MENTORMOMENT
Partnership of respect YOUBIN ZHENG is a professor at the University of Guelph School of Environmental Sciences, and a researcher for the nursery sector.
How do students fit in?
I already mentioned how the growers are always there to support research. If plants in our research plot need water, they get it done, even when they are Do you see your research working hard with their own production, directly benefit nursery growers? even during the weekend. It makes you For sure, my research is all applied, feel great, but it also makes a big impresinvolving substrates, irrigation, fertilizasion on students who see the passion tion — my principle is to discover basic and dedication. Many of my students are YOUBIN ZHENG science results that actually benefit now working in the grower industry, and the horticulture industry. I do research they are all happy. My research associprojects that can be used immediately. I have always been ate Mary Jane Clark is now teaching nursery production to involved with association groups. We discuss issues and I students, as a professor at Niagara College. provide results in reports. The growers are smart, and very My wife and I are avid gardeners; if I do research on any open to applying my results to their operations. plant, I always put one in my garden, so I know exactly what I am working with. I bring in my students and use my garden What do you respect most about nursery growers? for education. I really like growers; they are passionate about what they Do you have a mentor? are doing. The nursery industry strikes me as people who My mentor was Calvin Chong. That man did a fantastic job want to collaborate instead of competing. So many breedfor the industry, he was dedicated to improving nutrient and ers get together to exchange information and help each water management. Before he passed away, he told me so other. I can see how the collaboration helps the industry many things and influenced me to work in this field. I have grow faster. I like the industry, everyone is so friendly, such all his papers here in my office. good people. Tom Intven of Canadale is a true leader, he has business How do you stay connected with growers? wisdom and passion for plants. Bart Brusse from Sheridan I sat on our provincial Growers Committee. I didn’t have is so knowledgeable and always willing to help. While John to, but my principle is, you have to listen if you want to do Bakker of Bakker & Sons is a very busy guy, but he is always good research. I visit farms, listen to the leaders and their happy to host tours of his property to educate the public issues, then I go back to my lab, then I report back to them. — and his property is so well managed. His passion is to Talking at conferences is important, and I like to see if growpromote plants in a sustainable, environmentally friendly ers want me to do research in specific areas. If they want way to inspire the public to do more gardening with me to, I always make my best effort. LT local plant materials. John and Chris Langendoen from Willowbrook are incredible, their door is always open to sit down and talk about issues, guide you, give you advice. If you have a mentor to recommend, or a question to suggest, please Amazing people. write to editor@landscapetrades.com.
38 | APRIL 2020 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
