of gentle Montpelier, VT 05602.
leadership and support, serving as president, treasurer,
6
VT Blooms Initiative Project:
Allen Brook Elementary School Planting
by Ashley Robinson
We’re at it again! The VNLA’s Volunteer Project Outreach
Committee organized another planting project in the
community, this one to benefit the Allen Brook School in
Williston. Kids returning to school were welcomed back to a
newly planted, colorful, pollinator perennial garden. What
once was a neglected planting area adjacent to the school
entrance, has been transformed into a garden for all seasons!
Alive and abuzz with bloom, fragrance, seed heads and
textures, it will be a space filled with beauty for many seasons
to come.
7
News from VT Urban & Community Forestry
Program
by Elise Schadler
I started planting trees in All this funding
urban spaces in 2008 and
culminates to two take-
for most of my career I
aways for the VNLA
have had to explain what
audience:
“urban forestry” is to a
most people (especially in
1.There will be more
Vermont). If you have
money available for
been following the
municipalities, schools,
national urban forestry
and non-profit
buzz or have read our VT
organizations. VT UCF
Urban & Community has announced the 2024
Forestry Program (VT grants totaling near
UCF) TREEmail e- $500,000 which are
newsletter recently, you available in 3 categories
will not be surprised that for urban and community
the story has changed. We forestry activities in 2024.
are seeing an In comparison, our
unprecedented level of federal funding for urban and normal annual grants program hovers around $40,000.
community forestry nationally, as well as historic state level The applications are due January 5, 2024. You can
investment. learn more HERE.
From where has this funding come, you might wonder? Last 2. There will be more demand for trees. While the
August President Biden signed into law the Inflation funding will support an array of activities including
Reduction Act. Among many other things, this legislation deferred tree maintenance, risk tree removal, staff and
allocated $1.5 billion to the U.S. Forest Service's (USFS) public education and training, tree inventory, and
National Urban & Community Forestry Program. This urban and community forest planning activities, tree
investment is a recognition of the many benefits of trees and planting will be in the mix as well. While we won’t
urban canopy cover in combating climate change, improving know specifics until grant proposals are submitted
public health, cleaning water, creating jobs, promoting early next year, we are confident that there will be
equitable community investment, and enhancing quality of life more tree planting activities occurring in communities
in downtowns and neighborhoods. The USFS allocated for the next several years thanks to this funding.
funding to state Urban & Community Forestry programs to
administer their own competitive grant programs, as well as a If this forecast is of interest to
public grant opportunity that closed on June 1st. you, I encourage you to sign up for
our TREEmail newsletter. I
In addition to this federal funding, last year Governor Scott also encourage you to reach out
approved $1 million for VT UCF to plant up to 5,000 trees to with your thoughts or questions.
improve air quality and water quality and to reduce heat island My email is
effects in urban areas statewide. This initiative is in alignment elise.schadler@vermont.gov
with the Vermont Climate Action Plan and is supported and my number is 802.522.6015.
through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. This
funding will allow VT UCF to hire an Urban Forester,
expand the Vermont Community Canopy free tree
giveaway program, and develop an urban tree planting block
grant program in the coming year.
8
PREPARE FOR WINTER.
VENTRAC and OREC can handle winter’s worst.
The Ventrac SSV (Sidewalk Snow Orec’s Snow Rhino Zero-Turn Plow
Vehicle) has a 36” working is compact and powerful.
width, so sidewalk snow and Experience its Zero-turn
ice management are easy and maneuverability! Its trackdrive
efficient. can power through even the
most brutal of snowstorms.
Orec’s Snow Bull’s dual tracks
provide great traction, even
in heavy, wet snow. The plow
angle is easily adjustable.
OREC
2021 VNLA ad.qxp_Layout Snow Bull
1 8/23/21 8:10 PM Page 1 OREC Snow Rhino
John Padua
991 Tyler Bridge Road, Bristol, VT 05443
phone/fax: 802-453-3889 / e-mail: cobcreek@gmavt.net
9
VNLA Summer Twilight Gatherings
by Kristina MacKulin
We managed to squeeze in three more
Summer Twilight gatherings over the
summer, despite a cancellation due to the
devastating flooding in early July and
navigating some not so fun thunderstorms
on two other occasions. We are grateful to
those of you who were able to make it.
A second winner shared when she found out she had won:
“Yay! I've worked very hard to be a winner and have enjoyed
visiting the nurseries, very much.” JOIN US NEXT YEAR IN
CELEBRATING 60 YEARS AS
Overall, we are thrilled with the response to this program and
look forward to what comes next. YOUR TRADE ASSOCIATION!
11
Three Things to know about Van Berkum Nursery
1) We are passionate about what we grow, from New England
Woodlanders to Wicked Ruggeds. Northeast Greenhouse & Nursery Supply
2) We specialize in healthy NH grown perennials, personal service, a division of Northeast Nursery, Inc. – Est. 1982
18
Let us be your guide!
603.298.8904 | Office
JM LANDSCAPING
& GARDEN CENTER
12
Millican Nurseries Awards
SAVE THE DATE
Scholarships THE VNLA WINTER MEETING
Millican Nurseries LLC, of Chichester NH is & TRADE SHOW IS
proud to announce the six winners of the FEBRUARY 15, 2024
2023 Managers Scholarship Award. The @ UVM DAVIS CENTER,
Scholarship award is for those outstanding BURLINGTON, VT
summer seasonal employees and interns of
the nursery pursuing post-secondary
education in any field or trade. It is with
great pleasure the Management team of Get
the nursery can assist these hardworking
individuals fulfill their educational pursuits Vermont Certified
Certified
with a $1,000.00 award. Horticulturist Program Today!
W!
W! The Vermont
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Flower Show
Showisisisback!
FlowerShow back!
back!
Don’t delay and
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March 3rd
3rd- 5th, 2023
t! March 3rd---5th,
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2023 OutofofHibernation!
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Out Hibernation! order
Out of Hibernation! your study
SS
Champlain Valley Expo
PRINGcomes
comestoto
• The 100-Acre
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Exam offered by
• Over 90 exhibitors to visit in
the Flower Show Marketplace appointment
• Over 35 Presentations
P and virtually and
“For me, being a VCH is an expression
Workshops about Gardening,
Gar of commitment to the field of horticulture.
The discipline of maintaining certification
in-person.
Landscaping, Beekeeping... ensures that I am current on topics that
forMadeline
Bailey White, kids and famlies,
Apgar,an Art
Show featuring Local Artists, Find a Vermont Or call
Calvin Michael, EliSpecialty
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Foods and
Wagner. Certified Horticulturist
Spirits and MORE! Today! 888.518.6484
vnlavt.org
We’reAll
We’re
We’re All about
All boutcommunity!
about ommunity!
community!
ommunity!
y!
Over the last 4 years our members have
jumped in to partner with Green Mountain
Habitat for Humanity building vegetable
gardens, patios, and sustainable
landscapes for their projects. We also
sponsor the Vermont Blooms Initiative,
a VNLA endeavor that completes small
volunteer projects around the State to
beautify public outdoor spaces. Please visit
Claussen's Greenhouse offers an extensive selection of plants, including annuals, perennials, herbs,
vegetables, chrysanthemums, poinsettias, spring bulbs, tropical houseplants and much more.
187 Main Street, Colchester, VT 05446 ~ (802) 878-2361 ~ WWW.CLAUSSENS.COM
Better Together
Contact Ray DeFeo for more info rdefeo@pridescorner.com
A Wholesale Nursery located in Lebanon, Conn pridescorner.com (800) 437-5168
14
Bag and Seed
Packet Sponsors Out of Hibernation Friday Seminar
Sponsor Sponsor
15
Welcome to our NEW VNLA Members!
Gavin Boyce-Ratliff Landscape Design, LLC
Dicot Land Studio, LLC Gavin Boyce-Ratliff
Brett Towle 62 Alba Street
PO Box 471 Portland, ME 04103
Hinesburg, VT 05461 802-281-2268
847-651-8048 gavin@gbrlandscape.com
brett.towle129@gmail.com www.gbrlandscape.com
www.dicotdesignstudio.com Associate Member
Active Member Category: Design Consultation, Ecological
Category: Landscape Designer, Landscape Consulting, Landscape Designer, Landscape
Design/Build, Landscape Install Maintenance Design/Build
16
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
October - November, 2023 November 2, 2023 November 27 - December 1, January 23, 2024
New Directions in the UCONN Native Plants & 2023 VT Vegetable and Berry
American Landscape Pollinators Conference Irrigation Show & Growers Association Annual
Fall Webinar Series: Ecology- 2100 Hillside Road EducationWeek Meeting
based Landscape Design &
Storrs, CT San Antonio, TX Capitol Plaza Hotel
Gardening
Learn more HERE. Learn more HERE. Montpelier, VT
Learn more HERE.
Learn more HERE.
October 25-26, 2023 November 8-9, 2023 December 1, 2023
10am - 12:30 pm Northeast Greenhouse Ecological Landscape Alliance February 15, 2024
UMASS Amherst Invasive Conference Ecological Plant Conference - VNLA Winter Meeting &
Insect Certification Program DoubleTree by Hilton Hybrid 8:30am-5:30pm Trade Show
Live Webinars Manchester, NH Location TBD, NY UVM Davis Center
Learn more HERE. Learn more HERE. Learn more HERE. Burlington, VT 05401
October 26, 2023 Details coming soon.
November 9, 2023
Ecological Landscape January 10-12, 2024
Ecological Landscape
Alliance’s Season’s End MANTS Means Business February 17-18, 2024
Alliance: Regenerative
Summit - In-person Baltimore Convention Center NOFA-VT Winter Conference
Solutions for Resilient
8:30am-5:30 pm
Landscapes - Hybrid Baltimore, MD UVM Davis Center
New England Botanic Garden
Tower Hill, MA
8:30 am - 4:30 pm Learn more HERE. Learn more HERE.
Longwood Gardens, PA
Learn more HERE.
Learn more HERE.
17
id
charlotte, vermont
HORSFORDNURSERY.COM • orders@horsfordnursery.com
18
LEONARD’S CLIPPINGS!
by Dr. Leonard Perry, UVM Horticulture Professor Emeritus
19
name just a few of the many updates pesticides.” You can learn more about this plants—ones you may want to promote for
and additions. pest on a Univ. Florida website, which so far customers or install in client landscapes.
lists over 40 host crops ranging from For Vermont, the Champlain Valley is in the
vegetables like potatoes and peppers, to Mixed Wood Plains eco-region, while most
foliage like ficus and hibiscus, to flowers the rest of Vermont is in the Atlantic
like roses and marigolds, to fruits like Highlands. Check these out for the
citrus and strawberries. handful of key plants listed for each. Most
(mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/lsolab/thrips/thrips- appear to be late summer and fall blooming
parvispinus, photo of damage on pepper). perennials. Keystone plants listed for both
regions include autumnale sneezeweed
You may recall from a previous newsletter (Helenium autumnale), grass-leaved
(or, if you missed it check it out here) my goldenrod (Euthamia graminifolia, yes new
mention of Doug Tallamy’s (Univ. Delaware genus name), common evening primrose
entomologist, who has spoken to the (Oenothera biennis), black-eyed Susan
First published in 1932, the Ball Association here in the past) latest effort to (Rudbeckia hirta), old field goldenrod
RedBook is considered to be the “bible” encourage biodiversity (i.e. more insects to (Solidago nemoralis), and asters—blue wood
for the greenhouse industry. It’s feed more birds, and more for pollinators) (cordifolium), calico (lateriflorum), and New
loaded with detailed production nationwide. HomeGrown National Park
information for annuals, perennials, (homegrownnationalpark.org) is a wealth
cut flowers and other floriculture of resources to do just this, with lots of
crops (one volume), plus in-depth links and info on choosing native plants for
chapters on greenhouses and growing specific regions.
technology (other volume).”
England (novae-angliae).
21
WHOLESALE
Give us
a call and
WHOLESALE HOURS get a quote
Weekdays 7am-6pm today!
Saturday 9am-6pm l Sunday 10am-5pm
472 Marshall Avenue, Williston, VT
802-658-2433 l wholesale@gardeners.com
22
THE LAB
putting it under the lens . . .
Fall Updates
by Ann Hazelrigg, Phd, UVM Extension
A lot of Vermonters are noticing that their crabapples and complete its lifecycle. This rust disease causes bright yellow
leaf spots on the apple or crabapple host.
apples (Malus spp.), in addition to many other
deciduous trees such as birch, maple and cherry, have
dropped many of their leaves well before the first
autumn frost. This has been a common occurrence for
the past few years in many parts of the state depending
on the microclimate of the area. The cause is typically
stress-related. The good news is that these early
defoliated trees usually will look fine next spring.
The emerging leaves and blossoms of many trees were
damaged by the low temperatures in the third week of
May. Although the trees have recovered and new leaves
replaced those that were damaged, the energy required
to replace the foliage causes stress in affected trees.
(L) Apple scab (Venturia inequalis) on apple. J. O’Brian, US Forest Service.
Vermont also experienced a very rainy summer. Trees are bugwood.org. (R) Cedar apple rust on apple host.
susceptible to a wide variety of foliar fungal diseases, and Photo: J. Strang, University of Kentucky.
all these fungi like wet weather. Diseased leaves tend to
color and drop earlier in the season than healthy leaves, and
My birch trees are also showing early defoliation likely due to a
these fungal leafspot diseases are a big contributing factor to
variety of fungal leafspot diseases such as those caused by two
the early coloration and leaf drop.
common pathogens on this host, Septoria and Marssonina
betulae.
Apple scab is the primary disease that will infect crabapple and
apple fruit and leaves, causing olive brown spots on the foliage.
Another contributor to diseased leaves is cedar apple rust, a Fungal leafspot (suspected Septoria or Marssonina
fungus that requires both a Malus host and a juniper host to
sp.) on birch. Photo: A. Hazelrigg.
23
clues of their presence are the shredded leaves and the silvery
trails they leave behind. During cold weather, snails and slugs
hibernate in the topsoil. Managing these pests requires a
combination of methods including eliminating their daytime
hiding places. Often they hide under dense ground covers or
boards, stones, or weedy areas. You can use boards or stone
“traps” to collect slugs and destroy them on a regular basis.
Baits such as Sluggo or Escargot can also be used to help with
management once the hiding places have been eliminated.
24
heavily infested, the scale and the leaf
can impact the vigor of mining larvae
the tree. The active feed for about 2
crawlers can be weeks.
controlled in August and The larvae then
September with emerge from the
horticultural oils. mines and begin
Dormant oils can also be to make
used in late winter in protective cases
addition to the using the leaf
horticultural oils. In disks glued
severely infested trees, it together with
may take a couple of silk. The larvae
years to clean up the feed around the
scale. (L) Defoliated rings with green centers caused by the maple leaf cutter. edges, leaving
(R) Leaf miner larvae feeding around the edges, leaving ring-like patterns on the leaf. ring-like
Hikers are often curious Photo: Hanson, T. and E. B. Walker. patterns on the
this time of year about the leaf and as the
circular holes present in larvae grows and molts, it builds cases of bigger leaf disks.
maples. This little pest prefers maple but can also attack red The larvae drop to the ground near the end of September,
maple, birch, beech, and other hardwoods. The damage starts spin cocoons and pupate.
in June with small mines in the leaves. As the season
progresses, the mines grow into round or oval-shaped holes As always, if you have a pest or disease question, start with
of various sizes with defoliated rings with green centers picture to me at Ann.hazelrigg@uvm.edu. We may be able
causing the leaves to brown prematurely. The insect to identify the problem from the picture or we can discuss
overwinters as a pupae and moths appear just as the leaves whether a physical sample is needed.
are opening, laying eggs. The eggs hatch in a couple of weeks
'
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3'4+"567)$$8'9#++':/";'<'!"#$%"&='>?'@ABAB'
C@DECBFED33A' VT NATIVE TREES and SHRUBS are our specialty!
Along with FRUIT TREES and BERRY PLANTS for
G)$)**#"+%"$,H0I$%J+/7"+K*)L' the COLDEST HILLSIDES
25
News from the VT Agency of Agriculture,
Foods & Markets
By: Judy Rosovsky, State Plant Regulatory Official and Entomologist,
VAAFM
September 2023 can continue to find resources and referrals by visiting https://
Vermont.Gov/Flood.
Updates from the Public Health and Agricultural
Resource Management Division (PHARM). Mosquitoes:
26
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets (VAAFM) Noxious Weed page, at https://agriculture.vermont.gov/
operates a Fertilizer, Plant Amendment, Plant Biostimulant, public-health-agricultural-resource-management-
and Soil Amendment Program under Vermont Statute Title 6: division/plant-health-and-pest-management/plant-2. And
Agriculture, Chapter 28: Fertilizer and Lime. This includes if you need help identifying weeds you can try downloading a
registering of all these products. See the VAAFM fertilizer weed ID app such as one produced by the University of Missouri
program at https://agriculture.vermont.gov/public-health- Extension at https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id-weeds/
agricultural-resource-management-division/animal-feeds- id559906313.
seed-fertilizer-lime/fertilizer for guidelines on labelling and
product registration. The only terrestrial plant on Vermont’s Class A noxious weed
list is pale swallowwort, Vincetoxicum rossicum. Its presence in
Pesticide Related Announcements and Information: Burlington was confirmed by a collaborative effort between
Agency of Natural Resources, Agency of Agriculture, Food and
The VAAFM Pesticide Applicator Report is going digital in Markets and City of Burlington personnel. This plant has not
2024. To ensure that you receive it we want to be sure we have been confirmed in Vermont until now. In addition to the usual
the best email address to reach you. Please provide an email characteristics of noxious weeds, (takes over and outcompetes
address that you actively check using the form link below, and native species, grows and spreads rapidly, does not contribute
we will send the PAR to that email address in the future. The to local ecosystem), this plant is allelopathic, meaning it can
link is https://forms.office.com/g/fNFGigN3FF. emit chemicals that adversely affect the growth and
With the changes in the pesticide rules come changes in development of other plants. Furthermore if monarch
container specifications and butterflies lay eggs on pale
use. There is a helpful blog swallowwort and the caterpillars
that covers pesticide feed on the plant, they will die. It
container recycling at is reported to have detrimental
https:// effects on other organisms too.
agriculture.vermont.gov/ Removing the seed pods prior to
agency-agriculture-food- bloom can help slow the spread,
markets-news/recycling- but be sure to wear gloves when
pesticide-containers- handling it. For more information
vermont. These containers on this plant see our PHARM blog
can be recycled but not at https://
through the usual agriculture.vermont.gov/
neighborhood recycling pharm-blog/pale-swallowwort-
system. They need to go to vermonts-newest-invasive-
the Agricultural Container plant-explained or go to
Recycling Council (ACRC) www.VTinvasives.org.
which can be accessed at
https://agrecycling.org/
about-acrc/. Click on the Other Invasive Pests:
Recycling tab at the top for Pale swallowwort, Vincetoxicum rossicum, a noxious weed new to
lots of resources and Vermont. Clipping the seed pods before the flowers bloom can help There have been many reports of
information. slow the spread of this plant. the invasive jumping worm,
The Annual Pest formerly known as the crazy snake
Management Professionals worm. You can find FAQs and Best
training is scheduled for Oct 31, 2023 at Judd Hall at the VSU – Management Practices for these worms on the Plant Health
Randolph campus, (formerly VT Technical College) in Randolph and Pest Management page of the VAAFM website, https://
Center. this year. Doors open at 7:50 am and the talks begin at agriculture.vermont.gov/public-health-agricultural-
8:30. The training is geared towards categories 7A – Structural resource-management-division/plant-health-and-pest-
and Rodent Control, 7B – Vector Pest and 7C – Food Processing. management/vermont-2, and other information on the
Please register by October 18th, 2023. If you require registration www.VTinvasives.org website. Ben Dillner, our State Survey
information, please email agr.pest@vermont.gov. Coordinator and lead for the VAAFM nursery program, wrote a
piece about them in the Fall 2022 VNLA newsletter too.
Noxious Weeds:
It can be hard to tell European earthworms apart from jumping
The Plant Health Team of the PHARM Division created a worms, but if you touch them and they writhe wildly they are
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) sheet that is available on the likely to be jumping worms. We have been getting more reports
VAAFM website’s Plant Protection and Weed Management of hammerhead worms too. Hammerhead worms are really
27
flatworms, in the order Planaria. They can secrete irritating
toxic substances and may bioaccumulate toxins so handle them
with care and gloves. We are interested in the distribution of
both of these invertebrates, so if you find either of them please
post it to https://www.inaturalist.org/ or email the Plant
Health Section at agr.planthealth@vermont.gov.
28
Native Solitary Bees and How You can Support Them
By: Margaret Skinner & Cheryl Frank Sullivan -
UVM Entomology Research Laboratory
September 2023 small and don’t sting. One
common group is the mason
bees, genus Osmia. Some use
For several years we have mud and other similar
worked with growers and materials to make their nests.
homeowners to create Others find nooks and crannies
environments that include in hollow stems or stones or in
flowering plants to support holes made in wood by other
beneficial insects and insects. Two native species, the
pollinators. These blue orchard mason bee, Osmia
environments can be as simple lignaria and the blueberry bee,
as planting a few flowering O. ribifloris, are important
species that produce nectar pollinators in the fruit
and pollen, or more elaborate industry.
habitat hedges containing a
broad range of annual and Solitary bees are docile and do
perennial species known to not aggressively defend the
attract pollinators and natural Habitat hedge to support pollinators and beneficials. nest. They only sting when
enemies of all types. threatened. For many
Landscapers can play species the stinger is
a valuable role in actually the egg guide
creating these and is not specifically
microhabitats by for defense. All
educating their mason bees have
customers about the similar life cycles and
benefits of flowering nesting habits,
plants and the insects though the timing
they attract. varies among species.
Left: Blueberry mason bee. Right: Blue orchard mason bee.
Adults spend the
Concerns have been winter in the “nest”,
voiced about the decline in emerging in spring when fruit trees begin to bloom. They mate
honeybees due to disease, pests and colony collapse disorder. and then the females search for holes that are just the right
Pollination is the foundation for most agricultural production. size (~1⁄4 inch in diameter) in which to make their nests. Each
Without pollinators, we will starve! Honeybees contribute $20 female makes her own nest, though she commonly builds them
billion to crop production in the US and pollinate 30% of the in the vicinity of others. The female visits flowers to collect
world’s crops. However, they can’t do it all. Wild bees can pollen and nectar which is brought back to the nest. She kneads
contribute significantly to pollination, but in Vermont and the pollen into a ball with a little nectar and saliva. When the
beyond a decline in these species has been observed. ball is big enough, she lays an egg on top of it and seals off the
chamber. She builds a thin mud wall, making sure there’s
While honey bees are commonly managed by experienced enough space for the larva to develop. Then she starts
beekeepers, people don’t need to be experts to support wild gathering food for another cell. Usually, she builds 5-8 cells
solitary bees. Just like us they need a few essential things to within one hole, depending on the size of the chamber. She
survive and thrive, specifically a roof over their heads to seals the entrance with a thicker wall of mud, and next searches
protect them from the elements, a stable food source and a safe for a new nest site, repeating the process at least three more
place to raise their young. With a little bit of effort, these times until she dies after 4-8 wks. She usually builds four 6-
things can be supplied to help support our solitary bees. inch tubes over her lifetime, each with 8 eggs. To provision for
her brood, she must visit over 60,0000 flowers. That’s a lot of
What are solitary bees? There are many species of wild
pollination!
solitary bees that we rarely notice— mostly because they are
29
The egg hatches into a larva the holes which should be
that feeds on the pollen ball all replaced annually. Blocks can
summer. It turns into a pupa be coated with polyurethane
and then an adult, which to protect them from the
emerges the next spring. The elements.
first individuals to emerge
(those closest to the front Bee nest boxes should be
opening) are male bees. This installed in the early spring
ensures that males are around before the adults emerge (just
Top: Pollen ball with embedded egg, separated by thin mud wall.
before the females come out, so as apple trees begin to bloom).
Bottom: Dissected solitary bee nests with hibernating
successful mating will occur. Because mason bees forage
adults and pupae.
short distances, it is best to
It is common to see solitary position nest boxes within 300
bees and wasps nesting in crevices around ft of a food source if possible. It should be
the home, in stems with open centers or securely fastened to a tree, fence post or wall
under wood clapboards. They love so it doesn’t swing freely. Movement can
abandoned bamboo canes or thick plant dislodge the eggs and larvae so they can’t
stems. For this reason, it is best to leave access the food. Nest boxes should be placed
flower stems in the garden after they bloom, 3-5 ft above the ground or higher and
though that may look too messy for some. protected from rain, wind and direct
sunlight. They should face southward, and be
If you build it, they will come! Pre-made positioned horizontal to the ground or with
mason bee boxes can be purchased online or the entrances tilting down slightly so
they can be constructed. They are usually rainwater doesn’t get in. Nest boxes should
made of wood, though other not be moved after nesting has begun
materials are acceptable. because it disorients the female. Plants that
Ideally the structure should flower in the spring should be grown in the
have an overhang in the front vicinity to supply pollen and nectar.
to prevent rain from getting in. Providing a source of mud for the bees is also
To prevent predation, nest recommended.
boxes should have a solid back
or the end of each tube must Keep mason bees healthy. Like honeybees,
be plugged with plasticine mason bees are susceptible to pests,
clay. Any form can be used as a predators and diseases. There are predatory
nest box that holds the tubes flies and wasps that chew
in place. Special cardboard through the mud walls to
tubes can be purchased online feed on the larvae and
or canes or plant stems with pollen balls. Parasitic
holes can be collected locally. wasps can get in the nest
Top: Commercially available
Each tube should be around 6 and lay their eggs inside
bee box in which bees have
inches long to give the female the mason bee immatures.
taken up residence Can you
ample room to lay Their eggs hatch into
find the bees making their
her eggs. larvae that feed on the
nests?
bees. Insect-killing fungi
th Right: Nest box made from and bacteria also infect
Tubes should be around 5/16
routing out a tunnel in the mason bees. Birds also can attack the nests. Nest boxes should
of inch in diameter. Because
word. be checked during the year to ensure predators are not
females are less attracted to
white surfaces than other invading. Nest tubes should be cleaned out with a round brush
colors, it is best to avoid that color. Boards with routed grooves or replaced annually after emergence to avoid disease buildup.
can also be pieced together to make nesting tunnels.
Why bother? Growers of some fruits rely heavily on mason
An even easier way to make a nest box is simply to drill holes bees to pollinate their almond trees and blueberries.
into solid wooden untreated blocks (6 x 6-inch dry pine or fir Homeowners and landscapers might wonder if it is worth the
logs) to simulate a dead tree with abandoned beetle burrows. effort to encourage mason bee nesting in their yard. At a time
Holes should be drilled across rather than with the grain, so the when the vagaries of our weather are impacting us all, this is
tunnels are smoother inside. Paper straws can be inserted into one small way to contribute to the beneficial pollinators in our
30
immediate area. One or two bee houses won’t change the About the authors: Dr. Margaret
world, but it will make people more aware of their natural Skinner is the UVM Extension
surroundings. Entomologist and Research Professor.
Cheryl Frank Sullivan is a Research
Want to learn more? Assistant Professor. Together, they
provide extension outreach to growers
• Nests for Native Bees by M. Shepherd. https:// and landscapers and conduct research
xerces.org/publications/fact-sheets/nests-for- on IPM focusing on biological control.
native-beesNests-for-Native-Bees-fact- Businesses interested in establishing a
sheet_web.pdf habitat hedge tailored to their
commercial operation should contact
• Attract Mason Bees – No Protective Gear Needed; J. Cheryl Frank Sullivan at
Beaudette. https://www.ecolandscaping.org/03/ cfrank@uvm.edu 802-656- 5434.
landscaping-for- wildlife/beneficialspollinators/ More information on the Entomology
attract-mason-bees-no-protective-gear-needed/ Research Laboratory go to: https://
www.uvm.edu/~entlab/
NOMINATE A COLLEAGUE OR
EMPLOYEE FOR VNLA AWARDS HERE!
31
THE IDEA FACTORY
tips & trends, food for thought…
GOES & CROPS planned large 50+ acre increases. Those numbers dropped to
4% and 3% for 2024 planning.
Growers are keeping a The industry has slowed from the heady days of 2020 and
tight hold on the reins
of their businesses as
2021. Many nurseries have reported strong sales, though
not the giant numbers of the pandemic shutdown era. Gains 45% 25%
have been tempered by increased input costs and labor costs.
2023 winds to a close. Many growers played it conservatively in 2023 to ward away
the spectre of overproduction. No one wants to be left with a of growers increased of growers increased
bunch of plants they can’t sell for a profitable price. production acreage in production acreage in
2022 2023
This year’s survey of more than 200 nurseries
includes data on sales, profits, prices and more. In 2022, 54% of our survey
respondents planned no change in
NOTE: Some charts don’t total 100 percent production acreage. That number
due to rounding and because not all answers
are included with some questions. climbed to 66% planning to stay
the course in 2023. Most of the
change comes from growers
who previously reported modest
increases of 1-4 and 5-9 acres.
Those numbers dropped from 17%
and 12% to 11% and 4% from 2022
to 2023.
2024 GARDEN
Looking to 2024, a whopping 80%
of nurseries plan to expand less
than 5 acres next year.
TRENDS REPORT
increase the number of trees in
their fields.
Tropicals/houseplants continue
their slide, with 50% of nurseries
holding steady and 38%
decreasing production numbers.
33
a team of 3 managers (admin, sales and ops) running the day- So, you take the $1000 you spent, and DIVIDE it by 50% (divide
to-day and increased profit (EBITDA) to 18%. By the time I sold by .5), which = $2000 as the price to charge your customer. So
the business that year, I was only at the office 1 day a week, and you now have a 50% profit on the plants… the $1000 you spent
selling the higher end soft landscape projects 2 days a week on on the plants = 50% of what you charged for them.
a 6-figure salary, with six figure profit on top.
This is just one example of simple corrections you will likely
“What the Market will BARE” was my blueprint for success. At make to your business every year, sometimes every day, on
first, it was a bit daunting, but taking the time to go one pricing and profit by reading and applying this industry-
chapter at a time, one example at a time, and learning the endorsed pricing system. There are many more valuable lessons
‘math’ was well worth the effort for years to come. in the book, that will touch on and fix leakage in all corners of
your operations, improve the decisions you make, and correct
In this book, you’ll learn: your pricing.
How to calculate your overhead and ‘break-even’ On a personal note: Paul was not only my business coach, we
How to calculate your true labour costs, including labour became friends, meeting for lunch several times each year to
burden ‘catch up’ on business, for over ten years. He helped me sell my
Benchmarks – and how they relate to your business landscape company, and he mentored me in setting up my
Understanding the difference between markup and profit consulting business. Sadly, Paul passed away in June of 2020 at
margin the age of 70. His widow, Stella, has kindly offered to give all of
Setting a budget to guide your pricing the proceeds of the sale of Paul’s books to the Landscape
Understanding Return on Investment Ontario Scholarship Fund, to support education of our newest
up and coming landscape professionals. I hope that you
Here’s just one example of a mistake in pricing that’s made by purchase one, and improve the profit in your company.
the majority of business owners, that this book teaches the
reader to correct:
You buy a load of plants for a project that cost you $1000.
You buy a load of plants for a project that cost you $1000.
You decide that you want to make 50% profit on the plants.
34
THE PLANT LOUNGE
wiry stems, hairy leaves and bodacious blooms. . .
35
Hardiness: USDA Hardiness z 4-8
This plant feature is printed with permission from the author and
Nursery Magazine.
36
A Professional
The Vermont Association
Nursery & Landscape for
Association
Growers,
missionRetailers, Garden
is to support andCenters, Nurserymen
strengthen the
and Women, Landscape Designers and Contractors,
horticulture industry of Vermont by creating
greater awareness
Landscape of the benefits
Architects, Maintenance of
Experts,
landscaping
Arborists, and promoting
Turf Specialists, Industrythe professional
Representatives,
burgh, VT 05473
F: 802.425.5122
services and products of our members.
Allied Trades People, Students, and Educators.
orksvermont.org
37
visit us at www.vnlavt.org