Letter from Your Chairman …
Hello TNLA Region I Members, Letter from Your Chairman Message from Your State Director Region I Board Member Info “Mulching Our Landscapes” Legislative Update “Big Problem With a Tiny Solution” Region I General Meeting Notice Scholarship Application Notice Submission Information Pg 1 Pg 2 Pg 2
Pgs. 3-5 Pgs. 6-7
We just rolled out of one of my favorite months of the year, April! Not only did we just finish up Fiesta week here in San Antonio, but our garden centers, landscapers, growers, irrigators and consumers are in the midst of the spring season. Now we are launching into May with a head of steam and the hope of prolonged spring-like weather for our region. In May, we not only have Cinco de Mayo, we have what has now become the annual Region I meeting at Mortellaro’s. We are looking forward to our largest meeting turn out of the year, some great speakers, a time to see a lot of old friends and an opportunity to meet some of our Region I members who don’t always get a chance to join us. As we head into summer, it’s a great time to reflect back on our spring and think about what we did and didn’t do to make our businesses successful. TNLA offers an amazing amount of information that can help us better understand our industry and how our businesses fit in. In this month’s newsletter, look for our “Did you know?” section that will take you directly to some of the highly useful resources that TNLA offers. Have a GREAT CINCO de MAYO, an even better month of May, and I look forward to seeing you at Mortellaro’s. Thank you! James
Pg. 8 Pg. 9 Pg. 11 Pg. 12
Native Landscape Certification Program Pg. 14 Special Thanks to… Newly Certified Members New Members “Summer Bulbs” “What can TNLA do for you?” “Ewing Diversifies” Pg. 15 Pg. 16 Pg. 16 Pg. 16 Pg. 17 Pg. 18
Chairperson James Salazar 210-938-7653 Vice-Chairperson Clayton Leonard (210) 661-5180 Treasurer Karen Cooper 830-393-8847 State Board Representative Mark Buell 210-658-5376 Allied Director Kirt Faulkner 210-509-1723 Landscape Director Michael Brown 210-687-1720 Grower Director Scott Kelly 210-381-8299 Retail Director Karen Cooper 830-393-8847 Membership Chair Open Programs Chair David Rodriguez 210-467-6575 Scholarship Chair/GIA Liaison Scott Kelly 210-381-8299 Newsletter Editor (Appointed) Kori Salazar 210-378-6684
HEB Texas Backyard New Earth
Cooper’s Garden Place
Buell’s Wholesale Growers Kinney Bonded Warehouse The Grass is Greener, Landscape Mortellaros Nursery
Message from Your State Director:
Spring is in full swing and I just do not have any time!! That is what I am thinking at this very moment as I was reminded of the deadline for this piece for the newsletter. But time well spent is of much value - our last two Region I meetings were full of much information and value - thank you to Dr. Larry Stein for his hands-on presentation on fruit trees and thank you to Molly Keck for her very informative talk on current insect problems. Did you know 1 TDA CEU was given - where were all the growers? Thank you to those Region I members who have taken the time to contribute their talents to TNLA. Certification Committee Scott Kelley, Michael Brown, Kirt Faulkner - Education Committee Billy Long, Jan Couch, James Salazar, Richard Thompson - Political Action Committee James Harden, Sr. Well, I have taken the time necessary to do my part for TNLA - time well spent indeed. Thank you to ALL who have donated their valuable time to be a part of TNLA. Get Green, Mark Buell
TNLA Region I Board
Cooper’s Garden Place
Texas AgriLife Extension
Mortellaros Nursery
Courtesy of,
Malcolm Beck
Garden-Ville Horticultural Products
Jerry M. Parsons and Roland E. Roberts
Professors and Extension Horticulturists for the Texas Agricultural Extension Service – Retired
David Rodriguez
Extension Horticulturist for the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Bexar County
Reasons for Mulching
Mulching does not perform instant miracles, but it encourages better plant growth and development, and makes all landscape maintenance operations easier. These benefits accrue whether plants are growing in the coolest or hottest climates or in the driest weather, as we have been experiencing in South Texas for many months. Mulch is any material placed on the soil surface to conserve moisture, lower soil temperatures around plant roots, prevent erosion and reduce weed growth. Mulches can be derived from either organic or inorganic materials.
What Do Mulches Do?
Mulch insulates and protects soil from drying and hard-baking effects caused by evaporation of water from soil exposed to hot sun and winds. Mulched soils are cooler than non-mulched soils and have less fluctuation in soil temperature. Optimum soil temperatures and less moisture evaporation from the soil surface enables plants to grow evenly. Plant roots find a more favorable environment near the soil surface where air content and nutrient levels are conducive to good plant growth. Mulches break the force of rain and irrigation water thereby preventing erosion, soil compaction and crusting. Mulched soils absorb water faster. Mulches prevent splashing of mud and certain plant disease organisms onto plants and flowers during rain or overhead irrigation. The mulch covering excludes light which prevents germination of many weed seeds. Fewer weeds provide less competition for available moisture and nutrients. Using mulches to control weeds is safer than applying herbicides or cultivating which can damage tender, newly formed roots. Mulches also add attractive features to landscape. Research and common sense have shown that a high organic content favors soil microbes which de-toxify pesticides after they are used and also furnishes energy needed by the microbes to make high analysis fertilizers available to plants without the fertilizer itself becoming toxic. This is another great benefit of using organic mulches. Decaying organic mulch on soil keeps both plants and beneficial soil life species flourishing so they can help each other.
Management of Mulches
Apply mulches in a layer 2 to 6 inches thick. Layer thickness depends on mulch material, e.g., coarser mulches are applied more thickly. Thicker layers of mulch are placed around trees and shrubs than in flower or vegetable beds. Four inches of loose, fibrous materials work well around trees and shrubs. The finer and smaller the particle size, the thinner the layer needs to be. Thick layers of very fine material block air to the roots of plants. In their search for air, roots will grow up into mulch, which can be harmful to plants if the layer of mulch is not constantly maintained. Organic mulching materials should be added regularly to maintain the desired layer thickness. Shredded branches from tree trimmings and large two-inch bark is a fibrous or loose mulch. Leaves or leaves mixed with some grass clippings and one-inch size bark would be a medium mulch. When using medium mulch, the layer should be about two inches thick. One-half inch and smaller materials, such as fine-screened and double-ground barks, should only be one inch thick layers. When piled to thickly, these tiny particles can quickly settle together and prevent air and water from penetrating into the soil. The finer, smaller materials should be used around small flowers and vegetables.
When applying mulch around plants, cover the entire area of soil containing roots. Do not pile mulch against tree trunks. It isn't needed against trunks and may do harm. Donut mulch around plants to be benefited allowing the plant to be in the hole of the donut structure. Mulches can increase availability of certain elements in the soil. Gardeners can make a synthetic chelate with mulch by mixing one cup of iron sulfate (copperas) to each bushel of mulch applied. Iron particles will adhere to the surface of the mulching material and will be released for plant use as decomposition occurs around plants.
Watering with Mulch
While mulches do help retain moisture in the soil, it will still be necessary to water plants growing in mulched soils. Water should be targeted beneath the mulch specifically at the root zone of desirable plants. Drip irrigation is the most efficient, effective watering technique. Always remember, although mulches do help retain moisture in the soil, the soil profile must be thoroughly watered BEFORE mulch is applied!
When to Water
Soil moisture level is the best criterion for watering. If soil moisture is adequate, don't water, even if a plant is wilted. To test for soil moisture, probe around plants with your finger. If the soil is moist several inches deep, i.e., will form a ball when squeezed, there is adequate moisture present. The only fate worse than thirst for a plant is death. In fact, death can follow severe thirst! Even if some folks are wise enough to know when to water a thirsty plant just seconds before it crosses death's threshold, these procrastinators are still losers. When a plant thirsts and is severely stressed, overall vigor and production (of flowers and fruit) are decreased. Shrubs display foliage abnormalities! Flowers bloom with mediocrity! Trees do not grow rapidly! How does one know when to water?
Proper Use of Mulches
In garden beds planted every year, organic mulches can be incorporated into the soil each year to improve soil structure. New mulch is applied each year. Regardless of the source of organic matter, two factors are important to the user. One is the stage of mulch decomposition and the second is relative salinity of the material. Manures and sludges are usually saline and may sometimes cause trouble unless used in moderation. One question with organic mulches dependent upon the state of decomposition is whether to add a nitrogen source to the mulch. Many fresh materials may require this to avoid nitrogen tie-up. The microbes decomposing untreated wood and bark use nitrogen. In this example some nitrogen must be added. Slow-release nitrogen fertilizers are much more effective. When required, nitrogen can be added at the rate of one-half pound of actual nitrogen per 10 cubic feet of material.
Organic Mulches
Municipal Tree Trimmings - Using local mulch (from municipal tree trimmings) around plants has certain advantages over pine or hardwood bark. The contents of the local mulch is much closer to the contents of rich compost. The local mulch blend actually feeds plants being mulched but bark usually causes nutrients to be robbed from plants being mulched. Bark (Pine) - Ground bark is available mostly from pine trees in sizes ranging from 2-inch chunks to a fine grind. It provides an attractive long-lasting cover and is usually reddish brown in color. Grass clippings - These should be used only before grass seed has ripened, must be spread thin (two inches or less) and allowed to dry. If applied too thick they will build up heat and foul odors and become slimy during decomposition. Compost - This dark colored material is easily spread and has slight nutrient value. It may be highly satisfactory where available from commercial producers or homeowners. Peat Moss - Fine texture and good color are characteristic of peat moss, but it has a tendency to dry out and become impervious to water. It is costly to use in large quantities. Domestic peat moss may be so finely ground that it will blow away and is difficult to wet if it becomes dry. Water may run off rather than be absorbed by it. Pine Needles - Needles are green when fresh then turn reddish brown to gray upon drying, are long-lasting and supply nutrients as they decompose. Pine needles make attractive mulch which is good for acid-loving plants such as azaleas, gardenia, and hydrangeas.
Sawdust - If fresh sawdust is incorporated into the soil, supplemental nitrogen should be added to prevent nutrient deficiencies. Shavings - Shavings last longer than sawdust and will not mat as badly, decompose rapidly but blow away easily during strong winds. Wood chips mixed with shavings pull much nitrogen from soil. Nitrogen level must be increased. Straw - Straw is coarser, more durable than most kinds of hay, and in most instances, is not attractive in ornamental plantings unless chopped. Straw requires applications of nitrogen because of its non-decomposed nature. Wood Chips - In landscape operations wood chips offer a useful method for disposing of waste twigs and branches. It is good mulch, coarser than sawdust and less likely to cause nitrogen deficiency. Wood chips are long-lasting, lie flat, and do not blow away easily in strong winds. Cypress chips do not decompose within our lifetime and disrupt water movement in soil into which they have been incorporated so DO NOT TILL CYPRESS CHIPS INTO THE SOIL!! Instead, rake or pull cypress mulch off beds before tilling and re-apply again after planting.
Inorganic Mulches
Inorganic materials used for mulches do not add nutrients or humus to soil and do not decompose except after long exposure to weathering. Otherwise these materials are effective mulches, and several are permanent and quite attractive. Crushed Rock - Crushed volcanic rock or stones are available in many colors or sizes and make a permanent cover. These materials are especially useful around plants subject to crown rot. Spread deeply, crushed rock can be walked on immediately after watering. Remember that white rock radiates sunlight and can create too much heat for most plants to survive. Black rock absorbs heat and can cause soil temperatures to be hotter than normal. A caution: Inorganic mulches of this type are exceedingly difficult to maintain and keep clean under pine or other very small-leaved evergreens. Pea Gravel - Pea gravel is an attractive permanent mulch. It is usually applied 2 to 4 inches deep and can be reused indefinitely. Pea gravel in various sizes is especially good for soil surface around plants in containers. Plastic Film - Plastic film is used to cover vegetable beds. In ornamentals it is often used under gravel or stone mulches. It is not practical under sharp stones unless used with 1-inch layer of sand between soil and stones. Plastic is difficult to dispose of when used on large areas. Conserving moisture, slowing flood waters, reducing pesticide use, healthier plants, smothering weeds, saving money recycling materials considered waste -- and on and on. We still have not yet discovered all the benefits of mulching. WE HAVE DISCOVERED that the proper use of mulches can help us and our plants make it through the hot, dry times ahead -- AND IN STYLE!! Mulching is about SAVING (plant life, resources, environment, and labor).
TNLA Legislative Update 81st Legislative Session
April 17, 2009
At the composition of this article, the $180 Billion Appropriations Bill (SB 1) is being debated on the House Floor. There are 500 pre-filed amendments, which might be a record. I can only remember a count in the 300 to 350 range. They will take up each amendment throughout the day and night and will probably work through the weekend to complete this task. Once the bill clears the House, it will go to a Conference Committee made up of five House and Senate members to work out their differences. Within SB 1, TNLA is still working to obtain $1.6 million for the Texas Department of Agriculture to fund through the biennium mobile inspection stations for diseased plants entering into our state. There are also six amendments that could have a negative effect on business in the realm of immigration. Through Agriculture Council we are monitoring upwards of 40 amendments that could have a direct impact on agriculture. The good news is that there are only 45 days left in the 81st Legislative Session. HB 3982 by Rodriguez This legislation was proposed by the Landscape Architects (LA) this session. Its intent is to clean up language (meaning the need for more clarity and understanding) in their Practice Act, which resides in the Occupation Code of Texas Statutes. A few sessions back, TNLA had opposed the creation of this Act because we wanted to ensure that our landscape contractors could still design and maintain existing landscapes. TNLA finally agreed to the LA's wishes as long as we had an exemption in Texas Statute to allow us to continue what we were currently doing. The LA's lobbyist approached TNLA early on this session, notified us of their intent and asked us to add language to the bill that would allow us to keep doing what our landscape contractors do on a daily basis. Three weeks ago we submitted our changes to the LA. This bill was set for hearing on Wednesday of this week in the House Licensing and Regulations Committee at 8:00am. TNLA staff received the new language at 9:00pm the night before from the LA. Within the new language to the bill, the provision to allow landscape contractors to "maintain an existing landscape" was not included. TNLA opposed this measure in committee. In our testimony, we asked the committee to add our language to the bill and then we would not be opposing the passage of the bill. TNLA staff is still working with the LA to find common ground. We will continue to exert efforts to ensure that landscape contractors are allowed to "maintain existing landscape" and have the ability to design. Immigration and Labor Laws: On Wednesday of this week, SB 357 was debated in the Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee. This legislation would revoke business owners' licenses issued by the state if they were to knowingly hire illegal aliens. TNLA, Texas Employers for Immigration Reform, and a large cross section of Texas business groups opposed this measure. We are not supporting the hiring of un-authorized workers, we just need a system in place where employers can truly verify the people's eligibility to work in this country. Until that happens, we should not have penalties brought upon us. Next week in the House State Affairs Committee, there are multiple bills that relate to SB 357. TNLA and business will be opposing those measures as well.
TNLA Still Opposing Bills HB 2088, Relating to increasing public awareness of the benefits of native plant species. This is the bill that we asked TNLA members to contact the House Cultural, Recreation, and Tourism committee about two weeks ago. Thanks to those who participated, but our job is not over with yet. Rep. Donna Howard submitted a committee substitute, which made some changes to the bill, and the committee passed the legislation out. TNLA is still opposing this legislation and we are working daily to defeat this measure. At least one of the "invasive plants" referenced in the Texas Parks and Wildlife website is a $150 million a year crop for our industry. We should not be promoting websites that are detrimental to our industry. Here is a brief breakdown of the Committee Substitute to HB 2088: "It deletes requirement for plant nurseries to carry a brochure by TPWD. The bill now requires a plant nursery "that maintains a permanent storefront for purposes of selling or leasing, offering for sale or lease, or otherwise distributing nursery products to the public" to access a TPWD website and print a sign that the nursery then posts in a conspicuous location that says the following: DO YOU KNOW YOU HAVE MANY LANDSCAPING CHOICES? SOME PLANTS, ALTHOUGH LEGAL TO BUY AND SELL, MAY HAVE NEGATIVE EFFECTS ON NATIVE WILDLIFE AND ECOSYSTEMS. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PLANTS THAT ARE BENEFICIAL TO OUR TEXAS WILDLIFE AND HABITAT AS WELL AS INVASIVE EXOTIC PLANTS, PLEASE VISIT THE TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT'S WEBSITE AT http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/. Nurseries that meet the definition in the bill must comply by January 1, 2010." HB 2339 Irrigation Legislation: Next week in the House Licensing and Regulation Committee, HB 2339 by Rep. Sid Miller will be heard. This legislation would make some adjustments to the new rules that the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality passed last year. HB 1560, by Aycock is still pending in Committee. This legislation would remove municipalities’ Extra Terrestrial Jurisdictions from the prevue of the irrigation ordinances. Quarantine: The Texas Department of Agriculture adopted the attached emergency date palm lethal decline quarantine on April 7, and is now in effect. The salient features of the revised emergency quarantine are: (1) A phytosanitary certificate and treatment are required ONLY when an infected tree is detected and just for the quarantined palms located within two miles of the infected tree. Since no infected tree is known to occur at present, treatment of the quarantined palms is not required and anyone doing so to meet the quarantine requirement should cease making the treatments. (2) Quarantined palms located outside the two miles of a known infected tree can move to a non-quarantined (free) area without a phytosanitary certificate or treatment. (3) Quarantined palms located within one mile of a known infected tree require treatment to move outside this one-mile area. As always, please feel free to contact us with your questions and comments. Jim Reaves, Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Max Jones, Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Coordinator
For five decades, Estes Inc. has merged proven traditions with modern technology to establish our place in the agricultural and specialty chemical markets. We have developed strong customer relationships because we believe trust is built on the simple philosophy of treating our customers as we would like to be treated. We thank you for 50 years of business, and look forward to serving you in the next 50 years.
www.estesinc.com
ESTES INCORPORATED
GROW TO SERVE
6085 Corridor Pkwy., Schertz, TX 78154 Steven Cortez Office: (210) 590-1012
Cell: Email: (210) 837-2002 scortez@estesinc.com
NO
Grubworms
NO
Fireants
NO
Chinch Bugs
YES!
BENEFICIAL NEMATODES
NO
Termites
NO
wireworms
NO
Fleas
DEADLINE!
Deadline for articles and ads to be in the next Region I newsletter is May 20, 2009. Contact Kori Salazar @ korisalazar@live.com for more information.
2009 TNLA Education & Research Foundation Scholarship Application
To: From: Subject:
Texas Nursery & Landscape Association Members Scott Evans, Chairman 2009 TNLA E & R Foundation Scholarship Program
The 2009 E&R Foundation Scholarship Program focuses on "...the encouragement of professional growth within the Texas nursery and landscape industry." It is the job of the Foundation Trustees to oversee the collection and distribution of funds for the purpose of advancing horticultural research, marketing and education. To this end, we ask for your support of the scholarship program by helping us provide financial assistance to serious students studying programs related to the nursery and landscape industry for their educational and professional development. How can you help? Make sure one of our scholarship applications gets into the hands of a deserving, dedicated student. (click here to download a Scholarship Application). To request a scholarship application to be sent to a student click here. Join in as a financial supporter of the scholarship program. Students interested in applying, should review the program requirements as explained on the application, and then submit the application, letters of referral and transcripts to the Foundation Trustees by the June 1, 2009 deadline. If you would like to make a contribution to the TNLA Education & Research Foundation download this form. All contributions are tax deductible under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. The Trustees are dedicated to strengthening our commitment to the future development of the nursery and landscape industry in Texas. We solicit your financial assistance and encourage your comments. Please contact the TNLA office, (800) 880-0343, if you have any questions or need additional applications or visit our website at www.tnlaonline.org.
TNLA Education & Research Foundation 7730 South IH-35 Austin, Texas 78745 p: 512.380.5182
The mission of the TNLA Education & Research Foundation is: To advance in the broadest sense the interests of the nursery/landscape industry in Texas through funding education and research.
TNLA Region I Newsletter Ads
Email ads to: korisalazar@live.com. Mail all ad payments to: TNLA Region I c/o Mark Buell North Main Street Cibolo, TX 78108 Questions? Please call Mark Buell at (210) 658-5376.
TNLA Region I Newsletter Advertising Rates
A check made out to San Antonio TNLA must accompany each camera-ready ad. If no camera ready ad is available, we can typeset your ad for an additional charge. The TNLA Region I Newsletter circulation is over 300 copies. Contact Marji Buell for more rate info. or payment questions, or Kori Salazar regarding submission. Thank you!
816
Per Issue: $40.00 $55.00 $95.00 $160.00
Per Year: $200.00 $275.00 $475.00 $800.00
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QUESTIONS? Not sure about an upcoming meeting or event? Want to read more about something you saw here? Visit the TNLA Homepage or our Region I Homepage!
Molly Keck, Integrated Pest Management Specialist with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service AND Dr. Doug Welsh, Extension Horticulturist, Associate Dept. Head, and Professor with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the Department of Horticultural Sciences FOR THEIR PRESENTATIONS!
Green Light Chemical Company
AND
BWI Companies, Inc.
FOR PROVIDING AN EXCELLENT BBQ DINNER AT GRADY’S BBQ ON FRED ROAD! All the attendees for our April 14th meeting! Angel Torres for the photos!
Congratulations
to our new certified member!
Our New TNLA Region I Member:
Chris Snyder Landscapes Plus, Inc. 164 Kaylee Chase Cibolo, TX 78108
Carlos Cantu, TCLP Cantu Contracting, Inc. San Antonio, TX
SUMMER BULBS,
courtesy of
When bulbs are mentioned at this time of year, most people think of spring flowers such as tulips, narcissus, hyacinths, and ranunculus which actually must be planted in the fall. There is, however, a wonderful group of bulbs that can be set out now for spring and summer color. Gladiolus can provide striking accents in the garden, and they also make wonderful cut flowers. Montbretia, also known as crocosmia, produce tall, showy masses of blooms which are very attractive to hummingbirds. Haemanthus blossoms are reminiscent of a red starburst. Gloriosa lilies known as climbing lilies have exquisite blooms as do the amazing Oriental lilies. Bletillas, the Chinese ground orchids, will provide flowers in increasingly larger clumps each spring. And then there are Caladiums, which are some of the showiest of foliages for the warm season garden.
When I started doing this newsletter a few months ago, I wanted to find out exactly what TNLA is about. I’ve known about it for years – since my husband first got his certification, but that’s about all I knew – that TNLA was the organization you wanted to belong to if you wanted to be considered serious about your “green” business. But, once you’re a member and have that logo attached to your name/business, then what? What else can they do for you? What are the benefits of membership? Well, I just started checking it out, and I’ll tell you – TNLA can offer you A LOT! I’ve compiled a few tidbits of information here, as well as links to where you can find complete information, but I invite you to look for yourself and find out all the ways that TNLA can help you grow as a landscape/nursery professional! Come to a meeting (a more welcoming clan you’ll never find, offering free dinner and great speakers!), check out the website for daily-updated news about the industry, or contact one of the members at the state office or within our own region – they are ALWAYS willing to answer any questions! Many of you will already know about these handy features, but for those of you who may not – it’s worth the time to check them out! Thanks for reading! -- Kori Salazar
To read more about what TNLA offers, Click Here!
TNLA offers free product listing?! “Green Industry buyers use TNLA’s online product search to find companies to buy from. As a complimentary service, TNLA makes all Supplier, Grower, and Out of State member’s searchable by product. Click here to download the form for adding products to your Directory listing.” TNLA offers a lending library where members can check out books for only the cost of shipping? TNLA offers many publications such as a “Directory & Buyer’s Guide,” the “Best of Texas Landscape Guide,” and the TNLA “Green Magazine” to help members keep up to date with fellow members and business trends? TNLA offers lessons in Risk Management? “Working with the Risk Management Agency, TNLA has created an easily accessible, online resource center for Green Industry employees and employers. They have lesson sets which include risk management information for employers and employees, as well as helpful links to risk related websites and supporting information. TNLA has an “Endorsed Services” section which can “help take some of the guesswork out of complex business services purchase decisions for our members. Endorsed Service Companies work closely with TNLA to let the Green Industry know about their services.” Examples include credit card processing and insurance companies. TNLA has legal staff that lobbies for you on the state level to make sure that what’s best for your green business is being represented? TNLA has benefit partners that offer discounts on things like gas, rental cars, and office products?
Ewing Diversifies, Adds Hardscape Supplies to Product Offering
Responding to landscape professionals’ desire to diversify, Ewing now offers hardscape supplies and education. As of April 20, 2009, landscape professionals seeking new business development opportunities can now take advantage of the products, services, and education aligned with Ewing Irrigation Products’ new hardscape division. Ewing now supplies a wide range of products and education programs for both experienced hardscape professionals and those new to the trade. As national product manager for hardscape and geo supply, Bruce Basehore will provide expert consultation in the areas of retaining wall materials and construction, as well as materials and installation for pavers and garden walls. According to the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute’s (ICPI), more than 800 million square feet of pavers are sold annually in the United States and Canada. Hardscape offers contractors a ripe opportunity to expand their scope of services. “Landscape and irrigation contactors that aren’t offering hardscape services are missing out on a huge opportunity to grow their business,” said Basehore. “Our goal is to provide contractors with the products and education they need to support their business development objectives with hardscape.” A former Ewing customer, Basehore has invested ten years in the hardscape industry, with more than 40 years of experience in the concrete and masonry industry. More recently Bruce served as the western territory sales manager for Rockwood Retaining Walls. He will operate out of Ewing’s home office, located at 3441 E. Harbour Drive in Phoenix, Ariz., and is available at bbasehore@ewing1.com. Ewing’s hardscape line includes interlocking and permeable pavers, garden and retaining wall blocks, and supporting products such as polymeric joint sand and geotextile fabric. Ewing also offers a complete line of hardscape maintenance and erosion control products. Premier manufacturers include Pavestone, Rockwood, Techniseal, Snap Edge, Mutual Materials, Acker-Stone, Hardscape USA, Basalite, Airvol, Silver Creek, and more. Hardscape installation and maintenance supplies are now offered in select markets, including Oregon, Washington, California, Arizona, Southern Nevada, and Southeast region (Atlanta, Birmingham, and Nashville), with plans to expand into remaining Ewing markets by 2010. Consult your local Ewing branch for details by visiting www.ewing1.com/locations. Ewing is an active member of the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute, National Concrete Masonry Association, and the Geosynthetic Materials Association.