CNLA Newsbrief June 2011 by Canadian Nursery Landscape Association

The Underground World and what lies beneath

Stewart Brothers steps into the future

Arbor Day celebrations

Green Industry News May-June 2011 Vol. 20 Issue 4

What’s inside: • CFIA updates • Off-continent export markets developments • National Awards of Excellence is growing • National Plastics Recycling Event • Industry loses two dedicated members

Landscape Alberta reminds CNLA members: Keep everyone safe and infrastructure connected by following ground disturbance and buried utility damage prevention Best Practices. All cities have comprehensive and complex underground infrastructure providing essential goods and services. Each year there are numerous instances where the integrity of this infrastructure is jeopardized by improperly conducted ground disturbances. Failure to Call Before You Dig to have buried facilities identified and their locations marked prior to disturbing the ground is the most frequent cause of buried facility damages. The consequences of damage to buried facilities can include service disruptions, environmental contamination, property damage, personal injury and death.

Before You Dig

Whatever the project, keep everyone safe by calling your local One Call Centre at least three days in advance to learn the exact location of pipelines and

other underground utility installations on your property. You will avoid costly repairs and interruption of vital services that can occur as a result of a line strike.

Before You Build

In Canada, for development within 200 metres of a pipeline or within 750 metres of compressor stations, please contact TransCanada’s agent Lehman & Associates at 1-866-602-0663. This includes, but is not limited to, permanent buildings and accessory structures such as pools, sheds, parking lots, decks, greenhouses, garages, and fences.

Location of Pipelines

TransCanada uses a variety of markers and signs along the Right of Way (RoW) to clearly mark the general location of our pipelines. However, pipeline markers should not be relied on for the exact location, path, or depth, since pipelines are buried underground at varying depths and the exact depth of cover can only be accurately determined by a TransCanada representative. For this reason, certain activities such as erecting structures and planting trees within the RoW are restricted until authorized by TransCanada. Please call your local One Call Centre, and TransCanada will send a representative to your proposed excavation site to mark buried utilities at no cost to you:

British Columbia: Alberta: Saskatchewan: Manitoba: Ontario: Québec:

1-800-474-6886 1-800-242-3447 1-866-82-4888 1-800-827-5094 1-800-400-2255 1-800-663-9228

www.bconecall.bc.ca www.alberta1call.com www.sask1stcall.com www.callb4udig.mb.ca www.on1call.com www.info-ex.com

CNLA Newsbrief

May-June 2011

EXECUTIVE BOARD:

President Past President First Vice President Second Vice President Treasurer

Bill Stensson - ON Cary van Zanten - BC Christine LeVatte, CLP - NS Rene Thiebaud, CLP - ON Bruce Hunter, CLT, CLD, CLP - BC

DIRECTORS: LNS Representative LOHTA Representative Insurance Chair BCLNA Representative HR Chair Environment Chair Research Chair Government Relations AQPP Representative Planning & Government NAPPO Chair LNB Representative Member Services Chair Garden Centre Canada Chair Certification Chair Landscape Canada Chair LANTA Representative LM Representative Growers Canada Chair LNL Representative SNLA Representative

Robin Godfrey - NS Gerald Boot, CLP - ON Michael Kato - BC Harold Deenen, CLP - ON Bill Hardy, CLP - BC Michel Touchette - MB Michael Murray - NL Pierre Lavallée - QC Bruce McTavish - BC Darrell Nameth, CLP - NB Anthony O’Neill - NL Cable Baker, CLT, CLP - BC Phil Paxton, CLT, CLP - AB Owen Vanstone - MB Doreen Layman - NL Aaron Krahn - SK

STAFF: Executive Director Victor Santacruz, CAE, CLP victor@canadanursery.com Member Services Manager Joseph Salemi, CAE joseph@canadanursery.com Professional and Business Joel Beatson, CAE, CLP Development Manager joel@canadanursery.com Manager of Provincial Relations Rebecca Doutre, CAE rebecca@canadanursery.com Growers Manager Rita Weerdenburg rita@canadanursery.com Landscape Priorities Manager Liz Klose, B.Sc., (Agr), CLP liz@canadanursery.com Retail Priorities Manager Renata Triveri renata@canadanursery.com Certification Services Julia Ricottone, EPt julia@canadanursery.com Minor Use/IPM Co-ordinator Peter Isaacson, B.Sc., MPM peter@canadanursery.com Provincial Relations Co-ordinator Michelle Brown michelle@canadanursery.com Communications Co-ordinator Kim Burton kim@canadanursery.com Executive Assistant Cheryl Gall cheryl@canadanursery.com Administrative Assistant Barbara Blackadar barbara@canadanursery.com Printed on recycled paper using vegetable based inks by: Harmony Printing, 50 Woodbine Downs Boulevard, Toronto, ON M9W 5R2

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INDUSTRY NEWS

The Underground World: what lies beneath Contributed by Brian Ramor, CLT, Think Green Landscaping, Vancouver BC.

Brian is a member of BCLNA, Landscape Canada Committee and BC Common Ground Alliance, and newly appointed Canadian Common Ground Alliance CNLA Liaison. Last month, Brian received in invitation by FortisBC (www.fortis.ca) to represent the landscape sector at the Western Energy Institute (www.westernenergymembers.org) Conference in California. Being involved in the digging/ground disturbance community today means knowing what is under the ground. My involvement with the Common Ground Alliance has made me aware of the numerous steps required to keep me, my employees, company, customers and the general public SAFE! If you are reading this article and you don’t think this applies to you, you are wrong. Read on... For many years, if I was digging a hole or performing some type of ground disturbance, I did so with no phone call, no maps, no worries. Well, no more! I now know that it was a very a dangerous and wrong thing to do! I was very lucky that I did not hurt anyone or damage any underground infrastructure. Knowing what lies beneath is critically important and seriously impacts ALL areas of our industry. If you are a grower you probably have buried cables and conduits running to greenhouses, outbuildings, barns or several residences of your property. You might even have a high pressure transmission pipeline running through your acreage. If you are a retailer, selling large trees and shrubs, you need to alert your customers to ‘Call Before You Dig’. Buried utilities need to be located and marked before planting. Providing them with information of who to call before planting that large calliper tree you sold to them will ensure that these customers are around to return to your business. For architects and designers, the design process begins with determining what utilities lie beneath the ground. Calling for underground infrastructure information can

prevent future problems with installing or building your designs. For the landscape industry, whether you are a hardscape or irrigation installer, a maintenance company or an arborist — knowing where the utilities are and what you are responsible for is essential due diligence. A mistake you make in not calling for locates could end in a serious injury, or worse, a fatality. Good news travels fast, but bad news travels faster. It only takes one accident and your insurance coverage could go up or you could end up with insurance problems because you didn’t take the necessary steps in due diligence to keep everyone safe. At the end of the day, we want everyone to go home in the same way they left their family and friends in the same way they left that morning. The Common Ground Alliance (CCGA) is where we, as an industry, have input in the development of best practices and regulations. We also have the opportunity to forge a working relationship with a group that may be unaware of our presence. I encourage all provinces, who have yet to have an industry representative on their provincial Common Ground Alliance to “dig in” (but call first!!), get involved and get a volunteer member involved in your local Common Ground Alliance. Attending the WEI Conference made me clearly see that the utility organizations do value our opinion and we have much to learn and benefit from working together as we collectively strive for a better, safer industry. The CCGA (www.canadiancga.com) is the voice of Canada’s Regional Partner Common Ground Alliances dedicated to working toward damage prevention solutions that will benefit all Canadians. Their mission: “Through shared responsibility among all stakeholders, the CCGA works to reduce damages to underground infrastructure — ensuring public safety, environmental protection, and the integrity of services by promoting effective damage prevention practices.” For more information on the Canadian Common Ground Alliance and to find a chapter in your province, visit the website, or contact Brian Ramor at thinkgreen@telus. net, Mike Sullivan, Chair, Canadian Common Ground Alliance at msullivan@canadiancga. com or Liz Klose, Landscape Priorities Manager at liz@canadanursery.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@canadanursery.com | www.canadanursery.com

CNLA Newsbrief

May-June 2011

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Award to honour Michael Haberl Sr. The LANTA Board has approved the establishment of an award in the memory Mike Haberl Sr. who passed away suddenly on April 22, 2011. The award will be called the ‘Mike Haberl Sr. Landscape Industry Certified Award’, chosen because Mike championed the development of certification in Alberta, which continues to grow thanks to his vision and perseverance. The recipient of the Award will be the person who obtains the best score in the Landscape Industry Certified test for a particular year.

Ontario, from 1954 to 1981. The Laking Garden at RBG is named after Leslie and his wife, Barbara, both trained horticulturists and avid gardeners. He was appointed honorary president of the Auxiliary and Director Emeritus after his retirement. An Order of Canada recipient, he was also awarded honorary doctorates from McMaster University and the University of Guelph, and was presented with the Lawson Medal, the highest honour of the Canadian Botanical Association. In 2006, he authored Love, Sweat and Soil: A History of Royal Botanical Gardens from 1930 to 1981.

Dennis Eveleigh, B.Sc., Assistant Taxonomist and Instructor, Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and School of Horticulture, formerly of RBG, remembers Dr. Laking as “a gentle, humble and very horticulturally knowledgeable man. In 1954, the RBG Director resigned and Laking was the only person on RBG’s staff close to being qualified. He had been trained at RBG Kew in Britian (one of the first Canadians to be enrolled) and had completed his B.Sc. (Agr) in Horticulture at the University of Guelph. The Board of Directors decided to give Leslie a try at being Director, and the rest is history.”

Mike had a passion for gardening and the landscape industry. Despite a successful nursery in Montreal, Mike decided to move west in 1979 to Calgary with his young family to start a new life. The first years saw Mike branding and selling landscape products and services throughout western Canada until the spring of 1989 when he started Prestige Landscape Maintenance. Mike was LANTA President in 1992 and 1993, and served as chair of a number of committees including the Landscape Contractors Group and the Southern Chapter. He was also the association’s representative to the CNLA for many years. Mike’s dedication for the industry was unprecedented; he believed that in order to have a vibrant industry it needed a strong trade association, and he exemplified leadership to make that happen. His can-do attitude was infectious, not only for those around him, but also his family, with his son Mike Jr. following in his footsteps to become an industry leader. Mike Sr. retired a few years ago, but his legacy is forever.

Dr. Leslie Laking Dr. Leslie Laking died peacefully on Saturday, April 16, 2011. Dr. Laking spent the majority of his career as the longestserving director of the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) www.rbg.ca in Hamilton,

Today, Tomorrow…and all The years To come. Industry-leading productivity and performance is built into every Cat machine — including the new Cat B3 Series Skid Steer, Multi Terrain and Compact Track Loaders. With increased power and torque, plus up to 33% better fuel economy, you’ll get more work done faster, and lower your operating costs too. In addition to saving you money every job, Cat machines also have higher resale value. Add it up, and you’ll see that Caterpillar delivers the lowest cost of ownership. That’s the difference between price…and value.

special discounTs for cnla members! save up to $2,000 on a variety of new cat machines. for details, visit the caterpillar member benefits section at www.canadanursery.com!

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CNLA Newsbrief

May-June 2011

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Stewart Brothers prepares for the future Stewart Brothers Nurseries, one of the oldest operating nurseries in Canada, celebrates their 100th anniversary this year while preparing for the future with new technology to ensure its continued success. “As part of the Stewart Brothers’ goal and initiative to remain a leader in the nursery industry in Western Canada, we have started to test pilot and explore a phased-in implementation of a new technology available for tree nursery inventory management,” said Sandra Bjamason, Advisory Board Chair, Stewart Brothers Nurseries. Stewart Brothers is starting to test pilot and use HisTREE.net’s Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to tag its trees which, once fully implemented will give the nursery real-time inventory management at all three of its nursery locations. RFID tagged trees provide an industry-wide By tagging trees with unique RFID online tree archive. tags, a variety of information can be recorded and tracked. The HisTREE. net system uses RFID tags, wireless mobile “As a Clean Plants Certified nursery, inventodata collectors and an industry-wide online ry control and accountability are important tree archive. The system allows nurseries to factors for Stewart Brothers,” said Sandra. manage and maintain inventory levels and One of the challenges the nursery industry record and archive maintenance or growfaces is traceability of products and supply ing activities, including watering, fertilizing chain visibility. Historically, as trees move complete with blends, pruning, callipering from the nursery to industry suppliers to the of trees, tree species information and digend user, valuable life cycle data is lost. RFID ging dates. Stewart Brothers is starting to tags will help address this problem. ship trees for the 2011 season with the RFID tags attached. “If successful, our partnership with HisTREE. net and implementation of their system will improve our ability to service our key customers including municipalities and large landscape companies,” said Sandra. “Over time, the adaption of the system by the various players in the industry will benefit not only the end-user but the industry as a whole.” Based on current plans, Stewart Brothers is on track to become the first nursery in North America to be a “Tags On Trees as Leaving Gates (TOTAL G)” nursery, meaning each individual tree has its own RFID tag and is the first nursery in Canada to use HisTREE.net’s technology and sysWireless mobile data collectors assist in tems to aid in the management of the Clean maintaining nursery inventory and maintenance Plants program. of the trees.

CNLA mixing it up with election candidates

The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) urged members across the country to visit with the federal election candidates in their riding to introduce themselves and to provide the candidate with an understanding of the size and scope of the landscape horticulture industry locally and nationally. CNLA provided a summary for stats and facts for the candidate and a document containing talking points to stay on message. CNLA helped co-ordinate several meetings across the country for members to meet and discuss the industry with their candidate. CNLA Communications Manager, Joe Salemi, took it a step further and entered the social media realm and engaged many candidates through Twitter. Salemi was able to inform many candidates landscape horticulture industry in Canada. CNLA plans to engage the elected MPs across the country in various meetings with industry champions to raise their awareness level and move forward with industry priorities. Follow Joe Salemi on Twitter, @salemijoe for industry related tweets!

The Petro-Canada SuperPassTM card simplifies your workday

The SuperPass card can help you save time and money by providing effective fleet management tools for your business: purchase controls, Personal Identification Number (PIN)-protected cards, customizable reports, and online security and control features. The security features of the SuperPass card help guard against fraud and theft. The program works to safeguard your business, which translates into bottom-line savings. One of the built-in security features is PIN protection, which allows each card to be set up with a unique and confidential PIN to prevent unauthorized use of the card. You can assign a PIN to your card in one of three ways. A driver can be assigned a personal PIN for a card, the vehicle can have a PIN assigned to it or you can set up

CNLA Newsbrief

May-June 2011

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INDUSTRY NEWS

ASSOCIATION NEWS

a single-station card with a PIN for each driver that refuels.

Atlantic provinces busy this spring By: Jim Landry

In addition to the PIN security feature, the SuperPass card can help you to control what, where and when your drivers purchase; saving you money and reducing misuse of the card. You can also customize controls at any time using your SuperPass Online account. This online account allows you to set up restrictions at your convenience for all drivers, a single driver or a selection of drivers in the following ways: • Control the type of fuel you want your drivers to purchase. • Prevent the purchase of certain types of products and services such as tobacco and general merchandise. • Control which locations your drivers can visit by province or down to the site address level. • Set spend limits on fuels and non-fuel products. • Control the time of day or day of week that drivers can buy products and services.

On Prince Edward Island everyone is settling into another busy season. Landscape Horticulture has been designated there and the search is now on for journeypersons to come forward so we can indenture any new apprentices that make their intent know. For the record, indenturing is the linking up of apprentice and journeyperson, or mentor, and has very little to do with teeth. It’s very exciting to see how everyone is working hard to make this industry a career

Our Certification Chair, Brent Ayles, and I have just returned from the spring certification test in Truro at April’s end. The sun and the wind were both in attendance and all in all it was yet another fine day. That’s not to say that all of the candidates were successful at all of their stations, but rather the day itself was a success, with camaraderie and co-operation being the order of the day. Credit for this must go to the volunteers, the staff of NSAC and of course the maestro herself, Julia Ricottone.

continued on page 6 CNLA

In addition to security, control and PIN protection SuperPass Online provides you with an opportunity to set up customized reports that suit your needs. You can get a statement summary and transaction details, allowing you to make cost-effective decisions based on purchase data analysisquickly and easily.

National Plastics Recycling Week June 25 - July 3, 2011

Contact your local association and get involved!

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

49495

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

CNLA Newsbrief

May-June 2011

sponsored by: Certification candidates gather with organizers at the Truro, NS testing site in April 2011.

ASSOCIATION NEWS Atlantic provinces continued...

choice for the next generation. If you would like to see how the game of certification testing is played in the Atlantic Provinces, the Atlantic Region Certification Committee invites you to go to http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=1BWoEOAlb4Q.

LANTA helps out Ronald McDonald Houses across Alberta

Landscape Alberta presented Ronald McDonald Houses of Alberta with $4,400. This amount reflects two percent of purchases by LANTA members at Marks Work Wearhouse. The program offers all LANTA members who present a discount card with 10 percent off their purchase. Mark’s then donates two percent of sales through this program to Ronald McDonald Houses of Alberta.

landscape industry

certified

Landscape NL celebrates Arbor Day on June 1st

Since 2008, Landscape Newfoundland and Labrador (LNL) has been celebrating Arbor Day with tree plantings around the province. In 2009, the Minister of Environment proclaimed June 1st as Arbor Day in the province, with LNL planting a tree on Confederation Hill, as well as in all parts of NL with their members. “This year, LNL planted a Tilia (linden) on Confederation Hill with the Minister of Environment Ross Wiseman” said LNL President, Doreen Layman (Mr. Turf-St. John’s). “In addition, LNL expanded our Arbor Day program to partner with local schools offering a poster contest, where students were asked to portray the benefits of trees towards a healthy lifestyle for their families. The two winning schools, Morris Academy (Mount Pearl) and Mary Queen of Peace (St. John’s), had trees planted at their schools with LNL members. Thank you

After graduating, young landscape gardeners get the chance to expand their professional experience and training abroad and in Europe. This is made possible by qualified landscaping companies that are members of the ELCA-Committee of Firms. The wide range of participating companies permits young landscape gardeners to set technical priorities regarding their interests (constructing and maintaining gardens, public parks, paving work, planting trees, roof and façade gardens, biological engineering work, indoor gardens, constructing golf courses and sports grounds) and to also

Members of LNL also took part in Arbor Day tree plantings around the province. “This is a great opportunity for LNL to showcase the benefits of our industry’s products and services to the Environment — trees have many different environmental, social and economic benefits that our communities can benefit from,” said Layman. Participating LNL members include: Daisy Design and the Town of Grand Bank; Murray’s Horticultural Services and the Town of Portugal Cove – St. Phillip’s; Traverse Gardens and the Town of Flatrock; O’Neill’s Gardenland and the Town of Spaniard’s Bay; C.D.’s Tree’s and the Town of Logy Bay, Middle Cove and Outer Cove; Balsom Gardens Ltd. and the Town of Clarenville; Thistle’s Limited (The Greenhouse) and the Town of Little Rapids.

Certification Corner

Exchange of Young Landscape Gardeners This year nearly 200 places in 16 European and five non-European countries are available and they include Australia, New Zealand and Canada. The European Landscape Contractors Association has been promoting the European exchange of young landscape gardeners for many years. In annual surveys among the members of the ELCA-Committee of Firms, the ELCA locates companies that are prepared to employ young landscape gardeners from abroad for a certain period.

to Sheridan Nurseries for donating three linden trees for the Arbor Day plantings.

select a country on the basis of language competency and cultural interests. ELCA Training Passport To promote the international exchange program, the ELCA has been issuing training passports for landscape gardeners since 1985. The passport contains details on the vocational training and further training as well as the normal data about a person. It is issued to young landscape gardeners who have graduated and are interested in expanding their professional qualifications while working abroad. The passport was developed in cooperation with various EU committees. It is issued free of charge to all landscape gardeners who have graduated. More information and a list of trainee vacancies can be obtained from Edda Burckhardt at the ELCA Office: Alexander-von-Humboldt-Straße 4, 53604 Bad Honnef, Germany Telephone: +49-2224 7707-20 Fax: +49-2224 7707-77 E-mail: e.burckhardt@elca.info www.elca.info

Recently Certified Edwin Buitrago, CLT Jesse Carter, CLT Doug Conrad, CLT, CLD, CLP Dany Dufour, CLT Glenn Fraser, CLT Owen Godbout, CLT Adam Hatt, CLT Heather Hunneman, CLT Nicole Hunneman, CLT Ryan Hyson, CLT Kim Kawaja, CLT Sean Lahey, CLT Phil Lemme, CLT Jamie Lowe, CLT Cyndy MacCormac, CLT Matt MacLeod, CLT Wade McArthur, CLT Cynthia Mercer, CHT Stewart Morrison, CLT Rachelle Quinn, CLT Lynn Rannankari, CLT Frances Ross, CLT Raymond Runka, CLT Keely Runnalls, CLT Colin Upson, CLT

ON AB NS SK NB AB NS AB AB NS AB NL NB NS PE NB AB NB NS AB AB AB AB AB AB

*as of May 24, 2011

CNLA Newsbrief

May-June 2011

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Garden Centres Corner National Plastics Recycling Event 2011 Garden centres across the country are coming together to participate in the second annual National Plastic Recycling Event, June 25 to July 4. Led by the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) and its member associations, the event is designed to offer gardeners an environmentally responsible way to dispose of their plastic plant pots, plant packs, and plastic trays.

Free public service materials for agriculture workers A group of students from Simon Fraser University, UBC, and the University of the Fraser Valley have created two public service videos and an information sheet aimed at raising awareness about guidelines on how to safely wash clothing that is worn during farm work or pesticide application. Given the multicultural nature of the farming community in BC, this project will be undertaken in a number of different languages.

Clothing that has been worn in fields where pesticides are used has been found to be one of the major sources of indoor pesticide contamination. Safe handling of these garments can reduce farmers’ and farm family members’ exposure to pesticides. The Wash With Care team will bring together farm community members to talk about the current laundry guidelines during a series of focus groups and interviews. To learn more about the project, and to download these important health and safety resources for your staff, please visit www.washwithcare.ca.

The program began as a Landscape Ontario initiative, but went national for the first time in 2010. On a shoestring budget (all the work was volunteered by participating garden centres and recycling partners) the program was an instant success, and more than 53,000 pounds of recyclable garden plastic was collected. This year, dozens of new participants have joined, giving gardeners even more places to deposit their flowerpots and trays, instead of in the trash. Additional garden centres are pledging support every day. Horticultural suppliers like ITML, and non-profit organizations like CleanFarms™ (a non-profit industry stewardship organization that manages agricultural waste and packaging) are working on ways they can assist garden centres and nurseries in the stewardship of garden plastics. “It’s a difficult problem,” says Bill Hardy, CNLA’s Environment Chair. “The environmental horticulture industry — the garden industry — works every day to improve the environment by adding plants and trees to the spaces in which we live. Gardening and landscaping have positive effects on the air we breathe, the quality of our water, and on climate change. Now we need to find better ways to get those plants from the nursery to private and public green spaces without creating undue waste. The recycling initiative is one step toward the goal of finding eco-friendly alternatives to plastics.” To find out which garden centres in your area are participating in the initiative, visit http://www.canadanursery.com/Page. asp?PageID=924&ContentID=1386. To become a 'depot' during this event, contact your provincial association, or Renata Triveri at 1-888-446-3499 ext. 8730.

August 25-27

2011 Get Ahead. Stay Ahead. In the nursery

2011

community, there’s one thing we can always count on: change. And with change comes infinite possibility. Join your friends and fellow green industry professionals at the 2011 Farwest Show, where we’re tackling the evolving

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wholesale and retail environment head-on with scores of new ideas and innovative solutions. With hundreds of exhibitors, mind-opening seminars and networking opportunities, you’ll be sure to return home inspired and ready for action. Save the dates!

CNLA Newsbrief

May-June 2011

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Growers Corner

By rita weerdenburg

The numbers are in: sales are up, but so are expenses While there is no question that in 2010 growers across Canada were impacted by a high Canadian dollar, low prices on imports from the US, an increase in input costs and, in some areas of the country, extreme weather conditions, the most recent statistics released by StatsCan indicate that Canada’s wholesale nursery industry continues to be a growing one. The value of total wholesale sales in 2010 rose to $643,787,730 as compared to the previous year’s sales of $635,888,735, a modest overall increase of 1.2 percent. Gains were experienced in all provinces except Quebec. They may be surprised to hear it, especially in consideration of the impact of low-priced US stock coming into the province, but the largest dollar value gain was seen in BC. The following is a regional breakdown (x 000): 2009 2010 Atlantic

12,418

12,821

Quebec

76,255

74,786

Ontario

283,292

284,515

Prairies

60,230

63,604

203,691

208,059

According to StatsCan, in 2010, total costs for producers of nursery operators increased by 2.3% reaching $577 million. Labour costs were estimated at $226 million and represented 39.2% of total operating costs. In 2010, nurseries employed 14,400 workers. Of this total, 71.5% were seasonal workers. The average salary increased 7.0% to reach $15,696 per employee. For more details, the full report is available on the StatsCan website: www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/

Looking for offcontinent markets?

The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association will continue their export market development initiatives in 2011 and 2012, thanks to ongoing funding support from AAFC’s AgriMarketing program. This year’s export

market development project will focus on two major initiatives: an exploratory sellers’ mission to Russia and a booth presence at the IPM Essen trade show in Germany. The sellers’ mission to Russia is tentatively planned for late August and early September and will be timed to coincide with a Moscow-based industry trade show. With assistance from the local trade commissioner’s office, visits will be coordinated with a variety of business types, including retail garden centre, landscape, municipal, etc. The trade show booth at IPM Essen Germany will be the second year for a display from CNLA. New this year will be cooperation with Flowers Canada Growers (FCG). The dates of the next show are January 25th to 28th, 2012. Partial funding to cover travel costs, generally 50 percent of airfare and a daily per diem is available through AAFC funding. As only a very limited number of spaces are available for each mission, all interested companies will be requested to complete an evaluation application. For further information, contact Rita Weerdenburg: rita@ canadanursery.com.

Plants with bamboo stakes denied entry into the US As reported in an earlier Growers’ E-mail Update, a BC-based nursery recently had their load turned back at the border because they used unsplit bamboo stakes for supporting their plants. CFIA have recently informed CNLA that the USDA requirements for fumigation of bamboo stakes from China with methyl bromide, and which are in excess of Canadian standards, are long-standing, but up until now have not been enforced. Although the CFIA continue to look at options to resolve this issue on behalf of the grower sector, this is a complex matter and there are few available alternatives at this time. More complete details have been forwarded to CNLA grower members through the Growers’ E-mail Update, and are now available on-line at www.canadanursery.com. In the meanwhile, it is recommended that growers

do not use unsplit bamboo stakes in any nursery product destined for shipment to the US. Any grower that has experienced any problems related to exports due to the presence of unsplit bamboo stakes is requested to provide further details to the CNLA office. Contact Rita Weerdenburg at rita@canadanursery.com or call 1-888-4463499, ext 8686. CFIA continues to work with USDA on restrictions related to CLHB and ALHB The CFIA has asked the USDA to further clarify the specific phytosanitary import requirements for Asian longhorn beetle (ALHB) and Citrus longhorn beetle (CLHB) host material entering the US from Canada. Until such clarifications are provided, the CFIA will put the following restrictions into effect: 1. Regulated host genera that are less than or equal to 10 mm at their widest point are exempt from this FO and can continue to be exported to the US provided they meet all other US import requirements; 2. Regulated host material that was grown exclusively in the United States and/ or Canada may be exported to the US under a Canadian phytosanitary certificate (no pest specific AD for CLB/ALB required); 3. Regulated host material that was imported to Canada from countries other than the US, prior to May 11, 2011 can be exported to the US under a Canadian phytosanitary certificate provided it was grown in Canada for a minimum of 12 months (no pest specific AD for CLB/ ALB required); 4. Regulated host material that was imported to Canada from countries other than the US, prior to May 11, 2011 but has not been grown in Canada for at least 12 months CANNOT be exported to the US at this time; 5. Regulated host material that was imported to Canada on or after May 11, 2011 CANNOT be exported to the US. CFIA have noted that that these restrictions have a significant impact on the nursery/ greenhouse plant trade and they are actively working with the USDA to minimize the impact of this Federal Order on the Canadian industry. Further questions or comments should be directed to Rita Weerdenburg, rita@canadanursery.com (1-888-446-3499, ext. 8686).

CNLA Newsbrief

May-June 2011

sponsored by:

Coin de producteurs

Les résultats sont A la recherche de dévoilés: les ventes marchés outre-mer? sont à la hausse mais les dépenses le sont aussi Malgré qu’en 2010 les producteurs ont été affectés par le taux élevé du dollar canadien, les bas prix des importations des É.U., la hausse des coûts d’intrants et, dans certaines régions du pays, des conditions climatiques extrêmes, les statistiques les plus récentes publiées par StatsCan révèlent que l’industrie canadienne de la production en pépinière est en pleine croissance. La valeur totale des ventes en gros en 2010 a atteint 643, 787,730$ comparée aux ventes de l’année passée qui étaient de 635, 888,735$, une augmentation modeste de 1.2 pour cent. On a gagné du terrain dans toutes les provinces sauf au Québec. Bien que le marché de la C.B. ait senti l’impact de marchandises à bas prix en provenance des É.U., la province affiche le plus grand gain monétaire cette année. Voici les détails par région (x 000): 2009 2010 Atlantique

12,418

12,821

Québec

76,255

74,786

Ontario

283,292

284,515

Prairies

60,230

63,604

203,691

208,059

C.B.

Selon Statistique Canada, en 2010, les coûts totaux des producteurs en pépinières ont augmenté de 2.3% pour atteindre 577$ million. Les coûts de main-d’œuvre étaient estimés à 226$ million et représentaient 39.2% du coût total d’exploitation. En 2010, les pépinières employaient 14,400 travailleurs. De ce total, 71.5% étaient des travailleurs saisonniers. Le salaire moyen a augmenté de 7.0% pour atteindre 15,696$ par employé. Pour de plus amples informations, consulter le rapport détaillé sur le site web de Statistique Canada: http://www.statcan. gc.ca/pub/

L’Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes désire vous informer qu’elle poursuivra ses initiatives de développement des marchés d’exportations en 2011 et 2012, rendu possible par le support financier du programme AgriMarketing de l’AAC. Cette année, le projet de développement des marchés d’exportations se concentre sur deux initiatives majeures: une mission d’exploration pour les commerçants en Russie et un kiosque au salon commercial IPM à Essen en Allemagne. A mission d’exploration pour les commerçants en Russie est planifiée de façon tentative pour la fin août et le début septembre pour coïncider avec un salon commercial horticole à Moscou. Le personnel du bureau de notre attaché commercial organisera des visites dans différents types d’entreprises, dont des centres-jardins, des compagnies paysagistes, des municipalités, etc. Le kiosque au salon d’Essen sera la seconde participation de l’ACPP à cet évènement. Cette année, nous nous associons avec Flowers Canada Growers (FCG). Le salon se déroulera du 25 au 28 janvier. On peut obtenir un financement partiel des coûts encourus par le biais du programme de financement AgriMarketing de l’AAC soit le remboursement de 50 pour cent d’un billet d’avion aller-retour classe économique et une allocation quotidienne. Étant donné le petit nombre d’espaces disponibles pour chaque mission, toutes les compagnies intéressées à y participer doivent soumettre une demande d’évaluation. Pour des plus amples informations, veuillez contacter Rita Weerdenburg: rita@canadanursery.com.

par rita weerdenburg

L’ACIA continue de collaborer avec le USDA au sujet des restrictions reliées à Anoplophora spp.

L’ACIA a demandé des clarifications supplémentaires au USDA à propos des exigences d’importation spécifiques pour le matériel hôte de ces ravageurs exporté aux É-U en provenance du Canada. Jusqu’à ce l’ACIA ait reçu les clarifications demandée de la part du USDA, la division de l’horticulture recommande les points suivants: 1. Les genres hôtes réglementés qui sont d’un diamètre inférieur ou égal à 10 mm à leur point le plus large sont exemptés de l’ordonnance fédérale américaine et peuvent continuer à être exportés vers les É-U en autant qu’ils rencontrent toutes les autres exigences d’importation américaines; 2. Les genres hôtes réglementés qui ont été cultivés exclusivement aux É-U et/ou au Canada peuvent être exportés vers les É-U accompagnés d’un certificat phytosanitaire canadien (sans déclaration supplémentaire reliée à ces ravageurs) 3. Les genres hôtes réglementés qui ont été importés au Canada d’un pays autre que les É-U, avant le 11 mai 2011, peuvent être exportés vers les É-U accompagnés d’un certificat phytosanitaire canadien, à condition d’avoir été cultivés au Canada pendant au moins 12 mois (sans déclaration supplémentaire reliée à ces ravageurs) 4. Les genres hôtes réglementés qui ont été importés au Canada d’un pays autre que les É-U, avant le 11 mai 2011, mais qui n’ont pas été cultivés au Canada pendant au moins 12 mois, ne peuvent pas être exportés vers les É-U pour le moment; 5. Les genres hôtes réglementés qui ont été importés au Canada le ou après le 11 mai 2011 ne peuvent pas être exportés vers les É-U. L’ACIA travaille activement avec le USDA afin de minimiser les impacts de cette ordonnance fédérale sur l’industrie canadienne et de clarifier ces nouvelles exigences. Si vous avez des questions, veuillez contacter Rita Weerdenburg, rita@canadanursery.com (1-888-446-3499, ext. 8686)

CNLA Newsbrief

May-June 2011

sponsored by:

Landscapers Corner The National Awards of Landscape Excellence is Growing!

The National Awards of Landscape Excellence will grow in 2012. The present categories of Landscape Construction/Installation and Landscape Maintenance will be divided into two subcategories: Residential and Commercial, respectively. Remember to start taking the before pictures before you work your magic! Before and after pictures will be important aspects of the submission criteria for these awards. We are now actively seeking sponsorship for the new categories. Attention Landscape Designers!! We are presently working on a NEW Landscape Design Award category and will have the award submission information and judging criteria available soon! The National Awards of Landscape Excellence will feature the following awards: • Award of Excellence for Residential Landscape Construction/Installation • Award of Excellence for Commercial Landscape Construction/Installation • Award of Excellence for Residential Landscape Maintenance • Award of Excellence for Commercial Landscape Maintenance • Grower of the Year Award • Garden Centre Inspection Award of Excellence • Award of Excellence for Landscape Design

Canadian Green Building Council: Private Workshop Offerings

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) projects are becoming more prevalent in the landscape sector. The Canadian Green Building Council www. cagbc.org offers private workshops for provincial associations or private companies!! The LEED Green Associate Exam is an introductory-level exam for individuals who wish to demonstrate a general knowledge of LEED and green building practices, or continue on to more advanced LEED credentials, such as LEED AP with aspecialty. Private workshop (two days) information including pricing can be found at: http://

www.cagbc.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Education/PersonalizedWorkshops/default.htm. Private workshops are provided to member organizations at a discount. Information on membership to the CaGBC can be found here: http://www. cagbc.org/Content/NavigationMenu/ Home/Membership/default.htm (Note: if your Provincial Association joins, the membership discount can be offered to members at an association-hosted workshop. All LEED Professional Credentials and Exams are administered by the Green Building Certification Institute (www.gbci.org). The direct link for more information on LEED Credentials can be found at: http://www. gbci.org/main-nav/professional-credentials/credentials.aspx

Interiorscape Survey Results In the April 2011 CNLA E-Member Update, members were invited to participate in a Tech Survey for I-Plants Magazine, and many of you responded!! The survey targeted what horticulture technicians liked and disliked about their job, what they wanted to the interior plantscape industry to know, and other information. Thanks to Kathy Fediw of Kathy J Fediw, LEED AP, CLP, CLT President, Johnson Fediw Associates for giving our members an opportunity to share their views.

Here’s an excerpt of just a few findings: • No significant differences in responses from all countries that responded. • What did technicians like most about their job? Unsurprising, it is working with plants, in fact over 50% of techs love plants! And 39% said they love the people on their accounts. Interestingly enough, 30% also said that they love seeing the results of their work. • The technicians who were happiest in their work also had a good working relationship with their boss. • Owners and managers MUST find ways to operate their businesses more profitably, not only for their own profit and income but so they can also pay their front-line employees a decent living wage. The full results are published in the May issue of I-Plants Magazine and can be now viewed online at www.I-Plants Magazine.com or on Kathy’s website www.JFAConsultingBiz.com.

By Liz Klose BSc. Agr, CLP

Klosing Comments

We are in the process of contacting all of the Landscape Construction/Installation and Landscape Maintenance award entrants from the National Awards of Landscape Excellence program this year to interview them and develop a series of profile articles. The articles will be sent to our media distribution list for release over the peak landscaping months to communicate the great work our members do and to inspire the public of what can be possible to transform their properties into their own private paradise. The results of the Landscape Canada Survey is will be featured in an upcoming Newsbrief. Mentoring a summer student to further their education towards a landscape horticulture career is a great investment in the future.

What’s Green, Hot and Sprouting in November? Answer: The NEW Executive Management Program by the George Morris Centre developed in collaboration with CNLA. It is Green…it is developed for our green industry, specifically for executives, managers and owner-operators who want to reach a different and heightened level of excellence in their businesses. It is Hot…it will be a hot commodity. Space will be limited to the first 20 applicants and is designed unlike any other program for our sector in Canada. It will be a capstone professional business management program, focused on experiential training where participants will use their own business profiles and data in the learning process and application of principles. It is Sprouting in November… the first of three modules will launch in Ontario: November 1-5, 2011 (Niagara Falls), with other locations presently being confirmed in Canada (or beyond) for module two, January 4-7 and module three, March 2831. So mark your calendar now!

CNLA Newsbrief

May-June 2011

This program, experiential in nature, will be targeted to address CNLA human resource skills development priorities, build upon the foundation Certification and the successful programs the George Morris Centre presently delivers. Visit www.georgemorris.org to review the Executive Development Program (EDP) and Canadian Total Excellence in Agricultural Management (CTEAM). A more detailed curriculum outline will be sent out to members soon, but in the meantime, here’s a brief synopsis: industry trends and issues, strategic planning, risk management, financial management, marketing, succession planning, company governance, strategic human resource management, negotiation and conflict resolution, lean practices, company valuation and will also include a personalized Myers-Briggs evaluation. The program also includes 1- 1.5 days of industry related tours. To give you an idea of what to expect from the new Executive Management Program, here are just a few comments from participants in other George Morris Centre management training programs: “The combination of information provided, contributions from fellow participants and incorporation of what we’d learned into our own business plans made it the most valuable management experience since I completed my MBA.” “I would not have achieved as much in my professional life if I had not participated in the program”. “There is a real connection between participants and the information they bring from their business and the materials covered in the modules, which provide a significant learning experience”. “Nothing is more challenging or valuable than peer review. Each participant had a different perspective so selling your ideas becomes a learning experience and causes you to consider new perspectives. Honest and creative feedback is extremely valuable and that’s what you get in this program.” The next communication on this new program will provide more detail on the curriculum, cost, registration details and comments from our own members! In the meantime, if you want more information, or are interested in the program, please contact Liz Klose at: liz@canadanursery.com or 1-888-446-3499 ext. 8700.

sponsored by:

Celebrating 75 Years of Horticultural Excellence To commemorate their 75th milestone anniversaries, the Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture (NPC SOH) and the Ontario Parks Association (OPA) will jointly celebrate industry leadership and success August 19-21, 2011. Both organizations have significantly contributed to the horticultural excellence in the landscapes and parks enjoyed by customers, communities and millions of visitors to Canada. Each organization welcomes and invites the participation of their affiliates during this unique collaboration of festivities. Registration and event program details are available at www.ontarioparksassociation.com. Alf Savage, NPD 52 of Edmonton, Alberta, (former Commissioner of Parks and Recreation Metro Toronto, Superintendent of Parks and Recreation and Commissioner of Public Affairs, City of Edmonton) will be the keynote speaker, sharing his 60 years of experienced insights on the evolution of horticulture, parks and open spaces. Tim Amos, NPD 80, Faculty, Horticulture Landscape, Nova Scotia Community College, Kingstec Campus recounts, “I am proud to say that my entire working life has been spent in some aspect of horticulture and I love it as much today as when I first started. The act of growing a plant from seed or carefully pruning a plant or showing a student a new technique still excites me today! I look forward to making the presentation on our Living Wall project in the anniversary program.” Cable Baker, NPD 95, CLT, CLP, Owner of RCB Garden Service, Vancouver, BC and CNLA Certification Chair, has always kept close ties to his alma mater and presently has a third year School of Horticulture student on internship with his company. “There is a dedicated contingent of us from BC looking forward to coming back for the 75th. It will be great to see friends from all across the country to catch up on old times, share our industry experiences and tour the botanical gardens we helped to create.” Since 1936, the wisdom of The Niagara Parks Commission to create its own School of Horticulture has resulted in award-winning dividends. School of Horticulture graduates now number more than 600 and have impacted horticulture across Canada and beyond. The Niagara Parks world-renowned

Botanical Garden is the outdoor classroom and living plant museum for training these horticulturists. The garden has been developed, and is maintained, as part of the ongoing student-training program. The Ontario Parks Association (OPA), with its 800 dedicated members, was also formed in 1936. Some of the early School of Horticulture students were involved with the formation of the OPA, and alumni over the years were instrumental in its growth in holding executive board positions. OPA is committed to civic beautification and the advancement, protection and conservation of parks, open space and the environment in the province of Ontario. The School of Horticulture Alumni Association and the OPA are also fundraising to create a 75th Anniversary Legacy Garden as a tribute to NPC SOH graduates and past and present members of the OPA. The themes of “Biodiversity” and “Sustainability” for the Legacy Garden were selected to represent their commitment to responsible horticulture now and into the future. It will be situated on the east side of the Butterfly Conservatory at the Botanical Gardens, 2565 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, Ontario and will include a native butterfly habitat, a living wall feature, a bee colony exhibit and will use native plants and rainwater management systems. Special floral tributes will be featured on NPC’s Floral Clock and within Queen Victoria Park adjacent to Niagara Falls. A public archive display, featuring many aspects never seen before by the general public, will be hosted in the Botanical Gardens Administration Building from June 20th to August 26th. It will feature 64 feet of display panels highlighting a visual history of many selected themes, showcasing artifacts and awards gathered over time and a rotating digital display in a theatre style setup. Submitted by Thomas G. Laviolette, NPD, Chair of the 75th Steering Committee, Director, Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, School of Horticulture, Butterfly Conservatory & Parks Floriculture.

CNLA Newsbrief

May-June 2011

sponsored by:

Certification testing

INNOVATION SPOTLIGHT

British Columbia July 8-9, 2011 CLT, CLD, CLP Langley, BC

No gasoline. No power cord. No emissions. Introducing STIHL’s new state-of-the-art family of professional, lithium-ion cordless tools. Quiet, powerful and environmentally friendly… the innovative 36 volt lithium-ion battery system is long-lasting and durable, ensuring that there is plenty of power to get the job done.

Ontario July 21-22, 2011 CLT, CLD, CLP Milton, ON

One Battery. Four Powerful Tools.

August 11-12, 2011 CLT, CLD, CLP Ottawa, ON Altantic Region November 21, 2011 CHT (written), CLD, CLP Halifax, NS

MSA 160 C-BQ Chain Saw Coming Fall 2011

HSA 65 Hedge Trimmer

FSA 65 and FSA 85 Trimmers

June 14-16: National Lawn & Garden Show, Chicago (Rosemont), Ill. www.nlgshow.com

BGA 85 Blower Coming Fall 2011

June 22-25, 2011: 14th Annual Snow and Ice Symposium, Schaumburg, Il: Schaumburg Convention Center www.sima.org

Innovation at work. For 85 years, STIHL has been a world-class innovator in outdoor power equipment. German engineered products featuring the latest pioneering technologies make STIHL the market leader. STIHL products are only available at independent STIHL Dealers who provide expert advice and on-site service. Thank you for supporting the leading team and for making STIHL the Number 1 Selling Brand in Canada.

www.stihl.ca

* #1 Selling Brand in Canada is based on an independent market share analysis of imported gasoline powered handheld outdoor power equipment for the year 2010.

Industry events

July 9-12, 2011: OFA Short Course, Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, OH. www.ofa.org July 15-17, 2011: OHA Convention 2011 ‘From the Ground Up’, Sudbury, ON: Radisson Hotel www.gardenontario.org July 17-22, 2011: 29Th Annual Perennial Plant Symposium, Atlanta, GA. www.perennialplant.org July 23-27, 2011: ISA Annual Conference and Trade Show, Sydney, Australia www.isa-arbor.com August 2-4, 2011: Penn Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (PANTS), Philadelphia, PA: Greater Philadelphia Expo Center www.pantshow.com August 16-18, 2011: The Independent Garden Center Show, Chicago, IL: Navy Pier www.igcshow.com

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