<p>The winner of the 2007 Grower Talks Young Grower Award, Michael Maran,&nbsp;joined Telly's staff as Head Grower in 2008. Mike brings with him a wealth of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm.</p>
<p>Graduating from Ohio State University in 1995, Michael has a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture. He first worked as a grower in perennial production facility in Sylvania, Ohio. He has been with a large wholesale greenhouse in Maumee, Ohio for the last 10 years as head grower. Besides growing plants, Mike has lectured to other industry professionals and students on innovative growing techniques and worked with kids in both 4H and FFA (Future Farmers of America). His dedication to overall improvement of the industry and encouraging the development of young growers is a nice fit with the Telly's vision.</p>
<p>Mike&nbsp;primarily&nbsp;works at Telly's production farm where he&nbsp;continues to produce the highest quality plant material for our gardening customers. He&nbsp;oversees all aspects of the 16 greenhouse operation, including Telly's new organically grown, earth-friendly production program.&nbsp;The innovative ideas that helped him win the award are now in practice, and contribute greatly to the quality of plants you enjoy today.</p>
<p>The question&nbsp;for the Young Grower competition was &ldquo;What do we need to do to make our industry more exiting to today&rsquo;s customers?&rdquo; The competition is open to any grower age 35 or under and is sponsored by BASF Turf &amp; Ornamental, Ball Horticultural and Ohio Florists Association in conjunction with Grower Talks magazine. The winners are considered the &lsquo;best of the best&rsquo; in exhibiting innovation and a passion for overcoming industry challenges according to Steve Larson, BASF Turf &amp; Ornamental national ornamentals accounts manager.</p>
<p>Telly&rsquo;s prides itself on producing the highest quality plants possible. Mike believes in using such techniques as DIF (Differential Between Day/Night temperature), effective scheduling, and proper irrigation to produce the high quality plants demanded by gardeners today. These techniques are both customer friendly and environmentally friendly alternatives to the overuse of chemical growth regulators; a concept that has always been heavily valued by Telly&rsquo;s owner, George Papadelis.</p>
<p>George and the staff at Telly&rsquo;s, welcomes Mike and his ability to enhance our commitment to producing the best plants for our customers.&nbsp;Email Mike at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mikem@tellys.com">mikem@tellys.com</a>.</p>