B.C. LANDSCAPE & NURSERY ASSOCIATION PUBLICATION • NOVEMBER 2006
3 BCLNA Board Highlights ©Donna Budd, 2006
Exhibitors and show staff gathered at CanWest’s main entrance to commemorate its 25th anniversary. Photo: Donna Budd 2006, www.buddsinfocus.com
CanWest’s 25th After 25 years, it’s clear that the CanWest Hort Show is still going strong. The annual event drew over 3,400 visitors, and in addition to local British Columbians, it hosted numerous guests from Alberta, Washington, and Ontario. CanWest also saw an increase in landscape sector visitors (up more than 30% over last year), largely due to the launching of an afternoon seminar series geared toward that commodity’s contractors and business owners. Continually striving to improve the show, staff initiated successful sales tools for exhibitors. The combined New Product Showcase and Exhibitor Stage were popular amenities: 25 companies featured 33 new products, and 14 exhibitors provided product mini-seminars on the show floor. The addition of half-sized (5′ x 10′)
Boutique Booths were a hit with smallproduct and information companies, most of which were participating in the show for the first time. Testament to the show’s long-standing service in the industry, 19 exhibitors were honoured at a gala reception for their continual participation in the show. Also recognized were Anne Philley, who dedicated many years to organizing the event, along with the year’s Booth Award winners. BCLNA and United Flower Growers look ahead to coming shows with great anticipation. The show’s educational components—both seminars and tours— constantly improve and expand, making CanWest truly a destination for the horticulture industry. The CanWest continued on page 3
4 BCLNA News Bulletins 6 Landscape & Retail News 10 Industry Bits 12 HortEducationBC 13 Grower Updates 14 BCMAL Report 16 Business Basics
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BCLNA Fundraising Auction 20th Anniversary Party Where: United Flower Growers’ Auction When: Tuesday, February 27, 2007 Time: Preview begins at 2:00 pm; Auction begins at 3:30 pm Plan your donation for this annual event in support of BCLNA market development for Inside BC, export development and scholarship awards. Watch for detailed information coming soon!
Message from the President
President’s Term a Worthwhile Experience The time has come to write my final report as President. At times, it seems like just a few months ago when we were in Victoria and Gord Mathies handed me the gavel; at other times it seems so long ago. I’ve had a very exciting and trying two years beginning with the SOD phenomenon, which, while under control, is still a major impact to us all. There have also been the urban pesticide issues, a new office building (doubled in value in the first year—isn’t timing great?), The Institute for Sustainable Horticulture, the leaf blower issues, and now apple maggot, to name a few. The times have been challenging, but that is why the BCLNA was created: to manage issues and speak for the green industry. I think we are doing a great job! Jane and her staff have made my term a pleasure. I have also had the support of an excellent board of directors, a wonderful, dedicated staff and an understanding family at my own nursery. Thank you all. A Past President told me I would get more out of the experience than I put in. He was surely right. I look forward to seeing many of you at the fall AGM at the River Rock Casino in Richmond on November 23rd and 24th.
Peter Levelton President, B.C. Landscape & Nursery Association
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BCLNA Board Highlights continued from cover committee thanks all exhibitors, attendees, volunteers and sponsors who have made the annual tradeshow possible, and invites everyone to participate in CanWest 2007: West Coast Style.
Best in Show Booth Awards The best exhibit, overall, received a free booth at next year’s CanWest Show; category winners received a $200 credit toward their next booth. Kato’s Nursery Ltd., Best Exhibit Overall Pan American Nursery Products Inc., Most Original Display Candy Cane Nursery, Best Nursery Exhibit UFG Co-operative Association, Best Floriculture Exhibit Aquascape Designs Inc., Best Horticultural Supplier Exhibit Pepindale Nursery, Best Small Booth Linnaea Nurseries Ltd., Best Medium Booth Westgro Sales Inc., Best Large Booth
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors The following companies donated use of their products in the New Product Showcase and throughout the show floor: Clearview Horticultural Products, J&R Home Products Ltd., Jalisco Imports Inc., Just Moss Canada, Kato’s Nursery Ltd., Norstad Products, Northwest Landscape & Stone Supply.
Plan Now for 2007 CanWest Show Dates: September 12-13 Theme: West Coast Style ■
Monday, October 23, 2006 President’s Report: Fred Giesbrecht, Ruth Olde and Peter Levelton attended the annual Western Regional Nursery Association Executive’s meeting in Idaho. The October 19 to 21 meeting included our counterparts from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Arizona and Colorado. There were excellent discussions relating to industry issues and association procedures, including P. ramorum, labour shortages, and price pressures as the US economy tightens up. Oregon initiated a public tour of retailers that was very successful; they also set up a truck ‘brokerage’ through their association. It was suggested that perhaps an equivalent meeting should be held for the landscape associations. Growers: With most of the government and industry tests complete, there have been no P. ramorum positives in wholesale nurseries. Four positives have been identified at retail outlets through follow-ups from 2004 positives. Canadian Food Inspection Agency is set to regulate the Abbotsford area, and “control” the Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley Regional Districts for Apple Maggot. Island: The Island Chapter held a productive meeting on October 18. The chapter is holding a Christmas meeting in late November. The Home Show committee is already formed with work underway. Interior: A November 14 landscape contractors’ meeting will be held in Kelowna to begin dealing with the challenges of hillside developments. Labour: Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP) meeting for industry and the Mexican consulate was held on November 3 to deal with program issues. Details were not available at time of publication. Safety: WorkSafeBC board has declined
the request for decreasing the 20% increase to nursery’s rate; the only remaining possibility is political action. Invasive Plant meeting will be held December 5 in Surrey, hosted jointly by BCLNA and the Invasive Plant Council of BC. The Export Market Development Committee has hired consultant Norene Kimberley to work with industry to redevelop BC’s 1998 export market development research and strategy.
HortWest NOVEMBER 2006 MANAGING EDITOR Renata Triveri ADVERTISING Barb Nelson Phone: (604) 574-7772 Fax: (604) 574-7773 HortWest is the Newsletter of the B.C. Landscape & Nursery Association for the horticultural trade in Western Canada. For further information, contact us at: Suite 102, 5783 – 176A Street Surrey, B.C., Canada V3S 6S6 Telephone (604) 574-7772 Fax (604) 574-7773
HortWest is owned by the B.C. Landscape & Nursery Association, and is published 10 times a year. Views expressed inside do not necessarily reflect the attitudes of the Association but are those of the writer concerned. Material may not be reprinted from this magazine without the consent of the publisher.
All advertising and editorial material are to be received one month in advance of mail out date. HortWest is mailed under Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement N. 0288608
This magazine is printed in Canada by Globe Printers.
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BCLNA News Bulletins
Obsolete Pesticides Collected in Okanagan Okanagan members can deposit unwanted and obsolete pesticides at one of several local collection sites this month. All pesticides will be accepted, including those without a valid CPCP number. For safety reasons, all pesticides must be labeled; if you do not know what the pesticide is, label it “Pesticide Unknown”. Ensure the pesticides are in leak-proof containers. Antifreeze, solvents, paints, treated seed, veterinary drugs, sulphuric acid, fertilizers or empty pesticide containers will NOT be accepted. Pesticides will be collected from 8 am to 4 pm at the following locations: November 20: Vernon Okanagan Tree Fruit Company; 1200 Waddington Drive, Vernon November 21: Growers Supply; 2605 Acland Road, Kelowna November 22: Growers Supply; 360 Okanagan Avenue, Penticton November 23: Okanagan Similkameen Co-Op; 10801-115th Street, Osoyoos
BBB Issues Warnings BC businesses have recently notified the Mainland BC Better Business Bureau of a mass mail out for the “Industry and Commerce 2006 Register of Business Information.” Businesses are requested to register and update their information for publication on a CD-Rom by filling out and signing a form. Upon reading the fine print, it advises that by signing you are agreeing to publish the information in an advertisement for two editions of the Industry and Commerce CDRom at a cost of $1100 per edition. Says Sheila Charneski, president of the BBB, “The issue with this registry is
that businesses don’t realize that they are purchasing advertising or what, if any, is the value of the advertising.” This particular business information directory request appears to be coming from Spain. If you decide to cancel your order, you must do so in writing via registered post, within seven days. Otherwise you have just signed a binding contract to pay $2200. In other situations brought to the BBB’s attention, legitimate company names are being used, in some cases, with “spoofed” websites designed to trick business or consumers into sending money or banking information. Whenever your information is requested, be sure to read the fine print, and consider contacting the originating company to verify the source. For more information contact the Better Business Bureau at 604-681-0312, toll free 1-888-803-1222, e-mail members@bbbvan.org, or check out their website at www.bbbvan.org.
Spain, South Africa Share Tour Tips Spain’s Asociación Española de Centros de Jardinería (AECJ) hosted a spectacular tour for International Garden Centre Association members in September. The tour highlighted the nation’s young but burgeoning green industry, propelled in the last decade by an influx of British and German recreational homeowners and Spain’s improving economy. The event was particularly educational to the nine Canadian participants involved in preparations to host the 2008 International Garden Centre Congress in BC. In addition to experiencing a tour “in action,” organizers had the opportunity to network with attendees and survey their expectations. Since most participants have attended congresses all over the world, this was an important
chance to find out what made previous events memorable. It was also important to meet the South African tour organizers, who are less than a year away from hosting their own congress. The group was more than willing to share their ideas, plans, and advice, and strong contacts were made. South Africa’s October 7-13, 2007 event will begin in Cape Town and end in Johannesburg; go to www.igca2007.com for more on what promises to be a phenomenal event. Co-hosted by the BCLNA and the CNLA, IGCC 2008 is in the early stages of planning, with sponsorship of primary initial concern. The congress brings together some 300 top-notch garden centre owners from all over the world, and offers companies a unique opportunity to showcase their products to this influential international crowd. If you are interested in providing any level of sponsorship for International Garden Centre Congress, contact Renata Triveri; rtriveri@telus.net.
Landscape Awards Winners Announced at CanWest The 2006 Landscape Award of Excellence Winners were revealed at September’s CanWest Show—if you missed it, visit www.bclna.com, or check out the full coverage in next month’s HortWest Magazine, which will profile all industry award winners. A presentation of winning projects will also be held at the President’s Banquet this November 24. Judging Criteria Clarified The BC Landscape Awards of Excellence is an ever-evolving program, and changes are often made when members make suggestions for program improvements. The current judging procedures have been developed over the years to ensure a fair assessment of all applicants’ landscapes, no matter the size or location of
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the project. Suggestions for further changes are always welcomed, and the Awards Committee also welcomes new members to help manage the program. • Judges change from year to year, and are selected from industry. It is common to have nursery, landscape, retail, garden design, education, and garden media sectors represented. • There are typically seven judges, each volunteering their time to make the program possible. • One “head judge” returns for an additional year to ensure continuity in the judging process. • Judges are given a scoring sheet for each project, which details criteria for marking, and ensures all projects are marked on the same basis. • Each judge adjudicates entries independently, then judges’ scores are averaged. The entrants are not revealed to judges until the winners are publicly announced. Entries are judged on a pre-set points system. Any entry that achieves a “passing” score is considered a winner, which means there can be multiple winners in each category, or none at all. • Judging is based on an assessment of the candidates’ photographs and project details. Judges may also visit some landscapes, depending on their location relative to one another. Because of the sheer volume of applications and their province-wide locations, judges cannot visit ALL projects. BC is the only remaining province to include any visits in the judging process. The Landscape Awards committee understands the effort it takes to enter a project for consideration, and confidently believes in the benefits it can provide. Peer recognition and a sense of pride in one’s work are important factors, and the exposure to thousands of potential clients is well worth the effort! If you have any questions or concerns about the Awards program, contact Michelle Lapp at the BCLNA or via email: mlapp@bclna,com. ■
Environmental Farm Planning • Protect the Environment - Protect your Business • Workshops tailored to specialty horticulture • Access funding for P. ramorum initiatives Contact the BCLNA office for workshop details Phone: 604-574-7772 Fax: 604-574-7773 E-mail: info@bclna.com
For program information go to http://www.bcac.bc.ca/efp_programs.htm
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Landscape & Retail News
WorkSafeBC Resources Available BCLNA reminds members to take advantage of WorkSafeBC’s many available resources. A recent investigation of a fatal wood chipper accident resulted in the production of a valuable safety video, ideal for staff training sessions, and now available online. Noted Bruce Larsen of Cypress Landscaping Ltd., “This is excellent and I am glad that WCB prepared this video. As an owner and operator of three industrial chippers, I feel that they have done a good job of explaining the accident and discussing the important safety aspects of using a chipper. I would suggest that they consider contacting ISA as well to help get this material out to all tree companies.” Visit www.bclna.com to view the video (see the “News” section). To find more WorkSafeBC resources, visit www.worksafebc.com.
Commercial Vehicle Safety
CLD & CLP Examinations
A Motor Vehicle Inspector will share common violations and safety issues. Presented with Finning Canada.
Write or re-write some or all components of either exam.
Design Series 3 – Garden Design Themes
Winter Plant ID
Learn the elements that define various garden themes and styles.
January
Great prep for the CHT Plant Sensitivity module! Spend six Saturday afternoons walking, talking and learning about more than 70 regional plants, their winter characteristics, best uses, and maintenance requirements. Design Series 1 – Basic Design
A two-day workshop on basic design concepts.
February
WorkSafeBC Training
Specific safety training for retail, nursery and landscape will be delivered this spring when your seasonal staff is in place.
June Certified Horticultural Technician Primer Day
Enhance your practical skills and safety requirements for some of the more troublesome stations.
Applied Pruning Techniques
Summer Plant ID
A hands-on field day building on last year’s theory workshop.
Great prep for the CHT Plant Sensitivity module! Spend six summer evenings walking, talking, and learning about more than 70 regional summer flowering plants, their best uses, and maintenance requirements.
Growers Short Course
February 14: Healthy root development. Design Series 2 – Difficult Sites & Situations
Coming Attractions
Design techniques to solve common problem sites, and ‘learning your legal limit’ or when to call an engineer.
BCLNA has been working with HortEducationBC to develop training programs to Fall 2007. The following list outlines the anticipated workshops for all commodities thus far. Express your interest in participating to Krista Manton, and watch for more details coming soon; 604-574-7772 or kmanton@bclna.com.
Back by popular request! Ideal for CHT preparation. Learn how to troubleshoot commercial and residential systems, conduct field repairs, install valves, adjust common sprinkler heads, and more!
December Certified Landscape Designer Preparation & Portfolio Building
An interactive seminar to prepare you for the CLD evaluation process.
July Certified Horticultural Technician Test Day
Irrigation Installation & Field Repair
August Pond Construction
A day-long workshop. Watch for Vancouver Island, Interior and Lower Mainland sessions.
March
September
Retail Display & Merchandising
CanWest Show Seminars
A dynamite seminar for training your retail staff! Watch for this seminar’s roadtrip: sessions will be available on Vancouver Island, in the Interior, and in the Lower Mainland.
October Certified Horticultural Technician Test Day
Fall 2007 Workshops • Call 604-574-7772 or email kmanton@bclna.com
BCLNA Office: 604-574-7772; 800-421-7963
events
Industry
and programs
P. ramorum Certification & Environmental Farm Planning Workshops Various dates and locations throughout the province are being organized. Contact the BCLNA office for details. Obsolete Pesticide Return November 20-23, 2006 Vernon, Kelowna, Penticton & Osoyoos www.al.gov.bc.ca/pesticides Tel. 1-800-663-7876 BCLNA Annual General Meeting November 23-24, 2006 River Rock Casino Resort Richmond, BC www.bclna.com National Landscape Awards of Excellence Banquet February 15, 2007 Westin Bayshore Hotel Vancouver, BC Parks and Grounds Spring Training Langley Coast Hotel & Convention Centre Langley, BC www.bcrpa.bc.ca mwallace@bcrpa.bc.ca Tel: 604-629-0965 ext. 29 February 19, 2007 BCRPA Playground Safety Awareness February 20, 2007 Horticulture Day Presenters February 21, 2007 Maintenance Day Presenters
Out of Province Events HortEast Trade Show November 27-29, 2006 Moncton Coliseum Moncton, NB www.horteast.ns.ca Landscape Ontario Congress January 9-11, 2007 Toronto Congress Centre Toronto, ON www.locongress.com New Zealand Growers’ Tour January 13-26, 2007 Hosted by Landscape Alberta Contact Dwayne Beck for info: dbeck@parklandnurseries.com Tel. 403-340-8755 Mid-America Horticultural Trade Show January 17-19, 2007 Lakeside Centre at McCormick Place Chicago, IL www.midam.org
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the
classifieds Help Wanted Earth Friendly Pest Control Company Asking price: $65,000 Contact: biobus@telus.net As municipalities restrict the use of pesticides gardeners are desperate for a solution. Step into a business that provides the alternative to chemical pesticides by providing beneficial insects. This wholesale business has shown rapid growth by targeting the most successful of nursery retailers in BC
GROWER SERVICES LTD. "HARD GOODS & PLANT MATERIAL FROM THE WORLD'S FINEST SOURCES" • ITML & KORD CONTAINERS • PLUG TRAYS: LANDMARK & TLC • ITML NURSERY CONTAINERS • JIFFY & PREFORMA GROWING SYSTEMS
8168 River Way, Delta, B.C. V4G 1K5 Tel: 604-946-5641 Fax: 604-946-0234 Toll Free: 1-800-498-7403 www.crofton.ca
Call us for all your native and ornamental plant needs
and AB.The market, the product and the infrastructure is all in place for an individual or company to take it to the next level.
Help Wanted What’s Growing On? Parkland Nursery & Landscape Services Ltd. is a wholesale nursery based just east of Red Deer, Alberta. We supply local landscapers and contractors, as well as the western provinces with caliper shade and conifer trees, shrubs, perennials
and hard goods. We are currently looking for people to join our team in the following positions as we continually expand our business. Assistant Supervisors (Field & Landscape) – Responsibilities include the supervision and monitoring of daily activities of work crews. Candidates should have a two year degree in Horticulture or related field. In-House Sales Representative – This position requires an up-beat, self starter, professional person with a very good knowledge of plant material with experience in computers, accounting and inventory control. Laborers – Physically fit people who enjoy working outdoors are always in demand. For more information on these or other possible employment opportunities, please contact Laurie Wright at admin@parklandnurseries.com or fax 403-340-8755.
For Sale Landscape Company for Sale – Vancouver west-side residential landscape maintenance and installation company for sale. Serious enquiries only please: keirdirk@telus.net
Business Partner Wanted Reputable Lower Mainland garden design company is looking to hire designer – with min. 5 years experience & completion of min. 2 year related education. Please email resume to design.resume@shaw.ca.
VanDusen Botanical Garden Oak St. at West 37th Ave., Vancouver B.C. www.vandusengarden.org
Gift wrap
the Garden for your clients and staff LINNAEA NURSERIES LTD. Tel: 604-533-8281 Fax: 604-533-8246 1-888-327-7705 email: linnaea@telus.net 3666 - 224th Street, Langley, BC V2Z 2G7 Canada
VanDusen Membership is a naturally great gift. Email drussell@vandusen.org for further information.
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In Memoriam
KEN WILSON JUNE 10, 1920 - OCTOBER 4, 2006
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Ken Wilson, aged 86, passed away in Chilliwack Hospital this past October after a short illness. His 70 years in horticulture began in forestry and prominent nurseries in England. When Ken brought his family to Nova Scotia in 1954, his plant knowledge, growing skills and leadership abilities led him to administrative positions with Canada’s Plant Research Institute in Ottawa, and he later became Supervisor of Operations at the UBC Botanical Gardens, where a trail in the Asian Garden bears his name. The BCLNA began a lasting relationship with the garden during Ken’s 12 years at UBC, hosting meetings on campus, contributing plants, producing new introductions, creating the Plant Improvement Association, and developing a virus-free cherry orchard to supply the trade with propagation material. Ken taught gardening courses, wrote numerous articles, and was a frequent guest host on open-line radio. He also served as President of the Vancouver Rose Society and founding President of the North American Heather Society. In retirement, Ken assisted in the design and development of Minter Gardens and founded the Hope Garden Club.
Always willing to share his knowledge of growing plants, he was active in his garden until becoming ill. He is survived by his wife Norah and three children, and will be remembered through a heather variety, Erica ‘Ken Wilson’.
In Memoriam
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Industry Bits
Birth Announcement And Baby Makes Three
Tanya and Cable Baker welcomed their third child to the family at 8:29 a.m. on September 20. The Baker’s eighteenmonth old twins, Kendra and Aidan, are pleased with their new baby brother and playmate, Connor Spencer Duncan, who was born weighing 6 lbs 12 oz.
Members Test Drive Brandt Tractors
Equipment operators took advantage of a sunny autumn day to try out machinery from Brandt Tractor Ltd. Brandt Tractors Ltd. hosted a fall “Demo Day” last month, just blocks from the BCLNA office, to allow landscape maintenance, contractor and construction clients the opportunity to try out their range of equipment. Visitors also had a chance to meet with manufacturer representatives and enjoy a barbecue lunch. Said Worksite Products Sales Manager, Andy Mitchell, “The weather for the three-day event was exceptional, and we had a very good turnout. We’d like to thank those that attended, and
invite folks who missed it to give us a call to set up a demo on their jobsite.” Brandt Tractor Ltd. offers a BCLNA member discount on John Deere equipment. However, the BCLNA Memberto-Member discount program is currently under committee review for the 2007 season; if you would like to offer your colleagues a member discount, or want to provide feedback on the program, contact Michelle Lapp at mlapp@bclna.com. To publicize your special event to BCLNA members through a variety of advertising opportunities, contact Barb Nelson at bnelson@bclna.com.
DR. ALEX SHIGO MAY 8, 1930 - OCTOBER 6, 2006
“A tree is much more than a chunk of dead wood. Trees are alive; they live all year ’round, not just for a short time in the summer. They work during the winter, too. Many people spend time on what goes wrong with a tree; I wanted to study what goes right.” –Alex Shigo, 1930-2006 Alex Shigo (left) attended the Pacific Northwest Chapter's conference in Victoria in September 2005. He is pictured here with Paul Buikema of Progress Landscaping in Butchart Gardens.
D The “Scoop” on Blasig’s Staff Barbecue Nobody knows how to reward their employees after a hot summer of hard work better than Blasig Landscape Design & Construction. At the annual summer barbeque, employees and guests enjoyed a beautiful activity-filled Saturday afternoon. The highlight of the day was a contest to see who could pick up the most dog poop, a task Gunther claimed he did not have time to do before the party. Everyone had fun, laughed a lot, enjoyed all the good food and treats, and all look forward to next year’s creative games. Contact Gunther directly if you want the rules for this most innovative game. ■
Dubbed the ‘father of modern arboriculture,’ Alex Shigo spent most of his adult life studying, lecturing, dissecting and writing about trees. Shigo was born at the height of the depression in 1930, in Duquesne, Pennsylvania. Attending Waynesburg College in Pennsylvania, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in biology. After serving in the Air Force (and playing clarinet in the Air Force Band) during the Korean war, Shigo continued his study of botany, biology and genetics, while working as a lab assistant. He furthered his education at the University of West Virginia, receiving a master's degree in biology in 1958, and a Ph.D. in pathology in 1959. Not one to mince words, Shigo earned the respect of the foresters and arborists around the world. “Too many people are working in the field without an understanding of trees and grass,” he observed. Shigo's understanding of trees came from his years in the U.S. Forest Service. He eventually became chief scientist for the Forest Service and was in demand as a speaker at many conferences, both in the United States as well as around the world, until he retired in 1985 and began a second career as a lecturer and author. His travels brought him to Victoria, BC most recently in 2005, where he addressed the Pacific Northwest chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture. Alex Shigo is survived by his wife Marilyn, their son, daughter, and five grandchildren.
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HAROLD YOUNG JUNE 12, 1931 - OCTOBER 15, 2006
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Harold Young, former editor and publisher of Pacific Coast Nurseryman Magazine, died October 15, 2006 in Grand Junction, Colorado, at the age of 75. He stepped back from the daily rigors of the magazine after nearly 30 years, where as editor/ publisher emeritus, he continued to do some writing for the magazine from home for several years. In 2006, he and his
wife, Raiann, relocated to Colorado to be closer to family.
Texas, Idaho, Utah, Hawaii, and other western states as well as national events.
Harold began his career in horticulture in 1959. He handled advertising, merchandising and customers’ gardening problems at Flowerland Nursery, owned by his sister, Mary Fischer, and her husband, Herb, in San Bernardino. He joined the staff of the California Association of Nurserymen in 1966, and started to work to enhance the effectiveness and image of the association to the membership and to the public.
Young received many honors, including the Elmer J. Merz Memorial Award in California in 1981 for outstanding contributions to the nursery industry, Pacific Coast Nurseryman Outstanding Service Award in California in 1997 and in Washington in 2005, the Arizona Nursery Association Outstanding Service Award in 2000 and the American Nursery & Landscape Association’s Allied Associate Award that same year. He received an honorary membership in the California Landscape Contractors Association in 2005. In 1997, he sold Pacific Coast Nurseryman Magazine, but continued on as editor/publisher emeritus until 2004.
In 1973, with two other couples as silent partners, he and his wife purchased Pacific Coast Nurseryman Magazine. He immediately began to expand the scope of the publication so that it could truly reflect its “Pacific Coast” title, as he traveled to cover and speak at events in Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia, Arizona, New Mexico,
Young is survived by his wife, Raiann, and his sister Francis Gilbert. ■
Candidate, Ira Leimanis, did a great job demonstrating sod installation for Judge, Jeff Pope (left) and JTA, Gunther Blasig (right) at BC’s October CHT test.
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HortEducationBC
Fall Certification Test Day The fall Certification Test is normally a day for in-progress candidates to do re-takes of their outstanding stations; but due to increased demand, the October 14th event turned into a full test. There were eight new and 21 re-take candidates onsite before dawn that misty Saturday morning, to demonstrate their landscape skills for discerning judges. We have the pleasure of congratulating the following for successfully completing the program this fall: Maintenance Robert Hills, Modern Grounds Maintenance Ltd. Timothy Moser, Signature Landscape Services Inc., Washington Darren Rose, Para Space Landscaping Inc. Theron Horton, Northern Roots Landscaping Installation Aaron Magee, Contour Landscaping Ltd. Colin Priddle, Watermark Gardens HEBC would like to thank the following Certification committee members, Judges and Judges’ Technical Advisors for volunteering their time to make the day run smoothly while adhering to the international program regulations: BC Certification Chair Cable Baker, CHT, RCB Garden Service Retail Chair Paul Buikema, CHT, Progress Landscaping
Past National Chair Bruce Hunter, CHT, CLP, Hunter Landscape Design Ltd. Retail Advisor Bill Hardy, CLP, Northwest Landscape & Stone Supply Site Coordinator Janice Webster, CHT, Kwantlen University College Judges’ Technical Advisors Doug Luckow, CHT, Meridian Landscaping Louie Murgg, CHT, Forevergreen Landscaping & Maintenance Rob Welsh, CHT, Capilano College Judges Liane Beatty, CHT, Para Space Landscaping Inc. Gunther Blasig, CHT, Blasig Landscape Design & Construction Stuart Cameron, CHT, Modern Grounds Maintenance Ltd. Kevin Carlson, CHT, Para Space Landscaping Inc. Kenneth Cox, CHT, CLP, Ecoscape
Lawn and Garden Service Ltd. Kevin Dang, CHT, Thing Green Landscaping Ltd. Jeff Foley, CHT, Para Space Landscaping Inc. Kane Freigang, CHT, Kane’s Lawn Care Jason Giesbrecht, CHT, Modern Grounds Maintenance Ltd. Tim Giesbrecht, CHT, TFG Landscaping & Maintenance Aaron Johnson, CHT, Northwest Gardening Service Ltd. John Jouan, CHT, Good Earth Garden Care Richard Legg, CHT, Legg Work Gardening Ltd. Dominique Massot, CHT, Massot Landscaping Ltd. Jeff Pope, CHT, Rakes and Ladders Garden & Property Services James Reimer, CHT, Modern Grounds Maintenance Ltd. Jeff Sakari, CHT, Watermark Gardens Gail Szostek, District of Maple Ridge Parks Department Roberto Vazquez, CHT, North By Northwest Ventures Campbell Whitehead, CHT, Para Space Landscaping Inc.
And, of course, many thanks to the generous equipment sponsors! Big Bear Tools Inc., Cedar Rim Nursery Ltd., Corix Water Products Inc., Finning (Canada), Fraser Valley Equipment, Garden City Greenhouses, Hunter Industries Kwantlen University College, Northwest Mower and Supply, Pacific Arborist Supply, Rain Bird Corporation, TerraLink Horticulture Inc., Toro, Western Turf Farms Ltd., Westgro Sales Inc. ■
BCLNA’s 53rd Annual General Meeting High Stakes & High Rollers November 23 & 24, 2006 River Rock Casino Resort • 8811 River Road • Richmond, BC Mark your calendar now! Great program! Great entertainment! Great Fun!
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Grower Updates
BC Nurseries Host US Regulators, Growers A contingent of more than 20 visitors from the United States visited BC nurseries last month to study how the Canadian Nursery Certification Program (CNCP) and the P. ramorum Nursery Certification Program are administered. BC growers hosted Jonathan Jones of USDA-APHIS and the lead for all P. ramorum issues in the US. Aurillio Posadas (Secretary of the US Plant Board), regulators from various states, Robert Bailey (USDA Head Trade Specialist), and Don Givens (Program Manager in charge of P. ramorum issues in the western US), were also part of the delegation. Growers were represented by Dave Fugino (Monrovia), Karen Suslow (Hines), Bob Falconer (CANGC), Brian Correiar (Jackson Perkins), Ann Northrup (Nurseryman's Exchange), Dave Cox (L.E. Cooke). Two CNCP participants—Van Belle Nursery Inc. and Inline Nurseries Inc.—were inspected as part of the tour. CFIA’s Ken Wong, Rob Ormrod and Nitin Verma accompanied the group to provide background information on the program, which streamlines export requirements. Andrew Flokstra of Inline commented that visitors were curious about the handling of contract labour and plant brokering, particularly because they have recently adopted a similar program. Hedy Dyck (BCLNA) and Bruce McTavish (Canadian P. ramorum Task Force Chair) presented Canada’s approach to the P. ramorum issue before embarking on the second day of tours. The discussion highlighted industry’s mobilization against disease spread, and the delegates took away copies of the Certification Standard and the Nursery Manual template for reference. Of interest were the differences in the nations’ host plant lists (US regulates by species, Canada by genera), and Hedy and Bruce indicated the consequences of a confirmed find, explaining
nurseries’ efforts to mitigate destruction by instituting buffer zones, sanitation and biosecurity. Visitors saw these efforts in practice at N.A.T.S. Nursery Ltd. and East Richmond Nurseries Inc. where their respective staffs demonstrated program implementation, record keeping, stock tracking, on-site purchases, and internal administration, while walking the team
Peter Levelton points out elements of his nursery's P. ramorum certification measures to a contingent of US visitors.
Aurillio Posadas (Secretary of the US Plant Board) signs the biosecurity visitor's log at East Richmond Nurseries Inc., while Ken Wong of the CFIA looks on.
through ‘hot zone’, isolation, and sanitation areas, and indicating how employees are trained to carry out program requirements. The US delegates were interested in the program’s evolution, industry’s acceptance, and the challenges faced by both growers and program administrators. Feedback from the delegates applauded the strength of the programs. Because California has no central association to communicate with all growers, loosely knit groups have been formed with government
extension agents to disseminate information. Oregon and Washington appear to provide cohesive industry organizations, but members act more independently on these issues than do BC growers. This lack of communication is of concern to their proposed P. ramorum ‘Best Management Practices’ program, and industry’s understanding of P. ramorum issues differs somewhat between states. The US contingent’s participation in this tour, however, showed great initiative to improve programs at all levels, and underlined efforts being made on both sides of the border to institute effective disease protection on an internationally recognized level. ■
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BCMAL Report
Research Snippets Foliar Chlorosis in Field-Grown Red Maples (HortScience 41(5):1347-1350) Foliar chlorosis of ‘Franksred’ maples in September was found to be related to manganese (Mn) deficiency early in the growing season (June). Plant quality in September improved as the level of foliar Mn in June increased up to 200 ppm, and decreased at levels above 300 ppm. Soil pH is correlated with foliar manganese levels. To avoid manganese-induced chlorosis, the author recommends not to plant maples on fields that have a soil pH greater than 5.6. If soils with high pH cannot be avoided, amend the soil with sulfur to lower pH and with manganese sulphate to increase available manganese. Post-plant remedies are less effective. A New Approach to Fire Blight Control: Mycorrhiza (HortScience 41(5):1309-1312) This study investigated the effect of mycorrhiza (Glomus intraradices) on fire blight development on dwarf apple cultivars. The experiments were conducted under natural conditions in Konya, Turkey. The inoculum (100 spores per gram of soil) was incorporated in the soil just below the roots of 3-year-old containerized saplings. The mycorrhiza treatment reduced fire blight development 10-51% in 2002 and 24-48% in 2003. Streptomycin gave the highest level of protection (greater than 84%) in both years. Copper treatment (Tenn Cop 5E – copper salts of fatty and rosin acids) was less effective, reducing disease development 16-28% and 15-19% in 2002 and 2003, respectively. Controlling Height and Seedling Emergence of French Marigold and Celosia Plugs with Plant Growth Regulators (J. Environ. Hort. 24(3):149-154) This study investigated the benefits of applying plant growth regulators (PGR) as a seed soak versus a foliar spray to control plug height and seedling emergence. Seeds of ‘Bonanza Gold’ French marigold and ‘New Look’ celosia were soaked in 3 rates
of each PGR (ancymidol, chlormequat, and uniconazole) for 0.15, 5, or 45 minutes (marigold) or 5, 45, or 180 minutes (celosia). Within 2 days after soaking, seeds were sown into 288-cell plug trays. For marigold, PGR concentration and the duration of soaking had no effect on final seedling emergence. Increasing the concentration of uniconazole (1, 2, or 5 ppm) or the duration of soaking did reduce the height of marigold seedlings. At 30 days after sowing (DAS), increased soaking durations only reduced height at 1 ppm. The different concentrations of ancymidol did not reduce seedling height at 10 DAS, but did at 30 DAS when soaked for 5 or 45 minutes. Chlormequat was not effective when used as a seed soak or as a foliar spray. For celosia, plant height was not reduced by soaking seeds in any of the PGR, regardless of the rate or soaking duration. Foliar applications of the 3 PGR were also ineffective on celosia. Soaking French marigold seeds in uniconazole did control seedling height and reduce the dose of PGR used. Response of Zonal and Ivy Geraniums to Root Medium pH (HortScience 41(5):1351-1355) The study investigated the impact of media pH on 3 cultivars each of zonal and ivy geraniums. In trial #1, the geraniums were grown in a 1:1:1 mix of fine sphagnum peat, fine perlite, and fine pine bark that was amended with different rates of pulverized dolomitic carbonate limestone (99.07%) and hydrated lime. The greatest plant dry weight in zonal and ivy geraniums occurred with the highest addition of lime (11.9 kg/m3 of limestone plus 10.7 kg/m3 hydrated lime) and a medium pH of 6.65. In trial #2, two commercial soilless media were tested. In this trial, the greatest plant dry weight for both zonal and ivy geraniums occurred at a medium pH of 6.4. The authors concluded that a root medium pH of 6.4 to 6.5 should be recommended for the greenhouse production of zonal and ivy geraniums.
Growth and Flowering of Crapemyrtle in Response to Tree Shelters (J. Environ. Hort. 24(3):155-159) The effect of Blue-X tree shelters on height and caliper growth of tree-form crapemyrtle was investigated. In the first trial, liners of ‘Tuscarora’ (23 cm tall), ‘Whitt II’ (10 cm), and ‘Potomac’ (7 cm) varieties of crapemyrtle were planted into #3 containers and were grown in full sun under overhead irrigation. Lateral branches were removed before the 122-cm shelters were applied on March 26. The shelters promoted early and rapid shoot elongation of ‘Whitt II’. Shoot length was 128% greater of the sheltered versus unsheltered plants by September. Initially caliper growth was less in the sheltered plants, but the difference was not significant after August. ‘Potomac’ had less rapid shoot elongation with shelters. By October, they were 61% taller than the unsheltered plants. For both varieties, the difference in shoot height between the sheltered and unsheltered plants diminished in the following growing season when all the plants were grown without shelters. In October of year 2, the height of previously sheltered ‘Whitt II’ and ‘Potomac’ plants were 22% and 16%, respectively, taller than the controls. Shelters did not significantly increase the height of ‘Tuscarora’ in either year 1 or 2. When grown in shelters, all cultivars had straighter trunks and little or no branching inside the shelter. Shoot elongation in crapemyrtles ceases with terminal flowering, therefore height growth can be increased by delaying flowering. The shelters did delay flowering. None of the cultivars flowered within the shelters, but flowering was initiated once growth reached the top of the shelters. The authors concluded that “Blue-X tree shelters may shorten production time of tree-form crapemyrtles by enhancing height growth or improving plant form.” continued on page 16
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New BCLNA Members Final Approval The BCLNA welcomes the following new members: 2T Construction Ltd., Tonis Tutti, North Vancouver, Active Landscaper Canada’s Bamboo World, Allan & Carolyn Mayo, Chilliwack, Active Landscaper Dave Miller Trucking (1977) Ltd., David Lauer, Summerland, Active Landscaper DeZwaan Consulting Ltd., Eelco DeZwaan, Maple Ridge, Associate Fairview Contracting Ltd., Rod Gale, Oliver, Active Landscaper Foss-Fuel Heating Corp., Terry Dewhurst, Edmonton, Out of Province Lee Smith Landscapes, Lee Smith, Victoria, Active Landscaper (Interim) M.G.B. Landscaping Ltd., Michael Bock, Burns Lake, Active Landscaper Mel’s Skidsteer Service (Landscaping), Mel Sherlock, Mackenzie, Active Landscaper (Interim) Mijodelu Landscaping and Renovations, Brian Huttema, Surrey, Active Landscaper (Interim) Oceanside Bobcat, Janet Dimond, Qualicum, Active Landscaper (Interim) Pronto Enterprises Ltd., Rob Munegatto, Kamloops, Active Landscaper Timberosa Tree Farm, Tim Hurle & Cathie Whitman, Pitt Meadows, Active Grower Ingram, Jerry, Langley, Student
Tentative Approval The following companies will become BCLNA members at the next board meeting unless a member provides a valid reason for not accepting the application: Arnisa Farm Ltd., Arnold Henhapl, Cobble Hill, Active Grower Bedford Landscaping, Gord Bedford, Pitt Meadows, Active Landscaper Budd’s in Focus/Raising The View, Donna Budd, Maple Ridge, Associate (Interim) Darshan Nursery (2005) Ltd., Inderpal Randhawa, Abbotsford, Active Grower (Interim) Envisage Landscape Design, Andree Chan, Coquitlam, Active Landscaper (Interim) HarkAway Botanicals, Lyle Courtice, New Westminster, Active Grower Karn Enterprises Ltd., Lakhbir Khakh, Abbotsford, Active Grower L & W Landscaping, Wojciech Lenartowicz, North Vancouver, Active Landscaper Line-X, Tim MacDonald, Langley, Associate (Interim) New Image Contracting Ltd., Lance Carlsen, Surrey, Active Landscaper
Sierra Landscaping Ltd., Chuck Robertson, Winfield, Active Landscaper Solomon Living, Jonathan Yao, North Vancouver, Associate (Interim) SoundGarden Landscape & Design Ltd., Leslie Garbutt, Whistler, Active Landscaper Summerfield Landscape Company, Michael Anderson, Burnaby, Active Landscaper
Urban Habitats, Lorraine Locherty, Victoria, Active Landscaper Western Grounds Maintenance Ltd., Bernie & Pauline Faulkes, Langley, Active Landscaper W.I.G. (Western Independent Greenhouses), Alfred or Dan Kwan, Burnaby, Active Retailer Heide, Normnjean, Langley, Student Merrick, Philip, Coquitlam, Student
Sanitize with certainty Sanitization can be very costly if not done effectively. • Iotron takes sanitization to a new level, offering Nursery Growers unparalleled results. • Iotron utilizes irradiation technology to eliminate Pathogens, fungi and molds on pots, trays, and styroblocks. • Iotron's sanitization method fully penetrates materials like an X-ray, effectively sterilizing the material.
Field trials have proven that the sanitization level of pots prior to planting can affect plant yields.
Money does grow on trees! Be confident that your pots, trays or styroblocks are the cleanest they can be from the start. A disease free environment creates disease free plants.
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If your sanitization method leaves you uncertain, then it's definitely time to make a change. For For more more information information please please contact contact Iotron Iotron Technologies Technologies Corp. Corp. 1425 1425 Kebet Kebet Way, Way, Port Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, BC BC V3C V3C 6L3 6L3 Ph. Ph. (604)945-8838 (604)945-8838 Fax. Fax. (604)945-8827 (604)945-8827 Website Website www.Iotron.com www.Iotron.com Email: Email: rkhansen@Iotron.com rkhansen@Iotron.com
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Urban Escapes got his message out in ‘Vancouver View’ magazine, bolstering support of the BCLNA at the same time.
continued from page 14
Business Basics
BCLNA Key Marketing Tool for UrbanEscapes BCLNA member Steve Jones, owner of Urban-Escapes Ltd., recently profiled his business and the association in a new publication geared toward Vancouver’s west-end residents. The detailed advertorial highlighted Jones’ background in the industry, and described his credentials, among which he lists being a BCLNA member. Aiming to educate potential customers, Jones’ asserts that, “what differentiates a professional landscape design firm from a typical gardener is a code of ethics. As any professional, members of the BC Landscape & Nursery Association are held to a code of ethics that defines several principles in how they conduct their business. This commitment to their profession, their clients, and the improvement of their craft, is an overarching set of principles that assures clients that they are secure in their choice of a firm that has their best interests in mind.”
Marketing an industry to the end-consumer is difficult for a trade organization, but promotional efforts such as Urban-Escapes’ show great foresight. In promoting the BCLNA through his advertising, and on his website, Steve Jones helps to advance the reputation of all industry professionals. BCLNA encourages members to use their direct lines of communication with consumers to help build on the brand, thereby strengthening the association in its efforts. For hi-res logos for use in your advertising, window decals and other BCLNA promotional materials, contact Heidi Henderson: hhenderson@bclna.com; telephone 604-574-7772.
Growth Response of Crapemyrtle to Coppicing and Production Light Levels (J. Environ. Hort. 24(3):149-154) The effects of production light level and coppice timing on the development of tree-form crapemyrtles were studied. Uniformly branched plants of 4 cultivars in #3 containers were trialed. Plants were coppiced prior to bud break at 6.4 cm above the substrate. Three light levels were used: full sun, 50% and 80% shade. Flowering in all cultivars was reduced or delayed by shade, especially at 80%. Stem area was greater for ‘Whitt II’ and ‘Fantasy’ plants when grown in full sun. Coppicing significantly reduced height growth of all cultivars except ‘Fantasy’. By October, the average height of the non-coppiced ‘Carolina Beauty’, ‘Whitt II’ and ‘Tuscarora’ was 212 cm whereas the coppiced plants averaged 119 cm when grown under full sun. Coppiced plants of all cultivars had straighter and less branched shoots. The impact of coppicing date on growth was also studied. There was a linear decrease in end of season height and caliper when coppicing was delayed. For instance, ‘Fantasy’ and ‘Tuscarora’ plants coppiced in January were 72% and 43% taller, respectively, at the end of the growing season relative to plants coppiced in June. The authors concluded that coppicing can be beneficial because the plants have the “necessary structure for further development into high quality tree-from crapemyrtles that the non-coppiced plants lacked.” ■
Sumas Gro–Media Ltd.
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