CNLA Newsbrief - January/February 2008 by Canadian Nursery Landscape Association

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CNLA News brief

CNLA Newsbrief

January - February 2008

Growing Associations, Working For You!

Vol. 17 Issue 1

National Awards of Landscape Excellence

Executive Board: Michael Murray - NL Christene LeVatte, CLP - NS Paul Olsen - ON Bill Stensson - ON Cary van Zanten - BC

On February 8th, 2008 Landscape New Brunswick Horticultural Trades Association (LNB) and the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) partnered in Saint John to deliver a winter celebration of the green industry in Canada. WINNERS

Directors:

Harold Deenen, CLP - ON Jim Wotherspoon - AB Bill Hardy, CLP - BC Bruce Hunter, CHT, CLD, CLP - BC Vic Krahn, CHT - SK Gerald Boot, CLP - ON Doug Conrad, CHT, CLP - NS Dominic Angers - QC Bruce McTavish - BC Anthony O’Neill - NL Philip Ronald, Ph. D - MB Rene Thiebaud, CLP - ON Peter Levelton - BC Darrell Nameth, CLP - NB Phil Paxton, CHT, CLP - AB

January - February 2008

sponsored by:

Excellence

NATIONAL AWARDS LANDSCAPE

Watermark Gardens

Staff: Victor Santacruz, CAE

Rita Weerdenburg

victor@canadanursery.com

rita@canadanursery.com

Executive Director

Growers Manager

Joseph Salemi

Lydia Couture-Comtois

joseph@canadanursery.com

lydia@canadanursery.com

Joel Beatson, CLP

Julia Ricottone

Member Services Manager

Professional & Business Development Manager joel@canadanursery.com

Peter Isaacson, B.Sc., M.P.M.

Minor Use/IPM Co-ordinator peter@canadanursery.com

Executive Assistant

Certification Services

julia@canadanursery.com

Rebecca Wetselaar

Atlantic Region Co-ordinator rebecca@canadanursery.com

Agnes Zawartka

Member Services Co-ordinator agnes@canadanursery.com

Look Inside: • • • •

North By Northwest •

Congress 2008 - A Great Success Certification is Changing! CNLA project - Growing Canada Green Halifax to Host HortEast 2008!

• •

Changes to P. ramorum compensation finally come into effect CFIA to announce important changes to P. ramorum regulations CNLA meets with CFIA president’s office

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association

• • •

BC Landscape & Nursery Association Announces Search for New Executive Director One step closer to Red Seal Status Production Insurance project moves to option selection phase

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CNLA News brief Landscape On-Sites - on the job training sessions By: Joseph Salemi, CNLA

sponsored by:

Landscape | O n S i t e s

Fertilizer Training Materials: sample fertilizers, PPE.

three macro-nutrients and many micro-nutrients. The macroelements are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous(P) and Potassium (K).

on the job training sessions

proud sponsor

Aeration

Objective: to explain the elements and timing of fertilizer.

Lesson: Fertilizer consists of

Landscape OnSites

January - February 2008

Landscape | O n S i t e s

N is needed for top growth in plants and is responsible for the green colour of leaves. Nitrogen is required in larger amounts than the other two macronutrients. P is required for healthy root growth and to promote development of flowers. K helps plants use N and P and provides resilience against stress caused by drought, disease and wear and tear. Micro-nutrients include calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, boron, zinc and other elements needed for healthy plant growth in small amounts. Fertilizer is usually labeled with numbers that identify the percentage of each of the macro-nutrients. For example, a lawn fertilizer with 21-3-9 contains 21 percent N, 3 per cent P and 9 percent K. The rest of the contents are inert materials used to help with the distribution or time-release of the fertilizer nutrients.

There are many different ratios of fertilizer that are used to address specific nutrient needs. For example, a fertilizer to encourage plants to flower has a 15-30-15 formulation, as phosphorous (P) is needed for flowering. A turf starter fertilizer might have a 1025-10 formulation, high in phosphorous to help develop strong root growth.

• Fertilizer frequency and rates depend on whether the turf is irrigated regularly, the type of soil and the amount of use the surface is subject to.

Recent research shows the best time to apply fertilizer to turf is in early autumn, just as the grass plants begin their fall growth flush. The turf plants use the nutrients to strengthen themselves for the winter and store enough nutrients for the early spring flush of growth. The next best time to apply fertilizer is just after the spring growth flush (mid-May to midJune, depending on where you live). High levels of nitrogen applied too close to the summer dry period encourages lush, watery growth that is easily stressed in summer heat and drought. An early spring fertilizer application is recommended on young turf (planted last season) or where the grass has a lot of winter injury.

Training Materials: aerator, operator manuals, core sampler. Personal Protective Equipment: work boots, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, long pants.

Lesson: Regular aeration is an important factor in the cultivation of a healthy stand of turf grass. Take a core sample before aerating to view the moisture and compaction of the soil and the depth of the thatch layer. Aerators have hollow cylinders extending from rotating wheels. The cylinder pulls a core of soil out of the ground which is popped out by the pressure of the next core entering the cylinder. Aerators can be walkbehind, or pulled by a lawn tractor in larger areas.

• Recent research shows the best time to apply fertilizer to turf is in early autumn, just as the grass plants begin their fall growth flush.

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association

page 30

Objective: to familiarize crew members with the theory and safe operation of an aerator.

Beneﬁts of aeration: • Reduces soil compaction • Provides increased aeration and moisture to turf roots • Breaks up thatch Turf should be aerated in spring or early fall – so the grass plants have time to grow and repair themselves before the onset of temperature extremes. Heavy clay soils can be aerated twice a year, while sandy soils beneﬁt from aeration once a year. Never aerate during the high heat of summer or in times of drought.

Aerating 1. Walk the area you will be aerating looking for any cables and lines buried just beneath the surface. 2. Run the aerator across the lawn. On heavily compacted or clay soils it is advisable to make two passes across the grass at right angles to one-another. Be sure to disengage the rotating tines before crossing hard surfaces or making sharp turns with the aerator. 3. Soil plugs will gradually break down with foot trafﬁc and watering. 4. Water the lawn more often after aerating as it will lose moisture to evaporation, until the turf ﬁlls in. 5. Apply fertilizer and seed if needed after aerating.

page 8

• Turf should be aerated in spring or early fall – so the grass plants have time to grow and repair themselves before the onset of temperature extremes.

• Grass should be irrigated the day before aeration. Softening the soil will allow the aerating tines to penetrate more effectively.

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association

CNLA Newsbrief

On Sites is a series of training sessions for crews of all skill levels on the job site. Whether it’s before the crew starts the day, during a break, or at the end of the day each topic found in Landscape | O n S i t es includes a 10 - 15 minute training session meant to keep crews up-to-date on over 75 landscape related skillsets. A great thing to have for each of your crew members so they can take notes and use it as an in-house training and safety program. As a supervisor or owner you have a responsibility to communicate to each of your employees how to work safely and effectively. CNLA’s On Sites sessions have been designed to provide the framework for short, basic training sessions to develop an informed wellrounded employee. It is recommended that you set a specific time aside each week, for example every Tuesday morning at 7:00 a.m., to conduct a 15-20 minute meeting based on the outlines in the On Sites manual.

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CNLA News brief CONGRESS 2008 A Great Success

sponsored by: The concurrent Congress Conference, the premier educational event in Canada for the horticultural lawn and garden trade, offered over 35 hours of in-depth seminars

TORONTO, January 14th, 2008: Congress is Canada’s foremost attraction for those in the horticultural lawn and garden trade and this year it set the pace for the upcoming 2008 season. With over 750 exhibitors and 8 acres of exhibits Congress 2008 displayed all of this year’s hottest must-have products and ideas.

January - February 2008 with strong business and design/landscaping themes. “Professionals in the landscaping trades depend on the highly educational and informative conference to give them an edge over their competition and ultimately to boost their business’ productivity,” said Pat Hillmer, conference coordinator for Landscape Ontario. The Awards of Excellence program took place January 8th with major awards being given to the following: Leedle Landscaping for Employer of the Year, International Landscaping Inc. for Excellence in Construction (Dunington Grubb Award), Markville Landscaping and Nurseries won the Casey van Maris Award for the most innovative and unique design and Evergreen Landscaping and Lawn Maintenance were honoured with the LO Grounds Management Award. Best booth awards went to Lucerix, Aquascape, Stone-Link Corporation, Stihl and Thomas Equipment.

Congress 2008 ( January 8-10, 2008) hosted 12,781 green trade professionals. Attendees were given the opportunity to interact with the industry’s latest in technology and newest products ranging from nursery stock and outdoor power equipment to garden tools and greenhouse supplies to irrigation products and other landscaping accessories and services.

Congress has been bringing the horticultural industry together for 35 years. The tradeshow and conference is produced by Landscape Ontario which consists of more than 2200 members including nine commodity groups that include Growers, Garden Centres, Grounds Management, Interiorscapers, Landscape Contractors, Snow and Ice Management, Designers, Lawn Care and Irrigation.

“Congress is the forum where our industry convenes to learn about and discuss all of the product innovations for the upcoming season,” said Paul Day, CDE, tradeshow manager for Landscape Ontario. “The access to the latest and most cuttingedge products and services available internationally, presented at Congress, enables our industry professionals to be able to better service their clients.” Congress, one of the 50 top fastest growing shows in North America, is truly a global attraction and is rated in the top 5 horticultural shows in North America. Canadian Nursery Landscape Association

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CNLA News brief

sponsored by:

January - February 2008

Certification Corner Congratulations to the following people who have successfully completed a certification program recently. Certification is Changing! As of June 1, 2008, a revised Certified Horticultural Technician (CHT) – maintenance and installation exam will be given by all Provincial Associations and CNLA to all new and existing candidates. Reasons for Change For the past two years, CNLA and PLANET’s International Certification Council (ICC) Test Revision Committee has been working to resolve the low pass rates by making sure the test is really testing the right things (occupational validity) and to ensure the test is legally defensible (which is important for any certification program). This work has been an industry-driven effort. It began with a group of industry experts who identified what a landscape technician really does. They also listed the all the minimum standards and level of knowledge an individual needs to perform his or her job. The final result of this work is a document called an Occupational Analysis (OA). It gives a description of all the minimum standards required and knowledge and individual must have in order to meet certification requirements. Finally, it verifies that these standards have been established through a scientific process. The OA is the foundation required for a valid certification program. The next step in the test revision process was to make sure that the material tested corresponded to the real-world tasks a technician performs in the workplace and that testing is an accurate measurement of the minimum standards established in the OA. For a certification test to be an accurate test of knowledge and ability, it must be “built”

First Name

Last Name

Province

Andre Denis Christine Jennifer Trevor Ira Shelley Jamie Seleena Chris Jerry Joshua Dorothy Andrew Rod Wendy Andrew Ryan Adele Kevin Paul Daniel Chris Alex Naomi Matt Amy Jeff John Matthew Ryan Sue Matt Michael Jeff Justin

Vaudan, CHT Gour, CHT Croton, CHT Portsmouth, CHT Houchen, CHT Leimanis, CHT Murley, CHT Lamont, CHT Champagne, CHT Haslock, CHT Ingram, CHT Headdon, CHT Grecki, CHT Keenan, CHT Pring, CHT Harry, CHT Badder, CHT Griffiths, CHT Pierre, CLD Hackson, CHT Marchment, CHT Sauve, CHT Pellizzari, CHT Yzenbrandt, CHT Park, CHT Hart, CHT Vaughan, CHT Conrad, CHT Allison, CHT Barrett, CHT Haluska, CHT Pfeiffer, CHT Robinson, CHT Rennie, CHT Rowley, CHT West, CHT

BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC BC ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON

so that the technicians who should pass it, do pass the tests and so that the people who are not qualified, do not pass it. When a test is designed so that qualified people pass it and unqualified people do not pass it, then it is determined to be a “legally defensible” test. So, the end result is a certification exam where accuracy, appropriateness, and occupationally targeted testing are the goals.

In addition, the exam will be aligned to the occupation – a critical component in any certification program. The test pass rate may rise, but that will be a result of the test being a more accurate assessment of what qualified technicians need to do and need to know in their jobs. Better scores result from testing the correct skill set for the industry, not because the exam was made easier.

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association

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CNLA News brief

sponsored by:

...continued from pg. 4 Major Changes to the Certification Program Both the installation and maintenance modules have been split, resulting in these four new classifications: 1. Softscape Installation 2. Hardscape Installation 3. Turf Maintenance 4. Ornamental Maintenance

of dividing the maintenance and installation modules, the hands-on portion can now be completed in less than four hours. The new certifications will test a narrower scope of material that is more relevant to the occupation of the landscape technician. ü Components of hands-on problems – Technical and safety components have been re-weighted in all hands-on problems. Prior to the test, candidates will be provided with a clear breakdown of the technical component and the safety component of each problem. (E.g. Chainsaw will have a much higher safety component than Sod Installation.) 3. Test problem deletions In the steps taken to align the test material to the occupation, the following problems have been deleted:

January - February 2008 provincial legislation. Changes in the pesticide industry are making this more of a specialized trade. The hands-on portion has been eliminated, though the written portion will still have some questions on pesticides. Changes for Current CHTs Individuals who currently hold the CHT certification in Installation and/or Maintenance will be receiving notification from CNLA of their new designations after June 1. All individuals currently holding the CHT Installation will automatically receive both Softscape Installation and Hardscape Installation certifications. Likewise, the individuals with the CHT Maintenance will receive both Turf Maintenance and Ornamental Maintenance certifications.

Changes to the Certification Test Almost all of the hands-on problems that have made up the CHT test will remain in the test, but with some changes that will improve the judging process. The experience prerequisite has been changed from 2000 hours to 1000 hours. Numerous other changes will be implemented Frequently Asked Questions that will protect the integrity ü All I needed was Truck and Trailer. Am I now certified? Effective January 1, 2008, you will be! of the certification, and ü I now have my Hardscape Installation, but still need two more problems to complete Softscape streamline the administration Installation. How do I get the second one? Some candidates will find that they have been awarded one of the new certifications, but are one or two problems short of receiving the second certification. The decision to of the exam.

finish the second certification will be left to the candidate; however candidates will be encouraged to complete the remainder. ü I still need one problem in each Turf Maintenance and Ornamental Maintenance. Can I still get both on the same day? Candidates finding that they still need several problems to pass either one of the new certifications may choose to pursue one over the other, or they may choose to continue both. If hands-on problems have been successfully completed, candidates will not have to redo these. However, there may be some overlap in the content of the written exam section with content already tested previously in a hands-on test. ü All I needed was Pruning. Do I have to write the entire written exam? No, you will only need to take one of the sections of the written exam that contains the pruning questions; however, it will also contain plant care questions in addition to the pruning questions. ü All I needed was Instrument. Do I have to redo the hands-on test and take the entire written exam? You will have to redo the hands-on test; however this portion is now a much simpler procedure with the calculation portion removed. You do not have to take the entire hardscape installation written exam, but you will have to take the section of the written exam that contains the grading, drainage and instrument questions. ü All I needed was Sod Installation. Do I have to redo the hands-on test and take the entire written exam? You will have to redo the hands-on test, and you will have to take one section of the written comprehension that deals with sodding and the care of sod and plant material. ü All I needed was Work Orders. How do I finish this? Work Orders is no longer tested in conjunction with Sod Installation. You will now need to take the Common Core written exam that deals with work orders and reporting. ü Can I take two certifications in one test day? It is possible to test for both certifications in one day. However, regions may chose to offer the certifications on different days. ü I took the test last year before I was ready, and I missed numerous problems. I am now ready for the test, but need help to decide what to take. What do I do? Call your local association or the CNLA office for clarification. ü I have my CHT Retail Garden Centre Certification. Will my designation change? No. The Retail Garden Centre specialty remains the same at the current time. The structure of this test has not changed at this time.

1. Written exams ü Common Core – The industry task force confirmed that the common elements to all industry technical certifications are based on safety, communication, motor vehicles, math, and reporting. The new common core will be written and will focus on only these areas. ü Comprehension – Each one of the four certifications will have a series of written exams specific to the four certifications. Some problems, such as Irrigation ID and Pruning, have been changed from hands-on problems to a part of this written exam. For all other problems where the judge asked questions requiring a verbal response, the verbal portion has been moved to the written exam. ü Calculations – Several hands-on problems involved a component where the candidate was required to do mathematical calculations. These questions will be moved to the written comprehension sections of the written exam. ü Written Exam Length – The length of each written exam will be longer than the current written exam due to the changes listed above. 2. Hands-on tests ü Fewer hands-on problems – As a result

ü Truck and Trailer (1.11) – Even though this problem tested a skill valued by all employers, it is not a skill required of a qualified landscape technician. There was some overlap in what was being tested by this problem and motor vehicle agencies, as well as some liability issues for PLANET and CNLA licensees. ü Plant Sensitivity (1.04) – The OA determined that the skills tested in this problem went beyond the scope of work of a landscape technician. These are valuable skills to have, but they are more relevant to the scope of work of the landscape designer. ü Pesticide (3.08) – Pesticide application is controlled more and more by state and

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association

Candidates Currently in the Testing Process Candidates who are in the process of testing for the CHT certification and only need to pass one or more of these deleted problems (truck and trailer, plant sensitivity or pesticides) to attain their certification will be notified and awarded their certifications after January 1, 2008 without further testing. These candidates will be notified by both their Provincial Association and the CNLA Certification Department.

Candidates who required one or more of the deleted problems in addition to other problems will be notified by their Provincial Association of which of the problems they still need to complete in order to earn their certification prior to the next testing opportunity in their province. New Testing Implementation The new CHT exams will be administered by all CHT licensees as of June 1, 2008. The new CHT evaluation will be available across the country after June 1, 2008. Please continue to visit the CNLA website for updated information, and to find test dates scheduled in your area. Contact your regional association for more information on testing multiple modules in one day. For tests held prior to June 1, 2008 the current CHT exam will be administered with the exclusion of stations that are being deleted from the new exam.

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CNLA News brief CHT now playing on youtube By: Joel Beatson, CLP

At the beginning of this year we were discussing how to improve the success rate of candidates challenging the Certified Horticultural Technician (CHT) evaluations. As you may or may not know the 100% completion of every station by a candidate on their first attempt is very rare, around 5-8%. Some of this can be attributed to silly mistakes or lack of familiarity with the task, but mostly it comes down to nerves. Once a candidate is familiar with the evaluation process and fully understands what to expect, their success rate can improve substantially.

sponsored by:

Certification Renewal

NAPPO

Remember it is still not too late to renew your certification for 2008. All certifications expire December 31 of each year, but just because the date is passed does not mean you have lost your certification. At CNLA we recognize the busy work and personal lives of our members and understand that this may have been overlooked. If you have not sent in your renewal form, please visit the CNLA website to download a form at www.canadanursery.com or call Julia Ricottone at the CNLA office at 1-888-4463499 ext. 8615 to send you a copy.

The Canadian nursery industry was represented at this year’s meeting of the North American Plant Protection Association by NAPPO chair Bruce McTavish and Growers’ Canada chair Bill Stensson. This event traditionally rotates between the three member countries of Canada, the US and Mexico, and this year’s meetings were held in St. John’s, Newfoundland, October 22nd to 26th, 2007.

The question then became how do we let the candidates ‘see’ what to expect ahead of actually doing it. The other trend is that candidates are getting younger and younger on a whole and therefore becoming more comfortable with new technology. Given this, I set out this spring with my digital video camera and a couple of film making credits in university to document the CHT experience. I attended every CHT site during 2007 and the results are now available as the newest candidate preparation tool via youtube (www.youtube.com). For the first stage of this project we focused on the landscape designations (Installation and Maintenance), while not every station has a video, but those that were best suited for filming (nonwritten) and those in which video would not be seen as in any way compromising test security have been edited and uploaded. So whether you are wondering what CHT is all about or you have employees or peers that may be participating in the coming years please check out the video. Look for more online video content via youtube in the future. Visit www.cht.canadanursery.com and look in the CHT Exam Details section, or visit the CNLA channel at http://www. youtube.com/profile?user=CNLA or search ‘Certified Horticultural Technician’ via youtube.

January - February 2008

CNLA project - Growing Canada Green By: Rita Weerdenburg, CNLA

‘Growing Canada Green’ project for 2015 submitted to Agriculture & AgriFood Canada for consideration under the Advancing Canadian Agriculture & AgriFood (ACAAF) program, has been approved for a contribution of up to $341,500. The project objectives are consistent within Pillar II of the ACAAF program ‘Sharing Information to Advance the Sector’ which focuses on gathering, analyzing and sharing information to contribute to future agriculture and agri-food policy directions.

By: Rita Weerdenburg, CNLA

NAPPO is a regional plant protection organization of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and coordinates the efforts of the Canadian, US and Mexican governments to protect their plant resources from the entry, establishment and spread of regulated plant pests, while facilitating both domestic and international trade. In 2005, after many years in the development stage, RSPM 24, commonly referred to as the Plants for Planting standard, was completed and signed last year by the governments of the three countries. As that standard focused only on mitigating the spread of insect and disease pests through the systems’ approach to certification, NAPPO efforts are now being focused on halting the introduction and spread of invasive plants. This will be accomplished through the development of a screening tool guideline. Once completed, it is expected that this guideline will become an addendum to the Plants for Planting standard. CNLA continues to be involved in this project, with the appointments of Jeff Hicks and Rita Weerdenburg to the Panel’s industry advisory committee. Another on-going initiative of NAPPO is the development of an electronic certification process. The ultimate goal of this project will to be to replace traditional phytosanitary certificates with a secure, web-based interface. Within the nursery sector, it is expected that this service will be available to CNCP nurseries. NAPPO meetings provide a particularly effective venue for industry and government to openly discuss issues of current concern, and especially to ensure, as much as is possible, harmonization in plant protection between the three member countries.

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association

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CNLA News brief Changes to P. ramorum compensation finally come into effect

sponsored by:

January - February 2008

By: Rita Weerdenburg, CNLA

The CFIA announced in late December 2007 that the required wording changes to the P. Ramorum Compensation Regulation have finally been signed off by the Treasury Board, allowing more effective distribution of compensation monies to those nurseries that have been impacted by this quarantine pest. These amendments make it possible for compensation to be paid to nurseries as was originally intended, with the first applications being made to the Compensation Regulation, and head of funding available to producers under the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) program.

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More details can be found on the CFIA website: www.inspection.gc.ca

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CFIA to announce important changes to P. ramorum regulations

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By: Rita Weerdenburg, CNLA

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has informed the CNLA and other stakeholders that they intend to make changes in regulations for preventing the entry and spread of P. ramorum, as a result of recent bilateral meetings with their counterparts at USDA-APHIS and ongoing reviews of the science related to this disease. Up until now, CFIA has regulated all host plants of P. ramorum at the genus level. In contrast, the USDA has principally regulated natural host plants at the species level. In view of the ever-expanding list of plants found to be susceptible to P. ramorum, this disparity between the two countries has proven to be a particular challenge both for regulators and for Canadian nursery growers who must compete in the North American marketplace. Currently, CFIA regulates over 70 genera, with Physocarpus (ninebark) being the most recent addition to the list. The exception to exclusively regulating at the

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species will be the five high-risk host genera, Rhododendron, Camellia, Kalmia, Viburnum and Pieris Both countries consider the movement of these high risk genera to be the principal pathway of pest movement and will be adjusting their harmonized regulatory protocols to reflect a greater emphasis on their control. “Our bilateral meetings with USDA allowed for frank discussions on our respective regulatory policies, a thorough review of the current science in relation to regulations and on the effectiveness of our respective approaches,” noted CFIA Lead Specialist for P. ramorum, Shane Sela. “By and large, movement of P. ramorum is happening at the nursery level and mostly moving on the five

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association

high-risk host plants. There is no evidence to support that one approach is better than the other and by revising our own directive to regulate to the species level, we will be able to extend parity to the nursery sector on both sides of the border, at least in this one important area.” Sela noted that these changes could come into effect as early as March of this year.

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CNLA News brief

sponsored by:

January - February 2008

Halifax to Host HortEast 2008! Atlantic Canada’s premier horticulture trade show and conference, HortEast, is back and promises exciting changes for the upcoming show. HortEast is scheduled for November 24-26th, 2008 at the Cunard Centre in Halifax, NS. This venue, located on the Halifax waterfront just behind the Westin Nova Scotian Hotel, will be the ideal location for this event with over 53,000 square feet of space to accommodate our regular exhibitors, informative speakers, and great networking events. Rebecca Wetselaar, Atlantic Region Coordinator with the CNLA, has been chosen to coordinate the show for the 2008 year. A new HortEast Committee has been formed with representatives from Landscape New Brunswick and Landscape Nova Scotia. Doug Conrad with Clintar Groundskeeping Service in Dartmouth, NS will lead the committee which includes Scott Mosher with Terra Nova Landscaping Inc. in NS, Darrell Nameth with Lawn Rangers Landscaping in NB, and Kevin Nauss with Price Landscaping Services in NB. The committee will also be assisted by the Landscape New Brunswick and Landscape Nova Scotia offices. Gordon Day with Landscape Newfoundland and Labrador will also be working with the committee and promoting the show ensuring that this is truly an Atlantic event. Horticulture related businesses, municipalities, and educational institutions from the Atlantic Region and across Canada rely on HortEast as their source for the newest industry information and education. Current show plans include offering industry tours, bringing in cutting-edge speakers that will appeal to landscapers, nurseries and garden centres, certification opportunities, and a great party on the second night of the show. Members of LNS, LNB and LNL should note that they will receive special rates when participating as exhibitors or delegates in the show which provides an additional benefit of membership. As the new committee chair, Doug is excited to be working on the upcoming show and he knows that the Cunard Centre will be a great location for this event. Doug says that “the new committee anticipates that this will be the best show to date. We will build on the successful formula that has been established by the previous HortEast committee, and we thank them for their past efforts”. The current show committee would like to extend our thanks to those who have been on the HortEast committee in the past and have established HortEast as such a success, with special thanks to Nigel Bayliss, past Committee Chair, for his dedication and positive energy in organizing the show in previous years. For more information on HortEast including sponsorship opportunities and exhibit space rental visit www.horteast.ns.ca or contact Rebecca Wetselaar, Atlantic Region Coordinator at 1-866-383-4711 or rebecca@ canadanursery.com.

Atlantic Canada’s Premier Horticulture Trade Show and Conference

For more information, contact Rebecca at 1-866-383-4711 or visit

www.horteast.ns.ca

November 24-26, 2008 Cunard Centre: Halifax, NS

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association

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CNLA News brief sponsored by: BC Landscape & Nursery CNLA meets with CFIA Association Announces president’s office Search for New Executive According to Growers’ Canada Chair Bill Stensson, CNLA’s recent annual meeting Director Surrey, B.C. January 10, 2008 – The BC Landscape & Nursery Association Board of Directors has announced that it is initiating a search for an Executive Director to replace their current Executive Director, Jane Stock. After 13 years as Executive Director, Stock and the BCLNA Board are exploring opportunities for her to provide the industry with special project and government liaison services, where her experience and extensive contacts will be invaluable. Stock will continue as BCLNA’s Executive Director throughout the search period. BCLNA President Fred Giesbrecht commented, “Jane Stock has provided strong leadership and vision throughout her time as Executive Director. At her request, her employment relationship with us will change; our board looks forward to her continued contributions.” “This change of management and operational structure is a positive one for the Association as well as for me personally,” said Stock. It allows me to focus on the part of my work which I do best and most enjoy, and at the same time, gives me time to deal with a temporary health issue.” The BCLNA will continue to be well managed given its highly competent staff and consultants who will work under the leadership of directors and Jane to ensure its responsibilities are fulfilled. Established in 1953, the BCLNA is a vibrant association with 800 members representing nursery, growers, retail nurseries and garden centres, the landscape trades, suppliers and affiliates. The BCLNA has a strong track record of partnering with all levels of government and the community to achieve environmentally healthy and aesthetically pleasing landscapes. It recognizes the important role of the urban green infrastructure in mitigating some of the impacts of climate change. As a result, BCLNA expects to become an increasingly important participant in providing solutions to BC’s landscape challenges.

with the CFIA president’s office was unquestionably one of the most productive meetings ever held with senior CFIA officials. “Although she is very new to this position, we found CFIA president Carole Swan to be well-briefed on the issues and she was fully prepared to respond knowledgeably to our concerns,” notes Stensson. Glyn Chancey, ED of the Plants Product Directorate and Cameron Prince, VP of the Operations Branch, both of whom play key roles in areas affecting the grower industry, were also in attendance at this meeting. On hand to represent the industry were CNLA past president Paul Olsen, Government Relations Committee chair Vic Krahn, Growers’ Canada chair Bill Stensson and growers’ manager Rita Weerdenburg. One of the primary topics of discussion was the CFIA’s proposed Plant Health Compensation Framework. While the grower industry has long advocated the need for a plant compensation program in the event of quarantine action, similar to that already in place under the Health of Animals Act, they are also concerned that any new compensation program take into account the complexities of the nursery production cycle. And, in view of the bureaucratic confusion that resulted due to the poorly worded P. Ramorum Compensation Regulation, CNLA is also anxious to ensure that the proper linkages exist between CFIA and AAFC in the development of any new compensation and risk management programming. “We are confident that we are now being listened to,” notes Paul Olsen, “as our meeting with CFIA resulted in an invitation for further consultation on the Plant Health Compensation Framework less than 24 hours after our meeting with president Swan.” Also on the agenda was a frank discussion around the industry’s proactive approach to nursery certification. The CNLA was assured that the DPCP program would soon be officially approved as a supplier program to the CFIA’s own CNCP export program. And while a commitment was made to begin the process of CFIA oversight to the industry’s

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association

January - February 2008 certification body, the Canadian Nursery Certification Institute (CNCI), the industry was warned that the necessary development of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two organizations would be a bureaucratic and therefore lengthy process.

Ozonation, Chlorination research project results now available The need to manage the spread of Phytophthoras in recycled irrigation water, due primarily to the threat posed by the quarantine pest P. ramorum resulted in the funding of the research project “The Application of Ozonation and Chlorination Technologies for Control of Pythium and Phytophthora in Greenhouse and Nursery Irrigation Systems.” The project, initiated by the Landscape Ontario Growers’ Group and Flowers Canada Ontario, was financially supported with funding from the CanadaOntario Research and Development (CORD) program. According to the final report, “for the first time reliable scientific baseline data has been provided for both growers and chlorination technology companies to safely and effectively apply chlorination technology for irrigation water disinfection. Recent outbreaks of ‘sudden oak death’ in other parts of North America as well as the constant pressure from a variety of pathogens has increased the demand for reliable disinfection technology in the greenhouse and nursery sectors. Based on our results, growers can now feel confident that they have a weapon to effectively fight these pathogens, especially water-borne diseases when using nutrient recirculation technology. The project was carried out by the University of Guelph research team of Mike Dixon, Youbin Zeng and Calvin Chong at Canadale Nurseries Ltd. of St. Thomas, Ontario. A full copy of the report can be accessed on the CNLA website www.canadanursery.com

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CNLA News brief One step closer to Red Seal Status The Red Seal program was established more than 45 years ago to provide skilled workers with ease of mobility across Canada through the apprenticeship system. Red Seal is a national standard that all apprentices must meet to qualify for. The CNLA has been working together with government, educators, apprentice boards and other stakeholders to set a standard for our industry for Landscape Horticulturalists. Previous attempts to gain Red Seal status faced challenges in having all provinces with apprentice programs agree to a national standard. With a recent meeting CNLA has taken the first step to realize industries desire for Red Seal status. This process started over a decade ago with the Certified Horticultural Technician (CHT) program. Using funding from Horticultural Human Resource Management Council industry came together to develop a National Occupational Standard (NOS) that was used to confirm the validity of the CHT program as imported from the US. An updated NOS is being conducted under the supervision of the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) as part of the larger scale project to develop a national recognized horticulture curriculum and text book. The NOS development gave an opportunity for all regions to meet and give input on how standards have changed over the years and separate provincial from national standards. Representatives from the industry, the education and those that work with apprenticeship bodies succeeded in putting together a standard for Landscape Horticulturalists (authors note, exact wording has not been finalized). A professional consultant specializing in occupational standards and essential skills was hired to facilitate the session and compile the final report – Griffiths Sheppard Consulting Group Inc. The NOS is the foundation for all levels of education and training, including but not limited to: high school, college and university programs, provincial apprenticeship programs, Red Seal, certification, and association run training and education.

sponsored by: The validation of the NOS will occur after the CNLA board and certification meetings in Saint John, NB on February 10th. Following this event, a broader sample of industry will be surveyed to confirm the validity of the standard. The final document will lead rather quickly to an agreement between provincial industry apprenticeship advisory committees on what will be submitted to the Canadian Directors of Apprenticeship Programs for approval for Red Seal status. Red Seal is key to increasing the level of respect for our profession and will help attract and retain quality employees. It also allows employers to identify a standard set of skills for applicants from across the country. In a broader perspective, it gives a general notion in regards to years of experience, education and training that you can expect from a potential employee. The work CNLA does with CAHRC on this project is to create a template for other industries in agriculture.

Production Insurance project moves to option selection phase With the completion of the industry’s risk profile and the subsequent collection of required statistical data, the production insurance project being carried out by CNLA in partnership with Flowers Canada Growers (FCG) is now ready to move to the next phase of insurance option selection. This important phase will allow industry to determine the best types of coverage for their respective sectors after first evaluating such factors as scope of coverage and perils to be covered, etc. as well as the advantages and disadvantages of basic insurance types, including private sector insurance, public sector insurance or member-led indemnity fund. Stakeholder consultations will be held the last two weeks of February in Ontario, BC and Quebec. All industry producers will be provided the opportunity for comment through a follow-up information/comment package. The development of a production insurance program for the ornamental sector is being fully funded by AAFC through their Private Sector Risk Management Partnerships program. More details are available from Rita Weerdenburg, ritaw@canadanursery.com

January - February 2008

The Green Industry Show & Conference – Alberta’s Premier Trade Show For The Environmental Horticultural Industry The Green Industry Show & Conference (November 20 & 21, 2008) is the premier event on the prairies for those in the landscape, greenhouse, nursery, turf, tree industry, horticultural lawn and garden trade. The recently held Green Industry Show & Conference (GISC), November 15 & 16, 2007, had over 170 exhibitors and more than 80,000 sq.ft. of exhibit space, which attracted a broad spectrum of horticultural professionals, with more than 2300 delegates in attendance. This influential group including growers, nursery operators, landscape contractors, garden centers and chain store buyers, grounds maintenance managers, landscape architects, florists, designers, arborists, golf course superintendents, and students. Attendees were given the opportunity to interact with the industry’s latest in technology and newest products ranging from nursery stock and outdoor power equipment to garden tools and greenhouse supplies to irrigation products and other landscaping/outdoor accessories and services. The concurrent two-day Green Industry Conference featured 23 different speakers including motivational speaker Pete Luckett and top business and industry advisor Tony Bass. This year, five exhibitor awards were presented to Purple Springs Nursery of Armstrong, BC; Qualitree Propagators Inc. of Rosedale, BC; Solar Nights of Red Deer, AB; Universal Rocks/Waterscene of Delta, BC and McKenzie Seeds of Edmonton, AB. GISC has been bringing the horticultural industry together for over 30 years. The tradeshow is produced by Landscape Alberta Nursery Trades Association and the conference is jointly hosted by Landscape Alberta Nursery Trades Association & the Alberta Greenhouse Growers Association. Their joint membership consists of more than 500 members. For additional information contact: Valerie Stobbe Toll Free: 1-800-378-3198 Email: info@landscape-alberta.com

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association

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CNLA News brief CFIA to regulate Duponchelia fovealis as a quarantine pest The Canadian Food Inspection Agency engaged in consultations with all affected stakeholders to determine the regulatory status of Duponchelia fovealis, after this pest was found in two floriculture greenhouse operations in Ontario in December of 2007. This pest was first detected in Ontario vegetable production greenhouses in 2005 and eradication activities were conducted at that time. Discussion focused on three alternative regulatory designations including pest of economic significance, regulated non-quarantine pest or quarantine pest. The majority of comments from industry organizations and other government agencies favored quarantine designation in order to protect the Canadian industry’s trade status with the US. The CFIA have agreed and announced on January 16 that effective immediately Duponchelia fovealis would be regulated as a quarantine pest.

sponsored by: latter took part in a promotional excursion to IGCA Congress 2007 in South Africa, where delegates caught a glimpse into Canada’s plans for the 50th Congress, and organizers gleaned pointers for coordination from Paul Vonk (South Africa Nursery Association) and his gracious and receptive team. Said Brian Minter, Chair of IGCA Congress 2008 and noted garden celeb, “The South African experience is one that delegates will never forget, from the unequaled flora and

fauna of Kirstenbosch to the truly amazing retail operations. We hope to create a parallel congress here in Canada, and likewise attract visitors by pairing our spectacular destination with great ideas for garden centres.” Minter added that the focus of the IGCA Congress, while certainly pleasing from a tourist’s perspective, is educational. For more information contact Renata Triveri, Congress Coordinator c/o BC Landscape & Nursery Association Suite #102, 5783 - 176A Street Surrey, BC V3S 6S6 www.igcaCongress.com

Say GOODBYE to Plastic Nursery Pots

IGCA - Two for the Show Surrey, BC—The spit-and-polish is on for British Columbia’s garden industry, which will be host to some 1300 delegates from more than 35 countries, in two upcoming symposiums aimed at garden centre retailers and rose enthusiasts. The shows, International Garden Centre Association Congress 2008 and World Rose Convention & Exposition 2009, promise to highlight the region’s garden tourism venues and other local sights in addition to their topic-specific events. The two affairs are expected to have a positive impact on both the horticulture industry and the region, especially due to their timing. Organizers of both events are particularly optimistic given that promotional lead-ups for the 2010 Olympic Games will boost international interest in visiting Vancouver and the province. The honour of hosting the World Rose Convention & Exposition was awarded to the Vancouver Rose Society some time ago, to the excitement of literati of the rose breeding, growing, and collecting world. Meanwhile, the International Garden Centre Association announced their 2008 winning bid just last year, aiming to attract garden retail professionals for its annual case study of progressive garden centres. Organizers of the

January - February 2008

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Canadian Nursery Landscape Association

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CNLA News brief

sponsored by:

January - February 2008

Upcoming Certification Exam Dates British Columbia CHT (Installation, Maintenance, Retail, Interior) July 11-12 – Langley, BC October 10-11 – Langley, BC October 24-25 - Victoria, BC CLD/CLP July 11, 2008 – Langley, BC October 10, 2008 – Langley, BC Alberta CHT (Installation, Maintenance, Retail, Interior) March 25-26 – Olds, AB CLD/CLP February 5, 2008 – Edmonton, AB February 13, 2008 – Calgary, AB Manitoba CHT September 2008 CLD/CLP February 20, 2008

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Ontario CHT July 17-18, 2008 (Installation and Maintenance) – Milton, ON August 14-15, 2008 (Installation and Maintenance) – Ottawa, ON August 27-28, 2008 (Retail) – Milton, ON September 25-26, 2008 (Installation and Maintenance) – Niagara Falls, ON October 9, 2008 (Instalation and Maintenance Retest Only) – Milton, ON November 6, 2008 (Retail Retest Only) – Milton, ON December 12, 2008 (Installation, Maintenance and Retail written retest only) – Milton, ON CLD/CLP April 3, 2008 – Milton, ON July 17, 2008 – Milton, ON December 8, 2008 – Milton, ON Atlantic Canada CHT (Maintenance and Installation) April 18-19, 2008 – Truro, NS CLD/CLP February 9, 2008 – Saint John, NB November 2008 – Halifax, NS, during HortEast (Nov. 24-26)

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