Horticulture Review - August 2009

Horticulture The Voice of Landscape Ontario

Review

August 15, 2009

Hard work and passion keys to success at Blue Sky Nursery Alice Klamer has built strong reputation in industry

Page 13

Harmonized Sales Tax - Page 8 • Canadale sets record - Page 21 • Growers’ tour - Page 22

meet your customers

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Canada’s 37th International Horticultural Lawn and Garden Trade Show and Conference Featuring FENCECRAFT, EXPLORATIONS and The Green Forum

January 12-14, 2010

Toronto Congress Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada

Call 1-800-265-5656 to reserve your booth Featuringng

An initiative of

the

green

FENCECRAFT

EXPLORATIONS

forum

www.locongress.com

2 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - AUgUsT 15, 2009

®

Coming events

For more coming event listings, visit www.horttrades.com.

August 17 Awards of Excellence deadline, Garden Centre Program Enter online at www.loawards.com. Categories and entry guidelines are listed under Programs.

Contact awards@landscapeontario.com, or call Kristen at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 321.

August 19 Prosperity Partnership, Best Practices seminar Direct Landscape Supply, 935 Bloor St., E., Oshawa If you have completed the introductory Prosperity Partnership workshop, this is the next step on your journey. Join Jacki Hart as she examines best practices for financial health, professional operations, sales success, leadership and developing customers for life. Cost of seminar includes lunch. Contact Jacki at prosperity@landscapeontario.com. For more details and to register go to www.horttrades.com/seminars.

August 20 Trial gardens’ open house Landscape Ontario, 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton Industry and the public are invited to attend the open house of the trial gardens at LO’s home office on Aug. 20. The agenda has a full-day of activities. The morning session has been set aside for green industry members, please rsvp Kathleen at kpugliese@landscapeontario. com. It begins at 9:00 a.m. Following lunch, participants may attend the open house at the trial gardens at the University of Guelph. The afternoon program will provide time for the public to view the LO gardens, from 2 to 7:00 p.m.

August 20 Georgian Lakelands Chapter Golf Tournament Innisbrook Golf Course, Barrie Cost is $150, which includes barbecue lunch, golfing, cart, steak dinner and prizes. All proceeds will go to Gilda’s House. To see flyer go to www.horttrades.com.

August 26 Waterloo Chapter Golf Tournament Grand Valley Golf Course, Cambridge Join in one of the Waterloo Chapter’s premier events of the season! Fees are $100 per person and includes lunch, golfing, cart, dinner and, as always, exceptional prizes. Go to www.horttrades.com to see the flyer and registration form.

August 27 Ottawa Chapter Golf Tournament Loch March Golf and Country Club, Kanata Sponsorship opportunities and registration are available for this annual event, hosted by the Ottawa Chapter. Shotgun start is at 1 p.m. Lunch and dinner are included in the registration fee.

For more details, to register, or sponsor this event, go to www.horttrades.com, or contact Stephanie Smith at ssmith@landscapeontario.com.

August 31 Windsor Awards of Distinction Windsor The Awards of Distinction is a landscape maintenance and construction contest open to members of the Windsor chapter. The deadline for entries is Aug. 31. If you have any questions, contact Wendy Harry at wharry@landscapeontario. com. To view the contest rules and registration, go to www.horttrades.com and visit the Windsor chapter page.

September 10 Growers Research Auction Somerville Nurseries, 9045 Tandragee Rd., Loretto Join the Growers Group for its annual fundraiser. Bid on plant material at below wholesale prices and tour the production farm, while help-

ing industry research and scholarships. Win a Northern Ontario weekend getaway, or golf package! All industry donations will be accepted for auction, such as plant material, related hard goods, etc. Contact Kristen McIntyre at kristen@landscapeontario.com, or 1-800265-5656, ext. 321, or Kathleen Pugliese at kpugliese@landscapeontario.com ext. 309.

To download more information, go to www.horttrades.com/c?c=1604.

September 11 London Chapter Golf Tournament Pine Knot Golf Course, Dorchester The London Chapter is guaranteeing a fun time at this year’s golf tournament. Go to www.horttrades.com to see the flyer and registration information.

September 12 Windsor Chapter Golf Tournament Fox Glen Golf Club, McGregor Join the Windsor Chapter for a fun day on the golf course at the Annual Bob Girard Memorial Golf Outing on Sat., Sept. 12. Go to www.horttrades.com to see more information and about registration.

September 15 Snow and ice symposium Landscape Ontario, 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton The Snow and Ice Sector Group of Landscape Ontario will host its annual symposium and equipment display program. To find a complete agenda and for further information, go to www.horttrades.com/snow&ice.

August 25 - 26 Intensive irrigation bidding seminar Landscape Ontario, 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton What you need to know to be able to bid on irrigation projects can be learned in just two days.

For more details and to register go to www.horttrades.com/seminars.

HORTICULTURE REVIEW - AUgUsT 15, 2009 3

Landscape Ontario staff LO staff members are committed to member service. Please call with your questions or concerns.

Tel: (905) 875-1805 or 1-800-265-5656 Fax: (905) 875-3942 Web: www.horttrades.com

Landscape Ontario’s mandate is to be the leader in representing, promoting and fostering a favourable environment for the advancement of the horticultural industry in Ontario.

Suffix for all e-mail addresses below: @landscapeontario.com

Executive board

Windsor Chapter

President

President: Karl Klinck, kklinck@ Board rep: Garry Moore

Past president

Designers

Robert Adams, robertadams@ Bob Tubby CLP, bobtubby@ First vice-president

Tom Intven, tintven@

Chair and board rep: Beth Edney CLD, bedney@

Garden centre

Second vice-president

Chair and board rep: Bob McCannell, bmccannell@

Secretary/treasurer

Grounds management

Provincial Board

Growers

Tim Kearney CLP, tkearney@ Phil Charal, pcharal@

Durham Chapter

President: Brian Marsh, bmarsh@ Board rep: Mark Humphries, mhumphries@

Georgian Lakelands Chapter President: Michael Laporte Board rep: Mark Goodman

Golden Horseshoe Chapter

President: Tim Cruickshanks, tcruickshanks@ Board rep: Walter Hasselman

London Chapter

President: Tim Cradduck, tcradduck@ Board rep: Peter Vanderley

Ottawa Chapter

Chair: Mike DeBoer, CHT Board rep: Brian Marsh

Co-chairs:Bart Brusse, Dave Braun Board rep: Dave Braun

Interiorscape

Administrative assistant Jane Leworthy, ext. 301, jleworthy@ Project and event coordinator Kristen McIntyre CHT, ext. 321, kristenm@ Membership and chapter coordinator. membership services team Stephanie Smith, ext. 354, ssmith@ Membership coordinator, Ottawa Chapter Lynn Lane, 613-796-5156, llane@ Membership coordinator, London and Windsor Chapters Wendy Harry, 519-488-0818, wharry@ Manager, information technology Ian Service, 416-848-7555, iservice@

Nursery technical analyst Francesco Pacelli, ext. 377, fpacelli@

Chair: Chris Le Conte Board rep: Steve Macartney CIT, smacartney@

Landscape contractors Chair: Peter Guinane Board rep: Bruce Warren

Lawn care

Chair: Gavin Dawson Board rep: Alan White, awhite@

Snow and ice management

Upper Canada Chapter

Members at Large

President: David Wright Board rep: Mike Hayes

Controller Joe Sabatino, ext. 310, jsabatino@

Irrigation

Toronto Chapter

Waterloo Chapter

Executive assistant Kathleen Pugliese, ext. 309, kpugliese@

Manager, Pesticide Industry Council Tom Somerville, tsomerville@

Lighting

President and board rep: Paul Doornbos CHT, CLP, pdoornbos@

Executive director Tony DiGiovanni CHT, ext. 304, tonydigiovanni@

Chair and board rep: Stephen Schell CHT

President: Sarah Johnston Board rep: Bruce Morton CLP, CIT President: Fiona Penn Zieba Board rep: George Urvari, gurvari@

E-mail suffix for all staff members: @landscapeontario.com

Chair and Board rep: John Higo Chair: Ed Hewis Board rep: Gerald Boot CLP, geraldboot@ Jacki Hart CLP Gregg Salivan

CNLA Board Rep

Gerald Boot CLP, geraldboot@

Horticulture Review Views expressed in Horticulture Review are those of the writer concerned. Horticulture Review and Landscape Ontario assume no responsibility for the validity or correctness of any opinions or references made by the author. Copyright 2008, reproduction or the use of whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited. Published 12x per year. Rates and deadlines are available on request. Subscription price: $40.43 per year (GST included).

For subscription and address changes, please e-mail subscriptions@landscapeontario.com

4 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - August 15, 2009

Trade show sales Lorraine Ivanoff, ext. 366, lpi@ Trade show coordinator Linda Nodello, ext. 353, lnodello@ Sales and business development manager Gilles Bouchard, ext. 323, gbouchard@ Director of public relations Denis Flanagan CLD, ext. 303, dflanagan@ Publisher Lee Ann Knudsen CLP, ext. 314, lak@ Editorial director Sarah Willis, ext. 313, sarahw@ Editor Allan Dennis, ext. 320, aldennis@ Web editor Robert Ellidge, ext. 312, rob@

The Voice of Landscape Ontario

August 15, 2009 • Volume 27, No. 8

Manager, education and labour development Sally Harvey CHT, CLP, ext. 315, sharvey@ Education and labour development Kathy McLean, ext. 306, kathym@ Education and labour development Paul Ronan, ext. 349, pronan@ Project coordinator, Education and labour development Rachel Burt, ext. 326, rachelb@ Trade show manager Paul Day CDE, ext. 339, paulday@

ISSN 0823-8472 Publications Mail Agreement No. PM40013519 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses To: Circulation Department Horticulture Review 7856 Fifth Line South Milton, ON L9T 2X8

Art director Melissa Steep, 647-723-5447, msteep@ Graphic designer Mike Wasilewski, ext. 343, mikew@ Sales manager, publications Steve Moyer, ext. 316, stevemoyer@ Communications assistant Susan Therrien, ext. 305, stherrien@

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

Why are you a member of Landscape Ontario?

Tony DiGiovanni CHT LO executive director

A

new membership recruitment committee, chaired by Warren Patterson, is putting together a plan for this year’s membership drive. Recently, the committee reviewed a membership satisfaction survey we hosted in 2006. It will be used to clarify and articulate the benefits and values of belong to an association, such as Landscape Ontario, to prospective new members.

Tony DiGiovanni The summary is worth revisiting. Here are eight main benefits of membership. The percentages reflect their importance.

1. Education/professional development, 92 per cent Educational opportunities are highly valued. Professional development happens informally at the “meeting before and after the meeting” at social gatherings and at events. It also occurs formally at hundreds of seminars, workshops, conferences and symposia.

2. Providing the group a larger voice and presence, 91 per cent It is important to identify with and belong ETEL07_BA Hort.Review.qx 1/30/07 to a larger community that will represent

and defend your interests, strengthen your Recognition as part of a larger group is professional image, develop opportunities important to many of our members. and deal with threats.

3. Networking and meeting other people, It is time to redo the membership satis91 per cent faction survey. I wonder if the reasons have Running your own business can be changed. I expect they have not. lonely and challenging. It is invaluable Whenever a prospect asks me why they to participate in an inter-dependent should be a member, here is my answer: community that shares the same interests “Membership in Landscape Ontario is like and goals. joining a club for mutual improvement and 4. Conferences and symposia, 91 per cent benefit that is focused on growing a prosper This reinforces reason number one. ous, professional, ethical, recognized and Professional and business development trusted industry.” leads to prosperity.

I have witnessed huge professional, busi5. Publications, 88 per cent “Membership in Landscape Ontario The is like joining a club for mutual publications improvement and benefit that is serve as the voice of the focused on growing a prosperous, community professional, ethical, recognized and reinforce and trusted industry.” all of the other benefits.

6. Friendship and community, 79 per cent ness, social and personal growth as a direct This is similar to reason number three. result of being part of the LO community. I 7. Discounts, 78 per cent have also observed how the rate of growth is This is the easiest to understand. It is a accelerated based on participation. hook that brings people in the quickest.

Are you getting the most out of your However, membership value is so much membership? If not, get involved. You will be more than discounts, even though many glad you did. of the discounts will more than pay membership dues.

Tony DiGiovanni may be reached at 7:43 AM Page751 per cent tonydigiovanni@landscapeontario.com.

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HORTICULTURE REVIEW - August 15, 2009 5

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Giving back to our communities

By Denis Flanagan CLD Director of public relations

A

n important part of branding Landscape Ontario through our Green for Life campaign is to celebrate how effective our members are in their local communities. I spend a great deal of time promoting our message throughout the province. Recently, I gave a presentation in my home town to members of the Stouffville Horticultural Society. I was delighted to receive a letter, printed below, outlining one of the most unique community partnerships I have seen.

Please forward me any similar experiences you may have been involved in, so that we may publish the information in this space.

Stouffville Horticultural Society Dear Denis, Thank you for your words and the generous donation to the Society. You asked us to use it towards getting young people interested in gardening. We think we have found the perfect

project.

Bill Edmondson at the Stouffville high school is running a gourmet club for students, where the participants cook and serve lunches to the school’s students, and dinners to the public once a month for a small fee.

Richter’s Herbs, in conjunction with a group called Edible Schoolyard, supplied soil and seeds to Glad Park Public School. These seeds are now ready for transplanting. They are going to be planted at Parkview Seniors’ Residence, where residents have agreed to care for them during the summer. When school resumes in the fall, the produce will be harvested for the Gourmet Club.

In the fall, we hope to secure reservations and invite you to the Gourmet Club’s dinner.

We will continue to reach out to residents who are like-minded in our love affair with all things horticultural and where we can learn how to protect the environment. We offer newcomers a great way to make new friends and contribute to the community.

As always, your talk was informative, witty and greatly enjoyed by our members. We hope

Summer WHMIS-Training Special, $9.99/ employee

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6 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - AUgUsT 15, 2009

you have more time for your garden this summer and look forward to your next talk.

Sincerely, June O’Donnell, Treasurer, Stouffville Horticultural Society Denis Flanagan can be reached at dflanagan@landscapeontario.com.

GFL media buzz

Here are just a few media outlets who featured the Green for Life message in June and July: • 103.9 PROUD-FM website • CBC television segment • MetroNews Calgary website • Rogers TV Daytime show • Hardware and Home Centre magazine website Send your GFL media sightings to rob@landscapeontario.com

PROFESSIONAL AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

CHT testing sets new records Sally Harvey CHT, CLP Education and labour development

T

he Certified Horticultural Technician (CHT) test days at LO’s home office in Milton happened on July 16 and 17 with a bang. With a record number of candidates, we also set a new record for the number of volunteer judges who took the time to come out and join us. This enables the candidates to prove their competence in one of the following modules: turf maintenance, ornamental maintenance, hardscape installation and softscape installation.

With a record number of hardscape installation candidates, Sally Harvey the site was expanded to accommodate this module. The numbers bode well for our industry, as certification is beginning to be recognized by our industry and becoming important for many of the purchasing public.

We forecast that certification will continue to grow, which will align well with the development of the College of Trades’ mandates: safety for all, standards and consumer protection. The College of Trades expects to be in full swing by late 2011. I can assure you, that certifications and apprenticeship will become even more important in the future.

Cerification testing at Kemptville College, which serves the Ottawa and Upper Canada chapters, is also alive and well in its third year.

The industry in that area has also stepped up, ensuring that the test remains viable.

If you wish to embark on the certification journey, go to www.horttrades.com. We still have test days at Milton on Sept. 24 and 25. It is a great time to get started, so sign up now and receive your study manual in plenty of time to allow ample preparation. If you are a certified individual now and want to gain some points for your renewal, please also go to www.horttrades.com/c?c=159 to complete your judge’s form today. We always appreciate judges. For any further information please contact myself (see e-mail below), or Rachel Burt at rachelb@landscapeontario.com.

Need your opinion One last thing, we would like your opinion on the days of the week, or season that CHT testing is offered. Due to popular vote in the past, we moved certification testing from Fridays and Saturdays to Thursdays and Fridays. At the time, it was felt this would respect the industry’s need for downtime on the weekends. However, we have received some comments this year that timing has been a barrier. Please feel free to e-mail, or call to let me know your preference in regards to days of the week and/or season.

Apprenticeship news Another high note for our department was

the approval from the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities (MTCU) to preregister our employees for the apprenticeship program. Not only have they provided us with a program that is a win-win situation with the introduction of our trade’s Red Seal designation (see my June article in Horticulture Review. If you missed it go to: http://www. horttrades.com/displaynews.php?n=550 to view an electronic version of that issue), but now they are also working towards simplifying the registration process. Pre-registration can take place at any chapter meeting, starting this September, or through our staff members, or complete the form yourself by going to www. edu.gov.on.ca/eng/tcu/employmentontario/ training, downloading the application in full and sending it in to your regional MTCU office as instructed. Landscape Ontario would like to track the number of pre-registrations, and would appreciate it if you could forward a copy to me by fax, or by e-mail to me (see address at bottom of column). I encourage you to register your staff today, as they can begin to accumulate their hours immediately and getting their sign-offs started right away in the training standard.

Have a great remainder of the season!

Sally Harvey may be reached by fax at 905-875-3942, or e-mail at sharvey@landscapeontario.com.

HORTICULTURE REVIEW - August 15, 2009 7

Harmonized Sales Tax concerns industry

By Tony DiGiovanni LO executive director

T

he Ontario Government announcement that it is moving to a harmonized tax system, beginning July 1, 2010, alarming many of our members. Some are asking Landscape Ontario to lead an industry campaign to fight the HST proposals. HST is a blend between eight per cent Ontario tax and five per cent GST. I don’t understand how adding an additional eight per cent tax onto previously exempt services, like landscape maintenance, is expected to stimulate the economy. I was intrigued with the loud support and praise for the HST from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, board of trade, banks and many other groups.

Before fighting, it is wise to understand why the HST is getting support from groups that regularly support economic development and prosperity initiatives.

report suggested exemption options for “labour intensive services.” The problem is this exemption option was not considered by the government.

The consumer will pay additional tax on just about everything. Logic tells me that customers will probably retreat on spending, because of extra expenses associated with many services.

This situation will negatively impact our sector, at least in the short term. At the very least, the government should have consulted widely before introducing such dramatic changes. It also erred in not raising public awareness of

Chamber of Commerce The chamber refers to the HST as visionary (please see http://taxharmonization.on.ca/ facts.html). It claims the HST will put “Ontario on a path towards increased competitiveness, productivity and economic recovery that will benefit every Ontarian and every business operator in the province.” It maintains that the HST will “cut Ontario’s marginal tax rate on new investment in half.”

• The government HST initiative was based on the Chamber of Commerce report. Please see http://taxharmonization.on.ca/files/ HST_Report.pdf. The report makes a solid case for the benefits of HST including the following: Savings on business inputs (HST will now be a flow-through much like GST) transitional funding to cover the cost of new accounting and point of sales systems (This is not a benefit. These extra costs are the result of HST) • Ease of administration (collecting one tax instead of two) • Elimination of inflated consumer prices, because HST will be collected at each stage of the production process (I don’t understand this one. Please let me know if you do.)

• Introduction of a $260 tax credit for low- and middle-income families (This is also counterintuitive. Why would the government see the need to introduce temporary tax rebates and tax credits if one of the proposed benefits is reduced consumer prices?).

It is interesting to note that the Chamber 8 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - AUgUsT 15, 2009

the proposed benefits.

It is important to address this issue.

Landscape Ontario has written the premier and minister of revenue, asking them to consider an exemption for labour intensive services. We need you, our members, to do the same. I also believe that it is important to frame our comments within the framework of the Chamber report. The report gives us the logical rationale for our position. See the copy of a sample letter at www.horttrades.com/hst. Please use it yourself, or to write your own. Ask your employees to do the same. This is an important issue.

A letter to Premier McGuinty Editor’s Note: LO executive director Tony DiGiovanni has requested that members write Premier McGuinty, asking his government to reconsider an exemption of labour-intensive services in the HST (harmonized tax system) proposals. An outline on the HST tax changes can be found within the accompanying article.

An LO member quickly responded to the LO director’s request, writing the following letter. We think he reflects the opinions being expressed by the vast majority of LO members. The author has requested that his name and the name of his company be withheld from the published letter.

Mr. McGuinty, I appreciate your response to my previous letter, although it will take much more than that to convince me, a small business owner, contractor, homeowner, husband and father, that your proposed changes to the PST system will not severely hamper my ability to carry on my business and not cost myself and my family significantly more money each year.

Running four small businesses in Ontario is no easy feat. I understand the current system and I also have a good understanding of the changes you propose and how they will actually affect our lives and the economy of the province. Bottom line is that so many services that were never taxed before, things like bank fees, insurance policies, lawyers, accountants, architects, designers, on and on the list goes (basically everyone who ever rendered a service in the past) is going to be required to charge their clients eight per

cent more. These service-based businesses alone will add millions (if not billions) to the provincial coffers, while becoming more expensive to the average consumer.

In my operations, I have done the math. On an average job that I supply to a client, I would have paid $800 in PST on the component inputs and built this into the cost of the systems I install. With your new system, I will have to add $2,356 on to my final invoice just to cover the eight per cent of the final bill. This represents a $1,556 increase in taxes on the services I offer to my client! And you say that this new system will be revenue neutral?

Hog wash.

Premier, the citizens and business owners of this province are not dumb. This new tax system is going to cost us dearly.

We know it and you know it. Trying to implement this during a massive economic downturn is asinine. I firmly believe that this measure alone could cripple small service-based businesses and result in more closures and job losses. Stop trying to line the Province’s coffers on the backs of the average citizens.

I urge you to reconsider your position and look at this from our point of view. I also urge you to consider making this an election issue. That’s right, call an election and make the blending of the PST and GST your platform. That should give you the answers (but I strongly doubt the approval, or the mandate) you are looking for from the citizens of this over-burdened yet still great province.

Best of luck.

Scott seminar gives tips on growing your business Jeffrey Scott is a green business consultant who grew up in the pool and landscape industry. Through his involvement in his family business, the company grew through referrals, and achieved client retention of 98 per cent in one division. Scott gave a presentation at the Milton home office to 30 LO landscape and maintenance contractors, who at the end of a long day on July 16, came to learn how to grow their business in any economy.

Tony DiGiovanni opened the evening’s presentation by saying LO staff knows our members already have the technical knowledge they need to do their jobs. Members are asking for Jeffrey Scott help with business proficiency.

By bringing in speakers, such as Jeffrey Scott, LO is providing the tools that members need to grow their business.

Scott focused on several techniques for business marketing and growth, and asked his audience to first determine what attracted customers to do business with them.

“Understanding what people value about your company will help drive excellence, and give you an idea of how to market your services,” said Scott.

Another hint he gave was to focus on deepening relationships with your top 25 customers, calling it, “your golden list. Your best customers are the most likely source to pass along referrals, so they are worth the effort it takes to cultivate a better relationship.”

Niche marketing was touched on, with Scott advising everyone to take the time to step away from what they are doing and discover the uniquely desirable traits about their company. “Then, develop a branding strategy to let people know what your business promises,” he said.

Scott noted that branding is a promise, and should be unique. It is the customer’s experience with you, your ads, how you answer the phone, how you make your proposal, how you follow up with them after you collect the cheque. And finally, branding is your reputation – by the time your reputation is out there, there’s not much you can do.

Scott counseled those present to avoid the mistake with the brand promises, of not identifying them, not writing them down, not teaching them to staff, not expecting show time

(getting staff to recognize they have to play a part in the customer experience) and not teaching roles (service, sales). “We focus on teaching employees how to prune, cut grass and other horticulturally-correct work techniques, but we don’t teach employees their role in the customer service experience.

We don’t teach our employees how to sell. The frontline staff does not have to make the sale, but they should be planting the seed.”

The audience warmed up as the session went on, with lots of ideas shared and facilitated

by Scott. Everyone came to the meeting with an open mind, and looked to solve problems and share solutions. As one attendee put it, “Even though you may know most of this stuff, it’s good to get a refresher and reenergize yourself after the spring rush.”

Jeffrey Scott is speaking at LO’s Congress in January 2010.

Xeriscape display now in LO gardens This summer a xeriscape display was planted as an LO staff initiative in the front island entrance bed on the home office property. Located in an area with full sun, consistent windy conditions and no irrigation lines, the garden showcases the ease and beauty of xeriscape planting.

Xeriscape landscaping is landscaping designed specifically for areas that are susceptible to drought, or to conserve water. Derived from the Greek word, xeros, meaning dry, xeriscape means literally “dry landscape.”

This high-visibility bed may help dispel the mystery surrounding xeriscape gardening.

A wide variety of recommended perennials for a xeriscape garden were used. With this summer’s unseasonably wet and cool weather, the garden is off to a great start and will be well established by fall. This water-conserving style of gardening does not mean one needs to plant only cactus and other succulents. Visitors to the site will gain a new perspective and can borrow ideas for their own projects.

HORTICULTURE REVIEW - AUgUsT 15, 2009 9

Showcase your talent: take photos now for Awards of Excellence The Beach Gardener Inc

By Kristen McIntyre CHT Project and event coordinator

M

any times, when the days are long at this time of year, it seems like there is no end in sight, and you begin wondering if anyone really notices the extra hours put into re-designing your end cap displays, facing the stone, or positioning every shrub and tree exactly in place. If you submit a project into LO’s Awards of Excellence program, it’s guaranteed that the judges will notice.

As a member of LO, you belong to an association that allows your company to market itself as a professional. LO’s Awards of Excellence program gives members the opportunity to showcase those professional talents.

This industry is alive with creative, skilled and enthusiastic people, and the awards program proves that each and every year. It is an opportunity to showcase the ‘best of our best.’

LO manages several award programs, including retail garden centre with 14 cat-

Uxbridge Nurseries

“We keep on growing”

P.O.BOX 400, UXBRIDGE, ONTARIO L9P 1M8

905.655.3379 1.877.655.3379 FAX: 905.655.8544 sales@uxbridgenurseries.com

www.uxbridgenurseries.com

egories, growers with 11 categories and construction, maintenance and design with an astounding 39 categories.

New to the construction, maintenance and design programs this year, the judges will also be awarding Green for Life stamps to projects that qualify. They will look for green practices, and the quality of construction, maintenance and design in sustainable landscapes. Features such as permeable paving, native plantings, water conservation and re-use, best practices and green roof technology, etc., will be considered.

“Seeing the winners impresses me more every year,” says Denis Flanagan, Landscape Ontario’s director of public relations. “Awardwinning projects consistently show outstanding design sophistication and horticultural knowledge. Our members continue to reach new levels of craftsmanship. To back it all up, these companies are also leaders in areas ranging from safety to new technology.”

Winning entries are viewed each year by thousands of people, including both consumers and the trade. Award winning projects have been featured on HGTV, in Garden Inspiration magazine, dozens of newspapers and media publications, at Canada Blooms and LO Congress. Photographs have also been used to illustrate articles on numerous websites and in The Toronto Star, Ottawa Citizen, London Free Press, Toronto Sun, and many more, not to mention trade publications including

10 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - August 15, 2009

Landscape Trades and Horticulture Review.

Award-winning projects and companies are also frequently profiled in Horticulture Review.

Taking great photos that showcase the true depths of your landscape takes time and practice. Did you know that most landscape photography experts say that an overcast day is prime for taking vivid landscape shots? A bright sunny day does not capture the hues and deeper shades in a landscape. Also recommended is keeping shadows in mind, as they detract from your picture. And remember, take more shots than you need. That way you have more to choose from when you compile your entry.

For more tips, and to learn more about how to maximize the visual potential of your own creativity and gain a greater understanding of the elements that make a powerful photograph, register for the Grassroots Photography seminar being offered at LO’s home office in Milton on August 12. Spaces are limited, so register today at www.horttrades.com/ seminars.

Best wishes to everyone for a great season, and remember to take lots of photos on your job sites and at your retail operations this summer. Before shots really help to sell your work. For more information on the Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence programs, contact me directly, or visit www.loawards.com.

Somerville hosting growers’ auction Landscape Ontario’s Growers Group has a fullday of activities planned at the annual fundraising auction on Thurs., Sept. 10. This year’s event will take place at Somerville Nurseries’ Loretto farm, near Hockley Valley.

The popular auction is open to all members of the green industry and is a major fundraising event, where proceeds benefit horticultural research and scholarships. The day will get underway at 10:30 a.m. with wagon tours of the farm and product viewing, followed by lunch at 11:45 a.m. Judging of the Growers Awards of Excellence submissions will take place from 9:00 a.m. until 12-noon. Plant material and related products will go up for auction at 1:00 p.m., including the best-of-the-best award-winning entries.

Attendees are advised to arrive early and get a bidder’s number.

New this year is the opportunity to win a Northern Ontario getaway, or golf package. The fantastic silent auction items include something for everyone. Auction bidders may pay by cash, cheque, Visa or Mastercard. Also of note, a special raffle item will be available for bidders only. Details will be revealed the day of the auction.

Plant material, hardgood donations and gift certificates to the auction are welcome and appreciated. For more information, contact Kristen McIntyre at 1-800-265-5656, ext.

321, auction@landscapeontario.com, or Kathleen Pugliese, ext. 309.

Somerville Nurseries is located at 9045 Tandragee Road in Loretto. For more information, and a map and directions to the site, go to www.horttrades.com/c?c=1604.

EAB regulatory action ordered in Ontario counties The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced a new regulation that prohibits the movement of ash material and firewood of all species from specific areas of Southwestern Ontario.

Although the EAB has already killed a large number of ash trees in Ontario and northeastern United States, it does not spread quickly on its own. The CFIA says it is focusing its efforts on preventing the movement of potentially infested articles, such as logs, branches, nursery stock, wood chips, and firewood of all species, to non-infested locations.

Those who move these articles from regulated areas without prior permission from the CFIA

could face fines and/or prosecution. Movement of these articles is the primary way the beetle has been spreading to new areas in Ontario.

The previous ministerial orders for Elgin County, Middlesex County, Lambton County, Essex County and the municipality of Chatham-Kent have been repealed and these areas are now regulated under one new restriction. Huron County is under another new ministerial order. An updated regulation has also been issued for Norfolk County so that the measures in place are consistent in all regulated areas in Ontario and Quebec.

For more information, call 1-866-463-6017.

Vineland announces new research director Vineland Research and Innovation Centre announced the appointment of Dr. Michael Brownbridge to the new role of Research Director, Horticultural Production Systems.

He will focus primarily on cutting-edge pest management practices, innovative greenhouse technologies and cultivation techniques.

“Dr. Brownbridge will lead his research team in the pioneering of unique technologies throughout the field of biocontrol,” said Dr. Jim Brandle, CEO, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre.

Dr. Brownbridge brings to Vineland an extensive international research background.

With a B.Sc. (Honours) degree in agricultural zoology and a Ph.D. from the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne in the U.K., he has studied microbial control of mosquitoes and lepidopteran pests and forest pest management.

He has also developed integrated pest management tools and systems for pests of greenhouse ornamentals.

For the latest information on LO news, events, seminars, chapter and sector happenings, go to www.horttrades.com

HORTICULTURE REVIEW - AUgUsT 15, 2009 11

Study underway to develop hazelnut cultivars Italy’s Tonda Di Giffoni that was planted this spring by Professor Dale. Ferrero is interested in this cultivar, as it meets all of its standards.

This project represents the catalyst to f all goes according to plan, in the near develop a hazelnut industry in Ontario over the future nursery growers could be producnext 15 to 20 years, but also it represents an ing hazelnut trees for the Ontario food opportunity to the nurseries in Ontario to proindustry. vide trees to the growers. A side benefit from Ferrero, based in Alba, Italy, is one of the hazelnut project, is that the hazelnut shell the largest confectionary manufacturing comcan be used as a source of biofuel. Burning panies in the world. Three years ago, Ferrero pellets has become an alternaopened a new manufacturing tive choice of gasoline to heat plant in Brantford. The 900,000 the greenhouses. square foot plant has become So far, all the trees planted one of the largest confectionary last year survived this past winmanufacturing facilities in North ter. Prof. Dale says that the probAmerica. lems now for those trees are the Ferrero’s main products are male catkins and the quality of hazelnut candies and hazelnut the nuts. The flowers are probutter, such as Ferrero Rocher duced very early in the spring, chocolates, Nutella and Kinder and as early as February in some Surprise. It uses about 60 per cultivars. Here in Ontario, the cent of the world’s supply of trees can be killed by late winter hazelnuts. The Brantford plant and spring frosts. This problem, uses approximately 6,000 tonnes according to Prof. Adam is not of shelled hazelnuts annually, as big problem a problem as he imported from Europe. The cominitially thought, because some pany estimates that next year, the native cultivars are already accliamount of hazelnuts used will increase to 10,000 tonnes.

Hazelnut research could provide a niche market opportunity for Ontario growers. matized Ontario-style weather.

However, Ferrero needs a very Based on the consumption of hazelnuts and rising import costs, Ferrero to rapidly produce the trees that will eventually good quality hazelnut for its final products. For is very interested in growing hazelnuts in be planted at farms. Earthgen International will this problem, it’s a matter of waiting until those Ontario. In collaboration with the University be the company responsible for this project. At cultivars planted last year and this year start to of Guelph, Vineland Research and Innovation the Simcoe trials, Professor Adam Dale has produce small quantities of nuts. According to Centre, OMAFRA, Society of Ontario Nut several cultivars from Ontario sources. There Prof. Adam, we will need to wait another couple Growers and Earthgen International, it started are also sources from other countries, such as of years before the result is known.

By Francesco Pacelli Nursery technical analyst

I

some trials to produce hazelnut trees in Southern Ontario. The University of Guelph has initiated trials to identify suitable hazelnut cultivars for Ontario. Some potential cultivars from Ontario sources have been already identified.

At the present time, there are two sites where hazelnuts are planted, Simcoe and Vineland Innovation Centre. Plans call for the use of micro-propagation techniques in order

29

12 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - August 15, 2009

LO MEMBER PROFILE

Despite initial difficulties, Blue Sky Nursery achieves success

By Allan Dennis

W

hile speaking with Alice Klamer, it doesn’t take one long to recognize the huge love and passion she has for her family, employees and her business, Blue Sky Nursery.

In 1979, Alice and her husband Don decided to begin a pick-your-own blueberry operation. They purchased 3,000 blueberry cuttings, but the blueberry farm never became a reality. Don observed that no one in Ontario was growing rhododendrons and azaleas. He began a small scale operation on rented land in Winona.

He found his customers by literally taking plants and knocking on doors. Meanwhile, Alice worked as a high school teacher, which helped with finances until the business got on its feet.

Success came fairly quickly. In 1985, the couple moved the business to its present site in Beamsville, along Highway 81. Today, Blue Sky Nursery continues as a family-owned business serving independent garden centres, nurseries and landscape contractors. The company has built a strong reputation for producing high quality plant material in various container sizes and quick delivery when the customer needs it. Blue Sky’s product line includes a wide selection of perennials, broad leaf evergreens and flowering shrubs. And oh yes, the blueberry plants are still growing and part of the nursery’s product line on the 28.5 acre property.

Building the business wasn’t an easy road for Alice Klamer. Just as the couple began operating at the Beamsville location, Klamer learned she was going to have twins. It turned out they were boys. Already having two sons, life was somewhat hectic. It became even tougher in 2000, when Alice lost her husband to cancer.

With four boys and on her own, Alice needed every ounce of her skill, determination, education and intelligence to make it all work.

“I had to overcome my lack of knowledge on many aspects of the business,” says Alice. “Don had a great deal of the business information in his head, but nothing on paper. I was determined not to allow that ever to happen again. I developed a complete manual of job descriptions and policies. Today, anyone can look at the pages of the manual and know exactly what each job entails.”

Presently, Blue Sky employs six full-time, one part-time bookkeeper, two sales reps., three

summer students and a crew of seven Mexican workers. Among her full-time employees is her son Clinton, who handles the duties of inventory control and product quality manager.

Alice says that one of her strongest business philosophies is that your employees are your most valuable asset. “I believe in treating your employees well. By treating them well, the business will receive more in return.”

She adds that no one can run a large business by themselves. “Once a business grows to a certain size, you can’t do it alone, you need good employees to make it a Clinton Klamer, left, and nursery manager Pete Zwaagstra ensure Blue success.”

Sky Nursery maintains its high standard of quality.

She also strongly feels that a key to business success is customer delivery of product within a 24 to 48 hour span,” service. “When you hear a complaint from a cus- she says. tomer, deal with it right away. You must ensure the customer is satisfied.”

Involved with LO Alice says she strives to make Blue Sky Having increased her involvement with Nursery as professional an operation as possible. Landscape Ontario a number of years ago, “We must strive for excellence and stay on the Klamer now sits on two sector groups, Garden cutting edge, ready to accept new opportunities.” Centre and Landscape Design. “Being involved with the committees has been a very positive She doesn’t believe in accepting the status quo.

That is proved with the fact that Blue experience,” says Klamer. “I have met so many Sky Nursery is the first nursery in Ontario to wonderful people, and it has allowed me to receive initial stage approval for the Domestic understand the grassroots concerns of my cusPhytosanitary Certification Program (DPCP), tomers.” She says other great aspects of LO developed in response to the increased threat to include the educational seminars and the workthe industry posed by invasive pests. The pro- place safety courses.

Blue Sky Nursery’s vision statement reads, gram is accredited by the Canadian Nursery Certification Institute. The DPCP system allows “We will continue to flourish as a dynamic comnurseries to promote and sell plants certified free pany, to improve our policies and procedures, from regulated pests and significantly free from to utilize the best nursery methods, to provide non-regulated pests. Once an onsite inspection superior service, and to continually produce takes place and the site meets the required stan- excellent products, which will fulfill the needs of our valued customers in the 21st century.” dard, final approval is given.

No doubt that vision will be maintained Another area Klamer points to with pride is the installation of the new just-in-time delivery through the love and passion that Alice Klamer system. “We strive to ensure the customer has displays in her day to day life and work.

HORTICULTURE REVIEW - August 15, 2009 13

Chapter News Rain dampens Toronto golf tournament, but Pinball brings his sunshine

LO president Bob Adams accepts a certificate of appreciation from Nicole Wolff from Sick Kids Foundation, thanking LO for its work to raise funds.

For the first time in 16 years, Mother Nature did not cast her magic spell upon the Toronto Chapter’s Dick Sale Memorial Golf Tournament.

From the moment the day began, on July 23, organizers knew that they were in trouble. The rain kept coming down and the sky showed no

Despite the rain, Toronto Chapter golf tournament committee members Frans Peters, left, and Frank Corrado were happy with the results.

of the people who volunteered to make the tournament another great success.

Winning golfers from the abbreviated tournament were: ladies’ closest to the pin - Audrey Partridge, men’s closest to the pin - Ted Hartwell, men’s longest drive - Dave King and ladies’ longest drive - Jessica Jennings.

The Toronto Chapter thanks the following sponsors: Armstrong Petroleum, Banas Stones, Beaver Valley Stone, Caledon Trees, Camrob, CNLA, Commander Industries, Core Insurance, Douglas Wood Large Tree Services, Draganjac Pressman, Dufferin Aggregates, Eloquip, Envirobond, Fernview Construction, Firstbrook,Cassie & Anderson, Franceschini Brothers, Freemont Landscaping, Green for Life!, Gro Bark, Hanson Hardscape Products, Harmony Printing, Hartwell Irrigation, Horta-Craft, Humber Nurseries, Investors Group, Kontiki Landscaping, Landscape Safety, Lawn Barber, LNR Alarms, Lombard Canada, Masco Farms, Mortgage Intelligence, New Roads National Leasing, Northstar Landscaping, Ontario One Call, Pine Valley Paints, RBC Financial Group, RBC Insurance, Sheridan Nurseries, Sinclair Cockburn, Sora Construction, Techniseal, Tecumseth Landscaping, TFP Media, The Investment Guild, Tradewinds, Unilock, Vander Hoeven Greenhouses and Zander Sod.

signs of sun anywhere.

Should we try to run it, or not? Those were the big questions asked that morning. Everyone showed up and made the best of it, getting in as much golf as they cared to play. Once golfing ended and the diehards had dried themselves, everyone was very generous and supportive of the charity showing great support at the prize tables.

Following a fabulous lunch and speeches, the best part of the day had special guest speaker Mike Pinball Clemons demonstrate his special way of lighting up an audience. His amazing and uplifting speech made the fact that it was raining seem trivial and made everyone realize how lucky we are to have the freedoms that we all enjoy.

Last year the Toronto Golf Tournament raised over $7,000 for the Sick Kids Foundation.

Although final figures are not in, this year promises to be another major fundraising success, despite the rain. Thanks go to everyone for their sup- Pinball Clemons brought his enthusiasm and inspiration to port and a special thanks to all members at the tournament.

14 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - AUgUsT 15, 2009

Keeping your chapter connected Landscape Ontario Day: Housing sales Argos meet Ti-Cats at Rogers Centre increase Toronto Argonauts, Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Landscape Ontario will all come together on Oct. 23 at the Rogers Centre.

That day, it’s Landscape Ontario Day, featuring the great CFL rivalry between the Argos and Ti-Cats. This fun-filled event will feature a number of surprises for everyone.

Supporters of the Ti-Cats can join fellow Hamilton boosters in the fan tunnel and cheer as the team goes out onto the field, while those fans of the double blue can also go and cheer for their favourite players as they come out of the tunnel.

Landscape Ontario will be involved in starting the game with participation in the

kick-off ceremony, and the video of LO’s famous Joe the Landscaper will be presented on the Jumbotron as a special halftime show.

Buses will run from various participating chapters in the area, but no specific information is available at this time. For more information, contact Stephanie Smith at ssmith@landscapeontario.com. It’s a great value for $22. Also, watch for more details in future issues of LO This Week and the September issue of Horticulture Review.

Come on out and show your pride in your association. This event will not disappoint, and all ages are welcome.

Waterloo chapter plays a big part in Dream Home project Members of the Waterloo chapter are bringing their talent, expertise and creativity to one of the area’s highest profile projects, the Rotary Dream Home.

Each year, the Kitchener-Conestoga Rotary Club and East Forest Homes build a home and sell lottery tickets. The club depends extensively on donated materials and services. In partnership with the Region of Waterloo, LO members became involved in designing, installing and maintaining the gardens of this dream home, located at 48 Woodbine (at Parkvale) in Kitchener. This project attracts thousands of visitors. All money raised from this event is used locally each year for Rotary Club projects.

The purpose of this initiative for Waterloo chapter members is to demonstrate, in a public and high profile way, exactly how the industry is uniquely qualified to actively address environmental issues such as water conservation. “This will allow us to market ourselves as the truly green industry,” says chapter president David Wright. “We believe that the need to address these issues is there in the minds of the public – they just want to be shown how to address them.”

LO members will incorporate some water friendly features, such as bioswales, permeable paving, rainwater harvesting systems, green roofs, and drought tolerant plantings.

The anticipated retail value of the proposed landscape will be approximately $45,000.

The chapter’s environment committee, project organizers are looking for help with this project, including goods and/or services.

Contact Don Prosser at 519-502-1909 with any questions, or to discuss participating in the project. A detailed list of materials and services will be forthcoming as the design is finalized, along with promotional details such as local media coverage and on-site signage/ displays.

The Dream Home’s grand opening is in early September with the draw in December.

This year’s recipients of the money raised includes the Sunnyside Home Foundation, a regional care facility for seniors that is looking to build an exercise/activity centre, and Health Care Med Ed. Fund, a medical education group recruiting and training future community doctors. This will help attract much-needed doctors to the Kitchener/ Waterloo area.

Sales of existing homes this past June jumped 8.7 per cent higher than in May. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association, this marked the fifth straight month of increased activity. Based on one year figures, sales were 17.9 per cent higher than the previous year.

Re-sale activity jumped at a record pace in the second quarter by 31.5 per cent from the first quarter of 2009.

These numbers bode well for the landscape industry that always enjoys the aftereffect of a housing boom.

Canada’s housing market has shown itself as one of the most resilient sectors during the economic downturn. Analysts contribute the rise to a combination of record low interest rates and government stimulus.

“The turnaround in Canadian housing this year might be the single most surprising turnabout we’ve seen in any economic indicator I can think of,” said Douglas Porter, deputy chief economist at BMO Capital Markets.

“The fact we saw a little bit of a rebound isn’t a total shock, but the extent of it is nothing short of amazing.”

Millan Mulraine, an economics strategist at TD Securities, is reported to have said that record low mortgage rates were a key difference between the real estate bust of the 1990s, when interest rates were on the increase.

Economists say the fact that the market’s relatively stable condition and health of Canada’s banking sector created an opportunity for homebuyers to take advantage of record low interest rates, more affordable prices and government stimulus.

The rise in sales activity and a drop in new listings have caused the inventory of unsold homes to fall to the lowest level since August 2007 and well below the peak hit at the beginning of the year.

Other sectors of the housing market have also registered improvements. Figures from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation show an increase, while Statistics Canada building permits figures reveal that construction intentions rose 14.8 per cent in May. Meanwhile, RE/Max data showed sales in Toronto set new record highs for June activity.

HORTICULTURE REVIEW - AUgUsT 15, 2009 15

Hillen Nursery Inc Botanical Name

Vines - 1, 2, 3 gal.

Akebia quinata ‘Silver Bells’ Ampelopsis glandulosa ‘Elegans’ Aristolochia durior Campsis ‘Balboa Sunset’ Hydrangea anomala petiolaris Lonicera japonica ‘Halliana’ Lonicera X ‘Mandarin’’ Lonicera per. ‘Belgica Select’ Lonicera per. ‘Serotina’ Polygonum aubertii Parthenocissus quinq ‘Engelmannii Parthenocissus tri ‘Veitchii’

1 gal 2 gal 3 gal price price price

6.00 6.00

6.00 6.00 6.00

8.00 8.00

8.00 8.00 8.00 8.00

Evergreens - 1, 2, 3 gal.

Azalea ‘Golden Hi Lights’ Azalea ‘Orchid Hi Lights’ Buxus microphylla Buxus semp. ‘Green Mound’ Buxus semp. ‘Green Gem’ Buxus ‘Green Mountain’ Buxus ‘Green Velvet’ Buxus micr.’Faulkner’ Chamaecyparis pis ‘Filifera Aurea Chamaecyparis pis ‘Aurea Sungold’ Cotoneaster adpressus ‘Compactus’ Cotoneaster ‘Coral Beauty’ Cotoneaster dammeri ‘Major’ Cotoneaster microphyllus Cotoneaster salicifolius ‘Repens’ Euonymus fortunei ‘Canadale Gold’ Euonymus fort.’Emerald Gaiety’ Euonymus fortunei ‘E.T.’ Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald n Gold Euonymus fortunei ‘Goldtip’ Euonymus fortunei ‘Sunrise’ Euonymus fortunei ‘Sarcoxie’ Euonymus fortunei ‘Surespot’ Euonymus fortunei ‘Vegetus’ Ilex meserveae ‘Blue Prince’ Ilex meserveae ‘Blue Princess’ Juniperus media ‘Mint Julep’ Juniperus media ‘Pfitz.Compacta’ Juniperus procumbens nana Juniperus communis ‘Repanda’ Juniperus conferta’Blue Pacific’ Juniperus hor ‘Blue Horizon’ Juniperus hor ‘Blue Prince’ Juniperus hor ‘Icee Blue’ Juniperus hor ‘Andorra Compact’ Juniperus hor ‘Torquoise Spreader Juniperus hor ‘Wiltonii’ Juniperus hor ‘Yukon Belle’ Juniperus hor ‘Youngstown’ Juniperus sabina Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Carpet’

13.50 13.50 11.00 11.00 11.20 11.00 11.20

5.00 5.00 5.20 5.00 5.20 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00

5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 6.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00

11.00 11.00

7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00

11.00 11.00 9.00 9.00

11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 13.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00

Botanical Name Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Star’ Juniperus virginiana ‘Grey Owl’ Larix laricina Microbiota decussata Metasequoia glyptostroboides Myrica pensylvanica Picea abies Picea abies ‘Nidiformis’ Picea glauca Picea glauca ‘Conica’ Picea pungens ‘Baby Blue’ Picea glauca ‘Densata’ Picea omorika Picea pungens kiabob Pieris jap ‘Mountain Fire’ Pinus mugo mughes Rhododendron ‘Northern Starburst’ Rhododendron Aglo(PJM) Thuja occidentalis Thuja occidentalis ‘Brandon’ Thuja occidentalis ‘Danica’ Thuja occidentalis ‘Hetz Midget’ Thuja occidentalis ‘Little Giant’ Thuja occidentalis ‘Nigra’ Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’ Thuja occidentalis ‘Wintergreen’ Thuja plicata ‘Spring Grove’ Tsuga canadensis Tsuga canadensis ‘Jeddeloh’ Tsuga canadensis ‘Pendula’ Taxus cuspidata ‘Aurescens’ Taxus cuspidata nana Taxus media ‘Densiformis’ Taxus media ‘Hicksii’ Taxus media ‘Hillii’ Taxus media ‘Wardii’ Yucca filamentosa Yucca flaccida ‘Golden Sword’

1 gal 2 gal 3 gal price price price 5.00 5.00 5.00

5.00

5.00

5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00

7.00

11.00 11.00

11.00 7.00 11.00 7.00 7.00 11.00 7.00 11.00 13.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 7.00 11.00 13.50 13.50 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00

Deciduous Shrubs - 1, 2, 3 gal Acanthopanax sieboldianus Acer campestre Acer ginnala Alnus rugosa Amelanchier laevis Aronia melanocarpa Aronia melanocarpa ‘Autumn Magic” Aronia melanocarpa ‘Viking’ Buddleja davidii ‘Black Knight’ Buddleja ‘Ellen’s Blue’ Buddleja davidii ‘Ile de France’ Buddleja davidii ‘Nanho Purple’ Buddleja davidii ‘Pink Delight’ Buddleja davidii ‘Petite Plum’ Buddleja davidii ‘Purple Prince’

16 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - AUgUsT 15, 2009

7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00

8.00

Botanical Name Buddleja davidii ‘Royal Red’ Buddleja davidii ‘White Profusion Berberis thunbergi’Rose Glow’ Betula papyrifera Caryopteris cland. ‘Dark Knight’ Cephalanthus occidentalis Cercis canadensis Cercidiphyllum japonicum Chaenomeles speciosa ‘Nivalis’ Chaenomeles superba’Texas Scarlet Clethra alnifolia ‘Paniculatum’ Clethra alnifolia ‘Pink Spire’ Cornus alternifolia Cornus alba ‘Elegantissima’ Cornus alba ‘Ivory Halo’ Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’ Cornus amomum Cornus kousa chinensis Cornus racemosa Cornus stolonifera (sericea) Cornus stolonifera ‘Bud’s Yellow’ Cornus stolonifera ‘Kelseyi’ Corylus avelana Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’ Corylus avellana ‘Red Majestic’ Cotinus coggygria’Royal Purple’ Cotoneaster acutifolius Cotoneaster horizontalis Diervilla lonicera Deutzia crenata ‘Nikko’ Deutzia gracilis Deutzia x ‘Strawberry Field’ Euonymus alatus ‘Compactus’ Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’ Forsythia X int. ‘Goldtide’ Forsythia int.’Lynwood’ Forsythia ‘Northern Gold’ Forsythia ‘Kumson’ Forsythia ovata ‘Ottawa’ Hibiscus syr.’White Chiffon’ Hydrangea arbor. ‘Annabelle’ Hydrangea macroph.’Forever Pink Hydrangea macroph.’Nikko Blue’ Hydrangea’Endless Summer Blushing Hydrangea mac.’Endless Summer’ Hydrangea macroph.’Glowing Embers Hydrangea macroph.’Merritt’s Beau Hydrangea macr’Princess Beatrix’ Hydrangea macroph.’Penny Mac’ Hydrangea pan. ‘Grandiflora’ Hydrangea pan. ‘Kyushu’ Hydrangea pan. ‘Little Lamb’ Hydrangea pan.’Limelight’ Hydrangea pan.’Pinky Winky’ Hydrangea pan. ‘Tardiva’ Hydrangea serrata ‘Bluebird’ Hydrangea serrata ‘Little Geisha’ Hamamelis virginiana

1 gal 2 gal 3 gal price price price 7.00 7.00 6.00 9.50 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.45 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 16.00 17.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 5.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 5.00 8.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 5.60 7.00 7.00 7.00 14.00 14.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.30 7.00 7.00 7.60 7.60 7.60 7.00 7.00 7.60 7.00

8.00 8.00

8.00

9.00

8.00

c.

Many More Cultivars and sizes available

Botanical Name Ilex verticilata Ilex vert.’Afterglow’F Ilex vert.’Winterred’F Ilex vert.’Southern Gentleman’M Kolkwitzia amab ‘Pink Cloud’ Kerria japonica ‘Pleniflora’ Lonicera tatarica ‘Arnold Red’ Lonicera xylost.’Clavey’s Dwarf’ Lonicera xylost.’Emerald Mound’ Magnolia loebneri ‘Leonard Messel Magnolia stellata ‘Royal Star’ Philadelphus coronarius ‘Aureus’ Philadelphus ‘Innocence’ Philadelphus ‘Natchez’ Philadelphus schrenkii ‘Snowbelle Philadelphus ‘Minn.Snowflake Dwar Physocarpus opulifolius Physocarpus opulifolius’Coppertin Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Diabolo’ Physocarpus opulifolius’Dart’sGol Physocarpos opulifolius ‘Luteus’ Physocarpus opulifolius’Summer Wi Populus tremuloides Prunus cistena Prunus virginiana Potentilla frut ‘Abbotswood’ Potentilla frut ‘Cor.Triumph’ Potentilla frut ‘Dakota Sunrise’ Potentilla ferrari ‘Gold Drop’ Potentilla frut ‘Goldstar’ Potentilla frut ‘Pink Beauty’ Potentilla frut ‘Tangerine’ Quercus bicolor Quercus robus ‘Fastigiata’ Quercus rubra Ribes alpinum Ribes aureum Rosa Bonica Rosa Carolina Rosa Henry Kelsey Rosa X ‘J P Connell’(ex) Rosa ‘Pavement Scarlet’ Rosa rugosa Rosa rugosa ‘Hansa’ Rosa x ‘Champlain’ Rosa X ‘The Fairy’ Rubus odoratus Rhus aromatica Rhus aromatica ‘Low Grow’ Rhus typhina Salix bebbiana Salix discolor Salix eriocephala Salix exigua Salix gracilis ‘Purpurea Nana’ Salix integra ‘Flamingo’ Salix integra ‘Hakuro-nashiki’

1 gal 2 gal 3 gal price price price 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00

5.00

5.00

7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.85 7.60 7.00 7.00 7.85 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.50 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00

11.00 11.00

8.60

8.00

Botanical Name Salix matsudana ‘Tortuosa’ Salix nigra Sambucus canadensis Sambucus canadensis ‘Aurea’ Symphoricarpos chenaultii ‘Hancoc Spiraea alba Spiraea arguta Spiraea bumalda ‘Anthony Waterer’ Spiraea bumalda ‘Crispa’ Spiraea bumalda ‘Froebelii’ Spiraea bumalda ‘Goldflame’ Spiraea betulifolia ‘Tor’ Spiraea fritschiana Spiraea japonica ‘Alpina’ Spiraea japonica ‘Dakota Goldchar Spiraea japonica ‘Dart’s Red’ Spiraea japonica ‘Goldmound’ Spiraea japonica ‘Golden Princess Spiraea japonica ‘Little Princess Spiraea japonica ‘Magic Carpet’ Spiraea japonica ‘Manon’ Spiraea japonica ‘Neon Flash’ Spiraea japonica ‘Shirobana’ Spiraea japonica ‘White Gold’ Spirea tomentosa Spiraea vanhouttei Sorbaria aitchisonii Sorbaria sorbifolia Sorbaria sorbifolia ‘Sem’ Syringa hyac. ‘Pocahontas’ Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’ Syringa patula ‘Miss Kim’ Syringa vulgaris Syringa vulgaris ‘Beauty of Mosco Syringa vulgaris ‘Monge’ Syringa vulgaris ‘Sensation’ Tilia cordata Tamarix pentandra Viburnum dent.’Chicago Lustre’ Viburnum ‘Emerald Triumph’ Viburnum lantana Viburnum lentago Viburnum opulus ‘Nanum’ Viburnum recognitum/dentatum Viburnum trilobum ‘Bailey Compact Viburnum trilobum ‘Compactum’ Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’ Weigela ‘Elvira’ Weigela florida ‘French Lace’ Weigela florida ‘Minuet’ Weigela florida ‘Purpurea Nana’ Weigela florida ‘Rumba’ Weigela florida ‘Victoria’ Weigela florida ‘Nana Variegata’ Weigela ‘Red Prince’ Weigela ‘Polka’ Weigela ‘Tango’

1 gal 2 gal 3 gal price price price

5.00

5.00

7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.25 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.60 7.60 7.60 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00

8.00

8.00 8.00

Botanical Name

Evergreens - 5 gal.

5 gal price

Chamaecyparis nootk ‘Green Arrow’ Chamaecyparis nootkatensis’Pendula’ Juniperus chinensis ‘Spartan’ Juniperus scop. ‘Blue Haven’ Larix laricina Metasequoia glyptostroboides Metasequoia glyp. ‘Goldrush’ Picea abies ‘Acrocona’ Picea glauca ‘Conica’ Pinus mugo mugo Thuja occidentalis ‘Brandon’ Thuja plicata ‘Green Giant’ Thuja occidentalis ‘Holmstrup’ Thuja occidentalis ‘Little Giant’ Thuja occidentalis ‘Nigra’ Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’ Thuja occidentalis ‘Wintergreen’ Tsuga canadensis

36.00 36.00 19.00 16.00 17.00 25.00 40.00 35.00 28.00 19.00 19.00 19.00 19.00 19.00 19.00 19.00 19.00 33.00

Deciduous Shrubs - 5 gal.

8.00

8.00 8.00 8.00

Acer palmatum’Bloodgood’ Acer palmatum ‘Dissectum Acer palmatum ‘Garnet’ Acer rubrum Cercis canadensis Cotinus coggygria’Royal Purple’ Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’ Hydrangea mac.’Endless Summer’ Hydrangea pan. ‘Compacta’ Hydrangea pan. ‘Grandiflora’ Hydrangea pan. ‘Kyushu’ Hydrangea pan.’Limelight’ Magnolia loebneri ‘Leonard Messel’ Magnolia ‘Susan’ Magnolia stellata ‘Royal Star’ Populus tremuloides Quercus robur ‘Fastigiata’ Spiraea bumalda ‘Flaming Mound’ Spiraea bumalda ‘Goldflame’ Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’ Syringa prestoniae ‘Donald Wyman’ Syringa pres’James Macfarlane Tilia cordata Viburnum ‘Emerald Triumph’ Viburnum trilobum ‘Compactum’

Botanical Name

Evergreens - 15 gal.

Chamaecyparis nootkatensis’Pendula’ Metasequoia glyptostroboides Thuja occidentalis ‘Brandon’ Thuja occidentalis ‘Nigra’ Thuja occidentalis ‘Wintergreen’ Thuja plicata ‘Spring Grove’

51.00 51.00 51.00 25.00 19.00 18.00 35.00 21.70 17.00 17.00 17.00 17.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 16.00 25.00 13.00 13.00 16.00 16.00 16.00 17.00 18.00 16.00

15 gal price 49.00 41.00 41.00 41.00 41.00 41.00

RR 2, Mount Brydges, ON N0L 1W0 Tel: 519-264-9057 • Fax: 519-264-1337 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - AUgUsT 15, 2009 17

LO prepares for snow and ice symposium The Snow and Ice Sector Group of Landscape Ontario will host its annual symposium and equipment display program on Sept. 15.

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s symposium, at LOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home office in Milton, will feature two education tracks to help contractors make their operations more efficient, reduce costs and improve the bottom line. There will also be a large display of equipment, technologies and services for the snow and ice industry and plenty of opportunity to network with industry col-

leagues throughout the day.

One of the education programs, Build-aBid, was put together by members of SIMA (Snow and Ice Management Association) to address one of the greatest business challenges members face. This full one-day program will help participants create and sell snow and ice proposals that fit their respective business model. Primarily for owners and managers, this detailed workshop will cover everything from understanding your numbers to qualify-

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Only using what nature providesâ&#x20AC;?â&#x201E;˘ s !DD ORGANIC MATTER QUICKLY AND EASILY n NO SPECIAL EQUIPMENT REQUIRED s )MPROVES DROUGHT TOLERANCE s )MPROVES GRASS SEED GERMINATION AND ESTABLISHMENT s !DD VALUE AND RESULTS TO LAWN CARE PROGRAMS s ! TRUE TIME SAVER

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ing customers to detailing your costs.

The second education track involves technical programs, such as a hands-on calibration workshop, liability and contracts, technology update, using liquids, educating your customer, MTO info session, Smart about Salt and a snow and ice sector group update.

Keynote speakers include Paul Johnson, Vince Arone, Jim Monk, Colin Ellis of MTO and Rob Kennalley.

Manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of products services and technologies for the snow and ice contracting and removal industry are invited to participate in this event. The outdoor display area will be open during the extended luncheon and coffee breaks and at the conclusion of the seminars.

The Snow and Ice Symposium offers many sponsorship programs, and every option gives a company additional signage, logo recognition in printed materials and special mention.

For further information on the programs, sponsorship, or to register, go to www.horttrades.com, under news, or call Sally Harvey at 905-875-1805, ext. 315, or e-mail at sharvey@landscapeontario.com.

Sheridan announces board appointments

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Sheridan Nurseries, Georgetown, has announced appointments to the board of directors. They became effective on July 1, 2009: William (Bill) Stensson, formerly president, to chief executive officer, Karl E. Stensson, formerly senior vice-president of retail operations, to president, Rick Friesen, formerly vice-president, finance and administration, to senior vice-president, finance and administration, Pieter Joubert, formerly nursery operations manager, to vice-president, nursery operations, Art Vanden Enden, formerly garden centre operations manager, to vice-president of garden centre operations, Valerie Stensson, formerly marketing and merchandise manager, to vice-president of marketing and purchasing and Manuel Sobrinho, to vice-president of nursery sales.

Public and industry members invited to trial gardens’ open house Industry and the public are invited to attend the open house of the trial gardens at LO’s home office on Aug. 20. The agenda has a full-day of activities.

The morning session has been set aside for green industry members. It begins at 9:00 a.m., with words of welcome from LO’s executive director Tony DiGiovanni and executive director of the Ontario Parks Association Paul Ronan. There will also be opening comments from garden manager Rodger Tschanz of the University of Guelph and Lorne Haveruk, who installed the state-of-the-art irrigation system (See July 2009 issue of Horticulture Review) in the LO gardens. As well, each supplier and manufacturer representative will be given the

“A Quality Product for Professional Tree Handling”

opportunity to speak about their products.

Other activities during the morning will include viewing of the gardens and the hanging baskets, created by various municipalities.

A vote will take place to determine the winning baskets.

Following lunch, participants will have an opportunity to attend the open house at the trial gardens at the University of Guelph. The afternoon program will provide an opportunity for the public to view the LO gardens, which will be open from 3 to 7:00 p.m. Volunteers will be in the gardens to answer questions.

Members of the public will also vote for their favourite basket.

The Larger The Tree…

The Greater The Investment.

Trust

Braun

et” k s a ire B W t s e Be “Th Share our Hands-on Experience

LO and Ministry in partnership offering apprenticeship Landscape Ontario, in partnership with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, is now offering the opportunity for members to pre-register their employees to begin the apprenticeship pathway to success in the Landscape Horticulture Trade. For more information on apprenticeship, the Red Seal Program and its benefits for employers and employees, go to: www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/ tcu/employmentontario/training.

Complete the pre-registration form, and provide the proof of education documentation as indicated on the bottom of the registration form. Then fax all documentation along with

Visit us on the web at WWW.BRAUNGROUP.COM

Product Brochure & Tree Harvesting VIDEO on request.

HORTICULTURE

USA the pre-registration form to your local apprenCanada ticeship office. For a listing of apprenticeship offices, go to www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/tcu/ search.asp?chosen=3.

MTCU will contact you to schedulelarger a tree v4.indd 1 complete registration meeting at your location. Accepted employees will attend school at an approved post-secondary facility.

Should you have any questions, go to www.horttrades.com/c?c=1220, or contact Rachel Burt rachelb@landscapeontario.com, or Sally Harvey at sharvey@ landscapeontario.com.

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Sign up to receive your own copy of LO’s weekly e-mail update Contact Susan Therrien stherrien@landscapeontario.com HORTICULTURE REVIEW - AUgUsT 15, 2009 19

Lindsay Mennen named Young Retailer of the Year

Lindsay Mennen

Each year, Green Profit magazine in the U.S. holds its Young Retailer Award competition to recognize the top members in the garden centre industry under the age of 35. This year a Canadian, Lindsay Mennen, won the award.

Garden centre managers and owners from across North America are eligible for nomination. Mennen, Pathways to Perennials’ retail manager, was crowned the winner in a special ceremony held in Ohio.

This is the fourth year for Green Profit’s Young Retailer Award. The field of nominees was narrowed to three finalists. The finalists were required to answer an essay question. A panel of four industry leaders was chosen as judges and each candidate was interviewed independently by each judge on a variety of aspects of their business.

“The essay question was what we’ve learned from the recession. It was tough, because we only had 600 words to spill our guts and make an impression,” says Mennen. “The judges asked great, tough questions and kept hammering away, you never really felt totally comfortable.”

In her essay, Mennen wrote, “When asked to write about how the recession has affected our

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business, a million things came to mind. Our biggest lesson came before the season began.

We had the first two months pre-sold, then jobs started cancelling, and our calendar emptied.

Lesson learned: Take nothing for granted. We have opportunities. How can we run stronger, leaner, yet still profitable, while maintaining our immense passion for what we do?”

The retail manager wrote that staff members were shown who we are, what we stand for, our goals and expectations and how to achieve them. “To get our name out, we wrote several timely press releases about the unique features of our business and sent these to publications, enticing them to write about us. We designed a writer/ speakers’ package to send out on why they should hire us to write for their publications and speak to their groups. This is an opportunity to be paid for promoting our company and knowledge.”

She revealed that the company didn’t print a newsletter for its mailing list, but instead used its e-mail database to communicate with customers on a biweekly basis. Mennen said it saved the company about $15,000 on printing and designing, while providing opportunities to reach customers more than once.

“Overall, despite the rough economic times, we have the opportunity to tighten our belts, learn new things and do what we do best—bring people and plants together!” concluded Mennen.

Pathways to Perennials is a member of LO and an award-winning landscape design firm with a boutique garden centre located in Kettleby. Pathways boasts over 11 acres of display gardens, lifestyle displays, a sculpture park and an outdoor garden café.

SMS opens newest Ontario store SMS Rents opened its doors for business in a 7,000-sq. ft. building in Gormley. The two-acre site backs onto Highway 404, north of Stouffville Road.

The initial staff includes six employees.

President of SMS Rents, Marcel Langlois, notes that the opening of the Gormley location is the second expansion for SMS Rents in as many months. In April, the Sudbury store relocated to a larger, 17,000-sq. ft. facility near the core of the city. New stores also opened in Ottawa and Mississauga last fall. SMS Rents has 14 locations in Ontario and Quebec.

Canadale sets national attendance record

Over 1,400 people arrived at Canadale for a Chamber of Commerce meeting.

LO member Canadale Nurseries now holds a new Canadian record. When 1,403 people signed in to the St. Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce business meeting on July 16, at Canadale, a new national attendance record was established. The monthly Business After 5 networking event series is similar to hundreds of Chamber offices across Canada each month, but no other Chamber has ever achieved the success found in St. Thomas.

Chamber president Bob Hammersley is

quoted in the St. Thomas Journal, “It’s a wonderful indicator of community spirit, and proof that combining a great opportunity with a valuable and fun-filled environment gets solid results.”

Canadale Nurseries is one of the largest garden centres in the region. The business is widely recognized as a community asset and leader with a great reputation. Each July, Canadale holds a customer appreciation sale offering 30 to 70 per cent off everything

it sells. This year Canadale said thanks to its business neighbours, by using the Chamber’s monthly networking event. Members were given exclusive and preferential access to the sale deals before Canadale opened its doors to the general public.

The event provided live music, food and refreshments, and great door prize draws. This attracted 1,403 attendees, between the hours of 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. To assure accuracy in the count, entry was restricted to one large gate and attendees were expected to wear a Chamber name tag. Sale pricing at the checkouts only applied to those wearing a Chamber sticker.

The latest attendance record replaced the previous national record of 1,177, which was also held by the St. Thomas and District Chamber at Canadale Nurseries in 2007. Plans are already underway to hold a similar event next year, when it is hoped to attract at least 1,500 people. Hammersley expressed his gratitude to Canadale’s staff and management, the Chamber staff and volunteers, and everyone who worked to provide the program.

Canadale’s president, Tom Intven, is LO’s 1st vice-president.

Got our 2009 perennial plant list yet?

Valleybrook displayed some of the new perennials that will be in garden centres next year.

Retailers and writers enjoy Valleybrook open house Valleybrook Gardens held an open house and barbecue at its Niagara-on-the-Lake location on July 16 for customers and garden writers.

This summer event provided a chance for garden writers to learn more about the growth and culture of perennials, and gave retailers an opportunity to get up close and personal with one of their suppliers.

Valleybrook staff conducted tours of the

facilities, starting with the propagation department and ending up demonstrating the water bath that all flats go through, before being loaded onto shipping carts. Staff horticulturist John Valleau gave a presentation on some of the new plants Valleybrook is selling this year, as well as a preview of some of the new perennials that will be on garden centre benches in 2010.

For a catalogue or availability: Tel: (905) 473-1145 Fax: (905) 473-1242 info@caledonhillsperennials.com www.caledonhillsperennials.com

Quality and Selection

HORTICULTURE REVIEW - AUgUsT 15, 2009 21

Growers’ tour attracts record attendance A record number of attendees took part in the 2009 LO Nursery Growers’ Tour on July 14.

Two busloads left the LO home office in Milton around 7:15 a.m. for a day-long run to south western Ontario that included four nurseries and a factory that manufactures and packages fertilizer. Before arriving at the first nursery, a number of attendees were picked up in Woodstock.

At Sloan’s Nursery and Christmas Trees,

located in Bothwell, tour attendees were shown the method of root-pruning used by its staff. A four-generational business, Sloan’s began in 1948 and today boasts both a retail and wholesale operation, growing a large number of Christmas trees.

Next, it was on to Downham Nurseries’ Elgin Farm. Here tour members enjoyed a lunch sponsored by Agrium Advanced Technology, before heading out into the field via school bus.

Downham Nurseries looks after 575 acres of mostly container-grown plant material. It sells to big box stores and independent garden centres.

By the afternoon, it was off to Heritage Country Gardens, a combination retail garden centre and nursery, just outside London. The business describes its nursery division as a wholesale grower that supplies the landscaping Tour attendees take a ride to view Pieper Nurseries.

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industry. The tour attendees were lead through the greenhouse operation.

Pieper Nurseries had many on the growers’ tour talking, as they climbed aboard hay bales on a lengthy wagon train that took them throughout the nursery operation in Dorchester. Operated by the husband and wife team of Christoph and Doris Pieper, the nursery began business in 1991. Today, it grows roses, shrubs, vines, grasses and many perennials.

The final stop for the tour was in Putnam at Agrium Advanced Technology fertilizer operations. Agrium manufactures and markets fertilizers for the professional horticulture and turfgrass industry, and consumer lawn and garden markets. The growers were lead through a portion of the plant, where packaging and shipping operations were underway.

The tour returned back to the LO offices, ending the day around 8:00 p.m.

Jen Llewellyn and Keith Osborne were on the special tour sub-committee. Appreciation goes to Forterra, for supplying the breakfast, and Agrium, as well as the nurseries for welcoming the tour.

Over 50 in CHT testing July 16 and 17 were busy days at LO’s home office in Milton, when 54 candidates took part in CHT certification testing at several stations.

Of that number, 33 were new candidates, 15 were re-testing and six SHSM students.

Organizers were busy preparing for the many testing stations, while at the same time watching the sky for approaching storms.

Despite heavy rains all around the test site, the rain held off.

Those receiving their CHT certificates on July 17th are: Ornamental Maintenance Adam Bonin and Bonnie Rook, Ornamental Maintenance and Softscape Installation - Lesley Misner, Turf and Ornamental Maintenance Robert McLelland, Turf Maintenance - Ruben Gomez, Todd Gowan, Jared Hassen, Chris Pearson, Donald Tellier, Softscape Installation - Kevin Marshall, Hardscape Installation - Shawn Ihamaki and Steve Pudlo, Retail Spencer Hauck.

Sponsors Clintar – Lunch, Unilock – a.m. break and station, Beaver Valley Stone – p.m. break and station, stations - Permacon, Green Design, Heritage Green, Battlefield, Halton Turf and

22 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - AUgUsT 15, 2009

Tractor, G.C. Duke, Echo, Stihl, DH Water Management, Hamilton Sod, Kooy Brothers, M. Putzer Nursery and CNLA. Volunteers Volunteers helping at the certification were: Stephen Anderson, Joel Beatson CLP, John Bos CHT, Stuart Cameron CHT, Brian Cocks CHT, Paul Day, Carl DeBoer CHT, Andrew Desjardins CHT, Robert Ellidge, Jeff Eidsness CHT, Denis Flanagan CLD, Jeff Gilberds CHT, CLP, Margaret Haefele CLD, Philip Haid CHT, CIT, Wasif Haris CHT, Matt Hart CHT, CLP, Lorne Haveruk CIT, CWCM- LCID, CIC, EGIA, CLIA, WCP, Nathan Helder, Pat Hester CHT, Chris Heubert CHT, Jim Higginbotham CLT, John Hutten CHT, CIT, Mogens Jensen, Jonathan Jargelo, Andrew Kousik CHT, Jane Leworthy, Jeff Lowartz CHT, Michelle Lynn CHT, Jim Maloney CHT, Mike McGrath CHT, Kathy McLean, John O’Leary CHT, Anais O’Neil Bidaud, Vic Palmer CLP, Michael Pascoe CHT, Joe Pfeifer CHT, Jason Pond, Kathleen Pugliese, Gary Ross CLD, Liam Ross CHT, Tom Seymour, Paul Schnarr CIT, Frank Selles CHT, Jason Wilton CHT and Todd Wilton CHT.

Know your pests and diseases: Eastern tent caterpillar age healthy, mature trees; the damage is primarily cosmetic, with trees appearing ragged or unsightly. Even if completely defoliated, most trees will leaf out again within two or three weeks, since caterpillar feeding generally ends during vigorous leafing activity. Small trees cannot tolerate as much defoliation without health consequences, and yield on fruit trees will be reduced and trees already weakened by disease may be killed. The nests can also be an eyesore in the landscape, particularly when exposed by excessive defoliation.

Francesco Pacelli Nursery technical analyst

I

nsects and diseases can threaten plant health. As soon as you notice any abnormality in your plantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appearance, begin a careful examination of the problem. By identifying the specific symptoms of damage and understanding the causes, you may diagnose the problem and select appropriate treatment. Each month Horticulture Review is Francesco Pacelli publishing an article on pests and diseases to help growers understand pest and disease identification.

Malacosoma americanum (Eastern tent caterpillar) The eastern tent caterpillar (Malacosoma americanum) is a pest native to North America.

Eastern tent caterpillars produce only one generation per year, forming communal nest in the branches of trees. It is sometimes confused with gypsy moth, or the fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea), and maybe erroneously referred to as a bagworm, which is the common name applied to unrelated caterpillar in the family Psychidae.

Eggs The eastern tent caterpillar overwinters as an egg, within masses of between 200 to 300 eggs.

The masses are covered with shiny, black varnish-like material, encircling branches that are about pencil-size, or smaller in diameter.

Larva In the early spring, the newly-hatched caterpillars construct a silk tent soon after emerging.

They typically aggregate at the tent site for the whole of their larval life, expanding the tent each day to accommodate their increasing size.

The caterpillars feed three times each day, just before dawn, at mid-afternoon, and in the evening after sunset. During the heat of the day or rainy weather, the caterpillars remain within the tent. The larvae are hairy, black with a white stripe down the back, brown and yellow lines along the sides, with a row of oval blue spots on the side.

Pupa The pupa is about one inch long and made of

Malacosoma americanum

closely woven white or yellowish silk and is attached on tree trunks or other objects by a few coarser threads.

Adults The adult moth emerges three weeks later from the pupa stage. The moth is reddish-brown with two pale stripes running diagonally across each forewing. After mating, the female begins to lay eggs on small branches, with the hatch the following spring.

Lifecycle Malacosoma americanum has one generation per year. The eastern tent caterpillar is among the earliest of caterpillars to appear in the spring. Because the early spring is often cold, the caterpillars rely on the heat of the sun to elevate body temperature to levels that allow them to digest their food. Studies show that with temperature, below 15oC, the caterpillars are unable to process the food.

Malacosoma americanum larva

Hosts and damage Most commonly affected are fruit trees, such as apple, cherry, flowering crabapple, plum and chokecherry. The pest may also defoliate other hardwood trees, including ash, birch, hawthorn, maple, oak, poplar and willow. Eastern tent caterpillar is more of a nuisance than detrimental to tree vigour. Feeding does not seriously dam-

Natural control Natural enemies play an important role in reducing eastern tent caterpillar numbers in most years. Caterpillars are frequently parasitized by various tiny braconid, ichneumonid, and chalcid wasps. Several predators and a few diseases also help to regulate the populations.

This, in part, accounts for the fluctuating population levels from year to year.

Biological control Young caterpillars can be killed by applying an insecticide containing Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki.

Mechanical control Removal and destruction of the egg masses from ornamentals and fruit trees during winter greatly reduces the problem next spring. In the early spring, small tents can be removed and destroyed by hand. Larger tents may be pruned out and destroyed or removed by winding the nest upon the end of a stick. Burning the tents out with a torch is not recommended, since this can easily damage the tree.

Chemical control The most commonly used chemical pesticides contain spinosad, carbaryl, diflubenzuron. malathion, methoxychlor, phosmet, trichlorfon, and synthetic pyrethroids (permethrin).

Diflubenzuron represents a new class of pesticide called insect growth regulators. It kills eastern tent caterpillar moth larvae by interfering with the normal molting process.

Diflubenzuron has no effect on adult insects.

Aquatic crustaceans and other immature insects that go through a series of molting stages are often sensitive to this pesticide.

To reach Francesco Pacelli, contact Landscape Ontario at 1-888-211-5606, ext. 2377, or e-mail fpacelli@landscapeontario.com.

HORTICULTURE REVIEW - August 15, 2009â&#x20AC;&#x192; 23

Evaluate your environmental practices in just 10 minutes

Taking part in the survey requires a simple click of the mouse

Green industry members are invited to evaluate their company’s environmental practices by taking a 10 minute, online survey.

The Environmental Scorecard was created

by LO’s Environmental Stewardship committee to help horticultural businesses become better environmental stewards. Since its introduction, on Earth Day in April of this year, 97 companies have logged on to fill out the scorecard/survey.

However, only 40 per cent of respondents who began the survey fully completed it. If any of the subcategories don’t apply, there is a “not applicable” check box. Participants are encouraged to continue on and complete the survey.

Most respondents are landscape and maintenance contractors, with lawn care operators, retailers and designers close behind.

The scorecard measures a firm’s impact on air quality, waste management, water stewardship, greening its offices and use of horticultural best practices within its own areas of

practice (landscape design, maintenance, garden centre, snow and ice management, irrigation, etc.). Nursery growers are covered under the Environmental Farm Plan program, so best practices for the nursery sector have not been included in the scorecard.

The survey is quick and easy to use and takes approximately 10 minutes to fill out. It is intended to provide companies with an opportunity to review and improve their environmental practices, and hopefully stimulate conversation and innovation. The survey is a working document, and will be regularly improved and updated. Comments are welcomed to environment@landscapeontario.com, and will be used to improve future scorecards.

Nathan Helder, chair of LO’s Environmental Stewardship committee, notes, “We all need to become better environmental stewards. The scorecard can be used as a gap analysis to determine what is missing from your

environmental practices.”

The online survey can be accessed at www.horttrades.com under the Resources tab.

All industry members are welcome to take part.

Survey responses are kept confidential, and will lead to training opportunities geared towards industry needs.

Win a prize By completing the scorecard, companies are automatically entered into the new Green for Life Awards. This new award promotes, recognizes and rewards environmentally responsible retailers in the horticulture and floriculture industries.

Participants, who complete their online scorecards by Oct. 1, will receive a graded report and be eligible to win one of three $500 cash prizes courtesy of Turf Revolution. Prizes will be awarded at Garden and Floral Expo, Oct. 20-21, held at the Toronto Congress Centre.

Garden & Floral Expo to host new breakfast programs Landscape Ontario has added two new breakfast programs to this year’s Garden & Floral Expo, for landscape designers and interiorscapers. Both events include exciting speakers, great networking opportunities and admission to the trade show.

The landscape designers’ breakfast takes place on Oct. 20, while the interiorscape breakfast will be held the following day, Oct. 21. Both events run from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Toronto Congress Centre.

Tickets for the breakfast series start at $25. Registration forms are available on www. horttrades.com by clicking on the shows,

media and awards menu bar, which contains access to the Garden & Floral Expo web page.

Members of Landscape Ontario, Canadian Nursery Landscape Association and Flowers Canada receive special discounts.

The landscape designers’ breakfast will feature speaker, Ross Campbell, who will lead attendees on a fascinating and exciting journey to Finding the Dream Client. He has a 30-year track record of attracting and keeping close relationships with dream clients. Landscape, interior and floral designers, along with event planners and garden centre and nursery retailers should all attend this informative session.

24 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - AUgUsT 15, 2009

Keynote speaker at the interiorscape breakfast is Robert van Aerts, vice-president, Westplant Green Facility, Plants First Choice Canada and Green Select of Mississauga. He will discuss approaches to the use of plants in offices in the past, present and future through his address, Peering into the Future - Learning from the European Experience. He has worked in the interior landscape industry for more than 25 years. Interior and exterior plant landscapers, garden centre personnel, indoor plant wholesalers/retailers and interior designers/ decorators will not want to miss this event.

Hogweed presents dangerous consequences for landscapers There is invasive alien out there that is one of the most dangerous plants a horticulturist will come across. Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), also known in some areas as cow parsnip, produces clear sap that causes nasty burns.

Giant hogweed was transplanted from China to England for use in ornamental gardens. It’s covered Britain, spread across Europe and is now moving into southern Ontario.

Landscapers should be aware of danger that giant hogweed presents. Gardeners admire its regal appearance, as the plant can grow up to five metres tall with an umbrella of white flowers nearly a metre across. The hollow stems can be up to 10 cm in diameter, with white hairs and red-purple colouring. The leaves can spread nearly two metres across.

Victims of the plant report that within a day or so of coming in contact with the giant’s sap, dime-sized, brown blisters appeared, as they worked out in the sun. The blisters look like a second-degree burn. Some report pain, but not overwhelming. Sap can also produce

painless red blotches that later develop into purplish or brownish scars that may persist for years. If exposed to the sap, avoid sunlight, don’t touch your eyes and wash thoroughly with soap and water. Get medical help if blisters form. Contact with eyes can cause temporary or permanent blindness.

Giant hogweed develops pods that contain upwards of 10,000 seeds. The plant likes wet soil along waterways, where it drops pods into the water to spread seeds downstream. Seeds can lie dormant up to seven years, so expect years of work to eradicate the plants from an area.

Large pockets of the alien can be found along the Grand River in the Kitchener area and in the Milton area along 16 Mile Creek. Woolwich and Waterloo Region councils have added giant hogweed to the local list of noxious weeds. That means Giant hogweed weed inspectors can order land owners to the landowners’ taxes. destroy it on sight. If they don’t, eradication For more information on the giant hogcrews can be ordered in and the cost added to weed, go to www. ontarioweeds.com.

Growers Research Auction Thursday, September 10, 2009 Somerville Nurseries, Loretto Farm Live Auction begins at 1 pm Bid on top quality plant material at below wholesale prices and tour the production farm while helping raise funds for industry research and scholarships.

Bring your trailer!

NEW THIS YEAR:

Win a Northern Ontario weekend getaway or golf package! Fantastic silent auction items - something for everyone!

Join us and win a ‘great escape’ up north!

HORTICULTURE REVIEW - AUgUsT 15, 2009 25

OMAFRA NURSERY AND LANDSCAPE BULLETIN

Cut-off date for Intercept Japanese beetle treatment rowers need to be aware of the cut-off date for drench applications of Intercept (imidacloprid) to treat outdoor-grown ornamental nursery stock for Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) larvae. All Intercept insecticide applications (greenhouse and outdoors) will need to be made by Aug. 22, 2009 for plants that are not otherwise eligible for shipment because of the Japanese beetle (JB). This date will be enforced for Ontario and Quebec this year, and will change in future years, depending on seasonal temperatures.

For the purposes of Japanese beetle infestation, zone 1 is considered JB-free (B.C.), zone 2 is an area of low JB prevalence (Nfld.), zone 3 is partially or generally infested (Ont., Que., N.B., N.S., P.E.I.), and zone 4 is not known to be infested (Alta., Sask., Man., Yukon, Nunavut, N.W.T.). If the nursery stock is not eligible for shipping to a different JB zone and it is after Aug. 22, Dursban (chlorpyrifos) will be the only other CFIA-approved insecticidal treatment. Intercept can be used as an additional measure to a JB certification program to ensure JB-free nursery stock. Intercept can also be used where nursery stock does not meet the requirements of a JB certification program (e.g. vegetation-free buffer zone could not be maintained), or where nursery stock is not grown under a JB certification program.

Intercept has the added benefit of being active against European chafer larvae, though early summer applications would be more effective at targeting European chafer since the adults mate and lay their eggs earlier than JB. It should be noted that only plants grown during the JB flight period, under the JB Greenhouse/Screenhouse, or JB Greenhouse Plant Program, will be eligible for shipping from a zone 3 to a zone 1 area.

Otherwise, the plants will require treatment with the appropriate insecticide. That means that nursery stock grown in Ontario (zone 3) under the JB Nursery Management Program, or the JB Containerized Nursery Stock Program is not eligible for shipping to British Columbia (zone 1), but it is eligible for shipping to all other Canadian provinces. Usually there are very few shipments of rooted nursery stock that would be destined for British Columbia and many of the JB-free states (California, Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington).

There is more of a chance for greenhouse-grown plants to be marketable in the JB-free regions of North America and this is where the JB greenhouse certification programs come in, and/or the use of CFIA approved insecticides.

Scale insects of many species are settlled and producing a protective, waxy coating that makes them quite tolerant to insecticides. However, magnolia scale crawlers are starting to hatch and this insect can be suppressed with two or three applications of summer oil (e.g. landscape oil) to the undersides of the twigs and foliage.

Cedar leafminer was quite prevalent on eastern white cedar this summer. There’s a pretty significant population of larvae feeding inside the foliage at this time. Although there are no systemic insecticides that are allowed under the pesticide ban, a late-Aug. trimming of foliar tips should help reduce the population of leafmining larvae. The trade-off may be a bit more winter burn on those tips if we get an early winter.

Leafhoppers and plant bugs are mature and easy to see in nursery crops and the landscape. Injury this late in the season is inconsequential. The most destructive period for feeding was in June and early July.

Tar spot, powdery mildew, Gymnosporangium rusts and several leaf spots and blights continue to plague ornamentals in the landscape and nursery. Fungicide applications in late spring/early summer are much more effective for leaf blights than they are when applied this late in the season. Beware that for many diseases (except Gymnosporangium), overwintering leaves will harbour pathogens and be a source of innoculum next spring. Where possible, collect and destroy diseased foliage and remove. In the landscape, regular mowing can accelerate the microbial breakdown of diseased tissue and can significantly reduce the innoculum load for next spring.

Don’t forget about new landscape plantings this month. Trees and shrubs that were planted this year, and even those planted last year, are still working hard to establish a bigger root system to help collect much needed water and nutrients. Newly-planted nursery stock can really suffer during extended hot, dry conditions in August and September.

Trickle, irrigation, soaker hoses, even just putting the hose on low to allow a slow dribble of water to soak into the root zone can really help these plants to establish before the onset of winter.

More and more we are seeing the use of irrigation bags. These mobile rings hold water and release it slowly through tiny holes into the soil around the trunk of new transplants. The bags are fantastic for achieving consistent wetting down past the top few inches of soil and can save a lot of water and energy. The most common product I’ve seen on the market is TreeGator. It will need to be moved from tree to tree once they are emptied, but they are quite durable and a real lifesaver for our newly planted trees. There you go, “Lifesaver,” now we’re talking.

That would be an excellent product name for an irrigation bag, don’t you think?

The last days of summer Take a look around the landscape this time of year and you will probably see the results of several chewing, sucking and mining insects. We really got hit hard by aphids this year. I have never seen so many species in such large numbers. Honeydew and sooty mound can be found on several species of trees. We’ve noticed a significant increase in linden aphid this year and the lindens in many parts of southern Ontario are off-colour and showing some leaf distortion.

European chafer and Japanese beetle adults have done a decent amount of skeletonizing on deciduous trees and shrubs so far this season (linden being one of their favourite hosts). Wooly aphids seemed to have produced an extra couple of generations this year, especially on beech.

Pest and disease watch for mid-Aug. to mid-Sept.

For more information on pest management, phenology indicators and growing degree day summaries, check out publication 383, OMAFRA Nursery-Landscape Plant Production and IPM. 2007. Refer to the tables starting on page 39. To order call: 1-800-668-9938.

Growing Degree Day Accumulations (1100-1300 GDD Base 10oC) Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandifora’, white flowers to pink Solidago canadensis late bloom Sorbus aucuparia fruit orange continued on page 27

By Jen Llewellyn OMAFRA Nursery Crops Specialist

G

26 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - August 15, 2009

LEGAL ISSUES

A recent case deals with breach of trust

By Rob Kennaley McLauchlin & Associates

A

s we have discussed in previous articles, the trust provisions of the Construction Lien Act impose obligations on anyone who receives monies for the supply of services or materials to an “improvement” and who in turn owes monies to someone else, further down the construction pyramid, for their supply. In other words, if you receive money for your supply of services or materials, you must hold those monies in trust to the extent that those who have provided services or materials to you have not been paid.

On the flipside, if someone owes you money for your supply of services or materials to an improvement, and has not been paid, you might be able to pursue that person for breach of trust. If you can establish that the materials or services you Rob Kennaley provided were used in an improvement and that the person who owes you the money got paid in that regard, the onus will shift to that person to show that he did not misuse the funds he received.

This remedy is important for two reasons. First, it is in addition to the construction lien remedy provided by the Act, but is not as time sensitive as that lien remedy. As has been discussed in previous articles, a construction lien will expire 45 days from any one of a number of triggering events, and no later then 45 days following the completion of a contract, or the last supply of services or materials under a subcontract. The trust remedy, on the other hand, is subject only to the two-year limitation period established for litigation claims Ontario.

Second, if the person who owes the money is a corporation, any officer, director or any other person who acquiesced or participated in that corporation’s breach of trust will be personally liable for breach of trust. This, of course, is significant to contractors, subcontractors and suppliers who are faced with outstanding debts owed by corporations that have shut their doors, are insolvent or bankrupt. If he can establish a breach of trust, he

might then be able to claim the debt owing from others personally, such as the officers or directors of the corporation.

Generally, we advise suppliers of equipment rentals or materials that when they take an order for materials or equipment that are to be picked up, they should obtain the name and address of the project they are to be used on. Until recently, it was thought this was necessary because previous court decisions had suggested that the supplier had to show that he or she intended the materials to be used on a specific improvement.

A recent case of the Ontario Divisional Court, Sunview Doors Ltd. v.

Academy Doors & Windows Ltd., [2008] O.J. No. 3821, however, has held that a supplier who supplies materials or equipment to a contractor or subcontractor need not establish an intention to provide materials to improvement in order to pursue a trust remedy. Rather, the court held that so long as the materials ultimately were provided to improvement, the trust under the Construction Lien Act would arise.

In practical terms, what this means is that a supplier who has failed to track projects at which materials or equipment rentals are to be used, will still be able to pursue a breach of trust remedy in the event that the client fails to pay. This is because, according to the Divisional Court, it is not necessary to establish an intention in that regard and prior decisions to the contrary should not be followed. Nonetheless, the supplier will still have to establish that the materials were, in fact, provided to an improvement. Accordingly, suppliers are still well advised to track this project information, if possible.

This is because, by doing so, they will be in a better position to where, in fact, the materials or equipment rentals in question were used.

Robert Kennaley is a member of the construction law practice of McLauchlin & Associates. He is a former landscape design-build contractor and an honorary member of Landscape Ontario. He can be reached at 416-368-2555, 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.

OMAFRA NURSERY AND LANDSCAPE BULLETIN

continued from page 26

Monitor for the following pests and diseases: PLANT

ash birch cedar cherry (Prunus) crabapple, pear, serviceberry deciduous trees deciduous plants (roses, lilacs honeysuckle) euonymus evergreens honeylocust

PEST

fall webwormlarvae, emerald ash borerlarvae, pupae bronze birch borerlarvae cedar leafminerlarvae peach tree borerlarvae Gymnosporangium rustssporulating plant bugs, aphids, leafhoppers powdery mildew

euonymus scale2nd nymphs black vine weeviladults, eggs, larvae spruce spider miteeggs, nymphs honeylocust mite

larch magnolia maple oak, beech etc. pine rhododendron, yew rose viburnum

larch casebearerlarvae magnolia scalecrawlers, nymphs tar spot gypsy motheggs pine needle scale2nd nymphs Zimmerman pine mothadult, egg, larvae black vine weevillarvae two-spotted spider mite, Japanese beetleeggs, larvae viburnum leaf beetleegg masses

Contact Jen Llewellyn at 519-824-4120, ext. 52671, fax: 519-767-0755, or e-mail : jennifer.llewellyn@ontario.ca. See the Nursery-Landscape Report at http://apps.omafra.gov.on.ca/scripts/english/crops/agriphone/index.asp.

HORTICULTURE REVIEW - AUgUsT 15, 2009 27

CLASSIFIED ADS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Contour Landscape & Design Inc. needs you on our team!

Experienced Supervisor required for our Landscape Maintenance division. Full time year round work in the Milton/Mississauga area.

Must be hard working and self motivated that works well in a team environment. Wages commensurable with experience and attitude.

Call (905) 854-0640 or visit posting at www.contourlandscape.ca/contact.htm ONTARIO LANDSCAPING LIMITED Experienced landscape labourers required to perform manual work. To assist in cultivating, digging and planting of trees. Labourer hourly rate $15.00.

Also required driver – class A licence, Z certificate and mobile crane operator 0-8. Driver hourly rate $17.50.

Seasonal employment starting April 1/09 to Nov 30/09. Job Site Keswick, Ont. Fax resume to (905) 898-0360 or call (905) 898-6856

Advertise your products, services and equipment to over 2,500 industry professionals in

Horticulture Review

View these ads and more on our website

EQUIPMENT

Hydroseeders and Bark Blowers New and Used All Types of Mulches, Soil Guard (BFM), Erosion Control Blankets, Tackifiers Call Peter 1-888-298-9911 www.fibramulch.com BOWIE HYDROMULCHERS (New and Used) FLEXTERRA FGM HYDROBLANKETS BFM F4 NETTLESS ECB MULCH IT P.O. Box 100, Putnam, ON N0L 2B0 Tel: (519) 425-0342 • Fax: (519) 425-4195 www.mulchit.on.ca Used Lerio 15, 20 & 25 gal pots $4.50 each Fax requests to: (905) 898-0360 Tel: (905) 898-6856 Attention: Frank Matos

SERVICES AND SUPPLIES Limestone Rockery For Sale: Price: 5 to 8 cents per pound. All sizes available from small one man size to large 3 ton pieces.

Huge inventory on hand. Delivery and installation available.

Call (416) 984-0640 or visit us at www.contourlandscape.ca TREE TRANSPLANTING Transplanting trees up to 9” truck diameter with 10,000 lb. rootball. 44”, 80” & 90” spades to move trees with and can basket up to 90” 100 acres of trees to choose from.

BOTANIX OXFORD INSTA-SHADE RR # 2, Burgessville ON N0J 1C0 Tel: (519) 424-2180 • Fax: (519) 424-2420 Toll Free: 1-800-387-0246 Contact Jan Veldhuizen E-mail: botoxfor@oxford.net www.botanixois.on.ca

NURSERY STOCK GROUND COVERS UNLIMITED Your Ontario source for ornamental and native ground covers. Call, fax, or write for the 2009 Catalogue and planting guide.

GROUND COVERS UNLIMITED 1045 Porter Road, P.O. Box 190 Bethany, ON L0A 1A0 Tel: (705) 277-3005 Fax: (705) 277-9213 Ornamental Grasses, Perennials, Groundcovers Hofland Gardens Tel: 905-355-3392 E-mail: hoflandgardens@phc.igs.net PERENNIALS Large assortment of perennials, ground covers and native plants.

Price - Variety list available.

FRANK SCHENK PERENNIALS 663 River Road (Belfountain), Caledon, ON L7K 0E5 Tel: (519) 927-5415 Fax: (519) 927-9084

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES UNIQUE COUNTRY PROPERTY on 3.6 acres in Nobleton/Schomberg area Exceptional separate 72 x 40 industrial building, 1100 sq. ft. office, fully-fenced yard with separate road access. Totally updated 3000 sq. ft. bungalow.

For more information call (416) 347-4449 or (905) 859-5855 OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS Landscape/Design and garden centre, 8.9 acres, highway frontage near Listowel, includes beautiful 3 bedroom home only 6 years old, commercial building with retail area and office space, large warehouse, greenhouse, extensive display gardens, large pond, shrub shelters, well established business since 1987, asking $950,000.

Doug Hamilton, Broker or Wayne Hamilton Sales Rep ROYAL LEPAGE DON HAMILTON REAL ESTATE, BROKERAGE (519) 291-3500

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING INFORMATION

www.horttrades.com/ classifieds

All classified ads must be pre-paid by VISA or Mastercard.

Rates: $42.00 (GST included) per column inch Min. order $42.00.

10% discount on 6 consecutive insertions of the same ad. Annual rates available. Box Numbers: Additional $10.Confidentiality ensured.

Deadlines: 20th day of the month prior to issue date. (eg: June issue deadline is May 20th). Space is limited to a first come, first served basis.

To advertise: Fax your ad to Robert at (905) 875-0183 or e-mail to classifieds@landscapeontario.com.

Online advertising: Website only ads are available for $42.00 (GST included). Website ads are posted for 30 days and are limited to 325 words.

View details and online ads at www.horttrades.com/classifieds

28 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - August 15, 2009

ADVERTISER’S INDEX COMPANY

PAGE

PHONE

WEBSITE

Braun Nursery Ltd.............................................3, 19........ 905-648-1911........................... www.braungroup.com Caledon Hills Perennials.....................................21.......... 905-473-1145..........www.caledonhillsperennials.com Connon Nurseries NVK......................................32.......... 905-628-0112...................www.connonnurseries.com G & L Group (Brock Aggregates Inc.).................5........... 416-798-7050..................www.brockaggregates.com Heritage Green Landscape Contractors (Easy-Flo).....18.......... 866-507-8348....................................www.easy-flo.ca Hillen Nursery Inc.............................................16-17.......519-264-9057 LO - Congress......................................................2........... 800-265-5656........................... www.locongress.com LO - Garden & Floral Expo..............................12, 29....... 800-265-5656.............................www.gardenexpo.ca LO - Growers Auction..........................................25........................................................ www.horttrades.com/gra Landscape Safety................................................6........... 877-482-2323...................www.landscapesafety.com Limestone Trail Company Ltd.............................22.......... 905-563-8133........................www.limestonetrail.com M. Putzer Nursery...............................................31.......... 905-878-7226....................putzernursery@primus.ca NewRoads National Leasing..............................19.......... 866-414-8151................. www.newroadsleasing.com Sipkens Nurseries Ltd..........................................6........... 866-843-0438................. www.sipkensnurseries.com Stam Nurseries.....................................................9........... 519-424-3350......................www.stamnurseries.com Stonemen’s Valley Inc.........................................11.......... 905-841-8400..................www.stonemensvalley.com Uxbridge Nurseries Ltd.......................................10.......... 877-655-3379................www.uxbridgenurseries.com Winkelmolen Nursery Ltd.....................................7........... 519-647-3912.........................www.winkelmolen.com Zander Sod Co Ltd..............................................20.......... 877-727-2100............................www.zandersod.com

Top reasons to attend*

89% of show visitors cite new products as the #1 reason for attending

October 20-21, 2009

Toronto Congress Centre

1-800-265-5656

* Garden & Florist Expo, Exhibitor Survey, February 2009

HORTICULTURE REVIEW - August 15, 2009 29

PROSPERITY PARTNERS

Transferring the reins of ownership

By Jacki Hart CLP Prosperity Partners program manager

E

very business needs a bright future in order to keep all the players inspired. A shared, common vision will help drive the best teams forward to consistent success.

But, what happens when the owner (or leadership) decides enough is enough? A common question I am asked in the Prosperity Partners Program, is “How do I grow my business toward the next owner?”

We are working on developing some comJacki Hart prehensive resources for those wondering about how and when to retire, and with what return they can expect to receive.

This month’s feature company, Peter Knippel Nursery in Ottawa, is currently navigating its way through the challenges of a transition between parents and children. Both new owners, Marty and Kennedy Johnston, are participants in the Prosperity Partners seminars. They have each brought something a bit different from the program to the table in their business development. These two brothers are working hard to strike a balance between honouring and adopting the success the previous generation has had establishing an excellent and solid business, while trying to incorporate fresh ideas, innovation and technology along with their own style.

It’s a tough process for parents to see kids wanting to change things in ‘their’ business, and it’s tough for kids to follow the ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ adage – what is it specifically that has contributed to the success and foundation of the business (that shouldn’t be changed), and what would benefit from change to take the business to the next level?

Company profile: Established in 1978 as a retail garden centre, Peter Knippel Nursery specializes in outdoor plants, annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs and vines. It offers a free garden sketch service, free seminars, and an e-mail newsletter. The company serves the Ottawa area, and has 25 employees at peak season.

Here’s how Ken and Marty have answered my questions about what they learned from the Prosperity Partners seminars:

Kennedy Johnston Q. What is your company vision?

A. To be the best garden centre in Ottawa. To provide the best plants, the best service, the most knowledgeable staff and to make each visit to the garden centre a great time.

Q. What are the core values that are ‘nonnegotiable’ in your everyday business dealings?

A. Honesty, fairness, precision, hard work.

Q. What kinds of things keep you awake at night most often?

A. Keeping and building the image that Peter and Joan (my parents) have created for the garden centre.

Q. What stuck with you the most from the Prosperity Partners introductory seminar?

A. We all learn differently and must respect that about each other. Common sense is information plus experience. What is common sense for one person, isn’t necessarily for someone else.

Q. How have you been able to apply the things you learned to improve your business?

A. We have a little bit more structure now. We have regular meetings with agendas and a time limit. We stay on task and focus on getting things done.

Q. What are your next steps to improve your business, and did the program help you to clarify those steps?

A. The program makes you realize that it doesn’t matter what personality type you are, you can still be a success. What it really drives home is that you had better understand your core values, and where your natural talents lie, so you know where you are really strong, and where you have blind spots that may need help in order to achieve your business and personal goals.

Marty Johnston Q. What is your company vision?

A. Peter Knippel Nursery is trying to provide our loyal customer base with excellent plants, advice and a unique shopping experience.

Q. What are the core values that are ‘non negotiable’ in your every day business dealings?

A. Honesty, integrity, happiness, teamwork, ambition.

Q. What kinds of things keep you awake at

30 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - AUgUsT 15, 2009

night most often?

A. Implementing change without sacrificing the core values that established the success of the company.

Q. What stuck with you the most from the Prosperity Partners Introductory Seminar?

A. Identifying change and setting short and long term goals.

Q. How have you been able to apply the things you learned to improve your business?

A. We have created checks and balances in regards to staff concerns, attitude and training, and developed ways to integrate the great ideas they may have. I am really clear now that we are in a business focused on both people and plants.

Q. What are your next steps to improve your business, and did the program help you to clarify those steps?

A. Yes, the program contributed to improved communication amongst the four managers (my brother, parents and me). The program helped push us each to clearly state our personal and professional goals. This way we have an aligned clear vision, clarifying where each of us is strong and how to balance the gaps.

Marty and Ken are not the only business partners to join the Prosperity Partners program. There have been many couples also, who together have participated in the seminars.

I recall one spouse calling me on the telephone when she returned home to say that she and her husband, on their two-hour drive home, had their most focused and productive discussion about their business (which they are succeeding from her parents). Whether power struggles and differing opinions are between business partners, business partner spouses, or business partner families, the Prosperity Partners seminars help to clarify whose strengths lie where, and how to define a common vision to stay on track, focused and working TOGETHER toward a common goal.

Check www.horttrades.com/prosperity for the upcoming fall information sessions and winter seminar schedule at your local Landscape Ontario chapter. YES! We are bringing the program to YOUR community this winter – so register early – register online!

Jacki Hart CLP may be contacted at prosperity@landscapeontario.com.

NEW MEMBERS DURHAM CHAPTER

Amsoil Synthetic Oil (Fita Enterprises) Rick Fita 69 Pilkington Cres Whitby, ON L1N 6g2 Tel: 877-464-5489 Membership Type: Associate Turbo Technologies Ontario Edward Hewis 2 - 200 Valencia Rd Oshawa, ON L1J 1P3 Tel: 905-809-5994 Membership Type: Interim GOLDEN HORSESHOE CHAPTER

Watson Wheel Robert Watson 2150 Queensway Dr Burlington, ON L7R 3T1 Tel: 905-639-9311 Membership Type: Associate LONDON

Escapes Outdoor Living Designs grant Harrison CHT 314 Belfield st London, ON N5Y 2K1 Tel: 519-317-8298 Membership Type: Interim

Green Touch Canada Robert van Aerts 4 - 7075 Edwards Blvd Mississauga, ON L5s 1Z2 Tel: 905-461-0157 Membership Type: Interim Maxximum Irrigation & Water Management Malcolm MacKinnon 95 - 1411 Charolains Blvd Brampton, ON L6Y 2R9 Tel: 905-547-8397 Membership Type: Active Billy To Membership Type: Horticultural

WATERLOO CHAPTER

Grand Valley Fortifiers Jason Faist 486 Main st E Cambridge, ON N1R 5W6 Tel: 519-621-5204 Membership Type: Active Wintergreen Grounds Management Services Cambridge shawn Marynuk CIT 4 - 190 Turnbell Crt Cambridge, ON N1T 1J1 Tel: 519-620-9400 Membership Type: satellite

M. PUTZER HORNBY NURSERY LTD.

TORONTO

Atlas Container Inc. Nellie galvano 2051 Transit Rd Burt, NY 14028 Tel: 800-777-1258 Membership Type: Associate BNS Irrigation Blaine sawyer 11 Biscayne Blvd Keswick, ON L4P 2R4 Tel: 905-773-9388 Membership Type: Active Dirt Girl Landscaping Ltd. Ann Todt PO Box 74 Queensville, ON L0g 1R0 Tel: 416-821-0587 Membership Type: Active

“Growing today for a greener tomorrow”

Domax Construction Equipment Dominic Morrone 250 Regina Rd Unit 6 Woodbridge, ON L4L 8N2 Tel: 905-856-9386 Membership Type: Associate Eco-Green Ltd Curtis Hinds 7102 salme Dr Mississauga, ON L5N-5C7 Tel: 905-824-7746 Membership Type: Active

Purple Fountain Beech

7314 Sixth Line Hornby, ON L0P 1E0 Phone: 905-878-7226 or 905-878-7367 Toll free: 800-337-3363 Fax: 905-878-8737 putzernursery@primus.ca

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