The Arthur and Phyllis Kaplan Orchid Conservatory (KOC) at Old Dominion University opened in 2008 as the beloved brainchild of the late Dr. Arthur Kaplan, a prominent Norfolk physician and philanthropist, who grew thousands of orchids in greenhouses at his home near the main campus. Dr. Kaplan convinced University administrators that a dedicated space featuring orchids and other tropical plants would provide strong and unique opportunities for education and recreational enjoyment serving ODU and Hampton Roads. With the help of family and friends in the community, Dr. Kaplan secured all funds needed to build the facility and initiate a supporting endowment. He also gifted the bulk of his cherished orchid specimens to ODU to establish a signature research and display collection.

The KOC was a much-loved attraction at ODU for over 16 years, welcoming thousands of on and off campus visitors, including out of state tourists, to its landscaped display house that offered an immersion experience into a pocket habitat of lowland tropical rainforest set with a continuously changing array of magnificent orchids. Additionally, the greenhouses that nurtured the collections were desirable destinations for organized tours of small groups of students and nature lovers who wanted a greater in-depth look into the botany and horticulture of orchids.

In 2021, as ideas began to coalesce for the creation of a new Biological Sciences Building that would be built adjacent to the KOC site, project planners realized that there was a prime opportunity to enhance and expand upon Dr. Kaplan’s legacy by integrating a new and larger KOC into the structure. The resulting highly dynamic design for the future KOC seamlessly blends the facility with the entire building; a two and a half storey public display glasshouse wraps the exterior southwest corner, its interior glass wall on the north side is shared with a spacious interior atrium, and an elevated rockwork wall with cascading rivulets of water anchors its east side. Collections and research greenhouses for the conservatory and additional ODU biological research will occupy the entire southern side of the fourth floor.

The building site incorporates the existing footprint of the original KOC, along with two other buildings, to make space for what will be one of the largest structures on the ODU campus. Although it is sad to have the old KOC go, it will soon be reborn as a facility that will accommodate larger visitor groups and highlight a much greater diversity of plants.

Construction of the ODU Biological Sciences Building will commence with a groundbreaking ceremony set for late April of this year and end with a projected completion in late 2028. In the meantime, the KOC collection of orchids and tropical plants is thriving in a temporary off campus location where its size and content will steadily increase in anticipation of occupying its new home.

ODU looks forward to welcoming visitors to the new Arthur and Phyllis Kaplan Conservatory when it opens. We believe that Dr. Kaplan would be tremendously pleased with all that his dreams are manifesting.

Notification of Expansion of Imported Fire Ant Quarantine – Late May 2025

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) will be expanding the Virginia Imported Fire Ant Quarantine in late May 2025. The counties of Chesterfield, Lee, Nottoway, Pittsylvania, Prince George, and Surry and the independent cities of Colonial Heights, Danville, Hopewell, and Petersburg will be added to the regulated areas under the Virginia Imported Fire Ant Quarantine.

You may recall the first fire ant infestation was detected in the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1989. In 2009, the fire ant quarantine was established in Virginia and included much of the tidewater area. From 2017 to 2022 survey data indicated fire ants were spreading and the quarantine was expanded in 2019 and again in 2022. The current quarantine covers 12 counties and 11 independent cities in the southeast and central part of the state.

Click HERE to view the VDACS notice regarding the expanded fire ant quarantine. Below view a map indicating where the quarantine bounds will be expanded to in late May of 2025.

For more information regarding the Important Fire Ant, please click here.

2025 Legislative Update: Invasive Species, Retail Sales

The Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association is focused on bringing the green industry together and representing you before the Virginia General Assembly.

HB1941: Invasive Species; Retail Sales

Patrol: Del. Seibel

Requires, for the retail sale of certain invasive plant species for outdoor use, a retail establishment to post in a conspicuous manner on the property located in proximity to each invasive plant signage identifying such plant as invasive, educating consumers regarding invasive plant species, and encouraging consumers to ask about alternatives. The bill requires the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services to designate the format, size, and content of such signage no later than October 1, 2025, and requires the Commissioner to issue a stop sale order and mark or tag a plant in a conspicuous manner when an invasive plant is for sale at a retail establishment without appropriate signage. In such case, the bill requires the Commissioner to give written notice of a finding made to the owner, tenant, or person in charge of such retail establishment and requires the stop sale order issued to remain in effect until the required signage is posted.

VNLA participated in discussions throughout last year’s session and in the off session with stakeholders to come up with a bill that we can all support.

We recognize the importance of educating consumers regarding ALL plants, including those on the DCR invasive plant list for outdoor use, and encouraging consumers to learn about alternative plants to explore.

This bill removes the $500 civil penalty that was included last year.

This bill also allows for the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services to work with the Virginia Invasive Species Working Group to designate the format, size, and content of signage used to identify the plant as invasive on the DCR list. The group will work to do so by October 1, 2025.

VNLA expresses its appreciation to Del. Seibold and our fellow stakeholders for working together to find a product we can all support and looks forward to this legislation moving through the legislative process.

We continue to receive feedback from our membership and engage in discussion surrounding non-fertile cultivars, accommodating the growing season for our members who have made investments and growing decisions, and finally the invasive plant species which are itemized in the legislation.

Please share your feedback with Katie Hellebush via email and contact your legislators by entering your address in Who’s My Legislator. Remember – depending on where you live and work, you may live and work in different districts. Make sure to contact them all!

Please contact katie@vnla.org with any questions.

Passing of Jeff Miller

On behalf of the VNLA Board of Directors, it is with great sadness we share the news that Jeff Miller passed away suddenly Monday, August 5, 2024. It is a great shock to us all.

Jeff was incredibly kind, passionate about his work, and dedicated to the VNLA community. We are forever grateful to Jeff for his long-standing leadership of the VNLA and his many contributions to the horticulture industry. He will be deeply missed by his wife Sandy and everyone at the VNLA.

We ask that you keep his wife Sandy in your thoughts and prayers. If you wish to reach out to her, please send an email.

Details about the memorial service will be posted when available.

2024 VNLA Legislative Update

VNLA Legislative Summary

The VNLA worked on your behalf to watch for bills and budget items impacting your operation as a nursery, wholesaler, or retail operation this 2024 General Assembly Session.

VNLA focused on two key issues (1) the right to sell plants, trees, and shrubs in your facility and (2) signage requirements regarding invasive species.

Right to Sell Plants, Trees, and Shrubs in Your Facility

The VNLA worked hard to represent the VNLA on HB 1167/Krizek, which would authorize any locality to adopt an ordinance prohibiting the sale of English ivy, with violations punishable by a civil penalty not to exceed $50 for a first violation and not to exceed $200 for a subsequent violation within 12 months.

VNLA strongly OPPOSED this Legislation for the following reasons:

· Enforcement – Who would enforce this prohibition at the local level? At what cost? What prevents consumers from purchasing from Amazon, Facebook Market, or traveling to neighboring localities and/or states to purchase the plant that they desire?

· Plant Production – The in-state production, of such living plant, or part thereof, includes Commercially Viability, or such living plants are Commercially Propagated in Virginia. The market shall define the demand for specific species, not an artificial legislative mandate.

· Precedent –VNLA is opposed to the PRECEDENT prohibiting the sale of a plant, shrub or bush NO MATTER the specific cultivar or species. This piece of legislation has already been called a “Christmas tree” bill by its proponents, referring to additional products intended to be added to the legislation in the future.

· Penalty – VNLA is opposed to the excessive PENALTY imposed by this legislation. A $50-$200 civil penalty may be imposed for the first and subsequent sale of English ivy, with a cap of $3,000 in 12 months. Accumulating a $3,000 civil penalty seems excessive.

VNLA extends our appreciation to Governor Younkin for his VETO of this legislation to provide relief to our greenhouses, nurseries, and retailers of all shapes and sizes.

Signage Requirements Regarding Invasive Species

VNLA worked hard to negotiate a solution that focused on consumer & industry education when it comes to signage requirements regarding invasive species.

HB47/Seibold & SB306/Salim were two different bills proposing two different regulations. HB47/Seibold was based on the Maryland program, requiring the Maryland signage to be placed in proximity to each invasive plant display signage identifying such plants as invasive.

SB306/Salim required that signage be posted on the property, identifying such plants as invasive. Any person who violates the signage requirement would face a civil penalty, up to $500.

VNLA extends our appreciation to Sen. Salim, Del. Seibold, and the other stakeholders for working with us to come together on substitute language to address industry concerns to allow for the VDACS Commissioner to work in conjunction with the Invasive Species Working Group to develop

the content, font, size of the signage, taking into account neighboring states’ signage. The location of the signage would be conspicuous and in proximity to invasive species plant displays. The sign shall also include a QR code and URL linked to the Department’s invasive plant species list. The sign shall educate consumers on the environmental effects of invasive plant species and encourage consumers to ask about alternatives.

VNLA remained opposed to a penalty but was willing to accept it as part of a compromise.

VNLA strongly believes the final language creates less burdensome logistics for businesses by placing displays in proximity of invasive plants; allows for stakeholder input by working in conjunction with VDACS and the Invasive Species working group; and most importantly educates consumers about the impact of invasive plants while still allowing them to make informed decisions.

As with the previous bill, VNLA extends our appreciation to Governor Younkin for his VETO of this legislation which places additional requirements and imposes civil penalties on Virginia’s small businesses for the sale of plants with low levels of invasiveness, such as periwinkle and winter honeysuckle. Additionally, the Department’s invasive species list would function as the legally binding authority regarding invasive species, circumventing the Administrative Process Act, which involves a public notice and comment period.

VNLA agrees that Virginia should continue to educate consumers about invasive plant species and encourage them to seek alternatives. More information is to come about a new VNLA campaign to do so.

Invasive Species Working Group

The Invasive Species Working Group continues its work to implement legislation from 2009 that directs the Secretaries of Natural Resources and Agriculture and Forestry to “coordinate the development of strategic actions to be taken by the Commonwealth, individual state and federal agencies, private business, and landowners related to invasive species prevention, early detection and rapid response, control and management, research and risk assessment, and education and outreach.”

VNLA members attend these meetings, the latest one in February 2024, in Richmond, to represent all aspects of the industry.

Are you familiar with the 2009 Invasive Species and/or Virginia Noxious Weed Law?

VNLA will highlight these and other items of discussion in this monthly update to ensure that you are up to date.

Legislative Committee

Are you interested in serving on the VNLA Legislative Committee going forward?

With working groups, budget items, and legislative items as well as legislators to educate, VNLA needs you to volunteer your time, knowledge, and expertise.

The Legislative Committee will evaluate legislation based on (NEW) legislative policy. The committee will meet frequently during the General Assembly and as needed outside of session to address legislative issues. The Legislative Committee will assist in planning an annual Legislative Day to educate legislators regarding the VNLA, coordinate tours off-session, and engage members to ensure that VNLA is representing the green industry.

Legislative Questions? Contact Executive Director, Katie Hellebush.

Meet Robin McCall – A Women’s History Month Feature Interview

As we commemorate Women’s History Month, we shine a spotlight on the remarkable women who have defied stereotypes and left their mark in traditionally male-dominated industries. In the world of agriculture and horticulture, where strength, creativity, and resilience are essential, women are carving out their own paths and reshaping the agriculture and horticulture industry. Join us as we sit down with Robin McCall from Williams Brothers Tree & Lawn, a trailblazer in the landscaping industry, to learn about her journey, challenges, and triumphs as a woman thriving in this dynamic field.

In an interview conducted with Kelly Noon, we are delighted to spotlight Robin’s achievements in honor of Women’s History Month. Please continue reading to hear more about all the hard work and dedication she has contributed over the years.

1. What inspired you to pursue your career/profession, and how do you see it contributing to the advancement of women in your industry?

My influences started in high school. The first teacher was Carol Elgin and then into college was Cindy Marston. Both taught me the ability to stay strong and move forward. Love your job. Have a passion.

That is one reason why I do floral design, as well as landscape design.

Carol was my FFA teacher. She passed away from breast cancer. I was honored to do both of her son’s weddings.

Cindy was a professor at Lord Fairfax Community College and is still a good friend of mine, still critiquing my floral design and landscape design ideas and teaching me about new plants that she’s finding through her son’s greenhouse.

Also, my parents have instilled in me to work hard and stay strong.

My other mentor is Richard Knapp, a true legend and nurseryman.

1. Can you share any experiences or challenges you’ve faced as a woman in your field, and how have you overcome them?

The struggle is real for women in the green industry! We don’t make valued amounts of pay. We are more determined and more detailed about our tasks.

I work with several women, they’re hard-working, eager to learn, and have a great eye for pruning and detail

1. In what ways do you believe your achievements or contributions have made a positive impact on other women or aspiring professionals?

Passion, Purpose, Teaching, Learning (God’s way) Attitude is Gratitude. Those are a few of the reasons why I do what I do.

I have been in the agriculture and horticulture industry for almost all of my life. I grew up with livestock 4-H & FFA and then started to grow with a passion for plants from my grandmother and her old blue hydrangeas in front of her old farmhouse.  I have had many jobs over the years,  but have learned sooo much from all of them to make my knowledge palette to the extent it is today. I loved working in the re-wholesale at Country Springs back in the day. The customers always knew I would get them what they asked for from a design sketch to ordering plants to how to prune or even when to transplant.  I  love to teach and share the love of plants to my customers and to my coworkers. The VNLA has driven me to push more for the field day, education, and networking part. I enjoy the social part and get energized by other plant enthusiasts.

MANTS MEANS BUSINESS • JANUARY 10-12, 2024 • BALTIMORE CONVENTION CENTER

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