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B.C. LANDSCAPE & NURSERY ASSOCIATION PUBLICATION • JUNE 2007
PHOTO COURTESY OF NICO HUMAN
BCLNA’s Hedy Dyck, and Honourable Minister Pat Bell (Agriculture and Lands) planted Garry oak seedlings in celebration of Agriculture Day. Special thanks to N.A.T.S. Nursery Ltd. for providing the oak and arbutus seedlings used at this event.
3 Board Highlights 4 BCLNA News Bulletins 5 Industry Bits
Ag Sectors Convene in Victoria When access to government officials is at a premium, constituents make the most of government-sanctioned events. Such was the case on Agriculture Day (April 23-24), when BC’s agriculture associations enthusiastically participated in networking events organized by the BC Agriculture Council (BCAC). BCLNA director Sandy Mathies, grower coordinator Hedy Dyck, and executive director Jane Stock were all on hand to participate in an opening reception at the Legislature, which afforded them the opportunity to chat with ministers, MLAs, and their aides. The evening also included a valuable keynote address by former MLA
Judith Reid, who discussed how to effectively work with government. A round-table session the following morning was held to facilitate dialogue between elected officials, civil servants, and industry representatives. Industry teams were given time to provide government officials an overview of the importance of agriculture in BC, and to present financial data and pertinent facts. Said Hedy Dyck, “A number of issues were raised with good results. Minister Bell suggested that more meetings be held with BCAC to improve communication with industry, and steps have already been taken to do so.”
6 Landscape Special: Gloves Off! 10 Grower Notes 11 BCMAL Report 14 Member Milestones
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Message from the President
Communities in Bloom: A Valuable Program Communities in Bloom (CiB) is a provincial association and competition that improves our urban environment. As a judge, I have a better appreciation for the communities we live in. While the program involves flowers, plants and trees, a lot of energy is exerted to bring CiB communities together as citizens and cultural groups work to improve their street or specific area of interest in the city. Our industry should actively support a strong Communities in Bloom program throughout British Columbia. When plants and horticultural supplies are purchased,
local retailers, growers and landscapers see the rewards both financially and by the renewed interest in gardening. In addition, the program encourages quality, sustainable horticultural practices, resulting in healthier landscapes. The BCLNA supports CiB through administrative assistance and most importantly, through the BCLNA Industry Development Council’s three years of financial sponsorship. Volunteer judges—most with full-time Parks or industry jobs—dedicate two weeks each summer for training and judging. I was recently a guest presenter at the Cranbrook CIB Committee’s two-day workshop for city, municipal and private contractors, with the Saturday devoted
to helping home owners and garden enthusiasts develop their horticultural skills. The long-term benefits of CiB were evident. Judges will soon begin their 2007 visits to municipalities where they will find many improvements in communities where committees have acted on suggestions from their 2006 CiB report. British Columbia as a whole benefits and improves through Communities in Bloom.
Fred Giesbrecht, President, B.C. Landscape & Nursery Association
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BCLNA Board Highlights
Monday, May 14, 2007 Treasurer’s Report: In consideration of no dues increase for the 2006-07 fiscal year, and substantial increases in basic supply and labour costs during the past two years, membership dues for 2007-08 will increase by 5%. BCLNA Logo Use Policy: The directors accepted a BCLNA logo use policy, which will be distributed to members and will be available on the BCLNA website.
Flooding from Upland Urban Development: Members whose properties have been flooded as a result of urban development at higher levels may be able to recover costs from municipalities if they have proven material damages. This type of damage is often caused by run-off that would have previously been absorbed by undeveloped lands. Contact Hedy Dyck for information.
HortWest JUNE 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.
also follow-up on WorkSafeBC’s process where inspectors include Flood Preparation: BCLNA is working recommendations in their reports that to verify nursery status for participation in do not relate to specific regulations. the Provincial Emergency Program should floods damage members’ businesses. The Environment Committee: An EnviBoard agreed that, if required, BCLNA ronment Committee meeting was held will provide one staff person to assist on May 9. The goal is to develop an with the Flood Emergency team based action plan as quickly as possible. in Abbotsford. GardenWise Directory will be Island: Reuben Butterfield, Island restructured for its 2008 edition. Its Director, is stepping back from BCLNA new format will be linked with the activities due to business pressures. GardenWise website to be launched BCLNA will immediately seek alternate in August 2007, so that readers can representation. refer to the website for in-depth information. More details will be available soon. Safety / WorkSafeBC: BCLNA will have input into the selection of a new New Employee: Debbie Foster was FARSHA staff person to work with hired as the BCLNA Financial Services nursery, floriculture and greenhouse vegetable producers. BCLNA staff will Coordinator.
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BCLNA News Bulletins
Levelton Joins IAF Board BCLNA past-president, Peter Levelton, has been appointed to the Investment Agriculture Foundation board. Directors of IAF are responsible for governing the affairs of the Foundation, administering the various programs entrusted to it, and making decisions on applications for funding. There are currently 13 directors who represent BC’s agriculture, food processing, farm supply, and post farm gate sectors, and two ex-officio, nonvoting members who represent the IAF’s funding partners: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands.
BCLNA Awareness on the Rise Public awareness of the BCLNA appears to be on the rise, based on the flurry of telephone and email requests for assistance in acquiring landscape services. Said Krista Manton, BCLNA’s landscape commodity coordinator, “I send all requests from the public to the membership via email, but I forewarn each caller that the industry is extremely busy and most landscapers are already working to capacity.” To Manton’s surprise, Steve Maddess, strata manager at Martello Property Services Inc., was overwhelmed with responses: “I’m guessing forty easily! I cannot answer all of them, but I wanted to say thanks!”
Kids Celebrate Trees at Arbour Day
chool children attending the City of Abbotsford’s Arbour Day events cheered enthusiastically as John P. Martyn demonstrated tree climbing and pruning. Martyn, a certified arborist and owner of JPM Tree Service, was recruited by city arborist Eric Wong to make the presentation at Bateman Park last month. Kids also got in touch with
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nature by participating in tree planting, trail and tree tours, and a "Great Tree Hunt" that helped them identify unique trees in the park for prizes. ■
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Industry Bits
Landscape Architects Honour BCLNA Members The BC Society of Landscape Architects (BCSLA) awarded an honorary membership to Kris Johnsen, owner and general manager of Specimen Trees Wholesale Nurseries Ltd., acknowledging his 50-year relationship with that organization. Johnsen began his career as a landscape contractor, phasing Johnsen Landscaping Ltd. out in 1989 to concentrate on Specimen Trees, a company that has become a leader in providing caliper trees to the industry. The organization also recognized Holland Landscapers with a community service award (contractor category), which has been given annually since 1992 to a contracting firm that, in the opinion of the profession, has done an outstanding job of bringing one or several important projects to completion, or has consistently demonstrated a high quality of professionalism, workmanship and pride of work. Holland Landscapers received the distinction having installed two CSLA award-winning projects for BC landscape architects in 2006.
Seguin Retires from BCLNA Gayle Sequin retired from the BCLNA last month, having taken care of accounting and other office management needs since 2003. Special thanks to Gayle for her dedicated support of members and fellow staff. The BCLNA welcomes Debbie Foster, who has been hired to assume Gayle’s role. ■
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Landscape Special: Gloves Off!
Handling Overtime Woes Minimizing your overtime payouts while still ensuring fair and lawful payment of wages to employees can now be accomplished through two Employment Standards Act allowances called Averaging Agreements and Overtime Banking. With a little planning, you can create more flexible and less costly work schedules that also accommodate your team members’ needs. Averaging Agreements permit the working of a maximum of 12 hours in a day without overtime, as long as the employee agrees to participate, and hours worked do not exceed an average of 40 per week over the span of the agreement. (eg. 3 12-hour days and 1 4-hour day). In order to put such an agreement in place, the employer must: • Define the agreement length: agreements may be made for 1, 2, 3, or 4 weeks at a time only, and start / end dates, and hours to be worked each day, must be clearly indicated. • Put the agreement in writing: this can be as simple as having your employees sign the schedule you have provided.
Be sure to also sign it yourself. • Provide the employee with a copy of the agreement (or signed schedule) before the agreement takes effect. Note that employees on Averaging Agreements must be paid overtime when: • They work longer than the agreement’s scheduled hours to a maximum of 12 hours in a day (time and a half), or • They work longer than 12 hours in a day (double time), or • They work more than a weekly average of 40 hours during the agreement period (time and a half), and • When stat holiday regulations are in effect. Overtime Banking is a payment method used to even out cash disbursements for the employer; for the employee, it allows banked monies to be paid out while they are off work or low on hours, and it minimizes the employee’s income tax deductions that jump when a large amount of overtime is received. In order to bank overtime pay: • The employee must make a written
CanWest is for Landscapers PLUS
request to have the employer “bank” overtime wages. For example, if an employee is paid $16 per hour and works a 10-hour day with no averaging agreement in place, that employee is entitled to two hours paid at $24 for a total of $48, which can be placed in the bank. • An employee has the right to draw on their bank at any time, or request time off while drawing pay from their bank. For example, if the above employee wishes to draw his entire balance while taking some time off, he is entitled to three hours of paid leave (48 ÷ 16 = 3). • Upon termination or closing of the bank, the employer must pay the outstanding balance. • The employer can close an employee’s time bank after one month’s written notice to the employee. All banked time must be paid out within six months of closing the bank. The employee can also request to have the time bank closed and resume regular overtime payment. For more information, visit www.labour.gov.bc.ca and click on the “Fact Sheet Index”.
Make An Entrance! Post-Show Landscape Tour: Friday, September 14
Here’s your sneak preview of landscape inspired seminars for the 2007 show. Mike Lin Graphic & Design Workshop 2 Day Workshop-September 11 & 12 *Designer This hands-on, two-day Exclusive* session will cultivate your ability to draw and design projects quickly and convincingly. CanWest is offering this workshop at a substantially reduced fee through generous industry support, so sign up today!
Garden Magic with Foliage, Trees and Shrubs September 12 Chris Hansen, Director of New Product Development at Terra Nova Nurseries, has traveled the world in search of cutting edge plants. Chris will take you on a fantastic photo journey of foliage color and texture combinations, then explore the hottest trends.
Structural Pruning PLUS Establishing Trees in the Landscape September 12 University of California tree expert, Dr. Larry Costello, will teach his five-step process for structural pruning of young trees. This is your recipe for the long-term health of your landscape installations.
Landscape Trends for the New Century: Unique Perspectives from the UK September 13 Mill Cottage Plants’ Sally Gregson has an expansive background in retail, propagation, design, writing, and maintaining her 2-acre show garden, which gives her
a unique view of the latest UK garden design trends. She’ll share them in this internationally-flavoured seminar. Sustainability and the Landscape Business September 13 Learn about the biggest opportunity in the green industry today with veteran landscape architect and contractor, Owen Dell. One of the foremost experts in sustainable landscape design and construction, he will share new possibilities for incorporating sustainable practices, products and services into your business. continued on page 8
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Landscape Special: Gloves Off!
DynaSCAPE Releases Colour Breakthrough DynaSCAPE Software announced the release of DynaSCAPE Color, an add-on to DynaSCAPE Design. The new colour tool has been welcomed as a breakthrough innovation, both for its ease of use and its stunning output.
Illustrator,” said DynaSCAPE President Mike Bosch. “Because both of those methods are very time consuming, most landscapers only ever colour a fraction of all of their landscape designs.”
“Until now, landscapers who wanted to colour their designs did so either by hand or by importing them into third party programs like Photoshop or
Fred Vandervelde, head developer for DynaSCAPE Design solutions, said that the new program produces a professional, hand-coloured appearance, while being
very easy to learn and to use. “We focused on user experience from the very beginning, and deliberately designed DynaSCAPE Color to be extremely simple and streamlined, adding subtle visual cues to the software that make the program intuitive and discoverable as they use it.” Visit www.dynascape.com/color for more information. ■
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New BCLNA Members May 14, 2007 Board Meeting
Final Approval The BCLNA welcomes the following new members:
BuyersGuide Updates
Easy Living Ground Maintenance Inc. Website: www.easylivinglandscaping.com
Deluxe Landscaping Phone: 604-885-9070 Fax: 604-885-9293
SoundGarden Landscape & Design Ltd. 2319 Cheakamus Way Whistler, BC V0N 1B2 Fax: 604-905-3403 Email: leslie@asoundgarden.com
DeZwaan Consulting Ltd. dezwaan_nurseries@telus.net DeZwaan Nurseries Ltd. dezwaan_nurseries@telus.net
Engage Agro 1030 Gordon Street Guelph, ON N1G 4X5
Botanicus Nursery, Denys Carrier, Roberts Creek, Active Grower (Interim) RONA Inc., Stanley Neumann, Boucherville, Out of Province Turning Leaf Enterprises Inc., Alex Irwin, Surrey, Active Landscaper (Interim)
Te n t a t i v e A p p r o v a l The following companies will become BCLNA members at the next board meeting unless a member provides a valid reason for not accepting the application:
Sanitize with certainty Sanitization can be very costly if not done effectively.
Exterus Landscape Design Group Inc., Nicole McIlveen & Hazel Yeo, Brentwood Bay, Active Landscaper (Interim)
• 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.
Gardens By Linda, Linda Shulman, Vancouver, Active Landscaper
Field trials have proven that the sanitization level of pots prior to planting can affect plant yields.
CR Landscaping, James Summers-Gill, Kelowna, Active Landscaper (Interim)
GSU Landscaping, Jamie Lamont, Surrey, Active Landscaper (Interim) Ivanov Nursery Ltd., Danny Ivanov, Aldergrove, Active Grower Lawnboy Enterprises Ltd., Billy Hu, Vancouver, Active Retailer
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
Swicks Organic Landscaping Ltd., Ron Swick, Richmond, Active Landscaper
• 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
Trillium Landscaping Inc., Daniel May, Vancouver, Active Landscaper (Interim)
If your sanitization method leaves you uncertain, then it's definitely time to make a change.
Shangri-La Landscaping, Tim Rust, West Vancouver, Active Landscaper
Woodward Tree Nursery Ltd., John & Debbie Woodward, Kamloops, Active Grower Karen E. Purdy, Burnaby, Student
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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Grower Notes
Flood Notes Online Members facing flood threats are encouraged to visit www.agf.gov.bc.ca and click on “Flooding Update” for the latest news, forecasting, resources, and Ministry of Agriculture and Lands contacts.
Ag Skills Program Reminder The Canadian Agricultural Skills Services Program is now in its third year of facilitating BC producers’ and their spouses’ access to training to improve farm practices, build new agricultural enterprises, create new business ventures, or obtain employment income. Program participants will identify their strengths and skills, develop individual learning plans, and can receive funding up to $16,000 for formal as well as informal training and workshops. To find out more about this joint Canada-BC program, call toll free 1-O Canada (1-800-622-6232) or contact your local Service Canada office. Or, visit http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/en/goc/ cass.shtml.
Pests Cause Border Delays
2007
The CFIA has been ramping up inspections at the border in order to prevent the spread of several invasive species. Importers should be aware that shipments, particularly those originating from the California area, could be held for more thorough inspection or quarantine against European Brown Snail and Light Brown Apple Moth, a new pest originating from Australia and recently identified in the San Francisco / Bay area. ■
Produced by
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BCMAL Report
Research Snippets Pruning Lower Branches of Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) Cultivars and Seedlings during Nursery Production (J. Environ. Hort. 24(4):201-206) – This study investigated the effect of pruning branches on the lower trunk (soil to 1.37 m) on growth of seedling, Cathedral Oak®, and Highrise® live oaks. Upper branches (above 1.37 m) on all trees were pruned identically to develop a central leader and scaffold branches spaced at least 15 cm apart. The lower trunk pruning treatments tested included: 1) removal of the largest 1 to 2 branches at each pruning; 2) shortening lower branches to half their length or less at each pruning; and 3) removal of lower branches from successive sections of the trunk at each pruning and of at least half the length of the remaining most aggressive branches. Lower branches were pruned twice per year during the 3-year trial. All of the lower branches were removed by August or October of the third year in production for treatments #1 and #2, and in August of the second year in production for treatment #3. All branches within 52 cm of the soil line were removed at the first
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Beloved wife, mother, oma, sister and tante passed away peacefully at home on Friday, April 20, 2007 after a short illness with cancer. Anna was born in Zwolle, Netherlands, the eldest child of Jan Willem and Johanna Gratama. Her love of languages led her to the Leiden University, but the Germans invaded, and in 1941 the universities were closed. When students were required to sign a loyalty clause to the Germans many instead went underground. Anna’s family hid a Canadian Air Force serviceman during WW II and she and her brothers joined the resistance. After the war, Anna was a secretary to the Dutch delegation at the
pruning. The most aggressive pruning treatment (#3) took the least time to prune, but the trees produced had the lowest plant height and caliper. Removal of all temporary branches on the lower trunk in February of the last year of production did not reduce caliper, height, or canopy spread, relative to removing half in February and half in October. Removing all the branches in February had the additional benefit of providing more time for wounds to heal. It was also observed that more aggressive removal of lower branches reduced the strength of structural roots and increased the risk of wind damage. The authors concluded that the removal of 1 to 2 of the largest lower branches at each pruning (treatment #1) was the most efficient method tested.
Effect of Dolomitic Lime Rate and Application Method on Substrate pH and Creeping Woodsorrel Establishment (J. Environ. Hort. 24(4):185-191) – The media was 90-100% Douglas fir bark that was amended with Micromax micronutrients and controlled release fertilizer. Increasing the amount of pulverized dolomitic limestone added to the media resulted in an increase in media pH and a decrease in coverage of woodsorrel. The high rate of lime (47 kg/m3) reduced woodsorrel coverage to less than 10% of the surface of the media and produced a media pH of 7.3 to 8.2. Coverage was reduced due to the negative effect of media pH on both the germination and growth of creeping woodsorrel. The application of pulverized or pelletized dolomitic lime on the surface of the media increased pH in the upper 7.6 cm of media. Topdressing the media with 40 g (high rate) of pulverized lime did provide >90% control of creeping woodsorrel. The lime application rate required for effective control was “too high to be practically utilized in a commercial nursery setting.” The study also demonstrated the effect of lime on media pH at different depths in the container over time.
I n M e m o r ia m Anna Geertruida van Vloten (Gratama) Passed on April 20, 2007
Paris Peace Conference, a forerunner to the United Nations. On February 24, 1955, one day after she arrived in Canada, Anna and Walter were married in Vancouver. They started their life together in downtown Vancouver, but soon moved to Maple Ridge to raise four children and start van Vloten Nurseries. Anna’s love and devotion to
her family was only surpassed by her love and devotion to Jesus Christ, and the family is comforted to know that they will be seeing her again one day. Anna is lovingly remembered by her husband Walter of 52 years, sons Casey (Patty) and John (Diane) of Abbotsford, daughters Alicia (Anne) of Kamloops and Christine (Jason) of Victoria, and grandchildren Mark (Eryn), Kim (Avery), Katie (Laura), Kristin (Jeremy), David, Johannes, Melia, Zachary, and Ben. She is also survived by her three brothers, Jaap, Sibrand (Nan) of Rotterdam and Seerp (Toet) of Baarn and many other nieces and nephews in Holland, England, Curacao and Switzerland.
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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
Erica Enterprises Wholesale Nursery Going concern facility, growing nursery stock in rural Pitt Meadows on quiet no thru road. Sale includes: 3,800 sq. ft. 3 year old residence, 19.49 acres of level land, warehouse, greenhouses, delivery truck and all machinery. Asking price $4,064,000 Canadian. Plant inventory not included in sale and can be negotiated separately. Erica Enterprises Ltd. 14021 Rippington Road, Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 1Z1 Phone: 604-465-6732 Fax: 604-465-2307 Email: ericaenterprises@shaw.ca
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
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the classifieds For Sale Abbotsford Greenhouse Property Home to Windflower Nurseries Ltd. and Kinver Garden Plants, this 7.61 acre property located in desirable Bradner offers 13 double poly houses on gravel beds with irrigation, natural gas for heating, roll up sides, shade cloth and more. Property has been extremely well cared for with large garden areas and numerous rare and ornamental trees and shrubs. Lots of space
for loading and quick access to Hwy #1. All machinery and equipment included. Large 4 bdrm home that shows a 10 inside with numerous updates and improvements. See pics on website below. Asking $950,000. MLS# F2704347. Please contact Todd Ratcliff for more details. Phone: 604-626-6272 Email: toddrat@yahoo.ca Web: www.bcfarmandranch.com
Help Wanted Customer Service Horticultural distributor in Delta, BC is expanding and has an opening for an experienced, professional customer service and product support person. The ideal candidate should have a background in the Horticulture Industry and previous experience in customer service who is dedicated to the highest level of customer satisfaction. Job includes Inside Sales, Data / Order entry. Must be fluent in English and have computer experience with MS Office. An excellent telephone manner and the ability to take on a varied workload are required. If you have the desire to succeed in an excellent work environment and are capable of working independently and making a positive contribution to a progressive company, please reply in confidence to: Crofton Grower Services Ltd/JVK, 8168 River Way, Delta, BC V4G 1K5 Fax: 604-946-0234 Email: sales@crofton.ca Horticulturalist – must have horticultural experience / training. Responsibilities include purchasing, plant care and customer service. This is a year-round position. Competitive wage and a friendly work environment. Casey’s is located in the town of Sechelt, on the Sunshine Coast, BC. Live and work in paradise! Please bring or fax resume to: Casey’s Country Gardens Ltd. 5612 Wharf Road, Sechelt or call Mark or Ann at 604-885-3606; Fax: 604-885-3713
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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. Vancouver Sun Garden Show June 7-10 VanDusen Botanical Garden Vancouver, BC www.vancouvergardenshow.com BCLNA Golf Tourney June 19 Swan-e-Set Bay Resort Pitt Meadows, BC www.bclna.com CHT Exam July 13-14 Langley, BC www.horteducationbc.com CanWest Hort Show September 12-13 Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre Vancouver, BC www.canwesthortshow.com BCLNA AGM & Convention November 1-2 Ramada Plaza & Conference Centre Abbotsford, BC www.bclna.com
Out of Province Events ANLA Retail Roadshow June 20-24 Seattle, WA www.anla.org OFA Short Course July 14-17 Columbus, OH www.ofa.org Perennial Plant Symposium August 5-12 Columbus, OH www.perennialplant.org CGTA Fall Gift Show August 12-15 Toronto, ON www.cgta.org Farwest Show August 23-25 Portland, OR www.farwestshow.com GLEE September 16-18 Birmingham, England www.gleebirmingham.com IPPS AGM: Look to the Future September 16-19 Hyatt Regency Montreal Montreal, QC www.ipps.org/easternNA Communities in Bloom Awards September 19-22 Moncton, NB www.communitiesinbloom.ca
FIRST QUALITY COMPOST BASED TOPSOIL
• GARDEN & TURF BLENDS - TOP DRESSING BLEND • COMPOST SOIL AMENDMENTS • COMPOSTED BARK MULCH • HEMLOCK & FIR BARK MULCH • BARK NUGGETS • TRAIL MULCH • LAB TESTED COMPOST PRODUCTS
Yes! We Accept Clean Yard Waste
• YOU PICK UP OR WE DELIVER North Shore
924-0261
Richmond
220-2385
Pitt Meadows
465-3506
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Member Milestones
Richbar Nursery Celebrates 50th Anniversary
Left to right: Walter Josephy, Bart Wiersma, Anne Josephy, Roy Josephy, Peter Josephy, along with guard dog Duke.
Owners: The Josephy Family Type of Business: Garden Centre, Bedding Plant Grower, Landscaper, Golf Course Product Specialty: Residential & Commercial Landscape Installations Location: six miles South of Quesnel on Red Bluff Road Year Company Formed: 1957 Team: Up to 25 seasonal and part-time employees Service Area: Williams Lake to Prince George BCLNA Member Since: 1975 Website: www.richbarnursery.com
Little did Peter Josephy and his wife Bart know, when they arrived in the snowy Cariboo, that their $150 two-acre plot of land would develop into a family legacy. As new immigrants from Holland, the couple planned to set their horticultural and agricultural educations to work, and quickly raised a small greenhouse to serve their own garden. Says Peter, “In those days, there were no nurseries in or near Quesnel. To our surprise, people dropped in, offering to buy some of our plants! I think we sold about $300 worth, so naturally, the production was increased the following year.” Adds son Roy, “Their initial intentions were to grow Dutch varieties of seed potatoes for export to Latin America. What resulted was the purchase of 109 acres in 1956 that went through several growing phases, starting with bedding plants grown on a small lean-to off the family house. By the 1960’s, about 25 acres were used to produce cabbage and turnips. Nursery stock and turf were added in the 70s and 80’s.” In 1982, three of Peter and Bart’s children —Walter, Anne, and Roy—took over the management of the Richbar Nursery. In 1997, the 24 Carrot Café was built as part
of their plans to create a “destination” garden centre to complement their 20,000 square feet of bedding plant greenhouses. In 2002, they also added a scenic 9-hole golf course, and in 2007 they joined Canada Nurseryland, a buying and peer group of independent nursery owners. The mainstay of Richbar Nursery today remains the garden centre and landscaping business, and Peter (now 84 years old) continues to play an active role in the nursery, while Bart enjoys her retirement and gardening. Through the years, several grandchildren and in-laws have become involved in the business, bringing generations together to work toward another 50 years in the green industry. “We are fortunate to have such a dedicated staff, and a great customer base,” comments Roy; “Those are two of the most important ingredients for success.”
Avenue Machinery Marks 60 Years
Avenue Machinery Corp.’s tractors line the property at their Sumas Way location in Abbotsford. Avenue also operates two Okanagan distribution centres. Owners: Marubeni Corporation Type of Business: Equipment Dealer Product Specialty: Farm, Construction & Commercial Equipment Location: Abbotsford, Vernon & Kelowna Year Company Formed: 1947 Team: 87 employees in three locations Service Area: Lower Mainland / Okanagan BCLNA Member Since: 1990 Website: www.avenuemachinerycorp.com
Avenue Machinery Corp. began selling Ferguson tractors—the line that revolutionized how tractors and implements could work as an integrated unit—in 1947, and continued to do so when Harry Ferguson of the UK agreed to merge with Massey Harris of Newcastle, Ontario. By then, it was 1957 and Avenue Machinery had moved twice to accommodate the growing demand for farm equipment: once to Montrose Street near the old Post Office, and then to South Fraser Way, just east of the current Whitespot location. The company changed hands several times, first owned by Mr. Hall of Hall Motors, who then sold it to Bill Brandis and Bill Van Nes. In 1966, Jack Glazema and his three brothers-in-law, John, Ray, and Lou Feenstra took ownership. Jack had emigrated from Holland just two years earlier, and had begun working as a mechanic in the Avenue shop. His heart was clearly captured by the company, because Jack and his partners enjoyed nearly 20 years in the business, and when they sold it to five of their employees in 1983, Jack stayed aboard, eventually moving to sales where he is still employed today. The new owners rode out the recession of the 80s and quickly became the top Kubota dealer in Canada. They continued to manage a thriving business until the group decided to sell in 2000. Two, Bob Brandsma and Ian Bunbury, likewise remained with the company, managing it for the Marubeni Corporation, a Japanese trading organization with connections to the Kubota tractor company. Together they opened new locations in Vernon and Kelowna, from which they confidently represent Massey Ferguson, Fendt, Braber, Kubota, and other machinery lines, with the help of 87 staff members. Avenue Machinery Corp. has been a landmark in the agricultural community for the past 60 years, and its many longtime staff members look forward to many more years of serving BC growers and producers. ■
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