B.C. Landscape & Nursery Association Publication
t CanWes e ac Booth Sp 0% Nearly 8
SOLD!
Spring 2013
Maximize Profits with the Right Equipment
Landscape Awards of Excellence
Green Roof Research
www.specimentrees.com
At yours... ip fingert nce
Refere now ation inform ble on a l i a v a bsite! our we
18598 Advent Road Pitt Meadows, BC Canada, V3Y 2G8 Toll Free 1-800-471-4448 Phone: 604-465-7122 Fax: 604-465-8100 inquiry@specimentrees.com www.specimentrees.com
SPRING 2013
EDITOR Michelle Manson DESIGNER Hiwire Creative Group Ltd. ADVERTISING Suvan Breen | t. 604.575.3516 HortWest is the newsletter of the BC Landscape & Nursery Association. For further information, contact us at: Suite 102, 5783-176A Street Surrey, BC, Canada V3S 6S6 t. 604.575.3500 | f. 604.574.7773 HortWest is owned by the BC Landscape & Nursery Association, and is published 6 times a year. Views expressed inside do not necessarily reflect the attitudes of the Association, but are those of the writer concerned. Material may not be reprinted from this magazine without consent of the publisher. All advertising and editorial material are to be received one month in advance of mail out date. HortWest is mailed under Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement N. 0288608. Printed in Canada. BCLNA DIRECTORY DAVID ADKINS Landscape Standards 604.575.3510 / dadkins@bclna.com HEDY DYCK Nursery & Retail Industry Development 604.575.3505 / hdyck@bclna.com Contact for: Grower & Garden Retail issues and advocacy, Education, Labour and Projects KAREN DEJONG - ELLERY CanWest Hort Show / Marketing & Communications Manager 604.575.3504 / kdejong@bclna.com Contact for: CanWest Hort Show, general marketing LESLEY TANNEN CEO, Landscape Commodity 604.575.3506 / ltannen@bclna.com Contact for: Board of Directors LINDA WING Bookkeeper 604.575.3507 / accounting@bclna.com MICHELLE LINFORD Industry Services 604.575.3511 / mlinford@bclna.com Contact for: Grower, Retailer & Landscape Commodity Support, Event Support, Office Administration SUVAN BREEN Sales & Marketing 604.575.3516 / sbreen@bclna.com Contact for: HortWest ad sales, CanWest Hort Show booth sales, event sponsorship
B.C. Landscape & Nursery Association Publication
t CanWes e Booth Spac Nearly 80%
Spring 2013
Maximize Profits
SOLD!
with the Right Equipment
Landscape Awards of Excellence
Green Roof Research
ON THE COVER: Spring buds in Kitsilano, image by Michelle Manson
2 | HortWest Spring 2013 Kato.indd 1
10/27/10 2:41:54 PM
MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIRMAN You have probably received the email from the BCLNA office, or heard through the grapevine, that the BCLNA has not escaped the financial pressure we have all been facing recently. This raises a few big questions. What does membership look like going forward? Also what do you expect from your membership dollars? These are perfect questions for a time like this. I am committed to bringing value to your membership going forward. The Board is meeting in March with the sole purpose of redefining how the BCLNA will conduct business going forward. We want to look at what matters to our members, and focus on the things that build our industry. Where does this leave you? We need your help. We need to hear about the things that matter most to our
members. We need to know exactly what you expect for your membership dues. We also need to know about what you would like to become involved in. We have hundreds of volunteers every year, each one of them committed to make a difference. Please take the time to tell someone at the office, or phone a board member, about what matters to you and why. This is an opportunity to refocus and deliver. And that is what we intend to do. ✿
Tim Loewen, Board Chairman B.C. Landscape & Nursery Association
RELEVANT OR NOT? By: Lesley Tannen
That is the question posed by Harrison and Byers in Race for Relevance1. Some readers will find the ideas in this thin volume interesting, inspiring, or frustrating. That is because the ideas pose some fundamental and challenging questions for organization leaders. With changing technologies, labour that is hard to find and keep, increased competition for customers whose preferences seem to change with the phases of the moon, anyone could be forgiven for wanting to take a ‘time out’ and take stock of things. The overall goal of a voluntary industry member organization is to help members become more successful. The main work of the association is to determine how to deliver this value in a way that is convenient and assessable. Volunteer leaders who want their association to adapt and thrive are encouraged to overhaul governance and committee processes, empower the executive director and seek out expert staff, define the member market, rationalize programs and services, and then build a robust technology framework. The authors suggest that the first and most crucial step is to overhaul the size and composition of the board of directors. Regardless of the depth of changes made, Harrison and Byers feel that directors will “benefit from having discussed the possibility and introducing a new way of thinking of your current and future leaders.” ✿ 1
Race for Relevance, by Harrison Coerver and Mary Byers. 2011 ASAE: The Centre for Association Leadership, Washington.
Harrison and Byers offer 10 questions to ask potential leaders: 1. Do candidates have basic leadership skills? (Not an ability to manage, but to lead) 2. Do they have at least a three-to-five-year horizon in their thinking? 3. Can they guide the association into the future? 4. Can they effectively direct the association’s resources to achieve its goals and objectives? 5. Do they have the ability to inspire and empower others? 6. Can they build teamwork among peers with different needs and interests? 7. Can they demonstrate their leadership abilities, not just articulate them? 8. What have they done to show that they can move people and an organization in the right direction? 9. What examples can they give where they have been able to cultivate productive teamwork? 10. In what instances have they skillfully and creatively directed resources to accomplish objectives? HortWest Spring 2013 |
3
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Q & A WITH TOM MCCONKEY, TERRATEA THE LANDSCAPE FRONTIER By: David Adkins
our “tea” to benefit trees and other plants. Probably the most important factor is improving soil health. Terratea provides a huge number of diverse microorganisms to the soil. When these good guys inhabit the soil, they improve the conditions for the plant. Unlike fertilizer these microbes are not leached out into the surrounding water tables. Instead, they stay put to build soil health, structure and free up nutrients for the plant naturally. This benefits the entire landscape in the long term and mitigates the need for fertilizers as well as other traditional applications to treat disease and pests, though ‘tea’ can be applied in conjunction with these products. Q: How has Terratea taken the latest technology and research and applied it to the industry? Q: What is your BCLNA background, and what industry areas have got you excited? A: I am a long-term member, with over 20 years industry involvement, as an owner and employee with, The Answer Garden Products, Stream Organics, Ecosoil, and Terratea. I have really enjoyed participating in the Standards Committees for the Green Roof Standard and Landscape Standard. It has been a great way to raise the bar, collaborate on common issues, and work with landscape professionals and experts. Q: What is your area of expertise? A: Over a broad career I have gained expertise in compost based soils, engineered growing media, plant health, specifications, green roofs, bioswales, and urban agriculture. Some key green roof projects I have delivered include the Vancouver Public Library, Vancouver Convention Centre, and the Edmonton Zoo. Q: How have you seen the industry change? A: 15 years ago compost based soils were peripheral, now they are mainstream and typical for green roofs, highways, compost blankets, riparian sediment control, and green walls. The quality of these products has increased with required performance standards. Also there is a greater understanding in the industry of soil science, natural microbial interaction and nutrient leaching. Q: How does your Terratea benefit trees and other plants? A: As we discussed there are a variety of ways for
A: Compost teas have been in use for a variety of applications for over 10 years. Terratea has taken the latest technology and research and applied it locally. As you know, I have been working with compost for 20 years and I find exciting to work with a product that can be so beneficial, cost effective, and environmentally sound. Often not considered are the reduced trucking costs, as Terratea provides soil health without the significant trucking and labour costs associated with traditional methods of removing poor quality soils offsite. Currently we are working in a number of areas. We have made significant headway with golf courses that are very pleased with our results in increasing root mass. This helps with drought tolerance and turf health and has enabled them to decrease their fungicide and fertilizer applications. We are also working on a number of tree applications, including spending a year working with the City of Richmond to improve the health and viability of street trees. Initial results are very promising and we will continue to apply and monitor next season. We are also applying Terratea on some of the trees planted on the new Port Mann project. Out of sheer size and necessity of the project, trees are planted in less than ideal soil and conditions. Working closely with the contractor we are applying Terratea to selected trees and monitoring the improvement in soil and plant health. Both parties believe that these trees will benefit greatly, establish well and be healthy for the long term. There are also quite of smaller applications throughout the lower mainland where Terratea has been applied. continued on page 5
4 | HortWest Spring 2013
KEEP CURRENT MARCH
Landscape Certification Vancouver Island Pacific Horticulture College, Victoria Landscape Commodity Meeting, Gemstone Masonry & Landscape Supply, Surrey, 4:30 – 8:00 pm
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
BCLNA Pruning Workshop Art’s Nursery, Langley
APRIL
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Landscape Commodity Meeting www.bclna.com
MAY
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 31 Certification Primer Day Irrigation Primer Day, Langley 9:00 am till 4:00 pm
Q: What are the key sustainability issues for Terratea? A: Our application can: • Reduce fungicide use in turf • Reduction in water use as it increases plant drought tolerance (sustainable sites) • Less use of water soluble fertilizers • ROI on overall plant health
NEW MEMBERS Final Approval The BCLNA welcomes the following new members as of the January 21, 2013, board meeting:
• Increased root mass has a host of benefits. Healthy roots overall net benefit
0758776 BC Ltd., Harv Jhally, Abbotsford, Associate
• Improves soil structure
Tentative Approval
• Microbial diversity in healthy soil is critical
The following companies will become BCLNA members at the February 18, 2013 board meeting unless a member provides a valid reason for not accepting the application:
• Increased soil fertility by making nutrients readily available
Q: What is your advice to the industry? A: External issues are affecting the industry like climate change, increased transport costs, and raw cost of materials. Sustainability has become pragmatic and is focusing on performance outcomes. I feel our industry needs to be more proactive in providing sustainable products and solutions as the environment now carries a dollar sign . We can’t ignore run-off and its associated environmental effects, and as a part of future practice we want to provide long-term plant health to allay warranty concerns for our clients beyond establishment. ✿
Ava Mina Landscaping & Maintenance Co. Ltd., Nagi Masoud, Coquitlam, Active Landscaper Clintar Landscape Management, David Bradshaw, Richmond, Active Landscaper
HortWest Spring 2013 |
5
MEMBER BENEFITS ACTSOFT & RELINKS CNLA and RELINKS have partnered to offer its members across Canada a discount program on Actsoft’s Comet Suite of software. Actsoft solutions utilize the latest advances in mobile GPS technologies to improve workforce productivity, better manage assets, control operating costs and mitigate risks, using various Smart Phones
and Tablets. They are the leader in Mobile Resource Management software for the Landscape, Nursery and Construction Industry. For more information or to obtain your membership confirmation letter contact the CNLA Membership Team at 1-888-446-3499 / info@cnla-acpp.ca or call RELINKS at 1-888-679-9924 / bruce@relinks.ca ✿
NEWS BULLETIN COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM: REINVIGORATE YOUR COMMUNITY BC Communities in Bloom is an organization of dedicated volunteers who provide expertise through an evaluation process of specific criteria that is conducted every summer to help municipal participants reinvigorate and enhance their community’s liveability. Since 1997, participants have found the Communities in Bloom Evaluation Program useful for creating action and support for positive initiatives that help make their
hometown a more appealing place to live, work and play. 2013 promises to be an exciting year for participants in the BC Communities in Bloom (BC CiB) program. Plans are underway to celebrate the 10th Annual BC CiB Awards and Conference by engaging Past, Present and Potential CiB participants in a commemorative project. For more information on how you can participate, please visit bccommunitiesinbloom.ca ✿
BCLNA AUCTION A SUCCESS The 26th annual BCLNA fundraising auction was held on February 12 at United Flower Growers in Burnaby. Nearly 100 people attended the casino themed event and really got in the spirit as over $23,000 was raised. Popular Vancouver food trucks, Serious Sausage and JJ’s Trucketeria served dinner and proved to live up to expectations, with attendees lining up throughout the evening. Trophy Ornamentals was the big bidder of the evening and received a gift certificate for one night’s
accommodation in a deluxe harbor view room at the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel in Vancouver. The 50/50 draw went to Gord Mathies, Cannor Nurseries Ltd., and the Wheelbarrow of Fun was won by George Cook of Creative Embroidery. The BCLNA’s Hedy Dyck, Ag Resource & Consulting took home the The Bidding Card Cash Reverse Draw. A huge thank you goes out to all of those who donated, volunteered their time, and those who supported the auction by bidding on some great deals. ✿
2013
Vancouver Convention Centre, West
SHOW: SEPTEMBER 18 - 19, 2013
www.canwesthortshow.com 6 |CanWestShowAd2013.indd HortWest Spring 2013
1
SAVE THE DATE!
FOR BOOTH SPACE CONTACT SUVAN BREEN: SBREEN@BCLNA.COM; 604.575.3516 12-11-01 10:19 AM
INDUSTRY BITS MAKING CHOICES By: Hedy Dyck
BCLNA growers recently met with the BC Minister of Agriculture, the Honourable Norm Letnick, as well as the NDP Agriculture critic, Lana Popham, to review issues of relevance for our members. NDP Agriculture Critic, Lana Popham, January 17, 2013 Meeting
industry to find ways to streamline the tax system to help agriculture.
NDP’s 3 Point Plan:
BC Minister of Agriculture, the Honourable Norm Letnick Meeting January 30, 2013
GROW BC: The BC NDP has secured the current agricultural budget and has already made announcements that have increased this amount. The focus of Grow BC is to support farmers and the agricultural land base including supporting increased extension and field services. The NDP supports the SAWP program for agriculture, as an appropriate use for seasonal workers; the BC NDP understands the need for these seasonal workers in our industry, as there is not enough domestic supply to fill our requirements. The BC NDP feels there is some thought that using the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) for some job vacancies may be of concern and will investigate this to ensure the program is being used with the intent that is was designed for. They also support the Agricultural Land Commission and the land reserve. Lana proposes to revive the Selecting Standing Committee on Agriculture and would change the name of the current Ministry to the Ministry of Agriculture & Food to show the importance of the connection of food supply, health, and the agricultural industry. FEED BC: The BC NDP would require that up to 30 percent of all provincial government institutional food purchases would come from BC. BUY BC: The BC NDP will implement a province wide marketing program to promote Buy BC, to include all business, focusing on advertising to BC citizens. Lana also noted that the BC NDP would work with business to implement any future minimum wage increases in a timely manner that will allow business to work the increases into their business cycle. With regards to returning to the PST, the NDP will be working with the agricultural
Minister Letnick provided the following: The government continues to be supportive of SAWP. The HST was mandated to be replaced by the previous GST/PST program as per the referendum. That the Minister has requested additional funding for the ALC. (note: Budget 2013 did provide $4M in new funds for the ALC over the next 3 years) Regarding support for further extension and increasing funding for the Agriculture Ministry, Minister Letnick noted that there is funding available for expertise through the GF2 program. Other issues brought to the Minister’s attention was the re-establishment of the BCAC Labour Partnership Committee, the AgriStability 30 percent trigger, the issue of the road tax rebate for producers who must use clear fuel when traveling to the US, Open burning regulations, the proposed move of senior BC CFIA personnel to the new Centre of Excellence in Guelph and the Carbon Tax rebate exclusion for nursery growers.
Road Tax on Clear Fuel: Several years ago, growers were able to receive a rebate on clear fuel when trucks were often traveling to the US on a consistent basis. The regulations were re-interpreted about four years ago, disallowing these rebates. BCLNA requested that the Ministry of Finance re-interpret the regulations back to the way they were four years ago. Carbon Tax: BCLNA asked that nursery growers with greenhouses be included in future Carbon Tax rebates. Water Management – moving to more efficient irrigation systems: Currently the ceiling for BMP funding is based on field grown stock and does not adequately cover funding for the high density container nursery production system. The BCLNA asked the Minister to increase EFP BMP funding for irrigation efficiency to a maximum that is appropriate for the container production system. The BCLNA continues to network with the NDP, as well as the current government, through the BC Agriculture Council and its own initiative. The BCLNA’s role is to advocate on behalf of its members, providing the industry perspective to officials, while also communicating policies and platforms to our members to enable them to make informed decisions. ✿
The Minister recommended that BCLNA prioritize its issues, focusing on those that were immediately actionable. He also indicated that some issues, such as the Carbon Tax and the Road Tax, should also be communicated to the Ministry of Finance, which has jurisdiction in these matters. BCLNA growers reviewed the list of requests and decided to ask for the following three immediately actionable and relatively low cost solutions. A letter requesting action on the two tax issues was also sent to the Minister of Finance.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bclna
INDUSTRY BITS GREEN ROOF RESEARCH AT BCIT
E
xtensive green roof systems have proven beneficial in addressing climate change, energy efficiency, and other key environmental concerns such as storm water mitigation and urban noise pollution. These systems differ from traditional rooftop gardens with a shallower substrate depth (50 to 150 mm [2”-6”] compared to >350 mm [>14”]), a reduced plant palette, and establishment and maintenance strategies to support what are ideally non-irrigated systems. A key barrier to wider uptake of extensive green roofs of minimal substrate depth in the Pacific Northwest is the confidence in plant viability and green roof functionality for environmental benefits. The British
Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) Green Roof Research Facility has shown that 75 mm (3”) and 150 mm (6”) of substrate depth can provide similar thermal and storm water site-level benefits on an annual basis. Green roofs as engineered systems vary widely in terms of design and implementation, and can be composed of various material layers such as root barriers, water reservoir/drainage layers, filter fabric, substrates, and plants. The planted substrate is complex to characterize, varying in terms of the substrate constituents and mix, the substrate depth, the plant community, the plant’s aerial biomass (foliage above
substrate) and root structure, and the in-situ microclimatic state. As natural systems, green roofs vary distinctively in terms of the in-situ ecological succession of the plant communities. Green roofs are increasingly used in sustainable building construction and have the potential to improve the acoustical environments inside and outside of buildings because of beneficial sound absorption and transmission-loss characteristics. The articles below summarize results from a recent research project, to investigate the sound absorption of green roofs and the establishment of three green roof plant communities. ✿
ABSORBTION OF GREEN ROOFS By: Maureen Connelly, MAIBC, PhD
T
he research presented here investigated the sound absorption of green roofs and qualified the conditions that significantly affect sound absorption. It is well known that high absorption and low reflection are the most desirable characteristics of grounds to reduce sound propagation and noise buildup. This research shows that green roof materials placed over typically highly sound-reflective roof membranes significantly modify the sound path, as energy is dissipated by the vegetation and substrate. Through surface absorption, green roofs have the potential to reduce noise pollution in urban areas and to reduce sound propagation and noise build-up at the roof level to enhance occupied roofs such as private decks, rooftop child care centers, and hospital gardens. Previous work that was initiated to examine the absorption characteristics of the substrate (without
the effect of plants) showed that the substrates provided significant sound absorption; with normal incidence absorption coefficients varying from 0.03 at 250 Hz to 0.89 at 2000 Hz. Absorption increased with the percentage of organic matter and decreased with moisture content and compaction.
measure the diffuse-field absorption coefficients of unplanted and planted rooftop test plots, which had been established over two growing seasons on a rooftop 10 metres above grade at the Burnaby campus of BCIT. Three plant communities (P1, a Sedum album; P2, a coastal community, including Eriophyllum lanatum, Allium cernuum, Armeria maritima, and Festuca rubra; and P3, a mix of cultivated grasses,)
In the current research, the sound absorption of green roof plots was investigated using the sphericaldecoupling method. Figure 1: Rooftop test plots, P3 community (cultivated grasses) Measurements in foreground and P1 community (sedums) in mid-ground. were performed in an anechoic chamber to optimize and validate the experimental methodology. The optimal method was then used to
Figure 2: Planted species coverage of the P1 (sedums), P2 (coastal), and P3 (play turf) communities.
8 | HortWest Spring 2013
selected for their structural differences in aerial biomass and root systems, were established in the test plots with a range of substrate depths. The absorption of the substrate plots was significantly greater than that of the exposed roof membrane; the noise reduction coefficient (NRC) was 0.62 averaged over depths of 50 to 200 mm compared to 0.06 for the exposed roof. The measurements of substrates without plants showed that sound absorption increased with increased substrate depth. The NRC of 17 established green roofs plots varied from 0.20 to 0.63 when evaluated in different climatic conditions. There was a negative trend between the percentage of spontaneous coverage and the NRC with the range of plots from 50 to 200 mm. The spontaneous growth was typically moss, which retained water at the top layer of the plant substrate interface. After two years of establishment, a common trend of increased absorption across the plant communities over the range of depth was observed, without a differentiation between the three communities. The results confirm that the sound absorption of green roofs is a function of substrate depth, plant community establishment, and moisture content in the plants and substrate. The results validate
green roofs as a building-envelope system with highly absorptive characteristics, and qualify the conditions, that optimize their absorption potential. The use of green roofs as absorptive surfaces to reduce noise propagation from community and road noise and from rooftop mechanical equipment, and to reduce noise buildup and reverberation on rooftop spaces enclosed with walls for safe occupancy, can now be investigated with accurate sound absorption data. Maureen Connelly, MAIBC, PhD, is Director, Faculty at the Centre for Architectural Ecology, School of Construction and the Environment, British Columbia Institute of Technology, Burnaby, BC, Canada. Funding for this project has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP). In British Columbia, this program is delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is committed to working with industry partners. Opinions expressed in this document are those of BCIT and not necessarily those of AAFC. Further funding provided by the BC Landscape & Nursery Association, BCIT School of Construction and the Environment, and Kwantlen Polytechinic University. âœż
PLANT COVERAGE By: Nicolas Rousseau, BSc, MSc, Horticultural Engineer
T
he findings presented herein were gained from observations and data on the establishment and coverage of green roof plant communities over varying soil depths of 25 to 200 mm (1 to 8 inch.) The test plots were developed as the experimental setup for the investigation of the sound absorption of green roofs. Three plant communities were selected based on their structural characteristics: P1, a Sedum community with Sedum album (the most frequently used Sedum for green roofs) which has a dense and evenly distributed foliage with an extremely shallow root structure; P2, a BC coastal community of plants with structural foliage and a deep and massive root
system, including Eriophyllum lanatum, Allium cernuum, Armeria maritima, and Festuca rubra; and P3, a mix of cultivated grasses (Poa species and Lolium species) sowed and maintained as required for a playing field. The plants were grown to the required stage in the Kwantlen University greenhouses and then moved to an elevated research platform (ERP) at the BCIT main campus. Two, 2.5 m2 plots on the ERP were divided and randomized into nine equal subplots containing different substrate depths and plant communities. The maintenance of each community was optimized throughout the research period. The minimum substrate depth of planting continued on page 15 HortWest Spring 2013 |
9
1963 1972
THAT WAS THEN... Organizations, like families and individuals, change over time. Our memories are inevitably selective and events are remembered by some, and forgotten by others. Who was it who said, “Ah, the past, it never was as good or as bad as we seem to think it was”?
Ten years ago, the BCLNA published a great retrospective of the Association. As we move through 2013, the 60th anniversary of organized horticulture in BC, we will offer a much more modest snapshot of some highlights and images from each of the past six decades.
10 | HortWest Spring 2013
bc nursery trades association
Industry • Another name change to BCNTA: BC Nursery Trades Association
Province • • • • •
BC Lions win Grey Cup Beatles play Vancouver BCIT opens Port Mann Bridge opens Tolls removed on Oak Street Bridge
Province • Bob Dylan plays Vancouver • 1st Whistler ski lift opens
Beyond • Northern Dancer wins Kentucky Derby
Industry • 1st pre-apprenticeship program in Victoria, then Vancouver
Province • CJJC in Langley: BC’s 1st Country music station • Tolls on Lion’s Gate Bridge removed
Beyond • JF Kennedy assassinated
Province • SFU opens • Mushroom Studios open • Grace McInnis: 1st BC woman to become a MP
Beyond • New Canadian flag
1963 1964
1965
1966
1970, “Botany John” Davidson dies
Industry • Landscaper paid $3.11 per hour • Eight theme gardens at Park & Tilford
Province • BC population is at 2 million • Jimmy Hendrix performs at the Coliseum • Jerry Ruben invades UBC Faculty Club
Province Industry • “Botany John” Davidson dies
Province • Canucks first game: Oct 9 • Vancouver Special building craze begins University of British Columbia Archives, Photo by B.C. Jennings Ltd. [UBC 41.1/2281].
Industry
• BC population nears 2.2 million • Western Living Magazine launched
Beyond • Vancouver yacht, Graybeard, wins Swiftsure
Industry
• BCNTA has 60 members • UBC “Barn”/ horticulture facility saved as a restaurant
• BC minimum wage: $2/hr
Province • Muhammad Ali beats George Chuvalo at the Coliseum • Riot after Rolling Stones concert in Vancouver • Fran Cameron swims across Georgia Straight
Province • Georgia Straight begins publishing • Canada’s 1st MacDonald’s opens in Richmond
Beyond • Canada turns 100 years old • Expo 67 in Montreal
Industry • 300 tropical varieties on show at Bloedel Floral Conservatory
Province • Finning Tractor is publicly traded • 1st 747 flies into YVR
Beyond • Neil Armstrong’s moon walk • Birth of the Internet
1968 1967
1971 1969
1970
1972
HortWest Spring 2013 |
11
LANDSCAPE AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE LANDSCAPE 2000 LTD., LANDSCAPE2000.CA Landscape Installation - Single Family Residential
GRAND PROJECT WINNER! After a big house renovation the client needed some major landscaping done. Including redoing an existing and leaking water feature. A nice bluestone patio was installed in front of the living room. To block the house to the south, as well as a safety feature, we built a pergola, which is a nice shaded area on a sunny day, to enjoy the water feature. The backyard was a complete concrete jungle, which had to be removed. Stairs, walls, BBQ and two water features, as well as a bluestone patio from which you can view the waterfalls.
HOUSTON LANDSCAPES, HOUSTONLANDSCAPES.CA HAVEN GARDEN DESIGN, HAVENDESIGN.CA Landscape Installation—Single Family Residential.
This project involved re-sculpting and transforming the back yard of an estate property in West Vancouver. The project started with an extensive excavation followed by the construction of seven-foot engineered architectural concrete walls, the installation of a vanishing edge swimming pool, a 3,000 sq. ft. dimensional cut basalt pool deck patio, a complete revamping of all garden and lawn areas, the construction of a custom cedar fence and pergola, the installation of a custom outdoor fireplace, two large fire bowls, an outdoor audio system, and an outdoor waterfall shower.
LANDSCAPE 2000 LTD., LANDSCAPE2000.CA Landscape Installation - Single Family Residential
The house is on a small lot and had no privacy. The whole front entrance, stair, walkway, planting had to be removed and redone. A little water feature was added as well as heavy planting for more privacy and a small patio. The backyard required some removal of overgrown trees. While rough grading the backyard big boulders were found. Instead of removing them a hole was drilled and used as a gurgler. We added a small pond and a little stream. Bluestone was used for a patio as well as a walkway to the office.
PARA SPACE LANDSCAPING INC., PARASPACEINC.COM Landscape Installation - Small Space Garden
This is a sixth floor condo with a large patio and spectacular view of false creek and the city. The idea behind the design was to create separate areas for use, yet maintain the scenery. Planted pots and a dry streambed were used to divide the space along with cut-ins to help lead you through the area and add interest. Water was also used in the form of a pot and small basalt gurglers to help mask out the sound of the city and create a calming atmosphere. The clients were extremely pleased with the final result.
HOLLEY LANDSCAPING, 604.418.6654 Landscape Installation - Single Family Residential
This 1.8 acre property is located on the western point of UBC with sweeping views of the Strait of Georgia to Burrard Inlet. The homeowner wanted to reflect the natural forest walks of the Pacific Spirit ecological reserve. Our team was able to create a backwoods forest pond lined with natural river boulders, basalt slabs, cedar snags, grassy marshes, continuing with a dry tributary bed. Surroundings include mossy rocks and natural gravel paths winding under a forest canopy creating a cool microclimate retreat. Natural plants and rock features keep the feel of a forest walk. A true reflection of West Coast living.
12 | HortWest Spring 2013
ALLGREEN LANDSCAPING, 403-223-5951 Landscape Installation — Single Family Residential
A large oceanfront property landscaped to screen in and compliment a West Coast post and beam residence with large glass sections looking out to the water. Ancient granite left behind by underground streams was mined on site and used for step and wall construction. The streambed itself provides natural drainage and was enhanced with iris ensata, sedum and nepeta for colour; ferns tie in with the natural forest surroundings; and black stem bamboo to give a light airy background. Six by nine-foot pre-cast concrete slabs were lifted into place by crane to bridge the creek and give formal entrance to the house. All plants had to be deer resistant to withstand the onslaught of a well-established herd that roams the area regularly.
ANDERSON GARDEN SERVICES INC., 604.731.0246 Landscape Installation — Single Family Residential
The clients’ impetus for renovating this garden was to create a space that was more usable, allowed for more movement for entertaining and was less maintenance. The original patio had been installed on a slope, was only large enough for a small table and that dining space was directly outside the patio doors. There also was a very small and unusable lawn space. The lawn was on the shady side of the garage and had a drainage problem. Patio, lawn and bamboo were removed. The new patio was made larger for entertaining and easy access to patio doors. A new garden was installed that included seasonal colour. Original pavers were reused. Unused wood products and plant pots were recycled. Soils were amended and plants were reused. The client now has much more functional space to entertain and enjoy. ✿ Thank you BC Landscape Awards of Excellence Sponsors:
Congratulations! Fossil Project Services Ltd.! Project design: Paul Sangha Landscape Architecture Winner of the 2013 National Award of Landscape Excellence Caterpillar Award of Excellence for Residential Landscape Construction/Installation.
HortWest Spring 2013 |
13
MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES CANWEST HORT SHOW 2013 Vancouver Convention Centre, West
SAVE THE DATE! CanWest 2013: September 18 & 19
Y
TL N E I N VE
CON
Booth Space Selling Fast! CanWest is already gaining great momentum with nearly 80 percent of the booth space sold. Now is the time for companies who want to promote their garden products to BC’s market to reserve a booth while they are still available.
To reserve your space, please contact Suvan Breen at 604-575-3516 or sbreen@bclna.com Looking to Profile A New Product? There are various opportunities at CanWest for exhibitors to increase company profile and product awareness. The New Product Showcase (NPS) is one such area providing exhibitor’s prime space that focuses on the newest products available to the BC marketplace. Last year, VanBelle Nursery Inc. took advantage of taking title sponsor of this feature area and used the show to launch their new Bloomin’ Easy product line. At this year’s show, the NPS will be featured prominently at the end of the main aisle, with the show restaurant anchored on both sides. It is sure to command attention, providing excellent traffic and exposure to all key buyers.
We Offer Full Plant Service
Contact Suvan Breen to discuss your participation in the 2013 CanWest NPS. The show team is here to help profile your company and product to its fullest potential. ✿ New Products Featured at CanWest 2012
Paridon Horticultural Ltd. Sedum Mats
...Look for our
BIG RED BARN!
Van Belle Nursery Bloomin' Easy
McConkey Company Kong Custom Carts Direct Solutions Acid Cleaner
EAST RICHMOND NURSERIES INC. 18431 Westminster Hwy., Richmond, B.C. V6V 1B1 Ph. 604 278-0976 Fax 604 244-2924 e-mail askus@erniplants.com
www.erniplants.com 14 | HortWest Spring 2013
“Taking on the lead sponsorship of the New Products Showcase to launch our new brand Bloomin’ Easy was a great move for us. The showcase is in a prime spot at the entrance to the show, and we were able to attract an impressive amount of interest in our new project. The CanWest team gave us great support and some creative freedom to get full value out of the opportunity–we plan to keep dreaming up new products, and when we do, we’ll definitely leverage the showcase again.” DeVonne Friesen, Vice President, Business Development Van Belle Nursery
continued from page 9
for each community was at least 50 mm less than what is used in current practice. The P1 community was planted in plots with substrate depths ranging from 25 to 200 mm (1 to 8 inch). The P2 and P3 communities were planted in substrate depths of 75 to 200 mm (3 to 8 inch) and 125 to 200 mm (5 to 8 inch), respectively. The total, planted species, and spontaneous coverage were determined by using a visual assessment method. A number on a scale of one to 10 was assigned to represent the coverage, with one indicating zero to 10 percent coverage and 10 indicating 90 to 100 percent coverage. In May 2009, each subplot was planted with an initial coverage of 40 to 50 percent; over the past two years the data collected show that each plant community significantly and uniquely evolved. Each community presented a different evolution of its biomass. The P1 community had an important period of growth during summer 2009, confirming its ability to resist harsh temperatures. Unfortunately, the planted species coverage decreased soon after due to impact of birds. The BCIT campus is located in the Still Creek habitat, which is the area of the largest crow population in the lower mainland. This interference in the coverage study was mitigated with the installation of netting that was not harmful to the birds. The P2 planted species coverage had a predominantly direct relationship to the substrate depth and remained consistent during the first few months before increasing to maximum. This BC community presented the best establishment pattern over time, illustrating its strong viability and appropriate selection for rooftop climates, which have similar harsh conditions as coastal bluffs. The P3 community inherently has a huge seed density, which provided quick coverage; it was the first community to reach maximum-planted species coverage. In June 2011 there was a decrease in biomass and an increase in spontaneous species; a slow release fertilizer was applied and P3 quickly returned to its maximum coverage. Only the P2 and P3 communities reached their maximum-planted species coverage in June 2012. High initial planted species coverage is vital in order to limit the arrival, establishment, and development of spontaneous plants. The spontaneous plant coverage was inversely related to the planted species coverage; when there was a decrease in the planted coverage there was an increase in the spontaneous coverage. The P1 community had the highest spontaneous coverage,
Figure 2: Planted species coverage of the P1 (sedums), P2 (coastal), and P3 (play turf) communities.
followed by P2 and then P3. In summary, at the same substrate depth, the total coverage depends on the type of plants. Although the P1 community (sedums) is able to resist harsh temperatures at substrate depths as low as 25 mm (1 inch), this community has high spontaneous coverage, as they are not aggressive enough to always compete with spontaneous plants. The P2 community (BC costal plants) presents a viable and constant growth in substrate depths as low as 75 mm (3 inch), providing good-planted species coverage and reasonably limited spontaneous coverage. This community may be the best way to have a healthy and viable community associated with low maintenance and costs. The P3 community (a play turf mix) will provide fast coverage with low spontaneous coverage in substrate depths as low as 125 mm (5 inch); however, the community will need fertilization since the substrate nutrients are not sufficient to sustain a viable community. Nicolas Rousseau, BSc, MSc, Horticultural Engineer., is a Research Assistant at the Centre for Architectural Ecology, School of Construction and the Environment, British Columbia Institute of Technology, Burnaby, BC, Canada. Funding for this project has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP). In British Columbia, this program is delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is committed to working with industry partners. Opinions expressed in this document are those of BCIT and not necessarily those of AAFC. Further funding provided by the BC Landscape & Nursery Association, BCIT School of Construction and the Environment, and Kwantlen Polytechinic University. âœż
Reminder: On April 1, 2013 the 12% HST will be replaced by the 5% GST. HortWest Spring 2013 |
15
CONTRACTORS CORNER PICK THE RIGHT MACHINE FOR THE JOB By: Rick Cleghorn
Mowers Doubling Up Are you currently using a trusty 21-inch mower for all your lawn care jobs? Hopefully most of you have learned that the ones designed for commercial use are the better investment, but did you ever consider that maybe the mower you have is slowing you down and costing you money? Major manufacturers such as Exmark and Toro have recently released a commercial oriented 30-inch mower. Imagine that the average property you are servicing requires you to make 30 passes with your 21-inch mower and takes approx one hour to complete. If you used a 30-inch mower you could finish that property in almost half the time. You almost double your earning potential, and the mower still fits through most gates and into the back of a small pick-up truck.
So much of a commercial landscape maintenance company’s measurable success is linked to time. If you are charging two hours for a given job and you can get the job done in one and a half hour, you have increased your earnings.
Scaling Up The next thing to consider is moving to a “zero turn” mower. There are walk-behind, stand-on, and ride-on versions. These give you even more speed and efficiency for the job. The Z-Turns are a better option for commercial operators than tractors because they can do a perfect circle around a flowerbed, cutting the amount of trimming that needs to done after. They also allow the operator to go straight up to an obstruction (fence, hedge, or home) and turn on a dime to continue on the return leg. They have bagging options that can cut down on grass collection and also assist in debris clean up. The most important consideration is production speed and operator fatigue. These mowers will allow you to move much faster to get your work done quickly and cut down on the physical beating you take from your work.
You now have an extra
Specialty Handheld Tools
30 minutes to dedicate to
Many landscapers are masters of adapting, using tools in creative ways to try to get the job done–edging a lawn with a line trimmer, using tarps for debris pickup, and I have even seen a landscaper using a line trimmer to trim a hedge.
another task or fit more jobs into one day, thus increasing your profits. It could also mean that your day ends earlier to spend more time with your family. Here are some tools available that can help you do more in the time you have available to increase productivity.
16 | HortWest Spring 2013
When you use some of the wide range of specialty tools available from the handheld equipment manufacturers, you are often able to shave time off your production, while also delivering a better-finished product. Both of these can add to your bottom line. Bed Re-definer The task of cleaning up the edge of a lawn at a flowerbed is tedious, but can really make the difference in the look of your work. You would have to spade the edge, shake the soil loose from the cuttings and turn the soil in the bed to break up the lumps, re-slope the bed and put a new drainage trench around the edge. Did you know that all of this could be done by one machine? There are now a couple of handheld bed re-definer tools that attack these tasks in one job.
MEMBER QUOTE Debris Management Machines
Brian Huttema, Mijodelu Landscaping and Renovations
Debris Loaders Time is lost collecting debris, such as leaves and seasonal cuttings as the task is typically accomplished by walking around the property, piling material on a tarp, tying the tarp up and dragging it to the truck or trailer. Then you haul the large, bulky material to the dump, emptying the truck mostly by hand, all the while paying the large dump fees, and consuming fuel. A truck or trailer mounted debris loader vacuums the material and shreds it at the same time, cutting workload, and truck and trailer space usage, and fuel consumption. There are walk behind debris vacs too, for smaller operations. These are but a few ideas of how you can take a new approach to your landscaping operations. Use the specialty machines to cut work, get more productivity, thus do more billing and get home to your family earlier. For more info on these and other efficiency-oriented tools, contact Rick Cleghorn at rcleghorn@echo.ca âœż
Seven years ago when I started out, I felt like a guppy in an ocean of killer whales. Joining the BCLNA as a networking device, I found myself growing as a business owner and landscaper, who has now become a salmon no longer feeling intimidated by the pod of killer whales. BCLNA has taught me not the fear the larger businesses but use them as a source of incredible knowledge and growth.
HortWest Spring 2013 |
17
LANDSCAPE CLIPPINGS CONGRATULATIONS TO: Gord Smith with the City of Victoria for earning his CLP – Landscape Industry Certified Manager designation. Bryce Anderson CLT, CLP of Whistler Landscaping for being the first in Canada to challenge and pass the new Lawn Care Technicians Exam. Join the Growing Ranks! • CLT – Landscape Industry Certified Technician Softscape Installation Hardscape Installation Ornamental Maintenance Turf Maintenance Interior Landscaping Irrigation Lawn Care • CLD – Landscape Industry Certified Designer • CLP – Landscape Industry Certified Manager • CHT – Landscape Industry Certified Retail Horticulturist
2013 upcoming test dates: July 5 & 6, and October 18 & 19 Recently revised training manuals for CHT, CLT. New CLD manual! For more information, please visit: landscapeindustrycertified.org Questions? Contact Julia Ricottone, Certification Specialist Julia@cnla-acpp.ca or call 1.888.446.3499 ext. 8615. BC Certification Chair, Jeff Foley jfoley@paraspceinc.com or call 604.291.2800. ✿
CLASSIFIEDS COME JOIN OUR TEAM! SALES ASSOCIATE NEEDED FOR RETAIL GARDEN CENTRE AND INSIDE SALES Do you love plants? Do you love people? If you do, come work for us! Specimen Trees Wholesale Nurseries Ltd. a large, progressive well established Nursery in Pitt Meadows is looking for a Sales Associate to cover Retail Garden Centre customers, phone-in and walk-in sales. Plant knowledge is a must, along with sales experience and/ or sales training. Applicant should also have a basic knowledge of the Nursery/ Landscaping/Retail Garden Centre Industry. Individual must be willing to travel throughout the lower mainland, Whistler and Vancouver Island. Preference will be given to those that possess strong interpersonal relationship building skills and enjoy working as part of a GREAT team. Wage to be determined by work experience, benefits are available. Please provide references with resume. Please fax resume to 604-465-8100 or email to inquiry@specimentrees.com Subject: Sales Job Posting
18 | HortWest Spring 2013
MARKETPLACE Containers
Local Supplier of Ornamental Grass Plugs
• ITML, Dillen, Landmark, Poppelmann Unique decorative planters
Plant Material-Rooted & Unrooted • Fides, Ecke, Greenfuse, Proven Winners® and more....
Mastertags
Phone: 604-856-7028 Fax: 604-856-7019 Email: peter@greenflora.ca Peter and Karent Voogt
www.greenflora.ca
Annual, Perennial Seeds Sungro Mix and Fertilizer JVK-Western Office 8168 River Way, Delta B.C. Tel: 604.946.5641 • 1.800.498.7403 www.jvk.net
Landscape Horticulturist Apprenticeship Levels 1 & 2 Now available in Burnaby
Level 1 begins in January 2014 Level 2 begins in November 2013 & 2014 www.burnabycce.ca
THE GREENHOUSE YOU CAN TRUST! Customizable from top to bottom and built tough to last for ages, the Nordique is designed with the grower’s interest in mind. Only the best materials are used to provide our customers with the peace of mind necessary to concentrate on what is really the core of their business: the crops! BARRY MCINTOSH, Sales western Canada 1 888 601 1783 b.mcintosh@harnois.com
HARNOIS.COM
GREENHOUSES
HortWest Spring 2013 |
19
Track star.
With 22 locations in Western Canada, nobody understands your growing business needs better than Brandt. We’ve been providing top quality equipment and service to Western Canada for over 80 years – like the John Deere D-Series Compact Track Loader. With 100% more front glass, 50% larger top window, and lower side windows, its best-in-class visibility is easy to see. The EH, low effort joysticks make it easier than ever to steer, and productivity boosting features like planetary final drives give you durability and power in all types of conditions – making the D-Series Compact Track Loader a Track Star in any weather. And with Brandt’s uncompromising commitment to after-sales support, you’re guaranteed we’ll be there to meet your business needs, every time. That’s Powerful Value. Delivered.
Rebates! Call 1-888-2BRANDT for a demo or visit www.brandt.ca for more information on our products and financing options.
Brandt is celebrating $1billion in annual revenue and we’re thanking our customers by offering special rebates. Visit thanksabillion.ca for details.