GET TOGETHER WITH MLNA AT THE WESTERN TRADE SHOW

Come to MLNA's Business Meeting, Sunday January 6th, 2pm to 3pm in Overland Park Convention Center Meeting Room 3 (courtyard level)

Find out what is happening with your statewide Green Industry organization, as 2008 MLNA President, Rob Johnson offers a brief over view of MLNA activities and new programs such as the renaming of the professional certification and the revisions.

Find out how you will benifit financially from MLNA's Sustainability platform. MLNA is launching " Water as Resource-Not a Waste Product" as the 2008 Initiative !

Come to the MLNA Booth, Participate at the meeting and Attend the Reception!

MNLA Business Meeting: Sunday, January 6th from 2pm to 3pm in Overland Park Convention Center Meeting Room 3 (courtyard level)

New Members are Welcomed- Registration forms will be at the MLNA Booth and at the General Business Meeting. Please arrive early to get paperwork handled as meeting time will be very busy.

MNLA Reception with Hort Co-op and Hort NetWORK: Sunday, January 6th from 5pm to 6pm in Sheraton Linden Room (courtyard level) Thank you HOME NURSERY for being MLNA's Event Sponsor for the evening!

MNLA Board Meeting is Saturday, January 5th from 4pm to 5pm in Overland Park Convention Center Meeting Room 3 (courtyard level)

NOTE: All meeting room locations moved to Overland Park Convention Center (OPCC) The Western is aware that we have already sent out information to members so they will have signage on site directing everyone to the correct location.)

ANLA POSTS MLNA SURVEY-INVITES COMMENTS

Grass Roots and Advocacy Manager, American Nursery & Landscape Association,

Subject: GREEN ROOTS MUST SPREAD TO GROW!

Dear Bob Degemmis,

Thank you for your encouraging words and your assistance at keeping Missouri Landscape & Nursery Association on track. MLNA appreciates the umbrella ANLA affords as well as the outlet opportunity for ideas and communication exchange on the website.

Per our past communications, I know you are aware of MLNA’s effort to wake up after a very sleepy association time. Our membership has not had such a lax period; they have been wide awake and working to survive in a changing business/economic environment.

Please post this MLNA survey on the ANLA website.
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TOPIC: Participation in Professional Organizations

If you are an organization representative; what has been your best response to member services and benefits your organization offers?

[MLNA members have benefited from MaryAnn’ Fink’s “matchmaking” service. She makes contacts for them and shares information between growers, retailers, landscapers and product suppliers and educators. MLNA members appreciate the website job posting and MLNA’s willingness to approach service and product providers and request member discounts as well. MaryAnn is quite the industry “matchmaker”.]
Comment:


If you are an individual, participating in professional organizations- what organization benefit do you value?
Most? Comment:
Least? Comment:

How many organizations are you actively involved? (Attend meetings, participate on committees, etc)
[MLNA offers committee involvement whatever your interest and level of involvement)]
Comment:


How many associations benefit from your “sideline support” with dues/membership only?
[Some of our MLNA members hope to be more involved later and in the meantime support us financially with dues]
Comment:

Do you post you professional affiliations on your website, business cards etc.?
[MLNA offers proud member logo for ads, marketing and website use]
Comment:

Do you link websites?
[MLNA encourages members to link to http://www.mlna.org/ and we are happy to link back]
Comment:

Do other associations post your profile- business information?
[MLNA showcases its members with their own member pages. With room for a 300 word profile to introduce yourself and two images- you can increase your web presence with MLNA.]
Comment:

If you are an organization- do you offer education-training workshops? Do they help you find out what is new and what is happening in your industry?
[We offer educational opportunities, CEU’s and will work with you and your business to have a topic that relates to your needs- You might even want to Host the event, showcase your business and make it convenient for your employees too!]
Comment:

If you are an individual- do you use your professional organizations as a learning resource?
[MLNA is expanding its extensive plant library of over 4,000 plants and has a newly revised professional certification. Revamped by the horticulture educators in the region- you can begin a career in horticulture, work towards your degree and become professionally certified under the supervisions of the best educators in the state. Stay current and informed!]
Comment:


Does any of the professional organizations you belong to- promote you at events and encourage referrals?
[MLNA recently distributed over 1,000 “GREEN PAGES” at well attended events that put members in the hands of future client and customers. We are working on the “PROFESSIONAL GREEN PAGES” to distribute at trade events and Green Building contacts. We advertise in the Business Journal for our members]
Comment:


Does your organization help you identify your environmental marketing strengths, help you think in “green language” what you are already doing for the environment and help you learn about what else you can do to improve your “green” strategy?

[MLNA offers an Environmental Horticulture Consultation for New Members!]
Comment:


Does your professional organization ask you what do you want from them- and provide it?

[MLNA does! Beginning in 2008, we are giving a voice to all our MLNA members who are already role models in our industry and leaders in their communities. We are launching MLNA’s first ever AAI (Association Action Initiative) since our establishment in 1921. Using “Sustainability” as our platform, we will be showcasing our member’s efforts to use “Water as a Resource, not a Waste Product”; we will survey our members and promote their efforts at events and on our website blogg. This will also serve as an educational awareness tool for member’s who are just beginning to build a “green vocabulary” as well as marketing/ selection guide opportunity for the general public].
Comment:


Thank you for your participation. Please visit www.mlna.org for survey feed back. MaryAnn Fink


I have been told that “belonging” to a professional organization has only as much value as the membership places on being professional. MLNA must stretch beyond the individual, increase the impact at the local level for the profit and offer an overview and preview of what lies ahead in our industry and beyond to create a positive impact on the business professional.


MLNA believes it is critical to improve our handholding ability and share a wider platform. We are the leaders not just the vehicle for this green band wagon. We are the “greenest of green”. As “green practitioners”, we have chosen this passionate profession because of our “green hearts”. We have invested in this platform built on the environment with our lives. Our investment will save everyone’s future!

I look forward to hearing from others who believe that our industry needs umbrella organizations such as MLNA and ANLA to build a strong team to pull this green wagon toward a greener ($) future!

Always Growing…MaryAnn Fink, Coordinator/Executive Director
Missouri Landscape & Nursery Association
6209 Mid Rivers Mall Dr Suite 128
St. Charles, MO 63304
http://www.mlna.org/
636-939-9079
maryannfink@mlna.org

MLNA mourns loss of plantsman Frank Frisella

Our sympathy to MLNA members, Babette Frisella-Briagas, Tony Frisella and the entire family of Frank Frisella. Frank passed away Wednesday, October 31, 2007 at Barnes Jewish Hospital.

Frank Frisella, a horticulture icon and plantsman was well known in the Green Industry for his lifelong contribution to Horticulture. Founder of Frisella Nursery in 1953, his nursery built a reputation for service, quality and novelty plant material. He shared his gift, growing not only wonderful growing fields, and a successful business but also a family of green thumbs.

He had vision and a particularly keen eye for superior plant material. He enjoyed collecting, trialing and propagating reliable performers which are now cornerstones in the Midwest landscape.

One of his favorites shrubs, Heptacodium miconioides was recently awarded recognition by the PLANTS OF MERIT program (award program that partners Missouri Landscape & Nursery Association, Illinois Green Industry Association, Missouri Botanical Garden, Powell Gardens and University of Missouri.)

Always ahead of his time, he had an extraordinary ability to share his horticulture passion, to his children, grandchildren and his horticulture family. Missouri Landscape & Nursery Association shares the Frisella family's loss.

Please share a memory, a moment. Post your sentiments and kind words here for the family. They will be passed along with our thoughts and prayers.

- MaryAnn Fink/ Coordinator/Executive Director, MLNA

Frank Frisella Sr., 88, Marthasville, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2007, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis.

Mr. Frisella, son of Peter Frisella and wife Angelina, nee Candella, was born Sept. 8, 1919, in St. Louis. He received his education from Beaumont High School.On Oct. 26, 1946, he was united
in marriage to Marie Van Buren.Mr. Frisella was a member of St. Vincent's Church in Dutzow.He was the previous owner of Frisella Nursery in Defiance.Mr. Frisella was preceded in death by his parents; his wife on May 24, 2004; and four brothers, John, Joe, Sam and Pete Frisella.He is survived by two sons, Anthony Frisella and wife Karen and Frank Frisella Jr., all of Marthasville; one daughter, Babette Briages and husband Adan, Marthasville; two brothers, James Frisella and wife Theresa, St. Louis, and Angelo Frisella and wife Mickey, Arizona state; one sister, June Gagnepaine and husband Charlie, O'Fallon; 10 grandchildren, Tom Mee, Jill Roehrig and husband Gary, Gina Mee, Danny Mee, Kaitlin Mee, Matthew Mee, Michael Mee, Anthony Frisella, James Frisella and Amy Frisella; three great-grandchildren, Cody, Erica and Lexia; nieces; nephews; great-nieces and -nephews; other relatives and many friends.A funeral Mass was held Saturday, Nov. 3, at St. Vincent's Church in Dutzow. The Rev. Eugene Robertson officiated.Interment was in the church cemetery.Memorials to Emmaus Homes Inc., Marthasville campus, are preferred. The family was served by Nieburg-Vitt Funeral Home, Washington.

.

WATER AS RESOURCE HAS MERIT!

Contact information: MaryAnn Fink, Coordinator/Executive Director of MLNA
(636-939-9079)
6209 Mid Rivers Mall Dr. Suite 128
Saint Charles, MO 63304,

October 26th, 2007

For Immediate Release:

MISSOURI LANDSCAPE & NURSERY ASSOCIATION “WATER AS A RESOURCE-NOT A WASTE PRODUCT” WITH PLANTS OF MERIT PROGRAM AS PLATFORM.

As part of Missouri Landscape & Nursery Association’s stewardship commitment, MLNA has partnered with Illinois Green Industry Association, Missouri Botanical Garden, Powell Gardens and the University of Missouri-Mizzou Botanic Gardens, to promote reliable, non-invasive and ornamentally attractive plant selections. Many of these are drought tolerant choices. Educating our members and the public about plant selections,” smart” watering irrigation products and more, will be incorporated into MLNA’s “Water as a Resource” initiative. “This is part of our stewardship commitment for our education programs for both the professional and the public” states MaryAnn Fink, Coordinator/Executive Director of MLNA. (Contact MLNA for Plants of Merit List for Dry Gardens )

Says Fink, “We are sharing horticulture success stories and educating each other and the homeowner about trees shrubs, perennials and annuals that keep their good looks despite the dry periods in the lower Midwest. We are also educating our members about regional plant research for Green Walls and Green Roofs. We are building alliances with those that share our interest in sustainability issues. We are working on educational programs that form partnership, particularly with our “Trees, Planning for Time and Saving Energy". We plan to help home and landowners find ways to benefit from growing green. We will have winter and spring educational events for the professional and the public, new programs and communication support.

Pretty thriving plants are in investment in our property, the future, and our environment. Landscaping is not a luxury but a necessity! For more information visit http://www.mlna.org/ or call 636-939-9079.

Missouri Landscape & Nursery Association
6209 Mid Rivers Mall Drive Suite 128
St. Charles MO 63304
636-939-9079

IMAGE: Baptisia sphaerocarpa; POM for 2008, image credit Sue Vanderbilt

####
Missouri Landscape & Nursery Association
The Missouri Landscape and Nursery Association, founded in 1921, is a not-for-profit professional trade association representing the green industry throughout Missouri. Its mission is to enhance the success of its members through knowledge, advocacy and communication. It promotes horticulture education, professionalism, integrity, and environmental stewardship.

GREEN COMMUNITIES BUY GREEN PRODUCTS!

This is a wonderful opportunity to increase the availability of green products. throughout Missouri- MLNA members -we can do this and more! Call for more information-636-939-9079

Greene County residents are recieving a $25 instant rebate on rain barrels purchased through the James River Basin Partnership rain barrel program. This rebate is funded by City of Springfield Public Works, City Utilities, and Greene County Resource Management.

Emerald Ash Borer Invasion

On Monday, November 12 from 9:00 am – 11:30 am, The Gardens at SIUE with support from the Illinois Arborist Association (IAA) and the Southwestern Illinois RC&D will host a professional development seminar in Birger Hall on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Dr. Dan Herms from Ohio State University will discuss the Emerald Ash Borer Invasion: The Beginning of the End of Ash in North America. Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has killed millions of ash trees including healthy trees on high quality sites since its accidental importation from Asia. This is creating a wood-borer outbreak of unprecedented intensity and has the potential to decimate ash throughout North America with impacts reminiscent of chestnut blight and Dutch elm disease. The seminar will review the current status of the EAB invasion, diagnostics and host impacts, and management options, as well as research on ecological impacts of EAB on forest and communities and EAB / host interactions from a coevolutionary perspective.

The registration cost before November 1st is $10 per person, $7 per person for Friends of The Gardens at SIUE and IAA members. After November 1 or at the door the registration cost is $20 for all persons. Seating is limited.

To register please send your name, address, professional affiliation, phone number, email address, and a check made out to Southwestern Illinois RC&D, Inc. to:

Southwestern Illinois RC&D, Inc.
Attn: Roberta LaSalvia; EAB Workshop Registration
406 East Main Street
Mascoutah, Illinois 62258

For more information please contact:
Roberta LaSalvia at 618-566-4451 ext. 12 Roberta.lasalvia@rcdnet.net or
Doug Conley at 618-650-3788 or doconle@siue.edu.

For directions to Birger Hall on the SIUE campus go to: http://www.siue.edu/maps/

Fall Color Update - October 12, 2007
Missouri Department of Conservation foresters update fall color reports weekly from mid-September through early November. 2007 has been a tough year for trees in the Show-Me State and fall color is likely to reflect this fact. A catastrophic ice storm in January, a hard freeze in April, and drought conditions throughout the summer will contribute to patchy color across Missouri. Regional Summaries:
Northwest Region, including St. Joseph and Chillicothe:
Northeast Region, including Kirksville and Hannibal:
Fall color in the Northeast Region is beginning to shape up. A fair number of sugar maples are turning bright orange, red and yellow. Many other trees and shrubs are adding yellow, brown and dark red to the display. There is still a lot of green, but recent cool nights and warm days should give us more color over the next few weeks.
Kansas City Region:
The outlook for fall color is fair. Look for fall color to peak around mid-October, but drought stress and the late spring freeze have left fewer leaves on the trees. Due to drought, many leaves are turning brown rather than their usual fall color. We had some good rainfall early this week, but it’s questionable whether it came in time to make a difference. Currently, sumac, poison ivy and Virginia creeper are red, dogwood trees are turning purple, and red and sugar maples are starting to turn red and orange in cities. Hackberry, redbud, walnut, elm and cottonwood are showing some yellow, but are mainly browning out on the tree. Color is more pronounced on trees under drought stress. Up till now, unseasonably warm nights have delayed the onset of fall color. This week’s forecast looks promising. It calls for nighttime temperatures to drop into the 40s and 50s with sunny days for part of the week. Hopefully, this will start to color up the trees in the Kansas City Region. For scenic drives in the Kansas City Region, try highways 45 and 224 along the Missouri River. For hiking opportunities, the following areas are very showy in the fall: Big Buffalo Creek Conservation Area, Benton County; Maple Woods Natural Area, Clay County; Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area, Jackson County; White Alloe Creek Natural Area, Platte County; Bluffwoods Conservation Area, Buchanan County; and Knob Knoster State Park, Johnson County.
Central Region, including Columbia, Jefferson City and Lake of the Ozarks:
Drought caused fall color in the Central Region to begin prematurely, but recent rainfall now has it holding steady. Many early species, such as smooth and fragrant sumac, poison ivy and Virginia creeper are turning red. If you don’t know how to identify poison ivy, now is a good time to learn. Look for a shrub on the ground or a vine creeping up a tree that is turning red right now. Though it might be confused with Virginia creeper (which also turns red in the fall), poison ivy has three leaves on each terminal branch, while Virginia creeper has five. Sassafras and wild plum are turning shades of yellow and orange. White ash is turning shades of yellow to purple but mostly brown. Sugar maple and Bradford pear leaves that are exposed to sun are turning reddish purple. It’s common to see large sugar maple trees with one half of their canopy green and the other half red. Many hickories have succumbed to drought stress and are turning brown. Lack of rain is taking its toll on the environment. South-facing slopes and rocky areas with little soil will bear the brunt of the drought and display the brownest foliage. We'll have to wait and see if recent rainfall will have an effect and prevent more trees from "browning out.” If everything stays on track, our fall color display in central Missouri will be less vibrant than normal with brilliant reds, oranges and yellows replaced by browns.
St. Louis Region:
Week six of the fall color season finds the St. Louis Region with a little more color, but still lagging behind past seasons. Some of the species that began to show color five weeks ago are now beginning to peak out. The brilliant reds, oranges, yellows and purples of the dogwoods, sumacs, white ash, sassafras and Virginia creeper are at their peak and readily visible along roadsides and the edges of fields. This week, bottomland species such as silver maple, sycamore, cottonwood, green ash and willow have begun to show shades of yellow. With cooler evenings being experienced late this week, many of our brilliantly colored upland oaks and sugar maples should begin to change next week. Also, urban landscapes should begin to see a vibrant change in trees such as sweetgum, Bradford pears and the many species of viburnums.
Southwest Region, including Springfield, Branson and Joplin:
Little has changed in southwest Missouri over the last week. We are still starting to see a little fall color. Flowering dogwood, sumac and maple are showing red and purple. Sassafras and blackgum have an occasional red leaf. Some trees have leaves turning yellow and brown due to dry summer conditions and pests. The cooler weather that has finally arrived will hopefully urge the trees to show us some color. Golden City will have their Rock ’n Blues and BBQ Festival on October 12-13. Visit www.gcbbq.com for details. Mount Vernon's Apple Butter Makin' Days is October 12-14. Visit www.mtvernonchamber.com/mt_vernon_applebuttermakindays.php for more information. Carthage is holding the 41st Annual Maple Leaf Festival October 13-20 with events scattered throughout the week. Visit www.carthagechamber.com/coe.html#Oct for details. Pineville will hold Oktoberfest on October 13. Call 417-223-8888 for details. The Cassville Fall Festival is October 25-28. Visit www.cassville.com/fall-festival.htm for details.
Ozark Region, including Rolla, West Plains and Eminence:
The Ozark Region:

The hills are starting to acquire a yellowish hue. Overall, however, greens predominate. Leaves in the tops of the oaks are starting to turn yellow. Some seem to want to change from green to brown, so the outlook for brilliant color is still up for debate. Other species are picking up some of the slack. The early birds still hold some color. Sumac and sassafras light up the fields, fencerows and roadways with bright orange and red. Hickories are yellow, though many have already browned up and lost leaves. The few ash in our Ozark woods are bright yellow now, and maples are starting to turn red. Many walnuts have finished for the year, though scattered trees retain tufts of yellow foliage. Waterways are showing the yellow-brown of sycamore's contribution to fall color. As the season progresses, some good places to see nature's paintbrush will be Glade Top Trail in Ava, Highway 181 south of Cabool, Highway 106 between Summersville and Eminence, Highway 17 between Mountain View and West Plains, and Highway 160 between Doniphan and Alton. Some events to look forward to Saturday the 13th include Haunting of the Hills in Eminence, the Rolla Cruise In, Rocky Bridge Day in Mansfield, and the Glade Top Trail Flaming Fall Revue in Ava. An event to plan ahead for is the Jacks Fork Bluegrass Festival in Mountain View on October 19.
Southeast Region, including Cape Girardeau, Farmington, and Poplar Bluff:
Colors are still mainly green. Some sugar maples are showing patches of light orange and red. Sumac and sassafras are turning red. Elms and sycamores are showing some yellow.

Stay in Tune…With The Ways of Pruning

REMINDER
The “Growing Together” Continuing Education Series from the MLNA Pruning & Tree Care Clinic
Presented by MLNA Member is Tuesday October 16th, 2007

Bill Spradley

Trees, Forest and Landscapes, Inc.
in Kirkwood, MO.

Tuesday, Oct 16th
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
At Pea Ridge Forest in Hermann, MO

$25 MLNA Members / $30 Non-members
A light lunch will be provided for attendees courtesy of Pea Ridge Forest.
Reservations required. Space is limited to the first 50 registrants.
Contact MaryAnn Fink at 636-939-9079 or sign-up online here.

Earn Continuing Ed Credits towards your Certification!

Download a .pdf flyer with all the information.

Click here for Directions.

YOUR ARE INVITED TO JOST GREENHOUSES OPEN HOUSE!

Professionals Only-You Are Invited To Wholesale Grower
Jost Greenhouses Fall Open House!

Please make time to meet with one of the best wholesale growers in the area. A family owned business that successfully provides quality plants and service to their customers in the central Midwest area including Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, and Oklahoma, Jost Greenhouses have done reputable business since 1984. Their offices are located in Des Peres, Missouri, which is about 20 minutes outside of downtown St. Louis. At this location they have 24,000 square foot in greenhouse production with additional outdoor growing areas on 2 acres of land and they have an additional growing facility in Farmington, Missouri. Just 1-1/2 hours south of St. Louis, it has 87 acres of land with greenhouses, quonsets, perennial, woody ornamental and tree production areas!

WHEN: Wednesday, October 3, 2007
WHERE: The 87 Acre Growing Facility in Farmington, MO
TIME: 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

8:30 – 9:00 Registration and Open Tour
9:00 – 9:30 Overview of Facility and recent Expansion/Improvements
9:30 – 10:00 Green Roof Plants and overview of projects
10:00 – 10:30 Plants that Fit into the Smaller Urban Landscape
10:30 – 11:00 Azaleas, Holly & Boxwood: Locally grown, winter hardy varieties including
Coffin, Glenn Dale, and Northern Lights Azaleas and American Holly
11:00 – 12:00 Guided Walking Tours of Greenhouses, Growing Areas and Tree Fields
Plus… Field Demonstration with 12” RootmakerTM Field Bags and Containers

Don’t miss their “New and/or Noteworthy” display area of plants and their “Bargain Barn” of odds and ends plants and discontinued items at huge discounted prices.


Bar-B-Que Lunch will be Served at Noon

Please R.S.V.P by September 19th by phone (314) 821-2834 or
email: sales@jostgreenhouses.com
If you are interested in carpooling to Farmington please let them know.

Driving Directions to Jost Greenhouses • Farmington, MO
From St. Louis, take Hwy. 270 to Hwy. 55 South. Go past Festus, take exit 174B. Stay to the right continuing on Hwy. 67 South. Go past Bonne Terre and take Hwy. 32 East. This is a left hand exit off of Hwy. 67. Go through Farmington. At the intersection of Hwy. 32 and Hwy. OO, continue straight at the stoplight onto Hwy. OO. Go 4 miles south, and Jost Greenhouses will be on the left at the top of the hill.

PROFESSIONAL LAWN AND LANDSCAPE SERVICES IN DEMAND!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Bruce Butterfield
National Gardening Association
(802) 863-5251, ext. 113
bruceb@garden.org
Homeowners spend a record $45 billion on lawn and landscape services
(August 6, So. Burlington, VT) A new market research study by the National Gardening
Association, Residential Lawn and Landscape Services and the Value of Landscaping, found that
homeowners spent a record $44.7 billion to hire professional lawn and landscape services in
2006. These services include lawn care and landscape maintenance, landscape installation and
construction, tree care services, and landscape design services. The survey also found that 30
percent of all households nationwide, or an estimated 34.5 million households, currently hire at
least one type of lawn and landscape service. “Over the past five years we have seen the number
of households that hire professional lawn and landscape services increase from 22 percent of
households, or 23.8 million households, in 2001 to 30 percent of households, or 34.5 million
households, in 2006,” says Bruce Butterfield, research director at the National Gardening
Association (NGA). The amount of money spent on lawn and landscape services has increased
from $24.5 billion in 2001 to $44.7 billion in 2006.
The Residential Lawn and Landscape Services and the Value of Landscaping survey was
conducted in June 2007, for NGA by Harris Interactive Inc., with a representative sample of
2,663 households nationwide.
Types of residential lawn and landscape services hired:
Lawn care and landscape maintenance services were hired by 27.8 million households
Landscape installation and construction services were hired by 6.9 million households
Tree care services were hired by 11.5 million households
Landscape design services were hired by 2.3 million households
NGA President Mike Metallo says, "The increased use of lawn and landscape services over the
past five years reflects the fact that homeowners appreciate the many benefits of a well-designed
and maintained home lawn and landscape but may not have the time or inclination to do this
work for themselves.”
In addition to tracking trends in the market for residential lawn and landscape services, the study
also researched how customers find lawn and landscape services to hire, what the most important
factors are in hiring a lawn and landscape service, customer satisfaction with services hired, the
benefits of a well-designed and maintained home landscape, and how much a well-designed and
maintained landscape adds to home value.
Continued
NGA Lawn and Landscape Survey, page 2
For more information about the Residential Lawn and Landscape Services and the Value of
Landscaping survey or to purchase a copy, please visit www.gardenresearch.com.
Founded in 1973, the National Gardening Association is a national nonprofit leader in plantbased
education, respected for its award-winning Web sites and newsletters, grants and curricula
for youth gardens, and research for the lawn and garden industry. NGA's mission is to advance
the personal, community, and educational benefits of gardening by supporting gardeners and
teachers with information and resources. To learn more, please visit www.garden.org.
###

EXTERIOR DESIGN CHALLENGE 2007 WAS GRAND!

MISSOURI LANDSCAPE & NURSERY ASSOCIATION, THE WIEGAND FOUNDATION AND GROW EXCELLENCE.ORG PARTNERED TOGETHER TO SPONSOR EXTERIOR DESIGN CHALLENGE DURING THE 2007 MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS ANTIQUE SHOW!

During the Meet Me in St.Louis Antique Show, area residents as well as out of town visitors were given a "Meet Me" opportunity at St. Louis County's Queeny Park to see the results of MLNA's Exterior Design Challenge.

Bringing landscape designs right to the door, a beautiful vignette of flowers, fountains and seating, greeted the attendees of the antique show.

"This is more than a trend, it is a lifestyle" stated Fink, coordinator of MLNA, Missouri's professional green industry association. "As an exterior designer, I am finding my clients want to personalize transitional areas, soften outdoor spaces and feel like they are in a botanical garden- with less work. It can be done, but you need the cream of the crop to help you reach your vision. We will help you find them with MLNA's new Green Page Directory"
Featured in the Design Challenge was Retail Garden Center, Greenscape Gardens Nursery & Garden Center, Landscape Designer, Rand Rosenthall and Mike Marks, Luxury Lawn & Landscape. For more information about Missouri's Green Page Directory contact MaryAnn Fink at maryannfink@mlna.org

PRUNING CLINIC POSTPONED TO OCT 16TH

Please notice as of September 7th, the Growing Together Continuing Education Program has been postponed till Oct 16th, 2007. We are currently accepting registration for this new date. The demand for this type of continuing education opportunity is high, however because of both the importance to meet the needs of customers/ clients during this transitional period into fall and weather related issues, we are rescheduling this event for October 16th. MLNA understands business and your needs to both satisfy your professional obligations as well as participate in this unique interactive training opportunity. Much thought and effort has gone into bringing MLNA members a fresh perspective of the production aspect of pruning and tree care. To register visit our website www.mlna.org!

American Standard For Nursery Stock-Please visit ANLA & download this for free!

The 2004 edition of the American Standard for Nursery Stock is available at the ANLA website! The purpose of the American Standard for Nursery Stock is to provide buyers and sellers of nursery stock with a common terminology in order to facilitate transactions involving nursery stock. ANLA finds this collection of industry standards to be so essential, this downloadable file is available FREE for both ANLA members and non-members.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW
AMERICAN STANDARD FOR NURSERY STOCK (2004).

NOTE: The Standard is also available as a 'field-friendly' print publication. To purchase, visit ANLA's General Business section of the publications area.

CEU Opportunities at Missouri Botanical Garden

Best Shrubs and Planting Techniques HD57A
- Paul Robert, Director of Horticulture at St. Louis Community College @ Meramec showcases best choices for St. Louis as well as bring up to date research on Best Management Practices for planting trees and shrubs. Register for class at http://www.mobot.org.

Is it an Invasive Plant? HD31A
The Nature Conservancy's Horticulture & Landscape Professions Liaison Valerie Vartanian and MaryAnn Fink, Grow Excellence Consultant/Habitat Practitioner and Coordinator for MLNA team up to discuss which plants have been placed on the Missouri Botanical Garden's Invasive List and which are on most professional horticulturist Thug List! Discussing these, their impact and alternative choices for the landscape is valuable information for the professional. MLNA invites you to comment! List your "Garden Thugs" - Register for class at http://www.mobot.org.

Tough Plants for Clay Soils HD13A
Deborah Ladd, Master Gardener with a master’s degree in botany from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, presents a listing of 200 stalwarts that can thrive in clay. A member of the Missouri Native Plant Society and the Webster Groves Nature Study Society. She shares her interest in native plants with her husband Doug Ladd, an employee of the Nature Conservancy and author of the book Tall Grass Prairie Wildflowers.
- Register for class at http://www.mobot.org.

What is required to maintain my professional cerification?

In the past it was required to attend one MLNA sponsored educational function. The Nuts & Bolts and Field Day were the only approved events and were equivelent to 10 CEU's each. MLNA is developing an expanded and professional approach to this important aspect of education requiring attendance of one MLNA main event plus 5 CEU/ hours from other alternate approved venues. Since the Field Day event was not held MLNA will accept alternate approved events. We encourage participation in other educational events/ clinics/ workshop provided by MLNA or other approved sources. We wish to promote all certified professionals and will deal with revision and this transistion year on a case by case basis. PLease contact the MLNA office to verify your MLNA contact information, and upodate your certification status. We can be reachced at 636-939-9079.
The new name for the Missouri Landscape & Nursery Association's certification program is Missouri Certified Green Industry Stars.

Responses & Comments from Participants at Missouri Botanical Garden’s Nursery Day

Here are just a few comments shared about annual Professional Industry Event Nursery Day August 16th 2007 at Missouri Botanical Garden: (MLNA has partnered with Powell Gardens for a similar professional industry event in 2008)
• "Missouri Botanical Garden” is a wonderful resource for our industry” Gary Hinegardner, President of the LNAGSL.
• "This was a first for the Garden" said Steve Cline. Missouri Botanical Garden's Kemper Center's Manager openned a bed area for Ball represntative for the challenge. Derek Schroff, along with Ball Horticulture Guests proved a point as they actually did a planting. Using Ball's new ellepot system, "They proved it is cost effective and environmetally a better alternative as a installation method. It is exciting to see the Garden involved. We had the best in the business on both teams, but what I saw was more than a time test- I saw our industry finding opportunities to be great environmental stewards! Good for Us!" MaryAnn Fink /MLNA Coordinator
• "I appreciate MLNA’s resources and connections and interest in supporting my business" Scott Wagner of Yellowwood Farms. (Scott was looking for a particular plant source). If you have product and plant material available, fill out our resource form. We help connect MLNA members to services and product providers.
• “I am loo0king for MOONGLOW Sweet Bay Magnolia” (First new introduction with POM recognition for 2008 and host plant for Eastern Tiger Swallowtail” ) said Tom Krauska (Tom Terrific)”I am pleased that MLNA is committed to environmental stewardship” (MLNA helped make Tom’s connection with Pea Ridge Forest/ MOONGLOW supplier and Earl Cully breeder. MLNA supports member efforts and is supporting Tom’s habitat efforts with Lindbergh School District.
• “How is the sign up for my Pruning Workshop Sept 10th going? “ Bill Spradley (Very Good Bill- MLNA thanks you for taking the time to sharpen member’s pruning skills. To sign up fill out the on line form or call 636-939-9079)
• “It is good that the industry will have a stronger relationship with the POM program” Mark Luchtefeld/ IGIA Representative (It was announced that MLNA and IGIA accepted offer of partnership with the Missouri Botanical Garden, Powell Gardens and Mizzou Botanic Gardens with the Plants of Merit program.)
• “I am excited about winning the Bailey’s Cool Trees tee shirt at MLNA’s member meeting- I never win anything!” Becky Edwards/ Webster Grove Horticulturist.

Missouri Landscape Certification Changes

Attention all Missouri Certified Plant Pros:

The new name for the Missouri Landscape & Nursery Association's certification program is Missouri Certified Green Industry Stars.

The revised program will consist of 5 modules, 4 horticulture categories and one business category. Each will be able to stand alone or be combined for a total of 5 Stars.
The Star designation will define the category in which it was issued for example Missouri Certified Green Industry Annual Star or for the business category, Missouri Certified Green Industry Business Star.
The business "star" is earned by successfully completing PLANET’s Certified Landscape Professional (CLP) program. This designation allows Missouri to be one of the first states to offer a State certification recognized at the national level.
A full certification with all 5 modules would be a Missouri Certified Green Industry Five Star Professional. Testing for the Business Module of the certification is already in place and is offered at the Western through PLANET’s program.
Advanced Level Plant Pros are encouraged to attend upcoming Review Clinics to be scheduled soon!

Membership Period for 2007-2008

Just for your information...Our membership year begins October 1st 2007 and ends September 30th 2008. If you do not know the status of your MLNA membership, please contact MLNA Office at maryannfink@mlna.org or call 636-939-9079. Thank you for your support!

Welcome New Board Member Kim Lovelace Young

Welcome to the Mssouri Landscape & Nursey Board of Directors,Kim! We believe your participation as our At-Large Director will be instrumental in the success of this organization. You will be a great asset to MLNA and we thank you in advance for your commitment of time to this worthy endeavor. Regards, J. Scott Rood/MLNA President

Congratulations Nick Guntli of Hazelwood, MO!

Congratulations Nick Guntli of Hazelwood, MO.for recieving the John L. Masek Ornamental Horticulture Scholarship-visit communication committee section for details.

Project Releaf for Fall 2007 is underway!

Reduced-cost trees are offered for sale each spring and fall for planting on public or not-for-profit property in Missouri and surrounding communities.
Ideal for park and municipal plantings, these trees are balled and burlapped, 5-10’ tall depending on the species, and approximately 1.25” in caliper. Many different species are available each season, including many Missouri natives. All order must be submitted by September 21st, with pickups tentatively scheduled for November 14.
For more information please contact them at 314/533-5323, toll-free at 1-888-473-5323, or info@moreleaf.org.

Thank you to Bailey Nursery Representative Anne McKinstry

Thank you Anne for her presentation overview of late season performers.

Bailey Nursery has launched a “Trees are Cool!” campaign which fit in perfect with our gathering of “twigheads.” Becky Edward, Horticulturist from City of Webster Grove won the Bailey Nurseries door prize at our MLNA’s Member Education Meeting. Becky please contacts the MLNA office 636-939-9079 for your gift!

More About the "Trees Are Cool!" Program:

One tree can make a difference. A billion can help save the planet.You hear about the effects of global warming everyday, but can you really do anything to help? Now you can, by planting and pledging your tree to the United Nations Billion Tree Campaign.

Garden Centers click here to see the full program

Click here to Pledge your Tree

"We are excited to be an official partner of the United Nations for this globally important campaign" Says Pat Bailey, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Bailey Nurseries. To read more about this cause visit: www.unep.org/billiontreecampaign

Responses & Comments from Participants at the MLNA Open House

Here are just a few comments shared about Pea Ridge Forest’s Open House/ MLNA Member Education/Meeting on July 24, 2007:

• "Pea Ridge Forest Reputation for Education, Entertainment and Good Food Still Good!"
• "As always Pea Ridge Forest lived up to its Open House reputation for education, entertainment and good food."
• “Always more than a walk around trees. I have done that before and not gotten any real information-here I learn from everybody around me”
• “I learn a lot and I like the fact they (PRF) shares their good experiences and bad”
• “What a perfect day”
• “I do want to be a MLNA member”

We are proud to BRAG about...

American Test Center

MLNA member Bill Spradley of Trees Forest and Landscape says he highly recommends this business. “They care as much about my business and ours safety as I do- and that is good business”

Mike Sestric also from Tress Forest and Landscape agreed. “You can’t really put a dollar amount on safety. Their service is valuable to us in many ways.” He also commented about the performance report. “Its clear- you know what has to be done first”

For more information visit: atc.com

American Test Center · 3540 Hoffman Road E. · St. Paul, MN 551101-800-451-9087 · FAX (651) 770-5268 · sales@atctest.com

Notes & Discussions from MLNA Open House

One of the most frequent comments was about MLNA’s recent restructuring and staff addition of coordinator MaryAnn Fink. "I am so pleased to see MLNA make these changes- good job!," says Wayne Lovelace of Forest Keeling Nursery.

• There was some comment about the possibility of evening events since not all employers see the benefit of off site training.
• MLNA asks all members to suggest businesses that might benefit from knowing more about MLNA.
• And there were a few mentions about the blending of the Open House with the MLNA member education program. It was suggested we have more specific time frame set for those could only attend a partial day of activities. We did coordinate with those who were experiencing those issues, switched the presentation time for that day, provided contact information and will post a summary of Ann McKinstry and Susan Ehlenbeck’s programs for those who missed a portion of the event.
• Committees have been formed and we will post information and request member participation. See how you can help!
• We wish to thank the Strategic Planning Committee members: Judy Allmon , Frank Benzing, Kim Young Lovelace and John Marino. Certification Core Committee Chris Starbuck and Paul Roberts and its advisors Monica Barker, MaryAnn Fink, Susan Mintun and Dianne O’Connell. Tour and Event Committee Co-Chairs Bill Spradley and Becky Homan and Performance Trial Committee Chair; Susan Mintun.

Tree Clinic for MLNA Members on Sept. 10th at Pea Ridge Forest

REGISTRATION WILL BE REQUIRED- MORE INFO SOON!
Thank you to Bill Spradley and Trees, Forests and Landscapes for offering their expertise to make the clinic valuable and to Pea Ridge Forest for their offer to host the event. This is a jump start to seasonal workshops that will be offered throughout the year.

In the course of the day long Open House, several members had useful comments about MLNA and how we can continue to move forward, including a well received suggestion for a “MLNA TREE CLINIC”. It will offer demonstrations and practical advice on tree pruning and seasonal care. There will be a reasonable fee to help support MLNA. Registration will be limited. We are working out the details and will post information on the Calendar and Event pages as soon as we have more information.

Forest Keeling Nursery Assists with Lighthouse Program

We are proud to announce that Forest Keeling Nursery has offered to assist MLNA with ALNA Lighthouse Program and will receive recognitino with scholarship program in the future.
Most importantly the most frequent comment at our recent Member Education Event was about MLNA’s recent restructuring and staff addition of coordinator MaryAnn Fink. Wayne Lovelace of Forest Keeling Nursery says: “I am so pleased to see MLNA make these changes- good job!"Forest Keeling has offered kind words and financial support! Please contact the MLNA at 636-939-9079 if you are interested in supporting or sponsoring MLNA programs and events.

Congratulations to "Award Winning" Greenscape Gardens

Greenscape Gardens Wins Award!
General manager, Jennifer Loyet-Schamber received Green Profit's 2007 Young Retailer Award for Garden Centers on Saturday, July 14, in Columbus, OH.
Congratulations, Jennifer!