Dustin Deisher – Nursery Production Manager (Integrated pest management specialist)
What does an average day or week look like for you?
There is no average day at Rosehill Gardens; things are always changing and growing! A typical work week would have me investigating and solving production problems ranging from: low plant fertility, pest/disease issues, water quality issues, soil quality and anything else plant related you could think of. Some weeks are packed full of planting for the upcoming season; other weeks would have me working to keep our plant material looking healthy and great while still on the farm.
What does Rosehill do that sets them apart from other growing facilities in the region?
4 Words: Balled and Burlapped trees. We grow trees locally; they are already adapted to this regions climate and will thrive when planted. Most of the trees you can find at box stores are grown in different parts of the U.S. and are potted. Typically potted trees do not have the trunk strength a balled and burlapped tree would.
What rends are you seeing in the growing industry?
Sustainability is a common word thrown around in the green industry. For us that means using “bee friendly” pesticides (only when absolutely necessary) and using our own ponds for our water source. The sustainability trend also includes the use of native plants in the landscape. Using and growing plants adapted to this region often requires less inputs (fertilizers, water, pesticides, etc.) and can bring back natural beauty to the environment. Bees, butterflies and other pollinators also love native plants!
What new innovations are you working on?
Right now I am working on bringing in beneficial insects on a large scale to reduce our presence of pests and reduce the need to use pesticides. To make this successful I must introduce host plants into our growing rotation; these host plants will allow generations of predatory insects to thrive in one of our many greenhouses.
What is something you would like to see the public embrace more?
I would like to see more edible crops in the landscape. That means planting kale, lettuce, broccoli, cabbage, tomatoes or anything else you can think of in conjunction with typical flowers. The contrast can create quite a unique landscape.