B. C. L A N D S C A P E & N U R S E R Y A S S O C I A T I O N P U B L I C A T I O N • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 0 9
Urban Forestry Symposium Good Things Orbiting PLANET Snow Consolation Fed’s Tax Credit
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Message from the President
Spring a Time for Opportunity and Endurance On my way to speak at the Landscape Congress in Toronto early in this new year, it occurred to me that it is not often that I would be travelling east in January to get away from the snow in Vancouver. Not an entirely welcome concept. This shocking twist of nature has affected our industry in different ways. Some of our members spent the Christmas holidays and beyond shifting snow from one unwelcome location to another. Some have lost greenhouses and/or valuable inventory from snow damage. And some have suffered from flooding as
the snow departed. This is not sounding very positive. But I am. There are unprecedented economic challenges affecting all our businesses. They are the mainstays of every news report and general conversation. We are an industry accustomed to accepting and adjusting to the wiles of nature, and surviving. We don’t have to look back very far for examples of business-threatening issues that have been dealt with. And here we are. Ready to face another spring—hopefully, with the enthusiastic anticipation that spring, and our industry, deserves. There are many extraordinary opportunities available to us in our ‘green’ industry.
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
Now is the time to capitalize on those things that will move us forward. We can set ourselves apart with aggressive promotion, ongoing training, financial astuteness and positive, progressive, professional attitudes. We can add to our certifications; we can encourage apprentices; we can assess our businesses and pare down to our suitable niche. The BCLNA is 55 years old. I am sure that history would disclose scores of hardships this association and its members have endured. But endure they did. We will too. Ruth Olde, President BC Landscape & Nursery Association
HortWest FEBRUARY 2009 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.
For program information go to http://www.bcac.bc.ca/efp_programs.htm
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BCLNA Board Highlights
Monday, January 19, 2009 CNLA Following tradition, Past President Fred Giesbrecht was appointed to be BCLNA’s representative on the CNLA board. A motion will be presented at the next AGM to entrench this tradition of having the past president hold the BC portfolio at the national level. Treasurer’s Report An earlier motion to pay down the BCLNA’s office mortgage by $12,000 was rescinded. The BCLNA Executive met for an interim review the association’s financial situation, noting that the budget is on track for the year ending June 2009. Growers’ Commodity Chair Andrew Flokstra provided the board with an update on efforts to obtain financial relief from the Provincial Emergency
Program (PEP) for December’s storm damage, which caused major losses for about 25 growers. Early estimates are that structural damage will be about $1.5 million with another $1 million in early crop damage. This latter amount is expected to rise sharply once the growing season starts and full assessments are made. Board support was given to have staff proceed with advocacy efforts. Island Chapter Chair Stephan Cranz is submitting a proposal to have a part-time staff member provide administrative support to that region. Once submitted, the proposal will be considered alongside other “wish-list” items for next year. Committees An Industry Survey steering committee will be struck to develop
the scope and relevancy of questions; such a survey is conducted every few years to take the pulse of the horticulture industry in BC. The membership committee met to discuss how businesses not currently defined in the bylaws are to be categorized for the purposes of membership fees and services; its recommendations have been put to the Governance Committee for further review. Cable Baker, who chairs the Landscape Awards committee, indicated that a series of banner ads recognizing this year’s winners are running in the Vancouver Sun beneath Steve Whysall’s In the Garden column.
Healthy Garden Guide 2009 Now in print! Order your FREE copies for distribution, and look for them at all public garden events! COVER PHOTO Frank Schortinghuis, and his team at Allgreen Landscaping Ltd., received a 2008 Landscape Award of Excellence for their work on this Gabriola Island garden. Allgreen added colourful plantings, a dry streambed to take the place of a rough front yard ditch, and a 120’ long stream replete with seven waterfalls and lily pond in the back yard. A stone patio area offers a delightful vantage point from which to view the yard. Photo: Allgreen Landscaping Ltd.
Ideal appreciation gifts for: Landscape clients • Garden centre loyalty club members • Trade show and show garden visitors • Donation seekers • Garden and social clubs • School garden clubs • and more!
Available in small lots or by the case. Contact Ina Chang for yours: (604) 574-7772 or ichang@ bclna.com.
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BCLNA News Bulletins
Island Chapter Beautifies Spring Home Show BCLNA’s Island Chapter has once again
secured the best possible location for landscape vignettes at the Victoria Spring Home Show. Member demand to participate in the show was so strong last year that the BCLNA space has been expanded by 20%. To participate, contact Brian Russell by email: russellnursery@ telus.net. The event will be held on March 6, 7 and 8 at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Arena, and promises to draw crowds with feature speakers Mike Holmes of Holmes on Homes and Kelly Deck of Take it Outside.
World Rose Festival Blooms This spring’s string of home and garden shows will culminate in the World Rose Festival, June 19-21 in the brand new Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre expansion facility. The one-time event was the brainchild of the Vancouver Rose Society, which wanted to provide a public venue to promote roses in the landscape in conjunction with its hosting of the World Rose Convention (June 18-24).
Timed for the best rose blooms and to match industry’s participation in the cancelled VanDusen Garden Show, festival organizers are confident that the event will pique the interest of the VanDusen audience yet overcome the weather woes that contributed to its eventual demise. The indoor festival also anticipates that a significant number of visitors will attend just to see the new convention centre, being one of the very first events to be staged under the green roof. Says Darlene Sanders, Festival Co-Chair and owner of The Avant Gardener, “Spring is a difficult time for everyone in the industry, but holding the festival late in June will give retailers and landscapers a chance to extend their peak season, while riding the wave of public interest in gardening as late into the summer as possible. The trick is to promote all things gardening while capitalizing on the seasonal attraction of the rose.” Response has been very positive, Sanders adds, indicating that GardenWorks™, Phoenix Perennials, and Heritage Perennials have already committed to display gardens. Other big names in gardening, including Lee Valley Tools and Zeller & Son, are on board. BCLNA has also secured a 20 x 20 booth to represent members, distribute the Healthy Garden Guide and fulfill public education objectives.
Sumas Gro–Media Ltd.
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All mixes go through a final screening process before delivery. 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. 42481 Industrial Way, Chilliwack, B.C. Sumas Gro-Media 1
Interest has blossomed, however, since the festival confirmed a sponsorship arrangement with Global TV. Global’s partnership with the World Rose Festival guarantees frequent promotional spots on Etcetera, Global Village and potential news broadcasts. A comprehensive print and new-media marketing plan is in place with a Facebook group established, blogging and Twittering by Brad Jalbert of Select Roses (worldrose2009.blogspot.com), and regular e-newsletter distribution. To exhibit in the World Rose Festival, visit www.worldrosefestival.com or email opportunities@world rosefestival.com. For more information or to obtain a copy of the latest e-newsletter, contact Renata Triveri, industry liaison and festival logistics manager (renata@worldrosefestival.com) or call (604) 523-0235.
Good Things Orbiting PLANET PLANET, the Professional Landcare
Network, has launched a new program designed to unite its members around the world for a day of giving back. The annual grassroots event is an opportunity for PLANET members and other PLANET partners to come together for
• Raw materials purchased in advance helps to ensure product consistency and availability. • 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. • Fast, reliable delivery. www.sumasgromedia.ca
604.823-6688 1/26/09 8:23:51 AM
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Landscape Clippings
Urban Forestry Symposium a day of community service through volunteer landscape, lawn care, or tree care projects. “We know the green industry is committed to serving their communities,” said PLANET President Jason Cupp, CLP. “This is a great way to show that commitment to the nation and to educate the public about the importance of caring for our green spaces.” The organization’s website, www.planet dayofservice.org, is a one-stop shop for members organizing their Day of Service events. They can register their company and project there, as well as see, via an interactive map, the locations of the events as people register them. The website also contains project ideas and tips on planning and running events.
BCLNA’s Urban Forest Council is of-
fering a spring symposium to provide arborists, urban foresters and managers with knowledge gained from the Stanley Park wind storm and scientific research to help guide them in their day-to-day decision making processes. The educational event will take place on Thursday, March 26 from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm on the second floor of the Stanley Park Pavilion (610 Pipeline Road, Vancouver). The sessions are offered with the support of the UBC Faculty of Forestry, the Stanley Park Ecological Society and the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), which is offering continuing education credits to participants.
The day’s program will cover: • Urban forest management strategies & guidelines to foster the successful involvement of all stakeholders, • Windthrow prediction & assessment, windfirming strategies & long term stand density strategies, • Use of WindCALC, an arborists tool to assess wind firmness of individual trees, • Measurement of tree, stand and landscape attributes that contribute to windthrow, • Measurement and interpretation of internal decay and structure of trees using the Resistograph tool. Continued on page 6
“If members aren’t able to create their own event, they can look at the list of registered events and volunteer somewhere else in their region,” said Richard Heller, CLP, CLT, chair of the public relations committee. “We designed the website to be user friendly to make the planning of a PLANET Day of Service event as easy as possible.” Log on to www.planetdayofservice.org for more information, or contact Heather Finney at the Professional Landcare Network office by calling (800) 395-2522.
Windstorm damage to a tree in Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC.
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2009 Buyers Guide
A view of Lion’s Gate Bridge entering Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC.
Easy Journey for Landscapers & Growers Bill Stephen, Stanley Park Forest Superintendent, will provide an engaging presentation and tour to lead participants through the restoration and rebuilding process in the aftermath of the 2006 severe winter storms. He will also share the Forest Management Plan, a document that will undoubtedly serve as a valuable resource for all urban forest managers and allied professionals. Following, Dr. Steve Mitchell, UBC Faculty of Forestry will present tree and stand level windthrow assessment (statistical/diagnostic), post-storm windfirming strategies, and long-term stand density management strategies. UBC colleague Ken Byrne will complement the session with a review of the background, assumptions, experiments and results used to develop mechanistic windthrow models. Application of these models to assess individual tree stability in the urban forest context will also be discussed and demonstrated as part of the tour. For arborists interested in mentoring upand-coming professionals, Blair Veitch (Davey Tree Expert Co., BCLNA Director and Urban Forest Council vice-chair) will provide an update on arboriculture apprenticeship. Registration for this day-long educational session is $100 for BCLNA members ($125 for non-members). Lunch is included; come dressed for the outdoor tour. To register, contact Annika Ingram at the BCLNA: aingram@bclna.com or telephone (604) 574-7772. More Landscape Clippings, page 9
Landscape and nursery professionals can become journeypersons in one easy step! No exam is necessary. The HortEducationBC board recently approved a transition period of one year (to expire on October 31, 2009) to allow professionals already operating within the horticulture industry to receive their Certificate of Qualification (Journeyman equivalency) if they meet two specific criteria. During this one-year transition period, individuals wishing to obtain a Certificate of Qualification as a Landscape or Production Horticulturist may apply to the Industry Training Authority, and in lieu of writing the challenge exam can provide proof of the following qualifications: • 9,720 hours in Landscape Horticulture or Production Horticulture, and • Have a valid Certified Horticulture Technician designation, OR a diploma or degree (transcript required) in either horticulture, agriculture or plant science. The challenge application form currently posted on the ITA website can be used for these applications. Upon application, HortEducationBC will assess all packages to validate work hours and credentials. HortEducationBC hopes this transition period will encourage more industry professionals to seek their Certificate of Qualification and in turn, mentor new apprentices in their respective commodities. For assistance, contact Anne Kadwell: akadwell@horteducationbc.com or call (604) 575-3239.
Please make the following updates in your copy for future reference. City of Nanaimo Jim Plasteras City of Surrey Greg Ward, gaward@surrey.ca Cypress Landscaping Ltd. (a div. of Bartlett Tree Service) 4511 Alaska Street Burnaby, BC V5C 4E1 Phone: (604) 986-4678 Fax: (604) 323-9280 The Green Man Landscape Services Phone: (778) 840-0323 GroundWorks Construction Ltd. dave@groundworksconstruction.com accounting@groundworksconstruction.com John Drost 1056 Holmes Street Duncan, BC V9L 2C8 Phone: (778) 868-5664 KPMG LLP Abbotsford Office Phone: (604) 854-2200 Kurt Bausenhaus direct: (604) 854-2213 Landeca Reuben Butterfield, reuben@landeca.ca Myers Industries Lawn & Garden Group Rae Dickens rdickens@myerslawnandgarden.com Sancor Irrigation and Landscaping Inc. Email: christina@sancorlandscape.com Swaan Nursery has changed its name to Triple Swaan Nursery Ltd. The Garden Beautifier Anthony Krakau 454 Morrison Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1Y 5E2 Phone: (250) 763-8729 Fax: (250) 861-3817 Email: gardenbeaut@shaw.ca The Silent Gardener 2120, 244 Sherbrooke Street New Westminster, BC V3L 0A3 Think Green Landscaping brian@thinkgreen.bc.ca Vancouver Parks Board Bill Manning, bill.manning@vancouver.ca
BCLNA OFFICE: 604-574-7772
events
Industry
September 23 & 24, 2009 Under the sails at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre Show theme: Gold, Silver and Bronze
and programs
FEBRUARY 18 BC Agriculture Council Gala Ramada Plaza & Convention Centre, Abbotsford www.bcac.bc.ca 18-22 BC Home & Garden Show BC Place Stadium, Vancouver www.bchomeandgardenshow.com 19-22 PLANET Executive Forum Disney’s Beach Club Resort Lake Buena Vista, FL www.landscarenetwork.org 22-25 Western Canada Turfgrass Association Conference & Show Victoria Conference Centre www.wctaturf.com
MARCH 6-8 Victoria Spring Home Show Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre www.chbavictoria.com 13-15 Nanaimo Spring Festival Beban Park Social Centre www.islandgardenshow.com 18-22 Canada Blooms Metro Toronto Convention Centre www.canadablooms.com 26 BCLNA Urban Forester Symposium Stanley Park Ecological Society Office www.bclna.com 27-29 Chilliwack Outdoor Decor Yard & Garden Show Chilliwack Heritage Park www.outdoordecorshow.com 28 California Pack Trials Begin Various locations, schedules online: www.ngb.org
APRIL 17-19 Kamloops Home & Leisure Show McArthur Island Sports Centre www.bchomeshows.com 22 BC Skills Competition Tradex, Abbotsford www.skillscanada.bc.ca
MAY 20-22 BCSLA Land Summit Telus Whistler Conference Centre www.bclandsummit.com
Reserve your exhibit space today! Call Barb Nelson ( 604 ) 574-7772 or email: bnelson@bclna.com
the
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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
JRT Nursery 1
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11/28/08
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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 for all wholesale ornamentals, native plants and ferns. a 900 Bowman Road Abbotsford, BC V3G 1T1 P.O. Box 2157 Abbotsford, BC V2T 3X8 Phone: 604-854-6986 Fax: 604-854-6982 CanAmNursery@gmail.com
Help Wanted CERTIFIED HORTICULTURALIST MCC Employment & Community Development is looking to hire a Certified Horticulturist to join our Ecoworks Enterprise Responsibilities include: • Operational management of contract and quality control including planted area maintenance, plant care and pruning • Supervision of crew lead hand and crew members • Inventory management and control • Pesticide/herbicide application management Competitive wage rate and benefits available. 2:32:09package PM To apply: See complete job posting with full details on our website www.mccecd.bc.ca Start date: Immediately Closing date: open until filled Ecoworks reserves the right to not make any appointments.
Maple Leaf Garden Center in North Vancouver has openings for F/T and P/T sales assistants in the nursery and greenhouse. Previous experience preferred. Please email resume to mlgcnorth@ shawbiz.ca Or fax to 604-985-0193.
For Sale HortWest is a highly targetted publication reaching 1300+ companies, individuals, and affiliate organizations. Book your classified, marketplace or display advertising today. Call Barb Nelson: (604) 574-7772 or bnelson@telus.net
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Landscape Clippings
Landscape Event Creates Buzz
A palpable buzz of celebration and camaraderie filled the Seymour Golf and Country Club banquet room last December, where 144 members gathered for the annual Landscaper’s Christmas Party. “For the past three years we’ve had about 90 attendees,” recalls BCLNA Landscape Coordinator, Krista Manton. “What an incredible surge in interest this year!” Many company owners brought their key staff along so they could enjoy the festivities. Jean Schwartz, The Garden Genie, said “I am grateful to my wonderful crew, and was glad I could share this party with them, and enjoy an evening of networking, eating, learning, and laughing.” Sponsor participation was also remarkable, as growers recognized this as an ideal setting to network with their local market. Gold sponsor Jason LaRonde of Pacifica Nurseries praised the level of professionalism in the room and encouraged everyone to work together and support each other as we move into more challenging economic times. Thanks to the following member companies for helping make it an extra special event:
Top: 58 Certifi cation designations were awarded to individuals in BC in 2008. Those who attended the Landscaper’s Christmas Party received special certifi cation pins. Left to right (back) are Ray Gerein, Finning Canada (sponsor); Scott Hurst, CHT; Jeff Foley, CLP; Mike Vandergugten, CHT; Kari Renaud, CLD; Colin Priddle, CLP; Brian Huttema, CHT; and Peter Levelton, East Richmond Nurseries (sponsor). Left to right (front) are Cable Baker, CLP; Leslie Garbutt, CLP; Delaney Fisher, CHT; and Daniel Vanderpol, CHT. Above: Past Landscape Commodity Chair, Barbra Fairclough presented the current Chair, Laurie Anderson with a large wooden spoon that she insisted would be more useful than a gavel for managing this group!
Gold Sponsor
Bronze Sponsors
Pacifica Nurseries Inc.
Alouette Nurser y
Silver Sponsors Hor tProtect J.R.T. Nurseries Inc. Pine Meadows Tree Farms Ltd.
Golden Spruce Nurseries Inc. Qualitree Propagators Inc. Valleybrook Gardens Ltd.
New
BCLNA Members Final Approval
The BCLNA welcomes the following new members as of December, 20 0 8: Cedar Ridge Tree Care, Jason Timmis, Richmond, Active Landscaper Kemper’s Landscape, Keath Kemper, Kelowna, Active Landscaper Rob Reny, City of Surrey, Surrey, Individual Seymour Greenery, Clinton Scarth, North Vancouver, Active Landscaper Tom Baumann, University of the Fraser Valley, Chilliwack, Individual West Coast Harvesting Ltd., Yaddy Kallu, Richmond, Active Grower (Interim) Stephanie Holmes, Victoria, Student And the following as of January, 20 0 9: Craftsmen Contracting, Quinn Holtslag, Pitt Meadows, Active Landscaper (Interim) Lanny Englund, City of Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Individual Mountain Maple, Kerin Matthews, Delta, Active Landscaper Timeless Landscaping, Daniel Vanderpol, Chilliwack, Active Landscaper (Interim) Universal Castings Ltd., Rick Abbing, Aldergrove, Associate Windward Nurseries, Bruce Piddock, West Vancouver, Active Grower Tentative Approval
The following companies will become BCLNA members at the next board me eting unless a member provides a valid reason for not accepting the application: Canadian Sunlight Enterprises Ltd., Jie Zhang & Henry Zhang, Richmond, Associate Focalpoint Landscape Design, Lori Hanus, Mission, Active Landscaper Landscape By Design, Dr. George Marien, Chillwack, Active Landscaper Tripower Nursery, Guohai Xia, Maple Ridge, Active Grower (Interim) Whistler Landscaping, Bryce Anderson & Shauna Peachman, Whistler, Active Landscaper (Interim) Jesse Houweling, Abbotsford, Student
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Industry Bits
BCLNA Hires New Finance Manager Marvyn Brown joined BCLNA as Finance Manager on January 5 bringing excellent credentials in financial and project management, as well as a solid understanding of programs, marketing and most importantly, keeping an organization
focused on the needs of its key stakeholders. BCLNA sincerely thanks Gayle Seguin
who came out of retirement to assist the association during a lengthy personnel search. Her knowledge, skills, and team support were invaluable in seeing BCLNA through an unusually busy and transitional time.
New Exec at BCAC BC Agricultural Council Executive
Director, Steve Thomson, has let his name stand for nomination as a Liberal candidate in the riding of KelownaMission. As a result, he will take a leave of absence during the nomination period. Thompson has been the council’s executive director since its inception 11 years ago, and he has contributed a great deal to BC’s agriculture industry. Andrew Dolberg has been appointed to fill the position. Dolberg assumes the role having worked with provincial and national farm organizations. Most recently, he served with the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands. Dolberg commences his duties in March. TG Nursery & Sons in Langley is among the list of growers who tallied up damage costs after this winter’s freak snowfalls around the south coast.
✄ clip & save
Grower Update
Snow Consolation This winter’s uncharacteristically heavy snow falls caused damage to more than 25 local companies’ greenhouse and cold frame facilities, but our neighbours in Oregon fear that repair and crop costs will surge to well over $18 million US after ice storms flattened that region’s growing operations. While little consolation to BC growers facing their own costly structure repairs, many are counting themselves lucky. Paulus Vrijmoed of Linnaea Nurseries Ltd. commented, “We could have suffered a lot more damage than we actually did. The greenhouses are insured with a deductable of $10,000. The plants, however, are not insured as the premium would be exorbitantly high. We predict that the [crop] damage might be in the 25% range. Overall, we do not think that our coming spring sales season will be affected much. As said, things could have been a lot worse.” Keith Wildeboer agreed, “Most of the plants were small one-gallons and most will be salvageable. Another house had 4” liners and most will be okay. Although, damage to the crops is about 20%, that will have to be turfed.” Melanie Stefiuk of HUB International Ltd. indicated that early insurance estimates were relatively minor, with fallout not nearly as extensive as that experienced after the storms of 1996. Nevertheless, greenhouse suppliers are keeping busy. Harnois Industries Inc. has extended a 25% discount to growers replacing houses due to snow, and Robin
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Greenhouses and Snow Tips to share and know!
Gehring of McConkey Co. has been fielding calls for replacement parts as well as brand new houses with better structural ratings. “The worst structural damage,” she says, “seems to be to the cold frame type structures or larger houses that either were not being heated or where the customer seems to have forgotten to remove their shade cloth fabric.” Barry McIntosh at Harnois suggests that people at least enquire about higher snow load capacities; “I think most growers will be surprised at how little the extra cost is for a little peace of mind. Gutter connects can be designed to take up to 90 lbs per square foot. While you might not need this type of load capacity, you should consider improving on the standard 15 psf minimum. Talk to your greenhouse manufacturer about these options. A little extra cost might help you sleep better, and we can all use more of that.” McIntosh further cautions, “While your greenhouse may not have collapsed, it might have received stress damage making the structure weaker. Inspect your greenhouses for deformations in the structural components such as arches, truss or crossties, gutters and especially where the gutter attaches to the support columns.” And know the snow capacity of your greenhouse for next year: most are built to a minimum 15 pounds per square foot per building code. But remember, the minimum requires heat, which is used in the calculations. If you are not sure, contact your greenhouse manufacturer.
When planning snow removal, have the snow load capacity of your structure on hand and refer to this chart: Snow type
Estimated Weight per ft3
Light snow, no moisture
7 lbs
Medium snow, some moisture
14 lbs
Wet snow*
30 lbs
Old, compact or hard snow
30 lbs
*Rain adds 5.2 lbs per inch, or 62 lbs per cubic foot, so ensure all drains are cleared to reduce snow load! Place 4 x 4 uprights under each arch or every other arch when you know a storm is coming to reinforce the center of the structure. The Ridgeline implosion is a common structural failure in snow. Cold structures are most vulnerable, so turn the heat up! If no heat is present, rent a construction heater; concentrate on thawing out gutter connects. Snow-melt can be used on iced gutters, but salt is damaging to galvanized steel; check with your greenhouse manufacturer to select the right product. Find two persons and a length of good rope. Throw the rope over the structure and have each person take an end, walking down the length of the structure while gently pulling the rope back and forth. This will dislodge the snow at the top of the film, easily sliding down the structure and easing pressure on the ridgeline. Take a soft broom and push up from the inside to displace the snow. Caution: DO NOT shovel against your poly film as it will tear or split easily. If all else fails, cut the poly film using a box cutter secured to a broomstick and let the snow fall through. It is much less expensive to replace fi lm than it is an entire structure. However, doing so is very dangerous! Be properly equipped in safety gear, work toward your exit routes, ensure assistance is near but outside the structure, and stand clear.
NATS in Langley (above) was also hit hard with snow damage.
Island Chapter members were not immune. Andersen Nursery in Ladysmith watched cold frames buckle, while the community was struck by weather-related power outages and highway closures.
Courtesy Barry McIntosh, Harnois Industries Inc. and Robin Gehring, McConkey Co.
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In Memoriam
Hon. Minister Stan Hagen 1940-2009 BC’s horticulture industry was saddened by the sudden passing of Stan Hagan, Honourable Minister of Agriculture & Lands, on January 15, 2009. A resident of the Comox Valley since 1968, Hagen worked in the construction industry and later started an independent ready-mix company. His political career was launched in 1972 when he became a Comox Valley School trustee. Hagen was appointed Minister of Agriculture and Lands on June 23, 2008, and previously served as Minister of Sustainable
Resource Management, Minister of Human Resources, Minister of Children and Family Development, and Minister of Tourism, Sport and the Arts. First elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1986 as the MLA for Comox, he was appointed to serve as the Minister of Advanced Education, Job Training, Science and Technology. During this time, Stan was responsible for promoting the TRIUMFKAON science project, establishing Commonwealth Distance Education Centre and Science World, initiating the Passport to Education program. He later served as BC’s Minister of Regional and Economic Development. In 1990, Stan was appointed Minister of Education and chaired the Canadian Council of Ministers of Education. In 1998, he was granted an honorary
Doctor of Laws degree from Simon Fraser University for his work. Said Premier Campbell, “The province has suffered a great loss with the passing of my friend and colleague, Stan Hagen. He was a man who gave of himself to public life from 1986 until today. He loved British Columbia and the people who live here.” Ruth Olde, President of the BCLNA, expressed her deepest sympathies to Minister Hagen’s family, friends and colleagues. Olde noted that, “Minister Hagen was a passionate supporter of the horticulture sector, and will be truly missed by all of us associated with the BCLNA and our industry.” Stan Hagen is survived by his wife Judy and their five children.
BCMAL Report
Research Snippets
Sanitize with certainty Container Height and Douglas Fir Bark Texture Affect Substrate Physical Properties (HortScience 43(2):505-508) The study measured the physical properties of fine (less than 0.9 cm) and medium (less than 2.2 cm) textured Douglas fir bark and the effect of container height on these properties. Increasing container height resulted in a linear decrease in the quantity of water held by the substrate and a corresponding increase in air space. When container height was increased from 3.8 to 15.2 cm, the water-holding capacity decreased 20% for medium and 42% for fine-textured bark. Water content was not constant throughout the vertical profile of the container. Substrate at the top of the 15.2 cm container had a water-holding capacity of 31-33% for the two bark substrates, whereas at the bottom of the container the capacity was 71% for fine and 57% for medium-textured bark. Total porosity increased linearly and bulk density did not change with increasing container height for medium-textured bark. In contrast, total porosity decreased linearly and bulk density increased linearly with increasing container height for fine bark. These results suggest that the fine-textured bark was more prone to over compaction than the medium-textured bark.
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
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From the Canadian Nursery & Landscape Association
Feds’ Tax Credit a Win for Green Industry In the weeks leading up to the announcement of the 2009 Federal Budget, the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance requested industry consultation. The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) responded in a major way by providing Minister Flaherty with an action plan to stimulate the Canadian economy by investing in green infrastructure. Michael Murray, CNLA President, was very pleased that Minister Flaherty took the recommendation seriously. “This is a great development for Canadian home owners and our industry. We hope this is just the beginning and look forward to this government’s support in the future”, said Murray.
Canadian homeowners are now eligible for the Home Renovation Tax Credit outlined in the Harper Government’s recent Federal Budget for 2009. Families will be eligible to claim a 15% non-refundable tax credit for eligible expenses made in respect of eligible dwellings. The credit will apply to expenditures in excess of $1,000, but not more than $10,000, resulting in a maximum credit of $1,350 ($9,000 x 15%). Money has to be spent by February 1, 2010 and only those contracts signed after January 27, 2009 can be used toward this credit filed through homeowners’ 2009 tax returns. Eligible expenditures include building an addition, deck, fence, installing landscaping, constructing a retaining
wall, resurfacing a driveway, and laying new sod. Maintenance contracts (furnace cleaning, snow removal, lawn care, pool cleaning, etc.) are ineligible. CNLA grower and retailer members are
thrilled that the Home Renovation Tax credit could lead to an increase in purchases of trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials; professional landscapers could realize more jobs on the books through the installation of these features.
CNLA estimates that the green industry
contributes $14.48 billion to Canada’s economy and employs 132,776 people across the country.