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MANAGING EDITOR Renata Triveri ADVERTISING Cheryl Lee Tel: (604) 574-7772 ext 110 Fax: (604) 574-7773 Iotron Technologies
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HortWest is the newsletter of the BC Landscape & Nursery Association. For further information, contact us at: Suite 102, 5783-176A Street Surrey, BC, Canada V3S 6S6 Tel: (604) 574-7772 Fax: (604) 574-7773
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HortWest is owned by the BC 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 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.
Sanitize with certainty Sanitization can be very costly if not done effectively.
BCLNA DIRECTORY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Lesley Tannen ext 106
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CANWEST / MARKETING MANAGER Karen De Jong ext 112
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SALES MANAGER Cheryl Lee ext 110
Money does grow on trees!
EXHIBITOR RELATIONS / SPECIAL EVENTS Barb Nelson ext 115 GROWER ISSUES Hedy Dyck ext 105 CLEAN PLANTS Trina Tang ext 102 LANDSCAPE RETAIL ISSUES Krista Manton ext 104 HORT BASICS TRAINING Ann Marie Walsh ext 108 HORT BASICS ASSISTANT Joy DeMelo ext 101 PROJECTS ASSISTANT Terri MacDonald ext 100 FINANCE MANAGER Marvyn Brown ext 107 ACCOUNTING / ADMIN Heidi Henderson ext 109
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.
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If your sanitization method leaves you uncertain, then it's definitely time to make a change. 'PS NPSF JOGPSNBUJPO QMFBTF DPOUBDU 'PS NPSF JOGPSNBUJPO QMFBTF DPOUBDU Iotron Iotron Technologies Technologies Corp Corp ,FCFU 8BZ 1PSU $PRVJUMBN #$ 7 $ - ,FCFU 8BZ 1PSU $PRVJUMBN #$ 7 $ - 1I 'BY 1I 'BY 8FCTJUF www.Iotron.com 8FCTJUF www.Iotron.com &NBJM SLIBOTFO!*PUSPO DPN &NBJM SLIBOTFO!*PUSPO DPN HortWest June 2010
On the cover: Have you planned your BC Landscape Awards of Excellence entry yet? Contact Barb Nelson for your entry package: bnelson@bclna.com. Quality photography gets the most coverage! Sign up for the landscape photography session at CanWest. See page 5 for details. Photo: Pacifica Landscape Works, BC Landscape Award of Excellence 2009.
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Message from the President
Hearty welcome and sincere thanks A hearty welcome to our new executive director, Lesley Tannen. We are happy and more than ready to have a new director at the helm, and Lesley’s education and work background are an excellent fit for our industry. There is much to be done, and Lesley seems more than eager and willing to accept the challenge. The BCLNA has many programs and is ambitious in its scope of activities. It
needs an executive director to guide those activities and keep the association progressive and proactive. But in the absence of one, the day-to-day operations were handled in an exemplary fashion. Staff members pulled together, and kept things on track. Along with the excitement and anticipation, as we turn this new corner, we owe huge accolades to the staff for their genuine commitment to the association. Others stepped up too and deserve sincere thanks. The executive committee worked very diligently to put in many extra hours, and the hiring committee gave generously of their time and talents. Renata Triveri put aside her own business activities at Greenbridge Horticultural Advantage to devote the time necessary to fulfill the
role of interim managing director and —in her usual efficient manor—worked wonders. Thanks to you all. I encourage all members to make an effort to meet Lesley at your earliest opportunity. Having a sense of the heart and pulse of the association will help her be more successful. Her success is our success. Now—over to you, Lesley, and let’s all get back to work!
Ruth Olde, President, B.C. Landscape & Nursery Association
Board Synopsis
May 17, 2010 President’s Report Ruth Olde welcomed Lesley Tannen to the BCLNA. Membership / Treasurer’s Report The directors agreed to new membership rates, adjusting BCLNA’s member rate-classes at the same time. Given that membership has not undergone a class-audit for more than six years, a cross-commodity committee of past presidents was charged with reviewing all members and their designated classes for re-allocation where deemed appropriate. Refer to page 7 for more information. Special Events Directors, staff, steering committee, and stakeholders will be participating in a briefing session for the industry’s new strategic plan; the session will cover strategic objectives to be executed by the BCLNA as
well as its affiliates and partners, and will lay the groundwork for board and staff functions for the coming three to five years. The annual BCLNA golf tournament will be held on June 22. Mark your calender: the Annual General Meeting will be held on November 4 and 5 at the Westin Bear Mountain Resort in Victoria. Environment In light of landscape and municipal partners’ under-subscription to PlantHealthBC, directors opted to not invest further in the program at this time. It is hoped that the program’s value will better recognized and utilized as the political and economic climate shifts and concerns surrounding
sustainability and the environment are renewed. Education BCLNA received a request for support of Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s proposed Bachelor of Horticulture Science Degree; the curriculum, being comprehensive, practical and addressing the issue of employment-readiness, was viewed favourably by directors. Island Chapter A meeting of Island members was held on June 1, with a second meeting in Nanaimo scheduled for June 29. The Urban Forestry Symposium, held in Victoria last month, was extremely well attended; 71 arborists convened to gather insights from Bartlett Tree Expert’s Dr. Tom Smiley, and Davey Tree Expert Co.’s Dr. Len Burkhart. Special thanks to the organizing committee for putting together an exceptional program. HortWest June 2010
- "7\Ê-i«ÊÓ ÎäÊUÊ/ ÕÀÃÊ"VÌÊ£Ê Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/canwestshow Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/canwesthortshow
Your CanWest Sneak Preview New atmosphere, new energy at CanWest The excitement is building for the CanWest Horticulture Show, which moves to Vancouver Convention Centre’s new west building to avoid renovation interruptions under “the sails”. With a new space to fill, the show’s planners have stepped up their game to offer an unprecedented four full-day clinics, one half-day clinic, 13 “short course” seminars, plus FREE training for qualifying entry-level staff through BCLNA’s Horticulture Basics® program. With a wealth of additional networking opportunities, a new after-party, and tours that take the show on the road, the horticulture professionals who sit on the show committee, have said that this is one trade event their colleagues cannot afford to miss. Karen De Jong, CanWest Show Manager, indicated that this year’s aim was to infuse more energy and activity into the show; “We really wanted to build on the excitement of the Olympics and take a celebratory approach to CanWest this year as an antidote to the caution and reserve that has pulled our industry through recent economic stress. We created the theme ‘Masterpieces’ to be mindful of the creativity and endurance of our exhibitors, who come together to create one of the most beautiful trade shows in Canada.” A container garden competition replaces the former People’s Choice floral design element to better inspire the show’s growing landscape maintenance and installation clientele, and an Iron Chef event will add spice. Opening day brings happy hour to the show floor; dinner at Vancouver’s liveliest pub, Steamworks, will follow. The show wraps up with tours of local innovators’ businesses. “It’s been a real challenge to select tour locations this year,” says Barb Nelson, Exhibitor Relations & Tour Coordinator. “Nursery and landscape professionals have honed their operations for efficiency and a top-notch product. It’s difficult to choose from so many excellent options.” One landscape tour will travel to Whistler, while a second will focus on Vancouver’s sustainable sites. A perennial favourite, this year’s Fraser Valley tour will include specialty nursery, greenhouse, and garden retail sites. For budding staff, a free industry sampler tour will be offered to qualifying participants; designed to intrigue new and under-trained hires so that they may consider horticulture as a viable career path, this tour is being hosted by the Horticulture Basics® program. “We’ve certainly been busy,” says De Jong, “but we can’t emphasize enough the work that our dedicated exhibitors and volunteers put in. And we always appreciate more of both.” To get involved in CanWest as a volunteer, contact Karen De Jong at (604) 574-7772 ext. 112 or kdejong@bclna.com. To secure one of the last available booths, get in touch with Cheryl Lee at (604) 574-7772 ext. 110 or clee@bclna.com. 4
HortWest June 2010
to nce a h C or La st ist er f ! g e R amp th C o o B
Booth camp helps exhibitors execute sales Barry Siskind International Training & Management Co. June 24 U $149 Exhibitor advantage: Make CanWest work for you! Due to popular demand, the CanWest Show is offering half and full-day booth camp sessions with trade show guru, Barry Siskind. The seminars are designed for exhibiting companies’ key decision makers and sales team to maximize their tradeshow results. The intensive program will walk participants through the process of examining their show objectives, designing winning booths, creating dynamic promotional plans, qualifying visitors, handling promo materials, and orchestrating solid follow-up strategies. Every sales person must attend this workshop before their next trade show! The deadline to register is June 18 for the June 24 seminar at Langley Events Centre; your $149 fee includes the full-day seminar plus lunch and refreshments. Contact Karen De Jong to attend: (604) 574-7772 ext. 112 or kdejong@bclna.com.
Famed Aussie expert comes to CanWest John Stanley, John Stanley Associates September 28 U Members: $300 Retail exclusive: A new marketing era…. Are you ready? CanWest has just secured one of the planet’s most sought-after garden centre consultants and conference speakers! Australian globe-trotter John Stanley introduces practical, proven ideas to get more consumers into your garden centres, increase the average sale per customer, and maximize your sales per square metre. A life-long retailer, John Stanley interprets broad international trends to help businesses adapt to changing situations. He has the uncanny ability to assimilate international political, economic and consumer lifestyle trends, and translate them into strategies relevant to local conditions and culture. This session is sure to sell out—so sign up quickly, and bring your entire team: this may be your only opportunity to see John Stanley in person!
ÊÊUÊ6> V ÕÛiÀÊ Ûi Ì Ê i ÌÀiÊ New Location: Under the Green Roof
Shutterbugs in the landscape Martin Mosko, Marpa Design Studio October 1 U Members: $250 Special interest: Amazing landscape photography! Calling all hort-industry professionals and enthusiasts: whether you use photography to create your portfolio, or enhance your website, adverts, or signage, this session is for you! Award-winning landscape architect and ordained Zen monk, Martin Mosko will take participants into the field to learn the basics of quality photography. This session will take your visual communications to a whole new level. It’s a must-attend session for any landscaper entering the BC Landscape Awards of Excellence. Bring your camera! Building a sales driven organization Kevin Kehoe, Kehoe & Co. September 28 U Members: $250 Landscape exclusive: How to sell contracting services successfully! Kevin Kehoe is back. If you missed him last time, don’t make the same mistake again. Here is a taste of Kevin’s insight and motivational style that had landscapers raving last year… Making a profit today relies on your ability to sell. In the old days, the key to profit was production management. This was okay because sales were easier to come by—you answered the phone and delivered a proposal—eventually. If we were honest, we would admit that we were not really great sales people; we were just great gatherers. In today’s world the customers make the rules and we must learn to become hunters to survive. Hunting requires specific skills and systems that many of us have yet to develop. Reviewing the key ones here will help the development process. First, price competitively. With lots of contractors chasing work, gross margins are predictably falling. Stop fixating on the gross profit margin percentage when bidding and instead focus on accumulating total gross profit dollars. The skill we need to develop is the ability to sell more, and use pricing to be more successful in closing. In a hunting environment, bringing home enough meat is more important than having it all be prime cut. Second, get more active. You must distinguish yourself from the crowd by getting to the customer first and getting back to them quickly. There is no way around this. You need to get more active. Someone in your business must sell full time. You need to relieve them of measuring, estimating and pricing duties so they can focus on lead generation and closing activities. Sales people glued to computers can reduce selling time by 40% to 60%. Considering a sales person may cost you $60,000 per year, 60% of their time is $36,000. You can hire data entry staff for less than that. When game is scarce you have to hunt longer and harder.
Third, set higher sales goals. The top salesmen in the industry sell a lot more than the average salesmen do. Yes, they have a competitive price and staff support as outlined above, but they do it because they are “expected to do it”. Most sales people simply achieve what is expected—if that. By setting higher goals for leads, bids and closes—and then tracking and measuring these weekly—a salesman can increase his performance significantly. As in most endeavors, most limitations are self-imposed. We must challenge salesmen to achieve more. Good hunters do not limit their take and hunt for subsistence only, they go for as much as they can kill and build surplus. Fourth, simplify your proposition. Sales people must be able to state in 50 words or less the answer to the question, “Why should I hire you? You are more expensive than the other guy.” Justifying any pricing premium requires a firm grasp of the customer’s deepest concerns, the benefits they seek, and your product / service features which deliver the goods. Below is an outline of this value proposition process using a residential design build sales prospect as the example. Remember this: customers want the best value. Hunt where this idea is appreciated and then leave the rest to the low price guys. Ý> « iÊ vÊ6> ÕiÊ*À « Ã Ì \ “It’s a common misperception that low price is best price. I can only tell you what our customers tell us. They hire us because… U With us there are no surprises in price, schedule or messy inconveniences on your property. . . (this addresses the clients deepest concerns) U We allow you to get the landscape you envisioned without the hassle and unplanned costs that all too often accompany an installation like this. . . (this addresses the key benefits) U And we can assure this because of our proprietary design and production program. . . (this addresses your product services). HortWest June 2010
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BCLNA News Bulletins
Membership renewal time
Retiring affiliates
It’s membership renewal time at BCLNA, and members will be receiving correspondence outlining their membership rates and benefits in the coming weeks.
Two respected industry affiliates announced their retirements late last month. Mary Margaret Gaye, Executive Director of the BC Greenhouse Growers’ Association, will leave her post on June 15. An integral part of the agricultural industry for many years, Mary Margaret also worked for the BC Ministry of Agriculture. She has played a pivotal role in dealing with challenges in the greenhouse vegetable sector, and her insight at the agricultural roundtable will be missed.
Many members will notice adjustments to their typical rate classes. In addition to changing the fee structure slightly, BCLNA’s directors note that: U In recognition of a difficult economic year, BCLNA’s 2009-2010 rates came into effect after that season’s invoicing was complete, providing a grace period for existing members; U For the 2010-2011 season, a cross-commodity committee of past presidents has audited members’ fee classifications to help staff to resolve inaccuracies in billing. Should your company be incorrectly classed according to the chart provided with your invoice, please advise Heidi Henderson at hhenderson@bclna.com or (604) 574-7772 ext. 109; Heidi will happily adjust your quote upon receipt of a statement signed by your accountant, certifying which category best fits your company.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Lands, Larry Pedersen, also announced he would be retiring in early summer. A lifetime resident of BC, Larry held various positions in the BC Forest Service (including Chief Forester) and in the private sector, before being appointed to the BCMAL. Says Hedy Dyck for the BCLNA, “Larry has been forthright and supportive, and has worked very cooperatively to address industry challenges and issues with our sector over the years. We wish him well in his retirement, and we look forward to carrying on our excellent relationship with BCMAL through his successor.”
Francisco Barrio Terrazas (centre), Mexico’s Ambassador to Canada, took some time to visit with seasonal agricultural workers at Van Belle Nursery last month. Also pictured are Angel Villalobos, Consul General (back row, far right), and Fernando Alvarez, Economic Affairs (back row, second from left).
Left to right: Bill Van Belle (Van Belle Nursery), Ambassador Terrazas, Hedy Dyck (BCLNA), and Jeff Hicks (Pickett’s Nursery) discussed the importance of the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program and the local horticulture industry’s value of their Mexican workers. HortWest June 2010
BCLNA OFFICE: 604-574-7772; 800-421-7963
events
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Industry
Last Chance to Register
and programs
This is your last chance to register for the 28th Perennial Plant Sympoisum, presented by the Perennial Plant Association, to be held in Portland, Oregon from July 18 to 24. The PPA Symposium includes eight specialty tours, a featured tour, two days of professional multitrack seminars, three workshops, a trade show, and numerous networking opportunities. This is the only professional education conference dedicated solely to growing, retailing, and designing with herbaceous perennials! To register, visit www.perennialplant.org.
June 17 BCLNA Strat Plan Info Session Langley Golf Club To register, contact Barb: bnelson@bclna.com 22 BCLNA Golf Tournament Swan E-Set Golf Course, Vancouver www.bclna.com
July 16-17 Certification Exams Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Langley www.bclna.com 18-24 Perennial Plant Symposium Portland, Oregon www.perennialplant.org
August Call us for all your native and ornamental plant needs
11 BCLNA Landscape Commodity Meeting FarmHouse Lifestyle, Pitt Meadows www.bclna.com 26-28 Farwest Show Oregon Convention Centre, Portland www.farwestshow.com
September Call for all wholesale ornamentals, native plants and ferns. B 900 Bowman Road, Abbotsford, BC V3G 1T1 P.O. Box 2157, Abbotsford, BC V2T 3X8 Phone: 604-854-6986 Fax: 604-854-6982 canamnurseries@canamnurseries.com
www.canamnurseries.com
29-30 CanWest Hort Show Vancouver Convention Centre Now under the Green Roof! www.canwesthortshow.com
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
Advertise in Marketplace by contacting Cheryl Lee at BCLNA 604-574-7772 or clee@bclna.com
1 CanWest Hort Tours Departing from Vancouver Convention Centre Now under the Green Roof! www.canwesthortshow.com 10-15 International Garden Centre Association Congress Tokyo / Kyoto, Japan www.igcacongress.com 13 BCLNA Landscape Commodity Meeting Inline Nurseries, Chilliwack www.bclna.com 19-20 Landscape Ontario’s Expo Toronto Congress Centre www.gardenexpo.ca 22-23 Certification Exams Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Langley www.bclna.com
November
4-5 BCLNA Annual General Meeting & Convention Westin Bear Mountain Resort, Victoria www.bclna.com 18-19 Green Industry Show & Conference Edmonton Expo Centre www.greenindustryshow.com 7ROO )UHH ‡ 7HO ‡ (PDLO LQIR#FURIWRQ FD ZZZ FURIWRQ FD RU ZZZ MYN QHW
HortWest June 2010
October
December 8 Landscape Christmas Party Location TBA
New
BCLNA Members Final Approval The BCLNA welcomes the following new members as of the May 17 board meeting: A Cultivated Garden
Laurel Polkosnik, Vancouver, Active Landscaper (Interim) Artistic Stoneworks
Ken Tucker, Vancouver, Active Landscaper Birch Grove Nursery
Tiffany Knight, Agassiz, Active Grower Paul Boers Ltd.
Peter Reus, Abbotsford, Associate (Out of Province) Tree Canada Foundation
Michael Rosen, Ottawa, Horticulturist Megan McDonald
North Vancouver, Student Graham Nicholas Vancouver, Student Tentative Approval The following companies will become
BCLNA members at the next board meet-
ing unless a member provides a valid reason for not accepting the application:
Algonquin Contracting Ltd.
Grant Hornfelt, Quesnel, Active Landscaper (Interim) BestCo Management
Marlene Best, Surrey, Associate (Interim) Catmandu Excavating & Bobcat
Cheryl Waliko & Evan Shindle, Burnaby, Active Landscaper, Hank’s Trucking & Bulldozing Ltd.
Hank Bilter, Pitt Meadows, Active Landscaper Mission Creek Landscaping Ltd.
Ashley Welder, Kelowna, Active Landscaper Transformations Landscapin
Jeffrey Babcock, Chilliwack, Active Landscaper Urban Forest Nursery Inc.
James Barborinas, MountVernon, WA, Out-of-Province Francie Palmer Vancouver, Student HortWest June 2010
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Training Pays
Limited time left to take free training Since its inception, the Horticulture Basics® program has been helping to enhance the skills, competence and confidence of small business staff with a series of educational sessions. A limited amount of time remains for the subsidized classes being offered to individuals who meet eligibility requirements. There is a wide variety of training topics offered for all levels of employee development, from foundational skills such as communication, customer service, conflict resolution & teamwork, to industry specific skills covering soils, plant I.D. equipment operation and maintenance. Training is also provided through ESL service providers for essential skills specific to this industry to improve literacy (communication, reading and writing), numeracy (basic math skills) and document use (standards, record keeping). This program is helping to meet the industry’s need for skilled entry level employees. Encouraging your staff to participate in Horticultural Basics® training, whether at CanWest or through sessions offered during the year, is an investment of time that benefits your business with safe, productive, quality workers. To find out more about the program’s purpose or view upcoming training sessions on the BCLNA Google Calendar, go to: www.bclna.com/horti culturebasics.htm. Working with BCLNA’s educational partners; a schedule of training and events contains a broad range of training sessions planned until the end of the year. The schedule details opportunities from Horticulture Basics®; Landscape Industry Certification; HortEducationBC as well as listing all CanWest clinics and seminars. HortWest June 2010
Contact the office to obtain a copy or see this issue’s Extras. If you are ready to move your team to the next level of performance, contact Ann Marie Walsh, Industry Skills Training Coordinator at (604) 574-7772 ext. 108 or awalsh@bclna.com to schedule your free training opportunity.
Funding provided through the Canada - British Columbia Labour Market Agreement.
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Skills Canada BC showcases up-and-comers Liz Spring, HortEducationBC
Maggie Angus & Elliot Loweis-Lifton, Camosun College. Cheyne Mackie & Cameron Best, Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
The landscape installation portion of the Skills Canada BC competition was again the envy of many other trades’ participants and all spectators at this exciting event, held on April 21. Watching horticulture students work their way through the process of completing an installation on a gruelling timeline, we witnessed a proud display of the up-and-coming talent this industry is privileged to have attracted. Kwantlen Polytechnic University and Camosun College were the two educational institutions that advanced teams of topnotch students to showcase the skills that can be acquired from their respective horticulture programs. At the end of the day, the Kwantlen team won the competition by a small margin, Camosun students showing equal determination in their performance. HortEducationBC and BCLNA congratulate Cheyne Mackie & Cameron Best of Kwantlen Polytechnic University, and Maggie Angus & Elliot Loweis-Lifton of Camosun College, for their outstanding efforts. Having seen the interest generated at last year’s event, HortEducationBC provided a separate opportunity for spectators from local high schools to get a taste of the
landscaping field with a Try-A-Trade experience. Students showed off their creativity by building miniature “landscapes” by following a pre-set landscape plan, or by designing their own concepts (what imaginations!). The HortEducationBC teams sends our gratitude to volunteers and supply sponsors, without whom this event would not have happened: 6OLUNTEERS Brian Huttema, Mijodelu Landscaping & Renovations; Jerry Ingram, RCB Garden Services; Matt Vandenberg, Vandenberg’s Landscape Design; Mike Vandergugten, Higher Ground Landscaping
3PONSORS Arts Nursery Ltd. Brandt Tractor Ltd., Burnco Rock Products, Golden Spruce Nurseries (2009) Inc., Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Northwest Landscape & Stone Supply Ltd., Valleybrook Gardens, West Creek Farms Ltd.
Visit HortEducationBC’s Facebook page and become a fan! For more information on this or other HortEducationBC events contact Anne Kadwell at (604) 575-3239 or email akadwell@horteducationbc.com HortWest June 2010
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BCMAL Report
Industry Bits
Research Snippets
PCN ceases print publication
Dave Woodske, Industry Specialist BCMAL Effect of Container Type on Root Form and Growth of Red Maple (J. Environmental Hort. 28(1):1-7) – The trial compared the growth of red maple liners in #3 smooth-sided black plastic pots (control) and in 7 commercial pots (Air-Pot™, Fanntum Pot, Florida Cool Ring™, Jackpot™, RootBuilder®, RootMaker®, and Smart Pot®) that are designed to introduce air into the substrate through the pot wall. Seven months after potting, there was no difference in tree height, trunk caliper, or in how well the substrate held together when the pot was removed between the control and the other pot types. However, the controls received poorer root ball quality ratings relative to the other pots, with the exception of the RootMaker® pot, due primarily to greater root circling. None of the pots reduced the occurrence of other root defects, such as descending, ascending, or kinked roots, relative to the smooth-sided pots. The authors concluded that “no one container type stood out as unique in reducing root defects” and that mechanical root pruning may be the only way to keep root defects to an acceptable level. Root Ball Shaving Improves Root Systems on Seven Tree Species in Containers (J. Environmental Hort. 28(1):13-18) – The study investigated the affect of root ball shaving on the growth of two temperate trees (‘Florida Flame’ red maples and Cathedral Oak® live oaks) and five tropical trees when shifted from #3 to #15 pots. Shaving entailed the removal of a 2.5-cm layer from the outer edge and bottom of the root ball with a sharp digging shovel. Even though the trees were irrigated three times per day post-transplanting, the new growth on the temperate species wilted for several days. Seven months after transplanting, trunk caliper and tree height did not differ between the shaved and non-shaved treatments for any of the 7 trees tested. Shaving did, however, significantly reduce the percentage of cull trees for 5 of the species tested. For instance, the shaved and non-shaved red maple trees had 40% and 100% culls, respectively. The root quality rating was also significantly better for the shaved relative to the non-shaved trees, with the exception of Cathedral Oak®. The data also showed that the roots of shaved trees grew in a more radial orientation from the trunk, which is important to reduce wind-throw. Although it could be anticipated that shaving the root ball would reduce the diameter of the primary roots, this was only recorded for red maples. The study demonstrated that shaving the periphery of the root ball at transplanting did reduce or eliminate root defects in container-grown trees, which should improve tree stability and lifespan when planted in the landscape.
Pacific Coast Nurseryman Magazine has ceased print publication. Owner Rita Kwasnick made the difficult decision to exit the magazine business due to financial problems posed by the economy and declining advertising revenues. She closed the PCN headquarters office in Glendora, California, effective April 30. J. Arthur Cox founded the magazine almost 70 years ago as a news organization for the California nursery industry. The magazine’s longtime editor/publisher, Harold Young, and his managing editor John Humes, were well known for their thorough news coverage and support of nursery and landscaping associations. Young died in late 2006. Humes retired in September, 2007. PCN’s current managing editor, Kathleen Pyle, and graphic designer and production specialist, Patricia Prescott Sueme, will pursue publishing a new version of the magazine, after a brief hiatus.
“We’re excited about creating a new PCN that’s younger, fresher, and more responsive to both subscribers and advertisers. In the meantime, we will continue to post news and articles regularly on our Facebook page and blog at pcnatthegreenshow.wordpress.com,” Ms. Pyle announced.
t Raw materials purchased in advance helps to ensure product consistency and availability.
Perfect Growing Media… Every Time Specializing in custom blended growing media for nurseries, greenhouses and rooftops ALL MIXES GO THROUGH A FINAL SCREENING PROCESS BEFORE DELIVERY. 42481 Industrial Way, Chilliwack, B.C. V2R 4H8 Ph 604-823-6688 Fax 604-823-7206 Email hjally@telus.net www.sumasgromedia.ca
t Multiple computers control the dosing equipment, increasing accuracy and speed. This makes it easier to offer competitively priced products. t Non-invasive mixing equipment protects the structure and consistency of the media.
HortWest June 2010 Sumas Gro-Media.indd 1
11/30/09 11:14:40 AM
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McConkey announces new senior buyer
BCLNA Landscape Awards of Excellence Highlight your talents and gain recognition for a job well done! BCLNA’s team of esteemed judges spot the very best in landscape design, installation, and maintenance. Enter your project today. Visit BCLNA. com or contact Barb Nelson: bnelson@bclna.com. Photo: Lyons Garden Centre & Landscaping Ltd., Kamloops; BCLNA Landscape Award of Excellence 2009
McConkey Co. announced the appointment of Wensheng (Vincent) Li as Senior Buyer for the company. Li, who is a Supply Chain professional with 10 years of experience in sourcing, inventory management and operations, will search the world for products to bring to its customers. Li will focus on improving McConkey’s service levels and product portfolio. For the past six years Li has been the manager of International Operations for All Natural Botanicals, a Florida-based corporation with manufacturing facilities in China. He has extensive experience with companies such as Michaels Arts and Crafts and other leading retailers. “McConkey and the grower supply industry are both new for me, which offers a very exciting opportunity to take my skills as a retail buyer to the wholesale side,” said Li. “I have only been on board a short time but already feel part of the big family here. Everyone has been so friendly and has made the transition easy. I’m looking forward to my first buying trip to begin to expand the product offering for the company through international markets.” McConkey Co. manufactures and distributes more than 10,000 products used by growers in the nursery and greenhouse industries. Based in Sumner, Washington, it provides full service throughout the 13 Western States and the provinces of Canada. HortWest June 2010
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Invasion Alien Species
On the lookout for Asian gypsy moth forestry, and urban landscapes; its establishment in BC could also result in economic loss due to trade disruptions.
Female (white) and male (brown) Asian gypsy moth; photo: USDA APHIS PPQ Archive, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org.
Horticulture industry professionals are being asked to keep a look-out for Asian gypsy moth, a regulated pest and major defoliator, which—unlike the European gypsy moth—can fly and therefore spread more rapidly through a region. The pest poses a serious threat to agriculture,
HortWest June 2010
While gypsy moth has been introduced into British Columbia many times over the last 22 years, eradication programs have prevented their becoming established. European gypsy moth has most commonly been introduced as dormant egg masses on outdoor household articles from eastern Canada and the United States. Asian gypsy moth has been intercepted on ships and containers from Asia at west coast seaports; specimens were found in Chemainus last month, prompting the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to set 4000 to 4500 traps near and in ports and anchorages along Vancouver Island and Vancouver’s mainland.
If you locate any incidence of Asian or European gypsy moth, please contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) at (250) 363-3618 (Vancouver Island) or (604) 666-2408 (Mainland/Interior) as soon as possible and an inspector will investigate.
Giant Hogweed: big, scary alien on the move
Juliane Leekie, Communications Coordinator, Invasive Plant Council of BC The National Invasive Species Working Group is aiming to increase the number of trained volunteer “invasive plant spotters” across Canada to help detect new
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invaders—the second biggest threat to biodiversity, worldwide. The initial focus for this nation-wide initiative is giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), a very aggressive invasive plant with concern to human health and safety.
coordinated by the IPCBC and supported by regional committees. Growing up to five metres in height, giant hogweed stem hairs and leaves contain a clear, toxic sap that can cause burns, blisters, and scarring of the skin.
Native to Europe and Asia, giant hogweed was introduced to North America as an ornamental plant in the early 1900s. It is now present in BC, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland, as well as a number of US States.
radiation, leading to skin blistering and severe burns. As a result, legal workplace regulations in BC and Ontario have unique implications for working in infested areas; there are numerous cases of people being hospitalized due to injuries caused by this ‘exotic’ looking plant.
Larger-than-life, a single giant hogweed plant can produce 100,000 winged seeds, crowding out native plants and dominating moist areas. A rare type of invasive plant that threatens human health, giant hogweed produces a toxic sap that causes sensitivity to UV
Borrowing a page from the Australian “Weed Spotters” Program, the National Invasive Species Working Group believes “the more eyes we’ve got, the more invasive species we can spot, and potentially stop!” BC has a growing Spotters Network,
Landscape professionals and garden centre customers can assist. For more information, refer to the IPCBC Targeted Invasive Plant Solutions (T.I.P.S.) on Giant Hogweed, available for download from: www.invasiveplantcouncilbc.ca. To view WorkSafe BC’s warning video, visit www.worksafebc.com and search for the topic. A useful resource is the Grow Me Instead booklet that identifies horticulture’s most unwanted invasive plants in BC while providing a variety of alternatives. To order Grow Me Instead, or to report an invasive species, call 1-888-WEEDS BC. Visit www.invasive plantcouncilbc.ca to learn how to identify giant hogweed and to get involved with an invasive plant committee near you.
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