Letter from Your Chairman

Letter from Your Chairman: Hello Region I! Communication – it’s a single component of a plan or program that can head you and your team toward success or failure. If you communicate well, and the entire team is on the same page, success is inevitable! You've probably noticed by now that you're reading the April Region I Newsletter. That's right, Region I's Newsletter is going monthly. Thanks to the great information that is being submitted by our members, the need for a communication channel, and the efforts of our newsletter editor, we will begin and maintain a monthly newsletter as long as we continue to see the return from you, the Region I members. We want feedback (good or bad), information you feel is important to your fellow members, and more businesses to participate in ads. Since we no longer have to pay to mail our newsletters, the funds raised from advertising will be used to raise awareness of TNLA within our region, to educate our members and the public, and to reward our members. This is only one of many ways we'll fund future projects, but we want our newsletter to be the hub for our communication and we want as many businesses as possible associated with it. Our board has a lot of great ideas and we'll be rolling out future plans via our monthly regional meetings and this newsletter, so stand ready and be sure to let me or any of the other board members know if you have any questions or concerns. See you soon! James Letter from Your Chairman From Your State Director Board Member Contacts Page 1 Page 2 Page 2 “The ‘Dwarf Cherry Surprise’ Tomato” Page 3-4 Advertising Rates & Deadlines New Flyer Offered by TNLA “Texas Superstars Impact on the ‘Green Industry’ “ Special Thanks To… TNLA Legislative Update Upcoming Educational Events “Texas Turfgrass” TNLA Education & Research Foundation Scholarship Info. Looking Ahead… “The Best Natural Insect Control” “Drip Irrigation” 2009 TNLA Expo Info. “Fix-A-Leak Week” “Ewing Reorganizes Executive Board” Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16-17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 The Best of Texas Landscape Guide Info Page 21 Region I New Members Page 22 Chairperson James Salazar 210-938-7653 Vice-Chairperson Clayton Leonard (210) 661-5180 I am writing this during March Madness, and I don’t mean NCAA Basketball!!! I am, of course, referring to the nursery business - unpredictable weather, a crazy economy and quick starts and stops to the spring season. One thing we can all count on is the strength and reliability of TNLA. We have an awesome staff at our headquarters in Austin, working hard to represent our industry at our Capitol. I would like to focus on TNLA Region I. At our March meeting we installed our newest officers. Congrats to James Salazar, our new Chairman and Clayton Leonard, our new incoming Chair. The rest of the Board pretty much stays the same and I know you are familiar with them. A special thank you goes to Ken Trezona who has served as our Chairman the last several years. Thank you, Ken, for working so hard to get Region I turned around. We are now in very good financial shape and our house is in order! Great job, Ken!! As I look forward to this upcoming year it is nice to know that our Region I meetings are always the second Tuesday of the month, this you can count on. The meetings and topics planned for this year are superior. Thank you, David Rodriguez, for your organization and resources! As you know, I continually say this, and I will always say the greatest part of TNLA is you, the member. There is always much camaraderie and conversation when we get together so don’t be shy, come to one of our meetings and enjoy!! If you are not sure where a meeting is - check out the web at tnlaonline.org or call 1-800-880-0343. Or just ask a Board member - we really want to see you at our next meeting in April!! Get Green, Mark Buell HEB Texas Backyard New Earth 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 Cooper’s Garden Place TNLA Region I Board Buell’s Wholesale Growers Kinney Bonded Warehouse The Grass is Greener, Landscape Mortellaro’s Nursery Cooper’s Garden Place Texas AgriLife Extension Mortellaro’s Nursery The 2009 Rodeo Tomato for San Antonio THE “DWARF CHERRY SURPRISE” TOMATO Horticulturists for Texas AgriLife Extension Service began testing dwarf-sized (determinate growth) cherry tomato varieties in 2007. Six new varieties were grown under greenhouse and field-grown conditions. In the greenhouse, all but one variety produced fruit which is typical of hot-house-grown tomatoes, i.e., the fruit was soft, the skin was tough, and the tomatoes were tasteless. However, one of the new varieties tested produced an abundance of sweet-tasting fruit on extremely healthy plants which were less than five feet when grown in 10-gallon containers in the greenhouse. Because the plant is genetically small (determinate), adequate fertilization will be the key to the success of the culture of this plant as the tomato fruit has to be produced and maintained by the branches and foliage of the plant. The key nutrient will be nitrogen. If adequate fertility is not maintained, the tomato bush will be small and produce much less fruit. Mechanical pollination of flowers was not necessary for fruit set as is often necessary when tomatoes are being grown in humid greenhouse conditions. The same varieties were grown in the field for a spring and a fall crop in 2008. Again the same variety, “Dwarf Cherry Surprise,” produced the sweetest fruit on the healthiest plants which were less than 5 feet high. Standard or nondeterminate cherry tomato plants can grow to over 10 feet long. The “Dwarf Cherry Surprise” tomato fruit is one-half to three-quarters of an inch in diameter with the sweetest (four times sweeter than a comparable cherry tomato) taste of any cherry tomato ever tested by Texas AgriLife Extension Service. Taste tests of greenhouse and field grown fruit were conducted every three weeks during the growing season by a taste panel consisting of 10 – 12 individuals ranging in age from 60 to 83-year-olds. This is the FIRST tomato of any type to be taste-tested by the Extension Service to receive unanimous favorable rating at every testing. HOWEVER, this is NOT TO SAY that every person who grows and/or eats this tomato will heartily approve of its taste and flavor. As my old dearly-departed Mama used to say (Parson’s Mama): “There is no accounting for good taste because some folks don’t have any taste!” Everyone’s taste for tomatoes is different but this is the closet Extension Horticulturists have come to pleasing the majority of gardeners and even those who do not like tomatoes. The “Dwarf Cherry Surprise” tomato is the most naturally disease-resistant cherry tomato ever sold in Texas. It is genetically resistant to the diseases of Verticillium Wilt and Fusarium Wilt (VF), as well as the viruses of Tobacco Mosaic Virus (T) and Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV). It is also the first cherry tomato variety to be nematode resistant (N) since the Texas A&M developed variety “Small Fry” was available over 20 years ago. Each seed of this new super hybrid costs the wholesale grower $0.20 (per seed!) for the first generation (F-1) seed. Second generation seed are available from PLANTanswers.com in the “Parsons’ Preferred Seed” section. **See 1. Tomato seed at the bottom of the write-up at: http://plantanswers.com/successful_vgetable_growers.htm (Continued on the next page) (The “Dwarf Cherry Surprise” continued…) The “Dwarf Cherry Surprise” tomato was developed to be a commercial cherry tomato variety but was not chose because of “a bit lower yields and a somewhat softer fruit than other selections.” The plant breeders admit that the “Dwarf Cherry Surprise” tomato does have a superior taste and a much higher disease resistance but the yield and toughness of the fruit is of utmost importance when commercially grown cherry tomatoes are being mechanically harvested and processed for the market. The very “faults” of the “Dwarf Cherry Surprise” tomato which caused it NOT to be a successful, commercially-grown variety will be the very attributes which will make it a FAVORITE cherry tomato of home gardeners and patio (container) growers. In addition, have you ever wondered how some gardeners always harvest the first tomatoes of the season? In most cases these early bird winners are “potting up” their plants in containers prior to setting them out in the garden or larger containers when the soil and air temperatures have warmed up enough to support tomato plant growth and fruit setting. To “pot up” your transplants, fill a one to three gallon plastic container with a high quality potting soil. Enrich the potting soil with a slow-release fertilizer made especially for containers such as an 18-6-12 analysis. If an organic fertilizer is preferred, consider a 4-2-3 analysis at twice the rate. Be generous with the fertilizer; tomatoes are heavy feeders if you want maximum fruit production. Place the transplants in the container. They can be planted deeply; tomatoes are one of the few plants that can tolerate deep planting. Roots will form along the whole stem. This is especially important if your transplants are leggy or top heavy. The goal of the “potting up” activity is to maintain the fast growth rate established at the nursery. Place the potted up tomato in full sun in a location out of the wind. The wind can injure foliage and reduce tomato growth. A greenhouse is ideal, but many locations on the patio or the south side of the house also work well. It is important to keep the tomatoes well watered. Watering every other day is not too often. Also, you should apply a dilute water soluble fertilizer at least once a week. The high quality potting soils are very well drained so they usually will not become soggy. Reduce watering when the weather is overcast and/or cool. If the plant is subjected to more than a few hours of sub 40° F temperatures, it will stop growing. You will recognize it if the plant stops growing and you see some purplish coloring. This condition often happens if you plant the tomatoes directly into the garden in South Texas before March 15th. To maintain the tomato transplant in a growing state move it to shelter when temperatures below 40° F are forecast. That may mean putting the pots in the house on cold evenings. If you do everything as described, your “potted up” plants will be quite large and may even begin blooming by late March or April when they can be transplanted to the vegetable garden or larger container. Re-fertilize the newly planted tomato and then mulch with an organic hardwood or cedar mulch. If the plant is grown in a container, be sure to water and feed often with a water soluble 6-12-6 fertilizer. Drip irrigation is the best method to water. In about 6 to 8 weeks, you should be harvesting tomatoes and be the talk of the town. Money raised from the sale of the “Dwart Cherry Surprise” at the Bexar County Master Gardeners at the 2009 San Antonio Rodeo will be used to award a scholarship to a student interested in pursuing a college degree in horticulture or a subject related to the “Green Industry.” This project also enables the San Antonio Livestock Exposition to contribute to the maintenance and management of hundreds of class-room gardens in Bexar County. Local independent nurseries will have ample supply of transplants for sale, which began the first of March. Contributed by the Texas Superstar Team: Drs. Jerry Parsons (retired), Larry Stein, and David Rodriguez. DEADLINE! Deadline for articles or ads to be in the next Region I Newsletter is April 15, 2009. Contact Kori Salazar @ korisalazar@live.com for more information. 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! TNLA Region I Newsletter Ads All ads need to be emailed to: korisalazar@live.com. Mail all ad payments to: TNLA Region I c/o Mark Buell 816 North Main Street Cibolo, TX 78108 Questions? Please call Mark Buell at (210) 6585376. Per Issue: $40.00 $55.00 $95.00 $160.00 Per Year: $200.00 $275.00 $475.00 $800.00 Size: Business Card ¼ Page ½ Page Full Page TNLA has new flyers that are available FREE to members! This is a great way to promote yourself and/or your business and show that you are part of the best in the state! Visit tnlaonline.org for more information! Texas SuperStar is a Texas A&M University System trademarked nomenclature and label which is bestowed on specially selected plants which have attributes that make them Texas' tough and consumer friendly. Skeptics often wonder how certain plants can be chosen as "better" than others. While it is true some people have never met a plant they didn't like, plants which attain SuperStar status must be attractive and useful to the masses rather a special few "collectors." Every effort is made to ensure that SuperStar plants will consistently perform well for Texas consumers regardless of their plant growing expertise. There is no perfect plant, so limitations of highlighted plants are explained to avoid discontent by those who overlook the obvious when growing plants. Realizing that some folks "can mess up a ball-bearing" and no plant is "bullet-proof", everyone is not successful with SuperStar plants. However, the vast majorities of gardeners are successful and make Texas SuperStar plants a permanent part of their landscapes. The majority of plant selections which have attained the Texas SuperStar status have originated in San Antonio under the tutelage of horticulture interests in this area. Once plants are selected and tested for market adaptability in the San Antonio area, the decision as to which plants should be highlighted statewide is primarily based upon observations made at replicated plots and demonstration trials across the state. Because plant performance can be rather subjective, as much input as possible is gathered from competent horticulturists who understand the importance of both landscape performance and marketability. A very important factor which must be considered when selecting plants for SuperStar educational and marketing campaigns is whether sufficient numbers of plants can be produced to meet the increased consumer demand to be generated. Nothing angers a consumer and/or a nurseryman more than not to have the promoted plants available. What are the characteristics which make a plant a "winner?" I have mentioned a few such as (1) It must be attractive and useful to the gardening masses rather than a special few who devote themselves to one specific plant type; (2) It must consistently perform well for Texas consumers regardless of their plant growing expertise; (3) It must be able to be propagated and mass-produced in sufficient numbers to meet the increased consumer demand generated; (4) It must be unique and/or offer desirable and ornamental characteristics which are not usually available in commonly sold plants; (5) It must be as pest resistant as possible---an added bonus is to be a deer non-preference plant; and, most importantly, (6) It must be attractive in the sales container -- so attractive that it sells itself to the consumer who has never heard of the many attributes of the plant. The Financial Impact of the Texas SuperStar (CEMAP) Plant Program Since the beginning of the Texas SuperStar Plant introduction program in the fall of 1989 through spring of 2007 there will have been 40 plants introduced and promoted to the Texas public. Four plants were million-dollar sellers (Satsuma's, 'Gold Star' Esperanza, Perennial Hibiscus and 'Belinda's Dream' Rose) for the Texas nursery industry within 4 years of their introduction. The success of these plants will simply be evaluated by revenue generated by a plant material which was previously not available. Each one of the plants mentioned could produce at least a several hundred thousand-dollar boost to the nursery industry in one year of sales. To keep these profitable Texas SuperStars coming, an aggressive program of searching, propagation and testing must be maintained. This very conservative $15 million estimate takes into consideration number of items sold and the wholesale and retail sales price as derived from the major wholesale growers (Hines, ColorSpot and Greenleaf) in the state. This means that the value-added components are not included nor is the production of smaller wholesale plant producers across the state. For a full listing with illustrations and history visit: http://www.texassuperstar.com/plants.html David Rodriguez Texas Cooperative Extension The Texas A&M University System Horticulturist & Bexar County Master Gardener Advisor http://www.bexar-tx.tamu.edu (210) 467-6575 Ken Trezona for 3 years of excellent service as the TNLA Region I Chairman! Thanks, Ken! Dr. Larry Stein with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service for his information on Stone Crops discussed at the March 10th meeting! The Texas AgriLife Extension Service and their Horticulture Educational Program for providing the location and the great dinner for our March 10th meeting! Those who donated to the raffle! TEXAS NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION Legislative Update 81st Legislative Session March 27, 2009 Renew Your TNLA Membership Today! Click Here to Renew This week HB 2088 was heard in the House Cultural and Recreation Committee. This is the bill that would require plant nurseries that sell plants to the public to provide brochures or a website link promoting the awareness of Texas native plant species and the issues associated with invasive plant species. TNLA testified in opposition to this measure and this bill remains pending in that committee. We are in discussions with the Chairman of the Committee and the Author of the bill Representative Donna Howard (Austin), to find a compromise to this legislation. Please call or email (contact information link found here) the members of the House Cultural and Recreational Committee and use the following talking points. If this bill passes, you will be required to publicize information that could negatively impact your ability to sell certain plants. link to talking points link to members of House Cultural and Recreational Committee Read the complete update for March 27 here. 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 Quick Links TNLA home page 2009 Nursery/Landscape Expo TNLA Green Magazine Texas Nursery & Landscape Association | 512-280-5182 7730 South IH-35 | Austin | TX | 78745 Upcoming Educational Events April 7, 2009: Pesticide License Exam Prep Class This class is designed for landscapers, lawn maintenance personnel, and structural applicators and will prepare you for the TDA Ornamental and Turf (O&T) Category license exam(s) and/or the SPCS Lawn and Ornamental and Weed categories exams. If you are applying Weed & Feed products for hire you must have a pesticide license. You can register for the 4-hour class which covers the TDA Ornamental & Turf exam and the SPCS L&O and Weed exams. Or, TDA applicators can register for the 7-hour class which will cover the O&T, General, and Laws and Regulations exams. To register or call (979) 845-1099 or go to the Texas AgriLife Extension website. [Good for 4 CEUs for TNLA Certification] April 21-22, 2009: Two-Day Training Conducted by the Texas A&M School of Irrigation, Irrigation Technology Center, in cooperation with SAWS Tuesday, April 21, 2009: ET and Sensor-based ("Smart") Irrigation Controllers This course will provide instruction on weather and sensor based irrigation controllers commonly referred to as Smart Controllers. Participants will learn how ET based controllers produce an irrigation schedule using different technologies. Participants will have "hands-on" instruction on controller operation and set-up. The class will also cover smart controller bench testing protocols and related issues.. Wednesday, April 22, 2009: Irrigation Water Management of Commercial Landscapes In this class, students learn how to produce seasonal irrigation schedules based on ET including runtimes and number of irrigations per week. Students are introduced to irrigation concepts and receive hands-on experience by testing an actual irrigation system. This course will be useful for landscape contractors, licensed irrigations and managers of large irrigated turf areas, as well as anyone interested in landscape irrigation and water conservation. For more information about these specific trainings and registration, as well as others offered throughout the State by the Texas A&M School of Irrigation, please go to: http://irrigation.tamu.edu/ or contact Charles Swanson at 979-845-5614 clswanson@ag.tamu.edu. Download the complete brochure here (PDF) Texas Turfgrass Grown to enjoy, grown to last With the persistent dry weather, many are wondering how to prepare their lawns for the spring and summer. In doing so, it is important to consider the benefits of turfgrass. Studies have shown that turfgrass can suffer from drought and still recover. A recent study sponsored by San Antonio Water System and Turfgrass Producers of Texas, and conducted by researchers at Texas A&M University, demonstrated that 25 commonly sold Texas turfgrasses could withstand a 60-day drought. For more information and to view the new turfgrass brochure, go here. 2009 TNLA Education & Research Foundation Scholarship Application March 9, 2009 To: From: Texas Nursery & Landscape Association Members Scott Evans, Chairman Subject: 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. Looking Ahead… Region I General Meeting for April Speaker: Topic: Date: Time: Molly Keck, Integrated Pest Management Specialist with Texas AgriLife Extension Service “IPM and Current Insect Problems” Tuesday, April 14, 2009 Dinner (free with R.S.V.P. only) from 6:15-6:45 p.m. General Meeting: 6:45-7:00 p.m. Speaker: 7:00-8:00 p.m. Grady’s Bar-B-Q at 4109 Fredericksburg Rd. (Click HERE for map). Location: Food Sponsor: Green Light Chemical Company and BWI Companies, INC R.S.V.P.: Angel Torres at (210) 467-6575 (leave voicemail) or MATorres@ag.tamu.edu with a name and dinner count no later than 10:00 a.m. on April 13 th. 1 CEU will be provided to applicators in IPM, but you must inform Angel Torres during R.S.V.P. and bring your driver’s license to the meeting to receive credit. Help Support the Scholarship Fund! Any and all raffle prizes for the General Meeting would be greatly appreciated! All proceeds to into the scholarship fund to support well-deserving students who are the future of our “Green Industry.” don’t forget to bring a few extra dollars! Food Sponsors Welcome…..and Needed! If you or your company is interested in being a food sponsor or co-sponsor for a general meeting, please contact David Rodriguez at (210) 467-6575 (leave a voicemail), or email at dhrodriguez@ag.tamu.edu. Thank you! gh THE BEST NATURAL INSECT CONTROL, courtesy of Shades of Green Nursery We love birds of all kinds. They provide color, activity, and pure joy with their very presence. Many people do not realize, however, that they are an essential part of pest control in the garden. Although many birds eat insects as a year round part of their diet, nesting birds hunt down huge numbers of bugs and caterpillars to provide their young with the protein they require for healthy development. Spring is the time our native birds begin to build their nests, lay their eggs, and raise their families. You can encourage this activity in your landscape by providing for their basic needs. Fresh water is critical especially during this time of extreme drought. It may be offered in something as simple as a hard plastic saucer, but adding a decorative birdbath will be an attractive accent in your garden. Offering food in a variety of forms such as seed, suet, peanut butter, nuts, and fruit will entice the greatest number of birds to visit your yard. A simple tube or platform feeder will work, spreading peanut butter on tree bark is fun, and setting out an orange can yield surprising results. Finally, put out nesting material. Dog fur from a recent brushing, yarn, dryer lint, or any other soft material will be appreciated. It is fun to see your offerings included in nests that you may run across. DRIP IRRIGATION The Most Efficient and Effective Use of Water In the Garden and Landscape by Jerry Parsons, Professor and Extension Horticulturist -- Retired Larry Stein, Professor and Texas AgriLife Extension Service Horticulturist David Rodriguez, Bexar Co. Texas AgriLife Extension Service Horticulturist Calvin Finch, Ph.D. with the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) One of the best techniques to use in applying water to home landscapes, gardens and orchards is drip irrigation. This is the controlled, slow application of water to soil. The water flows under low pressure through plastic pipe or hose laid along each row of plants. The water drops out into the soil from tiny holes called orifices which are either precisely formed in the hose wall or in fittings called emitters that are plugged into the hose wall at a proper spacing. Use drip irrigation for watering vegetables, ornamental and fruit trees, shrubs, vines and container grown plants outdoors. Drip irrigation is not well suited for solid plantings of shallow-rooted plants such as grass. The basic concepts behind the successful use of drip irrigation are that soil moisture remains relatively constant, and air, as essential as water is the plant root system, is always available. In other watering methods there is an extreme fluctuation in soil water content, temperature and aeration of the soil. Soil, when flooded or watered by sprinkler, is filled to capacity. It is then left to dry out, and often it is not until the plant begins to show signs of stress that it is watered again. When the soil is saturated in this way, there is little or no available oxygen; at the end of the cycle there is insufficient water. Drip irrigation overcomes this traditional watering problem by keeping water and oxygen levels within absorption limits of the plants. It frequently (even daily) replaces the water lost through evaporation and transpiration (evapo-transpiration). In addition to maintaining ideal water levels in the soil, this also prevents extreme temperature fluctuations which result from wet-dry cycles associated with other watering methods. With proper management, drip irrigation reduces water loss by up to 60 percent or more as compared to traditional watering methods. These methods deliver water at a faster rate than most soils can absorb. Water applied in excess of this penetration rate can only run off the surface, removing valuable topsoil and nutrients. With drip irrigation the water soaks in immediately when the flow is adjusted correctly. There is neither flooding nor run-off, so water is not wasted. With a properly used drip irrigation system, all of the water is accessible to the roots. Watering weed patches, walkways and other areas between plants and row is avoided. Wind does not carry water away as it can with sprinkler systems, and water lost to evaporation is negligible. Drip irrigation requires little or no time for changing irrigation sets and only about half as much water as furrow or sprinkler irrigation because water is delivered drop by drop or by squirting at the base of the plants. (Continued on the next page) (“Drip Irrigation” continued…) Water shortage and high energy costs motivate gardeners to harvest the greatest possible yield from every precious drop of water. If you have shied away from installing a drip irrigation system because it looked too complicated or too costly, visit these other related articles which help further explain how to have one easily and economically. For more information similar to this, see: http://www.plantanswers.com/resources.htm#watersavers http://www.plantanswers.com/garden_column/may03/5.htm http://www.plantanswers.com/garden_column/july04/2.htm http://www.plantanswers.com/calvin_finch_articles/efficient_irrigation_rules.htm Supplies can be purchased from: http://irrigationdirect.com/ or at many local nurseries or garden centers. Happy gardening, and let’s make every drop of water count! QUESTIONS? Not sure about an upcoming meeting or event? Want to read more about something you saw here? You can visit the TNLA Homepage or our Region I Homepage! EPA’s “Fix a Leak Week” Promotes WaterSense Irrigation Partners As property owners turn on their irrigation systems to inspect for leaks, the EPA encourages them to consult WaterSense Irrigation Partners to fix water-wasting inefficiencies. March 16, 2009, Phoenix, Ariz.—With more than 1 trillion gallons of water leaking from U.S. homes each year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) dubbed this week (March 16 to 20) “Fix a Leak Week” to inspire Americans to check their plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks. As property owners turn on their irrigation systems to check for leaky equipment, they can turn to WaterSense Irrigation Partners to fix their irrigation system’s water-wasting inefficiencies. A partnership program sponsored by the EPA, WaterSense was created in 2006 to make it easier for Americans to save water and protect the environment. To help ease the demand of residential and commercial irrigation systems on local water supplies, WaterSense allows certified irrigation professionals to become WaterSense Irrigation Partners. To become a WaterSense Irrigation Partner, you must obtain one of the following Irrigation Association certifications: Landscape Irrigation Auditor (CLIA), Golf Irrigation Auditor (CGIA) Irrigation Designer (CID) or Irrigation Contractor (CIC). Once you’ve completed your certification requirements, you may submit a partnership agreement to the EPA. “Landscape irrigation auditing has increased in demand due to severe drought conditions across the country, as well as the boost in water conservation awareness thanks to programs like WaterSense,” said Warren Gorowitz, vice president of sustainability and conservation for Ewing Irrigation Products. “Several cities have implemented ordinances requiring commercial and residential irrigation audits, giving WaterSense Irrigation Partners a new line of work.” Becoming a WaterSense irrigation partner is a great business opportunity amid economic uncertainty. Once you’ve become a WaterSense Irrigation Partner, the EPA will include your name and contact information on their website to make it easy for consumers to find certified professionals in their area. You can also incorporate the WaterSense Partner logo into your personal branding pieces such as business cards to add credibility to your services. To learn more about becoming a WaterSense Irrigation Partner, visit http://www.epa.gov/watersense/pp/cert_programs.htm. Ewing Reorganizes Executive Board, Appoints New Vice President Executive Board restructures, Gorowitz appointed vice president of sustainability and conservation March 17, 2009, Phoenix, Ariz.—President and Chief Executive Officer Douglas W. York announced today a reorganization of Ewing Irrigation Products’ executive board as part of a plan to prepare the company for continued growth and efficiency. As vice president of sustainability and conservation, newly-appointed Warren S. Gorowitz will spearhead future sustainability and conservation initiatives both internally and externally for Ewing. The reorganization will foster collaboration and improve Ewing’s ability to serve internal departments, Green Industry professionals and industry partners, as well as reinforce the Ewing brand as an industry leader in water management and conservation. “Warren’s venerable history of industry advocacy and commitment has aptly prepared him for the task of further developing our conservation efforts,” said York. “His personal and professional dedication to water scarcity issues, in terms of serving as both a passionate supporter and skillful solutions provider, makes him a valuable resource not only for Ewing, but for the irrigation industry as a whole.” Previously national sales manager of water management products, Gorowitz was elected to lead Ewing’s efforts to promote water conservation and best management practices in 2004. “I am proud to reinforce Ewing’s longstanding commitment to water management and conservation and am eager to further expand our plans for sustainability, both in our internal operations and externally with our customers through education,” said Gorowitz. “We will continue our leadership position in the industry as we work toward positively affecting the environment and emphasizing the value of efficient irrigation and regionally appropriate landscaping.” Gorowitz is an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense Partner, Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) Charter Board member and a Licensed Texas Irrigator. Warren previously served on the Irrigation Association (IA) Smart Water Application Technology (SWAT) Advisory Committee and remains actively involved with SWAT initiatives. He also participated as an industry representative in the initial development of the EPA’s WaterSense program. Gorowitz holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ornamental Horticulture from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. In addition to the vice presidential appointment of Gorowitz, Ewing announced the promotions of several senior company officials, including: Richard A. York, previously executive vice president; now chief operating officer Jeffrey C. Anthony, previously vice president, Finance; now chief financial officer Rilus A. Graham III, previously vice president, Credit Administration; now senior vice president, Credit Administration Cliff Woodbury, previously vice president of marketing and administration; now senior vice president, Marketing and Communications Ewing’s executive board also includes Terry Williams, vice president, Customer Experience; Raul Gonzalez, vice president, Industry Relations; and Jim Borneman, vice president, Education Services. Courtesy of Ewing Irrigation Products. Ewing is the premier source for conservation solutions and a leading authority on the latest water management products, trends and best practices. Ewing provides water management solutions, commercial and residential irrigation supplies, landscape and agronomic products, hardscape, landscape lighting, erosion control, water features and industrial plastics to professionals serving the landscaping, turf, golf and industrial industries. Ewing offers more than 190 convenient locations from coast to coast. Visit Ewing online at www.ewing1.com. The Best of Texas Landscape Guide is in and available to members and the public. If you didn’t get your order form in the mail, click HERE to get your copy! Welcome New Region I Members! Trace Hazlett, TMCNP Schulz Nursery – San Antonio 3700 Broadway St. San Antonio, TX 78209-6518 Jason Rahe City of New Braunfels 110 Golf Course Dr. New Braunfels, TX 78130-5343 Richard Rodriguez St. Mary’s University, Physical Plant Dept. 1 Camino Santa Maria St. San Antonio, TX 78228-5433 Steve Spalten Schulz Nursery – Seguin 1722 Steffens Rd. Seguin, TX 78155-4024 Bryan Potter Horizon 17645 Blanco Rd. San Antonio, TX 78232 Bryan Klump Best Laid Plants Lawncare and Landscaping, Inc. 11225 Cave Creek Helotes, TX 78023-3436 Carlos Sanchez St. Mary’s University, Physical Plant Dept. 1 Camino Santa Maria St. San Antonio, TX 78228-5433 As always, thank you for reading the Region I Newsletter and for letting me be a part of such an important organization! All feedback, articles, ads, and information is greatly appreciated by me and your fellow TNLA Region I members! Have a wonderful Easter, and enjoy this beautiful Spring!!! -- Kori Salazar