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2015 Kentucky Landscape Industries Winter Conference
January 20-22 • Kentucky International Convention Center, Louisville, KY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2015
CREW ACADEMY
CMV Safety in a World of Landscaping, Officer Jared Newberry, Kentucky State Police
This session consists of open discussion and presentation of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules and
regulations as it applies specifically to persons involved in the agricultural, landscape, and lawn care environment.
Participants will be exposed to industry trends and best practices when operating a commercial vehicle susceptible to
Federal regulations. Participants will also be exposed to Kentucky laws and regulations and best practices when
operating a commercial vehicle on the roadway. Q/A session immediately follows the presentation.
Landscape Management in an Ever-changing Ohio Valley Weather Pattern, Matt Dixon, University of Kentucky
Weather information and accurate forecasts are key components when it comes to successfully managing any outdoor
operation, including that of landscaping. In doing so, this session will focus on a variety of tools developed by the
Agricultural Weather Center and various specialists at the University of Kentucky, to assist in making weather related
decisions and in turn, maximizing production. Included in the lecture will be a summary of several forecast tools for
management and safety purposes, in addition to utilizing climatological data for usage in planning stages. An overview
of the Kentucky Mesonet will also be presented and its inclusion into a wide variety of insect and disease prediction
models for edible landscaping, particularly fruit trees.
Tree Wounds & Disease – Butt Rots and Collar Rots, Nicole Ward-Gauthier Ph.D., University of Kentucky
Many tree diseases are caused by secondary pathogens, meaning that injury or stress induces infections by plant
pathogenic fungi and bacteria. This session will cover basic concepts of wood rots, cankers, and root decay. We will
discuss prevention of butt rot and collar rot diseases, as well as their management. Diseases to be covered include:
Nectria canker, Ganoderma rot, Hypoxylon canker, Armillaria shoestring rot, Bot canker, Phytophthora root rot, and
Xylaria root rot. A question and answer session will be included.
The Magic of Mulch, Bill Fountain, Ph.D. University of Kentucky
Mulching can be one of the best landscape practices for trees and shrubs or one of the one of the worst
assaults. Improper mulching can destroy customer satisfaction with your company and ruin the good will of the green
industry. The simple act of placement and quality of the mulching material is the key to sustainable healthy
landscapes. Practicing these Best Management Practices improves the environment and the bottom line of our
industry.
Landscape Maintenance in an Edible Environment, Ric Bessin, Ph.D., University of Kentucky
With the push for more local food and the high price of produce, many backyards serve the dual roles of providing for
leisure activities while providing fresh fruit and vegetables. But this has the potential to cause some issues as some
pests are shared between landscape plants and food plants, and some food plants may be very sensitive to some
landscape pesticides.
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Pruning FOR and WITH the tree, not the CLIENT, Dave Leonard, Dave Leonard Tree Specialists
Many of us have preconceived ideas of what a tree should look like when it is pruned. Let's look at pruning for
structure and longevity of the tree rather than what an uneducated client wants.
NURSERY/GREENHOUSE PRODUCTION
Substrate and Water Analysis for Better Management, Dewayne Ingram, Ph.D., University of Kentucky
Container or raised bed substrate (growing medium) and irrigation water testing are essential tools in managing
nursery and floricultural crops. Sampling and testing procedures, interpretation of results and nutrient and water
quality management strategies based on these interpretations will be discussed.
Pruning and Fertilization of Nursery Crops to Reduce Pests and Stress Disorders, Win Dunwell, Ph.D., University of
Kentucky
Training nursery trees, flowering trees, and shrubs to increase growth and positive environmental benefits while
reducing stress related pests and disorders when planted in the landscape. Fertilization of nursery crops is
complicated; some plants will respond to any amount of fertilizer applied while others are salt intolerant and any
amount of fertilizer will limit growth and stress the plant leading to an increase in pest management. A discussion of
plant nutrient requirements, fertilizer characteristics and use will be presented.
Greenhouse Insect Biology and Management, Jen White, Ph.D., University of Kentucky
Greenhouse insect pests can be a pernicious trial. This talk will focus on the biology of the pests we love to hate, and
integrated pest management techniques to help keep them under control.
Field-grown Shrub Production System Analysis for Environmental Impact and Cost, Dewayne Ingram, Ph.D.,
University of Kentucky
Efficiency in production practices for decreased cost and improved environmental impact is on the mind of every
business manager. Smaller profit margins and consumers with increasingly more concern about the environmental
impact of their purchases and activities are driving the need for us to systematically analyze our processes and
procedures. Information will be given about field production systems relative to: 1) reduced operating costs, 2)
positive environmental impacts, and 3) a marketing advantage for the environmentally conscious customer base.
A Sustainable Approach for Irrigation in Container-grown Nursery Crops, Carey Grable, University of Kentucky
Water use in container-grown nursery crops is a major cultural input. This presentation will provide an overview of
irrigation strategies used for container production and describe recent developments in irrigation scheduling to
conserve water use.
Improving Efficiency is a Process Requiring Teamwork
Panel:
Pat Carey, Riverfarm Nursery
Dewayne Ingram, Ph.D., University of Kentucky
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Todd Ryan, Valley Hill Nurseries
Jim Wallitsch, Wallitsch Nursery and Garden Center
Several managers discuss their perspectives on team-based systems and work space analysis. Each will share their
experiences with implementing and maintaining change in their operations to increase efficiency, reduce costs and
increase team morale.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015
PLANTS/LANDSCAPE
Top Perennial Selections for Kentucky Gardens, George Pealer, Millcreek Gardens
Herbaceous perennials have become very popular in the last 25 years, partly because organizations like the Perennial
Plant Association have led the way in educating people about these wonderful plants. Demand has increased at the
retail level and in landscape usage. Meanwhile, breeders and plant experts from around the world have discovered
and introduced a myriad of new perennial plants to the industry. At times, the influx of new introductions can be
overwhelming. Which perennials are the best ones to use for certain situations? Join George to learn the very best
selections of perennials for use in Kentucky gardens.
Useful Plants and Consideration of Their Use, Joseph Hillenmeyer, Joseph Hillenmeyer Garden Design
There are so many applications for plant material, whether using the same plant differently or finding a new plant to
fill a hole in your plant pallet. They only way to get bored in this industry is to quit looking around. I’ll show you
examples I’ve seen around the world or used in my own gardens of great plants to use in your gardens.
Lesser-known Kentucky Native Plants of Landscape Value, Todd Roundsaville, The Arboretum, University of Kentucky
Kentucky is home to over 2,000 native plant species, only a fraction of which are readily available commercially. This
presentation will highlight some of the rare, overlooked, or underused species with significant merit both ecologically
and ornamentally.
The Magic of a Garden, Mary Vaananen, Jelitto Perennial Seeds
Beauty is certainly in the eye of the beholder. We plants-men and women all have our own unique expression and use
of nature’s gifts in our gardens. Our 5 senses bring to us the colors and textures and fragrances that our favorite plants
give to us. But is there more to discover? Can a greater connection be made? Why would we want to delve deeper?
There is magic in the garden! Tune in to the earth’s mysteries and be amazed!
Bed Preparation, Proper Plant Selection and Quality Aftercare, Steve Foltz, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanic Garden
These are the key ingredients to a successful landscape installation. By doing all three of these you will have success!
Whether you are a homeowner or major landscape contractor these principles apply. We always seemed to be amazed
at how little our clients know about these things yet are we really educating them about what it truly takes to have
successful landscapes? With the new excitement of rain gardens, bio-swales, community gardens, and community tree
planting projects, many non- horticulturists are becoming drivers of these projects. The success or failure of these
projects will depend on getting this right. When planting projects fail, attitudes about plants drop. When planting
projects succeed people want more! Which one of these scenarios do we want to be a part of? This talk will primarily
focus on urban and suburban areas where good landscapes are most needed yet most challenging.
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Changes in Construction Techniques Over Time – Why Won’t My Landscape Grow, Edwin Richey, Ph.D., University of
Kentucky
Before the widespread use of heavy equipment in subdivision development, very little soil disturbance occurred
outside of the building site. For example, footers and water lines were dug by hand and were contained to that area.
Commercial construction companies now typically remove the topsoil on the entire site with heavy equipment,
construct the building, then replace some of the disturbed topsoil. This leads to compaction issues, thin topsoil, which
makes for more difficult management to maintain residential landscapes and increases the amount of irrigation
required. Methods to contend with these management issues will be discussed.
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
Effective Management of Your Greatest Risk: Labor, Marcus vandeVliet, MV Enterprises
How efficient is your greatest risk in business, your labor force. To manage our field people better we need to measure
their performance, and determine who is truly helping our company increased profits. Marcus will share many real
world examples of what actually happens when we return to the office.
Collect the field data accurately.
Job costing used to measure crew performance.
How effective is your communication to the field.
Use estimated information to set crew goals.
Incentive programs to increase efficiency.
Training of supervisors, foreman and crews.
Are your crews setup for success?
Cost Estimating for Landscape Architecture, Morgan McIlwain, McIlwain + Associates
The presentation will focus on the development of cost estimates for site and landscape development including trails,
parks, roadways, parking, plazas, site development for buildings and other types of landscapes. Specific elements of
site development will be reviewed such as site clearing, earthwork and drainage, site utilities, site lighting, paving and
hardscape, decks, lawns and landscape plantings, etc. will be covered. The different levels of estimating will be
explored, from conceptual budget level estimates to detailed unit cost takeoffs. Estimating for each design phase of a
project will be reviewed along with methods for organizing the estimates, sources for cost data, contingencies and the
other important elements of developing a complete and reliable cost estimate.
Job Costing, And Why It Is Critical To Maximize Your Profits, Marcus vandeVliet, MV Enterprises
Job costing is required for a manager or supervisor to consistently track the performance of crews when he cannot be
in the field. It is a vital tool to improve estimating and employee management. Job costing allows us to get a profit and
loss statement for each project we complete. Marcus will also discuss Job Costing software and reports.
Setup estimating information correctly.
How to analyze the job cost information, to improve profits.
How to collect field data that is accurate and complete.
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How to improve the accuracy of estimating.
How to use job costing as a tool to motivate your employees.
Determine the strength and weakness of each crew.
Types of job cost reports, including bid vs. actual.
The link between accounting and job costing.
Using software to manage job costing information.
Retail Panel
This panel consists of several garden center retailers who will discuss market trends and topics. This question and
answer style discussion will hit the highs and lows of our green industry and answer the questions everyone wants to
know from leading individuals in our field. Tweet in questions using the hashtag #KNLARetailPanel.
Trade Show Floor
Vehicle Inspection Kentucky State Police, Officer Jared Newberry
Officer Newberry will conduct an overview and inspection of a series of vehicles relating to licensing and safety.
ICPI Level 1 Overview Paver Construction, Terry Chapman, L. Thorn Company
Presentation will go through from the history of segmental pavements to present day practices. ICPI certification will
be explained.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015
PEST MANAGEMENT
Weed Management in Nursery Crops, Mark Czarnota, Ph.D., University of Georgia
Weeds eating your shorts? Come learn about weed control methods that are available to the nursery industry.
Cultivation, mulches and herbicides all have their place when trying to eliminate competition for water, nutrients, light
and good quality high value nursery crops.
What’s New – Plant Diseases That Keep Me Up at Night, Nicole Ward-Gauthier, Ph.D., University of Kentucky
With the movement of plant material across state lines and across national borders, there’s no wonder why we
experience surges in invasive pathogens. The first line of defense against these invaders is awareness. In this session,
we will discuss new and emerging diseases such as impatiens downy mildew, boxwood blight, thousand cankers of
walnut, and sudden oak death. Most importantly, disease management and fungicide options will be presented. A
question and answer session will be included.
Be Fair to Beneficials, Blair Leano-Helvey, Entomology Solutions
When biological control fails upon being implemented for the first time the common tendency is to attribute the
failure to the concept of biological control as a whole. Not unlike other processes, such as surgery for example, it can
be a great thing when done right. When done wrong, it can be disastrous. We will explore the main causes for failure
when using biological control, as well as some “best practice” methods which can attribute to its success.
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Weed Control for Difficult Species, Mark Czarnota, Ph.D., University of Georgia
What is the name of that weed? How do I control it? Unfortunately, many plants have evolved to become
unwelcomed guests in our nurseries. We all have seen them, but just knowing a weeds life cycle can be the key to
controlling it. Is it an annual, perennial, or biennial? Is there a selective herbicide that I can use to control this weed,
or is cultivation best? Learn to identify major weeds in the landscape, and how to control them.
A Review of Worker Protection Standards: Reducing Pesticide Exposure, Lee Townsend, Ph.D., University of Kentucky
This presentation will review WPS requirements and cover reduction of exposure to pesticides
LANDSCAPE DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION
Seeking Inspiration from Historic Gardens, Joseph Hillenmeyer, Joseph Hillenmeyer Garden Design
Often, so many of the world’s great gardens are of a scale and complexity that is difficult to translate into a residential
scale. Here are gardens from around the world that I have found inspirational and the gardens I’ve created using many
of the same elements and concepts on a smaller scale.
Morgan Foods Corporate Retreat - An Olmsted Brothers Update, Bill Esarey, WEE Landscape Architecture
Olmsted Brothers Area
 History of the Olmsted Brothers Involvement
 Site Analysis, Inventory of what remained, and inconsistencies
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 Being true to the Olmsted Brothers design in a 21 century upgrade
o Overall Design
o Hardscape
o Details
o Planting
 Olmsted Brothers details in the new design
 Taking details from other Olmsted projects for new elements
 Elements Olmsted’s didn’t consider in 1938 and 1939
 Tour of the built project
Outside the limits of the Olmsted Plans
 Horses, Longhorns, and Buffalo
 Regenerating a farm
 Tree preservation
 Watershed protection
 Native plantings
Nature to Kids: Rethinking Outdoor Play, Claude Stephens, Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest
Research into the value and dynamics of nature-based free play for the healthy development of children has led
playground designers to rethink important guiding assumptions about design. Bernhiem Arboretum and Research
Forests’ Children at Play Initiative is a regional coalition of people and organizations focused on connecting more
children to nature through outdoor free-play environments that:
· Inspire active connections with nature
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· Improve health, creativity and interest in the environment
· Lead to an understanding of how free-play supports child development
· Imagine a new generation of improved outdoor play spaces
· Challenge assumptions around best practices in outdoor play
· Build lasting partnerships
Functional Beauty – Managing Storm Water with Ornamental Gardens, Chad Franer, Indianapolis Museum of Art
Have you noticed communities placing more emphasis on managing storm water? Most cities have outdated
treatment facilities that cannot handle the more intense rain events happening these days. Many are requiring that
more of the storm water be captured so that it isn’t released directly to streams and rivers. This session will focus on
how an existing 24,000 square foot parking lot was retrofitted so that all of the storm water was captured and allowed
to percolate into the ground eliminating sedimentation and contamination. This is a great improvement and
environmentally friendly, but its attractiveness combined with low maintenance is what sells it to businesses and the
public.
Designing the Productive Landscape, Andrew Knight, MKSK
The world in which we participate is composed of a variety of landscapes, capable of transforming the human
experience. From pure nostalgia to food production, we all have our emotional connection to the landscape. As
landscape architects, we strive to design landscapes that are both imaginative and productive, balancing the art and
science of the spaces we engage. This discussion will explore a series of MKSK projects that cover a variety of scales
and contexts. From intimate urban gardens to large regional parks, we focus on the influence of the designed
landscape to promote green infrastructure, health and wellness, tourism, and healthier cities; environmentally,
socially, and culturally.
Trade Show Floor
Panel Discussion, Status of the Industry
An open discussion located at the center of the trade show floor. A Moderator will solicit comments from participants
regarding current input and output supplies, labor, equipment, landscape trends, etc.
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