CanWest Hort Show Sept 23 & 24
Vancouver Convention Centre under the sails
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 bl i c a t i o n • NO V E M b e r 2 0 0 8
Industry training gets boost Retailers Enviro Checklist now available Environmental Stewardship Award revitalized
2
Message from the President
BCLNA in transition I read somewhere that transitions are the times in life when we are suspended between two trapeze bars and are faced with letting go of one in order to grab the other—without falling in the chasm between them. Frightening, frustrating, painful and inevitable as they are, these times can be an opportunity for positive growth. The BCLNA is often flying between the trapeze bars. Economic downturns, plant diseases, pesticide issues, government regulations, foreign worker issues, etc., are all taken in stride, as
expected for an active, vibrant industry. They are the extraordinary times that test us the most! For BCLNA , they began with Jane Stock’s illness and departure, and continued through the lengthy process of finding and hiring a new executive director. Now Werner has left the BCLNA , and we are in transition again. The membership should not be concerned. The BCLNA staff is exceptionally talented, knowledgeable, dedicated and professional. And in the interim, Renata Triveri of Greenbridge Horticultural Advantage, is on contract overseeing BCLNA funded projects. They are more than worthy of our confidence and trust.
I believe that the association has much to ponder, and this is the perfect time to do it. Over the next few months, as we move towards selecting a new executive director, the BCLNA has an opportunity for growth. We can reflect, regroup, re-establish our goals, acknowledge what is working as it should, and make changes that need to be made. Then grab the next trapeze bar, and go flying into the future with confidence.
Ruth Olde, President, B.C. Landscape & Nursery Association
HortWest september 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.
On the cover: The CanWest Hort Show is Western Canada’s hotspot for new plants, and this year includes a greater focus for landscape professionals who are looking to replenish equipment, and take advantage of added training. Last minute registrations are welcome! Visit the CanWest Hort Show on September 23 and 24, and go to the website any time to learn more: www.CanWestHortShow.com Pictured here are Charleen Derzak and Ron Buziak of the Vancouver School Board.
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BCLNA Board Synopsis
July & August Meetings President’s Report It is anticipated that a new executive director will be in place by January 2010. Interior Chapter members held a meeting in Kelowna last month, with approximately 35 people in attendance. Interior Chapter Chair, Mike Byland, hopes to hold the next meeting in February 2010; all Interior Chapter members are encouraged to communicate any current issues or meeting topics to Byland or contact Krista at the BCLNA. Retail Commodity The Retail Environment Strategy has been completed. Retail members who are interested in improving their businesses’ environmental footprints are encouraged to make use of the handy Retail Environment Workbook
and Checklist. A second project, focused on increasing sales of BC grown plants, is well underway. Members may be contacted by Norene Kimberley to provide insight on some aspects of this project. Safety Chair Blair Veitch and BCLNA staff met with the Common Ground Alliance to identify ways in which the two associations can work together to ensure all members are aware of how to best protect their workers and their businesses from damage to underground services. Watch for more information and sessions to help you assure your company is operating as safely as possible when disturbing the land. Export Development Two ‘letters of intent’ filed with IAF to supply matching
funding for website development and database management have been turned down. Both were identified as important tactics within the Export Marketing Strategy that was developed for the BCLNA (a project that was funded by IAF and was completed at the end of 2007). BCLNA staff are working on ways to reposition and build on the application so that it better adheres to IAF’s funding criteria. CanWest is poised to contribute approximately the same amount of revenue to BCLNA as in previous years, and a strong seminar and tour program is anticipated to draw sell-out crowds. Exhibitors are reminded that a floor plan change in 2010 will necessitate a re-selection of booths according to priority ranking.
4
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Calling all landscapers! PlantHealthBC is YOUR program PlantHealthBC (PHBC) is the BCLNAinitiated accreditation program designed to promote environmentally sound landscape, tree and lawn care practices, with a specific focus on pest management. At its core is the belief that good plant health is the basis of successful, sustainable pest management. PHBC is the response to a market that is increasingly moving towards environmentally safe lawn and garden management practices. BCLNA members have always been a little
ahead of the curve when it comes to business practices, expertise and professionalism. As a responsible and conscientious industry, it is up to us to promote and use practices that support and protect environmental and human health. PlantHealthBC accreditation is voluntary, but is fast becoming a valuable tool in the landscape arsenal.
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As the market moves to a preference for environmentally safe and sound pest management, accredited BCLNA members will be there to meet that need and realize the financial rewards as homeowners, municipalities and businesses are actively encouraged to choose a PlantHealthBC accredited companies as part of an approach to better landscape management. • Whether you use pesticides in your business or not, a PHBC accreditation will make you in an environmental cheerleader. • Education modules have been specially designed to help you and your staff gain professional acumen, widen your knowledge and ultimately to succeed. • Accredited landscape companies, or those in the process of becoming accredited, are listed on the PlantHealthBC website, the source for environmentally conscientious pest management services. • Some municipalities have a pesticide use bylaw that either prohibits the use of
pesticides for cosmetic purposes entirely or allows the use of pesticides only by PHBC accredited landscape service providers.
It’s easy to get started
The process of accreditation is easy and well worth the effort involved to be able offer that additional skill, knowledge and peace of mind to customers. • Complete the application form and submit payment. The form includes a PHBC base-line audit questionnaire. • PHBC will highlight areas of operation or skill sets needing adjustment, based on the questionnaire responses. • Designate an ‘IPM coordinator’ who writes an exam based on a supplied study guide. • Agree to adhere to PHBC’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Once accredited there is an annual desk audit, based on documentation submitted, and every third year PHBC conducts an on-site audit. The company submits an annual ‘Improvement Plan’ following each audit. Accredited companies commit to a level of professional development for their staff and agree to promote PHBC and environmentally sound pest management practices.
The cost of accreditation is reasonable
The annual fee is based on gross revenue and ranges from $250 to $690 for members of qualifying* associations and from $325 to $897 for companies non BCLNA members. For more information visit www.Plant HealthBC.ca, or call Catherine Parlee, PlantHealthBC 604.599.3163. *BCLNA, WCTA, BCRPA, Japanese Gardeners Association, Interior Pest Management Association, Golf Superintendents Association, BCSLA etc.
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BCLNA News Bulletins
Not too late to register for CanWest seminars This year’s CanWest Horticulture Show offers a remarkable slate of seminars for landscape, garden retail and nursery professionals, and their staff. If you haven’t signed up already, be sure to register—you can do it online at www.canwesthortshow.com.
Industry skills training gets boost
clients, and for employed individuals who are low skilled as defined by the Ministry of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development. Such candidates may not have a high school diploma or a recognized certification, or may have low levels of literacy, numeracy, oral communication, thinking, computer use, and continuous learning. Ann Marie comes to the BCLNA with excellent program and project management skills, and a background in adult education and educational leadership, making her an ideal fit for this program. Known for her ability to recognize diversity in the workplace, she offers optimum learning opportunities through training, workshops and professional development. Members who have identified gaps in foundational skills of their workers are encouraged to communicate those gaps to Ann Marie, and to provide input as to the types of training that would best serve unemployed or low-skilled workers entering the industry: awalsh@bclna.com or (604) 574-7772.
Stock Excellence in Horticulture Scholarship. Responsible for the award’s conception, the inaugural donation was provided by Rod Nataros of N.A.T.S. Nursery, with others anxious to add to the pot. Said Jane Stock, “I was reduced to tears as I read the letter that Ruth and Bill brought describing the scholarship; I can’t imagine a higher honour than being associated with excellence in horticulture through education. I feel privileged to have served the horticulture industry where so many BCLNA members take pride in being highly skilled, support new environmental standards and volunteer their time to strengthen our industry. Encouraging and supporting horticulture education is of course the way for us all to achieve these traits in new industry participants.” A committee to review BCLNA’s existing scholarships and options for administering the Jane Stock Excellence in Horticulture Scholarship each year will be struck and members interested in contributing to the worthy cause are asked to make their wishes known to Renata Triveri: rtriveri@ telus.net or call (604) 574-7772.
Scholarship to honour Ramor serving Jane Stock Common Ground Alliance Ann Marie Walsh
BCLNA welcomes Ann Marie Walsh to the team, who joins the association to manage, coordinate and assist in the delivery of its 15-month Industry Skill Training Pilot Program, an initiative funded in total by the Governments of British Columbia and Canada.
Jane Stock
The pilot project is designed to offer training opportunities for both unemployed individuals who are determined to be non-EI eligible
A fine example of the grass-roots action taken by industry, a group of BCLNA members has come together to introduce the Jane
BCLNA member, Brain Ramor of Think Green Landscaping, has been elected to the Stakeholder Board of the BC Common Ground Alliance, and holds the Landscaping / Fencing portfolio. As a result of his new role, Ramor has initiated talks between the Common Ground Alliance and BCLNA to discuss ways in which the two associations may work together for the common goal of ensuring worker safety when digging. Working with Blair Veitch, BCLNA’s director in charge of safety, Ramor and representatives from the CGA and BCLNA staff will look for ways that seminars and other information can be delivered to members.
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Industry Bits
Member recognized by Kwantlen Michael Bjorge, Kwantlen landscape design alumnus and BCLNA member, has received Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Distinguished Alumni Award. The principle designer and owner of Pacifica Landscape Works and the Pacific Design Group, Bjorge graduated from Kwantlen with a Diploma in Horticulture
Technology Landscape Design in 1999, and he recently established a bursary to be awarded to Landscape Design and Installation Diploma students who have maintained a GPA of 3.0 and are in financial need. Bjorge’s projects have earned numerous prestigious accolades, including the National Award for Landscape Excellence in 2008.
Thanks to Eddi’s BCLNA thanks Eddi’s Wholesale Garden Supplies
for sponsoring this summer’s golf tournament prizes, including those for the tourney’s “Most Honest Team”, a foursome from Blue Pine Enterprises Ltd.
Mark your calendar: next year’s tournament will be held at Swan-E-Set Bay Resort on Tuesday, June 22.
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BCLNA members Blair Veitch of Davey Tree Expert Co. of Canada Ltd., and Kerin Matthews of Mountain Maple Garden and Tree Service tied the knot this past July at their farm in Princeton.
8/28/09 2:48:31 PM
New
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BCLNA Members Final Approval
The BCLNA welcomes the following new members as of the July 30 and August 17 board meetings: Agrium Advanced Technologies, Ron Dekok, Brantford, Out of Province
Living Grace Designs, Christy Voelker, Brackendale, Active Landscaper (Interim)
Contour Landscape Installation & Design Ltd., Tom Meyer, Burnaby, Active Landscaper
McKenzie Seeds, Scott Hildebrandt, Brandon, Out of Province
Custom House, Peter Gustavson & John Kirk, White Rock, Associate
Naturescape Nursery & Environmental, David de Montreuil, Port Alberni, Active Grower
Darvonda Nurseries Ltd., Byron & Tamara Jansen, Langley, Active Grower
Sester Farms, Gordon Sester, Gresham, Out of Province
Fabulous Flower Beds, Scott McLeod, White Rock, Active Landscaper
Smart Green Landscaping, Dana Finnie, North Vancouver, Active Landscaper
Floridus Design Images, Bob Havenaar & Larry VanDyk, Mississauga, Out of Province
Surfwood Supply Ltd., Bob Harrison & Brent Pierce, Coquitlam, Associate
Gardenia Landscaping Ltd., Mehran Shifteh, North Vancouver, Active Landscaper Kennedy Landscaping Ltd., Chuck Kennedy, Delta, Active Landscaper Krol Construction, Jan Krol, Coquitlam, Active Landscaper Leo Gentry Wholesale Nursery, Leo E. Gentry Sr. & Steve Karam, Damascus, Out of Province
VanArbor, Ken Bell, White Rock, Associate Vireo Plants, Stephen Dee, Richmond, Active Grower (Interim) Western Weed and Tree Care Ltd., Kelly & Garry Galloway, West Vancouver, Active Landscaper Robert Condruk, Vancouver School Board of Education, Vancouver, Individual Brenda Strobl, Surrey, Student
Living Art Landscape Design, Adelle Schwab, Coquitlam, Active Landscaper Tentative Approval The following companies will become BCLNA members at the next board meeting unless a member provides a valid reason for not accepting the application: Eco-Soil Recycling Corp., Jim Parkes & Tom McConkey, Langley, Associate
Kamo Gardening Studio, Hironori Kamoshita & Mayumi Onda, Surrey, Active Landscaper Alex Patterson, Burnaby, Student
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9
Grower Updates
AgriStability and AgriInvest deadline reminder Mohini Singh, Communications Officer, AgriStability Each year, unpredictable events occur that can negatively impact the business of farming. That is why the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Lands supports federal/ provincial/territorial business risk management programs in place to help producers mitigate their risk.
AgriStability form (which is harmonized with the AgriInvest form) without penalty is September 30, 2009; however, applications will be accepted until December 31, 2009 with penalty. Producers must have already enrolled in AgriStability for the 2008 program year to be eligible.
AgriStability is a margin-based program that provides support when a farmer experiences larger farm income losses. AgriStability covers declines of more than 15% in a farmer’s average income from previous years.
AgriInvest is another federal/provincial/ territorial program designed to help producers manage their risk. Producers have the flexibility to use the funds to cover small margin declines or for risk mitigation and other investments.
The deadline to submit a 2008 AgriInvest form (which is harmonized with the AgriStability form) is September 30, 2009. Farmers can submit their 2008 AgriInvest form until December 31, 2009, but their matchable deposit will be reduced by 5% for each month (or part of the month) that the application is received after the September 30, 2009 deadline.
To participate in AgriStability, producers have to enroll in the program, pay a fee, and submit an application.
With AgriInvest, producers make a deposit in order to receive a matching government contribution. Producers participating in AgriInvest receive a Deposit Notice which outlines the eligible government contri-
For more information about AgriStability and AgriInvest, producers can visit www. agr.gc.ca/agristability or www.agr.gc.ca/ agriinvest or call Agriculture and AgriFood Canada toll free at 1-866-367-8506.
The deadline for farmers to submit a 2008
Employer and employee buy into education In today’s challenging business culture, many horticultural companies are considering how to create or maintain a leading edge in the industry. Vista Landscape Services Ltd. is enrolling Danielle Dobson into the Level 1 Landscape Horticulture Apprenticeship Program, commencing September 28. Kevin Slack, owner of Vista states, “We’ve always told our employees that education goes a long way; this really is the first step in their professional development.” Dobson came to Vista with one year of landscaping experience, and has continued
butions and withdrawal options. For the 2008 program year producers must make a deposit to receive the matching government contributions.
Effective July 1, employers or sponsors can claim up to $4000 per employee as a tax benefit. For further information about eligibility and steps to claiming tax credits go to www.horteducationbc.com.
to work with the company for three years. She has shown a willingness to excel and aspires to eventually run a crew. Slack recognizes that he is likely to lose a reliable and enthusiastic employee by keeping them in general landscape duties; “Our company sees that a program like this will help to move an employee like Danielle into a supervisory role.”
a hard sell for an employer; “Many of the horticulture programs in BC have had a difficult time in the last few years.”
He is happy to pay for her education, and is appreciative of the tax credits from the federal government offered to his company while he acts as the employer/ sponsor of an active apprentice. Although, Slack acknowledges that sending an employee to an educational program is often
Vista Landscape Services is striving to improve the standard of performance for their employees and use this standard to sell their services. Says Slack, “Education builds credibility with our customers, and I believe it enables us to win bids on new work.”
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Landscape Clippings
July CHT test made in the shade Dozens of enthusiastic candidates and judges turned out in the intense July heat for CHT testing on the brand new site at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Certification Chair Cable Baker beamed, “The committee is very happy with the new layout. It’s quieter and there are plenty of shade-providing hedges. Kwantlen made sure we had everything we needed. The support they provide us is really incredible, and we are grateful.” As usual, Para Space Landscaping sent several candidates this summer. Executive Vice President, Jeff Foley joined the crew and earned his third designation. Foley affirms that, “Certification does more than assure clients of the credentials of your staff; it also works well to boost the confidence and morale of the hard working people who have chosen horticulture as a career. Supporting our staff through achieving this widely recognized accreditation has been proven to be well worth it time and again.” Not enough can be said of the volunteers that take one or two full days away from their work and families to make this program such a success. See this issue’s Extras for a full list of this summer’s volunteers. Congratulations to the following individuals on earning new designations: Softscape Installation Robyn Boniface, Para Space Landscaping Inc. Jeff Foley, Para Space Landscaping Inc. Vincent Janzen, Janzen & Co. Landscaping Jennifer Portsmouth, Para Space Landscaping Inc. Hardscape Installation Ryan Donohoe, Nor-Wes Landscape & Design Daniel Vanderpol, Timeless Landscaping Ornamental Maintenance Nicholas Funke, Para Space Landscaping Inc. Jacqueline Hohmann, Lasting Impressions Garden Care Gillian Horsfield, Groundworks Design Services Vincent Janzen, Janzen & Co. Landscaping Jade Symchyck, TFG Landscaping & Maintenance Ltd. Turf Maintenance Ryan Hill, Groundworks Design Services Jade Symchyck, TFG Landscaping & Maintenance Ltd.
Registrations are being accepted now for the fall CHT exam on October 16th & 17th. Access application forms and program info at www.bclna.com and click on Professional Development.
Thanks to our partners that are dedicated to landscape industry standards and professionalism: Premier Sponsors:
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Silver Sponsors: HortEducationBC BC Safety Authority Facility Sponsor Kwantlen Polytechnic University Equipment & Materials Sponsors Cary Martin’s Lawn & Garden Equipment Cedar Rim Nursery Creative Embroidery GardenWorks Fraser Valley Equipment Ltd.
Landscape Awards debut at CanWest The prestigious BCLNA Landscape Awards of Excellence will debut this year’s candidates and winners at the CanWest Hort Show, September 23 and 24. Twenty-nine applicants put the season’s best feats forward, of which seven winners in various categories were selected. Members are encouraged to get out and take their required fall photos for the maintenance categories next year, and to begin planning their submissions for next season.
Landscapers Fly High at Commodity Meeting More than 50 members spent the afternoon touring Northwest Landscape & Stone Supply’s Squamish operations, prior to the August Landscape Commodity meeting. Twelve lucky participants had their names drawn to win helicopter rides to view the stone quarries. It was an eye-opener for all to see the amount of physical labour and creativity that goes into the beautiful stone products used in landscapes. Northwest also donated some great raffle prizes, as did OASE Living Water. Thanks to both companies to making this a most memorable event!
BCLNA Office: 604-574-7772; 800-421-7963
events
Industry
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and programs
September 23-24 CanWest Hort Show Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre www.canwesthortshow.com 30-02 Composting Council of Canada Conference Hyatt Regency Vancouver www.compost.org
Iotron Technologies
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October 4-5 People & Trees Training Conference Pacific Northwest Chapter of the ISA Delta Grand Okanagan, Kelowna www.pnwisa.org 7-8 Canadian Greenhouse Conference Toronto International Centre www.canadiangreenhouseconference.com 16-17 Certification Exams Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Langley www.bclna.com 17-18 UBC Apple Festival 6804 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org 19-21 Garden & Floral Expo Toronto Congress Centre www.gardenexpo.ca 21 BCLNA Landscape & Grower Commodity Meetings Location TBA www.bclna.com 22-23 Tree Risk Assessment Course/Exam Riverview Hospital, Coquitlam www.pnwisa.org
November 9-10 Tree Risk Assessment Course/Exam Riverview Hospital, Coquitlam www.pnwisa.org 12-13 BCLNA Convention & AGM Four Seasons Hotel, Vancouver www.bclna.com 25 Growers Christmas Party Location TBA www.bclna.com 25-26 Prosperity Partners Workshops Location TBA For information contact Krista: kmanton@ bclna.com 26-27 Tree Risk Assessment Course/Exam Riverview Hospital, Coquitlam www.pnwisa.org 27 Urban Forestry Symposium Surrey Sport and Leisure Complex For information contact Annika: aingram@ bclna.com
December 9 Landscape Commodity Christmas Party Grand Villa Casino, Burnaby www.bclna.com
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Retail Reminders
Environmental checklist to serve retailers Garden retailers gained a valuable tool in their efforts to implement environmentally friendly policies and practices within their garden centres and nurseries. The Environmental Checklist for Garden Centres & Retail Nurseries has become available to all BCLNA and CNLA members as a result of funding from the Agriculture Environmental Partnership Initiative—Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Investment Agriculture Foundation, BCLNA’s Industry Development Council and the CNLA . Taking into consideration that green industry retailers are in the unique position of being able to develop, implement and promote environmental and other practices and to thereby influence the practices of the gardening public, the checklist and its accompanying workbook aim to: 1. Provide garden retailers across the country with suggestions about operating in an environmentally friendly way, and 2. Ensure customers are made aware of their green philosophy, thereby increasing traffic and profitability. All garden centre owners are encouraged to share the Environmental Checklist with their staff and look for ways to enhance their company’s sustainable practices over
the fall and winter’s slower periods. Watch for more information about the project coming soon, along with details of a Retail Commodity meeting. Any BCLNA member retailer can obtain a complete copy of the workbook and checklist free of charge, and should contact Krista Manton for an electronic copy: kmanton@bclna.com or call (604) 574-7772.
New edition for home and garden pest management The Ministry of Agriculture and Land’s expanded and updated edition of the Home and Garden Pest Management Guide for B.C. is now available. This publication emphasizes pest prevention and integrated pest management (IPM), describes practical easy to use pest management practices, includes information on over 400 common pests and diseases of fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants, and lawns, contains over 300 colour photographs of beneficial insects, plant pests and weeds, and includes sections on household pests, weeds, poisonous plants, birds, rodents, deer and other mammals. It also provides information on new invasive pests and weeds that
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may threaten agriculture, forestry and the environment. The book is designed to help homeowners accurately identify pests and prevent and manage pest problems using a combination of pest management practices, including cultural activities, biological controls, and pest control products registered by Health Canada for use in the home and garden. It also contains tips on composting, fertilizing, lawn care, pruning and safe use of pesticides. The Home and Garden Pest Management Guide is available from Crown Publications, Queen’s Printer for BC, and can be ordered online at www.crownpub.bc.ca at a cost of $32.95 plus taxes and shipping. Discounts are available for bulk purchases. For more information, visit www.al.gov.bc.ca/ cropprot/hg_guide.htm. • 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
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Green Scene
Stewardship Award revitalized BCLNA’s long-standing Environmen-
tal Stewardship Award was recently revamped to better recognize the good work of members in maintaining and improving the ecological consciousness of their businesses. Under the leadership of Paulus Vrijmoed (Linnaea Nurseries Ltd.) and Bruce Peel (Peel’s Nurseries Ltd.), the award’s sponsors and champions, the criteria have been simplified to encourage more members to apply. With additional assistance from Michelle Nakano of Kwantlen Polytechnic University, the application package now reflects a wider scope of areas in which an award-winning project might be found. Growers who have participated in the Environmental Farm Plan program are eligible to submit their specific projects for consideration, or highlight details of
BCLNA Annual General Meeting President’s Banquet & Award Ceremony November 12-13, 2009 Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver, BC For details: www.bclna.com
other water, waste, and biodiversity management policies or projects. Landscapers who have implemented PlantHealthBC accreditation and other best practices into their operations can also apply. Retailers who are using the newly launched Retail Environment Checklist & Workbook to lessen their shop footprints should also detail their progress and apply for recognition. Absolutely any member’s project that reflects a commitment to a cleaner environment will be considered. So many tools exist to assist companies in implementing environmentally sustainable practices that the awards committee has been left in a pondering why more members haven’t applied for the Environmental Stewardship Award. Says BCLNA Environment Chair, Jeff Hicks, “We really want to emphasize that no project is too small to be considered for this award. People are out there doing a ton of good work. Every little bit helps and BCLNA wants to recognize that.” It is hoped that this year’s award will generate similar participation as the BCLNA Landscape Awards of Excellence have enjoyed. To that end, three additional sponsors have come on board, in an effort to magnify the award’s importance; BCLNA thanks Pickett’s Nursery, Koppert Canada, and N.A.T.s Nursery for their support, and Linnaea and Peel’s for their continued endorsements. Check out this issue’s Extras for the application package, or look for it online at www.bclna.com and click on “Awards”. The award is open to BCLNA members only, and members may nominate themselves or others for the award. The deadline to enter is Friday, October 16. The winning entrant receives a $500 cash award and will be recognized at the annual BCLNA President’s Banquet and Award Ceremony on November 13.
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BCMAL Report
Research Snippets David Woodske, Industry Specialist BCMAL
Effects of Fall Fertilization on Freeze Resistance, Flowering, and Growth of ‘Hinodegiri’ Azalea (J. Environ.
Horticulture 26(3):135-138) – The study evaluated whether the timing and rate of fertigation influence growth and freeze resistance of an evergreen azalea, ‘Hinodegiri’. The plants were fertilized daily with a feed solution containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The plants were fertigated for 0 (control), 60, or 120 days beginning on August 1, at a moderate (75 mg/L N) or high (125 mg/L N) rate of fertigation. Extending fertigation beyond July 31 significantly increased spring growth, but there was no difference in growth between the 60- and 120-day treatments. Increasing the fertigation rate from 75 to 125 mg/L N significantly increased total plant dry weight. The 60- and 120-day treatments did not affect leaf freeze resistance, but the 120-day high rate of fertigation treatment did reduce stem freeze resistance (in November, December, and March) relative to the control. Fertigation at the high rate for 120 days also promoted earlier flower budbreak relative to the control. In conclusion, fertilizing beyond late September provides no growth benefit and, high fertility may lead to freeze damage to ‘Hinodegiri’ azaleas when grown in hardiness zone 7.
storage period. Substituting fall urea sprays with fertigation during forcing (140 mg/L N from NH4NO3) resulted in similar growth, flower production, and leaf area. Thus, fall urea sprays can increase flower number and size as effectively as N fertigation during forcing, while having the potential to decrease overall fertilizer inputs.
Rate of Nitrogen Fertigation During Vegetative Growth and Spray Applications of Urea in the Fall Alters Growth and Flowering of Florists’ Hydrangeas
(HortScience 43(2):472-477) – Plants were fertigated for 9 weeks beginning on July 25 with a solution containing 0, 70, 140, 210, or 280 mg/L N from NH4NO3. Increasing the rate of N fertigation significantly increased root, stem and leaf biomass of florists’ hydrangeas. However, two foliar applications of 3% urea in the fall had no influence on plant biomass. Increasing rate of N fertigation and fall urea sprays increased N concentration in stems and leaves, and the fall urea sprays increased total N content by 54%. Increasing rate of N fertigation and fall urea sprays resulted in increased plant biomass, height, and flower attributes during forcing following an 8-week cold
The Impact of Interior Plants in University Classrooms on Student Course Performance and on Student Perceptions of the Course and Instructor (HortScience 44(2):384-391)
– The study surveyed 385 students enrolled in sociology and psychology courses taught by 3 different professors. The treatment classroom included an assortment of tropical plants, whereas no plants were present in the control classroom. Course performance did not differ significantly between the treatment and control groups. However, students in classrooms with plants had more positive perceptions of the course and the instructor relative to classrooms with no plants. The authors concluded that the study “supports other research showing plants have value beyond aesthetics in interior environments, including promoting positive feelings in university students.”
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In Memoriam
Gordon Lothian 1980-2009
Healthy Garden Guide 2009 Now in print!
Order your FREE copies for distribution, and look for them at all public garden events! 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.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the tragic passing of Gord Lothian on the morning of Friday, July 31. He was just 29 years old when his life was tragically taken; a driver, asleep at the wheel after a 16-hour work shift, went through a stop sign and caused the terrible accident. Gord was a Brookswood-Langley boy. He trained as a journeyman commercial mechanic. Wanting to own his own business and do something different, he bought a franchise in Jim’s Mowing and found great satisfaction in being his own boss, mentoring and helping others on an individual basis. He loved the Jim’s company ethic, his work, and the variety of clients. The tragedy and his loss has profoundly affected the Jim’s Group organization, among them Dennis and Michele Reidy, who say that Gord was much respected and loved by his family and by themselves. His legacy, say the Reidys, is that he is a role model who forces us all to see again that life is fleeting, and who points out that we need to look forward versus backwards, “When we don’t, we miss a bunch. So hug your kids and loved ones think of him. He was everyone’s son.” Gord is survived by his parents Tom and Norinne Lothian, his sister Chrissy and her husband Brad Thygesen, many other family members, and the love of his life, Kristy McLean.