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Protected: Podcast: Selling Your Lawn Or Landscape Business?

March 22, 2023 Uncategorized 0

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New Plants & Ideas For 2023

March 21, 2023 Uncategorized 0
By Christine Menapace
From the February 2023 Issue

The nursery industry is constantly finding ways to improve plants. Whether it’s stunning new colors, greater drought resistance, or a new growth habit, the introductions made each year help landscapers push the envelope of design. Here are award-winning, trialed, top choices for plantings in 2023.

Cultivar Creativity

Alicia Holloway, a University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources agent, says her garden is all about flowers. “I’m using a design strategy suggested by David Culp in his book, The Layered Garden. He recommends stretching the season of your favorite flowers by planting cultivars with different bloom times.”

For Holloway, this means she is mixing in new iris varieties with mid- and late-bloom times to her 50-square-feet of early-blooming heirloom iris. Since irises have multiple ornamental species and thousands of different cultivars, “I’ll have something blooming in that particular section of the garden from February through May.”

Holloway also uses cultivars of the same plant to create unity, while not being overly repetitive. Similar blooms, for instance, can be repeated in great swaths of color, while allowing for cultivars of different heights. “Creating a plant layout is similar to staging a class photo,” she says. “Tall kids in the back, shorties in the front…. Creating repetition at different heights gives you pockets of the same color, but in different planes.”

This strategy works well for flowering shrubs too. As yards have gotten smaller, plant breeders have worked to make smaller plants to fit them, says Holloway. Loropetalums, butterfly bushes, abelias, hydrangeas, azaleas, and crape myrtles, she says, all have at least one 2′ to 3′ cultivar in addition to standard-sized versions and every size in between.

While evergreens and grasses are often used for Winter color and structure, Holloway instead uses plants that provide these attributes, but also provide floral interest. “This strategy is all about using flowers for jobs that other plants are more traditional selected for. Right now, spurge is my favorite. More specifically, Euphorbia ‘Ascot Rainbow’…is evergreen in my Zone, has sage and lime foliage, and produces clouds of chartreuse blooms throughout Spring. Likewise, Kniphofia looks like a grass, but has funky flowers that inspired its common name, red-hot poker.”

She adds, “I’ll keep looking for new strategies to push more moments in the garden-year towards well-designed and indulgently floral visions.”

Triple Crown Plant Of 2023

Rudbeckia “American Gold Rush.” (Photo Credit: Intrinsic Perennial Gardens)

No doubt, Rudbeckia “American Gold Rush” may catch Holloway’s eye as it did for three major Industry groups, becoming the first ever “Triple Crown of Horticulture.” For All-America Selections (AAS), American Gold Rush is one of the first perennial winners from their 3-Winter trial and both the National Garden Bureau (NGB) and Perennial Plant Association (PPA) named it their 2023 Perennial of the Year as well.

PPA chose ‘American Gold Rush’ because at the height of summer it blooms for a long season of dazzling color right up to frost. The hairy foliage is also resistant to Septoria leaf spot – a debilitating fungal disease. ‘American Gold Rush’ is a reliable hardy perennial and a stunning focal point in perennial borders, meadows, and when massed in corporate landscapes.

AAS judges grew and evaluated ‘America Gold Rush’ for three years with resulting comments such as:

“I believe this is one of the very best rudbeckias I’ve ever trialed and one of the very best perennials as well.”
“Great habit and longevity.”
“Would make an excellent addition to a yard, especially in a mass planting.”

The NGB chose rudbeckia as the 2023 Perennial of the Year for many reasons. Rudbeckias are native to much of North America, are pollinator friendly, easy to grow, and there are many new varieties.

National Winners

The NGB also recently announced its 2023 Green Thumb Award winners. These plants meet four criteria: uniqueness; technological innovation; ability to solve a gardening problem or provide an opportunity; and appeal. Winners included:

Astilbe Dark Side of the Moon. (Photo: NGB)

Flowering Shrub: Rose Eau De Parfum™ Bubbly (to Zone 5) by Monrovia. Big fragrant champagne-colored blooms with a high petal count and disease resistance. Blooms repeatedly from early Spring until the first frost and grows to 3′ to 4′ tall.

Perennial: Astilbe Dark Side of the Moon (Zones 4-9). The only dark leafed Astilbe with purple flowers on the market. Rich, deep chocolate burgundy leaves form an 18″ to 24″ mound of foliage. Dark stems hold raspberry buds with rosy, purple flowers.

Annual: Starflower Paper Moon. Small, pale blue blossoms on wiry stems transform into highly decorative, bronze-colored geo- metric and globe-shaped seed heads for both fresh and dried bouquets. Grows 2′ to 3′ tall and attract beneficial insects.

Colocasia esculenta Royal Hawaiian® Waikiki. (Photo: NGB)

Annual: Colocasia esculenta Royal Hawaiian® Waikiki. Glossy green foliage with flamboyant white and flamingo pink veining that is happy in full sun. Disease resistance and a compact, clumping habit at 3′ tall and wide, it’s ideal for containers. Also a 2023 AAS National Winner.

Besides the Colocasia, AAS has two new Winners for 2023 landscapes. They include Coleus Premium Sun Coral Candy by PanAmerican Seed and Snapdragon DoubleShot™ Orange Bicolor F1 by Hem Genetics. They join previous announced 2023 winners, Echinacea Artisan Yellow Ombre F1; Leucanthemum Carpet Angel Daisy; and Salvia Blue by You F1, profiled here last July.

UGA Trial Winners

Each year, the Trial Gardens at the University of Georgia (UGA) also announces its top 12 Classic City Award winners from hundreds of entries. Trial Gardens staff plant and evaluate varieties sent by global breeders to test plant growth and performance in Georgia heat and humidity.

“A lot of these companies are in different climates and need to test their plants somewhere warmer and more humid,” comments John Ruter, Trial Gardens director. “Quality is not limited to fertility standards and spacing, quality is also what consumers, from landscapers to buyers, see when they have a little money to spend.”

Last Spring, the Trial Gardens team planted 400 varieties between April and May. Over the summer, the team monitored, maintained, and judged the plants. Sandra Begani, UGA Trial Gardens manager, says she evaluates the plants for uniformity, disease resistance, good leaf color, and minimal or no leaf dropping. These are good signs of predictability and ease of growth. “If all the plants look really similar, that’s a sign of predictability,” she said. “And that means it will probably be easier to predict how it will behave for consumers.”

Here are winners from the 2022 trial season with judges’ comments (edited for clarity/space):

Calibrachoa Superbells® Prism™ ‘Pink Lemonade’ by Proven Winners. Visitors regularly asked if there were actually two different plants. The effect is fabulous and full.
Caladium ‘Crystal Moon’ by Classic Caladiums. There were many caladiums for both sun and shade at the top of our list this year. Crystal Moon is a shade variety that lights up any wooded space.
Catharanthus Soiree Flamenco® ‘Senorita Pink’ by Suntory. This new vinca hybrid is a part of the Soiree collection that has wowed for years. This introduction had the most interesting shape and healthy foliage in both moist and dry locations and still looked as good as day one.

Calibrachoa Superbells® Prism™ ‘Pink Lemonade. (Photo: UGA)
Caladium ‘Crystal Moon’ (Photo: Courtesy of UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

Coleus Premium Sun™ ‘Ruby Heart’ by PanAmerican Seed. This seeded coleus crop was outstanding. The plant is made up of waves of red, heart-shaped centers and golden edges. Plants form a perfect arrangement when planted in a group. The stems are sturdy without bolting, lodging, or stretching, and pruning was not required.
Double Impatiens Glimmer™ ‘Appleblossom’ by Ball FloraPlant. This series was outstanding in concrete planters and hanging fiber baskets. Both locations were partially shaded and required frequent water and fertilization, but the plants produced bountiful double blooms all summer long and all were disease-free.
Gerbera Garvinea® ‘Sweet Sparkle’ by HilverdaFlorist. Continuous blooms all summer long on flawless crowns of foliage. Flower heads were upright, and colors were bright. No wilting or crown rot.

Hibiscus Hollywood™ ‘America’s Sweetheart’ by J. Berry Nursery. J. Berry does not disappoint in new colors and patterns in tropical hibiscus each year. This variety was successful in both containers and in the ground.
Lantana Gem™ ‘Compact Orange Fire’ by Danziger Lantana. This lantana is a necessity in the Southeastern garden for heat, drought, pollinators, and deer resistance. The Gem™ series pro- vides unique color palettes. The ‘Compact Orange Fire’ made a very bold statement with deep red-orange clusters. The plants were perfectly round on very solid stems.
MixMasters™ ‘Meant to Bee’ by Ball FloraPlant. Words can’t describe the color-power of these little bells, with hues that grow deeper in the center and explode with a perfect yellow star. This combo outlasted many others and continued to shine brightly.

Hibiscus Hollywood™ ‘America’s Sweetheart’ (Photo: Courtesy of UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)
Rex Begonia Jurassic Jr.™ ‘Fire Spike’ (Photo: Courtesy of UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

Petunia DuraBloom® ‘Electric Lilac’ by DummenOrange. The best petunia of the bunch. Both hanging baskets and containers overflowed with gigantic purple blooms all summer. Color intensity was amazing.
Portulaca Mojave® ‘Yellow 2023’ by Proven Winners. It’s special not only because of its larger flower heads and strong branching structure, but it remained open longer during the day while others had already closed.
Rex Begonia Jurassic Jr.™ ‘Fire Spike’ by Ball Ingenuity. The complex foliar patterns and abundant flowers on ‘Fire Spike’ had the best performance of all in both baskets and the landscape beds.

Menapace is the editorial director of Turf magazine and an avid gardener.

Do you have a comment? Share your thoughts below, or send an e-mail to the Editor at cmenapace@groupc.com.

Read the full article “New Plants & Ideas For 2023” on Turf Magazine.

St. Patrick’s Day: Who Does “Green” Better Than The Green Industry?!

March 17, 2023 Uncategorized 0

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! While many may be “wearin’ of the green” today, we all know who keeps things green every day: the Green Industry! In honor of that, Turf brings you a selection of “green” items worth dipping into your pot o’ gold!

Mean Green Mowers

Here’s green for you: a commercial-grade electric mower that can last all day on a single charge. The EVO is the flagship mower in the Evolution Commercial ZTR Series and features up to 8 hours of continuous mowing time, a 74″ deck, speeds up to 13 mph, 20-degree slope capability, and horsepower comparable to a 40 HP diesel mower.

Husqvarna’s Styrka T-shirt

Husqvarna’s signature colors may be navy blue and orange, but this shirt comes in a bright, lime green with a cool chainsaw graphic. STYRKA (Swedish for “strength; power; authority”) long-sleeve
t-shirt 100% ringspun combed cotton; wrap Husqvarna label on bottom. From The Power Tool Store.

Greene County Fertilizer Company

Will you be drinking suspicious-looking green punch today? While you may regret that decision, the lawns you service will love the 18-0-1 GreenePunch™ Lawn Fertilizer from Greene County Fertilizer Company. It’s formulated to produce a quick green-up response and maintain consistent color for 6-8 weeks, long after others shed their festive holiday green.

Greenworks Commercial

The OptimusZ 60″ 24kWh Ride-On Zero Turn Mower (CZ60R24X) operates with the equivalent power of a 65HP and 1040cc displacement gas engine. Engineered for all-day use, the built-in 24kWh battery module with safe LFP cell technology allows landscapers to mow up to 21 acres per charge with eight hours of run time. With just three hours to fully charge with the optional 8kWsuper charger, it leaves you time for other shenanigans!

NALP Veterans In Landscape Network

When not wearing your Irish flat cap, veterans should consider this trucker style cap available from the store of the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP). It’s ultra-breathable and has a patented Flexfit stretch for comfort. A silver contrast underbill adds character.

 

Pennington Seed

What’s greener than grass? Smart Seed Pro Tri-Fescue seed is a composite of fine textured cultivars for use in landscapes, home lawns, parks, athletic fields, and golf courses. It even comes in a green bag!

Curtis Industries

John Deere green is so iconic it’s trademarked, has its own Pantone paint code, and even a song is named for it. Top a John Deere Z994 Zero Turn Mower with an Air-Conditioned Cab from Curtis Industries, and you’re not only sporting green, you’re keeping cool while doing it. The cab fits mowers with either a 60” or 72” deck and features a state-of-the-art, lightweight aluminum design, complemented by tinted, hard-coated, scratch-resistant polycarbonate windshield and doors. Now that’s a lucky landscaper!

For more on peat harvesting in Ireland, see “The Irish Turf Controversy.”

For more on the history and mystery of shamrocks, see “What Exactly Is A Shamrock? No One Knows!”

Read the full article “St. Patrick’s Day: Who Does “Green” Better Than The Green Industry?!” on Turf Magazine.

2023 Tax Alert: Bonus Depreciation “Write Offs” To Decrease

March 17, 2023 Uncategorized 0
By Dan Furman

For the past two decades, lawn and landscape companies of all sizes have typically used Bonus Depreciation, a prolific part of the tax code, to “write off” large ticket purchases such as trailers, skid steers, etc. For several years, it has been set at 100% of an item’s purchase price, thanks to 2017’s Tax Cut and Jobs Act. But written into that same act was a phase-out of the program, which begins this year (2023).

Starting in the 2023 tax year, Bonus Depreciation falls to 80% of the purchase price, then 60% in 2024, 40% in 2025, and finally 20% in 2026. At this writing, 2027 will have no Bonus Depreciation. This phase-out can affect how and when companies make purchases.

The following article will explain what Bonus Depreciation is, how it’s different from Section 179 (which it’s often associated with) and most importantly, strategies companies can employ to help offset the effects of this phase-out.

Bonus Depreciation Explained

Bonus Depreciation first became part of the US Tax Code in 2002. Essentially it allowed companies to accelerate the depreciation schedule on purchased equipment – in other words, instead of depreciating a purchased item a little each year, Bonus Depreciation allowed for a much larger chunk to be depreciated in year one and written off on taxes. Since 2017, it has been set at 100%, meaning companies could write off the entire purchase price of equipment.

You might be saying “this sounds like Section 179.” And you would be correct to a point, especially since Bonus Depreciation is almost always mentioned alongside Section 179. But it is its own part of the Tax Code.

Differences Between Bonus Depreciation and Section 179

Since Bonus Depreciation and Section 179 both allow the full purchase price of equipment as a write off in the current year, they are thought to be one in the same. But there are several important differences, as follows:

The Spending and Deduction Limits are Different. Section 179 has limits on both the total amount that can be written off, as well as how much a business can spend. For 2023, Section 179 allows a $1,160,000 total deduction, with a $2,890,000 cap on equipment spend before the deduction begins to disappear on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

Conversely, Bonus Depreciation has no limits on deduction amount or equipment spend. This makes it a popular choice for companies once Section 179’s spending limits are reached or exceeded.

Qualifying Equipment. Virtually all types of new and used tangible equipment a company will buy qualify for both Section 179 and Bonus Depreciation. This also includes some software. One key difference is Section 179 is valid on certain capital improvements (such as fire and security systems, HVAC, Roofs, etc.), where Bonus Depreciation is not.

Another difference is Bonus Depreciation can only be used on equipment that has less than a than a 20-year expected life on the MACRS depreciation schedule. However that’s not much of a limitation, as this includes just about anything a business would buy.

How They Are Used. Section 179 is very flexible, allowing a business to pick and choose which items they will declare. Bonus Depreciation does not have this flexibility – if a company chooses to use it, every purchased asset in the same MACRS depreciation class will be included in the deduction.

Put another way, say a company purchases six mowers in 2023 and all of them are listed on the same five-year depreciation schedule (a very common timeframe). If they use Section 179, they can claim three of them this year, and save the other three for yearly depreciation. But if they choose to use Bonus Depreciation instead, they do not have this choice – all six must be declared, which leaves no depreciation for future years.

Profitability (and Losses). Section 179 is a “profit-only” tax deduction. It’s deducted from taxable income only, and is not available if the company posts a loss for the year. Further, a loss cannot be created by using Section 179.

Bonus Depreciation can be deployed regardless of profitability. In addition, Bonus Depreciation can be used to create a loss. This is a large distinction, and a popular reason why companies sometimes choose Bonus Depreciation over Section 179.

How Does the Bonus Depreciation Phase Out Affect Your Company?

Obviously, if you were planning to use Bonus Deprecation in 2023, it will affect you because it’s now 80% instead of 100%. However, many companies leave depreciation to the accountants, so they may not be aware of exactly what type of depreciation schedule or deduction the accountant uses. In this case, a call to your accountant regarding the 2023 phase out makes sense.

There are several options for affected companies. The first option is to simply stay the course and accept the 80%, which is still a robust deduction. I always suggest getting tax deduction purchases as early in the year as possible, due to supply chain issues perhaps delaying them. Rates are expected to keep rising this year too, making this doubly viable.

This decision gets more involved for the future however. If you were planning on a large 2024/2025 purchase and planned to use Bonus Depreciation, bumping it to 2023 might make sense. Then you can claim 80% instead of 2024’s 60%.

Lastly, if your company is expected to be profitable in 2023, you can simply elect to forgo Bonus Deprecation and use Section 179 instead (assuming the Section 179 limits won’t be reached.)

The 2023 Bonus Depreciation phase out will undoubtably affect companies who have come to rely on it to pay less tax. But there are viable strategies to mitigate the potential dollars lost in the phase out. Whether it’s moving planned purchases to 2023 or using Section 179 as an alternative, companies should plan ahead and take advantage of whatever tax deductions are available to them.

Furman is the Vice President of Strategy at Crest Capital, which provides small and mid-sized companies financing for new and used equipment, vehicles, and software, as well as offering equipment sellers a simple and risk-free financing program. Visit them online at www.crestcapital.com.

All views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the policy or position of Crest Capital and its affiliates. These views are also opinion – always speak to your accountant or tax professional before engaging in any financial contract or tax matter.

Read the full article “2023 Tax Alert: Bonus Depreciation “Write Offs” To Decrease” on Turf Magazine.

Get Equipped: Pesticides And Fertilizers

March 16, 2023 Uncategorized 0
Compiled by Turf Editors
From the February 2023 Issue

This assortment of pesticides and fertilizers can add value to your professional lawn care and landscaping services.

 

0-0-25 GreeneKick™ Potassium Turf Fertilizer From Greene County

0-0-25 GreeneKick is a liquid concentrated formula that provides 100% soluble potassium to plants. It is derived from high quality Potassium Carbonate to help correct potassium deficiency and improve stress tolerance. It can be applied through foliar and root feeding and does not contain chlorides which usually cause salt buildup. It has a low salt index to avoid over-saturation of soil. Product is safe for use on all turf types, ornamental plants, and trees. Apply when potassium deficiency is present or as a regularly scheduled potassium application as part of a fertility program. GreeneKick™ can be mixed with slightly acidic, neutral, and alkaline solutions.

Weedingtech Foamstream

Formulated from 100% natural plant oils and sugars, Foamstream can be used in any weather and on any surface, including environmentally sensitive areas and those close to children or animals. The foam kills the weed, damages the root, and sterilizes seeds and spores to reduce regrowth. Available in different sizes and with different power options, the Foamstream M600H unit is suitable to mount on a variety of UTV’s. Other features of the M600H include: quick start up, simple operation, and hose length of 65″. The M600H is Weedingtech’s first hybrid unit, combining Lithium-Ion battery power with the efficiency of a diesel-powered boiler. The M600H offers a flow rate of six liters per minute.

SePro Cutless QuickStop

Cutless QuickStop™ is a foliar landscape plant growth regulator that reduces trimming requirements 30% to 70% and improves the aesthetic appeal of landscapes. Cutless QuickStop works rapidly to suppress terminal growth on a wide-range of plants, leading to more compact growth requiring less trimming. The product can provide several months of regulation, reducing the number of applications throughout the year. Cutless QuickStop is effective on a wide range of species and has low phytotoxicity potential. Treated plants will also demonstrate darker green foliage.

Arborjet | Ecologel AzaSol

AzaSol is a 6% Azadiractin, non-oil based insecticide and growth regulator derived from the neem tree and currently registered in all states. It is systemic and translaminar, and OMRI Listed for organic use. Through its patented production process, AzaSol provides a potent and environmentally friendly insect control solution for trees, shrubs, gardens, vegetables, fruit trees, and herbs. It can be used as a spray, soil drench, tree injection or used through chemigation. AzaSol provides control for a wide variety of insect pests including: whiteflies, leafminers, scale, mealybugs, thrips, aphids, psyllids, flies, sawflies, caterpillars, beetles, weevils, borers, mole crickets, and mushrooms flies.

LebanonTurf E-Blend Restoration™

LebanonTurf’s E-Blend Restoration™ is a maintenance and starter fertilizer product line. Powered by MESA®, the products deliver quick green-up and long-term healthy feeding. With more than twice the amount of carbon compared to traditional synthetic fertilizers, the line’s high level of humic acid has a beneficial impact on soil. Recycled nutrients in the form of biosolids add organic matter and provide slow-release nitrogen that won’t leach through the soil profile.

 

ECO-TURF™ From Bionetix®

ECO-TURF™ is a biofertilizer rich in organic based nutrients and containing plant extracts that work to boost healthy grass development. ECO-TURF can be used on all types of turfgrass in warm and cool seasons. A concentrated supply of non-pathogenic bacteria (75 million CFU/g) in ECO-TURF further promotes growth by decomposing debris to enrich the soil and make nutrients more accessible. ECO-TURF improves turf vigor, decreases the effects of stress, and develops overall balanced growth. ECO-TURF can replace standard fertilizers at regular application times wherever healthier grass is desired.

LESCO Trivium-G

Trivium-G is a granular insecticide powered by three of the latest and most powerful active ingredients when it comes to residual insect control. Fipronil, Bifenthrin, and Lambda Cyhalothrin have been combined in one uniform granule to deliver fast and long-lasting fire ant control. The LESCO Trivium-G granule combines two unique modes of action to maximize results in a single application. Features include: Verge® Technology to ensure uniform distribution and coverage; minimal PPE required; two unique modes of action—GABA inhibitor and sodium channel blocker; and a no-dust formula to keep applicators clean throughout treatment. Easily applied by broadcast or drop spreaders, one application can provide up to a year of fire ant control.

Neudorff Fiesta® Granular Weed & Feed (8-0-1)

The new granular form of Fiesta® Turf Weed Killer provides post-emergent broadleaf weed control and pre-emergent smooth crabgrass control. It kills weeds, moss, and algae—not turf. Derived from iron, it’s rainfast within 24 hours and has no unpleasant odor. People and pets can enter treated areas after granules are no longer visible. Fiesta Granular Weed & Feed works in temperatures between 50°F and 85°F and can be used on newly seeded lawns before germination. One 20-pound bag treats up to 6,670 square feet. The 2-in-1 fertilizer and weed killer will be available soon from distributors nationwide.

Read more Get Equipped features here!

Read the full article “Get Equipped: Pesticides And Fertilizers” on Turf Magazine.

New Glasshouse At Longwood Gardens Highlights Sustainability

March 15, 2023 Uncategorized 0

Rendering of completed West Conservatory.

Longwood Gardens, a botanical garden in Kennett Square, PA, recently reached a major milestone in its 17-acre transformation of the core area of conservatory gardens. The centerpiece and largest single element of Longwood Reimagined is a 32,000-square-foot glasshouse designed for sustainabiity by WEISS/MANFREDI, with gardens, pools, and fountains designed by Reed Hilderbrand. The glasshouse now has a fully constructed steel frame and is in the process of having nearly 2,000 glass panels installed, bringing the sweeping, deeply sensitive transformation nearer completion.

“The West Conservatory and the new Mediterranean Garden are capstones of 100 years of innovation in greenhouse and garden design at Longwood,” says Paul B. Redman, president and CEO of Longwood Gardens. “In 1921, Longwood founder Pierre S. du Pont opened one of the world’s great greenhouse structures, designed by J. Walter Cope. Since then, the conservatory complex has continued to grow and evolve with each generation adding state-of-the-art structures that incorporate new, innovative horticultural displays within.”

Rendering of an interior view of the West Conservatory.

Redman adds, “WEISS/MANFREDI has designed a building that not only is at the forefront of glass architecture, but leads the way in sustainability. The Mediterranean Garden designed by Reed Hilderbrand is adaptable to climate variations, and is especially noteworthy for its optimization of water usage in the oases of fountains, pools and plantings, that are being created.”

“Inspired by Pierre du Pont’s spirit of innovation, we have designed a living and breathing glass house, with walls and roofs that open and close in response to the weather, earth tubes that draw temperate air inside, and roof valleys that collect water, creating a sustainable destination we hope will become an enduring source of wonder and inspiration,” said principal architects Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi.

Sustainable Design Elements
The West Conservatory employs a unique combination of passive and tempering strategies. Ten earth ducts—three feet in diameter, 250 feet long, and buried outside the conservatory—provide year-round passive tempering of fresh air in the conservatory. The tempered air is introduced at the pedestrian pathway to provide passive thermal comfort for occupants.

This innovative design means the building uses only natural ventilation, rather than relying on mechanical cooling, during warm months. Based on historic precedent and refined via advanced thermal conditioning modeling, the West Conservatory incorporates 10-foot-tall operable vertical façade openings along the building’s entire perimeter. Outside air entering through these vertical openings flushes out heat buildup, with hotter air rising and escaping through the roof openings, which comprise 15-20% of the overhead surface area. Additionally, an automated shading system is deployed to reduce solar heat gain during the hottest days of the summer. During cold months, the shading system also acts as a thermal blanket, operating during evening hours to trap heat inside and reduce radiative heat loss.

Water Conservation & Critical Plant Selections
Longwood Gardens, renowned for its fountains, reinterprets that tradition as part of Longwood Reimagined. Set on an immense plane of water, the West Conservatory designed by WEISS/MANFREDI welcomes guests into a beautiful floating garden of planted islands, canals, and low fountains designed by Reed Hilderbrand.

Rendering of water elements in the West Conservatory.

Yet underpinning this experience of water is a sophisticated water conservation system that collects stormwater from the roofs of the West Conservatory and education and administration building and captures the overflow from the Gardens’ exterior water features. Water collected from these systems will be stored in large underground tanks and later recirculated through the water features and portions of the restrooms.

The garden is inspired by Mediterranean-climate ecosystems, which are known for hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters, and the regions’ historic traditions of designing thoughtful, expressive water-wise gardens. The extensive plant palette will consist of iconic plants from six representative geographic areas including the Mediterranean Basin, the Cape Region of South Africa, coastal California, Central Chile, Southwestern Australia, and South Australia. Agaves, (Agave ‘Reginae x ovatifolia’), Aloes (Aloe ‘Johnson’s Hybrid’), Blueblossom (Ceanothus thyrsiflorus), and Breath of Heaven (Coleonema pulchellum) will hug the ground of the West Conservatory. Taller plants like Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), Laurus (Laurus nobilis), Acacia (Acacia salicina), and 100-year-old olive trees will rise dramatically in the soaring space. Over the past year, Reed Hilderbrand and Longwood Gardens have traveled across the U.S. to scout and tag plants at the nation’s leading nurseries. The mature olive trees, which will be transplanted into the garden, have been sourced from groves in California.

Spaces Designed for Preservation and With Purpose

New Glass House for Historic Roberto Burle Marx Cascade Garden.

Other elements of the Longwood Reimagined project which are well underway include the new education and administration building, as well as the new restaurant and event spaces. Outside the historic Main Conservatory, 28 Yellowwoods (Cladrastis kentukea) will be planted in an allée at the eastern end of the Grand Promenade. This spring, Longwood will begin construction of a custom-designed conservatory to preserve the design of landscape architect’s Roberto Burle Marx’s only extant garden in North America. The Cascade Garden represents the first time a historic garden has ever been relocated and reconstructed. The garden by Burle Marx, first developed for Longwood in a retrofitted conservatory building in 1992, will now have a new jewel box-like glass house allowing it to thrive for many decades to come.

Photos: Courtesy of WEISS/MANFREDI with Reed Hilderbrand for Longwood Gardens

About Longwood Gardens
In 1906, industrialist Pierre S. du Pont (1870-1954) purchased a small farm near Kennett Square, PA, to save a collection of historic trees from being sold for lumber. Today, Longwood Gardens is one of the world’s great horticultural displays, encompassing 1,100 acres of gardens, woodlands, meadows, fountains, a 10,010-pipe Aeolian organ, and grand conservatory.

For more on the project, see “Longwood Gardens Transforming Renowned Conservatory Grounds.”

Another horticultural attraction in the area is the Philadelphia Flower Show. Read about last year’s event: “STIHL Sponsors Philadelphia Flower Show Highlighting Innovative Landscapers.”

Read the full article “New Glasshouse At Longwood Gardens Highlights Sustainability” on Turf Magazine.

Spring Weeds

March 14, 2023 Uncategorized 0
By Dr. Eric Reasor
From the February 2023 Issue

The basis of any turfgrass weed management program is maintaining an actively growing, healthy turfgrass stand. Using appropriate cultural practices such as mowing, fertilization, irrigation, and cultivation for the turfgrass species is the best way to help the lawn compete against weeds. However, several weeds can persist in even the most well-maintained turfgrass. While there is a growing trend to tolerate certain weeds that are pollinator-friendly (e.g., dandelions) or low-growing nitrogen producers (e.g., microclovers), many clients still desire a weed-free turfgrass stand. In these scenarios, herbicide use is often warranted.

Nine of the most common weeds affecting both warm- and cool-season turfgrass are: crabgrass; yellow and purple nutsedges; kyllinga; dandelion; white clover; oxalis (or yellow wood sorrel); plantain; prostrate knotweed; and chickweed. Since some of these weeds have similar growth and control characteristics, multiple species can be controlled with the same cultural and chemical measures. Therefore, it’s important to know which weeds are most problematic in your region and develop integrated weed management programs.

Here’s a description of each of the weeds mentioned, how to identify them, and an overview of the pre- and post-emergent herbicides that are the most effective in treating them.

Crabgrass

(Photo: PBI-Gordon)

In most regions, crabgrass is a Summer annual grassy weed. It germinates when soil temperatures warm to 55°F for several days. It is important to watch temperatures so herbicides can be applied before the crabgrass emerges since pre-emergent herbicides are the most effective control. Look for active ingredients such as dithiopyr, indaziflam, pendimethalin, and prodiamine. For maxi- mum efficacy, pre-emergent herbicides must not only be applied prior to crabgrass germination, but be followed by irrigation or rainfall for “activation.”

Post-emergent herbicides are a great tool to control crabgrass that breaks through the pre-emergent herbicides. Examples of these herbicides include fenoxaprop, fluazifop, pinoxaden, and quinclorac. Post-emergent herbicides are most effective at early crabgrass growth stages with the addition of a spray adjuvant (e.g., MSO, NIS).

Using the same herbicide repeatedly will eventually allow for crabgrass resistant to that specific mode of action to populate. Since there is only a small selection of herbicide modes of action for crabgrass, it’s vital to manage turfgrass properly through cultural practices, weed scouting, and using alternate herbicide modes of action. This will maximize herbicide efficacy and reduce the risk of herbicide resistance.

Yellow & Purple Nutsedges

(Photo: PBI-Gordon)

Purple nutsedge is more common than yellow in southern regions. Both have triangular-shaped stems and a glossy leaf appearance. Distinguishing purple nutsedge from yellow nutsedge can be somewhat challenging without the presence of seed heads. Purple nutsedge leaves are abruptly pointed. Yellow nutsedge leaves slowly taper to a point. Both species have underground tubers and rhizomes that allow them to spread and return year-to-year. Nutsedges can also spread via seed. However, their viability is relatively low compared to other weed species.

Nutsedges prefer moist soil conditions, but can persist in many different environments. Cultural control measures may not provide acceptable control. Fortunately, there are several herbicide-active ingredients. Some active ingredients include sulfentrazone, halosulfuron, flazasulfuron, trifloxysulfuron, imazosulfuron, and pyrimisulfan. Be sure to read the herbicide label prior to any application for use on the specific turfgrass species.

Kyllinga Species

(Photo: Adobe Stock / Nophara)

Kyllinga species are weeds in the sedge (Cyperaceae) plant family, but they are not nutsedges. There are many different kyllinga species that can infest turfgrasses. The most common and difficult to control are green kyllinga and false-green kyllinga. These perennial weeds can form a dense canopy to outcompete turfgrasses year-after-year. Green and false-green kyllinga typically have a finer leaf texture and a lighter-green color than nutsedges. They are also likely to have small and burred spherical seed heads at the base of the leaves even when regularly mowed. Kyllinga do not have any underground tubers, but they do possess a dense rhizome system. Like nutsedges, kyllinga prefer wet soil conditions but also can persist in various environmental conditions.

Mowing height is one of the most important factors for managing kyllinga in lawns. Increasing the mowing height, especially with cool-season turfgrass, can give the turfgrass an edge in competition.

The same herbicide active ingredients used for nutsedge can be used for kyllinga. Depending on the turfgrass species, sulfentrazone, halosulfuron, flazasulfuron, trifloxysulfuron, imazosulfuron, and pyrimisulfan herbicides can provide kyllinga control.

Dandelion

(Photo: PBI-Gordon)

Common dandelion is one of the most recognizable weeds in the world and one of the most prevalent in maintained turfgrasses. The iconic yellow flower on the tall, hollow stalk is easily identifiable. The yellow flowers then mature into the white “puff balls” or “blow balls” when the seeds develop and are ready for wind and traffic dispersal, often spreading throughout large areas.

Under mown conditions without the yellow or white flowers, dandelion leaves can be used to identify the species. Dandelion leaves are deeply lobed or toothed with an oblong or spatulate shape. The leaves form a rosette which can consist of many leaves. Dandelions also have a deep taproot and milky sap.

There are numerous herbicides labeled for dandelion control in turfgrasses. Most of these herbicide active ingredients are considered “broad spectrum” broadleaf herbicides; however, certain herbicides used for grassy weed control can provide dandelion control. Some of the most common active ingredients used for dandelion control are 2,4-D, carfentrazone, fluroxypyr, MCPP, MCPA, mesotrione, metsulfuron, penoxsulam, quinclorac, and triclopyr.

Herbicide selection depends on the turfgrass species, site, and cost. Herbicides are also less effective during peak dandelion bloom than they are pre- and post-bloom. Post-dandelion bloom may not be the best application timing either due to the seed production and dispersal of dandelion.

White Clover

(Photo: PBI-Gordon)

White clover is another highly recognizable weed in maintained turfgrasses. Found in warm- and cool-season turfgrasses, white clover is a perennial broadleaf and can tolerate a wide range of mowing heights and environments.

The weed can be easily identified by its leaves and flowers. White clover leaves are a trifoliate leaf arrangement, with three round/elliptical leaflets, and often have a white watermark that partially encircles the base of each leaflet. White clover produces white flowers on long stems that are mostly present in Spring and Fall. Most active white clover growth is in Spring and Fall and spreads from stems and stolons that root at the nodes and can form dense mats or clusters.

White clover is a legume, so it can fix its own nitrogen and can persist in N-deficient turfgrasses. Increasing N fertilization and reducing soil moisture are two excellent cultural practices for managing white clover. Since white clover is a perennial weed, pre-emergent herbicides
are not readily effective. However, numerous post-emergent herbicide options are available.

Herbicides that contain three or more phenoxy or phenoxy-type active ingredients have shown to provide great control. Some specific active ingredients for clover control are carfentrazone, dicamba, fluroxypyr, halauxifen-methyl, MCPP, MCPA, mesotrione, metsulfuron, penoxsulam, quinclorac, and triclopyr. Be sure to read all herbicide labels prior to use.

Herbicide resistance is not a widespread problem in white clover; however, it is always possible for any weed to develop resistance. It’s important to apply herbicides at labeled rates and alternate modes of action.

Oxalis Species

(Photo: PBI-Gordon)

Oxalis is a group of species commonly referred to as woodsorrels. There are several woodsorrels problematic in turf, but the most prevalent is yellow woodsorrel. It’s a perennial, cool-season weed and grows in a more upright habit than white clover.

Yellow woodsorrel weed can look similar to clover with a trifoliate leaf arrangement. However, it has heart-shaped leaflets instead of round. It also produces small yellow flowers that distinguish it.

Herbicide control of yellow woodsorrel can be quite difficult. Herbicide mixtures that contain three or more phenoxy active ingredients might not provide adequate control. Additional herbicide active ingredients to include in applications to aid in herbicide control are as carfentrazone, halauxifen-methyl, mesotrione, metsulfuron, penoxsulam, and sulfentrazone.

Plantain Species

(Photo: PBI-Gordon)

Broadleaf and buckhorn plantain are perennial broadleaf weeds found in many varieties of turfgrass. Broadleaf plantain has round leaves, whereas buck- horn plantain has narrow, lance-shaped leaves. Both species have noticeable parallel leaf veins causing them to be easily misidentified with one another. The leaves grow in a rosette with a taproot, and seed heads grow on tall stalks.

Like dandelion, there are numerous herbicides labeled for plantain control. Some of the most common active ingredients used for control are 2,4-D, carfentrazone, dicamba, fluroxypyr, MCPP, MCPA, metsulfuron, penoxsulam, quinclorac, and triclopyr.

There have been documented cases of herbicide-resistant buck- horn plantain species due to overuse of group 4 herbicides (e.g., 2,4-D, dicamba, and triclopyr). This issue is not widespread across the country, though it’s essential to alternate or combine multiple herbicide modes of action to mitigate herbicide resistance.

Prostrate Knotweed

(Photo: PBI-Gordon)

Prostrate knotweed is a Summer annual broadleaf weed. It germinates in early Spring, typically prior to crabgrass germination. Knot- weed seedlings can resemble grass seedlings soon after emergence but will develop oval-shaped leaves and form dense mats. It can out- compete turfgrass in compacted soils and is considered an indicator of compaction. If knotweed is a persistent problem, consider decreasing compaction with aeration.

Most pre-emergent herbicides will provide acceptable control. However, application timing is important because knotweed germinates prior to crabgrass. The active ingredients in pre-emergent herbicides that provide acceptable control include, but are not limited to, prodiamine, dithiopyr, pendimethalin, indaziflam, and isoxaben.

Post-emergence knotweed control is typically much easier when herbicides are applied earlier in the season. The dense canopy and thick stems of mature plants can make control difficult in late Summer. Typical 3- and 4-way herbicide mixtures containing 2,4- D, dicamba, carfentrazone, fluroxypyr, or triclopyr can provide acceptable post-emergent control.

Chickweed

(Photo: PBI-Gordon)

Chickweed is a group of Winter annual weeds found in both cool- and warm-season turf- grasses. Common and mouse-ear chickweeds are two that are typically problematic. They germinate in Fall with cooler soil temperatures. Common chickweed has small leaves that come to a point and small white flowers. Mouse-ear chickweed leaves are also small, but are very hairy and oval to oblong shaped. Both species can grow upright if not mown but will adapt to mowing by growing prostrate and forming a dense canopy.

Chickweeds will be problematic in Spring if not controlled in Fall or Winter. The plants will be more mature and reproducing via seed in Spring. Both species are shallow-rooted, so proper irrigation practices are important, especially in Fall and Winter when irrigation needs of turfgrass are much less.

Control of chickweed is simple with appropriate timing. If applied prior to germination in Fall, pre-emergents that provide acceptable control include, but aren’t limited to, prodiamine, dithiopyr, pendimethalin, indaziflam, and isoxaben. If using a post-emergent, most broad spectrum, broadleaf products provide acceptable control if applied prior to Spring seed production.

Reasor, Ph.D, is Southeast Research Scientist with PBI-Gordon Corporation where he is responsible for coordinating all research protocols, technical assistance to cooperators, and product support for channel partners and end-users in 10 states. Reasor holds a Ph.D. in Turfgrass Weed Science from The University of Tennessee, where he conducted research programs for “off-type” grasses in bermudagrass putting greens, participated in extension activities, and managed weed science research programs. He earned his Master of Science in Plant Sciences from The University of Tennessee, and a Bachelor of Science in Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences from Virginia Tech University.

Do you have a comment? Share your thoughts below, or send an e-mail to the Editor at cmenapace@groupc.com.

Read the full article “Spring Weeds” on Turf Magazine.

Jobber Offering Grants Up To $15,000

March 13, 2023 Uncategorized 0

Jobber, a provider of operations management software for home service businesses,  announced that Jobber Grants is now accepting applications through June 8, 2023. Twenty-five businesses will be awarded grants totaling $150,000. Finalists will be announced in August 2023.

Home service professionals, ranging from aspiring to experienced business owners, are invited to apply for grants ranging from $2,500 to $15,000. The five-minute application is designed for busy home service pros in any industry, including lawn care, plumbing, residential cleaning, and painting.

Kirk Brown, Kirks Lawncare LLC, Court Limerick, PA.

Kirk Brown of Kirk’s Lawncare LLC used a Jobber Grant to launch his holiday lighting installation service, Dynamic Celebration Lighting, based in PA, which he now uses to earn non-snow dependent Winter revenue. Read his full story on starting the lighting business at: “Year-Round Revenue For Landscapers? Here’s How.”

“Investing in home service businesses means giving back to our communities, facilitating job creation, and boosting local economies,” said Sam Pillar, CEO & co-founder of Jobber. “We’re proud to continue Jobber’s tradition of investing in local entrepreneurs at all stages of growth to help them achieve their goals and ambitions.”

Jobber Grants are organized into several categories that reflect the diverse representation of excellence across home service, which looks different from business to business. Categories include:

Home Service Heroes: Business owners who keep home and offices safe and running smoothly.
Career Builders: Business owners who help hardworking people build meaningful careers.
Smooth Operators: Business owners running a smooth business for themselves and their customers.
Community Caretakers: Business owners who give back to the communities where they live and work.

Shaylyn and Timothy Bliss of Home Roots Lawn Care in San Marcos, TX, received a $10,000 Jobber Grant last year.

Recipients have the freedom to choose how to use the grant to support their ambitious business goals and innovative ideas. Whether a company is looking to purchase new equipment, increase its marketing investment, launch a new service, or train their teams, funds from the Jobber Grants program are designed to help small business owners be more successful.

Jobber Grants is one of the many initiatives dedicated to supporting and elevating home service entrepreneurs, including events such as Jobber Summit, free resources to help launch, grow, and scale a business via Jobber Academy, Salary Guides, Jobber Entrepreneurship Group, trends and insights in the Jobber Home Service Economic Report, and more. To learn more about Jobber Grants or to apply, visit jobber.com/grants.

To learn about last year’s Jobber recipients from the lawn and landscape industry, visit “6 Landscape & Tree Care Pros Awarded Jobber Grants.”

Read the full article “Jobber Offering Grants Up To $15,000” on Turf Magazine.

[VIDEO] Don’t Point & Click, Automate Your Site Takeoffs With Attentive.ai

March 10, 2023 Uncategorized 0

Read the full article “[VIDEO] Don’t Point & Click, Automate Your Site Takeoffs With Attentive.ai” on Turf Magazine.

STIHL Makes Forbes List Of Best Midsize Employers

March 10, 2023 Uncategorized 0

STIHL Inc. has again been named to the 2023 Forbes list of America’s Best Midsize Employers, ranking at #30 out of 500. This is the third year STIHL has been recognized on the list, moving up from #205 in 2022. This prestigious award is presented by Forbes and Statista Inc.

STIHL has been operating in the U.S. for nearly 50 years, growing from 50 employees in 1974 to over 3,000 today. With an average tenure of eight to 10 years, employees at STIHL enjoy competitive pay, top-notch benefits, and robust investments in career development.

“It is an honor to be included on the Forbes and Statista America’s Best Midsize Employers award list, among so many great companies,” said STIHL Inc. President and CEO Terry Horan. “This wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and dedication put in by our employees. It’s our incredible team that continues to make STIHL a successful, world-class brand.”

Forbes and Statista selected the America’s Best Employers 2023 through an independent survey applied to a vast sample of approximately 45,000 American employees working for companies with more than 1,000 employees in America. Across 25 industry sectors, 1,000 employers have been awarded—500 large employers and 500 midsize employers. The evaluation was based on direct and indirect recommendations from employees who were asked to rate their willingness to recommend their own employers to friends and family. Employee evaluations also included other employers in their respective industries that stood out either positively or negatively.

Click for information on job opportunities with STIHL Inc.

Read how the STIHL AK 36V homeowner system of battery-powered equipment is now American Green Zone Alliance (AGZA) Field Tested Certified.

Read the full article “STIHL Makes Forbes List Of Best Midsize Employers” on Turf Magazine.

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