Convention Retention

FNGLA’s annual meeting provides fodder for a few thoughts.

By Paul Rusnak
Managing Editor

The Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association (FNGLA) gathered for its annual convention in mid June at The Breakers in Palm Beach. I had the pleasure of attending the event and found it a good forum to get the pulse of the Florida nursery and landscape community. Despite topsy-turvy industry conditions during the past year, optimism and energy are still high as FNGLA leaders and members looked ahead to the coming year.

Nice Scene To Convene
The Breakers, the awe-inspiring backdrop for the event, provided the landscape for those of us who live for all things that grow — perfect for this crowd. One of the highlights of the convention for me was the landscaping tour of the storied resort’s grounds. Led by Lloyd Singleton, The Breakers’ landscape manager, the tour consisted of a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into the care of the horticultural haven. One of the points I found interesting was the landscaping crew’s use of “selective trimming.” Singleton says the process invloves removing about 1/3 of the branches that need trimming every few weeks in order to keep the specimen under control and do it without the “fresh haircut” look.

Lloyd Singleton, landscape manager at The Breakers, provided interesting information and useful landcare tips to those in attendance at the landscape tour during the FNGLA annual convention.

“Formal hedges and turf need crisp, clean lines,” he says. “Everything else should be in bounds but never look just trimmed.”

The size and scope of the property and its adjacent golf course is quite impressive and provides a perspective of what needs to be accomplished daily by the nearly 30-person landscaping staff. It takes hard work and a lot of water to keep everything looking healthy. Singleton says the resort uses reverse osmosis to keep the grounds adequately watered. The process involves digging a deep well, which taps into brackish water where it is filtered, stored, and ready for use. The process is costly to install, says Danny Miller, director of horticulture and grounds at The Breakers, but return on investment took only a few short years.

Though bigger is usually better, sometimes it’s the little things that can grab as much attention and make an equal impact. Singleton says The Breakers is planning on expanding its herb garden to include vegetables and microgreens for use in its restaurants. The appeal lies in growing fresh products on site and saving fuel. With rising concern over gas prices, he says nursery and landscape businesses should seriously consider how to include this service with this trend of more people getting back to home gardening. “Landscapers could maintain vegetable gardens for the consumer and the nurseries can be growing more edible plants,” he says.

Down To Business

Dave Self, outgoing FNGLA president, addressed attendees of the business meeting.

Though the notion of exploring and enjoying the postcard-like surroundings was tempting, there were some business matters to attend to. Ben Bolusky, FNGLA executive vice president, addressed the crowd at the annual business meeting during his state-of-the-industry speech and commented on how different the outlook and atmosphere was as the association gathered for its annual meeting a year ago. And though challenges have mounted in bunches since then, he’s still hopeful that business will improve for the coming year. “Optimism alone won’t do it,” he says. “One must have a strategy.”

A multi-step plan to help the industry turn the corner was outlined by Bolusky. Some highlights of the strategy included:

• Working with the media to promote the Florida Yards & Neighborhoods’ “Right Plant, Right Place” mantra;
• Collaborating with local water districts and the EPA to solidify the green and sustainability movement;
• Enhancing FNGLA’s relationship with the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences to ensure that research is put into practice; and
• Working with the state department of education to make FNGLA certification the gold standard.

Rosemary Warner [right] was installed as the new FNGLA president by Tommy Aiello of Aiello Landscape.

The educational bend to the plan is obvious and involvement through every level in every chapter was another vital part of the overall call-to-action message. With a plan in place, a new set of leaders was appointed by outgoing FNGLA president Dave Self. Rosemary Warner of Native Southeastern Trees was installed as president; Monty Knox of Knox Nursery was installed as president-elect; and Carolan Mahr of Ted Mahr Supply Co. was installed as secretary/treasurer. As the torches are passed, new initiatives will be implemented, and success will be gauged. Only time will tell how much things have progressed as we gather again the same time next year.

FNGLA Annual Convention Photo Gallery
All Photos by Paul Rusnak

A landscape staff of nearly 30 keep the storied grounds of The Breakers meticulously maintained.

The surrounding lush landscape of The Breakers makes you feel like you stepped into a postcard.

Waste does not go to waste at The Breakers. Nutrient-rich compost is produced, thanks to the help of worms, through the process of vermiculture.

The Breakers is planning on expanding its onsite herb garden to include vegetables and microgreens.

The exapanded herb garden will produce vegetables and microgreens to be used at the resort’s restaurants.

FNGLA members mingled during the opening night reception at the annual convention.

During the landscape tour, the subject of selective trimming was disussed and how it helps the look and health of plants.

The Breakers in Palm Beach provided an idyllic setting for those who love all things horticultural.