Chesapeake Green 2008

Session Information

Day 1

Keynote

“Sustainability and the Green Marketplace”

February 6, 2008
8:30 – 9:30 am
Bill Doeckel, Ball Horticultural Company, Chicago, IL

Consumers are increasingly interested in “green” products. Manufacturers and retailers are responding. New research indicates consumers are making purchasing decisions based on a product’s environmental attributes and company social responsibility.

Learn why companies such as Dell, Nike, Wal-Mart, GE, and Toyota are making sustainability a top priority. Emerging industry solutions, including Ball’s Circle of Life® program will be explored. Increased market share and improved profits are possible for those that act quickly to adopt sustainable horticulture.

Resources will be recommended to help you on your journey to sustainability to make the Green Industry the greenest industry.

Handouts

Retail Garden Center Track

“Retailers and Growers Working Together For Success”

9:35 – 10:30 am
Jack Williams, Paul Ecke Ranch, Encinitas, CA

The dynamics that exist today between the retailers and the growers are improving because “staying connected means staying profitable”. However, is the retailer and grower thinking and working together enough?  Can there be even greater success by knowing more about what each other requires? For example, the issues of shrink management at retail are still foreign to growers: how can retailers and product sources work together to help minimize this issue for both? Likewise, the need for new and exciting genetics is important but does the retailer really know what is out there and what might work for the customers?  And the lasting aspect of our gardening industry: how can growers and retailers get even more connected and assure what is produced successfully in a controlled greenhouse can work for the home gardener?  Only Jack Williams can effectively address these innovative issues from both sides because he IS from both sides!

“What You Should Know Before Investing a Single Penny into Advertising”

11:00 – 11:55 am
John Peter Thompson, The Behnke Nurseries Company, Beltsville, MD

You ought to know about advertising before you start to spend your money on advertising!  John Peter will review advertising and marketing information you should be asking yourself about as you develop your plans for reaching your customers.  This lecture will present you with an outline of decision-making which should lead to targeted action.  Included in this presentation will be interactive discussion about demographics, media types and strategic interplay between on-site marketing, outreach and advertising.

“Creative Container Gardens for Spectacular Garden Center Displays and Sales”

1:05 – 2:00 pm
TBA

Creative container gardens are coveted by your customers and will help separate your independent garden center from the box stores in a positive way. As the author of “The ABC’s of Creative Container Gardens”, she will also present to you imaginative ideas for container garden use for festive occasions, early spring, and fall seasons. And can you sell more plants and containers by having eye popping finished samples adorning your retail areas? Sue will “show and tell” how exciting container gardens can enhance your Garden Center image and bring back the customer time after time!

“Effective Pest and Disease Control in the Busy Retail Environment”

2:25 – 3:20 pm
Rick Yates, Griffin Greenhouse & Nursery Supplies, Morgantown, PA

Long hours of operation can make pest control in retail greenhouses difficult. There are short REI, bloom safe pesticides that can be used but this discussion won’t stop there. Rick will also discuss scouting, application technologies, and communicating expectations to plant material suppliers. Your retail garden center can be pest and disease free with minimal environmental hazards and disruption to your store and customer activities. Rick brings a lifetime of work with growers, retailers, chemical manufacturers, and regulatory folks into this presentation to help your store be safe but free of unwanted pests and diseases.

“Trends in Perennials: Plants and Fashion”

3:25 - 4:20 pm
Larry Hurley, Jill Gonzalez, and Terri Poindexter, The Behnke Nurseries Company

What's going on in the world of perennials? What's selling and what isn't? Are you on the cutting edge of new introductions--how important is it? Are we so trendy that we are becoming irrelevant to the majority of our customers? Which branded programs draw? Are our customers "greening up"?

Greenhouse Track

“High Demand Foliage Crops: Grow Exotic and Beautiful Caladiums Like a Pro”

9:35 – 10:30 am
Terri Bates Cantwell, Bates Sons & Daughters Caladiums, Lake Placid, FL

Caladiums should be part of every greenhouse product offering. But they can be fickle and unnerving unless you know the “scoop” (no pun intended). Terri’s family has been growing and selling quality caladium tubers for generations. Learn from a seasoned professional about the best and unusual varieties, production techniques, and pest and disease management. And if you have never grown caladiums in a big way this presentation will surely inspire you. Terri will explain how your caladiums can and should look like high end foliage crops---and not like ground-weed suckers in a pot.

“The ABC’s of Creative Container Gardens for Today’s Grower”

11:00 – 11:55 am
TBA

There is no dispute that exciting container gardens are highly coveted by customers, public landscapes, and special occasion events. Sue Amatangelo, the author of “The ABC’s of Creative Gardens”, will share with you how to make superb container plantings and not just ho-hum ones. She will guide you through the plants and the combinations. You simply cannot miss this opportunity to learn more about what you could be doing better or in a bigger way!

  “Making Greenhouse Production Make Sense”

1:05 – 2:00 pm
Jack Williams, Paul Ecke Ranch, Encinitas, CA

Are growers a bit overwhelmed by the volume of product being introduced into the market by breeding and distribution companies?  Everyone’s marketing department is making these plants / crops seem important and ‘sexy’ for our customers and all of these cultivars are “must have” plants!  But is this realistic to try to manage such diversity of products under commercial production? Jack will focus on approaches that take a look at ways to maximize production within the parameters of how you already grow your crops. For example you might be a grower producing cool crops.  What other crops could be added without having to modify the program and put existing, proven plant programs at risk? Likewise, how can a grower of spring annuals or poinsettias add new plant types that will thrive under the current program? Do not miss Jack Williams in his return to Maryland as he discusses a grower’s dilemma of trying to grow everything stampeding into the market in fear of leaving something out.

“Matching Fertilizer Programs to Growers Irrigation Water and Growing Systems”

2:25 – 3:20 pm
Dr. Fred Hulme, The Scotts Company, Amherst, MA

Recent trend analysis of historical databases of water and soil labs have spawned the development of some tools that should allow growers to easily select better fertility options based on irrigation water analysis, other nutritional inputs in their growing system, and crop diversity.  Dr. Fred Hulme directs one of these cutting edge labs (at The Scotts Company) and he will discuss basic nutritional inputs, water quality contributions, and cover programs designed to meet specific crop special needs.  If your goal is to achieve quality crops through efficient and effective fertilizer applications you need to stand tall in this session so you will not miss a word!

“Utilizing Plant Growth Regulators to Maximize Profitability and Minimize Production Costs”

3:25 – 4:20 pm
Rick Yates, Griffin Greenhouse & Nursery Supplies, Morgantown, PA

Fast cropping to offset rising fuel costs makes growing well toned and compact plants a challenge. Research has shown that in some instances applying lower rates of PGR’s very early in production can provide economical control of excessive stem elongation. Cutting back overgrown plants increases production costs and the risk of disease transmission. PGR’s should be in every grower’s tool kit! Rick Yates, one of our finest industry gurus on PGR’s, will help you turn dreams into action about producing higher quality plants while minimizing the risk of unintended consequences to crop health and appearance.

Nursery Track

“Depth of Plant Roots from Nursery to Greenhouse”

9:35 – 10:30 am
Dr. Bonnie Appleton, Hampton Roads Ag Research and Extension Center, Virginia Beach, VA

There seems to be an epidemic in the United States of plants whose roots are too deep in the landscape. The problems that too deep roots can cause, and the ways in which these problems can be prevented, will be discussed. In addition, the “new” old way of planting – bare root – will be illustrated with new research currently being conducted.

Handouts

“Use of Ergonomic Tools to Reduce Repetitive Motion Injuries”

11:00 – 11:55 am
Dr. Bonnie Appleton, Hampton Roads Ag Research and Extension Center, Virginia Beach, VA

Those of us involved in horticulture generally focus on the health of the plants we’re growing, and often neglect to think about our own health. Many of us have developed repetitive motion injuries (RMIs) as a result of working at nurseries, greenhouses, or in the landscape. One way to help prevent or reduce the effects of RMIs is through the use of ergonomic tools – tools that are designed to fit our bodies vs. making our bodies fit the tools.

“Weed Prevention Process Control Manual for Ornamental Nurseries”

1:05 – 2:00 pm
Philip Trump, The Scotts Company, York, PA

When was the last time your nursery or outdoor production area was weed-free in the middle of summer (or any other non-winter period?) Phil will discuss the purpose and principles of weed control, weed identification, cultural practices, chemical control overview, herbicide program outline, safety in weed control applications, and other weed control tips. This session will also include a hands-on spreader calibration exercise with a real spreader, sand and calibration trays. Phil shares a lifetime of helping growers work with a major weed control company (The Scotts Company) as well as his own practical experience. You can effectively eliminate weeds without harming your nursery stock!

Handouts

“Operating a Truly "Green" Green Business”

2:25 – 3:20 pm
Vic Priapi, Priapi Gardens, Cecilton, MD

How Priapi Gardens utilizes environmentally friendly practices to grow and market its products. With their close proximity to the Chesapeake Bay they like to label their products as "Bay Friendly.” Recycling, near zero chemical usage, and growing organically are some of the issues that will be discussed.

“Compostable and Biodegradable Pots”

3:25 – 4:20 pm
Greg Trabka, Ball Horticultural Company, Chicago, IL

Supporting horticulture’s reclamation of its position as the original “green” industry, Greg will discuss advancements in the development and use of Compostable and biodegradable pots.

Landscape Track

“Introduction to Landscape Lighting”

9:35 -10:30 am
Greg Sorg and Kerry Burnley, Pro-Lawn Lighting, Baltimore, MD

This session is an introduction to basic landscape lighting and design. Learn from the experts how landscape lighting can enhance a landscape adding new dimension to design. Various types of lighting fixtures, wiring, and maintenance will be discussed.

“Designing the Mixed Bed”

11:00 - 11:55 am (handouts)
Scott Scarfone, Oasis Design Group, Baltimore, MD

The focus of this lecture is to uncover the aesthetic charm of well-designed mixed beds and to understand the foundations of design that they were built upon. The lecture is a synopsis of Scarfone’s book titled Professional Planting Design—An Architectural and Horticultural Approach for Creating Mixed Bed Plantings published by John Wiley & Sons. The most memorable planting beds are those that provide contrast, variety, textural differences, and color throughout the year. Their visual interest rests in their ability to continually change season after season. Planting designs that best create this effect are those that inter-disperse combinations of shrubs with perennials, grasses, bulbs, and groundcovers. Mixed beds must be carefully orchestrated to avoid visual dysfunction while creating visual harmony. A true mixed bed exemplifies teamwork. Each plant provides support to its neighbor—covering for weaknesses and supporting strengths.

Handouts

“Sustainable Landscape Initiatives and Practices”

1:05 – 2:00 pm
John Peter Thompson, The Behnke Nurseries Company, Beltsville, MD

What is a conservation landscape?  John Peter will review the eight principles of sustainable conservation landscaping. These defining parameters are being referred to by the CCLC as “standards”. Currently more a set of guiding principles, these “standards” can be used eventually to create standards of practice and perhaps certification programs or other forms of recognition such as awards at varying levels of accomplishment. If your goal is to encourage conservation landscaping and strive for high quality results, this is a “do not miss” talk for you!

“A Garden Odyssey—In Search of the World’s Most Creative Gardens”

2:25 – 3:20 pm
Scott Scarfone, Oasis Design Group, Baltimore, MD

Imagine traveling the world passionately searching for the most exquisite and creatively designed gardens. Imagine having the time and resources that would enable you to escape the daily demands of life and instead give you the chance to focus entirely on studying and becoming engrossed in every aspect of these gardens. Two years ago, Scarfone was given this opportunity under the auspice of the Chanticleer Fellowship. During the Fellowship, Scarfone focused his efforts on expanding his knowledge of society and culture as expressed through these gardens’ physical representations and intrinsic meanings. His travels have lead him to England to garden at Great Dixter with Christopher Lloyd; to Italy to visit the gardens of the Renaissance; to Japan to view the ancient gardens of Kyoto and Nara; to Thailand to study eastern philosophy and garden design; Costa Rica to see tropical vegetation in a native rainforest environment; and to California to study Mediterranean plants in a design style that only California can boast. This lecture highlights Scarfone’s excursions across the globe and illustrates some of the most prolific gardens ever created.

“Too Mulch of a Good Thing”

3:25 – 4:20 pm
Dr. Frank Gouin, Professor Emeritus, University of Maryland

The investment in and beauty of a landscape can either be enhanced or diminished by the finishing touches of mulch. Beyond the aesthetics of mulch, this product serves to improve the quality of life of the landscape plants. Dr. Gouin will provide advice on proper mulching techniques to maximize the quality of the landscape and health of the plant material. Consideration is also given to over-mulching, which is a waste of time, money, and a visual distraction to the landscape.

Management Track

“Operating Systems - What Does a New Operating System Mean for Compatibility with Current Systems and with Future Goals?”

9:35 – 10:30 am
Steve Cissel, 10-20, Media, Inc., Woodbine, MD

Ever heard of the “old carpenter’s rule?” – that is measure twice, cut once? This session is designed to help you reduce the chances of making the wrong decision, risking reputation and incurring lost time and money, as you select a computer operating system. This session will review the options in the Microsoft and Mac operating systems. Regarding Microsoft, the new Vista operating system is on the market and is found on all new computers unless you specify something different. We will address having a well thought out strategy for implementing new operating systems.
 

“Financing the Green Industry: A Lender’s Perspective”

11:00 – 11:55 am
Bill Borsa and Bill Rutter, MidAtlantic Farm Credit

Areas of discussion will include: preparing financial statements and business plans, how to maintain or improve your credit score, and what a lender looks for in evaluating an applicant’s request for a loan to start up or expand a green industry business. Time will also be allotted for questions and answers.

“Internet Advertising – Does Your Business Need a Website?”

1:05 – 2:00 pm
Steve Cissel, 10-20, Media, Inc., Woodbine, MD

This session is designed to address today's issues with Internet Marketing, with the movement of consumer purchases from onsite to online. We will address web design, Search Engine Optimization, Vertical Directories and the practices that turn your web site into a robust sales tool. Know the stats and consumer purchasing habits to maximize your sales. Don’t let the virtual world leave you and your business behind. Questions addressed include: Do you, the business owner need a web site? If you have a web site - Is it Search Engine Optimized? Does it have inbound link strength? Does it speak to your customer?

"Business Tax Compliance - Prepare for Creeping and Galloping Maryland and Surrounding State Taxes"

2:25 - 3:20 pm
Gary Hyman, Steve Cordi and Elissa Borges, Ober|Kaler, Baltimore, MD

Tax Lawyers of the national law firm of Ober, Kaler, and Grimes & Shriver will present an analysis of current Maryland and surrounding state tax issues, with particular emphasis on sales tax issues.  Discussions will be built around tax changes resulting from the 2007 special session of the Maryland General Assembly and proposals, including the possible taxation of landscaping services, affecting the industry before the 2008 regular Maryland General Assembly session.  The panel will review current requirements in Maryland and surrounding states, as well as nexus and interstate commerce issues affecting businesses operating across state lines.

“Financial Considerations Behind the Buy, Rent, or Lease Decision”

3:25 – 4:20 pm
Bob Petrosino, John Deere Credit and Brian Garland, John Deere

In today’s sophisticated world of business and finance, it is often not easy to determine the “best” way to obtain new equipment. Join us in this session as Mr. Bob Petrosino of John Deere Credit and Brian Garland, with John Deere, explain the benefits and possible negatives associated with individual buy, rent, or lease decisions.

Interiorscape Management Track

“Selling Green or the 101 Shades of Being Green”

9:35 – 10:30 am
Barb Helfman, TOPsiders, Inc., Cincinnati, OH

This presentation will look at how being environmentally aware opens several opportunities for today and tomorrow's interiorscaper.  New sales skills will be necessary.  Barb will show participants what is, what could be, and how to make their goods and services a key component.

“Pricing 101 – Goods and Services”

11:00 – 11:55 a.m.
Barb Helfman, TOPsiders, Inc., Cincinnati, OH

Barb will go over how to price Interiorscape goods and services.  A must for the "newbie" and great for review.  This is probably one of the most critical seminars you will ever attend for the business side of your business.

“Pricing 102 – Leasing and Holiday”

1:05 – 2:00 pm
Barb Helfman, TOPsiders, Inc., Cincinnati, OH

Barb will continue and expand the prior presentation including the intricacies of Leasing, Holiday and Short Term Rentals.  After these two seminars you will no longer be afraid of bidding any job.

“New Plants for the Interiorscape”

2:25 – 3:20 pm
Lorrie Turner, Willow Run, Elkwood, VA

Back in the Interiorscape Track by popular demand, Lorrie will showcase new plants for the interiorscape and review the attributes that make them ideal for the inside.

“Dot Common Sense”

3:25 – 4:20 pm
Steve Cissel, 10-20, Media, Inc. – Publisher of Lawn and Garden Search.com, Woodbine, MD

Marketing statisticians are telling us that two out of three consumers are doing research on the Internet BEFORE they buy our products and services.  Does your web site stand out on the Internet? What about those who don’t know about you? Can the search engines find your business? Join us for a hands-on “user-friendly” web site review of businesses in the room. We’ll show the do’s and don’ts of web site design and Search Engine Marketing techniques. Bring a business card with your web address on it. Learn about the following terms: SEO, local, horizontal, vertical, broadband, critical mass, meta tags, descriptions, keywords, categories, SEM, geo-targeting, title tags, blogs, newsletters, indexing, HTML, keyword strength, inbound links, link strength, AdWords, url, content, commerce, relevance, organic results, sponsored results and more. Don’t miss this chance to make “dot common sense” of today’s Internet opportunities.

Interiorscape Technology Track

“Fresh Holiday Designs That Will Put A Jingle in Your Pocket”

9:35 – 10:30 a.m.
Janice Goodman, Cityscapes, Inc., Boston, MA

Come see some of the newest, hottest holiday design ideas in years. Let Janice Goodman, owner of Cityscapes Inc of Boston, take you on a magical sleigh ride packed full of the freshest ideas in holiday décor to glide you through the 2008 season.

“Providing Longevity in Interiorscapes”

11:00 – 11:55 a.m. (handouts)
Tom Blessington, University of Maryland Cooperative Extension, Ellicott City

Providing longevity in interiorscapes requires knowledge of production and postproduction needs of environmental and cultural factors. The areas that will be covered include light and temperature management, nutrition and substrate relationships, irrigation needs, and disorders in production and shipping environments. Other areas covered in the postproduction environment include light, gases, lasting qualities, and techniques for care and grooming all impact quality in interiorscapes. Be prepared to learn the up-to-date technology for best interior performance.

“Interiorscape Installation 101”

1:05 – 2:00 pm
John Akehurst, Akehurst Landscape Service, Joppa, MD

The job was sold, now you have to install it and maintain it.  Learn the basics of installation that will improve productivity, eliminate "do-overs" and ease the maintenance portion of the job.

“Integrating Your Interior – Getting the Bad Bugs Out of Your System”

2:25 – 3:30
Casey Sclar, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA

Pest control in the interiorscape relies on good scouting and a blend of tactics to get the bad bugs out. Casey Sclar’s lecture will show what the pest problems are and how they are managed. The discussion will focus on the accurate identification and life-cycles of typical indoor plant pests and the corresponding natural and chemical controls, with an emphasis on the least toxic methods that control the problems.

Interiorscape Recertification Track

“Disease Management Options for Interiorscapes”

9:35 – 10:30 am and 1:05 – 2:00 pm
Dr. Karen Rane, University of Maryland, College Park, MD

Managing plant diseases in ornamental crops can be a difficult task under any circumstances, but the limited options available for control of diseases in interiorscapes pose a special challenge.  Karen will present an overview of common disease problems in this environment, and describe the tools and techniques you can use to maintain a healthy interiorscape.

“The Trick to Using Biocontrol in the Real World”

11:00 – 11:55 am and 2:25– 3:20 pm
Geri Cashion, EcoSolutions, Inc., Palm Harbor, FL

Geri will discuss practical methods of incorporating biological control approaches into interiorscape management programs using live and photographic samples of beneficials and selected examples of currently important pest insects and mites. 

“Needing More Than an Apple: Thriving and Surviving in the Green Industry, A look at Safety for You and the Client”

1:05 – 2:00 pm
Chuck Schuster, University of Maryland Cooperative Extension, Derwood, MD
Dr. Brian Clark, University of Maryland, Clinton, MD

Being safe is part of being successful. Look at how safety benefits you and your clients. You want to be able to retire with all your fingers, toes, hearing and sight. Taught by U. of MD Extension Educators Brian Clark and Chuck Schuster. Check them out and see if they have all their fingers!

Marketing Track

“The Nuts and Bolts of Effective Marketing”

9:35 -10:30 am
Shannon Dill, University of Maryland Cooperative Extension, Talbot County, Easton, MD

Effective marketing is essential to every business. Learn how to create a marketing plan and develop tools for your profitable business. This presentation will include the components of a marketing plan, marketing tips, and suggestions. There will be sample plans and worksheets so you can develop a plan of you own.

Handouts

“Putting Your Marketing Plan into Action: Making the Most of Your Outlets for Sales Success”

11:00 – 11:55
Cheryl DeBerry, Garrett County Office of Economic Development, Oakland, MD
Bill and Judy Harlan, Belvedere Farm, Fallston, MD

Discussion of best practices to use (and considerations) with each marketing outlet available to you, from farmers’ markets to farm stand/store, from CSAs to selling to garden centers, restaurants, and other retailers. Learn tricks of the trade for each marketing venue to boost sales, gain customers, and increase your share of the pie. Local growers, Judy and Bill Harlan of Belvedere Farm, will discuss some unique marketing techniques they use in their successful operations.

Day 2

Commercial Applicators

“Practical Uses of Tree Growth Regulator Technology”

8:15 – 9:05 am
Jim Zwack, Rainbow Tree Care, Minneapolis, MN

Why put up with ‘cowlick’ growth on your trees and shrubs. Control freaks will love what this expert has to share with you.

“Reducing Risk While Managing Pests in Ornamentals”

9:10 – 10:00 am
Brian Kunkel, University of Delaware, Newark, DE

The session will discuss reduced risk pesticides available for controlling different insect pests with brief biology of the relevant pest.  The presentation will also provide information about boxwood leafminer control using imidacloprid or dinotefuran.  The project was a collaborative effort with Casey Sclar at Longwood Gardens.  We evaluated product efficacy, persistence in the plant, and effects on boxwood spider mites.  Product efficacy was evaluated for a year after application.

“Pushing Systemic Pesticides to the Limit”

10:15 – 11:05
Stanton Gill, University of MD Cooperative Extension, Ellicott City, MD and Rich Anacker, Maryland Department of Agriculture, Annapolis, MD

In 2007, U of MD Cooperative Extension conducted trials at its research facility in Ellicott City and at Raemelton Farm in Frederick County to evaluate systemic insecticides and ways to make them more cost effective. The research team’s innovative application methods and results of the trial will be shared with the audience.

Rich Anacker will discuss his current research trial, which includes application of various fungicides for treatment of gummosis of cherry trees.

 

“Reducing the Risk of Having to Deal With Bacterial Leaf Scorch on Shade Trees”

11:10 – 12:00 pm
Beth Brantley, Pennsylvania State University, Mont Alto, PA

Why do certain species become at risk for this disease. Once you have the disease what do you do about it?

Handouts

 

“Dealing with Hairy Pests in Nurseries and Landscapes”

1:00 – 1:55 pm
Brian Clark, University of Maryland Cooperative Extension, Clinton, MD

Pests come in all shapes and sizes. Mr. Clark will discuss some of the “hairier” ones encountered at the production nursery and landscape site. Learn what to look out for, how to prevent encounter with workers, and safe eradication methods.

“Disease Resistant Crape Myrtles - Reducing the Risk of Devastating Diseases Through Plant Breeding”

2:00 – 2:55 pm
Margaret Pooler, United States National Arboretum, Washington, DC

Crepe Myrtle are hot! What are the resistant varieties? Which cultivars are the ones to grow in Maryland? This session will help attendees identify a worthy investment in our local market.

“Applicator Recertification for Everyone”

3:00 – 3:20 pm
Ed Crow, Maryland Department of Agriculture

Everyone applying for recertification credits must attend this mandatory session.

Nutrient Management

“Hollies and Maples - Tree Fertilization Research and Results”

1:00 – 1:55 pm
Stanton Gill and Chuck Schuster, University of Maryland Cooperative Extension

The University of Maryland Cooperative Extension has been working with Ruppert Nurseries, Inc. and Waverly Farm over the last four years in conducting trials to evaluate the best methods and rates to fertilize trees. Our results are very interesting and the information we obtained may save you money.

“Water Wisely”

2:00 – 2:55 pm
Dr. Andrew Ristvey, University of Maryland Cooperative Extension, Queenstown, MD

Dr. Ristvey will discuss the latest research and best management practices in irrigation and water use. Learn how to protect one of our nation’s most precious and un-renewable resources. Get on board with water-wise BMP’s to sustain your business and our environment.

Greenhouse

“Basics of Going Organic in the Greenhouse”

1:00 – 1:55 pm
John Speaker, Speaker’s Gardens LLC

Organically grown plants and food are increasing in popularity. We will explore some of the questions and answers encountered in the certification process for greenhouse organic growing.

“Using Disease for Thrips Control - Breakthrough in Entomopathogenic Fungi”

 2:00 – 2:55 pm
Stanton Gill, University of Maryland Cooperative Extension, Central MD

The University of Maryland Cooperative Extension conducted trials in 2007 with two Maryland growers and at the University of Maryland Greenhouses to evaluate a new entomnopathogenic fungus for control of thrips in greenhouses. This material will offer growers a new option in the battle against thrips. 

Aquatics

“Herbicide Alternatives in Pond Management”

1:00 – 1:55 pm
Kelly Billing, Maryland Aquatic Nurseries, Jarrettsville, MD

Kelly will explore problem-solving alternatives to herbicides in storm water management ponds, “hot” effluent ponds, and aquaculture farms. Find out what cutting edge programs and research projects on a number of fronts have provided to solving this great environmental conflict.

Handouts

“Aquatic Weed Control: Tools and Tips”

2:00 – 2:55 pm
Don Webster, University of Maryland Cooperative Extension, Queenstown, MD

This program will provide an overview of the types of aquatic plants encountered in the Maryland area.  It will cover the management of watersheds as a means of controlling nuisance plants and managing water quality.  The methods of determining treatment programs suitable for the water body will be described, and considerations necessary in the formulating controls will be included.  Mechanical, biological, and chemical control methods will be provided in overview, and current herbicides for the treatment of impoundments will be discussed.  Alternative treatment methods to currently being researched will be described.
 

Weed Management

“The Invasion of the Invasive Weeds”

1:00 – 1:55 pm
Ginny Rosenkrantz, University of Maryland Cooperative Extension, Wicomico County

Learn what is considered an invasive weed in the landscape and what to do about it.

 

“Weed Control for the Nursery and Landscape: How Can we Improve on What we do to Keep the Site Weed Free?”

2:00 – 2:55 pm
Chuck Schuster, University of Maryland Cooperative Extension, Montgomery County

Look at the ways we can control weeds through traditional chemical products, some non traditional methods and what soil pH can do to help or hurt the products we use.