CNLA Autumn Newsbrief

View the winning projects from the National Awards

Hear from the winners on why they compete

Vic Krahn receives President’s Award

Green Industry News Autumn 2015 Vol. 24 Issue 4

What’s inside: • Improving Tree Health with Vineland • Privacy and Computer Security Protection • Number Crunching for Design/Build Firms

National Awards of Landscape Excellence

Winners were announced at the National Awards gala in Winnipeg, MB this past August. View the winning projects > pg.4

• Learning Outside of the Garden Centre • What CFIB is doing for you • BC Award spotlight

International Green City Conference Coming to Vancouver March 2016

T

his March, the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) will be bringing its annual Green City Conference to Vancouver.

This conference is part of the association’s Green City initiative, which leads global thinking on the successful integration of nature into the built environment. The conference, hosted by the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA), is open to all individuals interested in the role of plants in creating vibrant urban areas in which people and businesses can thrive.

AIPH is the international association for grower organizations, with a goal of putting flowers, plants and landscaping services on a global agenda. It acts as the central source of industry information for ornamental growers worldwide. It also plays an important role in the advocacy for fair plant breeders’ rights.

Also in attendance at the Green City Conference, will be the European Landscape Contractors Association (ELCA). This group promotes cooperation and the exchange of information and experience, as well as fostering the interests of landscape contractors in Europe. Along with its 23 national landscaping association members, the organization also has associated members from Canada, Japan and the USA. Canada’s membership in ELCA is through CNLA, which Continued on page 2...

landscape saskatchewan

CNLA Newsbrief

Autumn 2015

EXECUTIVE BOARD:

President Past President First Vice President Second Vice President

Member Services & Insurance Chair

Rene Thiebaud, CLM - ON Christene LeVatte, BBA, CLM - NS Bruce Hunter, CLT, CLD, CLM - BC Gerald Boot, CLM - ON

Treasurer Phil Paxton, CLT, CLM - AB

Landscape Canada Chair

DIRECTORS:

BCLNA Representative Michael Kato - BC Landscape AB Representative Anita Heuver - AB Landscape SK Representative Aaron Krahn - SK

MBNLA Representative David Hinton, CLM - MB Landscape ON Representative Alan White - ON Landscape NL Representative Krista Russell - NL Landscape NS Representative Robin Godfrey - NS

Landscape NB/PEI Kevin Nauss, CLM - NB Representative

Human Resources Chair Harold Deenen, CLM - ON

Public Relations Chair Bill Hardy, CLM - BC

Research Chair Vic Krahn, CLT - SK Government Relations Chair Michael Murray - NL Garden Centres Canada Chair Anthony O’Neill - NL Professional Development Chair Jeff Foley, CLT, CLM - BC

Growers Canada Chair John Byland - BC

March 14 to 18 www.cnla-acpp.ca/greencity Continued from cover... will use the Green City Conference as a venue to share Canadian examples of green urban architecture.

Delegates will attend a day and a half conference, listening to influential speakers on the latest trends in green infrastructure, as well as visit green sites throughout the city on a day and a half of tours. By the end of the conference, attendees will have the tools they need to support or implement their local urban green initiatives.

STAFF:

Executive Director Victor Santacruz, CAE, CLM victor@cnla-acpp.ca

Executive Assistant Cheryl Gall cheryl@cnla-acpp.ca

Growers Manager Rita Weerdenburg rita@cnla-acpp.ca Professional Development & Julia Ricottone, EP

Commodities Manager julia@cnla-acpp.ca

Member Services & Rebecca Doutre, CAE Government Relations Manager rebecca@cnla-acpp.ca Industry Human Resources Stacey Porter Coordinator stacey@cnla-acpp.ca Professional Development (East) Claudia Santos & Commodities Coordinator claudia@cnla-acpp.ca Professional Development (West) Colin Vince & Apprenticeship Coordinator colin@cnla-acpp.ca Member Programs Coordinator & Christine Finn Landscape NL Executive Director christine@cnla-acpp.ca Communications Specialist Anne Bowering anne@cnla-acpp.ca Minor Use/IPM Coordinator Peter Isaacson, B.Sc., MPM peter@cnla-acpp.ca

2

Intelligently designed green space is crucial in today’s quickly expanding society.

Vancouver is a perfect host city as it propels toward its goal of being the world’s greenest city by the year 2020. Delegates will be taken on a VIP tour to green design hot spots around the city; including the award winning Westminster Pier Park, the VanDusen Botanical Garden Visitor Centre and Discovery Hall, Olympic Village and the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel’s green roof. Expert guides will take attendees on a behind-the-scenes look at these innovative projects.

The core of the conference will be the one and a half days of world-renowned speakers, who will share practical examples and strategies of real green cities. Opening the conference is Mike Harcourt, 30th Premier of British Columbia, 34th Mayor of Vancouver and current Chairman of the Quality of Urban Energy Systems for Tomorrow and the Canadian Electricity Association’s Sustainable Electricity Program Advisory Panel. Harcourt will

discuss the importance of long-term vision when building communities, with consideration to the environment, economic, social and cultural impact.

Joining the panel will be Egbert Roozen, the Director of the VHG Association in the Netherlands, who will discuss society and green spaces.

Roozen will bring real life examples from challenges he has faced from his experience with Green City Holland and the Floriade organization, and the green solutions that were used to overcome them. He believes that greenery can no longer be considered for decoration only, but a contributing factor to the quality of our environment, biodiversity and human health.

Canadian native, Steven Peck, from Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC) will shed some light on the green roof industry not only in North America, but around the world. As the founder and president of GRHC, Peck brings a lot of knowledge to the table. His portfolio includes research to improve the green roof and wall industry, numerous advocacy events, and cofounding the World Green Infrastructure Network. He has written and lectured extensively on the interrelationships between public policy, research and the socioeconomic benefits of living architecture, as well as on the topics of urban sustainability and industrial ecology.

The International Green City Conference is hosted around the world each year, giving delegates a chance to see innovations in urban green infrastructure and planning on a global scale. By attending the conference, delegates will place themselves at the heart of this important discussion. There will be plenty of networking opportunities with the world’s leading experts on green cities.

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@cnla-acpp.ca| www.cnla-acpp.ca

CNLA Newsbrief

Autumn 2015

INTERNATIONAL GREEN CITY CONFERENCE, MEETINGS AND TOURS

WWW.CNLA-ACPP.CA/GREENCITY

Improving tree health, one highway at a time By: Vineland Research & Innovation Centre

V

ineland Research and Innovation Centre (Vineland) is screening urban tree species to develop guidelines for the nursery landscape industry, critical to sustain healthy trees along Canadian highways.

There are many types of trees available for planting in urban environments, however, planting near multi-lane highways where follow-up care for trees is limited means that trees need to be robust to overcome the transplant and establishment periods.

To better understand how to create urban plantings that mimic natural systems in terms of moisture retention, root shading and protection from environmental stresses, Vineland has designed two experimental test planting sites, one at its Vineland campus and the other at Fifty Road on the northbound side of the QEW in Niagara.

At each site, eight different tree species including Freeman maple Autumn Blaze®, Kentucky coffeetree, River birch Cully, Triumph elm, Glenleven Linden, Common hackberry, Trembling aspen and Silver maple have been planted. Accompanying the eight varieties are three types of shrubs including Grey dogwood, Nannyberry and Common ninebark.

In preliminary results from the first planting season, Vineland found not all trees

Conference Host

Conference Sponsor

Official media partner

navigate sales

streamline jobs

GROW profit

Proud Endorsed Supplier of CNLA!

dynascape.com 1.800.710.1900 Save 10% with promo code: CNLA10

Continued on page 10...

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@cnla-acpp.ca | www.cnla-acpp.ca

3

CNLA Newsbrief Before

Autumn 2015

CATERPILLAR AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE Commercial Construction/Installation “Westminster Pier Park”, Wilco Civil Inc.

T

his 2.5 kilometre park is built equally on land and water and is a rejuvenated brown field site. Prior to construction, there was an existing pier built over a landfill, which had been there for over one hundred years. Some of the challenges included: constructing the park adjacent to a major railroad and within a narrow corridor. Some of the park highlights are a timber structure that draws from the old industrial buildings, which was constructed offsite with laser guided tooling. As well as a story seat wall with graphic panels depicting New West history. The park is home to nineteen tree species, thirty nine shrub and groundcover species and three species of ornamental grasses.

Residential Construction/Installation

“McCaffrey Residence”, Peter Hughes Landscape

A

residential project on the south shore of Lake Chaparral in southeast Calgary. The existing rear yard suffered from poor drainage causing damage through sinking and frost heaving of the concrete patio and upper deck pillars. A number of mature trees had to be integrated and machine access to the rear yard was not possible. Batu mahogany decking was used in the circular deck, rounded stairs, curved deck facing, soffits, screens, hot tub access and planters. All gas-fitting and plumbing were a challenge as the client requested hot water heating to all the concrete slabs in order to facilitate snow removal, plus the heating of the water tank to prevent freezing. The entire project was completed with softscaping, sodding and planting after eighteen month of construction, modifications and additions in order to suit the clients’ changing ideas and requirements.

Winner Spotlight: Peter Hughes

I

n the summer of 1973, Peter Hughes started mowing lawns for his neighbours. And as his customer base grew, he hired a friend, Wayne Forsey to help him out. By the late 70’s Peter ventured into landscape construction to complement his growing maintenance service. Unfortunately in the early 80’s the National Energy Program rocked the Alberta economy and Peter Hughes Landscape (PHL) struggled immensely to keep afloat, wherein we were back to one person cutting lawns. Times eventually got much brighter and as Alberta prospered, so did our Company. The introduction of the Temporary Foreign Work Program approximately ten years ago was a major benefit to PHL as our biggest challenge was hiring, training and retaining employees.

Before 4

Our ultimate goal in business was to win this award for which I’m truly thankful to CNLA. Over the past 15 years, we have been fortunate to receive three Awards of Excellence from Landscape Alberta, but this national award is the pinnacle of success and it could not have been done without our dedicated employees, sub-trades and suppliers.

Probably the most favourite part of this project was the openmindness and thoughtfulness of our client. They were a pleasure to work with even though we encountered various challenges, one of which was an ongoing high water table along with an underground spring.

Continued on pg. 6...

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@cnla-acpp.ca| www.cnla-acpp.ca

CNLA Newsbrief

Autumn 2015

KEEP UP WITH EVERY DEMAND. YOUR BUSINESS IS YOUR LIVELIHOOD. That’s why Caterpillar is built to help businesses like yours succeed every day – by supplying the right machine for the job, making parts available, offering up versatile work tool attachments and providing responsive service.

As a CNLA member, you get to take advantage of bundling the exclusive member discount on Cat® machines and attachments, along with the industry’s best lease offer:

Member Preferred

» Save up to $2,750 on qualifying machines* » Finance a Cat machine and we’ll make your down payment** » $250 off select new Cat attachments*** To take advantage of these exclusive offers, go to CatResourceCenter.com/CNLA.

Offers valid from October 1, 2015 - January 31, 2016 on select new models of machines manufactured by Caterpillar Inc. Building Construction Products Division (Backhoe Loaders, Mini Hydraulic Excavators, Multi Track Loaders, Skid Steer Loaders, Compact Track Loaders, Telehandlers, Small Dozers). *To redeem your credit: Mention this ad to your local Cat dealer at time of purchase or lease quote. The purchase or lease offer applies to new Cat machines and select new Cat attachments purchased or leased by Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) members before December 31, 2015. Limit of one machine purchase or lease credit per member. **Please visit CatResourceCenter.com/Special-Offers for lease offer details. ***$250 off select new Cat attachments. Limit of one credit per new attachment purchased.

Machine and attachment offers available on new quotes only and may be combined with published Caterpillar Inc. Building Construction Products Division U.S. and Canadian offers only. Contact your local dealer for details and to see the complete discount pricing available per model. Subject to credit approval. Valid only at Cat dealer locations in the U.S. and Canada. ©2015 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, BUILT FOR IT, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow,” the “Power Edge” trade dress, as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes

7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@cnla-acpp.ca | www.cnla-acpp.ca

5

CNLA Newsbrief

Autumn 2015

The awards process is extremely rewarding, not only to myself as an owner, but certainly for all of our employees. It certainly encourages them to have that much more pride in their work, knowing this award was our ultimate goal.

As previously mentioned we have submitted various projects over the past years and we are always challenged by the competition. Each project requires proper and detailed work in all aspects as well as professional photography. We are extremely humbled and honoured to receive this award.

HORTPROTECT AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE Commercial Maintenance

“6880 Financial Drive”, Clintar Landscape Management - Mississauga West

T

his is a twenty four acre site with one kilometre of walking paths. The property has over seven hundred mature trees, ten thousand shrubs and perennials, and over one thousand annuals. Steep hills, height restrictions for plant materials and thirsty, shady Norway maples make for some maintenance challenges. Colour, texture, movement and scent are key elements that are found throughout the site, in addition to lots of wildlife. Moving forward, the client has requested that all new plant material be native.

Residential Maintenance

“The Clubhouse”, The Landmark Group

T

his client desires the look and feel of living within a golf course surrounded by nature. The budget only allows for biweekly maintenance service. To achieve both what the garden and the client demand creates a challenge in efficiencies and maintaining sound horticultural practices. Turf care on the berms and lawn contours require careful attention, as does the maintenance for the moss, which can be a challenge with sun and heat. It is misted regularly to encourage adhesion to the rocks.

DYNASCAPE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE Landscape Design

“Allaire Residence”, Welwyn Wong Landscape Design

Winner Spotlight: Welwyn Wong, CLD

T

his is the 15th season Welwyn Wong Landscape Design has been providing highly detailed design to our residential market. Committed to luring us all outside to enjoy nature’s beauty, Welwyn Wong and her talented team of designers are know for their forward thinking in bringing modern conveniences and unique use of materials together as they push landscape design boundaries and evolve the way we think about the outdoor space we use as an extension of living space around our home.

The Allaire Residence: “We often work collaboratively with a client’s architect and interior designer as we did with this client. Engaging early into

6

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@cnla-acpp.ca| www.cnla-acpp.ca

CNLA Newsbrief

Autumn 2015

the project, we were able to overcome the space constraints for access to the backyard by framing and pouring the concrete landscape elements as the new house’s foundation was being poured (W.Wong).”

School Greening Project”. All of these projects have shown their dedication to the public through the development and maintenance of green spaces and are all winners in their own right!

Planning the exact location of the hot tub allowed the roof to be properly reinforced where needed. Similarly all the gas lines, wires for the landscape lighting, and drip irrigation for each planter were pre-planned and accommodated as the framing went up and services were brought in. This often equated to cost savings for the client. One of the challenges of this site was making the journey from the street to the front door not feel like an enormous flight of stairs as it did with the previous house that once stood on that site. Extending concrete retaining walls higher than what was needed, Welwyn Wong and her team’s design celebrated this element to visually bring the hardscape higher to the front entrance almost a full story above the street. These walls act as higher elements within a garden setting and as such partial hide the next flight of stairs.

The winning project impressed the judges with its encouragement and participation of volunteers of all ages and its lasting impact on the environment and its community.

The walls also serve as lighting niches using their reflective quality to create unique path and step lighting. The reflective quality of light of the site’s furnishings is an element also repeated within the walls of the two large planters that flank the outdoor dining area within the back yard as well as the visual ‘ring of fire’ made by the linear fire feature reflecting its image onto the glass rail beside it. This is the best surprise, our clients tell us, that this landscape design has given them to enjoy while they are in their hot tub on their roof top above the tree canopy and below the stars.

Why submit award worthy projects in for judging?

After winning over 12 Awards of Excellence for their designs, the team at Welwyn Wong Landscape Design is proud to be recognized by their peers for the work that they do in this quickly expanding landscape industry.

“I think it is very important to celebrate and encourage each other to create beautiful landscapes that we can all enjoy. If we can influence our clients to spend more time enjoying their outdoor spaces we can continue to create value for nature and thus encourage its preservation. That is why my personal motto in the landscapes we create is about restoring, preserving, and enjoying nature’s gifts one yard at a time (W.Wong).”

GREEN FOR LIFE AWARDS Caterpillar Community Award

“Langley Memorial Hospital”, Para Space Landscaping

N

ow in its third year, the Caterpillar Green for Life Community Award evaluates collaboration, environmental stewardship, innovative design and overall project impact. Each project entered deserves recognition for the great work that these groups are doing in their communities: Members of Landscape Alberta for the “High River Project”, The Town of Quispamsis in New Brunswick for the “Matthews Cove Trail Network and Interpretive Viewing Area”, MUN Botanical Garden in Newfoundland for its “From the Ground Up Project”, and the Landscape Ontario Waterloo Chapter for the “Stanley Park Public

Para Space Landscaping partnered with the Langley Memorial Hospital on Sunday, June 8 to provide significant landscape enhancements in an effort to beautify the hospital grounds for the patients and their families.

Nearly 50 Volunteers from Para Space Landscaping teamed up with other volunteers from the Langley Memorial Hospital. The enhancements focussed on brightening up the main entry beds and revitalizing the grounds of the hospice.

The main entry portion of the project featured the introduction of beautiful containers and plantings to the otherwise stark surroundings. The nearby existing planted beds were also revitalized with fresh bark mulch, crisp plant material as well as basalt boulders and river rock for high traffic areas. Additionally the existing containers, which were previously devoid of plant life, had fresh soil and beautiful, lush plantings reintroduced to them. Visitors to the hospital were immediately impressed by the newfound beauty upon their arrival.

Not too far away the rest of the team was busy working on the largest part of the project inside the hospice courtyard. The plan for this area was to install a dry river stream surrounded by lush plantings anchored by seating areas and a water feature. The enhancement also included a wheelchair accessible path so that patients could access and experience the beauty, scents and sounds of the garden up close. While the volunteers worked to excavate the base for the river and path, residents of the hospice gathered to watch the buzz of activity and wonder what the finished product would look like.

At the end of the day residents, staff and even the volunteers were amazed by what had been accomplished in just one day. The garden had been transformed from a simple lawn to a beautiful oasis. The residents and staff at the hospice were so overjoyed by the gift and hosted a tea party later in the summer to express their appreciation to all the volunteers.

View all of the 2015 award submissions at www.cnla-acpp.ca/awards

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@cnla-acpp.ca | www.cnla-acpp.ca

7

CNLA Newsbrief

Autumn 2015

Industry Award

“EcoConnexions - From the Ground Up”, CN

T

he Green for Life Industry Award was created during the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association’s winter board meetings this past January. The PR Committee identified the need for an award that would recognize the incredible companies that contribute significantly to the industry, environment and local Canadian communities. The selection process begins with the PR Committee, with the finalists presented to the CNLA Executive Committee.

The CN EcoConnexions – From the Ground Up program promotes community sustainability, through the greening of municipal and community properties across Canada. CN, along with its partners Tree Canada and Communities in Bloom, help community groups establish tree planting and green space enhancement initiatives in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner.

This program not only improves municipal landscapes, but it also promotes healthy living by enhancing green spaces for community activities.

The groups involved in this project, including: CN, Tree Canada and Communities in Bloom, have created a truly inspiring framework to affect positive change across Canada.

Distinction Award Michel Touchette, Jeffries Nurseries, MB

T

he Green for Life Distinction Award came out of a desire to formally recognize the outstanding volunteers that are the driving force behind the association. CNLA would like to celebrate these individuals’ lifetime achievements in the horticulture industry and their lasting legacy.

Michel Touchette has regularly gone above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to work done for CNLA. His vision and leadership has provided numerous opportunities to advance the association and improve our industry. Most recently, his work on the New Plant Development Committee and the Never Alone Rose has been instrumental in the success of these initiatives. CNLA extends its gratitude and congratulations to this outstanding volunteer!

Award of Excellence Larry Dyck, Agriculture Canada

T

he breeding of new plants is a long and complex process. Depending on the plant type in question, plant breeding requires years of work, from making the initial crosses to the years of selection and then finally, to the release of the new variety to the marketplace. It is a process that requires skill, dedication and a great deal of patience. And, at the end of

8

the day, it’s only the true plant geeks among us that are aware of those dedicated scientists and technicians that are ultimately responsible for bringing these new and improved varieties to market.

Larry Dyck began his involvement with Agriculture Canada’s rose breeding program in 1984. As the years went by, more and more of the responsibilities associated with the rose breeding program were delegated to Larry, and by 2001 he was responsible for the crossing, pollination and selection of plants. If any of this sounds easy, we can assure you it is anything but. Imagine standing in a field of hundreds, if not thousands, of new, numbered seedlings, and having to ultimately select only a handful that would be suitable for commercial release. Not many are up to the task.

Larry’s name is now forever recorded as the named breeder of record for at least four of the rose selections that were ultimately released by Agriculture Canada. He was instrumental in maintaining the genetics and assisting in the knowledge transfer when CNLA took over the heritage rose breeding program.

President’s Award Vic Krahn, CLT, Lakeshore Tree Farm, SK

D

uring the term of their Presidency, the CNLA President has the opportunity of selecting an individual from the CNLA Board of Directors who has made an outstanding personal and professional contribution to our association and industry as a whole. Not uncommon to the association, this year’s recipient has worn many hats including, but not limited to: Marketing Chair, Government Relations Chair, Research Chair and Treasurer (one of his “favourite” roles…). He was also CNLA President from 2001 to 2003, a Past President of Landscape Saskatchewan, the Western Nursery Growers Group and the Saskatchewan Association of Horticulture Industry.

This individual also serves on the Canadian Ornamental Horticulture Alliance Board of Directors. A group that seeks to create a national voice for the ornamental horticulture sector in Canada.

Through his connections at CNLA, this outstanding board member was introduced to the International Horticultural Producers Association (AIPH) in the early 2000’s. He diligently served AIPH as a committee chair and the Canadian representative. In 2012, he went on to become the President of this prestigious organization. A role which has sent him around the world advocating plant breeders’ rights, encouraging innovation and rewarding quality.

Besides his incredible volunteer service, Vic is the president of his own successful family business in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Congratulations to Vic and thank you for all your years of service!

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@cnla-acpp.ca| www.cnla-acpp.ca

CNLA Newsbrief

Autumn 2015

Do more and make more on Canada’s largest LTE network.

1

Choose from an amazing selection of smartphones at Bell. Devices start from $0. Visit a Bell store today and ask one of our experts for a complimentary Mobile Business Assessment.

Sonim XP5

being with Bell just got better For details, contact the following Bell Business Expert:

Hummaad Ahmed hahmed@natcel.com 416 574-8638 Available within network coverage areas available from Bell Mobility where technology permits; see bell.ca/coverage. Other conditions apply. If you end your Commitment Period early, a Cancellation Fee applies; see your Agreement for details. Subject to change without notice. (1) Based on total sq kms of coverage on the shared LTE network available from Bell vs. Rogers’ LTE network. See bell.ca/LTE for details. HTC One is a trademark of HTC Corporation. Samsung Galaxy S6 is a trademark of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., used in Canada under license. “LG”, the “LG logo” and “LG G4” are the property of LG Corp and its affiliates.

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes

7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@cnla-acpp.ca | www.cnla-acpp.ca

9

CNLA Newsbrief

Autumn 2015

Tree health continued from page 3... classified as urban-tolerant are suitable for planting in unmaintained sites. Nursery stock size is also an important consideration for transplant survival, particularly in areas where weed competition is high and moisture content is variable. The team also discovered shrubs provide important benefits to trees in roadside ecosystems because they are able to acclimate to challenging environments and help surrounding trees adapt to harsh site conditions.

Vineland will continue to monitor the sites for tree survival and growth over the next two seasons. The research will also be expanded next year to examine the benefits of mixed plantings for improving plant growth, water and nutrient retention.

The team will at the same time investigate whether mixed plantings can offer trees buffering from root shading, wind and salt spray damage.

This research project is part of Vineland’s Greening the Canadian Landscape.

The program works with a number of partners across Canada including several large Canadian cities along with a number of provincial governments for the establishment and survival of plants to beautify the Canadian landscape and increase the profitability and competitiveness of the Canadian nursery landscape sector. This project was funded in part through Growing Forward 2 (GF2), a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. The Agricultural Adaptation Council assists in the delivery of GF2 in Ontario.

For more information on this research program, please contact: Dr. Darby McGrath, Research Scientist, Nursery & Landscape 905-562-0320 x766 darby.mcgrath@vinelandresearch.com

2015 BCLNA Member Award Winners Submitted by: the British Columbia Landscape & Nursery Association

E

very year, BCLNA honours members who have made significant contributions to the industry. Here are this year’s winners:

Garden Communicator of the Year Paul Buikema, CHT, Specimen Trees Wholesale Nurseries Ltd. Paul Buikema is well known to the industry for his work in Certification, landscaping and sales with an extensive knowledge of plants and planting. He has provided his expertise in workshops and public events, and promotes the industry and its professionalism wherever he speaks.

Educator of the Year Shelley Murley, CLT, Instructional Associate in the Horticulture Department at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (Langley campus) Shelley Murley is well known and respected by students who come through the Kwantlen programs, or have participated in Certification testing, as well as industry professionals who work with her. She is a strong supporter of the industry with high standards of excellence in instruction in both the theory and practical aspects.

Supplier of the Year Cor Smit, C.Y. Grower Supplies C.Y. Growers are significant players in the industry – providing support, products and innovation to build our industry. C.Y. Growers has made a difference throughout the year with strong leadership, influence, business acumen and support for BCLNA and its programs, including the CanWest Show.

Young Member of the Year Frank Shang, CLT, MRD Landscape Inc. Frank promotes professional landscape standards and practices on an Asian TV show, radio talk shows, and in newspaper articles. He also runs his own landscaping company, MRD Landscaping, and has a young family. Frank Shang is also fully Landscape Industry Certified, and assists at Landscape Certification testing days.

Member of the Year Anne Kulla, Huckleberry Landscape Design Anne has been the BCLNA Landscape Chair for the past four years, devoting countless hours of time to work with members and BCLNA staff to present the landscapers’ perspective in BC and across Canada. Anne has also been a member of the national Landscape Canada Committee, as well as participating in the Landscape Industry Certification programs. Her tenacity and understanding of the industry, along with her many hours of work to promote horticultural excellence made her the front-runner for winning this award.

Lifetime of Outstanding Service Bill Hardy, CLM, General Manager, NorthWest Landscape & Stone Supply / Co-Owner, ‘Grow and Gather’ at Trice Farms This award is the highest honour bestowed by the BCLNA and Bill Hardy is this year’s recipient for his significant work on behalf of industry in many areas of service and for his outstanding qualities of leadership, forward thinking ability and passion for the horticulture industry.

Bill has worked with many other organizations to advance apprenticeship and skills training. Bill serves as the Retail Commodity Chair at the BCLNA; he is on the CanWest Committee, HortEducationBC Board, and a CNLA Director. He is also an Advisory Committee Member for Multi-Material BC, and a Director on the Canadian Garden Council. Plus, he is organizing the Internationale des Producteurs de l’Horticulture (AIPH) ‘Green Cities’ International conference coming to Vancouver in March 2016.

Bill Hardy, Lifetime of Outstanding Service Award recipient

10

Bill is the General Manager of one of our strongest supporters, NorthWest Landscape & Stone Supply and is Co-Owner of ‘Grow and Gather’ at Trice Farms with his life partner Renata Triveri.

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@cnla-acpp.ca| www.cnla-acpp.ca

CNLA Newsbrief

Autumn 2015

Member Services Privacy and Computer Security Protection: filling the insurance gap Part Two of a Three Part Series

Read part one online at www.cnla-acpp.ca/insurance

By: Marsh Canada Limited Privacy and computer security insurance can fill many of the gaps in traditional insurance and provide retailers and wholesalers with direct loss and liability protection for risks created by the use of technology and data in day-to-day operations. Key coverage elements include: Privacy and Security Liability • Protection for claims arising from an actual or alleged failure of computer security to prevent or mitigate a computer attack.

• Protection for claims arising from a disclosure or mishandling of confidential information.

• Coverage applies whether the information is electronic or hard copy.

• Protection for the intentional acts of rogue employees and vicarious liability for a privacy breach by thirdparty vendors or business process outsourcing firms.

• Coverage for the costs associated with complying with privacy breach notification statutes, including legal and forensic expenses.

• Coverage for defense of regulatory actions, including affirmative coverage for certain assessed fines and penalties.

Information Asset Coverage Reimbursement for the costs incurred to recreate, restore, or recollect an organization’s information and computer system assets that were damaged or corrupted by a cyber attack.

Business Interruption Coverage Including Extra Expense Reimbursement for lost revenue, including extra expense, resulting from a failure of technology, computer system outage, or

cyber attack. Coverage can be expanded to include contingent business interruption due to a failure of your vendor, such as a cloud service provider.

Cyber Crime Coverage • Difference-in-conditions (DIC) coverage fills gaps for “theft of data/ information” in crime policies as well as indemnification for theft of information or computer system assets.

• Coverage can sit excess of a computer crime policy.

Cyber Extortion Coverage Coverage for ransom or investigative expenses associated with a threat to release, divulge, disseminate, destroy, steal, or use the confidential information; to introduce malicious code into the computer system; to corrupt, damage, or destroy the computer system; or to restrict or hinder access to the computer system.

Criminal Reward Fund Coverage Funding of a reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of any individual(s) committing or trying to commit any illegal act related to coverage under the policy.

Crisis Management Coverage Funding for public relations and crisis management in connection with any crisis event relating to a failure of computer

For All Your Insurance Needs

security or breach of privacy resulting in a loss or claim under the policy.

Marsh Canada Limited is the endorsed insurance broker and risk advisor to INC Society. For more information on how the commercial insurance program for members of INC Society can help reduce your total cost of risk, please contact Jason McWilliams at 416 349 3537 or jason.a.mcwilliams@marsh.com.

Next time: Case Studies - The High Cost of Cyber Exposures

Program Spotlight Members save thousands with CNLA’s Kubota program!

Members using the Kubota program are finding considerable discounts on tractors, mowers, loaders, excavators and more! Simply call the CNLA office for a confirmation of membership letter and start saving! Discounts of up to 22% off the MSRP. New program with St. John Ambulance Make sure that your staff are up to date on their first-aid and CPR courses. Members receive an eight percent discount on courses through St. John Ambulance (includes: First Aid, CPR, AED, WHMIS, MFR, and EMR) www.cnla-acpp.ca/benefits PREFERRED GROUP INSURANCE RATES AS A BENEFIT OF YOUR ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP Uniquely developed to protect the green industry

HortProtect is a great mix of quality, service, and value that is customized for the horticulture industry. Get a quote from a service team that works for you and your company.

Gerald Boot, CLP - Boots Landscaping & Maintenance

GROUP LIFE, HEALTH AND DISABILITY INSURANCE

PROPERTY AND CASUALTY/ BUSINESS INSURANCE

PERSONAL HOME AND AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE

1-800-459-8990

1-888-949-4360

1-877-476-6727

Marsh Canada Limited Official insurance programs for members of:

Officially endorsed by:

Or visit www.cnla-acpp.ca/GCCsurvey www.HortProtect.com

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@cnla-acpp.ca | www.cnla-acpp.ca

11

CNLA Newsbrief

Autumn 2015

Growers Canada

Grower of the Year is Dutchmaster Nurseries Ltd.

D

utchmaster Nurseries in Brougham, Ontario has been named the Canadian Grower of the Year at the CNLA Awards of Excellence ceremony held this past August. The Grower of the Year Award is designed to promote and award excellence in horticultural production domestically and also internationally. Based on member feedback, the application process for CNLA’s Grower of the Year Award has been modified to make it easier for nursery growers to participate in this program. The new process had judges select up to three nurseries from a preliminary application process. These nurseries were invited to compete as a finalist through completion of the full application form.

As national winner, Dutchmaster Nurseries was entered into the International Grower of the Year competition, held by the International Association of Horticultural Producers. The nursery was short listed as a finalist and will compete against nine other ornamental growers for the coveted Golden Rose at the ceremony to be held in Essen, Germany this coming January. CNLA wishes Dutchmaster the best of luck!

Update on the Turf Producers Sub-Committee By: Christene LeVatte BBA, CLM

I

n March 2015, CNLA was successful in their application to add turf as a crop under the Advanced Payments Program.

This important step for this commodity means that turf producers, Canada wide, are

12

now able to apply to the Advance Payments Program (APP) administered through the Agriculture Credit Corporation. The APP is a federal loan program that helps Canadian growers meet their financial obligations and benefit from the best market conditions by improving cash flow throughout the year.

Turf producers are able to access up to $400,000 in financing with the first $100,000 interest free and balance at bank prime.

Step one complete!

The inaugural meeting of the CNLA Turf Producer’s Sub-Committee took place November 27, 2013. This committee, a sub-committee of the CNLA Grower’s Commodity Group, is chaired by Sean Moher, Development Manager of Manderley Turf Products Inc. With a mandate to both position turf as an industry commodity within traditional Agriculture and further the interests of turf producers across the country.

The turf production industry is represented internationally by Turf Producers International (TPI). With its head office located in Illinois, TPI is the only international trade association dedicated to promoting the benefits of turf sod worldwide. The association is a resource centre for anyone in the turfgrass sod industry. In Canada, the turf production industry is represented in Ontario by the National Sod Growers Association of Ontario (NSGA) and in Western Canada by the Western Canada Turfgrass Association (WTCA).

Turf has and continues to be under attack.

Beginning with the ‘cosmetic pesticide’ ban, turf bore the brunt of the environmental left. Turf was demonized and made a scapegoat only to be left in a defensive position province by province, municipality by municipality. Forgotten in all the rhetoric and environmentalist momentum were two major factors; the science and turf’s beneficial contribution to the environment and people’s health and well being.

Currently this committee has four major initiatives in progress to position turf within industry and government and to serve turf producers across the country: 1. Promoting the benefits of turf, 2. Representing turf as a crop at the Pest, Management Centre meetings in Ottawa

3. Creation of a crop profile for turf, 4. The development of a National Occupational Analysis for turf production.

Read more online at www.cnla-acpp.ca Christene LeVatte, BBA CLM is the CNLA Past President, currently sits on the Turf Producer’s sub-Committee and is a turf producer in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.

Working with municipalities to find solutions for tree purchase and planting challenges An initiative of the Ontario Parks Association and Landscape Ontario

I

t is generally accepted that wholesale nursery growers and municipal parks and forestry departments share similar objectives in that both agree on the need for improvements to the specification of and processes employed by the municipal sector in the purchase and planting of trees and shrubs for planting in the urban environment. With funding assistance from the province’s Growing Forward 2 program, Landscape Ontario has undertaken an initiative to work cooperatively with their colleagues in the municipal sector to improve decision-making at the municipal government and developer levels for the supply and planting of trees in the urban landscape.

This objective was achieved by bringing together a select group of nursery growers and municipal green space manages to participate in a one-day professionally facilitated focus group session. The collective results of this workshop, which was held October 22nd in Milton, will be reviewed and analyzed and will result in a strategy document that outlines key deliverables that the Ontario nursery sector and the municipal green space managers can implement to achieve improved success with urban tree and shrub plantings.

For more information, contact rita@cnla-acpp.ca

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@cnla-acpp.ca| www.cnla-acpp.ca

CNLA Newsbrief

Autumn 2015

landscape industry

certified

Recently Awarded Landscape Industry Certifications Designer Brad Cundy Brad Smith Dave Wright

ON ON ON

Technician - Hardscape Installation Robert Daye NS Raymond Fonger NB Michael LaPorte ON Dominic Paquin BC Collin Shotlander ON Mark von Roeder ON Technician - Softscape Installation Heather Linton BC Palani Ramanathan NS Aaron Szuck MB Takumi Tanizaki BC Phil Thursby BC Technician - Ornamental Maintenance Greg Loner NS Robin Young BC Technician - Turf Maintenance Mark deGraaf ON Amber Murray ON Robin Young BC *as of December 1, 2015

Written testing opportunities are available on the last Wednesday of the month in BC, AB, and NB. Manitoba offers exams on the third Friday of the month. For those, in NS, NL and ON, staff can accomodate your written test as requested.

It’s time to recertify T

he time is here for Landscape Industry Certified individuals to recertify their designations. If you are a Landscape Industry Certified Technician, Manager, or Designer please take some time to look into your designation and ensure that you are in good standing.

If you were certified in late 2013 or early 2014 you may be in need for recertification, check your company mail and personal emails for instructions on how to complete your recertification. If you need any help completing the form or need some

Professional Development clarification please email or call Colin Vince at 647-724-8650 ext. 8625, email is colin@cnla-acpp.ca.

The purpose of recertification is to ensure that our Landscape Industry Certified designation holders are staying current with all of the new trends within the industry. We maintain that certified individuals are the most elite within the industry, and being elite means continually increasing your knowledge and skills.

A total of 24 Continuing Education Units (CEU) will be due with your recertification.

One CEU is worth one hour of service or education. This works out to one hour per month of learning throughout the two years. There are many different ways that you can earn your CEU’s, again if you have any questions or concerns email Colin Vince.

Contest extended

G

ood news! The #whyigotcertified social media contest has been extended until the end of the year! You, as an individual or as a company, have the opportunity to win five hundred dollars in cash by simply submitting a video. Explain why you chose to become Landscape Industry Certified or why you are on the road to becoming Landscape Industry Certified, make it as original as you can and you could win.

What CFIB is doing for you!

making the same income for all 52 weeks of the year. When an overpayment occurs the employee’s share of the overpayment is refunded on their income tax, the proper premium is based on their total yearly income.

What happens to the employer’s share?

Most small business owners assume that the correct amounts were remitted as those amounts were supplied by CRA in the first place and have not been informed differently; however, the reality is YOU as an employer have to request it.

CRA will refund overpayments made by an employer but they do not make it easy.

To obtain a refund you will have to fill out a form for EACH employee Form PD2414e, which includes details of each pay period for each employee for each year etc. Even though the information (yearly income, CPP Deducted) is already stated on T4s, (of which the CRA has a copy of).

CNLA recently brought this issue to the attention of the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses and although they were aware of the issue as it relates to Employment Insurance premiums, the issue of CPP has not been raised before.

This matter has been escalated to the attention of the CFIB Lobbyists in the Ottawa office and they have put it on their list of issues to be raised with Canada Revenue Agency at the next meeting.

Canada pension plan overpayments for seasonal workers

CNLA will continue to keep members updated.

A

Skills Canada

All employees are required to pay into CPP based on their earnings, and their premiums are deducted off of their paycheques. As you know, employers are also required to contribute an equal amount on behalf of every employee they have.

Deduction amounts are based on the assumption that the employee will continue

CNLA will again be Sponsoring Skills Canada to be held in Moncton, NB in June 2016. Each province has been working diligently on promoting the Provincial Competitions to ensure representation at Nationals. Thanks to the efforts of Joe Wynberg and his team from Signature Landscaping; Joe hosted “The Amazing Race” at HortEast to draw attention to Skills and what it means to the future of the industry. Congratulations to Price Landscaping for their 1st place finish and a very big thank you to all of the competitors; judges and spectators for making the event spectacular. Contact Stacey Porter to get involved: stacey@cnla-acpp.ca.

s an employer are you deducting Canada Pension Plan (CPP) premiums according to the tax tables supplied by Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on behalf of a seasonal worker (or any worker who does not work 52 weeks a year for whatever reason i.e. student, illness, pregnancy, quit, seasonal)? If so, a CPP overpayment has most likely occurred!

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes

7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@cnla-acpp.ca | www.cnla-acpp.ca

13

CNLA Newsbrief

Autumn 2015

Landscape Canada Number crunching for Design/Build firms Knowing your numbers is key to growing your business, but many people find reasons to avoid focusing on financials.

Maybe you are the next generation in your family business, and you have been using the same pricing strategies as your parents. Or maybe you are afraid to raise your prices because you don’t want to lose customers. Don’t let these excuses stop you from looking into the details. By comparing your numbers to that of your peers, you can better understand your costs, and your pricing strategies, and ensure that you are running a profitable business.

Over the next few issues, we will be sharing some real statistics from design/build firms so you can think about how your company compares to others. This information, provided by DynaSCAPE, includes data from over 250 companies across North America.

In this issue, we will look at average markup and profit margin.

Markup is based on costs. It looks at your profits divided by your wholesale costs (times 100 for a percentage). Your markup does not necessarily equal your profit. The Multiple Overhead Recovery System prescribes the following markup percentages: materials (10%), plants (10%), equipment (25%), subcontractors (5%) Profit Margin is based on revenues. It is the percentage of your profit divided by your selling price. Track the changes in your profit margin over time to help you better price your products and services.

Knowing your profit margin can help you better determine your markup. A 20% profit is recommended for materials, plants, equipment, subcontractors and labour.

Looking at the chart, it is easy to see that labour is the biggest cost to any business.

On average, to gain just over 19% profit, it is necessary to markup your labour costs by 83%. These numbers vary based on business size. Based on the data, companies with revenues ranging from $2 million to $2.5 million have the highest markup on labour costs, of 98%.

14

Why are these numbers important?

Comparing your company’s numbers to the averages you see on this chart can help you see where you stand. You can now see that you don’t need to compensate for your labour costs in other categories. Most companies do have a significant markup to make a profit back on the overhead that comes with having a good crew. When setting your prices, determine how much of a profit margin you want. Make sure you markup your costs to result in that margin.

If you set your prices this way, you can be more competitive. You can easily determine the types of jobs you will markup at a higher (or lower) rate and know your reasons for doing so. You are in business to make money, so look at your numbers to find out the best way for you to succeed.

Exploring Spain with ELCA In September, representatives from CNLA joined over 30 delegates from 16 countries at the European Landscape Contractors Association (ELCA) Presidium and Excursion in Barcelona, Spain. ELCA’s Presidium meetings provide CNLA with an opportunity to connect with landscape associations from Europe and beyond, where we can learn about the successes in each country, and how they are dealing with problems facing the industry.

Many countries involved in ELCA are promoting green city initiatives. They are building a case to have more green spaces in cities. In Finland, the government has approved 2016 as a “Green Year,” and in Switzerland, 40 politicians have signed a Green Charter. CNLA has invited the ELCA Board and membership to attend the International Green City Conference in Vancouver, this upcoming March 2016.

Member countries are also working to improve the image of the industry, ensuring that newcomers to the industry are trained.

European countries are dealing with the underground economy and segregating the professional companies from the unprofessional.

The excursion took delegates to gardens, where industry professionals gave a tour and provided technical explanations about the design and construction of the gardens.

ELCA usually tries to include public parks, public gardens, and private gardens on their excursions. The tour also highlighted many cultural sights of Barcelona.

ELCA is looking at more ways for their membership to share information and work together. They want their professional tours to have a positive contribution to all participants. CNLA members are invited to all ELCA Excursions. The next one will take place in Istanbul, Turkey, from May 6-8, 2016.

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@cnla-acpp.ca| www.cnla-acpp.ca

CNLA Newsbrief

Autumn 2015

Garden Centres Canada Know your numbers, know your business T

hanks to funding from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (say that three times fast), Garden Centres Canada (GCC) is developing a tool that you can use to better understand your business. GCC is currently working with a software developer to create online benchmarking software that will be simple to use and more importantly, take up as little administrative time as possible!

As the program is being developed, we will continue to share information through the monthly GCC Retail News so you will know what to expect at the launch in spring 2016. Since this is a program that shares aggregate data of all participants, the more garden centres that participate, the more accurate the data, which provides value to everyone. We strongly encourage every garden centre member to take some time over the winter and think about how you will participate. Weekly data entry is key to giving the maximum benefit to all participants. Will you be the one importing this data each week, or do you want to assign this task to a specific staff person?

How will you make sure you use the data you get back each week? Reviewing the information on a regular basis will help you get the most out of the program.

Our vision for how the program will work: Initial setup – requires the most time Set up your username and password so you can log into the online system.

Take time to enter details into your business profile to allow the program to segregate data by company size and region, so you are receiving more useful information. Once complete, this only needs to be updated annually.

Weekly Data Entry It is not obligatory to have a POS system to participate. If you can pull your sales information from your accounting system, you are still able to easily input your data.

Data entry should be as easy as importing a .csv file into the system and adding in some details about the weather and any special promotions you had that week.

Weekly data reports will be available for your own store so you can easily compare your sales week-to-week, month-to-month, year-to-year, etcetera. You will also be able to look at how sales turned out for garden centres by region, and nationally. All data will remain anonymous, and only the aggregate data of all participants will be shared. You must enter your information to get the reports back.

Thanks to the funding from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the benchmarking program will be free to all members for at least the first year. Take advantage of this great opportunity and sign up today! CNLA is compiling a list of interested garden centres so that we can notify you as soon as the program is launched. Sign up at www.cnla-acpp.ca/gccbenchmarking

garden. Showing customers complimentary plants and accents can help them see the larger picture. This is almost a twist on the “would you like fries with that” model from fast food chains. Up-sell, by showing your customer what they could have if they bought the whole package.

If you are looking to network with other retailers, consider getting more involved in events from the Retail Council of Canada (RCC). Your membership to your provincial association (and CNLA) includes access to many resources from RCC. Their annual conference includes speakers from leading retailers in Canada and beyond. You might get some great ideas from the most unexpected of places!

Sheridan Nurseries Learning oustide the Etobicoke is Garden Centre of the Year garden centre

T

here is so much more to retail than what we do at a garden centre. We can learn a lot from retailers that have nothing to do with plants. There is a reason IKEA lays out their stores in a certain way. Bookstore chains have remained relevant in a world of digital media (and less expensive books online). What are they doing to keep customers coming back to their store?

In a recent article in Green Profit Magazine, Bill McCurry shared a story from a garden centre in Massachusetts that had a creative way to teach their staff how to help customers make successful purchases. She takes all of her new employees to a highend clothing store, and lets the salesperson work with the individual to put together a new outfit – then she buys that outfit for them. That sounds like a nice perk for a new employee, but she doesn’t do this to make the employees happy. Going through the experience of purchasing one outfit, with the assistance of a salesperson, can help the employee understand how to be a successful salesperson. Someone at a clothing store isn’t just selling you a nice top. They are recommending the perfect outfit from head to toe, including accessories. This same principle can be applied to helping a customer create a

S

heridan Nurseries Etobicoke, Ontario garden centre has taken home the 2015 Garden Centre of the Year award presented by the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association. The garden centre was recognized for excellence in all seven categories of the award criteria, which includes focus on employees, the environment, future gardeners and continuous improvements for their store.

Sandra Braid and Jesse Tadeo accepted the award on behalf of the garden centre at this summer’s National Awards of Landscape Excellence gala held in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Category winners included Phoenix Perennials in Richmond, British Columbia and Sheridan Nurseries in Scarborough, Ontario.

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@cnla-acpp.ca | www.cnla-acpp.ca

15

CNLA Newsbrief

Autumn 2015

Contact: Heather x 17, Kathryn x 33 Phone Number: 519.672.9090 Fax: 519.672.6080

Industry events NORTH AMERICA

Pub: CNLA Insertion dates: 2005 Membership Directory

January 12-14: Landscape Ontario Congress: Toronto, ON www.locongress.com January 14: Certification Written Test at Congress: claudia@cnla-acpp.ca

Ad: STI1189_4MixAd_CNLA

January 21-22: Western Trade Show & Conference: Kansas City, MO www.wnla.org January 25-27: Great Lakes Trade Expo: Lansing, MI www.glte.org February 3-5: iLandscape Show: Schaumburg, IL www.ilandscapeshow.com February 12-14: Yard, Garden & Patio Show: Portland, OR www.ygpshow.com February 17-21: Northwest Flower & Garden Show: Seattle, WA www.gardenshow.com February 24-26: Water Garden Expo: Shawnee, OK www.wgexpo.com

4-MIX power – quite simply, a stroke of genius. ™

The revolutionary STIHL 4-MIX engine.

TM

More power than a 2 stroke.

Less weight than a 4 stroke.

STIHL’s award-winning 4-MIX™ engine gives you all this while running on standard 50:1 mixed fuel. It offers reduced fuel consumption, less noise

and has emissions so low they exceed Canada’s most stringent environmental standards. This revolutionary technology is now available on a growing selection of professional STIHL equipment, including

brushcutters, edgers, blowers, as well as the versatile KombiSystem. Drop by your local STIHL dealer to check out the innovative 4-MIX™ product line and experience the service advantage that comes with every STIHL machine.

www.stihl.ca

March 11-20: Canada Blooms: Toronto, ON www.canadablooms.com TBD: Certification Written Test at Canada Blooms: claudia@cnla-acpp.ca March 12-20: Chicago Flower & Garden Show: Chicago, IL www.chicagoflower.com March 14-18: International Green City Conference: Vancouver, BC www.cnla-acpp.ca/greencity

INTERNATIONAL January 26-29: IPM Essen (& International Grower of the Year Competition): Essen, Germany www.ipm-messe.de/en February 15-18: Salon du Végétal: Angers, France www.salonduvegetal.com February 17-19: Garden Retail Experience: Boskoop, the Netherlands www.gardenretailexperience.com Printed on recycled paper using vegetable based inks by: Harmony Printing, 50 Woodbine Downs Boulevard, Toronto, ON M9W 5R2

40042205

16

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@cnla-acpp.ca| www.cnla-acpp.ca