Chair: Gaele McCully, MCLP, MCH Mahoney’s Garden Center (781) 729-5900
PRODUCTS:
Chair: Peter Mezitt, MCH Weston Nurseries, Inc. (508)435-3414
Christopher Kennedy, MCH Kennedy’s Country Gardens, Inc.
Doug Dondero, Valley Green, Inc.
Shawn Spear, Valley Green, Inc.
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS:
Chair: Chris O’Brien, MCH Howard Designs, Inc. (617) 244-7269
Patricia Bigelow, MCH, Bigelow Nurseries, Inc.
Fred Dabney, MCH, Quansett Nurseries, Inc.
Robin Pydynkowski, Cape Ann Tree Service, Inc.
Tom Bradley, MCH, Emanouil, Inc.
Mark Ahronian, MCH, Ahronian Landscaping & Design, Inc.
Laura Kuhn, MCH, Laura Kuhn Design and Consulting
Mary Jesch, Cornucopia Gardeners
Tim Preston, Wisteria & Ros
Magic Carpet Spirea Purple Passion Rhododendron
Pieris Mountain Fire
A special award given by the MNLA President in appreciation for dedication and outstanding service within the association on behalf of the nursery and landscape industry. The following are the recipients of the President’s Award which began in 1999.
President’s Award
2017 Christopher O’Brien, MCH, Howard Designs
2016 Northeast Nursery, Inc.
2015 Timothy Hay, MCH, Bigelow Nurseries
2014 Michelle Harvey, MCH, Lakeview Nurseries, Inc.
2011 Karen Howard, MCH — Howard Garden Designs, Inc.
2010 Rena M. Sumner — MNLA Executive Director
2010 Jeffrey Willman, MCH —Bigelow Nurseries, Inc.
2007 Mark Ahronian, MCH — Ahronian Landscape & Design, Inc.
2006 R. Wayne Mezitt, MCH — Weston Nurseries, Inc.
2006 Patricia Bigelow, MCH — Bigelow Nurseries
2005 Karen Howard — Howard Garden Designs
2004 Mark Sawyer, MCH — Weston Nurseries, Inc.
2003 Phillip Boucher, MCH — Tranquil Lake Nursery
2002 Christopher Kennedy, MCH — Kennedy’s Country Gardens, Inc.
2001 Tom Strangfeld; MNLA Past President — Weston Nurseries, Inc.
2000 Kevin Hollister, MCH — Hilltop Horticulture
Young Nursery Professional of the Year Award
The Young Nursery Professional of the Year is an annual award established by the New England Nursery Association. Its purpose is to reward, to honor and to encourage participation, achievement and growth by an individual who is involved in a related horticultural industry and has not reached the age of 40 years, who has shown involvement in his or her state and/or regional nursery association, who have contributed to the growth and success of their company of employment and who has portrayed an image to the public of what our products and services can do for them.
The selection of Young Nursery Professional of the Year is made by the appropriate leaders within the individual state nursery association.
2017 Steve Davis, MCH, Bigelow Nurseries
2014 Jeffrey Meola, MCH — Weston Nurseries, Inc.
2013 David Ahronian, MCH — Ahronian Landscape & Design, Inc.
2006 Christopher Kennedy, MCH — Kennedy’s Country Gardens, Inc.
2005 Kelly Perry, MCH — Sylvan Nursery, Inc.
2004 Jim Stucchi, MCH — Ahronian Landscape and Design
2003 Tim Hay, MCH — Bigelow Nuseries, Inc.
2002 Skott Rebello, MCH — Harborside P.S.
2001 Michael Maneri, MCH — Weston Nurseries, Inc.
2000 Mark Sawyer, MCH — Weston Nurseries, Inc.
1999 Steve Radzik, MCH — Bigelow Nurseries, Inc.
1998 Jeff Willman, MCH — Bigelow Nurseries, Inc.
1997 Michelle Harvey, MCH — Lakeview Nurseries
1996 Joshua Wright, MCH — Garden Craft, Inc.
1995 Mark Ahronian, MCH — Ahronian Landscaping & Design, Inc.
1994 Ralph Peckham — Lovell’s Nursery & Garden Center
1993 Greg Georgaklis, MCH — Gold Star Wholesale Nursery
1992 Charles H MacKinnon, MCH — Bigelow Nurseries, Inc.
1991 Phil Barber — Tarnow Nursery
1990 Peter Quinlan — Quinlans Nursery
President’s Award presented to: Christopher O’Brien, MCH, Howard Designs, Inc.
Steve Davis, Bigelow Nurseries, recipient of the young nursery of the year award.
Henry S. Gillet Environmental Leadership Award
The Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association, Inc. is dedicated to helping the citizens of the Commonwealth, plan, develop and maintain the private and public landscapes of Massachusetts. It has always been our goal to provide this service to the public in a manner consistent with sound environmental practices. We recognize that a partnership with the governmental, educational and environmental communities is the most effective way to achieve that goal. The Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association’s Environmental Leadership Award established in 1998 recognizes individuals who have consistently provided informed leadership in dealing with complex environmental issues.
This award was initiated under the guidance of our Government Relations Director Henry Gillet who passed away unexpectedly on December 21, 2017. His legacy of leadership & mentor-ship to our association and the broader agricultural industry is immense and we are proud to continue his legacy in re-naming this award in his name.
The following individuals were selected for their wisdom, impartiality and willingness to make difficult decisions that have quietly contributed to the quality of life of each citizen of the Commonwealth.
2018 Governor Charles Baker
2017 Commissioner, John Lebeaux, MCH
2016 Representative John Scibak
2015 Representative Paul A. Schmid, III
2014 Senator Jennifer Flanagan
2013 Representative Christopher Markey
2012 Representative John Fernandes
2011 Representative Carolyn Dykema
2010 Representative Sarah Peake
Commissioner, Scott Soares, MA Department of Agricultural Resources
2009 Senator Michael Knapik
Representative Anne Gobi
2008 Representative Frank I. Smizik
Assistant Attorney General, Robert W. Ritchie
2007 Senator Pamela Resor
Representative Vinny deMacedo
2006 Representative Daniel Bosley
Brad Mitchell, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
2005 Attorney General Thomas Riley
2004 Senator Therese Murray
Representative Anthony Verga
Representative Edward Connolly
2003 Senator Bruce Tarr
Representative Michael Rodrigues
Dr. Allen Barker, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
2002 Senator Stanley Rosenberg
Representative John Quinn
Gerald Peters, Norfolk Agricultural High School
2001 Senator Stephen Brewer
Representative George Peterson
Dr. Daniel Plourde, Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative
2000 Senator Robert Antonioni
Representative William Straus
Deborah Swanson, UMass Extension Plymouth
1999 Senator Susan Fargo
Representative Steve Kulik
Ron Kujawski, UMass Extension Educator
1998 Senator Robert Durand
Representative Barbara Gardner
Kathleen Carroll, UMass Extension Amherst
Commissioner John Lebeaux planted May 15 2018. Tree donated by Bigelow Nurseries. President Hay assisting the Commissioner with the planting.
The Gillet family at the statehouse.
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Garden Tips
by Geri Jones, Churchill Gardens, Lenox, MA
Pinch off side buds of peonies to encourage larger blooms.
Prune roses by cutting back all brown, dead canes to live green stems.
A soil test before planting as well as annually thereafter, will aid in establishing the correct soil pH for whatever plantings are planned. Recommendations will be outlined on the pH test results. UMASS soil diagnostic lab offers soil testing at a very reasonable fee. Visit https://ag.umass.edu/soil-plant-tissue-testing-lab/fact-sheets/sampling-instructions-for-routine-soil-analysis for more information.
Apply a professional perennial grass seed over bare or thin spots in the lawn. Scratch the surface of the soil first and water the seed in lightly. A thin layer of straw will help with moisture retention and keeping the birds away. Remove the layer of straw very carefully so as not to disturb the new seedlings approximately 7 – 10 later.
Forsythia should be pruned immediately after flowering. Their new flower buds form by early June. The branch tips of forsythia will root where they touch the ground if not pruned back. Prune forsythia removing the new growth to maintain size and shape. Be sure to remove the dead wood in the center of the plant to let light in and provide adequate air circulation. Using pruners rather than hedge trimmers offers the best results.
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Spring
Either put up or clean out nesting boxes for birds. The birds are searching out nesting sites now and you can attract them with a clean bird house and perhaps some nesting materials such as lint from the dryer. Place any nesting materials either on the ground, in the crotch of a tree or hanging on a tree limb.
When mulching your landscaped beds, remove the top, compacted layer of the existing mulch first. Loosening the mulch in this way allows for better absorption of water and nutrients to your plantings. A light, layer (2”-3”) of a fresh shredded bark mulch may then be applied.
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Now is a great time to clean out the toolshed. Look carefully at your gardening tools and decide if anything is in need of replacing. Some essential tools to consider for the gardening chores this year include an iron rake; a long-handled, round-pointed shovel; a square garden spade; hand pruners; a long-handled pair of loppers for larger branches; a small, curved pruning saw and a bamboo lawn rake.
Check on your compost pile. If it is not frozen, use a garden fork and dig into it and flip the compost over and over as much as you are able.
To prepare your lawn and landscape for the season, complete a spring clean-up of your gardens by cutting back any foliage left from perennials last year. Rake all debris from lawns and landscape beds when the soil has dried. A bamboo or other soft rake is less apt to tear at sod.
Visit your favorite nursery/garden center and purchase a flat of pansies to plant outdoors. Fill a beautiful container or accent the border of your landscaped beds. Look for heat-resistant varieties to extend the bloom time. Pinching off each flower as the spent petals curl will encourage new flowers to bloom. 10
Current Membership
AA & B Insurance
Richard Bourgault 235 Littleton Road, Unit 3 Westford, MA, 01886 richard@abinsgroup.com http://www.abinsgroup.com
a Blade of Grass
James Douthit 9 Old County Road Sudbury, MA, 01776 508-358-4500 info@abladeofgrass.com https://abladeofgrass.com
A&J Landscape Services LLC
Jessica Krupa 27 South Street South Hadley, MA, 01075 413-4277045 art@ajlandscapeservices.com http://www.ajlandscapeservices.com
A Bonadio & Sons, Inc
Michael Bonadio 35 R Albert Street Waltham, MA, 02453 781-893-7912 info@abstoday.com http://www.abstoday.com/
Work Categories: Landscape: design/sales|Landscape: installation|Landscape: construction|Landscape: maintenance/irrigation|Lawn care|OtherHigh end container and roof gardening
Boxborough
Acorn Tree & Landscaping inc acorntreeandlanscape.com 978-635-0409
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural resources/uSDA mass.gov/agr • 617.626.1754
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural resources/uSDA mass.gov/agr • 617.626.1754
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural resources/uSDA mass.gov/agr • 617.626.1754
Carroll County Landscape, Inc. www.carrollcountylandscape.com 603)-569-2013
ALB Program USDA | Government
ALB Program USDA | Government
ALB Program USDA | Government
Employment Type: Internships|Full-time positions
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural resources mass.gov/agr • 617.626.1753
Massachusetts of Agricultural resources mass.gov/agr • 617.626.1753
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural resources mass.gov/agr • 617.626.1753
State Resources | Pesticide Licensing | Government
State Resources | Pesticide Licensing | Government
State Resources | Pesticide Licensing | Government
Work Categories: Landscape: installation|Landscape: construction|Landscape: maintenance/irrigation|Lawn care|OtherCarroll County Landscape, Inc. - Landscape installation, maintenance and fine gardening.
NEW YORK
B r A I N T r E E
B r A I N T r E E
B r A I N T r E E
Bedford Hills SavATree
u.S. Department of labor—oSHA osha.gov • 781.801.4507
u.S. Department of labor oSHA osha.gov • 781.801.4507
u.S. Department of labor—oSHA osha.gov • 781.801.4507
Work Categories: Arborists|Lawn care|Horticultural supplies/horticulture broker sales
Massachusetts Nursery & landscape Association mnla com • 413 369 4731
Massachusetts Nursery & landscape Association mnla.com • 413.369.4731
Massachusetts Nursery & landscape Association mnla.com • 413.369.4731
Vermont
State Association
State Association
State Association
Brattleboro
W E S T B o r o u G H
The Vermont Mulch Company www.thevermontmulch.com
W E S T B o r o u G H
W E S T B o r o u G H
Massachusetts Department of labor— oSHA Consulting Program mass.gov • 617.626.6476
Massachusetts Department of labor oSHA Consulting Program mass.gov • 617.626.6476
Massachusetts Department of labor oSHA Consulting Program mass.gov • 617.626.6476
Free Osha Consulting Program | Government Agency
Free Osha Consulting Program | Government Agency
Free Osha Consulting Program | Government Agency
P A l A T I N E B r I D G E , N y
P A l A T I N E B r I D G E , N y
P A l A T I N E B r I D G E , N y
Country Folks Grower cfgrower.com
Country Folks Grower cfgrower.com
Country Folks Grower cfgrower.com
Industry Magazine
Industry Magazine
Industry Magazine
Thank you for attending our Green Industry Job Fair! Visit mnla.com/jobs for current job opportunities from our members. For an up-to-date list of exhibitors go to mnla.com/exhibitors18.
Thank you for attending Green Industry Job mnla.com/jobs for current job opportunities from our members. For an up-to-date list of exhibitors go to mnla.com/exhibitors18.
Thank you for attending our Green Industry Job Fair! Visit mnla.com/jobs for current job opportunities from our members. For an up-to-date list of exhibitors go to mnla.com/exhibitors18. Need assistance paying for
Visit mnlafoundation.org to l more about the MNLA Foundat scholarship program and other scholarships as they become available Save the date for these green industry events sponsored by MNLA!
Visit mnlafoundation.org to learn more about the MNLA Foundation scholarship and other scholarships as they become available
Visit mnlafoundation.org to l more about the MNLA Foundat scholarship program and other scholarships as they become
Interested in the green industry? Attend green industry events!
Down to Earth: Annual Summer Conference & Trade Show
Down to Earth: Annual Summer Conference & Trade Show
Thursday, July 26, 2018 • Wachusett
Thursday, July 26, 2018 • Wachusett Mountain
Thursday, July 26, 2018 • Wachusett Mountain
Become a Massachusetts Certified Horticulturalist
Down to Earth: Annual Summer Conference & Trade Show Tursday July 25, 2019 • Westport, MA
MCH Exam: Wednesday, August 1, 2018 • Wellesley, Massachusetts
Become a Massachusetts Certified Horticulturalist MCH Exam: Wednesday, August 1, 2018 • Wellesley, Massachusetts
Become a Massachusetts Certified Horticulturalist MCH Exam: Wednesday, August 1, 2018 • Wellesley, Massachusetts
Plant Geek Day
Plant Geek Day
Plant Geek Day
Wednesday, August 21, 2019 • Acton Arboretum, Acton, MA
Wednesday, August 22, 2018 • Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, Boston, Massachusetts
For more information, visit mnla.com/events
Plant Geek Day Wednesday, August 22, 2018 • Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, Boston, Massachusetts For more information, visit mnla.com/events
Wednesday, August 22, 2018 • Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, Boston, Massachusetts For more information, visit mnla.com/events
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With AMERICAN NATIONAL, you’ll get an agent who has the know-how and products to help you properly manage your family’s risks. An open appointment book, along with options for home, auto, life, farm and business coverage, means you can feel good that you’re getting more an ally than just an agent.
Wherever you are in Massachusetts, there’s a American National agent close to you. Give us a call for more information.
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Garden Tips
by Geri Jones, Churchill Gardens, Lenox, MA
Vegetable gardens require one inch of rainfall each week. Set up a rain gauge near the vegetable garden to see if your garden is getting enough water.
Prune lilacs now that the flowers have faded. Cutting off the spent flower heads will direct the plant’s energy into growth rather than seeds.
Cover highbush blueberries as the fruit begins to ripen to discourage the birds from eating them. Wait until the fruit is beginning to soften and have been blue for a week before picking. Pick blueberries in the morning and don’t wash them until you are ready to use them.
Keep strawberry plants well-watered (once a week) if the weather is dry.
Water container gardens on a regular basis during the dry, hot days of summer. When applying water, be sure to saturate the soil.
Keep your mower blades sharpened and set on a high setting and mow often leaving the clippings on the lawn. Tall grass has deep roots. Combining the two makes lawns better able to tolerate drought and crowd out weeds.
Summer
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Adding height and a sense of vertical space in your landscape is easy with annuals. Simply place a container on a pedestal within your landscape. Placing a hanging basket on a Shepard’s hook will also do the trick.
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As a general rule, houseplants should be fertilized only when they are actively growing and when light and temperature are such that they can actually take advantage of the additional nutrients. Fertilizing between mid-spring and mid-autumn is recommended with the exception of winter-flowering plants.
To minimize black spot on roses, water roses early in the day and try not to get their leaves wet.
When planting a rose bush, place a banana peel in the bottom of the planting hole. Banana peels are very good for roses as they provide calcium, magnesium, and phosphates in considerable quantities as they break down.
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Watering in the morning rather than the evening can help reduce slug damage to leaves in the garden.
Pinch chrysanthemums and shear back asters for a more compact and fuller late fall bloom. 10
AskanMCH
What is an MCH?
An MCH is a Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist, having qualified through training and practice as expert in the field of horticulture. MCH professionals have the knowledge, experience, and resources to provide the most creative and comprehensive solutions for any residential or commercial landscape project.
An MCH is the ultimate resource for helping plants grow in Massachusetts.
The green industry
These green industry professionals are also stewards of our environment. Every time we plant a tree or shrub, we help to balance our carbon footprint. Good practices are important: the right grade can rectify a drainage issue, or certain plants can attract beneficial pollinators. Let an MCH be your guide to creating an environment that is both beautiful and sustainable.
Why choose an MCH?
^ The MCH designation is a reliable independent credential that consumers can count on when choosing a professional.
Before you plant anything, talk to an MCH.
A horticulturist is skilled in the cultivation and performance of plants—from grasses, shrubs and trees to vegetables, fruits and flowers. A Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist has the specialized training to understand and troubleshoot both common and unique garden and landscape problems. These pros can recommend effective and sustainable solutions for you.
What’s more, every MCH has access to a network of product and service providers across the state to ensure that you and get the answers you need. They are the professionals you can trust to install environmentally and economically sound garden and landscape projects.
When you choose an MCH, you’ll have the confidence that the recommendations provided are based on both education and experience. These professionals can offer fresh ideas, sound techniques, and proven options.
When you work with an MCH, you know your project will be done right the first time. You can be sure your property is enhanced and your investment is protected with the advice and expertise of an MCH.
^An MCH understands the big picture because their certification demands interdisciplinary competence. They can offer practical and comprehensive solutions to a wide range of problems.
^An MCH knows the latest industry developments, environmental impacts, newest products, and best practices.
^Achieving MCH status enables the consistent delivery of the highest quality service.
To find an MCH in your area, visit www.mnla.com/member-directory.
Want to know more?
What is an MCH?
The Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist program is sponsored by the Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA) to serve consumers by providing education and best practices for the green industry. MCH certification is available to any qualified nursery, landscape or green industry professional who adopts the MNLA code of ethics and passes a rigorous exam. To remain current and competitive, these professionals recertify each year.
An MCH is a Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist, having qualified through training and practice as expert in the field of horticulture. MCH professionals have the knowledge, experience, and resources to provide the most creative and comprehensive solutions for any residential or commercial landscape project.
Look for the tree!
Becoming an MCH requires building knowledge and experience in a wide range of disciplines, including:
• Identification and classification of both native plants and ornamentals
The green industry
• Hardiness zones, soil science, and regional growing conditions
Grow with a Pro!
MCH is a program of the Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association, powering the green industry across Massachusetts with the education needed to serve customers. Massachusetts Certified Horticulturists (MCH) are professionals from all aspects of the Massachusetts green industry who have invested our time to train and qualify as experts in cultivating the local landscape.
Trust us to help you with your garden, turf, tree, and landscaping needs.
These green industry professionals are also stewards of our environment. Every time we plant a tree or shrub, we help to balance our carbon footprint. Good practices are important: the right grade can rectify a drainage issue, or certain plants can attract beneficial pollinators. Let an MCH be your guide to creating an environment that is both beautiful and sustainable.
• Landscaping, hardscaping, and use of materials and equipment
• Planting and pruning of trees and shrubs
• Turf care, irrigation, and protecting groundwater
• Mulch, fertilizers, chemical and natural treatments
• Pest management, plant diseases, and weed control
• Sustainability, environmental impact, conservation, and safety
The Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association is an organization of garden center and nursery professionals, landscape contractors, garden and landscape designers, tree care professionals, fine gardeners, and turf pros. Our members work together to give you the professional services and solutions you need.
Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association
P. O. Box 387 ^ Conway, MA 01341
www.mnla.com
2013 Spencer Aaltonen, MCH Joyce Landscaping
Listing of MCH Professionals
2009 David Ahronian, MCH Ahronian Landscape and Design
1983 Mark Ahronian. MCH Ahronian Landscaping & Design, Inc.
1984 David Alessandroni, MCH Carroll County Landscape, Inc.
2014 David Amirault, MCH Parterre Garden Services
1993 Fred Anderson, MCH Anderson Landscape Construction, Inc
2017 Eric Anderson, MCH Atlantis Hardscape
2017 Taylor Andrews, MCH Wilkinson Ecological Design
2014 Sarah Ard, MCH Minuteman High School
1995 Bob Arello, MCH Arello, Inc.
2016 Andrew Bachman, MCH Trout Brook Landscaping
2014 Erika Baehr, MCH Village Stonesmith Garden & Masonry
2000 Robert Beaumont, MCH Bigelow Nurseries, Inc.
2016 Adam Beck, MCH Follaire, Inc.
1982 Edward Bemis, MCH Bemis Farms Nursery
2010 Erin Benken, MCH Wards Nursery Inc.
2011 William Benoit, III, MCH Safe Harbor Chatham
2008 Robert Bergeron, MCH CJM Management
2009 Katherine Bergmann, MCH Medway Garden Center
2002 Seth Berman, MCH Seth Berman Gardeners
2014 Amanda Bigelow, MCH Bigelow Nurseries, Inc.
1981 Patricia Bigelow, MCH Bigelow Nurseries, Inc.
1998 Christian Bilodeau, MCH Acorn Tree & Landscape
1999 Sean Bilodeau, MCH Acorn Tree & Landscape
2013 Sean Bilodeau, MCH Acorn Tree & Landscaping
1998 Gregory Bilowz, MCH Bilowz Associates, Inc.
1992 Michael Bonadio, MCH A. Bonadio & Sons, Inc.
2009 Cheryl Bonin, MCH PlantCreations
1991 Daniel Bouchard, MCH The Trustees of Reservations-Long Hill
