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IN THIS ISSUE:2014 President’s MessagePassion And Action ................................................................................................. 4 By Wade Bartlett, CLT, EPC, 2014 WALP State President

Human ResourcesStable Workforce Through The H-2B Program .....................................................5 By Dan Fazio, Director Of WAFLA

Lasting Landscapes Sustainabilty .............................................................................................................6 By Bill Peregrine, EPC, President, Earthdance Organics, LLC

Ask The ArboristParrotia Persica, Persian Ironwood Or Cultivars Of ‘Ruby Vase’, ‘Vanessa’, And ‘Persian Spire’ ...................................................................................................7 By Jim Barborinas, Owner, Urban Forestry Services, Inc.

Stellar Work Greenleaf Landscaping Shines .................................................................................8

2015 Conference Fearlessly Exploring Our Advances In The Green Industry: Program & Registration .....11

Contractor SpotlightAn Evolving Company Is Making Its Mark On The Industry .................................20

Supplier SpotlightBarkdusters Is A Family Business First ....................................................................22

Meeting Of The MindsHighlights Of The WALP Leadership Retreat ........................................................25 In Every Issue:What’s New ........................................................................................................ 24

New Members ................................................................................................ 25

WALP Chapter Information ................................................... 26

Northwest Landscape ProfessionalThe NWLP – Northwest Landscape Professional – is the official publication of the Washington Association of Landscape Professionals and is published and distributed monthly to WALP members. Price per copy is $4.50. Subscription service is included with WALP member-ship and extended gratis to select courtesy subscribers.

2014 WALP Board of DirectorsPresident Wade Bartlett, CLT, EPC Rock Solid Landscapes, LLCPresident-Elect Linda Carroll Jefferson LandscapingSecretary Lori de Leuw designs by de LeuwTreasurer Larry Zimmer, CLT Rock Solid Landscapes, LLCPast President Will Bailey, CLT, CLP, CIC, EPC Signature Landscape Services, Inc.Associate Representative Preston Farner Walker Mowers/Coates Landscape SupplyInland Empire Chapter Position VacantKing County Chapter David Jensen Native Green LandscapesNorthwest Chapter Position VacantPeninsula Chapter Richard Hedahl, CLT, EPC Hedahl Landscape, Deck & PatioPierce County Chapter Niwar Nasim Nasim & Sons, Inc.Snohomish County Chapter Deby Kohlwes The Grounds ProfessionalsSouthwest Chapter Bart Davis, CLT Davis Landscape, LLCThurston County Chapter Richard Casey Casey’s Landscaping

WALP OfficePatty Anderson, CAE, IOM, Executive DirectorKelsi Brisebois, Executive AssistantLinda Browne, NWLP EditorGloria Major, Finance ManagerChristine Opiela, Website AdministratorAmy Phillips, Certification AdministratorTammy Reniche, Publications Director

23607 Highway 99, Ste 2C • Edmonds, WA 98026(800) 833-2186 • (425) 967-0729Website: www.walp.org • E-mail: info@walp.org

Material may not be reproduced or photocopied in any form without written permission of the Washington Association of Landscape Professionals. Copyright 2014.

3

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2015 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

January 22 – 24WALP/WSNLA Northwest

Green Industry ConferenceHotel MuranoTacoma, WA

January 23Landscape Industry

Certified Written ExamHotel MuranoTacoma, WA

April 22PLANET

Day Of ServiceNationwide

October 21 - 23PLANET

Green Industry ConferenceLouisville Marriott Downtown

Louisville, KY

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President’s Message

“An association can be like a fine wine. It takes some time before the wine is

good and ready to drink.” Mission Statement For The Washington Association Of

Landscape Professionals

To promote professionalism, integrity,and education within the LandscapeIndustry through the members weserve.

Vision Statement For The Washington

Association Of Landscape Professionals

• The Washington Association of Landscape Professionals is a publicly recognized and unified industry of landscape professionals who embody business and technical excellence.

• The Washington Association of Landscape Professionals provides and promotes the opportunity to educate, mentor, certify, and sup-port its members.

• The Washington Association of Landscape Professionals’ members receive value and benefit by sharing knowledge, resources, and experi-ence.

• The Washington Association of Landscape Professionals is the net-working place and referral resource for “Landscape Industry” profes-sionals.

“Defining Professionalism In The Landscape Industry”

This has been a busy year and, yes, I am writing my last President’s Message. I

know many Past Presidents have reflected on how the time flew by and that it was an amazing year. I would like to say that the time really passed quick-ly and that this has been a truly remarkable year. WALP continues to be an important and leading association for landscape contractors.

What has being President for a year meant to me? At first I was overwhelmed with the task ahead and then I realized there are many people that are truly interested in the success of this association and quickly stood by me. At my first Board Meeting I had a hard time getting through all the agenda items. Although it seems there are few items to get through, they all take their time to develop and become complete. An association can be like a fine wine. It takes some time before the wine is good and ready to drink. I think that is good that things have to run their course in order for us to make the right decisions. It was hard for me to sit back and not dictate, but the association truly is run by a democracy and all decisions must be vetted before a proper outcome can be achieved. Ev-ery President has his year defined for him. We can talk about the conversions of management methods, buildings, fiscal implosions, but this has been a year of transition. The transition has been smooth as we leave the major difficulties behind and define our future.

We are starting to see the outcome of the de-cision to incorporate MemberClicks as WALP’s association management system that drives the website. My hope was that this would become a bridge to communicate across the distance and time that our busy lives occupy. We are social people, and we have joined an association for various reasons. I like to think the main one is to be around like-minded people. The econo-my really took some of the steam out of being able to break away from the company business and make WALP a priority. I feel that this is changing and the pull of our time has eased with a better economy. This comes just in time, after we came from an enthusiastic Strategic Planning Retreat. The interaction with “Circles” through MemberClicks and “WALP Wednesday” are lighting up the webpage. The tool we have in-

vested in is opening channels and an informa-tion exchange that have been difficult in the past to observe.

We have focused on our core events and pulled off many strategic events as well that define us as an association. If you were privileged to attend events such as the Conference, ecoPRO train-ing, Field Day, Golf Tournament, Landscape In-dustry Certified - Technician Testing, and Stra-tegic Planning, then you know what I am talking about. A new year will bring the advent of a new Conference, and this is where you can hop on board and become part of this active tidal move-ment. During all our efforts to unite with our friends at WSNLA, we stayed true to the events that help make us a viable association. Although we did not succeed in continuing that discussion and uniting with WSNLA, we have many events that were made all the better through collaborat-ing. We will continue to invite them into our world as they have so graciously included us in theirs. And who knows in the future, we may open that door again if compelling reasons pres-ent themselves. For now though, it is WALP’s agenda full steam ahead.

By deciding to table the discussion of joining with WSNLA, the focus was able to turn inter-nally back to WALP and its mission. Recently at the Strategic Planning Retreat, we had a chance to visit that mission and help redefine it. It was exciting and meaningful to turn a myopic eye on the values of WALP. No longer was there any hold pattern. What I saw and heard was passion and action. I have no fear or doubt that WALP will grow this year – attracting more members from the contracting world and other areas that find this association the right fit – and continue to supply the tools and networking members need to be more professional and successful.

WALP has for me produced some close friends and given me the strength to achieve something bigger than my own path alone. It has truly been humbling and a privilege to be your President this year. I will continue to be ac-tive in WALP and hope to grow with the asso-ciation. Please plan on attending our breakfast meeting at the Conference where you can see so many of the amazing people that have helped me get to this point. Thank you!

Passion And ActionBy Wade Bartlett, CLT, EPC, 2014 WALP State President Rock Solid Landscapes, Seattle

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Hum

an Resources

Q. I am going to need workers in 2015, and I am scared that land-scape firms are being targeted for I-9 audits from Immigrations Cus-toms Enforcement (ICE) that can result in me losing my best workers. What are my alternatives?

A. You are correct. As the economy improves, especially in construc-tion, the workforce is getting very tight, and there is no question that the Landscape Industry is on the target list for Form I-9 audits. In ad-dition to checking whether you correctly completed the Form I-9, ICE auditors check whether your workers presented fraudulent documents or are otherwise not eligible to work in the U.S. When notified that workers are not work authorized, employers are generally given ten days to terminate these workers. Obviously, this could cripple any landscape company if the audit occurred in a busy season.

You can’t prevent ICE from asking for your documents, but you can be prepared with a Plan B. And Plan B means H-2B. By using the H-2B program, your company is demonstrating to ICE that it is serious about obtaining a legal workforce. After a couple of years of problems, the H-2B program is working again, and it is very affordable. There is a keen competition right now for available slots for April 1, traditionally a time for many landscape companies to start work.

The first step to participate in the H-2B Program is to file for a Pre-vailing Wage Determination. This Prevailing Wage Determination, issued by the Department of Labor (DOL), is based on employers’ re-sponses to a wage survey and reflects the minimum pay that your H-2B worker must receive.

Unfortunately, the govern-ment prevailing wage data is coming back with crazy results. For example, the government prevailing wage for a landscap-ing and grounds keeping worker in the Seattle-Bellevue-Everett metro area is currently $15.53 per hour. According to landscape companies we contacted, that is too high by a long shot; and would preclude use of the H-2B program.

Good news: Private surveys are permitted. And this fall, WALP and several landscap-ing companies in King County commissioned Washington State University to conduct a survey to challenge the federal wage man-date.

The survey found the average wage for entry level landscape

workers prior to June 2014 in the Seattle, Tacoma, and Bellevue MSA to be $11.08. WALP members should be proud that their association is taking a leadership role in this matter. WSU did a great job on the survey and we are optimistic it will be acceptable to the feds.

Right now, WAFLA is using the Prevailing Wage Survey from WALP for various landscaping companies and requesting that it be ac-cepted by DOL. If you are interested in using this new survey and you are a WALP member, WAFLA can help. We can guide you through the entire H-2B process of application, recruiting domestic and foreign workers, and drafting a contract that is compliant with labor laws.

Applications to meet deadlines for the spring 2015 season need to be filed by the end of 2014. WALP members can request a consulta-tion today at wafla.org/guestworkers or call us at (360) 455-8064.

Please contact us with any questions you may have on this topic or any other labor and employment questions. You may submit unlimited questions anytime via HRAnswers located at the member’s only tab that appears after login at wafla.org.

This column is produced by the Washington Farm Labor Association (WAFLA) for informational purposes only. The items contained herein are provided for general information and do not constitute legal advice. WAFLA does not provide legal advice or counsel; and readers should make their own inquiries before making any decision based on this or any other information received from WAFLA.

Stable Workforce Through The H-2B Program By Dan Fazio, Director of Washington Farm Labor Association (WAFLA)

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6

“Maybe these books keep drawing me in because I continue to push the envelope on organic and sustainable

practices, or maybe they are the books of our Industry’s future.”

Top Sustainability Books By Bill Peregrine, EPC, President, Earthdance Organics LLC

Continued on next page

Lasting Landscapes

My Top ReadsAs you might imagine, after 25 years in the Industry, my book-

shelf is jammed full of horticulture books. I won’t even begin to list them, as there isn’t enough space available in this magazine. But, yes, my 40th anniversary copy of Sunset’s Western Garden Book con-tinues to be a fabulous reference guide even as I peel apart the stuck together pages and read between the circles left behind by my cof-fee cup.

Four books rise to the top and continue to pull me back in and offer new ways of seeing things that I may not have noticed before. Maybe these books keep drawing me in because I continue to push the envelope on organic and sustainable practices, or maybe they are the books of our industry’s future. Whatever the draw, I find them fascinating almost to the point that my daughter finds Harry Potter books fascinating. Now that’s big!

But before we begin, the one book that changed my entire way of thinking about the earth as a living organism and is required reading for all my employees is The Soil Biology Primer by Elaine Ingham. A short book of only 48 pages, it was first published in 2000 and clearly describes all the characters found in the soil and their role in creating healthy soil structures. I don’t read it myself anymore maybe because I have the book memorized, but probably more so because the next book on the list (#1) is a much more in-depth look at these 48 pages. But, if you want a summary of what is happening in our soils – something that won’t overburden your

employees – read this book.

#1: We begin the list with the 2010 book by Jeff Lowenfels, Teaming With Microbes. OMG! Talk about taking a ride into the living world under our feet! This book is sick! It’s a bomb! Or, as my un-hip-dad-self would say, “It is awesome!” It takes the 48 pages of The Soil Biology Primer, adds 10 years of additional field and laboratory expe-

rience, and explains why life on earth really depends on the life in the soil. Once you have read this book, you will never look at a handful of soil the same way again.

#2: Yes, Jeff Lowenfels stays at the top. This time with a 2013 release, Teaming With Nutrients. Playing off Teaming With Microbes, this book goes into the complex and ultra-fascinating world of biol-

ogy, chemistry, and botany explaining how nutrients get to the plants, get into the plants, and what they do once they are in there. Yes, there are illustrations of cells and photos of proteins and the like, but this is an easily digested book where you do not need a college-level degree in science to understand it. For the first time I actually understand Cation Exchange Capacity. Sure I’ve known the principle for years, but now

it is real. Yes, this book is not for your average gardener, but then again, you are not the average gardener.

#3: We need to step way back to 1993 with a book by Sara Stein, Noah’s Gar-den. Quite the change from the previous two books, this one talks about restor-ing the ecology of our own backyards. In some ways, it may have been a motivat-ing book to the more recent writers like

Ingham and Lowenfels. This book came to me only recently from a landscape designer where it was required reading in her horticulture school. It is as relevant today as it was in 1993. In some ways, it may be more important today because we are finally talking about what some people like Sara Stein envisioned back in the early 1990s.

I won’t use this space to reprint parts of her book, but pick up a copy and flip to page 43 and read why ecosystem services like waste disposal, water purification, pest suppression, and plant pollination depend on biodiversity and all human attempts to substitute large-scale inorganic

solutions have failed (hello neonic-otinoids and GMOs). This would be a good book to read away from the office in your quiet time.

#4: Toby Hemenway’s Gaia’s Garden is a book about permacul-ture – a closed-loop system where theoretically nothing comes into

7

Ask The A

rborist

Continued from previous page

the system and nothing leaves. I’ve just started to scratch the sur-face of this book and find it quite challenging. If your goal is to create a permaculture garden, this is a step-by-step guide that will get you there. But if your goal, like mine, is to install and maintain organic and sustainable landscapes, then the principles and prac-tices presented here will force you to reevaluate your current way of doing things. A real head scratcher and one I could see creating a WALP Circle around.

But isn’t that the joy of gardening – to continue to look more deeply into nature and see how she does things? Nature is its own self-sustaining system. The more we align with that system, the more we understand about the true origin of things and the more rewarding our life becomes. Well, at least for me.

While that concludes my top four books, I would be remiss to not mention Michael Pollan and any number of books that he has writ-ten. In particular I really liked Second Nature: A Gardener’s Educa-

tion. Pollan is amazing in his ability to discern the issues we face, and most of his work revolves around our natural environment making it relevant to what we do every day.

And finally, the one book I am really looking forward to re-ceiving is written by another Northwest Landscaper, Jessi Bloom of NW Bloom Ecological Landscapes, Practical Permaculture For Home Landscapes, Your Community And The Whole Earth, due out this spring and available for pre-order on Amazon.

Bill Peregrine, President, Earthdance Organics, LLC is one of the first 22 ecoPROs in Washington State. He is a designer, builder, and manager of organic and sustainable landscapes. With more than 25 years of horticultural experience, he has learned to look beyond “con-ventional” landscape practices and find ways to replicate nature’s nat-urally occurring systems. You can follow his blog at www.earthdan-ceorganics.com, e-mail him at billp@earthdanceorganics.com, call him at (253) 927-2523, or “Connect” with him at www.walp.org.

The Parrotia, or Persian Ironwood, is a curious and under-utilized tree that deserves much more attention. One reason for this limited use may be its rather challenging structure. Irregu-lar limb location and development make it difficult to train and grow as a tree. Despite this, it can be a real gem! Surprisingly, the Parrotia can get large, as apparent in the Seattle specimen over 50 feet tall noted in Arthur Lee Jacobs’ Trees Of Seattle, but it will take some time. Most noteworthy of the species Parrotia is the rainbow of fall colors it provides. However, I was also pleasantly surprised this late February when I spotted the crimson-red ‘anthers’ on the flowers, providing winter interest, much like the Cornus mas with its yellow winter flowers.

Leaves on most Parrotia emerge with attractive dark crimson edges that stay green through summer. In fall, they go through an autumn transition of yellows, reds, and purples, each one a little different. Not surprisingly, the leaf shape is similar to Witch Hazel, due to the Parrotia descending from the Hamamelidaceae, or Witch Hazel, family. The bark is gray and becomes platy or flaking with age. The crown can be dense with crooked, crisscrossing limbs, and pro-viding much character in form with age. Generally, the species is relatively broad and a bit unruly, so a wide birth is needed in most installations.

To meet the limitations for landscapes with less planting space, at least three new and nar-rower vase shaped cultivars are now available, named ‘Ruby Vase’, ‘Vanessa’, and ‘Persian Spire’. All appear to be equally narrow and colorful, with subtle differences that remain to be seen.

The literature has noted its shallow root system, and I have observed some poor rooting, even in installations that I considered to have good soil. Poorly staked trees may start to lean in especially windy locations. Therefore, starting with a good dense root system in well draining soil is recommended. The Parrotia appears to transplant moderately easy; however, they are a little slow to establish in some cases. I have never seen any disease or insect problem with the Parrotia, and the literature suggests it is a pest free tree.

The Parrotia is definitely a tree variety to consider as a street, landscape, or garden tree, espe-cially any of the new cultivars for street tree locations. As always, let me know your experience with the Parrotia Persica.

Jim Barborinas, an ISA Certified Arborist, owns and operates Urban Forest Nursery, Inc. – a wholesale tree nursery specializing in street and landscape trees, as well as Urban Forestry Services, Inc. (www.urbanforestryservices.com) that offers arboricultural consulting within and around ur-ban environments. For more information, Jim may be contacted at jimb-ufsinc@wavecable.com.

Parrotia Persica, Persian Ironwood Or Cultivars Of ‘Ruby Vase’, ‘Vanessa’, And ‘Persian Spire’By Jim Barborinas, Owner, Urban Forestry Services, Inc.

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Cover: An intersection with a natural look at the northwest part of Coeur d’Alene Place.

Stellar Work

A roundabout intersection, church, and apartments at the northeast part of Coeur d’Alene Place.

Stellar Work

Greenleaf Landscaping ShinesMaintenance Of This Major Planned Community Wins Kudos

Coeur d’Alene is one of Idaho’s most treasured cities - a desti-nation for tourists, a center of commerce for the northern part of the Gem State, and one of the most picturesque cities in America. And, Coeur d’Alene Place is a treasured part of this beautiful city. Keeping it looking great is the task of Greenleaf Landscaping, and the skill with which they maintain it won the Spokane-based firm a 2013 WALP Environmental Landscape Award.

Coeur d’Alene Place is a master planned community in the northwest part of the city. Every street is lined with trees with wide sidewalks and paved trails that allow for walking and biking throughout the community. This large development boasts miles of green space, many neighborhood parks, and an extensive trail system running more than 10 miles. The Prairie Trail connects homes through neighborhood trails into a larger trail system and downtown Coeur d’Alene.

Sustainable building practices, energy efficiency and environmen-tal stewardship are important values of Greenstone, the developers of Coeur d’Alene Place, and Greenleaf Landscaping takes these values into account in their maintenance philosophy and processes.

The turf is kept lush, green, weed-free, mowed, and properly irri-gated in a sustainable way. The trail system is kept clean and crisply edged, and the 3,000-plus trees located on the site are pruned, fer-tilized, and kept pest-free.

What makes Greenleaf ’s feat so challenging and remarkable is the sheer size of the development’s common area (about 40 acres of tree-lined green space and parks), pruning those 3,000 trees, edging all ten miles of paved trail system, not to mention the mowing, irriga-tion, and managing the turf health of the extensive lawn areas.

All this takes careful planning, pride of workmanship, and a heap of professional skill. It shows in the appearance of the finished prod-uct and in the satisfaction of a whole lot of homeowners.

Greenleaf Landscaping is a year-round landscape maintenance com-pany that has been serving the Spokane area since 1980. They are a family-owned business with a highly qualified staff of field and office professionals, including licensed spray applicators, certified arborists, and certified landscape technicians. Greenleaf applies the same care for all of their clients, from individual residences to large commercial areas. Their goal is to always be as environmentally friendly as possible. They specialize in natural pruning, Integrated Pest Management, ex-cellent customer service, and outstanding work.

Idaho’s nickname is the “Gem State”, because nearly every known type of gemstone has been found there, and Greenleaf Landscaping has been polishing this “gem” to an award-winning shine. Con-gratulations from your WALP colleagues.

For more information on the company, visit their website at www.greenleafwa.com.

Continued on next page

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Photo 1 An entry monument

at the southwest main entry of Coeur d’Alene Place.

Photo 2The view across the

street just west of the main entry.

Photo 3Green grass and a va-

riety of maturing trees along Dolton Street.

Photo 4The center of the

neighborhood with a play structure.

Photo 5Dino Park with foot-

prints and dinosaur “bones” at the southwest part of development.

logo (4-color CMYK)

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Luminaire: 0.10.11.34

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DUSK - 8PM 8 - 10PM 10 - 12MID 12 - 2AM

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Friday, January 23, 2015

7:30 – 8:30 am Registration & Tabletop Displays Name badges sponsored by Vibrant Plants Visit sponsor tables, learn about new products, and hear what services are available.

8:30 – 9:45 am WALP & WSNLA Annual Business Meetings & Breakfast

10:00 – 11:45 am General Conference Session “Crafting The Customer Experience For People Not Like You: How To Delight & Engage The Customers Your Competitors Don’t Understand“ By Kenja Purkey, McDonald Marketing • Amarillo, Texas

You cannot control the economy, the stock market, or the costs of goods and labor. But you can control your organization’s customer experience. It’s an empowering thought. Customer service is 100 percent in

your control at all times, and it’s more important than ever in today’s competitive business environment. In addition, a “one-size fits all” approach to customer service is no longer viable. Businesses competing on service need to understand and cater to customers’ racial, ethnic, religious, generational, lifestyle, and geographic differences in order to meet or exceed customers’ service expectations. This session will help you deliver a better business experience for every kind of customer by showing you how companies, brands, and products struggling to differentiate themselves in a “sea of sameness” can foster long-term loyalty and brand preference with exceptional and customized customer service. Core customer groups will be covered, including women, the five generations, racial and ethnic segments, as well as those who are defined by key lifestyle and life-stage attributes. Take-a-ways include:

• The latest techniques that innovative companies are using today to train their staff to deliver an exceptional customer experience.• Best practices among leading companies and brands.• Key consumer insights that will help you deliver a better business experience for every customer.

Presenter: Kenja Purkey is Director of Strategic Planning at McDonald Marketing. Featured in “PR Week” and “Accent West” magazines, Kenja is a media, marketing, and advertising professional with more than 20 years of experience. She is a former news anchor and media representative for a member of Congress and has 15 years of general marketing and advertising experience in both the government and private sector. She specializes in social media and generational media consumption habits. Kenja has spoken for large corporations and associations, including Burger King, the National Electrical Distributors Association, the National Travel Association, and the Auto Glass Safety Association, to name a few.

11:45 am – 1:15 pm Luncheon & Keynote Presentation “The Future Of Horticulture” By Dr. Marvin Miller, Ball Horticultural Company • West Chicago, IllinoisSponsored by NW Farm Credit Services

Dr. Marvin Miller will fearlessly explore the future of the Horticulture Industry as he addresses trends affecting it. From the increasing need for well-educated and trained employees making it more important

than ever to promote horticulture as a professional career, to the increasing market demands for sustainable products and services and how the Industry is responding, Dr. Miller will share insight on the many pivotal issues facing the Nursery and Landscape Industry.

Presenter: Dr. Marvin Miller is Market Research Manager for Ball Horticultural Company, a position he has had since 1983. Marvin has both horticultural and agricultural marketing backgrounds, having received a B.S. in horticulture and a M.S. in agricultural economics from Purdue University and a Ph.D. in food and resource economics, majoring in agricultural marketing, from the University of Florida. The focus of his research efforts involves the changing structure, conduct, and performance of the Horticulture Industry, with current emphasis on North American floriculture. Marvin has served on the Board of Directors of America in Bloom (AIB) since its founding in 2001, has served as President of the Board of Directors for AIB from 2005 until 2014, and is currently serving as Past-President.

1:30 – 5:00 pm Landscape Industry Certified - Technician Written ExamIn need of passing one or more of the Landscape Industry Certified - Technician written tests to earn your certification? If so, why wait until next September when you can sit for the exam in January at the Northwest Green Industry Conference. For more information or to register, contact the WALP Office at (425) 967-0729 or certification@walp.org.

1:30 – 3:00 pm Breakout Sessions

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Friday, January 23, 2015 (continued)

Business – Breakout Session #1“Is Your Website Up To Snuff?”By Kyle Aronson, Northwest Flower & Garden Show/O’Loughlin Trade Shows • Tacoma, Washington

When was the last time you updated your website? Not just changed a phone number or added a service, but really gave it a good overhaul? The Green Industry moves fast – the best practices for the web have changed since even last year. If you’re looking to upgrade your site to help your business be more competitive, this

session is a great place to start. We’re also going to cover some basic, but important, do’s and don’ts of website design.

Presenter: Throughout and after attending college at WSU where he received a degree in landscape architecture, Kyle Aronson worked for a landscape/build company in Spokane. In 2004, he moved to the Seattle area and took a job that has morphed into becoming the Webmaster and Graphic Designer for O’Loughlin Trade Shows’ family of consumer trade shows, including the Northwest Flower & Garden Show. Previously, Kyle also had his own website design business that helped small businesses.

Technical – Breakout Session #1“Healing Gardens – Recent Trends In Their Acceptance & Best Practices In Their Design”By Teresia Hazen, Legacy Health • Portland, Oregon

The history of hospitals with gardens goes back many centuries. Today, we design and program gardens to serve patient, visitor, and employee needs. In some health care systems, the garden is funded in patient care services. This session gives a brief history of the garden in health care. Interdisciplinary design team process tips and

techniques will be shared, including educational materials for the design team sessions. The business case for gardens is presented, and we look at successful funding processes. General design guidelines will be reviewed and participants will receive a practical resource list.

Presenter: Teresia Hazen, MEd, HTR, QMHP has been with Legacy Health in Portland, Oregon since 1991. Teresia is responsible for pioneering the horticultural therapy program and therapeutic gardens for Legacy’s long-term care and skilled nursing patients. Today, she oversees eleven therapeutic gardens and horticultural therapy work. Teresia calls upon her extensive, broad-based background to facilitate interdisciplinary garden design teams and to develop therapeutic programs in healthcare gardens. She has taught, lectured, and consulted regarding gardens in health care, horticultural therapy for a wide variety of populations, benefits of gardening, health benefits of nearby nature, therapeutic garden design, participatory design process, and gardens in senior living communities.

Nursery – Breakout Session #1“Pollinator Health & The Nursery Industry”Dr. Steve Sheppard, Washington State University • Pullman, WA

This session will provide an overview of the state of bee pollinators, including the various factors and challenges impacting honey bee health, from nutrition and genetics to pest, diseases, pesticides, and more. Make sure you and your business are up to speed on this important topic and find out what steps are being

taken by the Horticulture Industry to ensure their sustainability because of their important role in the life cycle of plants and humans.

Presenter: Dr. Steve Sheppard is the Entomology Department Chair and a Graduate Faculty Professor at Washington State University whose main area of interest is population genetics and evolution of honey bees, insect introductions, and mechanisms of genetic differentiation. Prior to joining WSU in 1996, Dr. Sheppard was a research entomologist for the USDA Bee Research Laboratory. He is an acclaimed author of numerous articles and publications.

3:00 – 3:15 pm Tabletop Displays & Beverage Break Sponsored by Mutual Materials

3:15 – 4:45 pm Breakout Sessions

Business – Breakout Session #2 “Hyper Local Trends & Media Messaging”By Josh Dunn, Premier Media Group • Tacoma, Washington

Hear straight from the source what 425 and South Sound magazines readers are trending in products, services, and requests for information. From foodies to DIYers, sustainability plays a key role. This fun discussion will enlighten you to hyper local trends, provide effective techniques for you to improve your

fearlessly exploring our advances in the green industry

15

media messaging, and take it to the next level.

Presenter: Josh Dunn is the Founder and CEO of Premier Media Group. His 20-year career has focused on building creative media brands and publishing magazines for a variety of markets, including the much recognized brands of “South Sound” and “425” magazines. Since the opening of his business, Dunn and his team have published more than 250,000 magazines with readership well into six figures. He excels in marketing, identifying key niches, and building strong relationships. Dunn has been featured on Evening Magazine, Q13 Morning News, KBTC, and HGTV.

Technical – Breakout Session #2“Healthy Soils, Healthy Plants”By Doug Collins, Center For Sustaining Ag & Natural Resources • Puyallup, Washington

The key to our health starts with our soil, as healthy soils are essential to maintain the quality of our food, the purity of our water, and the cleanliness of the air we breathe. We, as Green Industry professionals, know, however, that the foundation is often neglected. Find out how to restore and maintain the health of the

soil ecosystem, the soil food web. Soil remediation solutions that will be discussed include: Creating humus through decomposing organic matter, improving soil structure by binding particles and creating microaggregates, protecting roots from diseases and parasites, and much more!

Presenter: Doug Collins is Extension Educator for Washington State University’s Small Farms Program. His extension programs and research focus on soil quality and fruit and vegetable production for small farms. Doug has a Ph.D. in soil science from Washington State University, an M.S. in plant pathology from Montana State University, and serves on the Board of Directors of Tilth Producers of Washington.

Nursery – Breakout Session #2“Perrennials From Around The World”By Dan Heims, Terra Nova Nurseries • Canby, Oregon

Join Dan on a whirlwind tour of ten horticultural countries - Japan, China, Germany, Tasmania, Australia, Holland, England, Ireland, New Zealand, and the United States - to learn how new plants are discovered. Meet the movers and shakers in each country, plus the plants they love. Focusing primarily on hardy

perennails, Dan’s presentation will feature exceptional hardy “temperennials”. Participants will also learn how to legally bring plans into the United States.

Presenter: Since 1973, Dan Heims has been involved in all facets of horticulture. He has taught hort courses, whole-saled exotic plants, and run his own design-and-installation landscape business. He’s currently President of Terra Nova Nurseries. Terra Nova’s breeding programs have produced numerous international gold- and silver-medal winners, not to mention 800 plant introductions.

5:30 – 7:30 pm “The Green Industry’s Got Talent!” Reception & Dinner

During this special awards program, WSNLA will pay tribute to its members and leaders for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the Association and the Green Industry over the past year.

And following in the footsteps of the top-rated TV show “America’s Got Talent”, the evening will include a talent show featuring acts by some of the Green Industry’s hottest performers. So if you are a singer, dancer, comedian, magician, impressionist, juggler, or other kind of hopeful star and would like to vie for the chance to win over Conference attendees and a special prize, refer to the Conference Registration Form for submitting your act for consideration. You thought last year’s “Project Greenway” event was a hoot, “The Green Industry’s Got Talent” will be an experience like no other!

8:00 – 9:30 pm “Laugh Out Loud” Back By Popular Demand Optional Event

One of the best feelings in the world is the deep-rooted belly laugh. It can bring people together and establish amazing connections. There is so much to love about laughter that it seems greedy to look for more, but that’s exactly what Conference organizers are doing – providing you with an opportunity to finish the evening off with some light-hearted fun and laughter. Join Conference attendees at the Tacoma Comedy Club featuring comedian Chad Daniels.

(Optional event registration fee includes Comedy Club admission ticket. Transportation not included as the Tacoma Comedy Club is less than a half a mile from the Conference hotel. Limited tickets are available so make your reservations early.)

DAN HEIMS Curriculum Vitae

Since 1973, Dan Heims has been deeply involved in all facets of horticulture. He has taught horticulture courses, whole-saled exotic plants, and run his own design-and-installation landscape busi-ness. He’s currently the president of Terra Nova Nurseries, Inc., a company noted for its many new introductions to horticulture. Terra Nova’s breeding pro-grams have produced numerous inter-national gold- and silver-medal winners,

not to mention an impressive 800 plant introductions. Dan’s articles and photography have been featured in a number of magazines. He has hosted a weekly radio gardening show on KKSN and has appeared on The Martha Stewart TV Show, Martha Stewart Omnimedia Radio, HGTV, and the BBC. His work and his garden have been featured in USA Today, Forbes, Better Homes and Gardens, Sunset Magazine, and Organic Gardening.

Dan is a published author, having written the humorous Garden Clerk’s Dictionary, and he co-authored Heucheras and Heucherellas with Grahame Ware (re-released by Tim-ber Press in 2005). Dan travels the world in search of the newest perennials. Along the way, he uses his unique blend of knowledge, wit, and humor to captivate audiences around the globe. He is a frequent speaker in every corner of the United States, as well as in Japan, England, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Ger-many, Holland, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, Tasmania, Australia, and Canada.

Dan’s lecture repertoire is comprised of 25 topics, covering the gamut of all things horticultural. Some of his most popular lectures include:

Plants That Pay the RENT! Container Crazy (and Plants for

Small-Space Gardens) Garden Gems New Plants from Around the World Heuchera and Its Kissing Cousins

The Skinny Proposed Programs: 1 - 2 hours Air, room, meals, transfers from airport, and lecture fee (to be negotiated) Additional talks (also to be negotiated) Address: 4309 SW Cullen Blvd., Portland, Oregon USA 97221 Ph: 800-215-9450 ext. 314 Cell: 971-219-6602 Fax: 503-263-4095 Email: dan@terranovanurseries.com Website: www.terranovanurseries.com

Praise for Dan

Dan packed the seating area as keynote speaker at the U.K.’s National Plant Show. Fascinating subject, a huge range of plants, and a sense of humour as well…. We would definitely book him again. – Martin Simmons, United Kingdom Horticultural Trades Association

I have heard Dan give presentations on a wide spectrum of subjects: from plant talks on specific groups of plants like his famous Heucheras and Tiarellas, to talks on plant exploration and travel in exotic places. I have also heard Dan give nuts-and-bolts presen-tations on the how-to for nurserymen, on marketing plants, on the intricacies of plant hybridization and plant development. No matter what the subject, the photographic images are always stunning, the presenta-tion crisp, entertaining, and full of valuable information…. And the delivery is always warm, humorous, and engaging. I know no one in America who has a better grasp of our nursery industry and plant development nationally or internationally. Dan Heims is America’s premier plant guru. He always delivers. – Panayoti Kelaidis, Director, Denver Botanic Garden

All of us at the CGGA and CNLA are so grate-ful for your personal and professional effort and time speaking at our meeting. Many compliments were heard about your presen-tation…. It says volumes about your good personal character that you would want to share your personal knowledge to help im-prove the businesses of your colleagues. THANK YOU!” – Robert V. Heffernan, Executive Director, Connecticut Nursery and Landscape Association

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Saturday, January 24, 20157:30 – 8:30 am Registration and Tabletop Displays Name badges sponsored by Vibrant Plants

8:30 – 10:00 am General Conference Session“Building Communities Through Plants & Trees” By Dr. Marvin Miller, Ball Horticultural Company • West Chicago, Illinois

For years, the benefits of green spaces in urban environments have been talked about. In fact, there are numerous scientific studies, which can be used to argue for more green spaces, whether we talk about the benefits of crime reduction, improved memory retention or students’ test scores, stress reduction, increased

creativity, quicker post-surgery recuperation, better neighborhood relations, or the like. America In Bloom’s mission is to promote nationwide beautification through education and community involvement by encouraging the use of flowers, plants, trees, and other environmental and lifestyle enhancements. They envision communities across the country that are welcoming and vibrant places to live, work, and play – benefitting from colorful plants and trees; enjoying clean environments; celebrating heritage; and planting pride through volunteerism. Dr. Miller will discuss the important role the Nursery and Landscape Industry plays in capturing these sentiments and the appreciation that greener communities are safer and healthier places for all their inhabitants.

Presenter: Dr. Marvin Miller (See bio under Friday, January 23, 11:45 am – 1:15 pm Luncheon Keynote Presentation.)

10:15 – 11:45 am Supplier Speed Dating Sponsored by Walker Mowers

Having received rave reviews at the 2014 Conference, Supplier Speed Dating is making a return engagement. This quick-paced activity will provide nusery and landscape professionals the opportunity to put names with faces of our sponsors and tabletop displayers and also get a feel for the speed dating process! Business cards will fly during this fun event that will allow you to better know and understand the products and services available through our loyal and dedicated vendors, as well as have an opportunity to win a great prize.

11:45 am – 12:15 pm Tabletop Displays

12:15 – 1:45 pm Luncheon & Keynote Presentation“How To Leverage You & Your Company’s Credentials”By Kenja Purkey, McDonald Marketing • Amarillo, Texas

During this special luncheon keynote presentation discover how to turn your credentials into increased customer value and profits. You’ve put in the work (and the money) to enhance your horticultural qualifications. Now it’s time to make your credentials work for you with your current and potential

customers along with the community at large. Key points that will be addressed include:

• How to talk about your credentials across traditional and social media channels in a way that is precise and easy to understand.• How to enhance your unique value proposition by utilizing your credentials in your elevator speech to potential customers.• How to make your credentials work for you through other specific strategies and tactics.

Presenter: Kenja Purkey (See bio under Friday, January 23, 10:00 – 11:45 am Opening General Session.)

2:00 – 3:30 pm Breakout Sessions

Business – Breakout Session #3“Tacoma Grow Offsite Tour” Since 1991, TAGRO Mix and, more recently, TAGRO Potting Soil have been used in landscaping and vegetable gardens. And whether by bucket or truckload, TAGRO customers say their gardens grow faster, lawns grow thicker, and trees grow taller. Join us for a special “behind-the-scenes” tour of the TAGRO facility presented by John Wells, TAGRO’s Biosolids Route Supervisor. Tour includes transportation to TAGRO, therefore,

attendees wanting to go on the tour must check the appropriate box on the Registration Form under “Session Selection”.

Tour Guide: John Wells has worked for Team TAGRO for 17 years. A longtime Tacoma resident, John says the best part of his job is

fearlessly exploring our advances in the green industry

17

providing a valuable recycled product to Tacoma’s citizens and helping simplify gardening.

Technical – Breakout Session #3“Let The Flowers Do The Work”By Robin Rosetta, Oregon State University, North Willamette Research & Extension Center • Aurora, Oregon

Ever wish you could predict when a pest was going to show up in our landscapes and farms? Is there a simple way to help predict pest problems? By connecting pest activity to key activities of plants, such as first flower or full bloom, we can simplify pest prediction. This is the concept behind use of plant

phenological indicators. During this presentation, attendees will learn about the science and examples of this scientifically sound method of pest prediction.

Presenter: Robin Rosetta is an Associate Professor and Extension Entomologist with Oregon State University, North Willamette Research & Extension Centers (NWREC). At the NWREC since 1994, her work focuses on nursery and greenhouse integrated pest management. Robin is editor of the PNW IMP website (http://oregonstate.eud/dept/nurspest/index.htm) and is currently participating on a team of research professionals evaluating the smart sprayer in Ohio, Tennessee, and Oregon.

3:30 – 5:00 pm Free Time

5:00 – 6:00 pm Reception / WEF Silent Auction Sponsored by Ragen & Associates

Kicking off this special evening is the much anticipated WALP Education Foundation Silent Auction, which raises funds for the WALP Education Foundation that provides scholarships to students interested in a career in the Green Industry. You definitely want to come prepared to bid on all of the fabulous items that are generously donated each year. In addition, this reception is a great opportunity to network with your Green Industry colleagues.

6:00 – 9:00 pm Awards Banquet

Always an evening to remember, the Awards Banquet culminates with special member award presentations, the introduction of the WALP Education Foundation and Rick Pankow Memorial Trust scholarship recipients, and the announcement of the prestigious 2014 WALP Environmental Landscape Award winners – recognizing outstanding performance by WALP and WSNLA members in producing landscapes of notable merit.

Things To Know Before You Go!

• Official Conference Hotel

The world-class art and dedication to providing its guests with top-notch service are two of the many reasons why the Hotel Murano was voted number six on the Condé Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice list. Modern design and all the comforts of home complement the Hotel Murano guestrooms and amenities. Located right in the heart of famous Tacoma attractions, a stay at this downtown Tacoma hotel is sure to ignite that artistic spirit within you.

For guestroom reservations at the Hotel Murano, please call (888) 862-3255. Tell the reservationist that you are with the WALP/WSNLA Northwest Green Industry Conference. Single or double occupancy rates being offered are $139 plus applicable state and local taxes, fees, and assessments.

Reservations must be made by Thursday, January 1, 2015.

Hotel Murano | 1320 Broadway Plaza | Tacoma, WA 98402Phone: (253) 238-8000 | Toll Free: (888) 862-3255 | Fax: (253) 627-3167 | Online: https://resweb.passkey.com/go/1e6a6d01

For directions to the Hotel Murano, visit their website at www.hotelmuranotacoma.com.

• Sponsorship & Vendor Display Space Available

To make sure you are as visible as your competition and benefit from the marketing opportunities the Northwest Green Industry Conference provides, including direct access to Washington’s Green Industry decision makers, contact the WALP office at (425) 967-0729, info@walp.org or WSNLA at (253) 661-6055, info@wsnla.org.

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The New “must have” mower Toro has completely re defined their commercial 21” for 2014 21” high lift deck and wide open chute packs the bag in wet grass conditions, yet can still recycle when you want. New height of cut adjusters make ad-justments simple and quick 1 Gallon Fuel Tank for extended mowing

*$1125 fleet price

And Put the Turfmaster 30” on your trailer with a Toro Grandstand and a 21” heavy duty wpm and you can cut your costs while you cut your grass. This combination lets you maintain any size properties and still fit on your trailer.

Toro Below the Turf Toro has expanded the Dingo Division to cover tree care, turf care and now ground care with

Toro Introduces an All New 21”

General Chainsaw Bellingham 360-733-4256

Sound Tractor Everett 425-252-3139

Bryant's Tractor Renton 425-228-6454

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Small Engine Clin-ic-Bremerton 360-692-5179

Goodsell Kirkland 425-820-6168

AGRISHOP INC. Auburn 253-833-0870

AGRISHOP INC Tacoma 253-272-9331

Precision Turf Snohomish 360-568-3500

County Stihl Vancouver 360-574-0043

Harry’s Lawn & Power-Vancouver 360-694-6044

Scott Stone Lawnmower-Longview 360-501-5296

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(Registration Form - Please Copy For Additional Registrants)Three Easy Ways to Register:• Register online at www.walp.org/2015-conference• Fax completed form(s) with credit card payment to: (425) 771-9588. Fax line is open 24 hours a day.• Mail completed form(s) with payment to: Northwest Green Industry Conference, 23607 Hwy 99, Ste 2C, Edmonds, WA 98026.

Registrant Information:Registrant’s Name: ________________________________________ Designations (CLT, CPH, etc.) _____________________Business Name: ________________________________________________________________________________________Address: ________________________________________ City: ____________________ State: _____Zip: _____________Phone: ( ____ ) ________________________ Fax: ( ___ ) ____________________E-mail: _____________________________Association Affiliation (if applicable): WALP WSNLA (Membership is subject to verification.)Please tell us if you have any dietary restrictions or other special needs: __________________________________________

Registration Packages:• Full Registration - Includes all events, educational sessions, & meal functions, including Friday & Saturday dinners.• Sponsor/Displayer Add’l. Discounted Registration - Includes all events, educational sessions, & meal functions, including Friday &

Saturday dinners.• One Day Registration - Includes choice of Conference sessions on Friday or Saturday & respective meal functions. Specify

“F” = Friday or “S” = Saturday in “Day Selection” field below.• Spouse/Guest Registration - Includes all meal functions.• Student Registration - Includes education only.• Children’s Registration (Ages 12 and under ) - Includes Friday & Saturday dinners.

Registration Tuition: WALP/WSNLA Non Total Member After Member 12/15/14

• Full Registration $325 $425 $ ________________• Sponsor/Displayer Add’l. Registration $255 $355 $ ________________• One Day Registration $205 $305 Day _____ $ ________________• Spouse/Guest Registration $245 $345 $ ________________• Student Registration $0 $60 $ ________________• Children’s Registration $70 $80 Qty. _____ $ ________________

Miscellaneous:• Extra Friday Dinner Tickets $95 $175 Qty. _____ $ ________________• “Laugh Out Loud” Comedy Club $25 $45 Qty. _____ $ ________________ Optional Event • Extra Saturday Dinner Tickets $115 $195 Qty. _____ $ ________________• Tabletop Display $699 $699 $ ________________ TOTAL: $ ________________

Session Selection: (Please select the events/sessions below you plan to attend. Choose one per time slot.)Thurs., 1/22 6:00 - 8:00 pm Welcome ReceptionFri., 1/23 1:30 - 3:00 pm Business Session #1 Technical Session #1 Nursery Session #1 3:15 - 4:45 pm Business Session #2 Technical Session #2 Nursery Session #2Sat., 1/24 2:00 - 3:30 pm Business Session #3 (TAGRO Tour) ___ Technical Session #3“The Green Industry’s Got Talent” Act Submission Description: ______________________________________________Payment Information:Enclosed is my check for the specified amount or charge the amount to my Visa MasterCard

Card #: ______________________________________________Exp. Date: ___________ CVV Code: ___________________

Name On Card: ________________________________________Signature: ________________________________________

Cancellations received on or before January 16, 2015 will receive a full refund. Cancellations received after January 16, 2015 are not eligible for a refund. Phone reservations are considered confirmed and will be billed in the event of a “no show”. Questions? Call WALP at (800) 833-2186 or WSNLA at (800) 672-7711.

Northwest Green Industry Conference“Headed For The Future: Fearlessly Exploring Our Advances In The Green Industry”

January 22 - 24, 2015 • Hotel Murano • Tacoma, WA

2020

The crew of SeaScape NW: Austin, Jeff, Lucas, Devin, and Matt.

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Contractor Spotlight

Attention To Detail, Pride, And DedicationAn Evolving Company Is Making Its Mark On The Industry

Ask Lucas Lusier what makes his company stand out and he is quick to tell you. “It’s the detail and pride our employees take in wanting each property they are responsible for to look their best – and our em-ployees have the dedication to ensure this.”

SeaScape NW is a company that focuses on the landscape main-tenance needs of the local Snohomish County community and is com-mitted to Industry awareness and bringing integrity to all of their jobs – large and small.

Lusier is a shining example of the kind of entrepreneurship and de-sire to serve that characterizes so many of the professional members of WALP. In less than a year, he has placed an indelible stamp on his new company that has its roots in another successful landscaping firm.

In April of 2014, The Grounds Professionals, Inc. (a landscape main-

tenance and installation company owned by Greg and Deby Kohlwes) split into two divisions. The Grounds Professionals downsized their service reach and focused on the installation side of the Industry – selling the maintenance division. Thus SeaScape NW emerged. The transition started with doing business as The Ground Professionals Services and in January 2015 will officially launch a rebranding with the corporation name of SeaScape NW.

“There is a lot of excitement around the rebranding,” Lusier explains. “I’m the new owner of SeaScape NW. I’m new to business ownership, but not to the Industry. I was previously employed with The Grounds Professionals for ten years before purchasing the main-

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URBAN FOREST

NURSERY INC.

Providing 1-1/2” to 5” caliper street & landscape trees

15119 McLean Rd, Mount Vernon, WA Ph: (360) 428-5810 F(360) 428-1822 www.urbanforestryservices.com or jim@urbanforestryservices.comLucas and his wife brought a daughter, Lucianna Brigid Lusier, into the world on

November 29, 2014. Congratulations to the Lusier family!

Continued from previous page

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tenance division.” He credits the Kohlwes with helping him develop his business and

landscaping acumen. He was encouraged to participate in many as-pects of the landscaping business before becoming an owner. That included active participation in WALP, supporting entrance to the Landscape Industry Certified Technician Ornamental and Turf Main-tenance modules, and becoming ecoPROcertified.

“I continue to receive support from the Kohlwes as they help me in my first years as a new business owner,” he adds with appreciation.

Lucas says his two greatest job satisfactions are creating relation-ships with customers and seeing properties transformed. He enjoys sitting down with customers to learn, explore, and identify their needs and partnering with them to meet those needs instead of simply adding them to a list of jobs.

“I also get a lot satisfaction from seeing the physical transformation in a yard after large clean-ups, where the customer barely recognizes the landscape when they come home,” he says. “And it gives me a good feeling to keep properties properly maintained that show off a beauti-ful environment all year long.”

Lusier admits that his biggest challenge is learning the balancing act of business ownership. (Sound familiar landscapers?) The benefits out-weigh the challenges, however. He’s stayed in this field for the last 11 years because he enjoys the work and seeing the finished results of his labors.

The learning curve is high at this point.“Learning the ways of the office and learning the balance of work in

the field and the office can be tough,” he says. “While I’m still develop-ing knowledge about running a business, it can be easy for me to just go do the work. That is often necessary, and I’m still learning the best ratio of my time and how to make the greatest positive impact on the company.”

SeaScape NW currently employs four year-round employees and two-to-four seasonal employees. Austin Sweet has been with the com-pany for over three years and has been an essential employee during the

transition. He has energetically taken on the position of Operations Manager and plays a key role in directing crews and scheduling work. Jeff Leslie has been with the company for two years and has recently stepped into the role of Specialty Job Manager and Irrigation Tech.

Devin Frank worked for The Grounds Professionals when Lusier first started and, after a stint of living in Georgia, returned to Washington and has joined the SeaScape NW team. Matt Farrell has worked in lawn maintenance for many years, primarily on Whidbey Island, and has re-cently come to work for SeaScape NW and has been a great, hardwork-ing addition to the team.

“I am encouraging all my full-time employees to further their educa-tion through WALP this year by taking applicable courses and certifi-cations,” he points out. “I’m a member of WALP because I value the company of others in the Industry and feel that I am more aware and connected by my active participation.”

Lucas sees WALP as a platform for fostering relationships with others in the Industry, and he expects his membership investment to keep him up-to-date on Industry standards, in addition to offering his employees and him the chance to participate in certifications and conferences.

“I also see WALP as a great tool to confirm my credibility in the In-dustry to my customers when I bring many of my Industry competi-tors into conversations to show cohesiveness and camaraderie within the Industry,” he adds. “It is a wonderful opportunity to have so many other experienced companies to bounce ideas off of on a regular basis. WALP instantly lets me tap into the hundreds of collective years of ex-perience.”

With this kind of enthusiasm and professional pride, Lucas Lusier is continuing to build his own niche in the In-dustry, and we are proud to have him as one of us!

A Precious Side Bar

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Success Is The Experience Of Their Employees Barkdusters Is A Family Business First

Supplier Spotlight

Company Philosophy: Barkdusters is a family business first and foremost. They treat their employees as part of the family and strive to build long-term relationships with them. A key factor to Barkdusters’ success is the experience of their employ-ees, many of whom have been with the company for more than ten years.

New Products/Services: The past few winters Barkdusters has

really increased the amount of soil blends installed, mostly two way and three ways. Many of their clients appreciate planting right into one of their mostly dry soil blends because after it’s installed it is nice and smooth – so no additional labor is in-volved for them. They can also reach many difficult areas that a conveyor truck is unable to.

Company History: Bob and Linda Lawrence started Barkdusters in

1985. Together they set out to offer a service to ease the pain of spreading mulch by hand. They built their first mulch blowing truck and went to work perfecting the craft. Jason Lawrence,

their son and now current WALP member, worked every sum-mer throughout high school and college installing bark.

Barkdusters went on to rent a few different sites in Portland before moving to Vancouver in 2007. They were very excited to increase their presence in Southwest Washington and have been very pleased with the decision.

Why Barkdusters Is A Member Of WALP? When the compa-ny moved up to Vancouver in 2007, they wanted to meet more local landscapers and build relationships with them. Thankfully it has worked out very well for Barkdusters, and, according to Jim Lawrence, “The Southwest Chapter is full of great landscap-ers that happen to be great people, too!”

We asked Jim what he and Barkdusters expected from their membership participation in WALP. His reply, “We expect that we have the opportunity to strengthen relationships with fellow members which is beneficial for everybody. We can learn new things and also have fun!”

Continued on next page

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Continued from previous page

Exciting Things Happening: WALP tips it hat to Barkdusters! They are celebrating their 30th Anniversary in 2015!

For More Information: Contact Jim Lawrence at (360) 253-6570 or visit them online at www.barkdusters.com.

Continued on next page

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Buds & Blades Landscape Company Receives National Safety Awards

Buds & Blades Landscape Company announced today it was recently awarded the “No Vehicle Acci-dents” and “No Days Away From Work” awards in the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) annual Safety Recognition Awards Program, sponsored by CNA. The program reflects PLANET’s dedication to creating and maintaining safe work environments in the Green Industry and is designed to reward Green Industry companies that consistently demonstrate their commitment to safety.

“Our company is committed to showing care for our employees and customers by emphasizing safety and responsibility in all that we do. We were very pleased to be recognized by PLANET for the second year in a row. We aree very proud of our employees’ daily commitment to safety – from wearing the prop-er gear when they are mowing lawns to driving safely on the roads,” said Nicole Longnecker, who owns the company with her husband, Rick.

Buds & Blades is a landscape maintenance company providing prompt, professional, and pleasant service to businesses and homeowners in the South Puget Sound. Companies that enter PLANET’s Safety Rec-ognition Awards Program are required to submit a copy of their OSHA 300A Summary of Work-Relat-ed Injuries and Illnesses Report and their year-end ve-hicle insurance claims summary report. These reports are used in determining award recipients. All award recipients are to be congratulated for their superior dedication to safety excellence.

WALP Member Showcases Photography Talent

WALP member Peter Dervin exhibited a group of concert photography at Seattle’s Triple Door Musiquarium. Dervin’s passion for music photogra-phy comes from his love of music in general. Grow-ing up, his parents would play a variety of records on Sunday mornings. As he attended many concerts in his youth, his camera was always in hand, ready to capture a rock and roll moment. For the past 15 years, Peter photographed various concerts he attended through-

out the Northwest and since 2010 has been very pro-ductive in concert photography field.

Dervin has photographed some of the most popular music festivals in the West including Seattle’s very own Bumbershoot, the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, the Treefort Music Fest, and the Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival. For the past two years, he has been the house photographer for the Live! @ Benaroya Hall Concert Series.

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Meeting O

f The Minds

Highlights Of The WALP Planning RetreatBeautiful Kiana Lodge in Poulsbo, Washington was the perfect set-

ting for WALP’s day and a half Strategic Planning Retreat held No-vember 12 -13, 2014.

With the theme for this year’s Retreat being “Renew, Revive, Re-energize!”, the agenda included discussions and activities that mixed things up a bit and provided attendees the opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas about the future of WALP.

Most exciting were the strategic initiatives developed for WALP’s 2015 program year that cover six different programming areas:

Training• Provide LIC skills-related training at Field Day.• Identify and post training events on the WALP website.

Employment• Research feasibility of web-based job board.• Provide employer-focused training/education.

Community• Launch “WALP Wednesday” Member Communication Program

that include random facts and posting photos on Instagram.

Government Relations• Include action fund voluntary donation opportunity on member-ship renewal form.• Help members build relationships with their legislators.

Certification• Provide literature on the LIC and ecoPRO programs to horticul-ture schools.• Partner with related programs for promotion purposes.

Communications• Survey members with a marketing focus.• Continue to enhance the WALP website.

Attend the WALP Business Meeting at the upcoming Northwest Green Industry Conference and hear incoming WALP President Linda Carroll of Jefferson Landscaping report more on these initia-tives.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

Brandywine Nursery, Inc.Contractor

22210 NE 80th StRedmond, WA 98053

(425) 868-1515Tim Tutko/Ginger Marel

ginger@brandywinenursery.comKing County Chapter

CastohnSupplier

6801 S Adams StTacoma, WA 98409

(253) 830-3366Marc Holms

march@castohn.comPierce County Chapter

Hired ExpectationsContractor

6224 Hickory Court SEOlympia, 98501(360) 878-2990

Chris Kinerkhiredexpectations@gmail.com

Thurston County Chapter

SeaScape NW, Inc.Contractor

4804 84th St SWMukilteo, WA 98275

(425) 374-6111Lucas Lusier

lucas@thegroundspro.comSnohomish County Chapter

Referred by Deby & Greg Kohlwes

Thank you to our E lec tronic Adver t isers for November 2014

FX Luminaire

HorizonLoen Nursery

Ragen & AssociatesSimplot Partners

TerraTrench USA, Inc.Urban Forest Nursery

Vibrant PlantsWestern Equipment Distributors

26

Chapter Information

TerraTrench USA, Inc(800) 377-3877

www.terratrencherusa.com/walp

The First Truly Portable Powered Trencher that Weighs Only 35 lbs and can

be “HANDHELD”

Call Today for a Quote!

NEWS FROM WALP’S PIERCE COUNTY CHAPTER

By Bill Peregrine, EPC, Secretary, WALP Pierce County Chapter

Our November meeting featured Jason Johnson of Washington Tractor as we talk-ed about all aspects of mower design and implementation. As an old-time construc-tion guy, I’ll have to admit that I was less than enthused to go listen about mowers. But I found the conversation fascinating, as I had no idea how much research and field testing goes into creating what appears to be a simple machine. Apparently I was not the only one to appreciate mower design as we had 18 people at our meeting. It was quite fun and we all learned so much! Thank you, Jason.

We are looking forward to 2015 and the joint WALP/WSNLA Northwest Green Industry Conference being held in our backyard at the Hotel Murano. Come on down to a good time.

Inland Empire Chapter

The Inland Empire Chapter meets at locations in and around Spokane. For additional information, contact the WALP Office at (425) 967-0729 or info@walp.org.

King County Chapter

The King County Chapter hosts meetings on the third Wednesday of every month at various locations in the greater Seattle/ Bellevue area. Visit the WALP website (www.walp.org) for specific meeting dates and program details.

Northwest Chapter

The Northwest Chapter hosts meetings in the Whatcom and Skagit County areas. For additional information, contact the WALP Office at (425) 967-0729 or info@walp.org.

Peninsula Chapter

The Peninsula Chapter meets at various locations around the Peninsula. For additional information, contact the WALP Office at (425) 967-0729 or info@walp.org.

Pierce County Chapter

The Pierce County Chapter has monthly meetings in and around Tacoma. For additional information, con-tact the WALP Office at (425) 967-0729 or info@walp.org.

Snohomish County Chapter

The Snohomish County Chapter meets on the third Tuesday of every month. Visit the WALP website (www.walp.org) for specific meeting dates and pro-gram details.

Southwest Chapter

The Southwest Chapter meets at locations in and around Vancouver. Visit the WALP website (www.walp.org) for specific meeting dates and program details.

Thurston County Chapter

The Thurston County Chapter hosts monthly meetings on the second Wednesday of each month.

Attain Serenity with a cool, pleasant Kuenzi lawn.

_____

Maintain Perspective with appealing Kuenzi trees.

_____

Sustain Environmentswith consistent quality

turf & trees.

Contact Kuenzi:(800)285-8337

kuenziturfnursery.com

27

2015 WALP New Member ApplicationCompany Information • Please Print Or Type

Firm Name _____________________________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________________________________ City __________________________________________ State ___________ Zip ____________ E-mail _________________________________________________________________________ Owner/Principal Officers __________________________________________________________ Contact Person __________________________________________________________________ Phone ________________________________________ Fax _____________________________ Cell Phone _____________________________________ URL ____________________________ WA State Contractor’s # __________________________ UBI Tax # ________________________ Name Of Person That Referred You To WALP ___________________________________________ I certify to the best of my knowledge that the above information is correct, and I agree to abide by WALP’s Code of Ethics.

Signature ________________________________________________________Date __________

Check Your Category Category Annual Gross – Please pay at highest applicable rate New

Member Renewing Member

Contractor C-1 Up to $100,000 $ 249 $ 298

Contractor C-2 $100,001 to $250,000 $ 249 $ 375

Contractor C-3 $250,001 to $500,000 $ 249 $ 545

Contractor C-4 $500,001 to $1,000,000 $ 249 $ 714

Contractor C-5 Over $1,000,000 $ 249 $ 880

Supplier S-1 Main Office $ 249 $ 370

Supplier S-2 Each Branch Office $ 185 $ 185

Affiliate A-1 Municipalities, Parks, Govt. Agencies, etc. $ 249 $ 298

Affiliate A-2 Landscape Architects, Designers, Consultants, Educators $ 249 $ 298

Affiliate A-3 Professional Individual Non-Affiliated (State Board Approval Only) $111 $ 111

Affiliate A-4 Student - with proof of current enrollment $ 36 $ 36

Dues Investment Summary

(Contact the WALP Office for rates and to make arrange-ments to pay your dues investment via a monthly install-ment payment plan. Available for credit card payment only.)

New Member Dues $ __________ Renewing Member Dues $ __________

Tax-deductible WALP Education Foundation Donation. $ __________

Total Payment Amount $ __________ Payment Check or Money Order VISA MC Name on Card (please print) ________________Card # ___________________________________Exp Date _____________ CVV _______________

Membership DuesBased on reported annual Gross Sales in Washington State. New member rates apply to organizations/individuals that have not been a member since 2010. Contributions or gifts to WALP are not deductible as charitable contributions for Fed-eral Income Tax Purposes. Dues payments may be deducted as an ordinary and necessary business expense. The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 requires WALP to inform each member that an estimated 0% of dues in 2015 will be allocated to lobbying expenditures as defined by the Act and is, therefore, not deductible as a business expense.

Business Specialties - Please Check All That Apply

Residential Landscape Installation Design/Build Landscape Maintenance Commercial Landscape Architect CLT Holiday Lighting CLP Snow Removal Award Winner

Crop Production Services.................... Back Page

WAFLA Foreign Guest Worker Services ........ 5

FX Luminaire .......................................................... 10

Kuenzi Turf and Nursery ..................................... 26

Loen Nursery............................................Back Page

Ragen and Associates ......................................... 3

Rock Mountain Products ................................... 23

Simplot ..................................................................... 24

Terra Trench ............................................................ 26

Urban Forest Nursery .......................................... 21

Vibrant Plants ......................................................... 3

Western Equipment Distributors .................... 18

Classified AdSeattle Public Utilities is seeking an experienced Senior Program Manager for Landscape Water Conservation and Sustainability within SPU’s Re-source Conservation Section. The Program Man-ager is responsible for increasing efficient water use in the landscape by residential and commer-

cial customers, as well as landscape professionals. For specific duties, qualifications, salary range, and application information, visit http://www.seattle.gov/personnel/employment/default_neogov.asp. Application deadline: 1/13/2015 at 4:00 pm.

Advertiser’s Index

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDSEATTLE, WA

PERMIT NO. 678123607 Highway 99, Ste. 2CEdmonds, WA 98026

Office: 503-663-0164 • 503-663-0369

Auburn AgriShop308 West Main Auburn, WA 98001253-833-0870

Tacoma AgriShop2012 South 12thTacoma, WA 98405253-272-9331

Local Wholesale Supplier

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