THE DIRT

Summer Issue 2019, Volume 45, Issue 2

A Bit of VNLA History - 1964-2005 page 4

VNLA GMHH Volunteer Project page 8

Garden Jewels of1Mount Desert Island page 20

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT Ralph Fitz-Gerald COMMITTEES
Horsford Gardens & Nursery
Ashley Robinson 2111 Greenbush Road BUDGET AND FINANCE
Ashley Robinson Landscape Designer Charlotte, VT 05445 COMMITTEE CHAIR
PO Box 28 802-425-2811 Nate Carr - Church Hill Landscapes, Inc.
Charlotte, VT 05445 field@horsfordnursery.com 802.425.5222
802.922.1924
arobinsonld@gmail.com Marie Limoge INDUSTRY AWARDS COMMITTEE CHAIR
21 Densmore Drive #21 Ashley Robinson, Landscape Designer
VICE-PRESIDENT Essex Junction, VT 05452 802.922.1924
802-272-8744
Hannah Decker limogemp@gmail.com LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE CHAIR
Fairfax Perennial Farm, Inc. Gabriel Bushey - Crafted Landscapes, LLC
7 Blackberry Hill Road Sarah Salatino 802.233.8551
Fairfax, VT 05454 Full Circle Gardens
802.849.2775 68 Brigham Hill Road MARKETING & EDUCATION
perennialfarm@surfglobal.net Essex, VT 05452 COMMITTEE CHAIR
802-879-1919 Ashley Robinson, Landscape Designer
SECRETARY/TREASURER info@fullcirclegardens.com 802.922.1924

Elise Schadler MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS

Nate Carr
VT Urban & Community Forestry Program Hannah Decker - Fairfax Perennial Farm
Church Hill Landscapes, Inc.
Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation 802.849.2775
287 Church Hill Road
Technical Assistance Coordinator
Charlotte, VT 05445
111 West Street PROGRAM COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS
802.425.5222
Essex Junction, VT 05452 Sarah Salatino - Full Circle Gardens
nate@churchhilllandscapes.com
802-522-6015 802.879.1919
DIRECTORS elise.schadler@vermont.gov
RESEARCH & AWARDS
Gabriel Bushey EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COMMITTEE CHAIR
Crafted Landscapes, LLC Marlys Eddy - Vermont Technical College
176 South Maple Street Kristina MacKulin 802.728.1207
Vergennes, VT 05491 VNLA/Green Works
802.233.8551 P.O. Box 92 VERMONT CERTIFIED HORTICULTURIST
info@craftedland.com N. Ferrisburgh, VT 05473 COMMITTEE CHAIR
Toll Free: 888.518.6484 Nate Carr - Church Hill Landscapes, Inc.
Marlys Eddy 802.425.5222
Vermont Technical College P: 802.425.5117; F: 802.425.5122
PO Box 500 Kristina@greenworksvermont.org
Randolph Center, VT 05061 www.greenworksvermont.org
802.728.1207
meddy@vtc.edu

THE D
Spring
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Issue
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ume
42, Issu
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Connect with the VNLA/
Advertise with us! Green Works on Social Media!
Connect with us, post to our pages, or let us know something
special you would like to share and we'll share it. It's another
Contact the Dr. Pe
lle tt Aw way for us to help your business thrive! You can find us at ...
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Works page
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apes page
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IRT
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THE D
21

Issue 2
me 42,

Facebook: @greenworksvt & @vermontflowershow

6, Volu
Issue 201

888.518.6484
Summer

Instagram: @greenworksvt & @vtflowershow

5
page

Garden
tanic
tary Bo
The Ro
1

2
 PRESIDENT’S LETTER Ashley Robinson, Landscape Designer

inside
this issue
Board of Directors 2

The President’s Letter 3

The Buzz 4
A Bit of VNLA History -
1964-2005/ Part One
Dear Fellow VNLA Members & Friends,
VNLA Twilight Gatherings
Recap
I hope by now, the hectic pace of spring has subsided to perhaps a still busy, but not head-spinning
pace. Regardless, summer is here and as always in Vermont, can feel fleeting. So any chance you get VPOC -Green Mountain
to relax and soak up the moment, I hope you take and enjoy. Habitat for Humanity
Fall Project
My version of taking time out, turned into a bigger adventure than planned. I am currently dog- With Deep Sadness
sitting, so thought a walk in the woods would do us both some good. We headed out as we’ve done
Calendar of Events
before up a wooded trail happy to be out of the blazing hot sun. Tico, the dog, bounding through the
woods, weaving in and out of sight, but always returning to view, was clearly having fun. And I Leonard’s Clippings 11
enjoyed watching the carefree runs and quick turns he takes to investigate new, intriguing smells. It
was quiet, but for the slight jingle of his collar, which thankfully he had, as that was my GPS. The Lab 14
Observations from
UVM Diagnostic Lab
I could go on about how lovely and enchanting these nature trails can be tucked into places
unexpected, but think you can envision them well. The truly unexpected came when I found myself Vermont Pesticide Rules
knee deep in mucky water, surrounded by cattails yelling “Tico” over and over. All I could see were
The Idea Factory 19
reeds moving and the occasional black tail wagging fiercely. This was not the kind of ‘relaxing and
Tips, Trends, Food for
soaking up of the moment” I had hoped for.
Thought . . .

But there I was, and yet found myself inquisitive about this nature around me. This wetland Garden Jewels of Mount
flora and fauna, had me intrigued. Imagine how dynamic this ecosystem. Tico knew, but I realized we Desert Island
were both intruding. Happy to say, I finally managed to reach for the collar and pull us both out from
Strictly Business 23
the jungle. Top Ten Tips to Better
Know Your Business’
My point is, discovery. Our landscapes bring us curiosity, and wonderment among a million other Business
things. This gratitude and curiosity, quest for preservation and a look into the ecology of landscape Member Profile -
practices is all about Larry Weaner’s approach. We are lucky to have him as our keynote speaker for Red Wagon Plants
the Summer Meeting on August 1st. I hope and look forward to seeing you all there!
The Plant Lounge 26
Wait! What? Since When
You are also encouraged, to SPREAD THE WORD!! Not only about our gatherings and meetings, but
are Shade Gardens
the VNLA in general. Word of mouth is the way to do it. Nothing speaks louder than shared Boring?!
experiences and relationships. We all know the importance of community to help grow our business,
so let’s help grow our VNLA!

Speaking of getting involved, the Volunteer Project Outreach Committee is working on another
project with Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity on a site in Milton. The committee is gearing up
for installation this fall, so please consider participating. For more information contact me!
Cover Photo: by Dick Conrad.
Asticou Gardens, Mt. Desert
Until next time,
Island, ME. Raked paths
culminate at the Great Pond
surrounded by elegant evergreens
and azaleas. See the article on
Ashley page 19 by Judith Irven.

3
 THE BUZZ
the low down on what’s up!
A Bit of VNLA History - 1964 - 2005 / Part One
by Kristina MacKulin and Dr. Norman Pellett
In 2005, Dr. Norman Pellett undertook the
task of writing the “History of the Vermont
Association of Professional Horticulturists
(formerly The Vermont Plantsmen’s
Association) from 1964 to 2005. In 2008
the Association adopted our current name:
the Vermont Nursery & Landscape
Association. We keep making history!
The Association is 55 years old this year
and I think the name changes over these
past years reflects the evolution of where
the Association is today.
While we are always thinking about where
we are headed next I thought it would be
worthwhile to take a look back on how the
Association was formed and why, as the
VNLA continues to strive to be a vibrant
organization for its members and
supporters.
Below are some excerpts from Dr. Pellett’s
“history”. This will be Part One and Part
Two will be continued in the next issue of
The Dirt, formerly called The Potting Bench.
You can also read the full, unabridged
version of this history on the VNLA
website.
The Beginning Years
The Vermont Plantsmen’s Association
(VPA) was incorporated by the State of
Vermont on March 10, 1964 as a non-profit
organization. The plant industry in
Vermont has matured in the 40-year
existence of the Association. The VPA has
developed along with it. It started when
Fred Abbey, originator and owner of
Gardenside Nursery in Shelburne, and Dr.
Harrison Flint, Extension Ornamental
Horticulturist at the University of Vermont
when they had discussions in the early
1960’s regarding the possibility of a
plantsmen’s organization.
Dr. Flint, wrote the following regarding the
organization in the September, 1963 issue
of Green Mountain Grower, an Extension
Publication for the plant industry:
“At the 1963 Plantsmen’s Day, held August
15, a committee was formed from the floor
to develop a commercial and professional
plantsmen’s organization in Vermont. This
organization could include such persons as
commercial growers of ornamental plants
and flowers, professional grounds
maintenance personnel and suppliers and
others with related interests.
The committee consists of George Brady,
John Chapin, Albert Chappell, Neil Frink
(chairman), Dana Halladay, H. Parks
Holcomb and Dorothy Martinetti. This
committee and two acting members, George
Mitchell and Rodney Trevett, met August
29, will meet again September 26 and plan
to have proposals as to Constitution and
By-Laws ready for action at the general
organizational meeting to be held
November 10 in Burlington in conjunction
with the 14th Annual Chrysanthemum
Show of the Commercial Flower Growers of
Vermont.
Possible member benefits of such an
organization, as outlined by the committee,
include group action toward desirable
legislation, group insurance, group quantity
purchasing and shipping, product
promotion, consumer education, and
generally better communication among
plantsmen, especially concerning available
surpluses. The committee is most anxious
to have additional comment from would-be
members of such an organization.”
Notice of the First Meeting Appearing
in the Green Mountain Grower:
January 28, 1964 - “The first annual
meeting of Vermont Plantsmen’s
4
Association, 2 p.m. in Horticultural Hall,
Municipal Auditorium, Barre, Vermont, in
conjunction with the Vermont Farm Show.
Primary business: Election of officers and
discussion of projects. To date 40 members
have pledged dues for 1964. If you haven’t
returned your pledge card, join this
organization by doing it now.”
The History of The Vermont
Plantsmen, by Lewis Hill.
Lewis Hill of Greensboro wrote the
following article in the 1991 winter issue of
The Dirt, News Quarterly for The Vermont
Plantsmen’s Association, Inc.:
“In the early 1960’s a small group of
Vermont nurserymen began to discuss the
need for a statewide organization. Vermont
already had dairy, sheep, poultry, apple,
maple, beekeeper, potato and other
agricultural groups. Even several floral
producers, such as the gladiolus growers,
met regularly.
After three or four preliminary gatherings,
with the help of Harrison Flint,
Ornamental Horticulturist with the UVM
Extension Service and several officials from
the Vermont Department of Agriculture,
the growers composed a set of bylaws and
a statement of purpose. They held their
first official meeting at the Vermont Farm
Show in February, 1964, in the Barre
auditorium. Because of the lack of space,
and since no one took the new group very
seriously, they were assigned a small room
under the stage in the auditorium.
Some thirty nursery growers, greenhouse
operators, and landscapers met in the hot,
crowded quarters that day to listen to the
plans of the organizers. They adopted the
following statement of purpose: ‘The object
of this organization shall be for the
purpose of improving the condition of
floriculture and ornamental horticulture,
and to help beautify the state with plants,
through promotion, education, legislation,
mutual benefits, and information of public
interest’.
Most of the officers elected that day were
growers who had been active in getting the
association started. They were Fred
Abbey, president; Lewis Hill, Greensboro,
vice president; Richard Salter, Reading,
executive secretary; and Richard Stevens,
Springfield, treasurer. The executive
committee consisted of H. Parks Holcomb,
Marlboro; Marvin Carley, Brattleboro; and
Grace Clark of Bristol. After much
discussion, the name Vermont Plantsmen’s
Association was chosen (feminists had not
yet become active). To counteract the
unpleasant dealings, the public had
experienced with unscrupulous nursery
salesmen and landscapers during the first
half of the century, the group composed
and adopted a code of ethics for their
members.
As with other statewide organizations, the
mileage from Newport to Brattleboro
didn’t make it easy for the members to get
together often, so the winter meeting was
the main one held for many years. The
varied interests of the members sometimes
caused problems too. Landscapers felt they
had little in common with greenhouse
growers, and greenhouse growers claimed
different challenges from those of nursery
growers.
During those early years the group became
better organized and grew rapidly during
the 1960’s and 1970’s when several other
plant oriented groups joined. Speakers
tended to discuss mostly plant
propagation and culture, with topics such
as fertilizers, pest control, new varieties, as
well as reports of experimental programs
taking place at the University of Vermont.
New fertilizers and chemicals for insect,
disease and weed control were being
introduced rapidly, and many of the topics
dealt with their use. Membership increased
as it became increasingly important for
growers to keep informed, and both the
meetings and newsletter, The Potting
Bench, helped accomplish this.
Under the guidance of later Extension
Horticulturists, first Norman Pellett, and
presently, Leonard Perry, the group
organized field trips to other New England the University of Vermont College of
states and to Canada, and began to hold Agriculture to attend and speak at
twilight summer meetings at growers’ meetings.
places of business. Meetings attracted
exhibitors of both nursery plants and Dick was well organized and resourceful.
He didn’t hesitate to ask growers to join or
related products, and these added interest
members to participate often resorting to
to the gatherings as well as financial help.
strong persuasion that didn’t always sit
The Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance
well with others. He insisted that annual
service, successfully managed by first,
meetings be held where liquor and a good
Richard Salter, then Mary West for many
meal were served. He retired as Executive
years, also attracted new members.
Director in 1983. Dick specialized in
Summer meetings at Lake Champagne (in growing high quality geraniums and
Randolph Center) allowed members to bedding plants at Salter’s Greenhouse in
enjoy Phil Hodgdon’s famous barbecues Reading. He died one month short of his
and offered a chance for members to get 100th birthday on August 15, 2000. Perhaps
together, picnic and swap ideas and his enjoyment of a martini before lunch
plants. The group also sponsored bus and smoking a cigar after lunch shortened
tours to nurseries and display gardens in his life.
New England and Canada. The spring
flower show grew from small gatherings in Highlights of the Past
Barre to many large, colorful exhibits in
Changes in the VPA (now, the VAPH) have
Burlington malls and also included
reflected the trends in Vermont and the
educational lectures.”
ornamental horticulture industry. The total
First Executive Secretary value of goods and services provided by the
industry has greatly increased since the
Richard (Dick) Salter of Reading, the first
founding of the organization in 1964. Many
Executive Secretary serving for twenty
florists produced some of their own cut
years, was largely responsible for the
flowers and flowering pot plants in
management and programs of the Vermont
greenhouses in the 1960’s. The educational
Plantsmen’s Association. Dick wrote and
programs for members included more
distributed the newsletter named The
information of interest to these growers.
Potting Bench. He instituted advertising by
This was followed in the late 60’s and 70’s
members and others in the publication to
by tremendous growth and sales of foliage
help defray the cost. He managed the
plants and gardening items as part of the
finances, scheduled the meetings,
green revolution. The number of businesses
contacted the speakers and kept the
selling plants and garden related supplies
organization on track. He managed a Blue
and equipment grew rapidly.
Cross/Blue Shield Health Insurance
Program for members and employees
As the population of Vermont grew over the
families, collecting premiums, filing claims
40 years of the organization, many people
and keeping the records which allowed the
moved into the state from other parts of
organization’s members low-cost health
the country where lawns and landscape
insurance.
plantings were more popular. People
became interested in using a greater variety
Dick helped organize and manage the
of plants in their landscapes. Not only did
annual flower shows held in various sites
the interest in membership in the VPA
including the Barre Auditorium, St.
increase among Vermont plant
Monica’s School in Barre, the Armory in
professionals, but suppliers from nearby
Berlin, and the Burlington Auditorium. Dick
states joined as associate members. An
represented the VPA on the Board of
increasing number of national nurseries
Directors of the New England Greenhouse
and suppliers have sought customers in
Conference where he served as Hospitality
Vermont by joining the organization and
Chairperson many times. He invited and
participating in the trade shows.
strongly encouraged the various Vermont
Secretaries of Agriculture and the Deans of
To be continued in the next issue ............
5
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Ashley Robinson, Landscape
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Entry Applications available at Aubuchon Hardware, Waterbury
CDL USA
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Center for Technology, Essex
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Claussen’s Florist & Greenhouse
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Northland Job Corps Center
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Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center
Pete’s Pines and Needles Tree Farm
River’s Bend Design, LLC
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Robert’s Tree Farm
Rocky Dale Gardens
R.R. Charlebois, Inc.
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Sean Krusch Trucking
Shelburne Athletic Club
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SJC Garden Services
Stowe Theater Guild
Studio Three Architecture
Swenson Granite
The Grass Gauchos, LLC
Trader Joe’s
Trowel Trades Supply, Inc.
United Rentals
University of Vermont Extension
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UVM Horticulture Club
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19

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Earn your associate degree in

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Small College. Big Outcomes.

6
 VNLA Twilight Gatherings Recap
by Kristina MacKulin
Our June 19, 2019 a grounds and the building were beautiful and I highly
encourage you to stop by and take a stroll through the
twilight gathering
gardens.
was a garden tour at
the Vermont Zen
Center in Shelburne,
VT. It was very well
attended, considering
it began with some
rain but by the end of
the tour the rain had
cleared away.

The Vermont Zen

Center was founded
in 1988 with goals of
providing a peaceful On July 16, 2019, a beautiful summer evening and
environment for the luckily before the heat spell hit, John Padua of Cobble
study and practice of Creek Nursery greeted over 20 people for a tour of the
Zen Buddhism. nursery as well as a Plant ID Refresher course. John
shared his many years of knowledge and expertise on
Our tour was led by growing and identifying plants.
the volunteer
Our next gathering will be on September 17, 2019
gardeners who take
responsibility for when we take a tour of the Green Mountain Compost
their own portions of facility. We hope you can join us us!
this landscape. The Vermont Zen Center and gardens are open
to the public and they offers a schedule of daily sittings,
intensive meditation periods, classes, ceremonies, public
events and more. They also offer retreats and workshops. The
group was also given a tour of the center itself. Both the

Get Certified in 2019!

Don’t delay and
order your study
manual today!

www.greenworksvermont.org
888.518.6484

VNLA members and friends enjoy the VT Zen Center gardens (photos on
left); Cobble Creek Nursery tour (above photos).

7
The VNLA Volunteer Project Outreach Committee
Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity - Fall Project!
by Ashley Robinson
Hi Folks! Here is an update with the latest
developments from the VPOC desk.
The Committee is honing in on a final plan
for 24 Railroad Street, Milton and it will
be on view at the Summer Meeting and
Trade Show on August 1st. The
construction team with Green Mountain
Habitat For Humanity has been working on
the house. Together with homeowner
participation, they’re nearing the end.
Final grading is in the works and our
committee has had some input.
Recently the committee gathered to review
plans and the work of three VTC
Landscape Design students: Hannah
Kilburn, Isaiah Carbonneau & Austin
Turco. The final plan and ultimate
landscape installation will be the result of
impressive collaborative efforts among
students, committee members, and YOU!
Above: Isaiah Carbonneau, Hannah Kilburn,
Austin Turco, Ashley Robinson and Pamelia
Smith at the VTC design review.
Below: The GMHH Milton site.
8
We can’t make this happen without the help of
many hands. SO we’re starting to gather a list of
materials and will be asking for volunteers to help
with the installation slated for Thursday
October 3, 2019.
One of the greatest feelings is being able to
participate in projects for the benefit of our
community. Our success and future is dependent
on participation, on whatever level! For more
information, or to be added to the list of
committee members actively involved, please
contact me: arobinsonld@gmail.com or
802-922-1924
Meanwhile, if you think you have materials to
donate (plants, stone, lumber, soil etc) or ways to
contribute, please let us know! A list of
materials will be available at the Summer
Meeting August 1 and we will also be posting it
on our website. Please consider a contribution
and THANK YOU!!
 With Deep Sadness . . .
It is with deep sadness that I share the in 1964.  They made their home in Fairfield,
CT until moving to Thetford Center in 1967.   
Sandy Anderson

news of Elmer C. Brown’s passing. Elmer Alexander ‘Sandy’

Upon arriving in Thetford, they established Anderson, energetic
founded E.C. Brown’s Nursery in Thetford
E.C. Browns' Nursery which he continued to force passed away on
Center in 1967. He was president of the
be active in until very recently. Elmer was April 30, 2019. In
VNLA (back then the VPA) from 1972-73
able to share his life-long passion for 1952, 10-year-old
and was a long-time member and supporter
horticulture with Upper Valley residents Sandy emigrated from
of our Association.
through the nursery and his designs and Scotland with his
It is also with deep sadness that I share the plants grace countless locations as a result. parents Alexander
news of Sandy Anderson’s passing. Sandy He was particularly touched by the (Alec) and Janet B
owned and ran Mill Brook Bonsai until outpouring of well wishes from the (Jenny) Anderson and
closing up shop and retiring to Florida in community he so loved during his recent his brothers David and John B. He said he
recent years. Sandy was also a long-time 92’nd birthday when he received hundreds complained all the way that no one had
member and supporter of the VNLA and was of birthday greetings. consulted him about this move! Quickly, he
instrumental in the move of the Vermont   came to love his new country, where
Elmer loved to sing, particularly barbershop
Flower Show to the Champlain Valley Expo. rationing was over. Here, there was ice
harmony.  He was a founding member of the
cream, bubble gum, fishing, & fancy cars.
Elmer and Sandy’s contributions to the North Country Chordsmen chapter of
horticulture industry in Vermont goes SPEBSQSA in the Upper Valley, sang in After graduation from high school at 16, he
without saying. They touched many lives numerous quartets, and sang in the church joined the Coast Guard. Sadly, his color
and will deeply be missed. Following are choir.  He was a member of the Thetford blindness made him ineligible to continue.
excerpts from their obituaries. Volunteer Fire Department serving as At 18, he went to work at IBM
Captain and Assistant Chief. Elmer was also Poughkeepsie. At 21, he was the youngest to
Elmer C. Brown instrumental in organizing Thetford's FAST make manager. During his career, he went
Squad and served as an EMT for many years.  from feeding metal filaments into
Elmer C. Brown, 92, died at home with his He served as Trustee of the Timothy Frost microchips by hand to traveling
family on Friday May 3, 2019. Church and Thetford Academy and was also internationally, coaching semiconductor
  a member and past president of the Vermont companies in Taiwan and Singapore in
He was born
Plantsman Association. Elmer was an avid inventory control. After his retirement, his
April 9, 1927
skier, skiing into his 80’s and was active in analytical mind was always ready to tackle a
in North
the Ford-Sayre Ski Program including new set of data for local businesses and even
Troy, VT a
serving on it's council as well as delivering political campaigns.
son of Leo
and Mildred ski equipment for the Thetford School After 36 years at IBM he decided to retire
(Currier) students for over 35 years to Dartmouth and open a business growing, selling and
Brown.  Skiway. teaching Bonsai. He was well known for
Elmer grew   sharing this love. His many other interests
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Bertha
up in the included fishing, bird watching and after his
of Thetford Center; sons Kevin Brown and
Northeast recent move to Mount Dora, Florida,
wife Robin of North Thetford, VT and Kirk
Kingdom of Vermont, graduating from searching for alligators.
Brown and wife  Karen of Ellicott City, MD;
Lyndon Institute in 1945.  He then served in grandchildren Connor, Lily, Rachael, Patrick Pancreatic cancer is a horrendous disease
the Marine Corps during World War II.  After and Adam as well as several nieces and and robbed us much too soon of a vital,
his honorable discharge, Elmer attended nephews. He was predeceased by two energetic force for good.
New England College in Henniker, NH, brothers Carlton and Edwin and a sister He met and married Trudy, his life partner, at
earning a degree in Botany in 1950.  Frances Merchant. 24. He and Trudy celebrated 50+ years of
Following his graduation he began his   marriage. Their three children, Sara
nearly 70 year career in the landscape A memorial service was held at the United
Anderson Youngman, Joshua S. Anderson
nursery business, first at the Henry Field Church of Thetford in North Thetford on and Janet Katherine Anderson, will miss him
Seed and Nursery in Shenandoah, Iowa and Sunday May 19, 2019. Contributions in his very much. Sara’s spouse, Kipp Youngman,
later at Johnson’s Nursery in Fairfield, CT.  memory may be made to North Country and children: Sabrina, Vanessa, Dezirae, and
Elmer was married to Marjorie Parker of Chordsmen PO Box 474 Hanover NH, 03755 Kipp, Jr. were much a part of his life. He
Norwich, VT in 1953 and they started a or Bayada Hospice PO Box 1590 Norwich, loved to cheer them on at sports events.
family by adopting twin boys in 1961. After VT, 05055. A gathering of family and friends was held
Marjorie's death in 1962,  Elmer married on July 13. Condolences can be sent to Trudy
Bertha Cook of Norwich, VT Anderson at trudith@aol.com.

9
 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
August 13-14, 2019
New Directions in the
American Landscape 2 Day
Intensive Design Workshop
Staten Island, NY
www.ndal.org/upcoming-ndal-
events/
September 5-6, 2019
New Directions in the
American Landscape 2 Day
Intensive Design Workshop
Staten Island, NY
www.ndal.org/upcoming-ndal-
events/
September 7, 2019
In Celebration of Trees w/
Dr. Michael Dirr
UMASS Amherst
Amherst, MA
www.ag.umass.edu/landscape/
events/in-celebration-of-trees-
with-dr-michael-dirr
September 16, 2019
Montreal Botanical
Garden Tour
Green Mountain Horticulture
Tours/VNLA
Dr. Leonard Perry
PO Box 735
Milton, VT 05468
802-318-8453
www.pss.uvm.edu/ppp/
CNtour19an.pdf
September 17, 2019
VNLA Twilight Gathering
Green Mountain Compost
Facility Tour - 6:30 - 8pm
Williston, VT
www.greenworksvermont.org
October 2, 2019
VNLA Twilight Gathering
Oliver Seed Company
Facility Tour - 6:30-8pm
Milton, VT
www.greenworksvermont.org
October 29, 2019
ELA Webinar: Climate Chnage
and its Effects on Trees and
Their Relationships to Insects
12:30-1:30 pm
www.ecolandscaping.org/events/
list/?
tribe_paged=2&tribe_event_displ
ay=list
November 14, 2019
VT Dept. of Environmental
Conservation Watershed
Management Division
Natural Shoreland Erosion
Control Certification Program
https://dec.vermont.gov/
watershed/lakes-ponds/
lakeshores-lake-wise/nsecc
January 9-10, 2020
31st Annual Landscape
Symposium
New Directions in the
American Landscape
Bryn Mawr College
Bryn Mawr, PA
www.ndal.org/upcoming-ndal-
events/
January 16-17, 2020
31st Annual Landscape
Symposium
New Directions in the
American Landscape
Connecticut College
New London, CT
www.ndal.org/upcoming-ndal-
events/
February 13, 2020
VNLA Winter Meeting &
Trade Show
UVM Davis Center
Burlington, VT 05401

Cobble Creek Nursery, LLC

W e grow a diverse selection of

B&B trees and shrubs at our
nursery in Monkton, Vermont. We
offer shade trees, ornamental trees,
flowering shrubs and dwarf conifers.
At Cobble Creek Nursery we are known
for quality Vermont Grown plants,
exceptional service and extensive
woody plant knowledge. Stop by for
a visit or give John a call for more
information.

John Padua
991 Tyler Bridge Road, Bristol, VT 05443
phone/fax: 802-453-3889 / e-mail: cobcreek@gmavt.net

10
 LEONARD’S CLIPPINGS!
by Dr. Leonard Perry, UVM Horticulture Professor Emeritus
Some recent facts and highlights
from UVM:
• UVM’s Sustainable Innovation
MBA has been ranked the top
green MBA in the country.
• In FY2018, $136 million in
sponsored funding was awarded to
UVM faculty.
• The Huffington Post has rated
UVM among the top 10 best places
to go to college.
In other UVM News, lots of
administrative changes:
As reviewed in the last Dirt, Dr. Suresh
Garimella became UVM’s 27th
president, effective July 1, 2019. He
was most recently Executive Vice
President for Research and
Partnerships and the Goodson
Distinguished Professor of Mechanical
Engineering at Purdue University.
After six years, Provost David
Roskowsky has stepped down.
Effective on April 15, Dean of the
College of Nursing and Health
Sciences Patricia Prelock was
appointed Interim Provost and Senior
Vice President.
As mentioned in a previous Dirt, CALS
Dean Vogelmann stepped down,
effective the end of June. A national
search for a replacement was
unsuccessful, so (as of this writing) an
interim internal Dean is being sought.
Also as mentioned in a previous issue,
Extension was folded back into the College
over a year ago, similar to the 1980’s and
before, and after being a separate unit
since. The transition of deciding who is
doing what is still underway.
In Plant and Soil Science Department
News:
For ECHO’s Leahy Center
for Lake Champlain new
Energy Commons, ECHO
wanted to demonstrate
green design techniques for
stormwater
management. UVM’s
Stephanie Hurley, Associate
Professor of landscape
design who does research
on green stormwater
infrastructure, designed a
series of “bioretention”
rain gardens to surround
ECHO’s newly paved
parking lot.
This type of green infrastructure slows,
stores, and filters stormwater runoff and
acts as a buffer between the parking area
and Lake Champlain. They are planted
with various species of native vegetation
that can tolerate both wet and dry site
conditions. One system includes a dry
river bed design feature to evoke the
natural systems that green infrastructure
seeks to emulate in the built environment.
PSS Professor Deb Neher was an invited
speaker at the 36th Brazilian Congress of
Nematology, Caldas Novas, Goiás, Brazil,
May 26-30 2019. Her talk: "Nematode
communities as ecological indicators of
ecosystem health”.
Champlain Valley Apiaries is collaborating
with University of Vermont to bring honey
11
bee colonies to the UVM Catamount Farm
for research and education (and
pollination too!). Thanks to CVA and Plant
and Soil Science, UVM will be offering the
first beekeeping course to students in over
50 years!
PSS PhD student Alissa White and former
grad student Lily Calderwood were tapped
for their expertise on climate change and
farming in the
NYTimes
(www.nytimes.com/
2019/04/30/dining/
farming-climate-
change.html)
The Gund Institute for
Environment at UVM
announced $200,000 in
Gund Catalyst Award seed
grants for five
interdisciplinary teams—
three having PSS faculty.
Stephanie Hurley (Plant
and Soil Science) will use
iconic urban farms in
Italy to explore sustainable agricultural
design and planning. Working with UVM
and Italian colleagues, Hurley will
investigate the design and benefits – both
ecological and social – of historic urban
farms to understand and inform future
urban agricultural projects that are
culturally-engaging, environmentally
sustainable, and stand the test of time. 
Yolanda Chen (Plant and Soil Science)
and Dan Tobin (CDAE) will study farmers’
use of traditional and hybrid crop
varieties, and the impacts of these
decisions on insect and microbe
biodiversity. Working with UVM and
international partners in historically
significant regions in Mexico, the team
will explore farmers’ motivations for
conserving traditional “landrace” crop
seeds, which can influence biodiversity
and reduce farmers’ reliance on water,
fertilizer and pesticide inputs.
Eric von Wettberg (Plant and Soil
Science) and Travis Reynolds (CDAE)
will study seed and crop diversity
among refugee farmers in Vermont.
The team will explore seed access and
genetic diversity, and their effects on
adaption to Vermont’s changing
climate, farmer livelihoods, and
nitrogen and water use.  Just 20 Minutes with Natural
In the last Dirt I mentioned our day
bus tour on September 16 to the
Montreal Botanical Gardens and
Chinese lanterns display, a
collaboration of myself and your
association. pss.uvm.edu/ppp/
CNtour19an.pdf). Last year I thought
most had probably gone, so I might
skip a year. Due to requests I offered
it, and we ended up with two buses!
So this year I wondered if there would
be much interest. As of this writing
mid-July, we once again have added a
second bus, and only have 15 seats
left.
Once again, a couple of great nature
studies that relate to our industry,
thanks to Jennifer with Green Talks
(Ball Publishing e-newsletter), and a
couple additional ones. To me the
bottom line is, Got Stress? Get Nature
(at least 30 minutes worth).
How Time in Nature Boosts
Children’s Academic Achievement
and Healthy Development.  climate.nasa.gov/news/2540) In another
A new paper that analyzes hundreds
of studies to show how nature impacts
learning in eight ways. Author Ming
Kuo says, “Even small exposures to
nature are beneficial. If you’re indoors, and rainfall patterns. These can be used
having a view of your yard as opposed to for centuries prior to weather data. “The
facing the wall, that makes a difference. At rings are thinner in years when it's dry and
the same time, more is better. That’s one may not grow at all in stressful conditions
of the things that gives us more like drought …This is the first study to
confidence that we’re seeing a real cause- provide historical evidence connecting
and-effect relationship. The bigger the human-generated emissions and drought
dose of nature we give a person,
the bigger the effect we see in
them.” (Science Daily, Mar.12,
2019)
Elements Lowers Stress. 
University of Michigan
researchers came out with a
study (Frontiers of Psychology,
April) that found that just 20
minutes of exposure to nature
significantly reduces cortisol
levels. (sciencedaily.com/
releases/ Photo courtesy of Treehugger.com.
2019/04/190404074915.htm) [in
addition to that in Green Talks…
at near-global scales between 1900 and
20 to 30 minutes showed the greatest
2005…All the models are projecting that
increase in de-stressing.] “Our study
you should see unprecedented drying
shows that for the greatest payoff, in
soon, in a lot of places…Many of the areas
terms of efficiently lowering levels of the
expected to dry out are centers of farming,
stress hormone cortisol, you should spend
and could become permanently arid. The
20 to 30 minutes sitting or walking in a
human consequences of this, particularly
place that provides you with a sense of
drying over large parts of North America
nature.” The study “provides the first
and Eurasia, will likely be severe, the study
estimates of how nature experiences
said.” (USA Today, 5/1/19) My take on this
impact stress levels in the context of
—perhaps we should be thinking more
normal daily life.”
about water-wise plantings, and
In another previous study on the effect of techniques (e.g. soil conditioning,
green exercise (activity in the presence of mulches), and irrigation in landscapes?
nature), improvements to self-esteem and
mood for less than an hour duration were
greater for the lower intensity green
exercise (e.g., walking) compared to
more intense exercise (e.g., cycling).
Such improvements decreased up to
half day durations, then increased again
with half to full days of exercise.
(Barton and Pretty, 2010, Environ. Sci.
Technol. 44, 3947–3955).
Nature’s Climate Record—in Trees.
(photo courtesy NASA, https://
study related to a changing climate
(Nature, 5/1/19), tree ring data going
back hundreds of years is correlating
the effect of human activity on drought
12
 Greetings from Gardener’s Supply
Brian: “It really is about the personal relationships with our customers. Everything else is secondary.”
That’s been Brian’s motto over his 31 years in the wholesale industry. A Vermont Certified Horticulturalist,
Brian has in-depth knowledge of industry trends, plants, pricing, pest and disease identification and has a
keen sense for finding the plants you need for your projects. Brianm@gardeners.com

Chris: Responsible and committed, sharp with numbers and analysis, Chris is ready and attentive to your
questions and requests. A veteran with 11 years at Gardener’s Supply, he will be your primary contact for
e-mail communication, taking plant requests, writing up plant quotes, and will be the coordinator of our
new delivery program. Chrisr@gardeners.com

Lezlee: Lezlee Sprenger returns this year at the forefront of our sales office. A master gardener with
over 12 years of industry experience in garden and floral design, Lezlee owned her own landscape
company and has been a commercial customer of ours for years. Don’t hesitate to talk to her about plant
combinations, design and color, and installation specifics. Lezlees@gardeners.com

Commercial Division
Spring/Summer Commercial Hours
Weekdays 7:00am–6:00pm, Sat. 8:00am–6:00pm, Sun. 9:00am–5:00pm

472 Marshall Avenue, Wiliston, VT

802-658-2433 • wholesale@gardeners.com

tempfile_10932930.indd 1 13 4/1/19 10:13 AM

 THE LAB
putting it under the lens . . .
Observations from the UVM Plant Diagnostic Lab
by Ann Hazelrigg, Phd.
The Clinic has received a lot of
samples and reports of desiccation
injury and dieback in evergreens in
addition to delayed leafing out of
several trees and shrubs as a result of
our long cold winter and slow to warm
up spring. I was surprised by the
damage in evergreens since we had
such good snow cover, but we did have
a few days of low temperatures, plus
the winter followed a stressful hot and
dry summer, adding insult to injury!
The spring was long, cool and wet
leading to a lot of early season fungal
diseases including anthracnose in
maples, oaks, ash and sycamore.
Although more unsightly than
damaging, if severe, the tree may
defoliate in late spring only to flush
out new growth and recover.
Symptoms include brown irregular
spots or blotches that often follow
leaf veins or appear on leaf margins.
Spores are produced on the foliage
throughout the summer although
most infections are seen early in the
year. Shoots may also show
blighting but this is not as
common as the leaf
symptoms. This disease
may result in total
defoliation of sycamores.
The fungi responsible for
the disease overwinter on
fallen leaves so raking
these in the fall is a good
management option.
Spraying with fungicides is
rarely warranted and would
need to be done in early
Above: Anthracnose on red maple. Missouri
Botanical Garden. Below: Peach leaf curl. Paul
Bachi, University of Kentucky R and E Center,
Bugwood.
Oak leaf blister (Taphrina caerulescens)
14
spring as the foliage is emerging and
repeated 2-3 times in the early season.
There have been a lot of calls about a
colorful and striking peach disease
(fungal pathogen-Taphrina deformans)
called peach leaf curl. This disease is
common in cool wet springs causing
thickened and puckered pinkish/
purplish growth on new leaves.
Fungicides are rarely warranted and by
the time you notice the disease it is too
late. Later leaves produced are more
resistant to the pathogen so damage is
usually limited to the first new leaves
in the spring.
A similar disease caused by the same
genus, is oak leaf blister. Red oak is
particularly susceptible. The top part
of the leaf appears to be ‘blistered’ and
the leaf undersides appear hollow or
concave.
Exobasidium gall, caused by the fungus
Exobasidium vaccinii, is very prevalent
this year on azaleas and
rhododendrons. Pale green, pink, white
fleshy galls develop on
leaves, branches or flower
parts. The disease is usually
not severe and galls can be
handpicked as soon as they
are noticed.
On blueberry, the
exobasidium fungus can
cause more serious damage
with a leaf and fruit spot.
The damage can be severe
and can render fruit
unmarketable.
We had an interesting sample of a you are seeing a problem in a landscape
maple that died suddenly this spring tree or shrub, feel free to email pictures
after looking fine last summer. The (ann.hazelrigg@uvm.edu) or send a
landscaper cut the dead tree down and sample to the Plant Diagnostic Clinic at
brought in a sample of the trunk. I sent 63 Carrigan Dr., Burlington, VT 05405 or
pictures to a tree pathologist, and from call 802-656-0493.
the distinctive radiating stain pattern,
he surmised the disease was likely
maple sapstreak. This is a fungal
disease of the living sapwood caused by
the fungus Ceratocystis virescens,
and is considered to be one of the Above: Exobasidium gall on azalea. Missouri
most common fungal diseases in the Botanical Garden. Below: Exobasidium leaf and
Northeast forest. The pathogen fruit spot on Blueberry.
invades when the roots or lower
stem are mechanically damaged.
Typically, you would notice
thinning crowns before the tree
succumbs, but in this case, death
was rapid.

I think the reason I enjoy my job so Suspected maple sapstreak disease.

much is that every year brings
something new and different! If

Three Things to know about Van Berkum Nursery

1) We are passionate about what we grow, from New England
Woodlanders to Wicked Ruggeds.
2) We specialize in healthy NH grown perennials, personal service,
and extensive plant knowledge.
3) We have friends in low places. (ribbit).
GROWING FOR OVER 40 YEARS
Phone (207) 499-2994 • Fax (207) 499-2912
sales@piersonnurseries.com • www.piersonnurseries.com
Mailing Address: Physical Address:
24 Buzzell Road 291 Waterhouse Road
Biddeford ME 04005 Dayton ME 04005

CARRYING A FULL LINE OF B&B AND CONTAINER

PLANTS READY TO BE DELIVERED TO YOU
NATIVE PLANTS FERNS & GRASSES
SHADE TREES PERENNIALS
FLOWERING SHRUBS WETLAND PLANTS
EVERGREENS BROADLEAFS

Check our website for our

most recent availability
(password: pni2019)

Or contact our office if you

would like to receive our
Van Berkum Nursery • 4 James Road Deerfield, NH 03037 weekly availability emails
LLC
(603) 463-7663 Fax 7326 • salesdesk@vanberkumnursery.com
www.vanberkumnursery.com

15
Vermont Pesticide Rules
by Bethany Creaser, VT Ag Resource Management Specialist

As a horticultural grower or landscaper, pesticide use may be pesticide applicator.

part of your business. What you may not realize is that this may Obtaining a Vermont commercial pesticide license involves
mean you are subject to state and federal pesticide rules. This studying pesticide training manuals and then taking the
article will help you decide if these rules may affect you. appropriate pesticide exams. Once you obtain your pesticide
license, there are requirements for record keeping, providing
Before providing some information about state and federal information about the applied pesticides to your customers,
pesticides rules, it is first good to define what a pesticide is. A and continuing education credits to maintain your license.
pesticide is any substance or mixture of substances intended
for preventing, destroying, Growers
repelling, or mitigating any pest. A
As a horticultural grower, you may
pesticide may be a chemical
use pesticides to control pests in
substance (natural or man-made)
your greenhouse or nursery. If you
or a biological agent (such as a
are not using state or federally
virus or bacteria) used against
restricted use pesticides, you do
pests.
not need a pesticide license to
A pesticide is the general term and apply these products. But, use of
encompasses specific types of pesticides may mean you have to
pesticides such as insecticides, comply with the federal Worker
fungicides, herbicides, and Protection Standard (WPS).
repellents. A common
The WPS is designed to protect
misconception is that herbicides
employees who are occupationally
such as glyphosate (Round Up) are
exposed to pesticides and requires
not pesticides, when in fact, they
employers to provide pesticide
are.
safety training. It aims to reduce
Now, let’s look at how these pesticide exposures for workers
pesticide rules may affect you. and their families. It applies to
farmworkers, and those that work
Landscapers, Arborist, and in a forest, nursery, or greenhouse
Turf Specialists that produces agricultural plants.
One of the services you may offer
Some of the requirements of the
to your customers is pest control.
WPS are:
If part of the pest control program
you offer involves the use of ANY • people stay out of treated
type of pesticide on your areas during and after an
customers’ property, that makes application;
you a commercial pesticide • proper protective gear for
applicator and requires a state of
applicators;
Vermont pesticide applicator’s
license. • access to supplies for routine
and emergency washing;
It does not matter if you are
applying products such as Round • annual safety training to
Up or Preen, natural or organic reduce take-home residues;
products, products made of • access to information about
essential oils, animal repellents, or pesticides used onsite;
products you can purchase at your
• age limits for applicators;
local hardware store. If the product
is being applied on your • employers to keep records of
customers’ property to kill, all pesticide applications; and
control, or repel a pest, it is a • protections from retaliation
pesticide and you are a commercial and discrimination.
16
 Ca

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Report a suspected pesticide violation – can be reported

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anonymously – call 802-828-2431 or visit: https://

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agriculture.vermont.gov/form/environmental-complaint-form

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The oldest and largest nursery

in the Northeast Kingdom!

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Route 14 * Craftsbury, VT
802-586-2856
lapointnursery@gmail.com

17
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G)$)**#"+%"$,H0I$%J+/7"+K*)L' * for a complete list of WSDA & OMRI listed products
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18
 THE IDEA FACTORY
tips & trends, food for thought…
Garden Design Magazine’s Top 10
Trends in Garden Design for 2019
1. Keeping it low maintenance.
2. Creating a staycation spot.
3. Making backyard structures focal
points.
4. Including private, secluded spaces.
5. Making a notable first impression.
6. Including unexpected elements in
your arrangements.
7. Including food in landscapes of all
sizes.
8. Giving back with gardens.
9. Growing all types of plants indoors.
10.Investing in furniture that will last.
Visit www.gardendesign.com for
all the details!
The American Horticultural Society recently selected
three books for their 2019 AHS Book Awards. These
awards recognize outstanding garden-related books
published in North America. You can also
view their list of the 75 Great American
Garden Books on their website.
The 2019 winners are:
Designing with Palms by Jason Dewees
The Food Explorer by Daniel Stone
Veggie Garden Remix by Niki Jabbour
www.ahsgardening.org
19
“I never saw a discontented tree.
They grip the ground as though they
liked it, and though fast rooted they
travel about as far as we do”.
John Muir
If you are bitten by a black legged tick
To safely remove ticks After removing the tick
1. Use fine-tipped tweezers or tick remover and firmly grasp
the tick close to the skin. Avoid touching the tick with your
1. Thoroughly wash your hands and the bite area.
Wash your hands with soap and water or use an
bare hands. alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are
2. With a steady motion, pull straight up until all parts of the not available.
tick are removed. 2. Clean the tick bite with soap and water or use an
3. Do not twist or jerk the tick. antiseptic such as iodine scrub or rubbing alcohol.
3. Watch for symptoms of tick-borne diseases.
4. Dispose of a live tick by putting it in alcohol, placing it
in a sealed bag/container, wrapping it tightly in tape or
flushing it down the toilet. Never crush a tick with your
“Symptoms of disseminated Lyme disease
fingers.
can occur days to months after the initial
DO NOT use petroleum jelly, a hot match, nail polish, or infection”
other products to remove a tick. —Vermont Department of Health
These methods are not effective.
VTLyme.org
Symptoms of Lyme Disease
According to the Vermont Department of Health, Lyme disease may spread
to various parts of the body. This is called “disseminated Lyme disease.”
Symptoms associated with disseminated Lyme Symptoms of Lyme disease
• Numbness and pain in the arms or legs Symptoms may include one or more of the following
• Paralysis of facial muscles • Fatigue
• Digestion problems/Stomach aches • Chills and fever
• Fever • Problems with memory/concentration
• Stiff neck • Muscle and joint pain (often migrating – appearing
• Severe headaches in different places in the body)
• Abnormal heart beat • Headache
• Joint pain and swelling • Swollen lymph nodes
• Problems with concentration and short-term memory • Tiredness
• Chronic nervous system problems • EM rash or atypical rash
• Shooting pains • Swollen Joints
• Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
• Meningitis
Vermont ticks carry other diseases, some of which require different treatments than Lyme disease. VTLyme.org
Vermont Lyme.org is an organization
informing and supporting Vermonters affected by Lyme
and Tick-borne diseases. They are a great resource for
information and guidance.
Garden Jewels of Mount Desert Island
By: Judith Irven, VCH; Photographs: Dick Conrad
A Designer’s Notebook
This column in The Dirt is a place
where we can share landscape design
ideas that work for us and for our
clients. Please let Kristina in the
VNLA office know if you have a
contribution for a future issue.
Every summer crowds of visitors
flock to Maine's Mount Desert
Island to hike the beautiful
windswept hills of Acadia National
Park and enjoy the bustling
seaside town of Bar Harbor.
But few are aware that, only ten
miles along the coast from Bar
Harbor in the little village of
Northeast Harbor, a trio of exquisite
hidden gardens, now owned and
maintained by the Land and Garden
Preserve, await your discovery.
Two of these gardens, Asticou and
Thuya, just two miles apart, were
created in a one frenetic year by
Charles Savage, a native of
Northeast Harbor, using the plants
from the nearby property of famous
landscape architect, Beatrix
Farrand. But the two gardens could
not be more different.
I have yet to visit the third garden,
the Abbey Aldrich Rockefeller
Garden. A study in formality it was
originally designed by Beatrix
Farrand between 1926 and 1930.
Two years ago the Rockefeller
family bequeathed it to the Land
and Garden Preserve, and now it is
open to the public three days a
week although advance reservations
are required.
Asticou Azalea Garden: Meticulous
and Serene.
In creating Asticou, Savage took his
inspiration from the rugged Maine
Top photo: Islands in a shimmering sea - The Sand
Garden at Asticou evokes coastal islands in a
shimmering sea.
Bottom two photos: Raked sand paths lead the
visitor to explore the Asticou Garden.
20
coast he loved, which he then
interpreted through Japanese design
ideals.
The formal gateway to the garden
marks the transition from the bustle of
the outside world to the quiet serenity
within, with a meticulously raked
gravel pathway edged with magnificent
carpets of pincushion moss.
We watched, almost in disbelief, as an
attendant gently brushed the soft
green carpets to remove any stray pine
needles that might have dropped the
previous night!
Throughout the garden more raked
sand paths follow a meandering brook
strewn with weathered Maine
boulders, take you past beautiful
azaleas and rhododendrons.
Eventually you reach the garden’s
climax, the Great Pond surrounded
with mature azaleas and evergreens
that reflect beautifully in the water.
Finally, on your return, you will
discover the traditional Japanese sand
garden with carefully positioned rocks
set in raked sand, symbolizing the
Acadian islands set in a shimmering
sea.
Thuya Garden
Thuya Garden is set high on an
enclosed hilltop, surrounding Thuya
Lodge that was the longtime home of
Joseph Curtis, a Victorian landscape
architect.
Visitors approach on foot, climbing the
spectacular rocky staircase known as
the Asticou Terraces.
At the top a pair of grand carved gates
announce your arrival at Thuya
Garden. (For people unable to make the
climb, there is handicap parking
available at the Lodge).
At the north end, formal beds filled
with colorful perennials are
reminiscent of the preeminent English
designer, Gertrude Jekyll.
As you stroll south there are raised beds
edged in massive blocks of local pink
granite which are home to
more flowers, while a small
pond evokes the wilder
landscape of Acadia.
Finally at the southern tip
of the garden look for the
hidden gate in the wall. This
leads to a rustic mountain
path to Eliot Mountain
offering a spectacular view
across the sea and nearby
islands. I wonder—was this
the view that inspired
Charles Savage as he
created the Japanese Sand
Garden at Asticou?
Drawing Back the Curtain
of Time
Sometimes the story
surrounding the creation of
a garden adds
immeasurably to our
enjoyment of the garden
itself. This is certainly the
case with the gardens of
Mount Desert Island. It is
the story of Charles Savage
and his three special
friends, and the incredible
events that connected
them.
Charles Savage
Top photo: A beautiful pot among the flowers at Thuya Garden.
Charles Savage was a life-
Bottom photo: Thuya Gardens are home to many colorful flowers.
long native of Northeast
Harbor and innkeeper of the
family-owned Asticou Inn. By all
accounts he was a dapper man
who mingled comfortably with the well-
heeled visitors to Northeast Harbor—
people who resided in Boston for most of
the year but, during summer’s heat,
retreated to Mount Desert Island.
Charles Savage was also a self-taught but
very skilled landscape designer. And
among his very special summer friends
he counted two well-known and
respected landscape architects, Joseph
Curtis and Beatrix Farrand.
Joseph Curtis
Back in 1880 Joseph Curtis purchased the
steep rocky hillside across
from Northeast Harbor known as the
Asticou Terraces and created the Asticou
Terrace Trail. This beautiful stone
staircase interspersed with scenic
pavilions, runs from sea level to the
upper reaches of his property where he
built a rustic retreat called Thuya Lodge
(for Thuya occidentals, his beloved native
white cedars).
Then, as a gift for future generations, in
1905 he bequeathed his entire property
to become ‘a public preserve for the quiet
recreation of the people of Northeast
Harbor and their summer guests’.
21
Finally, to ensure his wishes would be
honored, he created an endowment
trust, naming his great friend, Charles
Savage, as the sole trustee.
Beatrix Farrand
Beatrix Farrand was
a pioneering woman
landscape architect who,
during her long career,
designed an array of
noteworthy properties,
including the famous
Dumbarton Oaks in
Washington D.C..
Her parents owned a large
estate on Mount Desert
Island known as Reef
Point, and it was here
she would design her own
extensive gardens. She
created the Reef Point
gardens in part to showcase
many very special trees and
shrubs given to her
by Charles Sargent, her
former teacher and mentor
and director and plant
breeder at Boston's
famous Arnold Arboretum.
John D. Rockefeller Jr.
John D. Rockefeller Jr., the
only son of Standard Oil
founder J.D. Rockefeller Sr.
had his own successful
business career. At heart
however he was a
philanthropist, supporting
a vast array of social,
scientific and artistic
causes.
JDR Jr. and his wife Abby were also true
garden lovers, and in 1926 they
commissioned their neighbor Beatrix
Farrand to design a beautiful garden for
their Mount Desert Island property.
And it would not be long before Charles
Savage also counted JDR Jr. among his
special summer friends.
And, as we shall see, it was this
relationship that resulted in the creation
of both Asticou and Thuya Gardens.
Two Gardens are Born
Suddenly, in 1955, out of the blue, the
tranquility of Mount Dessert Island was
shattered, with a disastrous wildfire that
then caused a sudden increases in
everybody’s taxes.  Beatrix, realizing she For almost a year Charles worked
no longer had the means to properly
maintain her home, decided to sell Reef
Point.
She also knew she could not bear to
witness her beloved gardens
descend into decline. So, in a single
determined move, she resolved to destroy Pond. Then he supervised as hundreds of of Mount Desert Island. You will not be
everything, including all the rare plants
that had been given to her by Charles
Sargent.
After hearing about Beatrix’s
precipitous decision to destroy all her
beautiful plants, Charles Savage was
utterly devastated.
Then his thinking side took over. He
approached his good friend, JDR Jr.,
suggesting that they purchase the entire oversaw the remaining planting of what
Reef Point plant collection. Furthermore, was to become the new Thuya Garden.
Charles proposed transforming the
swampy land he owned at the head of the
Thus the strange turn of events in 1955
Northeast Harbor inlet into a brand new
resulted in the creation of two beautiful
garden as a home to these special plants.
new gardens which to this day are home
Amazingly JDR Jr. agreed to finance
for Beatrix Farrand’s plant collection.
everything! Today, along with the personal garden she
designed for John and Abby Rockefeller,
obsessively on the mammoth undertaking all three gardens are now lovingly
maintained by the Garden and Land
that resulted in Asticou Azalea Garden.
Preserve.
First he oversaw the extensive site
preparation—draining the swampy land, So, whenever you have occasion to
creating rocky waterways and finally visit the beautiful Maine coast, plan an
excavating what would become the Great extra day to visit the very special gardens
full size trees and shrubs—evergreens, disappointed!!
azaleas and more—were dug at the
Together Judith Irven and her husband,
Farrand property and replanted
Dick Conrad, nurture a large garden in
at Asticou. Goshen, VT. Judith is a landscape designer
As the year wore on Charles realized and VT Certified Horticulturist. She also
that, with Farrand's extensive perennial teaches Sustainable Home Landscaping for
collection, he needed additional land. the UVM Master Gardener Program. She
So he turned to the Curtis estate (where writes about her VT gardening life at
fortuitously he was the trustee), www.northcountryreflections.com. You can
developed the new design and then reach Judith at judithirven@gmail.com.

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22

Top Ten Tips to Better Know your Business’ Business
by Jacki Hart
This month’s Consulting by
Jacki Hart newsletter is
sharing her Top Ten tips to
better know and run your
business. Hopefully you can
take a small snippet away to
mull over to inspire you to
keep working ON your
business, and to recognize the
signs when you might need to
‘know your businesses’
business” better than you do
at this point in time.
1. Work Smarter:
Start with realizing that your business
won’t be profitable all on its’ own.
Working harder isn’t the answer, working
smarter is. Technology integration has
become a must in order to keep up with
the marketplace. Tools and information
at your fingertips is crucial to being
effective and efficient. You’re the leader,
which included the being the thought-
leader, critical thinker and strategy
developer. Make the time for all three of
these roles, every week.
2. Equip Yourself for Success:
Good tools are needed to support every
business – the equipment, the right
software – the right person inputting
data, the right marketing tools especially
online, the right advisors, the right
client: product match, the right people
etc. Always consider what it’s actually
costing your business to NOT spend
money on qualified people. Hire Up –
build the bench strength of your team to
handle tomorrow’s business.
STRICTLY BUSINESS
no kidding …
3. Don’t Compete on Price:
A common mistake is to compare your
prices to everyone else and match the
competitions price. This is a death wish.
Without knowing your competitors’ costs
of goods, labor, equipment and fixed
expenses, you have no idea whether your
price should be comparable to theirs, or if
you should compete on a different basis
than on price alone. Competing on price
alone in a young business typically ends
up a race to the bottom of the
profitability drain.
4. Stick to What You’re Good At:
Make sure that you don’t try to be all
things to everyone. Know when to say no
to an ‘off-brand’ request or to one that’s
out of your service territory or supply
chain.
5. Get Help to Learn What you Don’t
Do Well:
Whether it’s understanding how to price
what you do in order to pay yourself
better, or how to build a team who like
23
coming to work with you, get
proven advice to fast track
you to better success. Find a
trusted and experienced
mentor, an advisor, a Peer
Group (ie Landscape Ontario
Peer To Peer Network!), a
bank advisor, a good office
manager, a talented book
keeper, or a good coach.
6. Change Your Thinking:
Einstein said: “you can’t solve
a problem by using the same thinking
that created it”. If you always do what
you’ve always done, you’ll always get the
same thing. Learn. Review results. Adapt.
Try again.
7. Step Back – Stop, Start and
Continue:
Take time to slow down and take stock of
what’s happening. It’s counter intuitive
to step back, and it pays you back in
spades to get clear on what you should
stop, start and continue doing.
8. Get Clarity:
Why do you do what you do? Why did
you start your business? Where is it
going? It will be successful when what
exactly is happening? What’s your
vision? What’s non negotiable – your
core values…
9. Build a Team Who Believe What
You Believe:
Simon Sineks infamous ‘Start with Why’
– search the TedTalk and watch it. WHY
are you in business? What should others leadership, a cohesive team culture and Jacki writes for other trade magazines and
believe in, to help you follow your consistent systems for improved will be a regular contributor to our business
business vision.  accountability. If your looking for column. CBH is a consulting firm that
solutions to master these key business “passionately believes that entrepreneurial
10. Work Hard to Keep Right-Fit components, qualified help is just an success depends on sustained forward
Customers, Staff and Suppliers: email away. momentum - across all areas of business -
both the visible and the invisible. To learn
Relationships are the key to successful About the Author: Jacki Hart is president more about CBH visit
companies. Word of mouth referrals from of Consulting by Hart in Ontario, Canada. www.consultingbyhart.com.
clients, suppliers that you treat well, who She is an entrepreneur, advisor, business
will return the favor when you need it consultant, and workshop facilitator with a
most, customers who promote you first career in the Green Industry spanning 35
hand – these are all critical to your years. Jacki is one of Canada’s first women
business success.  to hold the North American Green Industry
certificate for business management
At CBH, their team of seasoned Business excellence. Jacki also manages the
Coaches and Consultants are well Prosperity Program and Peer to Peer
equipped to guide you through the steps Network for Landscape Ontario.
to build better financial results, stronger

2019 Horsford Dirt Ad - June 2019.indd 1 24 6/13/2019 10:47:43 AM

 Member Profile: Red Wagon Plants
CONGRATULATIONS to VNLA member Julie Rubaud, owner of
Red Wagon Plants for being selected by the Small Business
Administration as the 2019 Vermont Woman-Owned
Business of the Year!!! Below is a reprint of an article that ran
in the Vermont Business Magazine on July 4, 2019. This article
is reprinted with their permission.
In 2005 a professional
gardener was having
trouble coming up with a
name for the small
business she was
starting. Nothing
seemed to excite her or
capture her
imagination. But one day
while in a movie theater,
her then eight-year-old
daughter Louissa noticed
the film’s production
company was Red Wagon
Entertainment. She
asked her mother “Why
don’t we name it that?” Julie Rubaud loved the idea and named
her startup Red Wagon Plants.  Her daughter went home and
drew the first version of the logo of a little girl pulling a wagon
full of plants. For 14 years the nursery on Shelburne Falls Road
in Hinesburg has been growing and selling a variety of plants
and flowers year-round.
Rubaud grew up in a home with vegetable gardens and a
greenhouse, so it was natural to pursue gardening as a career.
When the business launched, it started small and only operated
from April to June. The business consisted of three small
greenhouses selling wholesale to a select clientele. One of her
first high-value clients was Healthy Living Market and Café in
South Burlington. Healthy Living is an independently owned
natural foods market.
We always want to sell what we consider the best, and Red
Wagon is just that,” said Katy Lesser, owner and founder of
Healthy Living. “It’s been a joy and honor to work closely with
Julie over the years. I consider her a trusted partner.
Today Healthy Living is one of 35 locations Red Wagon Plants
sells too. Rubaud’s edible plants (herbs, tomatoes, vegetables)
can be found at City Market, Gardeners’ Supply and many other
hardware stores, grocery stores and garden centers.
“This is a small business with a big impact. It’s an example of a
business that turns consumers into producers. What is
25
purchased grows into something of even greater value. As an
example, a $4 tomato plant can turn into $40 worth of
tomatoes.  And your customers develop a feeling of pride and
accomplishment,” said Rubaud
It was in 2007 when she
started retailing and the
business took off. Her
annual sales have
increased by an average
of 14 percent each year
since. Today the business
has 25 seasonal
employees, nine
greenhouses and sells
year round. Rubaud
believes she is fortunate
in that many of her
employees return to Red
Wagon Plants year after
year, a trait not
commonly associated
with seasonal work.
For her continued growth, Rubaud’s nursery is being recognized
by the Small Business Administration, naming Red Wagon
Plants the 2019 Vermont Woman-Owned Business of the Year.
During the selection process for the award, the SBA also
approached Rubaud about applying for its annual Emerging
Leaders Program. She applied and was accepted into the free
seven-month program where she is developing a three-year
strategic growth plan to grow her business.
Continuing education and community outreach have long been
a part of Red Wagon Plants’ business model. She recently added
a classroom, which is built inside one of the greenhouses to
conduct numerous workshops, such as Planting for Summer
Salads and Preserving the Tomato Harvest. Rubaud has held
workshops for several years, but has seen an increase in
demand as more and more people are choosing to grow their
own herbs and vegetables. Throughout the years, the business
has made significant financial and in kind contributions to a
number of organizations, including the Shelburne Community
School PTO, Vermont Community Garden Network and the
Burlington Area Community Gardens.
“Red Wagon is known as a place where people have a fun,
family-like work environment. The mission of the business is to
help people succeed in the garden and to help employees
succeed in their work lives,” said Rubaud.     
 THE PLANT LOUNGE
wiry stems, hairy leaves and bodacious blooms. . .

Wait! What? Since When are Shade Gardens Boring?!

by Marie Limoge, Landscape Designer
Over the years, I have had many conversations with design Rogersia pinnata
‘Elgans’ (Roger’s Flower,
clients or nursery customers about new gardens or renovating
Fingerleaf)
their current gardens. It surprises me how often people say
that shade gardens are boring. When I ask them why they think This shade loving perennial has a
that, they always respond with something along the lines of palmate leaf structure and adds a
“because all you can plant is Hosta”. If one had a whole garden
tropical feel to the garden. It has a
consisting of only the common plain green Hosta, I could see
spread of 3’- 3.5’ and can reach
how that is less than exciting.
heights of 3’-3.5’ tall. It has a tall
Early on in my horticulture career, I had the pleasure of white flower stalk that appears in
working a few days for the owners of Cross View Gardens in the early summer. This plant
Morrisville, VT and I fell in love with Hosta. At the time, they prefers moist soils. Hardy
had nearly 800 varieties in all shapes, sizes, and colors. perennial in Zones 5-9.
Currently there are at least 70 species of Hosta with around
3,000 varieties, and that number is ever growing. I’d say that Helleborus
nothing about that seems boring to me! Local nurseries sell orientalis
Hostas with countless combinations of white, green, blue, and (Lenten Rose)
yellow leaves. There are just as many combinations if you look This elegant shade
at leaf shape, light requirements, or mature size of the plant. By perennial is an early
mixing in a few different varieties of Hosta, the space can be bloomer that
enhanced. heralds spring and
warmer weather to
But… if you are looking for some real change, and adding a new
come. The leaves
variety of Hosta isn’t enough to make your shade garden more
are evergreen and
exciting, then try one of these more dramatic options. They are
provide some much sought after green color in otherwise bleak
sure to add a little funk to the space and be a conversation
piece as well! months of March and April. It has a height and spread of
1’-1.5’. Hardy perennial in Zones 4-9.
Rogersia aesculifolia
Ligularia dentata
(Horse Chestnut Rogersia,
(Leopard Plant)
Roger’s Flower,
Fingerleaf) The large round
leaves of this shade
This large perennial does
loving perennial
best if planted in part
make it stand out in
shade with moist soils. It
the garden. New
can reach a spread and
growth has a dark
height of 3’ to 5’ tall. It
purple hue to the
has a clumping form and
stalks and leaves. In
large palmate leaves that
late summer, golden
resemble those of the
yellow, daisy-like flower clusters appear. They are beautiful in
Horse Chestnut tree. This
dried floral arrangements. This plant had a spread of 1.5’ - 2.5’
plant has a tall white
and can reach heights of 2’ – 3’ tall and likes moist soils. Hardy
flower stalk that blooms in mid-summer. Hardy perennial in
perennial in Zones 3-8
Zones 5-7.

26
Ligularia ‘Bottle prefers part to full shade and
Rocket’ (Leopard Plant) moist soils. This grass can reach
heights of 1-1.5’ tall and has a
This perennial prefers very
spread of about 2’. Hardy
moist soils and can benefit
perennial in Zone 5-9
from regular deep watering in
the hot summer months. This Astilboides tabularis (Shieldleaf)
variety has dark green toothed
This unique perennial requires
leaves that grown in rather
part to full shade and consistently
dense clumps. It can reach
moist soils. The large round
heights of 2.5’-3’ tall and has a
saucer-like leaves can reach
spread of 2’ -2.5’ Golden
diameters of 2’ or more. The
flowers appear on purplish
leaves grow on single stalk that
stems in mid-summer. Hardy
form a large clump which can have
perennial in Zones 4-8.
a spread of 2’-3’ and reach
Hakonechloa macra heights of 3’-4’ tall. In
‘Aureola’ (Japanese early summer, a large stalk
Forest Grass) emerges and bears white flowers. Hardy perennial in
Zones 5-7
This shade loving grass
has a graceful drooping
form. The long, thin, Photos taken by Marie P. Limoge, Andrew Swan or
bright yellowish-green Kristina MacKulin.
leaves add a pop of color
to any shade garden. It

Equipment & Tools for Landscape Professionals

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5 since 1954

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Rt. 116, P.O. Box 540
Conway, MA, 01341
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 A Professional Association for
Green Works’ mission is to support and strengthen the
Growers, Retailers, Garden Centers, Nurserymen
horticulture industry
and Women, Landscapeof Vermont by Contractors,
Designers and creating greater
awareness of the benefits
Landscape of landscaping
Architects, Maintenance Experts,and promoting
Arborists, Turf Specialists, Industry Representatives,
PO Box 92, N. Ferrisburgh, VT 05473 the professional services and products of our members.
P: 802.425.5117 | F: 802.425.5122 Allied Trades People, Students, and Educators.
E: kristina@greenworksvermont.org
28
www.greenworksvermont.org visit us atwww.greenworksvermont.org
www.greenworksvermont.org