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 • O C TO B ER 2 0 0 9
Nursery skills certification piloted Prosperity Partners returns to BC Retail award program on horizon Landscape on international stage Urban foresters’ symposium announced
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Message from the President
Ethical practices, mentoring, key to long-term survival It appears that this part of the economic storm has been weathered without overwhelmingly disastrous results. For now.
In hard economic times, undercutting activities increase, and are all the more noticeable and despised as we work hard to keep our own companies prospering.
in this association and take advantage of business seminars and educational opportunities for themselves and their employees.
So, is there a solution to this persistent problem???
If such competitors are already members— adopt the same strategy. Help them.
But there is fallout.
Who said, “keep your friends close and your enemies closer?”
And if that doesn’t work, continue to hang in there. The companies that win contracts by low-balling eventually change their methods or collapse.
There seems to be a surge in the inevitable underbidding and other counterproductive business practices. It has been forever thus. Since we started in this business more than 30 years ago, such activity has been the bane of the industry’s existence. Hearing the same stories now, it reminded me that this will never go away. It is the way of free enterprise, which fortunately is alive and well.
I would encourage business owners who know their costs, educate themselves and their employees, adhere to the BCSLA/ BCLNA Landscape Standard, and give fair and honest estimates for the work required, to continue to do so. At the same time, mentor your competitors. Encourage those who don’t prescribe to the same ethics as you to become involved
Stick with your principles and know that the test of time is on your side.
Ruth Olde, President, B.C. Landscape & Nursery Association
HortWest october 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: Nursery employees draw on a variety of skills to perform their work. The new Nursery Skills Training Program is hoped to increase competency and safety in the workplace when operating equipment, or completing the many other functions required within a nursery. For more information, see page 10.
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BCLNA Board Highlights
September 14, 2009 Home & Garden Show
BCLNA’s involvement in the April 15-18,
2010 event will include the association’s formal endorsement; BCLNA will distribute tickets and promote the event in kind for advertising and booth space.
Interior Chapter
members will be participating in the BC Fire “ReLeaf” program to provide free trees to homeowners who lost trees on their property during this summer’s fires.
Grower
representatives held a conference call with ICBC with regard to having SAWP workers granted drivers’ licenses for the duration of their employment in Canada. A proposal has been submitted to government, and it is hoped that it will proceed
through the legislative process by next spring; there is no word yet on delays that may take place due to the Olympic period.
Landscape
The wages and charge-out rate survey has been distributed to all landscape commodity members. Watch for results coming soon. A listserve connecting landscapers, who are sourcing particular plants, to those growers who want to enhance their service to this commodity is being established. Growers interested in participating should contact Krista Manton to be added to the emailing list: kmanton@bclna.com.
Labour
The national negotiating committee for SAWP appears to have eliminated WALI from the committee because they had the impression that WALI folded, effectively dissolving BC’s seat at the national level. It is integral that BC be represented at the national level; our province requires a different contract than the others due to differences in our labour relations legislation. There will be an update before the next board meeting.
Special events
BCLNA’s next golf tournament will be
held at Swan-E-Set Golf & Country Club in Pitt Meadows on June 22, 2010.
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BCLNA News Bulletins
CanWest tradeshow, program delights delegates This year’s CanWest Horticulture Show was another study in stunning merchandising and display, earning kudos from Steve Whysall of the Vancouver Sun, who wrote that it was “the best garden show in Vancouver”. Visitors to the show—attendee numbers were on par with last year’s event—spoke highly of exhibitors’ efforts, while exhibitors indicated that the number of qualified buyers was outstanding. Said Show Manager, Karen DeJong, “Given a slower economy and conflicting events, we did see a slight drop in booth sales. However, we were pleased to hear from the show’s service providers that CanWest is doing remarkably well compared to many other trade and public shows, which are facing 30-50% decreases in size. This is thanks to CanWest and BCLNA having such a strong network of supporters, who find the show to be an important and integral part of their marketing. We are extremely grateful to all our exhibitors for their continued participation, and we are also so thrilled
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1. Garden Grove Nursery’s display took the prize for “Best Nursery Exhibit” at this year’s show, for their rich backdrop and gold-silver-bronze planting scheme. 2. In keeping with the Olympic spirit, Specimen Trees Wholesale Nursery Ltd. built a show booth inspired by Greek history. Their efforts netted the “Best Exhibit in Show” award. 3. Northern Innovators received the “Best Large Exhibit” award this year for their booth that included bistro tables and unique cedar display structures. 3
to see the landscape component of the show beginning to build.” BCLNA extends special thanks to all who helped to make the show a success. Much appreciation goes to Rob Welsh and Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s student team who made move-in a breeze. Thank you to all our sponsors and tour hosts for their generosity. Thanks also to the countless volunteers whose time is invaluable and
necessary to the production of CanWest. Mark your calendar to attend the next CanWest Hort Show on September 29 and 30, 2010, and begin planning your exhibit around next year’s theme, “Masterpieces”. To book your 2010 booth, contact Barb Nelson: bnelson@bclna.com or call (604) 574-7772; to provide feedback on CanWest, contact Karen DeJong at kdejong@bclna.com.
Far West experience a positive one Paul Buikema, Progress Landscaping After responding to BCLNA’s broadcasted email request, I had the privilege of spending the better part of five days in beautiful downtown Portland, Oregon to represent the BCLNA at the Far West Show. I landed in PDX in the mid-afternoon and headed to the Portland Convention Centre to set up the booth materials that Mainland Floral had delivered earlier in the day. Plants borrowed from N.A.T.S. Nursery for the booth were on hand (thank you N.A.T.S.!), and set-up was straightforward with a booth plan from the staff in hand, along with their collection of popup banners and promotional gear.
By Thursday at noon, the show was on and well attended. Neil Bylenga of Ground Effects Nursery came by to volunteer for a few hours, which was welcome. Friday and Saturday saw modest attendance; nonetheless assistance in the booth provided by Conway Lum of Gardenworkstm and Miles Hunter of David Hunter Garden Centers ensured that BCLNA and its members were well promoted.
A handful of business people inquired about Canadian distributors for their innovative products, and interest in sourcing Canadian nursery products was positive. Questions fielded about shipping red tape and managing the crossing of the border in light of P. ramorum practices were addressed, and we were pleased to say that these are just two aspects of Canada-U.S. trade the BCLNA has helped to make smooth and effective.
Many BuyersGuides were handed out to interested parties, and CanWest’s pamphlets and show guides were dispersed.
Thanks to the BCLNA for the opportunity to attend to the Far West Show and for their help in promoting the association
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and its members. Thanks also to all the volunteers who worked to showcase the entire local industry to our American peers.
Prosperity Partners return to BC BCLNA is pleased to bring back the
Prosperity Partners workshop. This exciting workshop will open the gateway for improving your work-life balance, financial prosperity and career development. You will identify potential gaps within your company in the areas of finance, leadership, customer loyalty, sales management, and operations. Members who took part one last March came away with a renewed sense of purpose and drive for their businesses. Said Bill Hardy, “This was an excellent investment in terms of time and money, and is a crucial workshop for all business people. I won’t miss the second session on November 26, and I’d encourage anyone who missed the spring session to do both.”
You can catch up by attending part one of the workshop on November 25. All Prosperity Partner attendees can then move on to part two on November 26, where participants will develop an action plan and working templates specific to their companies. Location is to be announced; for details, contact Krista Manton at BCLNA: kmanton@bclna.com or (604) 574-7772.
Environmental horticulture may refresh industry image Discussions surrounding our industry’s image and its use of the term “ornamental
horticulture” arose at the CNLA summer meetings. At question was whether our own vocabulary works to trivialize the importance of horticulture when so presented to governments, affiliated organizations, and the public. Board members proposed a shift in semantics, and recommended the adoption of the term “environmental horticulture,” across the country. Doing so, it was argued, would better emphasize the industry’s role in greening our communities, and lessen the conception that welllandscaped residences, neighbourhoods, and rural areas are of superfluous— ornamental—value, particularly during a lagging economy.
Levelton appointed treasurer of IAF Peter Levelton of East Richmond Nurseries Inc., has been appointed as Treasurer of the BC Investment Agriculture Foundation (BCIAF). Peter served as BCLNA President in 2005 and 2006, and recently served as Secretary of the BCIAF. Well-spoken and articulate, Peter continues to be an outstanding representative for our industry wherever he goes. Congratulations, Peter!
Labour and training renewed priorities Ann Marie Walsh, Industry Skills Training Coordinator Horticultural training is important; making it a career is just as significant. BCLNA recognizes the importance and value of high standards and providing training through educational seminars, skills clinics and presentations at trade shows for many years. In addition, BCLNA has and continues to conduct training and testing for the national
Landscape and Retail Certification program developed in conjunction with the Canadian Nursery and Landscape Association and American counterparts. BCLNA is responsible for the administration, promotion and advancement of the environmental horticulture industry including garden retailers, landscapers and nursery growers in BC. Our board recently reinforced this fact, identifying the structural shortage of skilled and low-skilled labour, as well as a variety of training and retraining activities urgently required by the retail, nursery and landscape trades in British Columbia, as a priority issue to be addressed on behalf of its members and industry at large.
Fortunately, the association has been successful in securing funds through the Ministry of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development to create, develop and implement an Industry Skills Training Program. The intent of the project is to provide entry level workers with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to be permanently employed in the landscape industry in British Columbia and support Small Business by ensuring entry level labour workers have the skills required for the job. This is a great initiative: BCLNA will deliver relevant training, which is industry driven and industry focused and this training will have a positive impact in increasing the skills of this trade in British Columbia. The training will incorporate horticultural standards and practices, and—best of all—is offered free of charge. Participants will get theoretical and practical training. It doesn’t get any better than that; except of course that the training will be conveniently offered in three regions throughout B.C.: Vancouver Island, Lower Mainland and Interior. For more information about Industry Skills Training offered by BCLNA please contact me at awalsh@bclna.com or call 604-574-7772.
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Retail Reminders
Landscape Clippings
Tree Canada and retailers launch fire Urban foresters “ReLeaf” to convene Urban and rural forests are receiving reforestation assistance through the B.C. Fire ReLeaf program; the launch was marked by a ceremonial tree planting in West Kelowna last month. A program of Tree Canada, B.C. Fire ReLeaf will help replace urban and rural forests throughout the province that were destroyed during the wildfires over the summer. Communities such as West Kelowna, Lillooet, Sorrento, Clinton and Kamloops were among many locations hit hard by the fires, which have destroyed a total area of 210,612 hectares so far this year. Almost 3,000 fires have been discovered by the BC Forest Service in the province since April 2009. Tree Canada will be distributing $85 coupons to 100 B.C. homeowners who lost trees to the fires so they can purchase new ones for their properties. Retailers are encouraged to accept the coupons and submit them to Tree Canada in support of the program, and landscapers working in areas damaged by fire should mention the savings to their clients. Municipalities
may apply for funds to help replant their parks and forests. The program is being endorsed additionally by Kelowna’s TREE Brewery, which is providing a donation to Tree Canada for every bottle of its new “Black Tree” beer, increasing the number of trees that the organization can install. This the second time that Tree Canada has had to lend a hand in rebuilding this province’s forests due to fires; the B.C. Fire ReLeaf program was first launched in 2003 when wildfires destroyed many trees and forests that year, while Lower Mainlanders took advantage of the B.C. Coast ReLeaf fund following the devastating storms of 2006. For more on this program and other “ReLeaf” initiatives, visit www.treecanada.ca or call 1 (877) 666-1444.
Awards hoped to spin off inspection program Throughout the summer, Garden Centres Canada (CNLA’s retail working group) coordinated a pilot inspection program, through which 18 retailers across Canada were assessed according to a set of standards by Eve Tigwell, an experienced UK garden centre consultant.
to reward the retailers with the highest results, GCC is proposing that a national garden centre award be established; if approved, the award will debut at CNLA’s National Awards of Landscape Excellence taking place in Ottawa in February 2010.
The feedback from the participating garden centres was outstanding, and it is the hope of GCC that the program will launch in 2010 as a regular resource for retailers.
Future plans may include the introduction of a second award for the most improved garden centre, or one that allows provincial associations to ladder their respective programs (if applicable) into a national system similar to the National Awards of Landscape Excellence.
In an effort to recognize those garden centres that participated in the pilot, and
BCLNA , with the invaluable support of its Urban Forest Council, has planned a Fall Urban Forestry Symposium to take place on Friday, November 27 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Held at the Surrey Sport and Leisure Complex (16555 Fraser Highway in Surrey), the program promises to be extremely informative and will feature sessions on tree bylaws, tree risk management, and contracting out.
A key portion of the program, presented by Rod Stott, Environmental Planner for the District of Maple Ridge and Yolanda Leung, Landscape Design Coordinator for the Township of Langley, will be dedicated to the topic of carbon sequestration. Stott and Leung will highlight their municipalities’ experiences with the EcoNeutral program of Ecosystem Restoration Associates (ERA), a group that plants tree seedlings for carbon credits. Last spring’s event sold out quickly and had a lengthy waiting list, so member arborists are encouraged to sign up early to ensure they can participate. Members pay just $100 for the full day session; the nonmember rate is $125. For program details, please contact Annika Ingram at email aingram@bclna.com or call (604) 574-7772.
Summer meetings coincide with Skills Canada The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association meetings were held this summer in conjunction with the World Skills Competition in Calgary, Alberta. The massive event was reported to rival that city’s hosting of the Olympics, and more than 70,000 people visited the “landscape gardening” competition over two days.
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ERNI
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Send us your wish list or job and we will send you a quote – phone, fax or email
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1: Celebrity tradesman Mike Holmes greeted landscape gardening volunteers and Nigel Bowles, Executive Director of Landscape Alberta Nursery Trades Association (LANTA). 2 & 3: Canada’s crew competed with 14 international teams to install the prescribed landscape. Germany took the gold. 4: Kids visiting the World Skills competition tried their hand at “planting” at a “Plant by Number” activity station.
..Look for our
BIG RED BARN! 4
The National Skills organization is bringing forward a vote to add “landscape gardening” as an official competition at all provincial events for high school students. Presently, only two provinces feature a high school competition although most run college level contests; winners at the college level can move on to national,
We offer full plant service
then World Skills competitions. Landscape Canada extends special thanks to Valleybrook Gardens Ltd. for supplying plant material for the “Try-A-Skill: Plant by Number” activity which received rave reviews and headline news through the Calgary Herald.
EAST RICHMOND NURSERIES INC. 18431 Westminster Hwy., Richmond, B.C. V6V 1B1 Ph. 604 278-0976 Fax 604 244-2924 e-mail sales@erniplants.com
Growing families
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Industry Bits
Waterscene Pesticide now returns to Watoto OMRI organic Steve and Linda Kovacs of Waterscene are returning this month to the village of Gulu, Uganda as part of the H20 4 ALL initiative, which provides clean drinking water to orphans of the civil war. The team—which last year included 34 friends and industry colleagues—will build a sustainable solar-powered rainwater collection and filtration system at the Watoto Child Soldier Rehabilitation Village. Donations are welcome, and all gifts of $20 or more will receive a tax receipt. To make a donation to H 20 4 ALL, contact Waterscene at (604) 952-7663, or toll-free to (888) 596-7663. Alternately, call Nancy Sybel at South Delta Baptist Church at (604) 943-8244.
Engage Agro announces that Opal Insecticidal Soap, from OMEX Agriculture Inc., is now OMRI Certified and can be used in organic vegetable and fruit production. Opal is made from the potassium salts of fatty acids and is registered to control a number of insects including aphids, whiteflies, and spider-mites. Opal is registered for additional use in greenhouse ornamental, outdoor ornamental, and tree fruit production. For further information about Opal, please contact you local agricultural chemical retailer or call Engage Agro at 1 (866) 613-3336 Ext. 235. Product labels and technical bulletins can be downloaded at www. engageagro.com.
Sumas Gro–Media Ltd.
The Next Generation in Soil Mixing
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
Tim and Tracy Loewen (Pine Meadows Tree Farms Ltd.) along with their two-year old son Barak, announced the birth of their second child, son Justus Loewen. Baby Olivia Azara Butterfield, 8 lb 14 oz, was born to proud parents Reuben and Heidi Butterfield (Landeca) on August 20. Jason and Kelli Levelton (East Richmond Nurseries Inc.) welcomed Jake Thomas Levelton to the family on August 26. Jake arrived one month early and weighed in at 5 lbs. 9 oz. Lu DiMeglio and wife Tania announced the birth of 7 lb 3 oz daughter Katia Rose on August 26. Katia’s two brothers Mattias, five, and Josiah, two-and-a-half, were very happy to welcome their new baby sister to the family. Stephan (Landscape Solutions, Island Chapter Chair) and Sandra Cranz (Blooming Balconies) welcomed a 9 lb 6 oz baby boy to their family on September 4. Baby Munro Andrew and mother are doing well.
• 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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Horticulture is my industry! Liz Spring, HortEducationBC Last month, HortEducationBC took a look at a landscape company that has shown a commitment to continued education by enrolling an employee into the Level 1 Landscape Horticulture apprenticeship program. This month we’re talking to Sarah Lewis who has completed her Trade Certificate of Qualification at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Sarah had been working with a garden centre for 11 years and set a goal to expand her knowledge in the landscape field, as well as make a change in her career path. After contacting HortEducationBC and considering her options, she was able to step into the third year of the Apprenticeship Program, and by enrolling in Levels 3 and
Harnois.indd 1
4 back-to-back, she was able to complete her certificate within the year. Of her experience with the apprenticeship program she exclaims, “Horticulture is my industry!” Sarah says she feels a greater sense of confidence to take on challenges that will expand her career, given what she’s gained through her training. This summer, Sarah had an opportunity to work with the District of Maple Ridge and really appreciates having gained the perspective of working in the public sector. “Ultimately, I really want to help homeowners to solve their landscape problems,”
Sarah enthusiastically states. Her desire to work with the public and teach sustainable horticulture practices is a major passion. A number of colleges and universities within the province are offering programs that will help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to pursue or enhance your career in horticulture. Go to www.horteducationbc.com for more information and explore the path of horticulture training.
9/29/09 11:07:29 AM
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Grower Updates
BCLNA’s quick action resolves border issues Washington-area growers found themselves in the alarming situation of having their border closed for exporting to British Columbia mid last month, due to a computer glitch introduced during a database update by USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Because state cooperators are required to follow written direction, quite a bottleneck had developed in getting plant
material into Canada, greatly impacting local growers and retailers who rely on open trade. BCLNA’s intervention, using its extensive
contacts with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) as well as USDAAPHIS, expedited the resolution to this problem. Sincere thanks for the assistance in handling this issue go to the growers
who called to provide details about the issue so it could dealt with effectively, including Michael Kato (Kato’s Nursery (2007) Ltd.), Danielle Young (Skagit Gardens in Mount Vernon, WA) and Andrew Flokstra (Inline Nurseries Inc.). Thanks also to Rob Ormrod, CFIA , for his actions at the regulatory level, and to our USDAAPHIS and WSDA counterparts who acted quickly when the problem was identified.
Nursery Skills Training program being piloted In 2004, nursery managers and owners voiced concerns that there was no consistent training available to teach those skills that nursery workers needed to perform the job correctly and safely. To address the concerns, BCLNA applied for and was granted a funding contribution from the Agricultural Labour Market & Skilled Development Initiative, a program administered by the BC Agriculture Council, with matching funds from the BCLNA. Initially three stakeholder groups participated in this project: floriculture, greenhouse vegetable and the ornamental nursery industry. All three sectors were surveyed for the usefulness of this type of project for their members and only nursery growers decided to proceed. The ‘Occupational Standards for Nursery Workers’ was first updated, and based on nursery growers’ input, 10 areas were identified as being important practical skills for nursery production: 1. Disease and Pest Identification and Control 2. Plant Identification 3. Plant Propagation 4. Grading & Shipping 5. Field Harvesting Techniques 6. Soils, Fertility & Cultural Management 7. Equipment Operation & Maintenance 8. Irrigation Equipment Repair & Maintenance
Field harvesting and equipment operation, along with propagation, are three key skills addressed in the Nursery Skills Training program.
9. Certification Programs and the System Approach 10. Supervisory Skills Horticulture educators wrote resource (textbook) modules, tailgate training kits, and detailed practical exams (which echo the extremely successful Landscape Certification / CHT program) for the skill set defined above, using guidelines established by nursery growers; growers then reviewed the completed modules to ensure they applied to the industry. In early November, the tailgate training session and the practical tests for the
program will be piloted at a local nursery, with the hope that the program will be picked up country-wide as part of the established Certification program, giving all growers a way to access training and testing of staff on skills essential to their jobs, enhance productivity, retain employees, and create criteria that can help to define commensurate pay for team members. For more information on the pilot program, contact Hedy Dyck; for details on having your staff take part in the training and test day, contact Krista Manton: (604) 574-7772.
BCLNA Office: 604-574-7772; 800-421-7963
events
Industry
Healthy Garden Guide 2009 Now in print!
Order your FREE copies for distribution, and look for them at all public garden events!
and programs
Ideal appreciation gifts for:
October 16-17 Certification Exams Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Langley www.bclna.com 17-18 UBC Botanical Garden’s Annual Apple Festival 6804 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org
Iotron Technologies
Landscape clients • Garden centre loyalty club members • Trade show and show garden visitors • Donation seekers • and social • School garden clubs • and more! 2/17/05 Garden 7:57 AM Page clubs 1 Available in small lots or by the case. Contact Ina Chang for yours: (604) 574-7772 or ichang@bclna.com.
19-21 Garden & Floral Expo Toronto Congress Centre www.gardenexpo.ca 26 BCLNA Retail Commodity Meeting JRT Nursery, 2396-272nd Street Aldergrove www.bclna.com 26 BCLNA Landscape Commodity Meeting JRT Nursery, 2396-272nd Street Aldergrove 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 25-26 Prosperity Partners Workshops (Parts 1 & 2) 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 2 Grower Commodity Christmas Meeting Bradner Community Hall, 5303 Bradner Road Abbotsford www.bclna.com 9 Landscape Commodity Christmas Meeting Grand Villa Casino, Burnaby www.bclna.com 24 BCLNA office closes for holidays
January 2010 4 BCLNA office reopens for the new year 12-14 Landscape Ontario Congress Toronto Congress Center www.locongress.com 31-Feb 3 ANLA Management Clinic Louisville, Kentucky www.managementclinic.org
Sanitize with certainty Sanitization can be very costly if not done effectively. • Iotron takes sanitization to a new level, offering Nursery Growers unparalleled results. • Iotron utilizes irradiation technology to eliminate Pathogens, fungi and molds on pots, trays, and styroblocks. • Iotron's sanitization method fully penetrates materials like an X-ray, effectively sterilizing the material.
Field trials have proven that the sanitization level of pots prior to planting can affect plant yields.
Money does grow on trees! Be confident that your pots, trays or styroblocks are the cleanest they can be from the start. A disease free environment creates disease free plants.
Benefits • Re-use old pots, trays & styroblock • Increase plant yields • Reduce maintenance on plants • Environmentally friendly process • No more need for harsh chemicals, steam or hot water
If your sanitization method leaves you uncertain, then it's definitely time to make a change. For For more more information information please please contact contact Iotron Iotron Technologies Technologies Corp. Corp. 1425 1425 Kebet Kebet Way, Way, Port Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, BC BC V3C V3C 6L3 6L3 Ph. Ph. (604)945-8838 (604)945-8838 Fax. Fax. (604)945-8827 (604)945-8827 Website Website www.Iotron.com www.Iotron.com Email: Email: rkhansen@Iotron.com rkhansen@Iotron.com
Linnaea Nursery
2/6/07
4:19 PM
the
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For Sale Landscaping Company in Ucluelet BC. Turnkey operation comes with experienced staff. Lots of potential work. Equipment includes all machinery required to install large landscapes, rock walls, material deliveries. Builder of new sections of the prestigious Wild Pacific Trail. Comes with .5 acre commercially zoned property, with small house and 1000 square foot greenhouse that is set up for a garden/ landscape supply store, currently authorized sea soil dealer, with premium bark mulch sales. Excellent frontage on a busy street. Lawn maintenance contracts in place. Lots of potential in this award 2:52:00 PM winning community plan. Ucluelet is referred to as the next Whistler. Great fishing and surfing. Price $475,000. Selling due to health concern. Serious Inquiries only please. Excellent opportunity for the right person or couple. Call 250 726 5153.
USE THIS ONE!!!!!!!! 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
BCLNA Fundraising Auction February 9, 2010 Yo ho landlubbers! We're looking for a bounty for the annual fundraising auction. Plan your donation to benefit BCLNA ScholAARRR-Ships. Theme: Pirates of the Caribbean.
Set sail with Cap’n Barb: (604) 574-7772.
Advertise in Marketplace by calling Barb Nelson at BCLNA (604) 574-7772
Help Wanted Our company is looking for someone who is educated or is interested in an education in horticulture. We need a landscaper who has a few years experience and is capable of doing a variety of different jobs. Our company mainly does landscape installations and does not cut grass. This person has to have their own car and be willing to travel throughout Vancouver and into the Lower Mainland. If you are interested in this full-time position, please e-mail russlyons@hotmail.com. Please attach resume and contact information. Landscape Equipment Safety Training 100% Online. Proven. www.LandscapeSafety.com
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BCMAL Report
Research Snippets David Woodske, Industry Specialist BCMAL Effect of Indoor Exposure on the Cold Hardiness and Physiology of Containerized Christmas Trees (HortTechnology 19(1):72-77) – The study investigated the effect of indoor storage on the hardiness of potted Christmas trees and on tree survival when planted outdoors in Michigan. Hand-dug black hills spruce, balsam fir, and Douglasfir trees were potted and placed in a heated and lighted room for 0, 10 or 20 days. Indoor exposure decreased cold hardiness for all species. The 20-day indoor treatment decreased bud cold hardiness 10oC, 9oC, and 5.5oC, respectively, for black hills spruce, balsam fir, and Douglas-fir. Trees were moved on January 14th and 24th from the heated room to an unheated barn for cold storage. The trees were transplanted on March 30th and survival was measured on July 11th. Trees held indoors for 0 days had 100% survival, whereas those held for 10 or 20 days had 100% mortality. This was unexpected because the minimum temperatures experienced in cold storage were well above the lethal temperatures measured in the bud cold hardiness tests. Low temperature damage of roots during cold storage may have been the cause of tree mortality. Performance of Mycorrhizal Products Marketed for Woody Landscape Plants (J. Environ. Horticulture 27(1):41-50) – The study evaluated root colonization of commercial mycorrhizal products and
their effect on plant growth and soil fertility. The products were purchased anonymously through mail-order channels. The inoculants had little effect on root mycorrhizal colonization. Colonization did not exceed 5.5% when applied at the recommended rate (experiments 1, 2 and 3) or 9.4% when applied at higher rates. However, root colonization averaged 38% for corn and 61.7% for sorghum when a lab-cultured, non-commercial inoculant was used. Despite poor root colonization by the commercial inoculants, the majority of granular products significantly increased shoot dry weight. In contrast, shoot dry weight was not increased with the labcultured inoculant, even though it resulted in high levels of root colonization. When the commercial inoculants were tested at different application rates (1x, 5x, 10x, 20x and 40x the manufacturers’ recommended rate) shoot dry weight increased with product application rate. In addition, soil levels of phosphorus, nitrate, potassium, calcium and magnesium were significantly greater for the seven granular inoculants (when applied at or above the 10x rate) than the control. These findings suggest that the observed growth enhancement was due to non-mycorrhizal components of the inoculants. The authors concluded that for inoculants “to receive broad acceptance as landscape soil amendments, manufacturers must demonstrate that their products can promote mycorrhizal colonization under the conditions of their intended distribution and use.”
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Green Scene
Improved landscapes raise value of homes Excerpted from an article by Andrea Stigarll and Emmett Elam, Journal of Environmental Horticulture, March 2009
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BCLNA Annual General Meeting President’s Banquet & Award Ceremony November 12-13, 2009 Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver, BC
For details:
www.bclna.com
Homeowners are often aware of the monetary value associated with specific features of their homes. Previous studies indicate that costs of kitchen and bath remodels are often easily recouped when a home is sold. Landscaping of the adjacent grounds can also add value to a home. Landscape services can create a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment surrounding the home, and the benefits of a landscape environment are enjoyed by a homeowner on a daily basis. Improved landscaping is capitalized into the price a buyer is willing to pay for a home. Because market pricing of single-family homes does not provide for specific valuation of landscape characteristics, information about the value of landscaping services is limited. A better understanding of the expected economic value of landscap10/27/08 10:39:14 ing is vital toAMhomeowners as they make informed decisions regarding landscape improvements. Professionals in the landscape and nursery industries can increase sales of landscape services and materials if the value of landscape improvements is quantified. Many studies have analyzed how specific housing characteristics—categorized in relation to structural, location, or neighborhood attributes—influence property value of single-family homes. Structural attributes such as additional bedrooms and bathrooms increase house value, while the age of the house has a negative impact on price. Presence of a central air conditioning unit increases price by varied amounts, depending on the geographic region and local climate. Features such as fireplaces, basements, and garage space have a positive effect on sale price. Location characteristics such as distance to a central business district and a ‘good view’ usually add a premium to
the selling price. Neighborhood attributes including crime level, noise, and local traffic contribute to property values, while the quality of public education has a large positive price impact. Individual home buyers and sellers likely recognize the positive value of landscaping services on property value. A Gallup survey found that 9 out of 10 households recognized the value of a well-maintained lawn and landscape and observed the enriching and relaxing qualities landscaping provides the neighborhood. Further, the survey found that 35 percent of the respondents felt a property has increased real estate value due to landscaping but were unsure of the extent of the increase. Research indicates that characteristics of the landscape surrounding a home affect property value. General tree cover adds 2–9% to the value of existing homes and 7% for new construction on tree-covered lots. A single tree can add as much as 2% to the property value. Landscape attributes such as hedges or walls, dense vegetation, and landscaped curbs, each add 2–4% to the property value, and homes with landscapes containing more trees than nearby properties are valued at up to 7% higher. Components of landscape design such as plant type, plant size, and design sophistication affect property value. The perceived value of a home may increase by 5–11% with landscape that is sophisticated in design, incorporating large plant size, evergreen and deciduous plants, annual color plants, and colored hardscapes. Further results from this study show that improvement in landscaping from average to excellent quality increases house sale price by 10.8%, with approximately 30% of the increase in sale value due to added tree cover. When a house is viewed as an investment, the results in this study show that each $1.00 invested in upgrading
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an average landscape to excellent quality returns $1.35 in added property value. It is important to note that, in addition to added value, an improved landscape provides a relaxing and enriching quality for the homeowner and the neighborhood. Moreover, tree cover is important to the homeowner because trees provide shade in summer and shelter in winter, possibly reducing heating and cooling costs. This research may prove beneficial for the nursery and landscape industries as they market their goods and services to homeowners. To obtain a copy of the original study as published in the Journal of Environmental Horticulture, contact Renata Triveri: rtriveri@telus.net or call (604) 574-7772.
New
BCLNA Members Final Approval
The BCLNA welcomes the following new members as of September 14: Eco-Soil Recycling Corp., Jim Parkes & Tom McConkey, Langley, Associate Kamo Gardening Studio, Hironori Kamoshita & Mayumi Onda, Surrey, Active Landscaper Alex Patterson, Burnaby, Student
Tentative Approval The following companies will become BCLNA members at the next board meeting unless a member provides a valid reason for not accepting the application: Amcore Enterprises Inc., Jeffrey Pan, Surrey, Associate Gerri’s Garden Design & Consulting, Geraldine Giffen, Maple Ridge, Active Landscaper (Interim) Integrated Office Systems, Jeff Hardy & George Ramsay, Langley, Associate Pacific National Exhibition, Colin Priddle, Vancouver, Individual White Knight Landscapers, Keith Hewitt, Kelowna, Active Landscaper
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