April 2012 Landscape Trades

April 2012

VOL. 34, NO. 3

landscapetrades.com

Spring: time to train, or prune, staff Organize operations to prevent crisis management Win safety buy-in with a game

Recipe soil saves trees Asphalt alternatives for Canadian schoolyards Proven: urban nature promotes health

Green cities issue PM40013519

contents APRIL 2012 VOL. 34, NO. 3

Landscape Trades is published by Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 Phone: (905)875-1805 Email: comments@landscapetrades.com Fax: (905)875-0183 Web site: www.landscapetrades.com

Blue Stone PropertieS

PUBLISHER Lee Ann Knudsen CLP | lak@landscapeontario.com Editorial Director Sarah Willis | sarahw@landscapeontario.com Editor Allan Dennis | adennis@landscapeontario.com Web editor Robert Ellidge | rob@landscapeontario.com Art Director Kim Burton | kburton@landscapeontario.com Graphic Designer Mike Wasilewski | mikew@landscapeontario.com Accountant Joe Sabatino | joesabatino@landscapeontario.com Sales Manager, PUBLICATIONS Steve Moyer | stevemoyer@landscapeontario.com COMMUNICATIONS assistant Shawna Barrett | sbarrett@landscapeontario.com Advisory Committee Gerald Boot CLP, Laura Catalano, Hank Gelderman CHTM, Marty Lamers, Jan Laurin, Warren Patterson, Bob Tubby CLP

Green cities 6 Thinking outside the planting box Manufacturing the perfect soil for street trees

BY LORRAINE FLANIGAN

10 Great ROI on green infrastructure Research proves the healing power of nature

BY SARAH WILLIS

16 Combat nature deficit disorder

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO STAFF Carla Bailey, Laura Brinton, Rachel Cerelli, Tony DiGiovanni CHT, Denis Flanagan CLD, Sally Harvey CLT CLP, Helen Hassard, Jane Leworthy, Heather MacRae, Kristen McIntyre CHT, Kathy McLean, Linda Nodello, Kathleen Pugliese, Paul Ronan, Ian Service, Tom Somerville, Martha Walsh

12 Workplace safety bingo

Landscape Trades is published nine times a year: January, March, April, May, June, July/August, September, October and November/December.

20 Invest in yourself and your company

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All rights are reserved. Material may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. Landscape Trades assumes no responsibility for, and does not endorse the contents of, any advertisements herein. All representations or warranties made are those of the advertiser and not the publication. Views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the association or its members, but are those of the writer concerned.

On the cover: International Landscaping Inc.

Help is available to green Canadian schoolyards

Owner creates safety game to engage staff

BY SARAH WILLIS

Final call for green industry management training

COLUMNS

26 MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS | Prune deadwood from your company

BY MARK BRADLEY

28 SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPING | Bog gardens are natural filters

BY SEAN JAMES

30 LEGAL MATTERS | Risk management and project structure

BY ROBERT KENNALEY

34 ROAD TO SUCCESS | Organization leads to success

BY ROD McDONALD ISSN 0225-6398 PUBLICATIONS MAIL SALES AGREEMENT 40013519 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT LANDSCAPE TRADES MAGAZINE 7856 FIFTH LINE SOUTH, MILTON, ON L9T 2X8, CANADA

DEPARTMENTS Green Pencil New Products Provincial News CNLA News

4 22 36 38

Industry News Classifieds Coming Events Where to Find it

40 44 45 46

APRIL 2012 | LANDSCAPE TRADES |

3

greenpencil

Clear, careful, deliberate communication prevents disappointment

Great expectations

Running a family

including three young adults, being part-owner of a garden centre as well as putting together Landscape Trades requires scheduling and communication, as well as nose-to-the-grindstone hard work. I have recently concluded, managing expectations is critical to success. At work or at home, if I can communicate desired outcomes effectively, there are fewer nasty surprises or letdowns.

What started me thinking about this, was reading an email from Landscape Trades contributor Jody Shilan, who explained the reasoning behind his ‘unbiddable master plan.’ Shilan wrote that he used to create extensive and intricately detailed master plans for clients, with

By Sarah Willis the expectation of getting the work.

By Sarah Willis But his comprehensive plan made it so easy to collect competitive bids that it was almost an invitation to shop around. His unique solution, to manage his own expectations of the client, was to create an unbiddable master plan, a general overview of a dream landscape, where the details are established in the contract.

Because we deal in live plants, the horticulture industry operates like no other. The typical end user of our product expects it to live and bloom forever, with minimal care, no matter where it’s planted — and it’s up to us to explain why this isn’t always possible. Food producers will argue theirs is a perishable product too, but I buy a loaf of bread, cut of meat or bag of onions expecting they will go moldy or rotten in time if I don’t use the products up. Homeowners simply expect plants to live, no matter the level of neglect.

Customer expectations have gone through the roof

4 | APRIL 2012 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

in recent years. I’m sure every reader has had an extended conversation with a dissatisfied customer about a plant’s performance. Its leaves burned in the sun, it grew too tall, it didn’t grow tall enough, there are holes in the leaves, it stopped flowering, its flowers fell off and made a mess on the walkway. How do you manage that? You can leave detailed instructions with a completed landscape, hand out planting and care information with every plant sale or carefully explain about the use of beneficial insects to manage, not control, pests.

Successfully communicating how a plant will grow, how an untreated cedar fence will age, how long a perennial will bloom, goes a long way to creating a satisfied customer. Keys to managing expectations are establishing a trust relationship and education — both for yourself and your client or customer.

I stumbled upon a great book, Managing Expectations: Working with People Who Want More, Better, Faster, Sooner, NOW!, written by Naomi Karten. With a title like that, you’d think it was recently published, but it was written nearly 20 years ago. Karten says that, “Expectations are difficult to control and impossible to turn off. However, by learning to identify and influence what your customers expect, you can dramatically improve the quality, impact, and effectiveness of your services.” She cautions against using jargon in communications; the horticulture industry is often guilty of this offence.

Put simply, thoughtful and consistent communication can go a long way to managing expectations.

But in some cases like Shilan’s, creative solutions are required. Have you come up with an effective way to manage your clients’ expectations? Let me know at LT sarahw@landscapeontario.com.

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CU-Structural Soil — Thinking outside the planting box

By Lorraine Flanigan

Patented, recipe soil improves the odds for urban trees.

Assailed by pollution in the air, soil and water, street trees typically must grow in the cramped quarters of a conventional four ft.-square planting box, their roots vainly stretching for life support in the compacted soils required to provide the structural integrity of the surrounding sidewalks and streets.

“It’s like lowering the tree into a coffin,” says Dr. Nina Bassuk speaking at the Spreading Roots conference at the Toronto Botanical Garden last fall. A professor and program leader of the Urban Horticulture Institute at Cornell University, Dr. Bassuk has developed a growing medium that offers these trees a lifeline.

About 20 years ago, Dr. Bassuk sought a solution for the opposing requirements of trees and the built elements around them.

The problem was, how to supply the volume of soil trees need to sustain healthy growth, while meeting instal-

6 | APRIL 2012 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

lation specifications that require soil to be highly compacted to bear the weight of concrete, asphalt or pavers. Using air excavation tools and ground penetrating radar, Dr. Bassuk was able to trace the way tree roots actually grow in the compacted soils of paved areas. What she discovered was that roots sought the route of least penetration, spreading shallowly between the pavement and the surface of the compacted substrate, rather than growing through it or rooting

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Ithaca Commons, created using CU-Structural Soil, complete with trees and pedestrian malls.

more deeply to reach beneath it. This shallow rooting causes the heaving of pavements and sidewalks and limits the longevity of the tree itself.

The medium Dr. Bassuk developed to solve the problem is CU-Structural Soil. A mixture of 80 per cent crushed gravel and 20 per cent soil bound together with a hydrogel tackifier, CU-Structural Soil creates a rigid framework able to support the weight of pavements without compacting the soil.

This is achieved as the stones form a stable, lattice-like framework that creates pore spaces large enough to accommodate the soil. There is also enough room to allow for the free movement of roots, air and water into these soil pockets.

“It’s important how it’s made,” says Gino Turchiaro, in charge of sales and product development at Hermanns Contracting, one of two companies licensed to produce CUStructural Soil in the Greater Toronto Area.

“The components must meet certain specifications,” he says. The stone must be of a uniform size of between ¾ and 1½ inches in diameter. It is also critical that it be washed to remove the fines which may otherwise clog the pores, he adds. The soil itself must be a minimum of 20 per cent clay to allow adequate cation exchange capacity. Also, it must incorporate enough organic matter— between two and five per cent—to ensure adequate nutrient and water-holding capacities and encourage microbial activity. Only when mixed according to this strict recipe is the soil successfully suspended in the pore spaces between the framework of stones.

Specifically designed for trees planted on paved sites such as pedestrian malls, sidewalks and parking lots, CU-Structural Soil is used directly below these areas, allowing two cubic feet of soil for every square foot of crown projection for each mature tree.

It can be used in trenches, under permeable and non-porous paving, and in island beds in parking lots and plazas. It can also be used to create break-out zones under existing sidewalks for example, to provide a way for roots confined to narrow curb-side strips to grow under the sidewalk and into adjacent yards and green spaces. The one application it is not meant to replace is the 8 | APRIL 2012 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

conventional tree pit. Because the success of CU-Structural Soil is based on providing large enough volumes of media for roots to grow into, the meagre dimensions of tree pits offer inadequate space for CU-Structural Soil. In these cases, a good, well-draining soil is recommended.

When designing for tree plantings, Robert Beaudin, senior landscape architect at Janet Rosenberg and Associates Landscape Architects of Toronto points out that many municipalities now require minimum soil volumes of about 30 cubic metres for a single large tree. “When we use structural soil,” he says, “municipalities often consider only the soil portion of CU-Structural Soil, which is about 20 per cent of its total volume.” The implications of including only the soil portion of CU-Structural Soil in the soil volume calculations leads to a plan with a larger area of structural soil than regular soil. “Despite these difficulties,” he says, “structural soil provides some benefit when planting in potentially compacted spaces.”

When installing CU-Structural Soil, “timing is important,” says Turchiaro. “Order the right amount for the trench you’re filling,” he advises. If delivered before the site is ready, or in greater quantities than can be used immediately, the soil must be covered to prevent contamination with sand or other elements on the job site and to maintain moisture levels. At Hermanns, the soil is stored under optimal conditions to preserve its integrity.

Ordering “as needed” ensures a more successful installation than storage at the job site. “Once a contractor knows [about these requirements],” says Turchiaro, “there are

usually no problems in the co-ordination of a CU-Structural Soil installation. It just takes a bit of forethought,” he says.

Over the last 25 years, there have been many CU-Structural Soil installations in Canada, from Dartmouth, N.S., to Edmonton, Alta. In the Toronto area, Marco Marrone of Four Seasons Site Development Limited, has been involved in several CUStructural Soil installations, including the Bloor Street project. Here, CU-Structural Soil was used above utilities in areas too shallow to accommodate the modular Silva Cells, another urban tree planting system employed on the project (see Landscape Trades, January 2012). Where the two systems are being used, says Marrone, it is critical to use a barrier at the interface of the two systems, to mitigate soil infiltration between the two soil types, which would jeopardize the performance of the CU-Structural Soil.

“Compared to other systems, one of the benefits of using CU-Structural Soil,” says Turchiaro, “is its simplicity of installation.

It’s easier and more cost effective to access adjacent underground utilities to perform maintenance and repairs, especially in municipal streetscapes.”

When it comes to selecting and installing CU-Structural Soil, Turchiaro adds,“It all comes down to awareness, confidence, and showing the research and history that trees thrive.” LT

Lorraine Flanigan is a Toronto-based garden and horticulture industry writer.

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Making the case for

green streets City planners and health professionals take note: The case for greening our cities has been made. BY SARAH WILLIS

What researchers, horticulturists and parks professionals have long suspected to be true can now be proven — nature has healing powers, and is essential to healthy human habitats.

Leading the charge on this new way of thinking is Dr. Frances ‘Ming’ Kuo, faculty member at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Among her responsibilities is directing the Landscape and Human Health Lab. Dr. Kuo spoke at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington, Ont., as part of a two-day Back To Nature workshop.

Her keynote presentation was well-received, with lots of participation from an engaged audience.

In the last 10 years, a lot of work has been done looking at the effects of nature in many different forms and on many different populations around the world. Dr. Kuo was careful to point out that all research has been done to rigorous standards, taking income and other advantages into account. “We know that people living in greener neighbourhoods have better health outcomes,” she said. She went on to explain that even once income and other advantages associated with living in green neighbourhoods are taken out of the equation, studies prove residents will still have a better health outcome if they live in an area with trees.

Dr. Kuo proposes a new way of thinking, backed up with extensive studies—that nature is essential to a healthy human habitat, and its effect helps save money spent in the health care system. Trees in the urban landscape aren’t just the parsley around the roast, as Thomas Church, a landscape architect famously quipped. They are a necessity.

Ethology (the study of animal behavior) has shown that poor animal habitats will result in social, psychological and physical breakdown. Twenty-five years of research 10 | APRIL 2012 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

has shown that humans like environments that include natural elements, so Dr. Kuo set out to determine if humans deprived of nature will undergo social, psychological and physical breakdown.

Dr. Kuo has looked at years of standardized testing results in Chicago schools. Schools that had poor test results improved substantially over a 10-year period during which the city invested in schoolyard greening.

Social effects Dr. Kuo offered multiple research studies that proved each of her points. A study of the social effects of green spaces was conducted through Chicago Public Housing Authority sites. The housing authority owns a number of similarly designed properties surrounded by varying degrees of greenery — to which residents are assigned (fortuitously for Dr. Kuo’s purposes) on a completely random basis.

Her research showed that aggression, violent crime, graffiti and illegal activities all decreased in areas where there were planted greenspaces.

Residents housed in barren environments exhibited feelings of loneliness, provided less supervision of children outdoors, showed less courtesy and mutual support, and revealed a weakened sense of community.

PHYSICAL EFFECTS A tree a day might help keep the doctor away.

Diabetics exercising in a forested setting saw a 74-unit drop in blood sugar, while only experiencing a 14-unit drop if cycling indoors. Residents in the Netherlands living within one kilometer of a greenspace showed significantly less frequent occurrence in 15 out of 24 prevalent diseases. A study of elderly Tokyo residents revealed that, taking into account the individual’s age, sex, marital status, socioeconomic status and health status, those living near a walkable green space enjoyed a longer life. They also reported better functionality and independent living skills.

Concluding her talk, Dr. Kuo pointed out that she only focused on the large body of evidence proving nature is essential to healthy human habitat. She noted that she hadn’t even touched on the many other benefits greening brings to cities such as cleaner air, replenished oxygen, absorption of carbon dioxide, and energy cost savings, to name a few. Her substantive findings are being used to help prove to city planners that plant life is a vital component of neighbourhoods and should be integrated in design to encourage communities that are resilient, effective, caring and healthy.

For further information and research citations, download the Parks and Other Green Environments monograph prepared by Dr. Kuo for the National Recreation and Parks Association, available at www.nrpa.org. L T

PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS Numerous studies prove that greenspaces help improve attention, learning and impulse control in children, and decrease symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD), clinical depression and anxiety attacks. In one study, children with AD/HD were taken on guided walks in each of three different settings: a neighbourhood, a downtown area and an urban park. After each walk the children were taken indoors and given concentration tests. Despite the order in which the walks were taken, the children’s concentration was significantly better after the walk in the park — equal to or greater than the peak performance boost obtained by taking commonly prescribed medications for AD/HD.

The health and safety game

BY SARAH WILLIS

Landscape crews start each day playing bingo “Health and safety is a boring subject, and it was difficult to keep staff motivated,” says Mark Humphries, owner of Humphries Landscape Services and Direct Landscape Supply in Oshawa, Ont. Recognizing the need for health and safety training, Humphries struggled with ways to engage his crews in conversations about workplace safety.

During a trip to the ANLA Management Clinic in Louisville, Ky., Humphries heard speakers discuss incentive programs using gift cards, and playing games to stimulate staff interest in safety, and he came up with the idea of Workplace Safety Bingo.

“I bought a couple of dabbers and an inexpensive bingo game that comes with

12 | APRIL 2012 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

Workplace Safety Bingo rules The main objective of Workplace Safety Bingo is to make Humphries Landscape Services a safe and fun place to work. The idea is that everyone works together to work safely and follow all the rules that are set out for the workplace. l

If someone is found without the following Personal Protective Equipment on, the game will zero and start again the next day:

Working without safety glasses.

Working without hearing protection.

Working without sunscreen. l Creating

or failure to remove trip hazards in the trailer or at job sites.

The game zeros and starts again the next day l Not

reporting damaged or broken tools or equipment The game zeros and starts again the next day. l Any

workplace injury No numbers will be drawn until the injured person returns to work. l Late

arrival for work Tardy staff member is not eligible to play that day

l Absence

No numbers apply for the day employees are absent. If absent without a call, the employee cannot play for the rest of the month. l Unlocked

or unwashed vehicles, or dirty, untidy interiors No numbers will apply on the following day for crew members responsible for the vehicle. l Lost

or damaged tools Based on value of tool, person or crew forfeits one day to one month. l Customer

call-back Crew forfeits for one day. l Smoking

in trucks No numbers to be drawn for one week, for all crew staff.

The 2012 Ram Heavy Duty makes light work of any job. It offers 22,750 lb of towing,1 unsurpassed torque and the most legendary engine of them all: the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel. It’s part of what makes Ram “Canada’s longest-lasting pick-up.”2 And another reason why Ram Heavy Duty is the number one selling diesel pick-up in Canada.3

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a deck of bingo cards and the playing sheets.

Each crew member gets a sheet with his name on it. Each day at Humphries Landscape Services begins at 7 a.m. on the dot, with a five-minute safety discussion. Whenever possible, safety talks are tailored to the crew’s work. “If we are renting a new piece of equipment, or working with rarely-used machinery or a unique task such as working with heights that day, the chat is geared to the work that day,” explains Humphries.

“After the chat, we pose a question related to the talk. The group as a whole has to get the right answer quickly and succinctly. If, as a group, they come up with a correct answer, we draw a bingo number and employees mark their cards.”

Humphries says the entire talk and game takes 10 minutes. Crews are on the road between 7:15 and 7:30.

The company offers several levels of prizes. One line in any direction earns the choice of a $10-value reward, including a Tim Horton’s card, lottery scratch card, movie tickets or an HMV voucher.

Diagonal line wins yield $20 rewards, including Best Buy gift certificates, Direct Landscape Supply bonus bucks, HMV gift certificates or a BBQ for you and your crew at the company’s offices.

Box-around wins can bring a Saturday off of the employee’s choice, Direct Landscape Supply bonus bucks, a Best Buy gift certificate, Mark’s Work Warehouse voucher or a certificate for a dinner for two, all valued at $50.

The letter H (for Humphries) wins a reward of approximately $300 value, including a day off with pay, Best Buy gift certificate, fishing trip on Lake Ontario for up to three people or an hour-long flight at the local flight school.

Idea works over time Game rules have gradually evolved.

Humphries’ initial idea was that new cards would be handed out on the first of the month, but he found that if the prize was won before month’s end, interest in his safety talks waned. Now, as soon as a game

is finished, new cards are handed out the next day.

Some of the game rules penalize individual crew members, while some safety infractions affect a complete crew or the entire company. Members of Humphries Landscape Services look out for one another (see examples below), to keep the game going from day to day. If a crew member comes in late, he cannot play and an X is put through the number on his sheet if it’s called.

“As a business owner, I have to wear many hats, and be prepared to make sophisticated presentations to corporations in one breath, and offer training to my ground-level staff in the next. Using a tool like Workplace Safety Bingo is a great way to connect with all my staff and get them engaged, working together and looking out for each other.”

Humphries says playing Workplace Safety Bingo has captured the attention of all his crew members. Even the seasoned veterans, “still make sure they get their bingo card LT stamped if their number is drawn.”

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to green

Canadian schoolyards On average, school children spend about 25 per cent of their day outside. The problem is that school grounds are too often treeless, concrete yards with little to no shade or green space and little connection to nature.

In his 2005 book Last Child in the Woods, renowned author Richard Louv coined a new term, “Nature Deficit Disorder,” to describe the effect this disconnect is having on the mental, physical and spiritual development of today’s young people. And a growing body of research is linking this disconnection from nature with various learning disorders among children.

With more and more kids growing up in urban environments, this is an issue that is sadly not going away. Fortunately, a number of schools in Canada are now integrating outdoor learning into their curriculum, in order to reconnect children with their natural environment. Natural outdoor playgrounds are being inCreating areas of infiltration in the asphalt helps reduce stormwater runoff to catch basins, recharges groundwater reserves, and provides water directly to the trees’ roots. Installation involves cutting and removing asphalt and using permeable surfacing around the newly planted trees.

16 | APRIL 2012 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

Groves of trees can also be planted in raised beds on the asphalt.

These beds can be built out of six-in. timbers or modular precast concrete block.

stalled on school grounds to provide students with a healthy, handson place to play, learn and develop a genuine respect for nature and each other.

Toronto’s St. Brigid Catholic School, with a population of nearly 600 students, is one such example. The school is working on an innovative greening project to increase shade cover on its grounds, while also creating a system to manage stormwater runoff on site.

The grounds have been divided into several areas that serve different age groups, from Junior Kindergarten up to Grade 8. Features include permeable asphalt to catch stormwater, a large mulched island with native shade trees and cut stone seating, as well as a walkway or allée of honey locust trees that will cool the two-storey school.

Designers decided to keep as much asphalt open as possible on the small site, while creating significant shade cover to promote active play and create areas of refuge. Various teams and committees were created to take ownership of the project, and a fundraising committee was created to take on the significant task of managing the budget. A

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Islands of green are beautiful oases in a sea of asphalt. Installation of these cooling islands involves removing large areas of asphalt and gravel base; amending soils with compost; planting large, native, shade tree species such as silver maple (Acer saccharinum), red maple (Acer rubrum) and hackberry (Celtis occidentalis); and topping up with 15 cm of tub ground mulch.

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stewardship team, composed of volunteers from parents and the neighbourhood community, was responsible for coordinating a regular watering schedule throughout the year.

The St. Brigid school ground greening project was carried out in partnership with Evergreen, a national charity that engages Canadians in creating outdoor green spaces in schools and communities throughout the country, the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), and Victor Ford & Associates, a landscape architect firm.

The effort is indicative of the collaborative nature of this kind of work. The St. Brigid project benefitted from the strong leadership of Kathryn Zaleski-Cox, an ecoteacher and librarian, as well as the school’s caretaker, Ron Hearn, who was integral to the project’s success and sustainability.

Evergreen has been facilitating projects like St. Brigid for more than a decade, helping schools and communities find innovative, sustainable and financially feasible ways to create green space on school grounds.

“There are many creative ways to green up our school grounds,” says Heidi Campbell, Evergreen’s senior designer. Campbell has been busy incorporating new ideas and designs into Chimney Court, the innovative play space she manages at Evergreen Brick Works in Toronto. Campbell’s play space

An allee of honey locust trees in permeable pavers was added to cool the two-storey school.

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allows students to get outside and learn in a natural environment, building forts with found objects or just poking around in the dirt to learn about the world of worms. “The key is to allow for creativity and hands-on play,” says Campbell. “Children need to be able to activate their imaginations and engage in open-ended play. They need to be the architects of their environment, and to appreciate the natural world.”

Through the Toyota Evergreen Learning Grounds funding program, schools throughout the country can apply to receive funding to carry out similar projects as St. Brigid and Chimney Court. It doesn’t need to be as elaborate—it could be anything from tree planting in schoolyards to food garden projects. These schools can then benefit from one-to-one consultation with Evergreen’s associates to receive design advice and tips on ensuring success and sustainability of their project, as well as information on local resources.

Evergreen also offers additional resources for school ground greening, including guidelines and details for tree planting to help ensure the success of these projects. A native plant database provides a comprehensive list of native tree species. The database is avaiLT lable at www.evergreen.ca.

18 | APRIL 2012 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

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LIEP into prosperity Take advantage of management training for Canadian green industry professionals Following discussions with green industry members this winter, important changes have been made to the Landscape Industry Executive Program (LIEP), to better meet the specific needs of those in the landscape, nursery and retail garden centresectors.

The course deliverer, the George Morris Centre of Guelph, Ont., has agreed to accept non-refundable deposits of $1,000 per registrant, by April 15 of this year, with the remaining balance to be paid by September 15, 2012. The course takes place over the winter in three separate sessions.

In order to offer this valuable program to the green industry, registration numbers must reach 20 by April 15, so that all arrangements can be made and the needed people put in place for delivery.

This program addresses: Strategic planning: Learn to work on the business, not in the business, by focusing and thinking strategically. You will walk away from LIEP with a succinct, but dynamic strategic and operating plan for your business, division or unit.

Succession planning: Whether you are in a corporate or family business, whether you want to position the company to sell it, or whether you want to grow the business or just manage your people risk, succession planning should be a fundamental part of your business strategy.

Operations management: Do you have challenges in recruiting and retaining good people? Do you face challenges with competition from big box stores?

Is your competition price-cutting on landscape installation jobs?

Information systems management: Create methodology to increase profitability, organization and communication?

While LIEP has been developed specifically for the green trades, the George Morris Centre offers similar programs to other 20 | APRIL 2012 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

agri-business sectors across the country. Below are some testimonials from owners and managers who have gone through these programs, providing strong recommendations and encouragement for other owners and managers to participate.

PRAISE FROM OTHER AG SECTORS “The Executive Development Program provides a wealth of valuable knowledge.

I would not have achieved as much in my professional life had I not participated in the program,” says Trish Fournier of Lake Erie Farms, Courtland, Ont. “The professional and experienced instructors challenge you on all aspects of your business, giving you the knowledge and focus to succeed in today’s competitive market,” Brian Newcombe of Cornwallis Farms, Port Williams, N.S., says.

According to Lori Schmaltz of Meyers Norris Penny, Calgary, Alta., “The Executive Development Program was one of the most enjoyable and informative programs I have taken in a long time. The program covers a significant amount of material and the instructors do an excellent job providing information while encouraging participation from the entire group. One of the most relevant aspects is the tours and subsequent debriefing sessions. They provide practical examples for utilizing the techniques studied in the course. The program was over far too quickly and I look forward to the development of an EDP alumni group.”

“Take the course — it’s the best investment I’ve made in terms of my professional development,” advises Jennifer FlemingMacTavish of the Canadian Sheep Federation, Guelph, Ont. The Morris Centre’s Canadian Total Excellence in Agriculture Management program, CTEAM, earned the following testimonials: “The George Morris Centre’s commitment to moving agricultural producers to

the next level is incredible. The course covers all aspects of business, and is a definite necessity for producers today,” says Lauren Maurer, Land and Sky Grains of Grenfell, Sask.

“CTEAM has changed me and my farm operation forever. My classmates and the instructors gave me more motivation and drive than I ever thought possible. This is a course that every farm operator, owner or manager should be enrolled in — guaranteed success!” Colin Brown of Dykeview Farms, Canning, N.S. says.

“Going through CTEAM is like coming out of a dark tunnel with a light at the end. You gain the focus to head toward the light, and when you get to the end you realize how large your opportunities are,” states Robert Semeniuk of RAS Farms, Smoky Lake, Alta.

LEARN, NETWORK, BUILD SKILLS Others have indicated that their abilities within their own organizations take on a new and greater understanding of corporate management unanticipated before taking the course. They found that discussing and networking with other industry partners achieved greater benefits as a result of this program. Further, it was found by many that the relationship with their financial institutions improved greatly when presenting their financial statements and credit applications. As well, some advised that due to their new management skills, their financial institution revisited their lending rates, which were then lowered. One indicated that the regional bank manager was so impressed with the client’s course results that, after lowering the rate within his range, he then applied for and obtained further reductions from the head office.

For more information or to register, contact Karen Bilton at 519-822-3929, ext. 205, LT or email karen@georgemorris.org.

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It’s just one of the many reasons why the ZTrak PRO is the ultimate mower. Demo one at your local John Deere dealer today.

Accept Nothing Less *Offer valid from Mar 01, 2012 until Jul 31, 2012. For personal or commercial use. No down payment required. For example, on a new John Deere Model 970A PRO, basedon a selling price of $17,153 (selling price in example is based on MSRP as of 30 November 2011 and may change at any time without notice. Dealer may sell for less) plus a $50 documentation fee, less a down payment of $0 results in a balance of $17,153 to be financed for a maximum of 3 years with 36 monthly payments of $476.85 totalling $17,166.72 based on 0.00% AIR with a cost of borrowing of $13.72. A $50 documentation fee may apply. Subject to John Deere Financial approval and dealer participation. In the event you default on this or any John Deere Financial Multi-Use Account transaction, interest on all outstanding balances on your Multi-use accounts (including on this and all special Term transactions on your Multi-use Account) will begin to accrue immediately at 19.75% AIR from the date of default until paid in full, and you will be required to make monthly payments on your Multi-use Account equal to 2.5% (personal use); 3.0% (commercial use) of the original amounts financed plus interest. Taxes, set-up, delivery, freight, and preparation charges not included and may increase price or monthly payment(s). Minimum purchase and finance amount may be required. See your dealer for details.Program subject to change, without notice, at any time.

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Legs can be shortened or lengthened to accommodate uneven terrain, ensuring operator safety with every step.

Flower Guard is a unique combination of Canadian beneficial nematodes to control the larval stages of rose chafer. Apply nematodes after the adults are observed, usually late July. For rose midges, apply nematodes late fall and again early spring.

To control iris borer, apply late April when soil is 10 degrees C (50 degrees F) or warmer, and again early fall. For thrips, apply weekly throughout the growing season. Use hose end sprayer or watering can to treat 46 sq. metres (500 sq. ft.).

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Thin-veneer limestone Horticultural Marketing’s Richmond rustic limestone low rise building stone veneer is now available in thin veneer heights from ¾- to 2.5-in. Sawn top and bottom for easy fit, however some pieces are angular enough to take the “perfectness” out of it. Beautiful L-shaped corners are available to take away the thin veneer look.

Horticultural Marketing www.hortmark.com 22 | APRIL 2012 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

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Limestone ledgerock blend Colonial Brick & Stone’s new No. 19 blend consists of brown, tan, black and charcoal limestone. Real stone for the cost of concrete thin veneer can add tremendous value to projects. When concrete thin veneer gets a chip, it adds extra beauty, texture, and color veins. Often, extra time is taken during the manufacturing process to add chips to some edges to make it even more beautiful.

Rubaroc Rubber Safety Surface is comprised of a high grade EPDM rubber granule mixed with a very strong urethane binder. Rubaroc Premium, the new product line, allows for more intricate design work and a smoother, more compact finish. Rubaroc Premium can be grouted and sealed creating a water-resistant surface. Rubaroc Safety Surface provides a solution to increased slip-fall and safety concerns.

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Millstones Horticultural Marketing offers reclaimed millstones, grindstones and stone rollers from old mills.

The spout that poured out crushed grain centuries ago, can now be used as a historic water feature in any garden.

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Stone bath tubs Hand weeder Horticulturists know if they leave just a fraction of the 10-in. dandelion root behind, the root will regenerate and all that effort is useless. The Garant weeder’s twisted head lets users completely capture and extract the roots of dandelions and weeds, while standing, to eliminate regrowth without damaging the ground — and its ratchet system is suitable for all types of soil.

The sliding handle also lets users easily eject the weeds exactly where they want.

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Spring pruning – removing the dead wood from your landscape crews

BY MARK BRADLEY

In the landscape business, you need to prune often. But the spring pruning I am referring to is the type that isn’t always easy for many business owners and managers. After speaking with many landscapers in our management workshops and operating my own landscape company, I realize that, for a number of reasons, most companies and managers tend to hang on too long to the dead wood within their companies.

As a company grows and expands or improves, I believe some longer term employees find their way to the top and crave the entrepreneurial roles. Others simply don’t cut the mustard and slowly (or sometimes quickly) find themselves behind the pace of the company’s progress. When there are people on your team who are not performing to the company’s standard and who do not have the interest to advance their knowledge or make the effort to effectively complete their work-related tasks, the options are really quite simple. You as the owner or manager can make one of three choices: 1. Put up with it — not recommended 2. Change it — works in some situations

3. End it — when you have exhausted efforts to “change it.”

Putting up with it My experience has been that the longer I put up with a situation involving an underperformer in my company, the more damage it causes to the culture I have worked so hard to create. Bad attitudes are cancerous — they can spread quickly and I believe they can cause a terminal illness within your company. You cannot build or maintain a culture of professionalism and efficiency with obvious dead wood on the team. If you are recognized as a leader that “puts up with it,” you can be sure the rest of the team is quickly losing faith in you as leader. And respect is much harder to recapture than it is to keep by acting swiftly and confidently. Remember that putting up with it comes at an enormous cost. One rotten apple can spoil the whole barrel, and it can take years to recover. Crew supervisors need to be trained on crew management, and they need to realize that it is up to them to cut the dead wood on their own crews. One of the most frustrating things to happen in my

FIND IT: at

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Online Source Book listings are comprehensive, up-to-date and specific to your industry. www.LTsourcebookcom 26 | APRIL 2012 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

company over the years was to have a crew supervisor advise me in late fall how one of his team members had been underperforming all year. That is like telling me the whole crew underperformed all year — and worse yet, the supervisor clearly underperformed as well by not dealing with the issue immediately.

Changing it I have been astounded at how people tend to burn out in this industry over a period of a few years. Some true superstars have left my company for other industries where they can “live a more balanced lifestyle.” I have come to accept that this will continue to happen. I believe a career in the landscape industry is a lifestyle—and after a few years, in this as in any profession, people come to realize they have either found a fulfilling career or not.

When I start to see people wane after being high performers in their role, I generally do one of two things: l Create some challenge for them by adding more responsibility to their role, to keep them engaged; and I keep doing so until they show signs of burn out. l Quietly remove some responsibility, to reduce the possibility of burn out if they seem overwhelmed or in over their head.

I have tried to “change it,” both successfully and not so successfully, when people in my company are not working to our standards. Many companies have success stories of waiting and trying out some form of change, and I find myself becoming more skilled at doing this—perhaps I am more patient now than I have been in the past.

Still, don’t over compensate by trying to create the perfect position for somebody. Landscape companies, like most other business26 | APRIL 2012 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

es, are most successful when they employ highly-motivated people who are capable of multi-tasking and doing many different types of work.

Ending it As a business owner, I try to keep my longtime employees engaged by taking the steps mentioned above. But with new employees, I have what I believe is a simple and effective management style. My company has a two-week working interview, followed by a three-month probation period. If the new worker is not actively engaged in learning and is not adjusting to our culture, we simply “end it.” I believe that the sooner we move people out who are not the right fit with our culture, the sooner we will find ones who are. My philosophy is, don’t be afraid of some turnover — you cannot find superstars without it.

Consider the spring hire like a sports draft, or try-outs. At my company, we hire more workers than we plan to keep, since we know from experience that many will meet the requirements of the job posting, but simply will not fit our company culture.

Remember, when preparing your business for the busy season, don’t be afraid to LT do your spring pruning!

Mark Bradley is president of The Beach Gardener and the Landscape Management Network (LMN), based in Ontario.

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APRIL 2012 | LANDSCAPE TRADES |

27

APRIL 2012 | LANDSCAPE TRADES |

27

sustainablelandscaping

Bog gardens: Nature’s filters

BY SEAN JAMES

So often customers are afraid of ponds even though, I think, they give more enjoyment, per square foot, than any other part of a landscape. They offer sound and motion. They are soothing to the soul. They attract wildlife. When nightlit, they’re positively magical. Yet, in the face of all this, folks are afraid of West Nile virus (misplaced, but that’s another rant) and practically terrified of (ominous chord) algae! Sure, we try to explain that some algae is natural and good but, in all fairness, many folks have seen ponds gone bad, milky green from the top down.

Using oxygenating plants, ensuring proper flow, and shading the top one-third to one-half of the water’s surface will help. We can use many technologies to combat algae, but without a doubt Mother Nature is far, far better at it than we are. The best way to help her is by constructing a bog as part of the pond system. Don’t think of a landscape pond as a pretty hole in the ground filled with water, but rather as a mini-ecosystem, and the rest falls into place.

Use a T-fitting to split the water from the pump, and have a ball valve on either outside pipe, one running to the waterfall, the other to the bog, to control how much water flows to each. Direct the pipe into a socked, plastic drainage tile with the far end plugged. Commercial systems are also available from companies such as Aquascape.

This way, the water flows out evenly through the length of the tile to percolate up through the bog medium. Set the bog slightly higher than the pond so that the water flows back into the pond. With this construction, a small amount of water is always flowing into the bottom of the bog and trickling up through the medium to the plants, then back into the pond, cleaner every time.

28 | APRIL 2012 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

The medium acts as a physical filter, removing particles from the water. The plants are remarkably efficient at removing nutrients from the water. This starves the algae of nutrients. Together this leaves the water incredibly clear, with no chemicals and no mechanics beyond the pump. It is practically a miracle of nature. We just help it happen.

In my experience, the best medium is two-thirds composted pine mulch and one-third 3/8-in. chip clear gravel or HPB. This gives maximum permeability and makes it suitable for the plants, although it will turn the water tea-coloured due to the tannic acid that leaches into the water. This will be removed by the plants themselves over time.

Best of all (as an over-eager plantsman), in a bog you can grow plants that you can’t grow elsewhere. The most interesting is the carnivorous pitcher plant, but there are many others such as blue flag iris, umbrella plant, shooting star, fascinating sedges, cardinal flower, and the ironically named blue cardinal flower. This gives your landscapes a rare element of interest, as well as producing a better LT kind of pond. It’s a win-win!

Sean James is owner of an Ontario-based, environmentally-conscious landscape design/build/maintenance company. In addition, he is an eco-consultant and a popular speaker.

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legalmatters

Risk Management and Project Structure – Part II

BY ROB KENNALEY

In the March 2012 issue of Landscape Trades, we began our discussion of the choice of project structure in a construction project by reviewing the general contract (where the contractor builds to a design provided by the owner) and the design build contract (where the contractor is responsible for both construction and design). In this issue, we will discuss the project management and construction management structures. The key feature that distinguishes these project structures from the other two is that, when properly set up, the project or construction manager does not actually perform the physical work. Rather, under these models, the manager acts as the owner’s representative in negotiating and administering contracts for the work, which the trades and the owner enter into directly.

The project and construction management models are perhaps the most misunderstood and misused of the models available. Under these models, the owner hires the manager to manage the project on his or her behalf. All of the trade contracts are sourced and, once approved by the owner, administered by the manager. Usually, the owner is the named party to the trade contracts, although in some circumstances the manager expressly signs the trade contracts as the agent of the owner. In either case, the trades should know exactly with whom they are contracting.

The essential difference between the construction management and project management models, when they are used in their traditional way, is that under construction 30 | APRIL 2012 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

management the manager is only responsible to administer the installation of a design provided by the owner. Under the traditional project management model the manager is brought in earlier in the process and represents the owner, at least in part, in sourcing, developing and administering the design.

Under these models, the owner, not the manager, is responsible to pay the trades directly. Should the owner not pay, the trades’ recourse is to pursue the owner, not the manager. In this circumstance, then, there is no one general contract. Rather, there are several and sometimes many trade contracts, each between the owner and a trade contractor. For the purposes of construction lien legislation, there will be a separate holdback requirement for each trade contract, such that the expiry of lien rights, substantial performance or completion (depending on the province), and the release of holdback will arise on a trade-contract by tradecontract basis. There will also be labour and occupational health and safety issues for the owner, because the owner is contracting with the trades directly.

Know who assumes risk Under these models, the manager is generally paid a fixed fee, often expressed as a percentage of the total construction cost.

Beyond this, the terms of the management contracts can vary significantly. Generally, the owner is responsible to pay the total cost of the work, including all of the manager’s administrative costs. Under many management contracts, if a trade does not perform

properly, or at all, the cost of rectifying or completing the trade’s work falls to the owner. Indeed, under many management contracts, the owner will have to pay all of the manager’s administrative costs in sourcing and administering the rectification and completion contracts. This highlights a general distinction to be made: Project and construction management contracts will generally be either at risk or not at risk contracts.

The distinction is as follows: Where the manager is at risk, the manager is ultimately responsible to ensure the work is performed properly and on time, et cetera, in accordance with the trade contracts. Where there are delays, deficiencies or incomplete work, the owner can look to the manager to resolve the issues at his cost or to pay compensation in lieu of same. Where the manager is not at risk, his role is to simply administer on behalf of the owner. Should any issues arise, they are the owner’s responsibility and the owner will have to pay the manager for further assisting the owner in resolving them.

One might wonder why an owner would enter into an at risk contract. The answer lies in cost and flexibility. Many owners believe they can keep costs down if they have the opportunity to vet and approve quotes for each component of the work, thereby eliminating the middleman of a general or design build contractor. Also, the construction management model allows the owner to develop his design on the fly. The owner does not need to agree upon a fixed price for the total project at the outset when retaining a general or design-build contractor. Rather,

legalmatters the owner can move forward with the demolition and excavation trades before fully deciding where and how to spend his or her money on the rest of the project.

Read details of contract Again, project management and construction management contracts are very often misunderstood and misapplied. Contractors will often draft contracts that suggest

they are construction managers when they are not. It is also not at all uncommon for a project to unfold as a general contract model, for example, even though the contract provides for construction management. Often, although the contract calls for a separate trade contract for each component of the work, the manager nonetheless hires the trades, is paid by the owner for the trades’ work, pays the trades, and administers one

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contract with the owner for the entirety of the work, for construction lien holdback purposes. Where this occurs, confusion can become widespread, particularly where trades have not been paid and construction lien implications arise.

Who is obliged to pay the trades for the work will depend on the project model—on how the contracts between trades and owner or manager/contractor are set up. In addition, a trades contractor under a properly set up construction management contract model will have the rights of a contractor for the purposes of construction lien legislation.

If, however, the trade is actually a subcontractor of the manager, the trade will have the lien rights and obligations of a subcontractor. This, of course, can be significant: The rights and obligations of contractors and subcontractors are different under Canadian lien legislation. Significantly in this regard, a subcontractor’s lien entitlement is generally limited to its pro-rata share of holdback, while a contractor faces no such limitation.

In the end, one telltale sign is the payment stream: If you are hired by a construction manager to perform work on a project, but enter into a contract with, and are paid by, the manager (and not the owner) you are most likely not working under the construction management model. Rather, you are most likely working in the general contractor model. Establishing at the outset which model you are working under is important because, as we have briefly outlined above, the model will determine whom you are working for, whom you pursue in the event you are not paid, and the extent to which you can recover under lien legislation. LT

Rob Kennaley practises construction law in Toronto. He speaks and writes regularly on construction law issues and can be reached for comment at 416-368-2522 or at kennaley@mclauchlin.ca. This material is for information purposes and is not intended to provide legal advice. Readers who have concerns about any particular circumstance are encouraged to seek independent legal advice in that regard.

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Organization is the path to success

BY ROD McDONALD

I love the expression, God is in the details. One of my favourite entrepreneurs used it all the time. She ran one of the most successful bistros I have visited, and it was a spotless cafe. It was the epitome of cleanliness because she instructed her serving staff to clean, clean again, and clean yet once more, when there were no customers to wait on. A clean place does not happen by accident. It happens because there is someone who knows the importance of a clean operation. And when I am consuming food that I have paid good money for, I would prefer to do it knowing the kitchen producing it has been scrubbed recently.

The same thing applies to us this coming spring. God is in the details…and the organizing of those details! If we are not organized, we will not be in a position to harvest the twenty-dollar bills when they are offered.

There is no point in chasing away customers, instructing them to return the following week when we will be ready for them.

Customers, once they have made up their mind to purchase, are not easily persuaded to wait. They will find other places to spend their money, if not at your place, then down the street. Sometimes, we lose a sale not to another garden centre, but to a bicycle shop or a clothing retailer.

In order to be ready this spring, we need to have a checklist. I have yet to meet a successful greenhouse or garden centre operator, or a top-flight landscape or irrigation contractor who did not have a written checklist. The man or woman who insists they have the checklist in their head, does not have one at all. It is fool’s gold to make such a claim.

To start a spring campaign successfully, we need to have all stock ordered and the majority of it in our possession. It needs to have been checked in, inventoried and priced, ready to go on display as needed.

34 | APRIL 2012 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

The last thing we should be doing during the busyness of May and June is ordering product and arranging displays. There is of course an exception made for reorders.

The staff should be 99 per cent hired and trained by the middle of April. The training program should be in a printed format and every little detail should be included in that printed document. An employer cannot expect a new employee to know every policy and procedure, from break time to cell phone usage. If you have banned the use of cell phones by employees during work hours, and many have had a need to do so, then it should be in print. No one can complain they were not informed if it is written within the training manual.

New equipment, whether it is a tractor or a cash register or a bar code scanner must to be up and running before the need to use it, not after.

Banking and financing need to be arranged months before they are required, especially lines of credit. Financing left until the last minute places the tardy ones in a desperate situation. In haste, they must sign on for a plan that requires a ridiculous rate of interest or other less than advantageous terms. I hate fighting rear guard battles, and last minute arrangements are always a rear guard battle.

There are those among us who take pride in being crisis managers. They thrive on the adrenaline of finding ways out of stressful situations. I am not one of those. To be clear and firm: I have never seen the benefit or the rationalization of being a crisis manager. I am at the polar opposite of this conundrum.

I believe that if you are a crisis manger, you are not managing at all, or at the very least, you are a bad manager. Good managers do not leave issues that fester until a knee jerk reaction is required. Good managers are planners and list makers, and ensure as

Staging a spring garden show at your store takes a lot of organization, but by all accounts, is well worth the effort!

smooth sailing as possible.

There are enough waves of insanity that all of us must deal with once the season’s flood-gates have opened. There are always unforeseen issues, so why increase their impact when they could have been dealt with months before?

When I operated my business, one of my standard rules was to explain to all the sales people who called on me, not to do so during the busy times. My adage was, May is for selling, not for buying. I was always flabbergasted by the novice sales rep who seemed to think May was the perfect time to present his company’s catalogue. One young fellow walked into my office in May, without an appointment, opened a catalogue that was several hundred pages thick, and began pitching me. He left, a sadly chastised man.

I’m afraid my words didn’t have much kindness to them.

roadtosuccess One of the most important things we can do to ensure success during the busy season is to develop a system of systems. I have learned over the years that to be a systems manager, is to be a true manager. Just as a football coach must develop a system of plays that respond to differing situations, so too must those within the green trades. No football coach calls the same play on thirdand-one as he does on second-and-fifteen. If he did, he would be a bad coach.

As my garden centre grew in physical size and volume, I needed to develop a different system or approach to managing it. After attaining a certain size, we had to develop areas of expertise. To grab a metaphor from football and basketball, we had to switch from man-to-man coverage to a zone defence. As customers moved through the garden centre, they needed access to staff who specialized in trees, perennials, bedding plants and garden care products. Each staff member could no longer cover all areas. One young woman did not get, or refused to get, our system. She was assigned to work in the annual greenhouse. Yet, I would find her assisting customers in the perennial shade house or even further away, in the tropical plant greenhouse. Her explanation was that the customer had initiated the interest in moving from one area to the next and she had merely accompanied them. To her, this

was the ultimate in customer service, a oneto-one approach, but in our system she had left a hole in her assigned area. She was not in place to serve those who required assistance in the annuals. After a few warnings, I realized she could not follow our system and I terminated her. I needed team players who would follow our system.

As most of us know, many uncertainties are bound to occur, even if we have been most methodical in our planning. Weather is perhaps the largest variable within our operations. We can go from being flooded with customers when it is sunny, to four customers and 26 staff members when a storm erupts. The only good thing about a snowstorm in May is that it does reduce complaints over the lack of available service personnel.

It is important while managing success to always have a Plan B and a Plan C in place. When the customer count drops off, what is next on the list of things to happen?

Who organizes that Plan B and how is it to be carried out? Those questions need to be answered long before it is time for implementation.

The busy season is at hand. Here are the essentials: l Have separate lists of what needs doing today, tomorrow, next week, next month.

l

Have checklists of all the products that need to be on display. l Have someone assigned in each area to review and order new supplies for those items on your checklist. l Have someone review all in-store signage from a customer’s perspective. Do the signs answer questions and clarify issues? Are the signs free of jargon? Do the signs sell product and service? l Are finances, especially lines of credit, in place? Do suppliers know when they will be paid? Do suppliers offer a discount for early payment? l Are both full-time and seasonal staff up to speed, ready to sell? l Is your best foot forward? Is everything clean? Are your customers uttering, “Wow!” when they walk into your greenhouse?

If you can answer yes to all of the above, then you are well on the road to success. LT

Rod McDonald owned and operated Lakeview Gardens, a successful garden centre/ landscape firm in Regina, Sask., for 28 years. He now works full-time in the world of fine arts, writing, acting and producing in film, television and stage.

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35

new brunswickupdate Landscape Trades devotes space in each issue to provincial association news. This month features Jim Landry on Landscape New Brunswick.

You’ve probably been wondering what’s been going on in New Brunswick and P.E.I. since last we communicated. In November, I posted our mandate on the wall of our office, in an effort to keep things focused and on track. You’d be interested to know that what is actually posted is a picture of a train. That’s it. One word – “Mandate” and a picture of a train. I have no idea what it means.

I’ll pick up this story after the smoke cleared from HortEast, which was, by the way, a great show with a good turnout and a healthy bottom line. We charged up the committees for the winter and set our sights on delivering to our members what they said they needed most—training. There was much work to do to prepare for our second year of Apprenticeship Classroom Training: Blocks 1 and 2. It has been a difficult push to get our members to take the time to apply for their Letters of Authenticity. Many have the qualifications to be grandfathered, but not the time or inclination to fill out paperwork. Imagine that, there are landscapers out there who shy away from paperwork! That being said we now have more than 30 journeymen (sorry ladies, let’s stick with the old-fashioned terminology) in place in N.B. We have a few people certified in P.E.I., as well, and we’re trying to develop a program to get the islanders into our blocktraining program. We are quite fortunate in that we have some very capable industry people here who are putting a lot of their energy into making an apprenticeship program run. Karen Carrier and Ben Scholten CLT, are two such board members who are delivering most of the instruction to our apprentices at our own school, called the Landscape Horticulture Training Institute.

Aside from this government sponsored apprenticeship training, we are doing much more for our business owners and managers. We teamed with Landscape Management Network, AtlanticCat and Landscape Nova Scotia to put together a two-day budget workshop in January. Of all the training we do, this program gets the highest marks. That’s because Mark Bradley and Mike Lysecki make it easy. Evaluations we’ve conducted after the fact reveal that it is exactly what most of our members want and need. Thanks to AtlanticCat, the cost to our members to get this top-notch training is minimal. I would encourage any and all associations 36 | APRIL 2012 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

Members of Landscape New Brunswick attended an IPM Symposium in February.

to hook their dining car to this locomotive when it comes through your province.

In February, LNB hosted another two-day conference called ACES (All Commodity Education Sessions). We’ve been doing this for about 10 years. It is always highly anticipated and well received, and this year was no exception. The theme was Sustainable Community Development and it showcased several projects around the province along with many industry updates. In support of our IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Accreditation program, LNB held a symposium for those involved in the process. It serves the purpose of delivering education credits to those already accredited and provides industry updates. We had more than 70 registrants this year. Normally here in N.B., the only way to get 70 people in the same room is to have live music; but this proves you can also do it with quality programming.

At this moment we are smack in the middle of our winter training program, which is somewhat based on Landscape Industry Certification in that it is for the frontline workers and covers a great deal of the scope of the occupation. We have a calendar of events that covers a dozen or so topics. Landscape PEI, which does some of this on their own, held a two-day softscaping workshop just last week. There is also a hardscaping workshop coming up at the end of March.

We have engaged the services of Joel Beatson of the CNLA to run the first of two On-the-JobTraining (OJT) workshops. By the time we are done everyone in N.B. and P.E.I. will be well trained in the art of training.

Our 2011 Awards of Landscape Excellence gala were held in Saint John this year on March 24. The submissions are in the hands (and minds) of our judging committee. Last year’s award ceremony in Moncton was pretty special with about 130 guests, and I am really hoping my hometown can rise and meet the challenge.

Sad to say, the tracks haven’t been all flat and smooth this year. In fact just this past week we said farewell to Tim Tregunno of Halifax Seed.

Here in the east, we all know of Tim and his family who have owned and operated the seed company since 1866. In fact many of us industry folks have felt very much a part of the extended Halifax Seed family. His daughters, Alison and Emily, are going to carry on the proud tradition.

As I was looking at my calendar to remind me of all the things we’ve been doing this past winter, I’ve come to the realization that I spend precious little time in the office anymore. Sometimes as little as a few hours a week. But that’s about me and what I really sat down to write about is what our members and committees are up to.

Others are beginning to see value in what Landscape N.B. and P.E.I. are doing. Attendance at the workshops and training seminars is very strong and brings in a lot of non-members. Our job now is to get these folks on board. I’m beginning to see what that train picture is all about. But I still don’t understand what Dylan meant when he wrote, “It takes a lot to laugh; it takes a train to cry.” LT

Jim Landry CLP, is executive director at LNB.

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cnlanews Garden Centres Canada has announced that Eve Tigwell will return this June to continue her work performing inspections.

Garden centres register for half-day or full-day inspections. Tigwell reviews the following areas: approach and parking lot, entrance and exit, facilities for disabled/toilets, play area, customer service points, safety, checkout area, people, garden care, outdoor living, indoor lifestyle, food hall/farm shop, aquatics and pet care, houseplants, bedding and patio plants, hardy plants, growing media, outdoor ornamentation, garden construction, catering, and website.

Centres that book a half-day program can expect the on-site inspection to take one to two hours, followed by a one- to two-hour consultation period. Garden centres may also book a fullday inspection. Following the inspection, participating centres will receive a detailed report with scores and comments from Tigwell, as well as a CD of photos.

Registration is now open, but spaces are limited. or more information, visit www.canadanursery.com and click on Garden Centres Canada, or contact Rebecca at the CNLA office, 1-866-3834711, or rebecca@canadanursery.com.

Box Blight Best Management Guidelines CNLA released Box Blight Best Management Guidelines to minimize the risk of moving C. buxicola through the wholesale nursery industry, and for companies that buy and sell boxwood to the consumer. The Guidelines may be accessed at http://bit.ly/boxwoodblight.

A C. buxicola certification module for the clean plants program is currently under development and all nurseries are encouraged to implement BMPs in the interim.

On behalf of the grower industry, CNLA thanks Sheridan Nurseries for its considerable contribution to the development of the Boxwood Blight BMPs and certification module.

Cylindrocladium buxicola (also known as C. pseudonaviculatum), commonly called box blight or boxwood leaf drop, is a fungus that has been a serious pest of boxwood in the U.K., Europe and New Zealand since the mid-1990s.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed the presence of boxwood blight in Canada through the submission of samples from two growers in British Columbia. Both growers

38 | APRIL 2012 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

voluntarily undertook extreme eradication measures through the incineration and deep burial of all boxwood plants from affected sites.

CFIA is conducting a national detection survey, with efforts focused in B.C., Ontario and Quebec, in order to determine the distribution of C. buxicola in the rest of Canada. It is expected that full results should Canadians toured Italy’s garden centres as part of the 2011 IGCA Congress. be available at the end of Visit garden centres March 2012.

Caucus group to help ornamental horticulture The Canadian Ornamental Horticulture Alliance has created an ornamental horticulture caucus in Ottawa. The group consists of 14 MPs willing to champion the benefits of ornamental horticulture.

In early March, the Horticulture Value Chain Round Table met in Ottawa. Over 40 MPs attended the event. The goal of the working group is to promote the healthy lifestyles and healthy choices with an emphasis on the consumption of fruit, vegetables and ornamental products.

A marketing strategy working group is in the process of gathering benchmark data to help with decisions surrounding trade issues. Another group created is searching for more sustainable water practices focusing on nutrients in the water.

More information on the working groups is at www.agr.gc.ca.

Staff changes Renata Triveri, retail manager, has completed her contract with CNLA after championing several new developments for the Garden Centres Canada Committee. Triveri and her partner Bill Hardy are the new owners of Trice Farms in Maple Ridge, B.C. Rebecca Doutre, provincial relations manager, has assumed the role of retail manager and works in collaboration with the Garden Centres Canada Committee. Doutre will also take a more active role in Newfoundland as the interim executive director of Landscape Newfoundland and Labrador.

Christine Finn, provincial relations coordinator, has had a smooth transition into her new appointment and Julia Ricottone, certification coordinator, will add administration tasks for the Canadian Nursery Certification Institute to her responsibilities.

around the world

The International Garden Centre Association (IGCA) has been keeping some CNLA staff members busily travelling around the world.

Last year a contingent of 25 Canadians (see photo above) attended the IGCA Congress in Italy, while in February, CNLA representatives were part of a tour to Australia in preparation for the 2013 Congress in Melbourne.

Rebecca Doutre says the pre-tour group received a warm welcome from Australian garden centre members. “I can assure you this Congress is one that you should pencil into your calendars. It will be worth it to take the trip down under to learn from these retail professionals.”

Next on the agenda is the 2012 IGCA Congress in Germany on Aug. 26 to Sept. 1. The event will be held in Bonn, Germany’s former capital. This year’s program will explore many regions of Germany, including a variety of unique garden centres and sites of horticultural interest. The tour will also include a visit to Floriade in Venlo, an event that takes place every ten years. There will be a posttour option to visit one of the world’s largest international trade fairs, Gafa. Visit www.igcc2012.org to register for the 54th IGCA Congress.

The IGCA has created a new Facebook page to help connect garden centre retailers around the world. Visit the page (www.facebook.com/IGCAssociation) and “like it” to view and share photos from past Congress tours.

For more information on the International Garden Centre Association, visit www.intgardencentre.org. LT The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association is the federation of Canada’s provincial horticultural trade associations. Visit www.canadanursery.com for more information.

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industrynews Green industry promoted at Canada Blooms An industry-led promotional initiative has reinvented itself for 2012, as Canada Blooms delights the senses of thousands hungry for spring.

The show was founded by The Garden Club of Toronto and Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association in 1997. Its signature attraction is stylish indoor gardens, complete with forced trees, shrubs and flowers. It has been a hugely successful initiative to drive awareness and demand for green industry products and services.

This year’s edition extends its run to 10 days, co-locating with the National Home Show. The fit is a natural, emphasizing to homeowners how landscaping improves the value, beauty and comfort of homes.

Canada Blooms was held March 16-25 at the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto. Landscape Ontario members designed and constructed 26 exceptional feature gardens that focused around the show’s City Culture theme. Organizers anticipated over 300,000 people would attend both shows, making it North America’s largest flower

Throngs of visitors filled the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto to enjoy the scents and sights of Canada Blooms.

and garden festival.

About 150 members of Landscape Ontario volunteered countless hours, designing, coordinating and constructing a showcase garden for their association. Called ‘Take Time To…’, the garden invited show attendees to slow down, take a deep breath, and appreciate the many wonders of nature. Canadian roses, forced specifically for the show, were front and centre, letting consumers know today’s roses are easier to grow than the

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cultivars from years ago. Messages throughout the garden also focused on the many benefits of turf.

One of the garden designers, Paul Brydges of Brydges Landscape Architecture, Guelph, Ont., explained, “We want consumers to walk through and relate that this garden is a little bit of home; leaving and thinking that, ‘this could be in my own backyard.’”

Proceeds from Canada Blooms fund community gardens across Ontario.

Pro-Tech sponsors snow documentaries Pro-Tech Manufacturing and Distribution is sponsoring a second season of its documentary series titled Project Sno Fighter, which will again highlight the lives and jobs of snow removal contractors, with a focus on how new equipment is integrated into their businesses. Filming is scheduled to take place through March 2012, and the documentary debuts at the 2012 Snow and Ice Management Association (SIMA) Symposium to be held in Buffalo, N.Y. Project Sno Fighter – Season 2 features four snow removal contactors located throughout the U.S. and Canada. “We want to show, once again, what happens before, during and after the storms,” said Jeffrey Luke, director of marketing for Pro-Tech. “This year, in addition to capturing the core functions of these businesses, we want to share how new equipment is adopted with all the trials and tribulations — and successes.”

Participants selected for the documentary include two Sno Fighters from Season 1, Kyle Stevens of Stonewood and Waters Landscape Craftsmen in Rush, N.Y. and Paul Vanderzon of Déneigement Vanderzon in St. Bruno, Que. The two additional participants are Shaun Stever of SMS Maintenance in Hudson, N.Y. and Andrew Eaton of Canadian Grounds in Toronto, Ont. 40 | APRIL 2012 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

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industrynews Emergency use registrations for boxwood blight Two fungicides now have registrations for use on boxwoods (Buxus spp.) until Dec. 31, 2012. Daconil 2787 and Switch are now available for use in British Columbia, Quebec and Ontario.

All boxwoods are susceptible to boxwood blight (Cylindrocladium pseudonaviculatum), which causes defoliation in as little as seven days. This has the potential to have a devastating effect. Currently only boxwoods are known to be susceptible, but not enough is known about the disease to say that with certainty.

To date, only one B.C. nursery was affected and the pathogen was quickly eliminated. Use these fungicides preventatively when disease conditions are present.

New research partnership benefits industry Ontario’s Vineland Research and Innovation Centre and the University of Guelph have announced an important new research partnership for the Canadian horticulture industry. Well-respected researcher Dr. Youbin Zheng is now appointed the Vineland/University of Guelph Chair in Environmental Horticulture. This position improves collaboration across Canadian research networks and speeds access to new technologies and innovations for industry.

“Dr. Zheng will be splitting his time between Vineland and the University of Guelph where some of the country’s best work in greenhouse intelligent irrigation systems, water treatment for re-circulation, plant environment interactions, and biocontrol is being led for the greenhouse and nursery sectors.

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No surprise to anyone but rapid delivery of results is the focus here, and of course the key to industry competitiveness globally,” said Dr. Jim Brandle, Vineland’s CEO. Zheng was an adjunct professor and technical manager of the Controlled Environment Systems Research Facility in the Ontario Agricultural College’s School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph. He will be working side-by-side with Dr. Michael Brownbridge, Vineland’s Research Director in Horticultural Production Systems. Together these researchers bring decades of combined experience in green roof technology, greenhouse and nursery plant production, and urban agriculture.

Manderley recognized for management Manderley Turf Products of Ottawa, Ont., has been named one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies for 2011. This prestigious national award is sponsored by Deloitte, CIBC, the National Post and Queen’s School of Business.

“Manderley is proud to accept this celebrated business award while representing the farming and agricultural community, especially turfgrass sod producers from around the world,” says Manderley president Greg Skotnicki.

Dramm premieres watering video Dramm has created a Watering 101 video covering the basics of hand watering. It stars the company’s own Canadian sales manager, Louis Dramm, who has worked in the horticulture industry for over 30 years, as well as owning and operating his own greenhouse.

In the video, Dramm demonstrates how to measure the Watering 101 trains viewers on watering practices. amount of water a plant should receive and shows proper watering techniques. Visit Dramm’s YouTube Channel to view the video.

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The American Horticultural Society (AHS) has announces recipients of the Society’s 2012 Great American Gardener Awards. Individuals, organizations, and companies that receive these awards represent the best in American gardening and horticulture. Each has contributed significantly to fields such as plant research, garden communication, landscape design, youth gardening, floral design, and teaching.

Among this year’s winners is Allan M. Armitage, a horticulture professor with the University of Georgia, who is receiving the AHS’s highest honour, the Liberty Hyde Bailey Award, for his many important contributions to horticulture.

Henri Studio under new management Henri Studio is now operating under the management of Stonecasters, a private ownership group. Stonecrafters will expand on Henri’s 50-year tradition of original fountains and statuary. The company’s facility in Wauconda, Ill., is in full production, serving retailers across North America. “Our organization is thrilled that Henri is moving forward,” says Bob Borta, VP marketing. “With a new infusion of energy from Stonecrafters, we are ensuring that the Henri brand and product line will be more exciting and essential than ever for our valued customers.”

42 | APRIL 2012 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

industrynews Aquascape brings water to African children A team of Aquascape Foundation volunteers installed a 20,000-gal. rainwater harvesting system at the International Needs Network School in Kiyindi, Uganda the week of January 23, 2012. The newly installed RainXchange rain-

The organization selected Meilland, head of Meilland International, for his accomplishments in his more than 50 years of service in the rose industry. Meilland will also be honored in New York City in June as part of the GROW XII events.

Meilland International is most famous in the United States for the Peace rose, which was developed by Alain Meilland’s father, Francis Francis Meilland rose is the 2013 Meilland, and marketed by Conard-Pyle after AARS winner. the end of World War II. The Francis Meilland rose, created in his honour, is the 2013 AARS winner and will be available to consumers next year.

Rose is herb of the year Volunteers install the liner to the AquaBlox for rainwater harvesting.

water harvesting system will provide clean drinking water for approximately 900 school children year-round, and creates the ability to prepare one hot meal per day.

The school’s rainwater harvesting system has been designed to collect run-off from the roofs of two school buildings and a nearby medical office.

Captured rainwater is passed through a sub-surface chamber where particulate matter is removed. The collected water is stored in a 15,000 gal. reservoir before passing through an ionization system into a 5,000 gal. tank where it can then be accessed by hand or electronic pump.

The Aquascape Foundation is a not for profit organization established in 2008. Its mission is to create sustainable solutions for the world-wide water crisis, and promote awareness of water as our most precious resource through environmental, educational and philanthropic efforts.

Meilland receives world rose award Alain Meilland has received the Great Rosarians of the World (GROW) XII Award at the organization’s annual West Coast meeting.

The International Herb Association announces the rose is Herb of the Year for 2012. Association members chose selections based culinary, medicinal or ornamental merit.

Herbal organizations around the world work together to educate the public throughout the year, and retailers can find marketing materials to promote this initiative and grow their sales at www.iherb.org.

Contest celebrates Waterplay anniversary To recognize 25 years in the industry, Waterplay invites contractors and designers to share in its Make Way for Water Play 25th anniversary celebration.

In addition to highlighting noteworthy projects over the past quarter century, Waterplay is hosting a contest for all upcoming projects in 2013.

The Make Way for Water Play contest is open to all projects scheduled for 2013. The winning project will be assessed for community impact, design, as well as the story behind the project. Projects of all sizes and geographical locations are eligible for the grand prize, with the winner receiving up to 25 per cent off the wholesale price of Waterplay products featured in the project.

LT For contest details please visit www.makewayforwaterplay.com.

Join us on Sat. June 16th, 2012 for our annual 'Ask the Experts Day' and No Tax Event!

Your one stop shop for pond and waterfall kits and accessories A wide selection of natural stone and precast concrete products • Flagstone • Interlocking • Cultured Stone • Masonry products

• Retaining walls • Aggregates • Accessories • Bulk/bag road salt

Office and yard: 25 Langstaff Rd. E., Thornhill, Yonge & Hwy 7-407 Manufacturing plant: 12350 Keele St., Maple 416-222-2424 or 905-886-5787 Fax: 905-886-5795

ne of Visit o’s largest a Canador displays outdo

www.beavervalleystone.com APRIL 2012 | LANDSCAPE TRADES |

43

classifieds NURSERY STOCK

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

WHOLESALE TREE NURSERY Growing caliper shade trees and evergreens.

Custom tree basketing.

Contact us for availability and pricing.

STAM NURSERIES INC. 593836 Hwy 59, RR 2 Burgessville, ON N0J 1C0 Ph. (519) 424-3350 • Fax (519) 456-1659 E-mail: info@stamnurseries.com www.stamnurseries.com

KLOMP’S LANDSCAPING INC. Klomp’s Landscaping is a design build contractor serving residential and commercial clients throughout southwestern Ontario.

Are you looking to advance or begin your horticulture career?

Are you one of the assets we are looking for?

Can you show up for work daily with a super BIG smile? We will pay you.

Accepting applications for the following positions: LANDSCAPE DESIGNERS/ ARCHITECT SALES PERSONS OFFICE MANAGER LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISORS/ FOREMANS PROFESSIONAL HARDSCAPER LANDSCAPE LABOUR Interested applicants can submit their application: MAIL: RR7 St Marys, ON N4X 1C9 FAX: 519-284-0359 E-MAIL: inquiries@klomps.ca Questions can be addressed at (519) 284-0254

BUSINESS FOR SALE Owner retiring from growing seedlings and 1-5 gallons pots for over 27 years. Formally of Waterford, Ont. Must sell all equipment, or all nursery stock or both. Retail on the nursery stock is approx. $20,000.

After April 15 call Lana at (519) 443-4444 www.mcguireevergreen.ca

PERENNIAL PRODUCTION MANAGER Wholesale nursery is accepting applications for the position of “Perennial Production Manager”. The Perennial production department is a progressive, rapidly expanding division at our nursery. This position requires experience and dedication. Emphasis will be placed on implementing up-to-date growing methods of perennials, vines and ground covers. Qualified candidates must be results oriented, self-motivated, able to work as part of a team and possess strong management, organizational and communication skills.

Excellent bonuses and benefit package commensurate with qualifications. A training period may be available. Resumes may be emailed to john@willowbrooknurseries.com or dropped of between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 8:00 a.m.-12:00 noon on Friday or mailed in confidence with salary history to: John Langendoen Willowbrook Nurseries Inc. 935 Victoria Ave., R.R. #4 Fenwick, Ont., L0S 1C0 No phone calls please.

ProLineGRABBER Ball & Pot handlers.

Ideal for moving & loading trees & plants.

Complete Line of Attachments for Skidsteers, Loaders, Excavators & Tractors.

Toll Free: (877) 625-9677 Website: shawbros.ca

FIRST NATURE NURSERY LTD. Wholesale supplier of native evergreens White Pine.......... 80-250cm........ 600+ White Spruce...... 80-250cm...... 2500+ White Cedar....... 80-250cm...... 2000+ Blue Spruce...... 150-250cm...... 1000+ Hemlock........... 100-200cm........ 500+ Potted, B&B and wirebaskets available Call (519) 647-0716 or (905) 973-3605 or wayne@firstnaturenursery.com

Advertise your products and services in

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING INFORMATION

Payment: All classified ads must be pre-paid by VISA or Mastercard. Rates: $62.15 (includes HST) per column inch (Approx. 25 words). Min. order $62.15. Annual rates also available.

Deadlines: The 10th day of the month prior to issue date. (eg: June issue deadline is May 10th). Jan. deadline is Nov. 10. If day falls on weekend or holiday, deadline is the next business day. Space is limited to a first-come, first-served basis. To place an ad: E-mail your name and phone number and your ad to Rob at classifieds@ landscapeontario.com. Also mention the ad is for Landscape Trades. You will be sent a proof/confirmation/payment form by e-mail. Online advertising: All paid ads are posted to our website at www.landscapetrades.com/ classifieds for the corresponding calendar month. Website only ads are available for $67.80 (HST included) and are posted for 30 days. Additional charge for ads over 325 words.

44 | APRIL 2012 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

(We thank you for your application, however only those considered will be notified)

View these ads and more on our website

EQUIPMENT

FINN Hydroseeders & Bark Blowers New and Used • Flex Guard FRM • Soil Guard BFM • Erosion Control Blanket Seed & Fertilizer Toll free: (888) 298-9911 Fax: (905) 761-7959 www.fibramulch.com

SERVICES AND SUPPLIES FIRST NATURE NURSERY LTD. Wholesale supplier of native branches.

Looking for Willow, Dogwood, or Poplar stems?

We supply native cuts from 1ft.-10ft.

Live stakes, fascines, wattlings and fencing Native and ornamental species available.

Call (519) 647-0716 or (905) 973-3605 or wayne@firstnaturenursery.com LARGE TREE MOVING AND SALES 115 inch and 90 inch tree spades available for hire. Largest truck mount machine in Ontario.

Call Burkraft Services (905) 689-1269

comingevents April 27-May 13, Arbor Week, www.arborweek.com May 3-4, Soils and Urban Trees 2012, University of British Columbia. www.ufis.ca/soil2012.php June 20-23, 15th Annual Snow and Ice Symposium, Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, Buffalo, N.Y. www.sima.org June 21, Darwin Perennials Day, The Gardens at Ball, Chicago, Ill. www.darwinperennials.com

July 14-17, OFA Short Course, Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, Ohio. www.ofa.org July 30-August 3, Turf Producers International Summer Convention, Ashville, N.C. www.turfgrasssod.org July 31-August 2, Penn Atlantic Nursery Trade Show, Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks, Penn. www.pantshow.com August 11-15, ISA Annual Conference and Trade Show, Sydney, Aust. www.isa-arbor.com

July 5-6, Hydrangea 2012: international symposium for professionals and lovers of hydrangeas, Terra Botanica Park, Angers, France, www.hydrangea2012.com

August 12-15, CGTA Fall Gift Show, International Centre and Congress Centre, Toronto, Ont. www.cgta.org

July 4-10, 30th Annual Perennial Plant Symposium, Boston Park Plaza Hotel, Boston Mass. www.perennialplant.org

August 21-23, Canadian Fertilizer Institute 67th Annual Conference, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. www.cfi.ca

August 21-23, Independent Garden Center Show, Navy Pier, Chicago, Ill. www.igcshow.com August 22-25, Plantarium, International Trade Centre, Boskoop, Holland. www.plantarium.nl August 23-25, Farwest Show, Oregon Convention Center, Portland, Ore. www.farwestshow.com August 23-26, Pondemonium, St. Charles, Ill. www.pondemonium.com August 26-31, IGCA Congress, Bonn, Germany. www.igcacongress.com September 2-4, Spoga-Gafa 2012, Cologne, Germany. www.spogagafa.com September 17-19, GLEE, Birmingham, U.K. www.gleebirmingham.com September 19-22, IPPS Western Region Meeting, Ventura, CA. www.ipps.org

APRIL 2012 | LANDSCAPE TRADES |

LT

45

where to find it COMPANY

PAGE

PHONE

EMAIL

WEBSITE

ACO Systems Inc

40

877-226-4255

info@acocan.ca

www.acocan.ca

AGCO Corporation

18

800-767-3221

na.marketing@atl.agcocorp.com

www.agcocorp.com

AMA Plastics Ltd

45

800-338-1136

ama@amaplas.com

www.amaplas.com

Beaver Valley Stone

43

416-222-2424

info@beavervalleystone.com

www.beavervalleystone.com

Becker Underwood Inc

14

306-373-3060

request@beckerunderwood.com

www.beckerunderwood.ca

Best Way Stone Ltd

19

800-BESTWAY

info@bestwaystone.com

www.bestwaystone.com

Bobcat

25 infocenter@bobcat.com

www.bobcat.com

Caledon Treeland

42

800-268-9516

www.treeland.ca

Chrylser Canada

13

519-973-2000

www.chryslercanada.ca

Cut Above Natural Stone

41

888-557-7625

www.cutabovenaturalstone.com

Echo Power Equipment Canada

27

877-324-6660

www.echo.ca

Electrical Safety Authority

47

877-372-7233

www.esasafe.com

888-831-1085

www.fertilec.com

Fertilec

9

treeland@treeland.ca

info@echo.ca gosselin@fertilec.com

General Motors of Canada Ltd

23

800-GM-DRIVE

www.gmcanada.com

Hanson Hardscape Products

48

800-265-6496

www.hansonhardscapes.com

Husqvarna Canada Corp

17

800-HUSKY62

John Deere Landscapes

37

800-347-4272

John Deere Limited

21

Kubota Canada Ltd

hardscapes@hanson.com

www.husqvarna.ca

www.JohnDeereLandscapes.com

www.johndeere.com

11, 31

905-294-7477

info@kubota.ca

www.kubota.ca

Oaks Concrete Products by Brampton Brick

2

800-709-OAKS

info@oakspavers.com

www.oakspavers.com

Permacon Group Inc

5

800-463-9278

www.permacon.ca

39

800-231-8574

sales@prolandscape.com

www.prolandscape.com

Pro Landscape by Drafix Software Stihl Limited

7

519-681-3000

info.canada@stihl.ca

www.stihl.ca

Stone-Link Corp

29

800-854-0072

sales@stone-link.com

www.stone-link.com

Stonemen’s Valley Inc

46

905-841-8400

info@stonemensvalley.com

www.stonemensvalley.com

Thames Valley Brick

45

905-637-6997

info@thamesvalleybrick.com

www.thamesvalleybrick.com

Turf Tech Inc

33

905-636-0731

info@turftech.ca

Unilock Ltd

15

800-UNILOCK

www.unilock.com

Zander Sod Co Ltd

32

877-727-2100

www.zandersod.com

46 | APRIL 2012 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

info@zandersod.com

out of the ordinary

Hanson Hardscapes provides modern and innovative solutions for an expanding world. Environmental solutions such as our AquaPave 速 permeable paving system and SmartCast速 Clean rooftop paving tiles reduce energy costs, conserve water and remove pollutants from our groundwater and air - an achievement that is truly out of the ordinary.

Our entire line of interlocking pavers, architectural tiles and retaining walls are made primarily of local, natural or recycled materials and will last a lifetime, making all of our products inherently sustainable.

Let Hanson Hardscapes inspire you to create extraordinary landscapes that support a healthier future.

Visit hansonbuildingproducts.com to learn more about our commitment to sustainability.

hansonhardscapes.com