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B.C. LANDSCAPE & NURSERY ASSOCIATION PUBLICATION • FEBRUARY 2007
National Award of Excellence for Landscape Construction: Juergen Partridge Ltd.’s landscape construction project perfected the view from this Ontario Garden.
3 BCLNA Board Highlights 4 BCLNA News Bulletins 6 HortEducationBC National Award of Excellence for Landscape Installation: International Landscaping Inc. maintains ‘Hollywood North’ to impeccable standards.
9 Commercial Vehicle Safety 10 Landscape & Retail News 11 Grower Notes
BCLNA Hosts Canada The local horticulture trades hosted Canada to celebrate the National Awards of Landscape Excellence. The gala event lauded last season’s top landscape maintenance and construction projects, and focused government and industry on the role of landscapes in creating sustainable communities.
8 Equipment Toy Chest
A panel of eleven judges including industry professionals, educators and garden writers from across the country, reviewed 29 top notch projects, which were submitted by the provincial associations from their own awards programs. Juergen Partridge Ltd. continued on page 14
14 Green Pages
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Message from the President
Past Successes Create Building Blocks for 2007 The warm sunshine makes today feel like spring, but it’s February and time to plan for another great year. What can we build on? This winter saw numerous BCLNA accomplishments and events: • The Landscape Commodity ended 2006 with a great Christmas party where Certification Chair, Cable Baker, acknowledged 77 individuals who took on the challenge of CHT, CLD and CLP programs. • The Growers’ Commodity enjoyed a December meeting attended by 60. Growers have been dealing with many
issues over the last couple of years and with consistent, cooperative effort have been successful on many fronts. Their determination to deal with issues quickly and effectively will continue to enable them to overcome the many challenges that are facing them — Invasive Alien Species, labour shortages and the Canadian dollar to name just a few. • Retailers have nearly completed development of their safety manual and training will commence this spring throughout the province. • The Interior Chapter held two landscape-focused meetings before Christmas while the Island Chapter held two meetings and got together for a social evening in Victoria to celebrate the year’s successes. With
renewed support, structure and enthusiasm, these chapters are working well and developing regional meetings and events. Reflecting on the good things that happened last year invigorates us to press on with our success for the 2007 season. Volunteering has brought a great deal of joy to many in our association, developing long-term business relationships and friendships. If you would like help please call the BCLNA at 604-574-7772.
Fred Giesbrecht, President, B.C. Landscape & Nursery Association
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BCLNA Board Highlights
Monday, January 15, 2007 Labour: BC’s medical rates for workers employed through the Seasonal Agriculture Worker Program have been subsidized by the other provinces; the subsidy relieves BC farmers of a high insurance premium otherwise out-of-line with the rest of the country. Progress is being made in the formation of a BC organization for managing SAWP. BC tried to get Caribbean workers this year but must have a national contract, which is in the works. Environment: BCLNA received notification in December that the Agriculture Environment Partnership Initiative has approved funding development of Integrated Pest Management training
HortWest FEBRUARY 2007 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.
modules. Many will be useful for growers, retailers and landscape while others may apply specifically to landscape pest management service providers. The goal is to have training accessible throughout the province. Completion is expected in early 2008. Export Market Development: A focus group of export growers met in December as part of the export marketing strategy; a broader survey of export growers is now underway. Portions of the Buyers Guide will be placed on line once it is confirmed that it can be done in a user-friendly manner.
Inside BC Market Development: It was recommended that BCLNA should purchase a booth at the Vancouver Sun Garden Show rather than doing a display garden. It was agreed that BCLNA should not make a contribution toward the Stanley Park recovery fund as some individual members have already done so, and many other parks and public spaces suffered major tree loss during the winter storms. Green Roof Standard: The BCLNA Board accepted the Green Roof Standard as prepared by the Development Committee. Work is underway on layout and other distribution issues. ■
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BCLNA News Bulletins
Pathogen Possible Key to Chafer Control A group studying European Chafer may have stumbled across a natural control. The Institute for Sustainable Horticulture at Kwantlen University College is investigating reasons why Chafer larvae were smaller and harder to locate in 2006 than typical, and why controlled study plots had poor survival rates. The Institute’s studies suggest that a pathogen may be present in soil where Chafer larvae have been established for a few years, resulting in natural mortality. While early observations have generated hope, the cause has not yet been identified. Lab work is ongoing to isolate this pathogen and to determine efficacy. A more accurate idea of whether or not it can be used in a biological control is anticipated next month.
Stanley Park’s restoration, local grower, Rod Nataros, made a quiet but significant contribution. Andrea Marinello, Marketing Manager of NATS Nursery Ltd., remarked, “We at NATS were heartbroken to see the level of destruction in Vancouver’s Stanley Park.” As a result, the business offered to donate some 3000 indigenous seedlings and 500 trees – a gift valued at $13,500 – to help reforestation efforts. Similar donations will serve other communities’ restoration projects. Said Michael Rosen, Vice President of Tree Canada, “We are urging Canadians to show the same generosity they showed during the BC Fires in 2003 and Hurricane Juan in the Maritimes.” Tree Canada’s “ReLeaf” Funds are launched across Canada in times of devastation, notably after the BC wildfires, during the Dutch Elm Disease outbreak, and following the ice storms of 1998. Donations can be made through the Tree Canada website at www.tcf-fca.ca.
Industry Provides PST Exemptions “Re-Leaf” Reviewed Uncharacteristically stormy weather has left a path of destruction through BC’s coastal parks and landscapes, and the local green industry is on the front line. Landscapers have been struggling to keep up with growing demand for yard maintenance while recovering from snowday delays. In addition to fielding calls from homeowners, the media has also boosted interest in the industry’s expertise. CHT and arborist, Paul Buikema, recently granted an interview to CBC’s Priya Ramu on what tree-care homeowners can do themselves and when to hire an arborist, while the Vancouver Parks Board’s personnel have been inundated with queries on Stanley Park’s damage and repair. Well before federal funding of $2 million was announced last month for
Due to frustration with the lengthy and outdated PST exemption list, the BC Agriculture Council (BCAC) has proposed an option that both industry and the Ministry of Provincial Revenue agree merits consideration, but which requires input from stakeholders. The proposed system suggests streamlining whereby: • Producers pay PST on farm inputs and are eligible to claim a rebate on the expenses • All bona fide farms are eligible regardless of size • The decision process on eligible farm inputs would be removed from retailers • Refunds would be for PST paid on all purchases of eligible expenses and capital purchases • Refund applications would be based
on purchases and expenditures that are reported for federal income tax and/or CAIS applications • A processing fee would be charged for each rebate application to offset the administrative costs; the total processing fee would be capped. To provide feedback, contact Hedy Dyck at the BCLNA (hdyck@bclna.com). Your input will be provided to the BC Ministry of Small Business and Revenue and included in the decision-making process.
BCLNA Contributes to Robson Revamp Vancouver’s tired Robson Square will soon receive a facelift to house some 5000 media people during the 2010 Olympic Games. The area’s revitalization will add office space for non-accredited media, act as headquarters for VANOC, and is to become part of the post-games legacy. At the request of Ken Veldman, VANOC’s Business Connections Manager, a group of BCLNA members assessed the space and provided input on plants and building materials for winter interest. Said BCLNA Past President, Peter Levelton, “I met [Veldman’s] group at a VANOC presentation to encourage BC companies to get involved in the Olympics, and was asked to tour the site with some of our members to get a flavour for the project.” The suggestions will be turned over to the square’s original architect, Arthur Erickson, who will work on its final design. Added Levelton, “What VANOC was looking for was a broad sense of BC’s outdoor spaces as opposed to following a single vision.”
Victoria Show Refreshed The Victoria Home Show, run by that city’s branch of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association, received its own
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new home for 2007. Slated to run from March 2 to 4, the Home Show will be held in the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre, and will feature a full complement of renovation, building, garden and landscape displays. Said Reuben Butterfield, Island Chapter Chair, “Last year was my first in the show. It was phenomenally successful — I got 70 to 80 strong leads and closed sales throughout following months.” The new venue promises to attract a more sophisticated crowd with more qualified buyers. BCLNA members are encouraged to participate, and a reduced booth rate has been offered. For information, contact Reuben Butterfield at reuben@helioslandscaping.com or Brian Russell, Island Chapter Treasurer at russellnursery@telus.net.
BC Spring Home & Garden Show The premier marketing tool for many BC landscapers, the Spring Home & Garden Show returns this year from February 21 to 25. Featuring a new layout for the BCLNA Garden Zone, an outdoor entertaining stage, numerous HGTV celebrities, and the Vancouver Sun Gardener’s Stage, the show attracts some 60,000 visitors each year. Volunteers to help build displays, and to staff the BCLNA garden are welcome! Call the BCLNA at 604 574-7772 to help.
¿Hablas español? The Minnesota Landscape & Nursery Association has developed Spanish-English dictionary for the green industry, invaluable for growers hosting seasonal workers from Mexico. Booklets can be purchased for $12.00 plus tax—be sure to order enough for your key staff and Spanish-speaking workers. To order, contact the BCLNA at 604 574-7772.
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HortEducationBC
Canada Leads Changes to International Certification Programs The face of certification is changing in Canada under the visionary direction of the CNLA certification committee. Two programs have been approved for adoption by the International Certification Council (ICC) after two years of development. Piloted through the first half of 2006, they are the Educational Integration program for CHT, and the Passport to Certification, which is applicable to all the CNLA certification programs.
schools to offer the Certified Horticultural Technician (CHT) program in their curricula. Schools will undergo an application that includes an evaluation of the program(s) and a site visit by industry members. Approved schools can offer CHT mini-tests (three to eight stations) as a way of creating more employable graduates. Students may not attempt or be offered every station in the CHT exam through their school but can complete them after graduation along with the required 2,000 hours of industry experience.
The Educational Integration program is a process that allows post-secondary
“The integration of CHT into the education system will provide a better quality employee to the industry and help to create better links between our industry and the education system. It is truly a win-win-win situation!” said Joel Beatson, CLP, Professional Development Manager at CNLA; “This new delivery system will increase the number of candidates entering the CHT program and improve accessibility to testing by offering more potential test and re-test opportunities.” The CNLA Passport to Certification will compliment the education integration program, and will track each section of any certification program (CHT, CLD, CLP), creating a ladder of progression. Phil Paxton, CHT, CLP, Chair of the CNLA Certification Committee and President of the Alpha Better Group in Calgary commented, “this will singlehandedly flip the focus of certification; until now the perception is a candidate hasn’t achieved anything until they pass everything. Now we will be able to recognize every success a person achieves”. All certified individuals will receive a passport to replace the wallet cards as proof of current status. The passport stays with an individual as new certifications or classifications are
added, and it can then be produced at job interviews or client meetings. Candidates will be required to bring their passport to exams for updating. Approval of both initiatives was gained at the recent ICC meetings in Columbus, Ohio. Upon unanimous approval, the gallery (mostly US and Canadian association and volunteer representatives) gave a loud round of applause. Both programs launch in early 2007 and are the first of many exciting projects the CNLA Certification Committee is working on to increase the value of the certification programs to individuals and employers. For questions on any of CNLA’s certification programs, contact Joel Beatson, CLP at 1-888-446-3499, ext. 8610 or joel.beatson@canadanursery.com.
Newly Certified Professionals Congratulations to Reuben Butterfield of Helios Landscaping Inc. for completing his CLP designation, and to David Amodeo of Meridian Landscaping and Spencer Jeffrey of Heartwood Landscaping for achieving their CHT designations in Landscape Maintenance and Landscape Installation respectively! ■
HortEducationBC’s website has been updated! Browse the extensive list of learning opportunities at www.HortEducationBC.com, and click on Short Course Schedule.
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sponsored by
Safety Check Terri Holizki, WorkSafeBC Industry & Labour Services Manager for Small Business
Consistency Key to Safe Job Sites Safety is no accident, nor is getting injured at work. Keeping your business injury-free requires the same consistent effort as keeping your clients satisfied. Most landscaping work requires crews at several different locations each day. As an employer, you are required to do a site assessment at each site to identify hazards. Before starting work at each location, inform your employees of any hazards and review safe work procedures at the same time as you review the work that needs to be done. Train and supervise your employees to ensure they work safely and efficiently. Never assume anything is “common sense”. Make a point to be consistent and lead by example. If you tell your employees to wear hearing protection, then make sure you wear them yourself. A safe crew is a productive crew: keep
yourself and your employees safe for the entire season. As a small business in the service industry, you understand the importance of keeping yourself and your employees’ safe on the job site. Your business depends on it.
To view and print your own copies of the landscaping safety tips, go to WorkSafeBC.com and search for “landscaping”. ■
WorkSafeBC has developed onepage safety tips to help landscapers work safely. There are six tips including: • Safety clothing and equipment • Lifting safely from your vehicle • Preventing back injuries • Using step ladders safely • Preventing mowing injuries • Preventing slips, trips and falls • Preventing hand injuries You can use these tips as part of regular crew talks with your employees and post them where you store you equipment to remind you to talk about them.
Sumas Gro–Media Ltd.
• Raw materials purchased in advance helps to ensure product consistency and availability.
Sumas Gro–Media specializes in the production of specialty crop mixes for the nursery, bedding plants, perennial and blueberry crops. We also have seedling and propagation soils.
• Multiple computers control the dosing equipment, increasing accuracy and speed. This makes it easier to offer competitively priced products. • Non-invasive mixing equipment protects the structure and consistency of the media.
Premium raw ingredients produce a consistent end product every time.
• Fast, reliable delivery.
42481 Industrial Way, Chilliwack, B.C.
604.823-6688
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Commercial Vehicle Safety
Finning Drives Vehicle Safety BCLNA members will once again have the opportunity to shore-up their commercial vehicle safety skills thanks to Finning (Canada). The equipment supplier and ardent BCLNA supporter is sponsoring the Commercial Vehicle Safety Seminar for the fourth time at the company’s Surrey location (19100-94th Avenue) on Saturday, March 3. Said Ray Gerein, “BCLNA members want to be positive examples of safe and professional drivers. Many landscapers tow trailers and equipment behind their vehicles, and this course is essential in teaching what they need to know when they are stopped by Commercial Vehicle Inspectors.” The seminar will provide an opportunity
to learn the rules and regulations associated with towing large commercial and industrial equipment. Attendees will acquire practical vehicle safety knowledge, learning why a “Restriction 20” is needed on a Class 5 license to tow a trailer, and finding out the legal requirements for chaining equipment; participants can also weigh their vehicle units on portable scales and “play” on Caterpillar compact construction equipment. Finning (Canada) is also hosting lunch for the group. The session will be presented by commercial vehicle inspectors, who appreciate the opportunity to teach the required skills in a positive learning environment.
take safety very seriously. The company recently announced a policy that bans the use of cell phones while operating a vehicle for company business.” Studies have confirmed that driver distraction from cell phones increases the risk of motor vehicle crashes by four to six times. Gerein added that Finning (Canada) encourages its clients and colleagues to do support a similar initiative in their own companies; “driving while using a cell phone is a danger to our employees and jeopardizes the safety of other drivers and pedestrians. Think about it and consider adding this policy. We all know this is the right thing to do!”
Commented Gerein, “Finning (Canada) is proud to sponsor events of this kind to reinforce safe driving practices because we
For more information, and to register to attend, contact Ray Gerein at 604 881-2648 or rgerein@finning.ca.
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Landscape & Retail News
Lots for Landscape to Celebrate Members, their spouses and their employees, enjoyed the Landscape Commodity Christmas party held at
Burnaby Mountain Golf Course and generously sponsored by Waterscene, Aquascape Inc. and Finning (Canada).
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.
Benefits • Re-use old pots, trays & styroblock • Increase plant yields • Reduce maintenance on plants • Environmentally friendly process • No more need for harsh chemicals, steam or hot water
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
“I was a little nervous about going to the meeting as I am so new to the industry, and I only knew one person there, but was pleasantly surprised that I immediately felt welcome and supported!” recounted Marie Samson from Flora Sophia Designs Ltd. Samson added that she “was impressed with the professionalism as well as the amount of commitment to continually improving both the industry itself and the consumer experience of it.” The year’s 77 new and in-progress CHTs, CLPs and CLDs were celebrated. Attendees reminisced with a slide show that highlighted landscape events of the past year, and staff acknowledged those members who are dedicated to more association committees than can be counted on one hand! BCLNA staff wouldn’t survive without them, but they will need a break soon. They encourage you to get involved in whatever way you can.
Retail WorkSafeBC Rate Cap Approved A successful consultation between retail members and WorkSafeBC last summer has resulted in their Board of Directors approving a less dramatic insurance premium hike for 2007. Their initially proposed increase to $2.04 (20% higher than 2006) will instead be capped at $1.84 (8%). Retail Chair, Mary Ann Van Den Berge added, “No increase would have been more favorable, but this smaller increase is far better than what was originally on the table. If we wish further reductions in the following years we need fewer claims. Consider ongoing employee training and diligent supervision to avert an accident before it happens.” ■
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Grower Notes
Regulation May Hinder Imports Working from a government directive concerning genetically modified plants (GMOs), the CFIA is in the process of regulating the import of “Plants with Novel Traits” (PNTs). While many countries regulate GMOs, the expanded mandate in Canada causes all plants exhibiting different traits, regardless of the process used to develop the new variety, to be scrutinized. PNTs include most ornamental plants sold in our industry, and while such regulation is beneficial in minimizing the spread of new invasive alien species, it could have a detrimental effect on growers’ access to new varieties developed around the world.
In the interest of protecting access to new plants in an environmentally responsible way, the Canadian Ornamental Plant Foundation is working with the Plant Biosafety Office to develop a database of genera and species already existing in the Canadian market. It is hoped that it will establish that the majority of these plants have not caused negative environmental impacts. The database is a compilation of Canadian nurseries’ and botanical gardens’ plant lists, and is dependent on industry contributions. If you sell unique or unusual plants, please send your list to Renata Triveri (rtriveri@telus.net). An Excel file, indicating genus and species only, is preferred, but other formats are accepted. As the database will be divided into perennials, woody plants and annuals, it is requested that separate files be sent for each.
DFO Takes Growers into Account The federal government has tabled legislation for a new Fisheries Act that makes the process more transparent and workable. A consultation process will take place to include agricultural groups across Canada; the BC Agriculture Council will continue to lead the discussions for producers in BC. As many growers know, the issue of drainage ditches being designated as ‘fish bearing streams’ is one example of how the old Act affected producers when they were fined after cleaning out ditches to ensure adequate drainage for crops. ■
theclassifieds Help Wanted Garden Centres Staff Wanted F/T position available immediately for busy nursery & garden center. Heavy lifting required. Retail garden centre experience an asset. Knowledge of plant material required but will train the right mature candidate. Apply with resume to Teresa at Art Knapp Plantland & Florist 1300 Dominion Avenue, Port Coquitlam. No phone calls please. Well Established Landscape Company in Vancouver is looking to hire a person experienced in garden maintenance. Should have a good knowledge of plants, be physically fit and have a valid BC Driver’s license. Wage will reflect knowledge and experience. Please fax resume to 604-736-4359. GardenWorks Ocean Park - Assistant Store Manager Key role in vibrant garden centre business. Candidates should have solid horticulture background, with experience in retail & in managing and motivating a TEAM! Ideal candidate should demonstrate a passion for providing outstanding customer service. Great benefits! Fax / email 604.299.4403 / info@gardenworks.ca
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 403-340-8759.
SEE
EXTROARSE FORASM SIFIEDS CL
Nursery Foreman Wanted Art Knapp’s Plantland in Penticton has an opening for a nursery foreman. The job includes being responsible for all nursery stock receiving, our offsite nursery (which includes potting bare root shrubs, perennials, grasses and our pot in pot trees as well as some annual production), the display gardens and usual nursery maintenance as well as customer service. The ideal candidate would have a love of horticulture as well as being self motivated and a leader. The benefits are a lifestyle in the Okanagan coupled with employment at a leading garden centre whose staff is recognized, rewarded and content. Please email hking@img.net or mail resume to Art Knapp’s Plantland, 670 Duncan Avenue West, Penticton, BC V2A 7N1 Come Join Our Sales Team! Specimen Trees Wholesale Nurseries Ltd. is looking for an outside Sales Associate. This is a great career opportunity. We are a well established, leading wholesale nursery in Pitt Meadows looking for a self-motivated sales person. A basic knowledge of the nursery/ landscaping Industry an asset, but must have some sales experience and/or sales training. Position requires physical activity and regular travel throughout the lower mainland, Whistler and Vancouver Island. Preference will be given to those that possess strong interpersonal skills and enjoy working as part of a team. Wage to be determined by work experience. Please provide references with resume. Fax resume to 604-465-8100 or email to inquiry@specimentrees.com
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In Memoriam MARIA PANNELL-NAPPER JULY 25, 1969 DECEMBER 25, 2006
It is with great sorrow that we announce
I
the death of Maria Pannell-Napper after a short but fierce battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband and business partner, Jamie, mother Stella, sister Jane, twin daughters Emma and Pippa (7 years) and son Nicholas (1.5 years).
Call us for all your native and ornamental plant needs
Maria was a gifted and passionate landscape designer whose enthusiasm for plants and gardening started early under the guidance of her father, an ardent English gardener. After pursuing a degree at Simon Fraser University, majoring in botany, she completed Kwantlen’s Landscape Design & Maintenance program expanding on her love of all things botanical whilst honing her artistic flair.
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Advertise in Marketplace by calling Barb Nelson at BCLNA (604) 574-7772
After graduating, she worked for various nurseries, then landed a job with Peninsula Landscape Works. In 1999, she entered into business with her husband Jamie and began a family. Treefrog Gardens Inc. grew into a very successful company due to Maria’s enthusiasm, creativity, knowledge, charisma and her husband’s sweat. Maria further indulged her horticultural passions with a modest greenhouse and garden of her own on their Langley acreage. When time allowed, she volunteered with the BCLNA. A short stint with Gardens West Magazine allowed her to marry her linguistic and horticultural talents. Maria was an amazing woman: strong spirit, beautiful heart and funny, funny, funny. She will be missed by all who knew her. If you have memories or photos to share, send them to mymaria@telus.net, and they will be compiled into a book for her children. A RESP has been set up for each of Maria & Jamie’s three children. If you would like to contribute, please make your cheque payable to Glenwood Elementary PAC. In the memo, write “In Trust for Emma, Philippa & Nicholas Napper” (the PAC will divide donations evenly for each child). All cheques may be mailed to Dawne Edwards at 992-212 Street, Langley, B.C. V2Z 1T1.
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BCLNA OFFICE: 604-574-7772; 800-421-7963
Industry
&
events programs
P. ramorum Certification & Environmental Farm Planning Workshops Various dates and locations. Contact BCLNA for details. BCRPA Parks & Grounds Spring Training Coast Hotel & Convention Centre Langley, BC www.bcrpa.bc.ca February 19 BCRPA Playground Safety Awareness February 20 Horticulture Day Presenters February 21 Maintenance Day Presenters BC Home & Garden Show February 21-25 BC Place Stadium Vancouver, BC www.bchomeandgardenshow.com WCTA Conference & Show February 25-27 Victoria Conference Centre Victoria, BC www.wctaturf.com BCLNA 20th Anniversary Auction February 27 United Flower Growers Auction Burnaby, BC Victoria Home & Garden Show March 2-4 Save-on-Foods Memorial Arena Victoria, BC russellnursery@telus.net
Out of Province Events Canadian International Turfgrass Assoc. Conference and Trade Show March 1-6 Montreal, QC Gardens of California & Mexico With David Tarrant March 4-13 Contact: lsim@renshawtravel.com Canada Blooms March 7-11 Metro Toronto Convention Centre Toronto, ON www.canadablooms.com ANLA Retail Roadshow June 20-24 Seattle, WA
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Green Pages continued from cover of Caledon, Ontario and International Landscaping Inc. of Hornby, Ontario topped the construction/installation and maintenance categories respectively. Principals of both businesses were excited to attend the gala in Vancouver, and enjoyed industry tours with Allan O’Connor (one of last year’s National Award winners) and Cable Baker (BC’s Landscape Awards Chair), during their stay. Said Jane Stock, “We were so pleased to showcase the quality and professionalism of these landscape companies, especially with BCLNA’s recent focus on landscape standards and sustainability. It was significant that a number of very important organizations like BCSLA were also present. We sent a strong message to government and Canada that BC’s green industry places an extremely high value on achieving sustainable communities and we must, can and will work together to do so.”
Agricultural Plastics Recycling Piloted The Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) has launched a pilot program aimed at recycling ground crop, greenhouse, tubing and irrigation, silage and baler twine, and other agricultural plastics. The program is funded through the Agriculture Environment Partnership Initiative (an Agri-Food Futures Program through BC Agriculture Council), RDOS, and the Ministries of Environment and Agriculture & Lands. Special collection bags and information sheets have been made available at that region’s landfills located in Penticton, OK Falls, Oliver, Keremeos, the municipal landfills in Princeton, Summerland and Osoyoos, and at TerraLink South Valley Sales in
IAF Hires New Director The Investment Agriculture Foundation (IAF) announced that Peter Donkers will replace Al Helmersen as that organization’s Executive Director. Helmersen, who put his retirement on hold to fill the vacancy, turns the position over following an extensive search. Donkers will represent the Foundation in relations with BC’s agriculture and food industries, government funding partners, and other stakeholders. He will also manage day-to-day operations, including staff, funding programs and initiatives, and millions of dollars in assets. Donkers joins the IAF with an extensive background as an executive, having served over 20 years in private, public, and nonprofit education-related sectors.
Oliver and Keremeous. Once filled, these bags can be delivered to these landfills with no tipping fee. Please note that chemical containers are covered by a separate program and must be triple-rinsed and returned to the vendor with caps and booklets removed. A program to recycle grower pots is under review. Watch for information on that initiative in the coming months.
Coastal Invasive Plants Gain Notoriety
Rapidly spreading Orange Hawkweed
In efforts to enhance public and industry awareness of invasive plants, the Coastal Invasive Plant Committee has launched a website, which details those plants considered top priority to control. To access this website, visit www.coastalinvasiveplants.com. For more information on BCLNA’s participation in efforts to control invasive alien species, contact director Rod Nataros, Environment Portfolio: rod@natsnursery.com.
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Vancouver Shores Up Beaches After
Using salvaged construction materials and plants that support the natural coastal ecology, the Vancouver Board of Parks & Recreation recently completed the English Bay Shoreline Protection Project, an endeavour that granted the department BCLNA’s Environmental Stewardship Award and stabilized the significant erosion on Kitsilano and Jericho Beaches and Spanish Bank Park.
Spanish Banks, they created a naturally adjusting system to tolerate the near shore coastal processes. The beach was given more area to adjust, drainage utilities were relocated, and riprap was used for stability.
The Parks Board retained the services of Kerr Wood Leidal Associates, a consulting and engineering company, and Raincoast Applied Ecology, which assessed the severity of erosion at Kitsilano Beach and developed a plan to protect exposed areas while maximizing the density of riparian vegetation and minimizing the footprint on inter-tidal areas. At Jericho Beach and
Generously sponsored by Linnae Nurseries Ltd., and Peel’s Nurseries Ltd., the Environmental Stewardship Award is presented annually to a commercial, public or non-profit organization, or individual for outstanding
Elmhirst Completes Bug Studies Rose Midge Control—Rose midge is a Dipteran fly that lays eggs in rose flower and leaf buds. Larvae feed within buds causing them to blacken, drop, or result in misshapen flowers. Dr. Janice Elmhirst has been researching rose midge with support from Select Roses Ltd., N.A.T.S. Nursery Ltd., CNLA, BCLNA, the BC Investment Agriculture Foundation, Vancouver Rose Society, and manufacturers such as Evergro/Westgro. Her early results indicated that pyrethroid products appear to have the best efficacy. Monthly soil sprays and foliar mists with Doktor Doom™ provided good control with no crop injury. As a result, rose midge has been added to the domestic label for this product. Elmhirst carried out further trials in 2006, finding that Doktor Doom™ as a foliar/soil drench was most effective, but
foliar sprays of both AVID 1.9 EC (abamectin) in a solution acidified to pH 5.0, and MATATOR (cyhalothrinlambda) were effective also. Steinernema feltiae predatory nematodes and Hypoaspis sp. predatory mites proved ineffective. Black Vine Weevil Trapping— BCLNA, with funding from the BC Investment Agriculture Foundation, supported a project to evaluate trapping of black vine weevil (BVW). Due to cost of traps and lack of suitable sites, traps were evaluated at only one Langley nursery. Traps were replicated along a hedgerow and monitored weekly. Only two adult weevils were caught: one in a burlap sack trap and one on yellow sticky tape laid across the wooden entrance to the greenhouse, opposite the hedgerow. No weevils were caught in pitfall or EXOTIOR™ traps.
achievement in promoting or maintaining a sustainable environment.
A degree-day model predicting time from adult emergence to egg-laying based on air temperatures predicted the presence of larvae within one week of their observation in late August. This suggests that predatory nematodes may need to be applied earlier than generally expected to kill larvae before damage occurs, and that regional degree-day temperatures may provide a guideline to larval hatch and feeding. The model should be further tested in 2007. Within greenhouses, none of the traps attracted the adults, which were easily seen hiding under pots. Similar trials undertaken by Phero Tech International Inc. showed no success in trapping BVWs either. Courtesy of Elmhirst Diagnostics & Research
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