B. C. L a n d s c a p e & N u r s e r y A s s o c i at i o n P u bl i c at i o n • d e c e m b e r 20 10 / j a n ua r y 2 0 11
New directors announced National awards coming to Vancouver Free training opportunities can travel
Member achievements, volunteerism honoured
HortWest
december 2010 / january 2011
MANAGING EDITOR Renata Triveri ADVERTISING Cheryl Lee Tel: (604) 574-7772 ext 110 Fax: (604) 574-7773 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 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.
BCLNA DIRECTORY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Lesley Tannen ext 106 CANWEST / MARKETING MANAGER Karen De Jong ext 112 EXHIBITOR RELATIONS / SPECIAL EVENTS Barb Nelson ext 115 Grower & Retail Issues Hedy Dyck ext 105 CLEAN PLANTS Christine Rainer ext 102 LANDSCAPE ISSUES Krista Manton ext 104 HORT BASICS TRAINING Ann Marie Walsh ext 108 HORT BASICS ASSISTANT Joy DeMelo ext 101 SALES MANAGER Cheryl Lee ext 110 PROJECTS ASSISTANT Ina Chang ext 100 FINANCE MANAGER Marvyn Brown ext 107 ACCOUNTING / ADMIN Heidi Henderson ext 109
On the cover: A specimen of Pinus flexilis ‘Vanderwolf’s Pyramid,’ growing at a British Columbia nursery. A selection of the Rocky Mountain native, it was introduced by Vermeulen Nursery of New Jersey in 1972, and was named after the nursery’s general supervisor, Rein W. Vanderwolf. HortWest December 2010 / January 2011
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Message from the President
Finding opportunities within challenges
Association President.
I would like to thank our members for allowing me the honour of serving our industry as the BC Landscape & Nursery
I take on the role as the world and our industry works its way through tremendous change and restructuring. Throughout all of this change, our staff and our members have developed and adapted to the new realities we all face. Opportunity
always accompanies change, and how you perceive and react to the world around you will determine whether you are the provider or the recipient of the opportunities. You will get a better perspective of the changes if you afford yourself the time to participate in the discussions that are ongoing within the different commodities of our industry. Participation does not have to mean that you agree: BCLNA works best when all viewpoints are shared and discussed so that a consensus can be achieved.
The bottom line is that we need you to make BCLNA relevant and effective. You are the value of the association. The challenges and opportunities of our industry are not going away, but I look forward to working with our members and staff to face them with the creative solutions our industry is so famous for.
Sandy Mathies, President BC Landscape & Nursery Association
Board Synopsis
Thursday, November 4, 2010 The CanWest committee made some recommendations to the BCLNA board regarding the Growers’ Equipment Field Day. It was decided that the field day will, in future, become a part of the CanWest Hort Show portfolio. As such, the field day will take place shortly after the show, be expanded to include landscape equipment, and dealer participation will be linked to exhibition at the show. It is anticipated that advance promotion through the CanWest Show will drive greater attendance at the field day, and the new element will add value to the CanWest experience. In order to continually build the CanWest Show, directors suggested that show management budget for and attend other successful tradeshows. Additionally, directors discussed how to better structure the CanWest committee and its
reporting to the board, given that the show is BCLNA’s single largest revenue generating event. Labour Chair, Jeff Hicks, planned to attend the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program meetings in Mexico City in late November, where several requests would be made on behalf of BC producers. These included a move towards increased flexibility on departures from Mexico to Vancouver, to enable employers to use the services of a charter airline. Regulatory changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations indicate that the four-year cumulative maximum term of employment will not apply to SAWP workers, whereas this limit will apply to the Low Skilled Worker Program. The SAWP wage rate for 2011 will be $9.28 per hour.
More specific information can be obtained from Hedy Dyck: hdyck@bclna.com. The BC Agriculture Council has formalized its labour committee, which Jeff Hicks co-chairs with berry producer, Rhonda Driediger (Driediger Farms); several agricultural sectors are also represented on this committee. The BCAC Labour Committee will now administer the Agriculture Labour Market and Skills Development Initiative, which provides funds for projects that assist the industry in meeting human resource and labour challenges. The Annual General Meeting of the BCLNA was also held on November 4. There was no new business, however a number of changes have been made to the board of directors. Turn to page 4 for details. HortWest December 2010 / January 2011
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BCLNA News Bulletins
New BCLNA directors announced BCLNA members bid farewell to two
retiring board members, and welcomed one new director, at last month’s Annual General Meeting.
Past President Fred Giesbrecht left the board after many years of dedicated service to the association, which continued even past his retirement from the industry. Fred attended his first Annual General Meeting as an employee of Dinesen Landscape Ltd. in 1968. He became a member himself when he incorporated his company, Modern Grounds Maintenance, in 1982. Following several years of involvement with a variety of committees, Fred spent a decade on the BCLNA Executive Committee. He credits much of his success in business to his involvement with the association, saying, “I do think that young members are missing the greatest opportunity for success, if they are not involved and active within the BCLNA . It was the knowledge and mentoring that helped drive my business from a three or four man operation to 50+ employees at the time
HortWest December 2010 / January 2011
of sale and retirement from the business.” Interior Chapter Representative, Mike Byland, has also retired from the board; a new representative will be elected by the chapter or appointed by the executive in the coming months. We thank Mike for his work in bringing Kelowna-area members together, and we look forward to having a future representative carry on this work. At the time of the AGM , there were three directors whose two-year terms had been completed, and one vacancy on the board. Four directors were elected by acclamation: Jeff Hicks (Pickett’s Nursery), Cable Baker (RCB Garden Services), and Bill Hardy (Northwest Landscape Supply Ltd.) renewed their terms, while Tony Van Oort (Qualitree Propagators Inc.) began his first term on the board. A new executive committee was also installed. All directors welcome the comments and questions of BCLNA’s members; visit BCLNA .com for their contact information.
Your 2011 Board of Directors Sandy Mathies Cannor Nursery Ltd. President Tim Loewen Pine Meadows Tree Farms Ltd. 1st Vice President; CanWest Chair Jeff Foley Para Space Landscaping Inc. 2nd Vice President; Membership, Facilities, Personnel Chair Blair Veitch Davey Tree Expert Co. Treasurer; Safety Chair Ruth Olde Blasig Landscape Design & Construction Ltd. Past President; Governance Chair Michael Kato Kato’s Nursery (2007) Ltd. Special Events Chair; CNLA Rep Tony Bobbitt Novus Plants Island Chapter Chair Len Smit Bradner’s Growing Concern Grower Chair; IDC Rep Laurie Anderson Anderson Garden Services Inc. Landscape Chair Mary Ann Van Den Berge Trice Farms Pond & Garden Retail Chair Cable Baker RCB Garden Services Ltd. Certification Chair; HortEducationBC Rep Bill Hardy Northwest Landscape Supply Ltd. Education, Environment Chair Jeff Hicks Pickett’s Nursery Ltd. Labour Chair; BCAC Human Resource Rep Sylvia Mosterman Mosterman Plants Wholesale Nursery Marketing Chair Michelle Pain TerraLink Horticulture Director at Large Tony Van Oort Qualitree Propagators Inc. Legislation & Political Action Ian Van Zanten Pan American Nursery Products Inc. Green for Life Chair
National Awards of Landscape Excellence The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) is bringing the National Awards of Landscape Excellence back to Vancouver. The eighth annual gala will debut CNLA’s inaugural Grower of the Year Award, sponsored by RBC. The Grower of the Year Award is part of an international competition that focuses on the operations of the nursery, and is the newest addition to the CNLA’s National Awards of Landscape Excellence program. The winning grower will automatically be submitted as Canada’s entry to the International Horticultural Producers Association (AIPH) Grower of the Year competition.
The grower award joins the very popular Landscape Construction and Landscape Maintenance awards that were first introduced in 2004, and the Retail Garden Centre award—based on the retail inspection program—first introduced in 2009. The gala event will be held at the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel in Vancouver on Wednesday February 9, 2011 beginning at 5:30 pm. This is a ticketed event as space is limited. Tickets are available through the CNLA office for $60 each for members and $80 for non-members. To order yours, call toll free: 1 (888) 446-3499.
Adding value for your membership dues Joe Salemi, CAE , CNLA Member Services Manager Are you a member of BCLNA? Are you a member of CNLA? If you answered ‘yes’ to being a member of BCLNA then you should be answering ‘yes’ to being a member of CNLA as well. Most members are unaware that they are also members of CNLA because of their membership with BCLNA: two memberships for the price of one! One of the reasons CNLA exists is to provide the provincial associations across Canada with value-added benefits and services that they can pass along to you, their members. CNLA specializes in putting together high value discount programs that have a direct, positive effect on your bottom line. By now, you should have all received your Mark’s Work Wearhouse discount cards. Thanks to your membership with BCLNA and CNLA, you now have access to 15% off regularly priced goods at the retail store. If you haven’t received your card or if you
need additional cards for your staff (a great employee benefit!) contact the BCLNA or CNLA office. An emerging trend in the landscape maintenance sector is accepting Visa and Mastercard as forms of payment. CNLA has a solution with great rates through Chase Paymentech Solutions (CPS). CPS is the merchant services provider for Scotia Bank, but the best thing about this program is that you can bank with any financial institution and continue to use CPS services at no additional charge. The rates are very competitive and include a wireless terminal or the ability to perform credit card transactions through a toll free automated phone system, allowing you to complete your transactions immediately from any site. CNLA is constantly coming up with ideas for new discount programs. A national committee of industry volunteers and association staff review all vendor proposals that come in, and we would very much HortWest December 2010 / January 2011
BCLNA Office: 604-574-7772; 800-421-7963
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events
Industry
BCLNA News Bulletins continued
appreciate your input. We want to know what improvements you think we can make to existing programs, and what new programs we should consider. The committee focuses on enhancing and developing discount programs that strongly benefit members, but which also give you tools attract and reward good employees. We want to hear from you, so please give us a call or send us an email with any questions, comments, or suggestions. Call toll free 1 (888) 446-3499 or email info@canadanursery.com. You can speak with me directly at my extension 8620 or by email to joseph@canadanursery.com.
and programs
Holiday Closure: BCLNA will be closed for the holiday season from December 20 to January 3.
January
11-13 Landscape Ontario Congress Toronto Congress Centre www.locongress.com 26 Agriculture and Food Industry Gala Ramada Inn, Abbotsford www.bcac.bc.ca 26-29 ANLA Management Clinic Louisville, KY www.managementclinic.org 27-29 Pacific Agriculture Show Tradex Exhibition Centre, Abbotsford www.agricultureshow.net
9 CNLA National Awards of Landscape Excellence Coast Coal Harbour, Vancouver www.canadanursery.com
February
2 BCLNA / BCMAL Growers Short Course Ramada Hotel Abbotsford For info contact Hedy: hdyck@bclna.com 3-4 Plan for Profit Seminar Presented by the Landscape Management Network For info contact Krista: kmanton@bclna.com 8-9 BCRPA Parks & Grounds Spring Training Langley Events Centre www.bcrpa.bc.ca 8-9 Manitoba Green Show Victoria Inn, Winnipeg. MB www.landscapemanitoba.com 9 BCLNA Fundraising Auction United Flower Growers, Burnaby www.bclna.com
16-17 Landscapers & Contractors Expo Tradex, Abbotsford www.landscapingexpo.net 23-27 Northwest Flower & Garden Show Washington State Convention Centre, Seattle www.gardenshow.com
March
2-6 BC Home & Garden Show Vancouver Convention Centre, West Building www.bchomeandgardenshow.com 4-8 Canadian International Turfgrass Conference & Trade Show Vancouver Convention Centre, West Building www.wctaturf.com 15-20 Canada Blooms Direct Energy Centre, Toronto www.canadablooms.com
BCMA Report
AgriStability tours province As the year comes to an end and 2011 approaches, the AgriStability administration is looking ahead to the New Year with renewed energy and desire to assist B.C. producers. The team wants to reach out to producers across the province to explain the AgriStability program.
program. All year, the B.C. team has been working hard to assist producers.
As many know British Columbia has taken over the delivery of the AgriStability
• how AgriStability works, • how the program can benefit a producer when
In the next few months the AgriStability team will be touring British Columbia. Over twenty information sessions have been organized for producers and accountants. At the sessions they will learn:
an operation faces profit margin declines of more than 15%, • details about important deadlines, • how to fill out forms such as the Harmonized Form and, • They will also answer questions producers may have regarding the program.
For details on the information sessions go to www.agf.gov.bc.ca/agristability or call the toll-free line 1-877-343-2767.
• 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
• 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.
HortWest December 2010 / January 2011 Sumas Gro-Media.indd 1
11/30/09 11:14:40 AM
New
BCLNA Members Final Approval
Iotron Technologies
2/17/05
7:57 AM
Page 1
The BCLNA welcomes the following new members as of the November 4, 2010 board meeting: Arrow Equipment Ltd., Chris McDowell,
North Vancouver, Associate
Bedrock Granite Sales Ltd.,
BC Landscape.indd 1
11/24/10 12:16:25 PM
Greg Raymond & Roy Stead, Coquitlam, Associate dia design landscapes, Kenna Bridge,
Kelowna, Active Landscaper
Pacific Arborist Supplies Ltd.,
Bill & Sandra Stuart, North Vancouver, Associate
Sumas Remediation Services Inc.,
Dale O’Krane, West Vancouver, Active Landscaper
Terra Effects Ltd., Kelly & Barry Fuller,
Maple Ridge, Active Landscaper
University Sprinklers, Ron Wizinsky,
Delta, Associate
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: Radix Tree and Landscape Consulting,
Michelle McEwen, North Vancouver, Active Landscaper (Interim)
BCLNA Annual Fundraising Auction February 8, 2011 United Flower Growers Theme: Tacky Tourist
Help support BCLNA’s scholarships and Certification! Plan your Fundraising Auction donation today. To donate, contact Barb: bnelson@bclna. com or call (604) 574-7772 ext 115
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 HortWest December 2010 / January 2011
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Landscape Clippings
Landscape Industry Certified Congratulations to the following BCLNA members who recently became Landscape Industry Certified. The next opportunity to complete the written exams is January 20, while the next practical test will be held on July 8 and 9. Softscape Installation Bryce Anderson, CLT, CLP, Whistler Landscaping Mike Haveman, CLT, Para Space Landscaping Inc. Jacqueline Hohmann, CLT, Lasting Impressions Garden Care Nathaniel Schmidt, CLT, Meridian Landscaping Turf Maintenance Matthew Barnhardt, CLT, Groundworks Design Services Inc. Rod Greenwood, CLT, Terra Firma Lawn and Garden Services Frank Shang, CLT, Fifth Season Lawn & Garden Services Kelly Townsend, CLT, Groundworks Design Services Inc.
HortWest December 2010 / January
Ornamental Maintenance Steve Boivin, CLT, Contour Landscaping Ltd. Cinzia Di Blasio, CLT, Para Space Landscaping Inc. Marie-Claude Laski, CLT, Deeply Rooted Landscaping Retail Horticulturist Ron Hart, CHT, Cannor Nursery Cheryl Topping, CHT, Sunshine Coast Nursery Certified Designer & Professional Stephen Dee, CLD, Isidore Landscapes Inc. Kevin Slack, CLP, Vista Landscape Services Ltd.
BCLNA extends sincere thanks to our partners who are dedicated to landscape industry standards and professionalism:
Premier Sponsors
Silver Sponsors HortEducationBC BC Safety Authority Facility Sponsor: Kwantlen Polytechnic University Equipment & Materials Sponsors Cedar Rim Nursery Creative Embroidery GardenWorks™ Fraser Valley Equipment Ltd. Impact Canopies Canada Inc.
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Training Pays
Onsite training reaches beyond Lower Mainland The Horticulture Basics® Training Program was developed to address the industry’s need for skilled entry-level employees. Training sessions have flexibility in location, and can be held onsite at ‘tailgate’ events conducted at your place of business, or in your community. This has been advantageous for owneroperators, particularly for those with businesses located some distance from most seminar offerings. Heike Stippler of Heike Designs Inc. in Whistler took advantage of the program, and spoke highly of the value it offered. “There is great social value in increasing entry-level staff skills and competence. The economic value is that it prepares staff for current and future work opportunities. It also adds credibility and clients appreciate well-trained and knowledgeable staff. The environment benefits because the industry promotes leadership in horticultural best practices. The sustainable value creates pathways for future certification and education.” Stippler added that the program was very convenient; an instructor visited Whistler to deliver the training to employees of several landscapers who wanted to participate. Brent and Bonnie Bylsma, who own Culture Care Landscaping Ltd. in Kamloops, added that “the subjects of study offered by Horticultural Basics® have been very appropriate and the knowledge is applicable to our employees’ daily work. They have been current with cutting edge information from the
horticultural research world. The course material has been a great review for our more accomplished employees too, and yet even they will come away with some new information.” The Bylsmas found that the material was not too overwhelming or difficult for novices in the business, and hands-on training coupled with visual presentations ensured that all employees had positive, successful experiences, no matter their learning style. Because the training was offered locally and in short bites, a larger percentage of their employees were able to take advantage of the program. “Our employees feel linked to the landscape industry to a broader extent through our involvement with the BCLNA ,” they said. If you are ready to move your team to the next level of performance, contact Ann Marie Walsh at (604) 574-7772 ext 108 or awalsh@bclna.com to discuss your customizable, professional development needs.
Funding provided through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement.
HortWest December 2010 / January 2011
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Honouring Achievements
BC Landscape Awards of Excellence
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1 Down to Earth Landscapes Unique or Special Feature
This bold, custom-designed concrete fire bowl sits in the exterior atrium of a contemporary home, wrapped on three sides by windows.
2 Heike Designs Inc. Single Family Residential Maintenance
A natural, Whister-area property, this garden is lovingly maintained on a small budget for colour throughout the seasons and protection from winter’s snowpack.
3 The Great Canadian Landscaping Co. Ltd.* Single Family Residential Maintenance
This park-like property has numerous immaculately maintained secret gardens, and the forest’s edge meets waterfalls, ponds, paths and streams kept crystal-clear and running by the company. *Project submitted to National Awards of Landscape Excellence HortWest December 2010 / January 2011
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4 Para Space Landscaping Inc.* Multi-Unit Residential Maintenance
The maintenance of this property is complicated by a series of upper rooftop decks that require multiple extension ladders and fall protection. Despite the challenges, Para Space meticulously maintains all aspects and advises on irrigation, upgrades, and plant health.
5 Para Space Landscaping Inc.* Multi-Unit Residential Maintenance
A mature, mountainside strata property, this landscape is comprehensively managed. It receives high-end, detail and service oriented maintenance tailored to the needs and desires of the residents.
6 Krol Construction & Geoff Woods Single Family Residential Installation
To create more privacy, dense, multi-layered plantings were installed in this garden. A walkthrough arbour draped in clematis and hanging baskets serve as a welcoming entry point to an inner courtyard.
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7 Down to Earth Landscapes Single Family Residential Installation
This garden was born through contemplation of the spiral form. Precision planting by the Down to Earth team and superlative masonry was key. Custom gates, quadripods and an arbour set a classic overtone.
8 Landscape 2000 Single Family Residential Installation
Stone walls, designed to look as though they had been present for centuries, give a timeless ambience to this property. A fire-pit, glass table, and guest seating offer conversation areas set against stunning plantings.
9 Watermark Gardens Single Family Residential Installation
This waterfront location presented a great logistical challenge as materials and equipment to correct stability and drainage problems had to be transported by water. A mix of evergreen hedging, perennial and broadleaf evergreen
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13 12 Premier Sponsors
plantings and landscape lighting now enhances the use of the space.
10 Down to Earth Landscapes* Single Family Residential Installation
This uniquely situated property is bordered by Cypress Creek and reaches down to the ocean. Great care was taken to protect the root zone of the magnificent, eighty year old oak sitting oceanside in a vast expanse of lawn. Seven- and eight-thousand pound Omorikas screen the view to the east neighbour.
11 Acacia Landscapes* Single Family Residential Installation
A corner lot fronting a busy street, the goal of this design was to create privacy while blurring the interface between indoors and outdoors. By creating different levels for the outdoor lounge and barbecue area, the dining terrace, lawn, playgrounds and hot-tub, the space became a series of rooms with plant material creating the walls.
12 Fossil Project Services Ltd. & Paul Sangha Landscape Architecture* Single Family Residential Installation
After three months of demolition work to remove the original landscaping and swimming pool, a 65-foot long infinity pool and regulation bocce court were installed as focal points to the multi-level garden. A lavish entertaining space also showcases the homeowners’ sculpture collection.
Gold Sponsor
13 Pacifica Landscape Works Inc. Single Family Residential Installation
A dysfunctional piece of property with grading issues was transformed into dramatic outdoor living and entertaining spaces. Unique elements include a curved outdoor kitchen, granite bar, ozone spa and waterfall, basalt fire-pit, automated sound and lighting system, and a three-hole putting green with white sand trap.
Bronze Sponsors Abbotsford Concrete Products Cedar Rim Nursery Denbow Group of Companies Echo Power Equipment (Canada)
Fraser Richmond Soil & Fibre GardenWise Magazine Stihl Canada TerraLink Horticulture Waterscene
HortWest December 2010 / January 2011
Help Wanted Store Manager, Colwood/Victoria A unique opportunity to join the GardenWorks Management team as STORE MANAGER of our Colwood location. Colwood is a vibrant and growing community on Victoria’s West Shore Community. We believe our success reflects the quality of people that make up our Company. That is why for 27 years we have offered rewarding career opportunities along with competitive salaries and excellent health, dental & wellness benefits. We invite people who are passionate, professional & self- motivated to join our team. Qualifications for this role include: • Passion for retail, providing outstanding & memorable service to guests of GardenWorks.
In Memoriam
• Proven track record of building, directing and motivating an effective and professional team. • Horticultural expertise in the garden centre environment • Excellent communication skills • Demonstrated success in running a profitable garden centre • Proficiency & high level of comfort within the computer environment: e-mail, Excel, Word, POS Interested applicants should forward, by email, their resume and cover letter attention Leanne Johnson to ljohnson@gardenworks.ca. For added details on this and other career opportunities with GardenWorks, visit our website www.gardenworks.ca.
Gerry Seder 19 4 0 -2 010
Call for all wholesale ornamentals, native plants and ferns. a
Toll Free: 1-800-498-7403 • Tel: 604-946-5641 • Email: info@crofton.ca www.crofton.ca or www.jvk.net
Advertise
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
Can Am Nurseries 1
in Marketplace by contacting Cheryl Lee at BCLNA 604-574-7772 or clee@bclna.com
Call us for all your native and ornamental 2/1/10 plant needs
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
HortWest December 2010 / January 2011
Gerry Seder, the founder of Dutch Touch Green Services Ltd., passed away peacefully on November 8 at the McKenney Creek Hospice. A memorial service was held last month. His friend and colleague, Jeff Hicks of Pickett’s Nursery, remembered Gerry for his commitment to quality and the advancement of the industry. “I had known Gerry for more than 25 years. Gerry had a passion for landscaping, and in his later years he loved to grow plants on his home property. There was a high degree of 12:01:09 PM excellence in everything he did. Gerry would always favor people he knew with sage advice, and it was always worth listening to. He helped me on more than one occasion, and he will be missed by all who knew him. Gerry is survived by his wife Rose of 50 years, Peter (Terrie) who presently owns and operates Dutch Touch Green Services Ltd., Jose (Syto), and his five grandchildren, Mark, Jacquline, Amanda, Megan, and Alyssa.
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Honouring Achievements
BCLNA Service Awards Outstanding Service: Bill Van Belle Sponsor: Cannor Nurseries Ltd.
Bill Van Belle wasn’t sure, at first, that horticulture was the field for him. Although he graduated from the University of Guelph with an Associate’s Degree in Horticulture, he then went on to the University of Waterloo to major in Spanish and Geography. Who knew, back then, how useful a degree in Spanish might be to a British Columbian nurseryman. In 1972, Bill and his wife Grace, came west to grow plants for the Ontario market. They found a ten-acre parcel of land in Abbotsford, and Bill landscaped to maintain cash flow for the nursery. Before long, he was able to dedicate all of his attention to Van Belle Nursery. Bill has always been an innovative grower, and he found merit in moving away from traditional field growing methods. He doubled the size of his operation, and by 1983, it had evolved into container-plant production, exclusively. They invested in another 35 acres of land for liner production and added high-tech greenhouses. In 1995, the company sold one million plants for the first time. It was around this period that Bill was elected president of the BCNTA. It was also when Bill and the directorship began to take a truly progressive stance with the association. Partnerships with government and educational institutions started in earnest, and innovative programs
increased members’ profiles and professionalism. Bill’s experience as a landscaper and a nurseryman drew connections between the two sectors, and the BC Nursery Trades Association became the BC Landscape & Nursery Association. Membership doubled.
ture Worker Program, Bill has been a willing host. He is the immediate pastpresident of the H.M. Eddie Foundation, sits on the board of the Horticulture Research Institute, and has been a member of IPPS for many years. Van Belle Nursery thrives, and Bill’s work in the industry has helped many others find their own success. BCLNA , together with Cannor Nurseries Ltd., are pleased to thank Bill Van Belle, and his wife Grace, for their service to the industry. Honorary Lifetime Membership: Ruth Olde
Pacific Coast Nurseryman Magazine initiated the Outstanding Service Award in 1981, and sponsored it from that year forward. They did so for a number of associations in Canada and the U.S., but unfortunately the magazine ceased publication earlier this year. BCLNA is both fortunate and grateful that Cannor Nurseries Ltd. has agreed to carry on the tradition of sponsoring and presenting BCLNA’s most prestigious accolade. Pictured left to right are Grace and Bill Van Belle, and John and Sandy Mathies.
Back at the nursery, Bill’s focus on innovative growing strategies served the company well. They served the industry well, too. He welcomed researchers who trialed sub-irrigation sand beds on the site, and others who studied pest control methods. Their findings were released to the trade so that all nurseries could learn from the experiences and enhance their propagation success and plant quality. Van Belle Nursery became the first to experiment with rolling benches for ornamental plant production, and Bill published the merits of his system through the International Plant Propagators Society. He was one of the first to put up retractable-roof greenhouses, and he shared his knowledge about that technology too. It’s not unusual to find groups touring Van Belle Nursery on any day of the week, in fact. Whether the audience arrives to learn about operations, new plant genetics, nursery skills training, or best practices for participating in the Seasonal Agricul-
BCLNA has been fortunate to have been led
by a long line of dedicated, hard-working,
BCLNA Presidents. The association and
the industry have succeeded as a result of their efforts. But during the past two— rather trying—years, BCLNA has been exceedingly lucky to have had Ruth Olde at the helm.
Ruth has been a marvel during stressful times. She has balanced immeasurable hours of work for the BCLNA with the demands of a multi-award winning business. She has navigated a wrath of challenges from the enormous to the every-day, during a period in BCLNA’s history that can only be defined as “pretty ugly,” and she has done it with a combination of grace, charm, compassion, insight, and skillful diplomacy. HortWest December 2010 / January 2011
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Honouring Achievements continued During her term as president, she has adeptly quieted conflicts, refereed debates, and commanded audiences. She looked to the board and drew on its strengths to create a wiser team. She looked to the staff and worked beside them to ensure the functional office remained strong, and they will all tell you that she did it with wit, a quirky sense of humour, and a remarkably positive outlook. The BCLNA board, its members, and its staff offered their sincere thanks and BCLNA’s rarely awarded Honourary Lifetime Membership to Ruth Olde for service beyond the call of duty. Member of the Year: Paul Buikema Sponsor: Northwest Landscape Supply Ltd.
ment and industry considerations to create the resources and structures needed for educators, sponsors, and apprenticeship hopefuls. His volunteerism extends beyond BCLNA and HortEducationBC, as he assists with International Society of Arboriculture events, guides tours through Riverview’s historic arboretum, and gives seminars at garden clubs.
volunteers copious amounts of time to the association with the CanWest Show, various events, as well as the Green For Life, membership, governance, and landscape awards committees. Grower of the Year: Bylands Nursery Sponsor: Histree.net
Says Paul, “I like to be involved with the industry, and with other members. I think you get out of volunteering what you put in, and I look forward to many more years of trying to help the association.” Young Member of the Year: Renata Triveri Sponsor: Van Belle Nursery
Maria and John Byland (centre) accept the Grower of the Year award from Shaun Dyck of Histree.net and Dave Adamson of Adamson’s Heritage Nursery (right).
Initiated and sponsored by Histree.net, the inaugural Grower of the Year award was presented to the nursery that demonstrated the highest level of excellence in five areas of business, from environmental stewardship, to marketing, production efficiency, quality, and engagement in the industry. Owner-operator of Progress Landscaping, Paul Buikema has been a member of BCLNA since 2001, and during that time he has been the consummate volunteer. Whether at CanWest, the fundraising auction, golf tournament or Certification, he never fails to offer his help, and he is a welcoming BCLNA ambassador to both prospective members and the public at trade and garden shows. Paul presently serves on the BCLNA Landscape Executive, the membership committee, and is BC’s Retail Certification Chair. In addition, he is part of the BC Landscape Standard review committee, and has contributed untold hours toward the establishment of an Arboriculture apprenticeship program through HortEducationBC—a committee that has spent three and a half years negotiating governHortWest December 2010 / January 2011
The BCLNA was fortunate to have Renata Triveri of Greenbridge Horticultural Advantage as its acting director while the hiring committee was searching for a new ED. Said Ruth Olde, “Renata is a stickler for protocol and getting things accomplished the right way, to avoid future confusion. Along with the vehemence and passion in her opinions, there is concern for the views of others, and a willingness to work towards compromise, when necessary, to further the goals of the association and the industry. She builds extensive networks of people, and has the ability to see the big picture of how their interests and talents interrelate.” Although Renata works as a contractor to BCLNA on several projects, she also
Judges Dave Woodske (BCMAL), Carol Barnett (Kwantlen Polytechnic University), Steven Folkerts (Linnaea Nurseries Ltd.), and Dave Adamson (Adamson’s Heritage Nursery) reviewed a close slate of candidates. In the end, the first runner up was just half a point behind the winning grower —Bylands Nursery. Judges praised Bylands’ team members for their active work in the region concerning water use and conservation, which is backed by the nursery’s conversion to drip irrigation and its water recycling process. Leaders in research and innovation, John, Maria and Mike Byland are committed to making their nursery efficient in both its mechanics and resource use; an outstanding website helps to communicate the importance of this quality in the company’s philosophy.
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As a company with a long history of excellence in human resource practices, the Bylands were further celebrated for their support of apprentices, their willingness to graduate them to middle management, and their work with Mount Boucherie High School students to encourage career interests in horticulture. The family’s efforts to promote and support professional development extends to their work beyond novices to established horticulturists: John served for eight years with the Industry Development Council; Maria is presently a special advisor to the BCLNA executive director in order to provide guidance and expertise on specific industry issues, while Mike has worked on the BCLNA board to assist in a number of initiatives for the Interior Chapter. Supplier of the Year: Fraser Valley Equipment Sponsor: Inline Nurseries Ltd. Members of BCLNA , the Equipment & Engine Training Council, and the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, Fraser Valley Equipment highly values industry education and training, and believes in the importance of investing in that training for the sake of professionalism and safety. Their work with the institute—an Industry Training Organization—emphasizes their belief in providing well-rounded outdoor power equipment technician training. The company has been an equipment sponsor for HortEducationBC, and has also supplied equipment to the Landscape Industry Certified test days. The Fraser Valley team participated in the equipment field day, and worked to promote the field day to non-members as one of the benefits of belonging to BCLNA. Garden Communicator of the Year: Michael Levenston Sponsor: Clearview Horticulture Products Ltd. In creating the website CityFarmer.info and by communicating through new media, Michael has turned City Farmer into the world news of urban agriculture, reaching millions of people around the world. City
Michael Levenston couldn’t be at the banquet to accept his award. He is pictured at left with friend and neighbour Liam Robinson of Watermark Gardens, who presented it on behalf of the BCLNA.
Farmer’s demonstration garden staff gives more than 100 interviews every year—and the organization and its “grow your own food” message has been spread through local media and overseas broadcasters, including CBC, CTV, CNN, and French National Television. City Farmer teaches classes on composting and organic gardening, and answers thousands of questions on its Regional Compost Hotline. They produce and podcast educational videos from their Vancouver garden, featuring horticultural and environmental stories, and the organization hosts tour groups from around the globe. Why do they teach gardening? Michael says, “We believe that city residents can grow some of the food they eat, even if it’s just a few herbs planted on a windowsill. We see this as a positive activity that people of very nation, religion and age around the world can take part in. It is something we have in common with each other. And that is why we continue to celebrate the work of urban farmers.” Educator of the Year: Dr. Carol Barnett Sponsor: TerraLink Horticulture After 17 years at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, it’s not surprising that Carol has taught aspects of all four School of
Horticulture programs to prospective landscape, and nursery and greenhouse professionals. She has been an asset to the school and its students from day one, and has a reputation for being an engaging, caring, methodical instructor, with a wealth of industry stories—plus a file folder of brutally tough exams. The industry stories come partly from having served as the Nursery Industry Specialist at BCMAL prior to joining Kwantlen’s faculty, and her ability to share her real-life understanding of the industry with students has been highly valued by BCLNA’s members for many years. Since joining the Kwantlen team, she has been prolific in contributing to training materials, including the Horticulture Apprenticeship competencies, Nursery Worker Skills Program modules, P. ramorum Certification Program, The Domestic Phytosanitary Certification Program, and many others. Her work on these resources has extended well beyond the classroom to serve advanced professionals. Carol’s talents have been recognized by the International Plant Propagators’ Society, and she has served on that organization’s western regional board for many years. About her work, Carol says she enjoys taking complex horticulture science concepts and creating simple, user-friendly materials. Her greatest satisfaction is watching students absorb the facts and concepts, practice the skills, and then apply this learning to their work lives. HortWest December 2010 / January 2011
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