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DIRECTORY LINKS PUBLICATIONS MEMBERSHIP FEEDBACK |
BIAN Answers Some
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe Big Island Association of Nurserymen (BIAN) was organized in 1968. It's goals are to promote the nursery industry on the Big Island and to bring together various groups of people including nurserymen, related industries, students and those interested in plants and flowers.
Since the BIAN began the Big Island has grown to be the hub of a $70 M dollar Floriculture and Nursery Products industry statewide. The Nurserymen in BIAN have established themselves in the market as producers of consistent high quality plant material from specimen plants to "growing on" liner stock. Members also produce cut flowers and foliage that have an excellent worldwide reputation.
Those browsing our site will find the sources for high quality plant material and cut flowers listed by nurseries as well as cross referenced by plant name, member name and categories of plants and services.
Who are members of the Big Island Association of Nurserymen?
Members are retail nurseries and garden centers, growers, and what we call hardline producers, those who sell potting soil, decorative garden products, insect and disease management products.
BIAN's Purpose is to:
- educate members about the latest developments in their industry and in business management
- keep them informed about regulatory items assist government in developing useful regulations for the industry
- inform the public about issues relating to the industry.
How does the existence of this organization affect the consumer?
- Provides one means to judge when selecting someone with whom they will do business.
- Helps the industry provide better plants and products for the consumer.
- Helps provide the consumer with sound scientifically based information for decision making.
Is BIAN available for the public to call about nursery-related questions?
It is much better for the public to call the BIAN member in their area. Plant questions vary too widely across the state of Hawaii for a central entity to be the best source for plant information. Our staff specializes in business management and regulatory information which is of use to our members. BIAN members are the plant experts.
How does this association address the environmental concerns of people today?
The general public is pretty well informed about the benefits of trees, but all living plants are little oxygen factories. For example, a turf area just 50 feet by 50 feet releases enough oxygen in one year to meet the needs of a family of four. Plants provide oxygen, clean the air, conserve energy by cooling the atmosphere, and clean and conserve water if planted appropriately and managed properly. We try to educate the public about how to plant and manage with environmental sensitivity. Programs like "Don't Bag it" and the "Seven principles of plant management" are examples of public education projects that enhance plant's positive contribution to the environment.
What about the organic versus chemical position for fertilizing, insect, and disease control?
Our members are from the full spectrum, from those who are 100 percent organic to those who feel that man-made solutions are as healthy as any other. There are some organic solutions that are more damaging to the environment than chemical solutions. For example, the use of nicotine should be carefully monitored to be sure it does not get into any water systems. All decisions should be based on sound science. When you visit your nursery, tell them up front if you want an organic solution and that is what they will offer you. They may tell you they don't sell a particular product because there is no sound scientific research to show that it works. As the customer, I respect that kind of honesty on the part of a retailer.
We see a lot of plant lists recommending different kinds of plants. How do we know which ones to use?
Don't take plant lists literally. On the Big Island, for example, soil types vary. In fact, your soil type will vary from one side of your yard to the other. If you live on the edge of a stream, you can plant a high water use plant by that stream and never water it. Some plants take as much water during their first year of establishment as any other plant. Plant lists make the people who made the list feel better, but they are really not very useful and can do some damage. The most useful type of list tells the requirements of the plant. Then the consumer can analyze their soil, water, and lifestyle needs for the space to be planted and match the appropriate plant to the appropriate space.
We believe there is no such thing as a "bad" plant. There is merely a plant in the wrong space. We also believe that while we may have to determine limits on water use, no one should be able to tell anyone else what type of plant they can have in their yard, anymore than they can tell them what type of car to drive or what style of house to buy.
The garden centers I visit don't want to find the special plants I ask for, they just want to sell me what they have.
Sometimes an exotic plant just won't do well in your area. Often there is a reason the garden center does not sell a plant - it just isn't appropriate. What we call "adapted" plants will be very likely to give the consumer success, so our members make those plants the major part of their inventory. We also need to remember that a plant isn"t like a chair. You can order a custom chair, or even a custom car, it would take a few months to make these items. If you want a 12 foot tree, that is a crop that the grower grew for 10 years before it hit the market. Sometimes it is hard to guess what the customer is going to want 10 years from now. Your local nursery ordered their plant material at least a year ago, and although they may try their best to find the exotic plant you want, it just may not be available to them right away.
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