MCN Michigan Certifed Nurseryman Program
Michigan’s Nursery and Landscape Industry Standard of Excellence 
The Michigan Certified Nurseryman program is Michigan’s Industry standard of excellence. Founded in 1980 by industry leaders, the MCN designation provides unique marketing opportunities in a tight market. Stay ahead by positioning yourself as The Professional.
Benefits of Certification
- Identifies dedicated individuals who are knowledgeable and experienced
- Establishes a level of personal credibility
- Provides individuals with personal satisfaction and accomplishment
- Improves career opportunities and advancement
- Acts as a learning and continuing education tool
- Raises industry standards and awareness
Steps to Certification
- Qualify – Applicants need a minimum of 2,000 hours of green industry work experience or be enrolled in a related educational program with a completed internship.
- Review – Study manuals are recommended. Testing content is based on the study manual.
- Test – Pass the written exam with a 70 percent or greater.
- Renewal – Submit an annual renewal fee and 6 CEUs. (six hours of continuing education)
MCN Exam & Review Manual
Exam Part 1: Identification of 100 plants via PowerPoint (Common and Scientific)
Exam Part 2: 200 multiple-choice questions
Manual Contents: Plant Growth & Development • Plant Nomenclature & Identification • Soils • Water Management • Fertilizers • Plant Pest & Diseases • Weeds & Weed Control • Planting Procedures • Pruning • Landscape Design • Landscape Construction • Landscape Crew Management • Lawn Management • Annuals and Perennials • Small Fruits & Fruit Trees • Vegetables • Container Gardening • Successful Sales Strategies • Display Selling • Laws and Regulations
Specialist Classifications*
In addition to the MCN designation, advanced specialist designations have been created. Candidates wishing to receive a specialist designation must first become MCN certified.
*Landscape Management Specialist – For Landscape Management Professionals.
Manual Contents: Soils • Pruning • Annuals • Perennials • Commercial Grounds Maintenance • IPM for Trees • Pesticide Safety • Diagnosing Turf Disease & Insect Problems • Laws & Regulations • Irrigation • Diagnosing Problems of Ornamental Landscape Plants
*Retail Specialist – For Garden Center Professionals.
Manual Contents: Selling in the Garden Place • Displaymanship • Perennials • Annuals • Roses • Houseplants • Gardening • Turf • Diagnosing Problems of Ornamental Landscape Plants
Exam Schedule (register with MNLA):
July 22nd – Okemos, MNLA Office
• MCN Exam (9-1 p.m.) • Retail Specialist & Landscape Mgt. Specialist (11-1 p.m.)
MCN Committee
The mission of the MCN Committee is to carry out the policies of the MNLA Board of Directors and to maintain the integrity and overall quality of the MCN program…
Chairperson
John Stone, AGRLP
j57jstone@hotmail.com
Joe Kudwa, GALNA
Agroscaping, Inc., Swartz Creek
agroscaping@usol.com
Michael Mulvahill, CALNA
John Deere Landscapes, Commerce Twp.
mmulvahill@johndeerelandscapes.com
Tom Hare, SVNLA
Kluck Nursery, Inc., Saginaw
tomhare@klucknursery.com
Jim Jonker, WMNLA
Jonker’s Gardens, Holland
jonker@macatawa.org
Marilyn Breu, SWMLA
Wedel's Nursery, Florist & Garden Center, Kalamazoo
schubru@msn.com
Susana Ditter, SEMNLA
English Gardens Landscape, Pontiac
EGardens43@aol.com
Tammie Eilola, Member-at-Large
GroundsKeepers Services, LLC, Grass Lake
tam@groundskeepers.net
Dr. Robert E. Schutzki
Michigan State University, East Lansing
schutzki@msu.edu
In the News
Congratulations to the following individuals who have recently demonstrated their professionalism in successfully passing the Michigan Certified Nurseryman, Retail Specialist or Landscape Management examination:
January 2008
(MCN) Michigan Certified Nurseryman
Joe Weinstein, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids
Bernadette Orzechowski, Creekside Landscaping, LLC, Grand Rapids
Edward Zwyghuizen, VerBurg & Associates, Holland
Jason Buller, Wedel's Nursery, Florist & Garden Center, Kalamazoo
Rosa Maria Gall, Wedel's Nursery, Florist & Garden Center, Kalamazoo
Melody Avink, Royal Landscape, Inc., Jenison
Jeffrey Merkle, Bay Landscaping, Inc., Essexville
Jamey Martinez, MSU-Grounds, East Lansing
(LM) Landscape Management Specialist
Scott Bormann, Creative Landscaping, Inc., Berrien Springs
February 2008
(MCN) Michigan Certified Nurseryman
Vance Reisig, English Gardens
Marisa Llombart, English Gardens
Polly Bailey-Rule, Four Star Greenhouse, Inc.
Gina Nicole Vansickle, Bordine Nursery Ltd.
Phil Walsh, Lodi Farms, Ltd.
Rick Pontius, Heritage Lawn Care, Inc.
Chantelle Wells, Oakland Schools
Lauren Neuman, Oakland Schools
Wolf Ligotke, Bordine Nursery, Ltd.
Dan Blumhardt, Michigan State University Grounds
(RS) Retail Specialist
Joe Lutey, Bordine Nursery Ltd.
March 2008
(MCN) Michigan Certified Nurseryman
Sarah Goddeeris, English Gardens
Janel Grella, Janel Grella Gardening
Randalee Grubinski, Gardens of Grace
Sara Kwiatkowski, Saxton’s Landscaping
Greg Marvin Jr., Earth Works Lawn & Landscape
Kathleen Perrin, Student Member
Rachel Ralya, Student Member
Robert Rohloff, Rohloff Nursery
Julia Sobell, Yardscape, LLC
Luis Suarez, Shades of Green Nursery
Amanda Taylor, Student
(MCN) Michigan Certified Nurseryman
Joe Weinstein, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids
Bernadette Orzechowski, Creekside Landscaping, LLC, Grand Rapids
Edward Zwyghuizen, VerBurg & Associates, Holland
Jason Buller, Wedel's Nursery, Florist & Garden Center, Kalamazoo
Rosa Maria Gall, Wedel's Nursery, Florist & Garden Center, Kalamazoo
Melody Avink, Royal Landscape, Inc., Jenison
Jeffrey Merkle, Bay Landscaping, Inc., Essexville
Jamey Martinez, MSU-Grounds, East Lansing
(LM) Landscape Management Specialist
Scott Bormann, Creative Landscaping, Inc., Berrien Springs
February 2008
(MCN) Michigan Certified Nurseryman
Vance Reisig, English Gardens
Marisa Llombart, English Gardens
Polly Bailey-Rule, Four Star Greenhouse, Inc.
Gina Nicole Vansickle, Bordine Nursery Ltd.
Phil Walsh, Lodi Farms, Ltd.
Rick Pontius, Heritage Lawn Care, Inc.
Chantelle Wells, Oakland Schools
Lauren Neuman, Oakland Schools
Wolf Ligotke, Bordine Nursery, Ltd.
Dan Blumhardt, Michigan State University Grounds
(RS) Retail Specialist
Joe Lutey, Bordine Nursery Ltd.
March 2008
(MCN) Michigan Certified Nurseryman
Sarah Goddeeris, English Gardens
Janel Grella, Janel Grella Gardening
Randalee Grubinski, Gardens of Grace
Sara Kwiatkowski, Saxton’s Landscaping
Greg Marvin Jr., Earth Works Lawn & Landscape
Kathleen Perrin, Student Member
Rachel Ralya, Student Member
Robert Rohloff, Rohloff Nursery
Julia Sobell, Yardscape, LLC
Luis Suarez, Shades of Green Nursery
Amanda Taylor, Student