Landscape Ontario - August 2014

August 2014 www.horttrades.com

Wolfegang Bonham of Peace, Love and Landscaping

An OASIS

for JANE

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S’ LOGO

SUMERS’ RS’ LOGO , Website edia, etc.)

ON LOGO

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Midnight dinners and all

By Dave Braun LO president

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his spring, on Wed., May 28, at 9:53 p.m., I responded to a customer’s email inquiry from my desk at the office. Instead of receiving his expected reply, it simply read, “Have you had the talk with your fiancée?”

The ‘talk’ in question centred around what could be otherwise known as ‘the nurseryman’s talk.’

That’s the one where you deliver the cold reality to your significant other about the seemingly insane hours people in our industry endure.

In my case, long before my fiancée Ashley and I were engaged, my actions spoke much louder than words. We met April 4, 2012, right in the heart of springtime insanity. Ashley certainly had a firsthand view of the hours it takes to work in this industry.

I’m actually not sure how I managed to even make a date. Ashley was living in

Formerly Horticulture Review

August, 2014 • Volume 32, No. 8 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.

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downtown Toronto. Even when considering that big city folks find dining around 9 p.m. completely reasonable, I was consistently late for a number of our dinner dates. Just newly dating, Ashley may not have understood the full extent of what

“ Our loved ones know that missing time with us during the busy season simply comes with the territory.” it means to be a significant other in the springtime (and why I found it so difficult to make a 9 p.m. deadline), but she was certainly understanding.

Our wedding is now just around the corner (August 16), and Ashley is three springs into life as a nurseryman’s better half. We both know that spring is crazy, and this too shall pass. Instead of bemoaning the long hours that I’m kept from home, Ashley embraced dinners just before midnight, puts out my Cheerios for the early mornings and makes the most

Publisher Lee Ann Knudsen CLP lak@landscapeontario.com, 416-848-7557 Editorial director Sarah Willis sarahw@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5424 Editor Allan Dennis adennis@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5345 Graphic designer Mike Wasilewski mikew@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5343 Sales manager Steve Moyer stevemoyer@landscapeontario.com, 416-848-0708 Integrated solutions representative Greg Sumsion gsumsion@landscapeontario.com, 647-722-6977 Communications coordinator Angela Lindsay alindsay@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5305 Accountant Joe Sabatino jsabatino@landscapeontario.com, 647-724-8585 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO STAFF Shawna Barrett, Darryl Bond, Kim Burton, Myscha Burton, Tony DiGiovanni CHT, Rob Ellidge, Denis Flanagan CLD, Sally Harvey CLT CLP, Jane Leworthy, Heather MacRae, Allie McInnes, Kristen McIntyre CHT, Kathy McLean, Linda Nodello, Kathleen Pugliese, Paul Ronan, Ian Service, Tom Somerville, Martha Walsh

of the little us-time available.

I believe that most of us can get through just about anything if we know there’s light at the end of the tunnel; for our industry, light is at the end of the spring.

Not only do I know how blessed I am, I’ve also witnessed spouses encouraging their hard-working partners through the grind of the spring. Many a time I have enjoyed a delicious home-baked treat delivered to the nursery by loving spouses who wanted to ensure their husband, who probably hadn’t eaten since dawn, had something to eat.

Our loved ones know that missing time with us during the busy season simply comes with the territory. They well-know how precious any free time is during the non-winter months. It takes a special spouse to understand that just when the the sun begins to shine, we seem to disappear.

As sure as I am that I appreciate the love and support I get at home, I’m also sure that every year there’s a spring, and we’ll all be working as intensely as we always have been. While future nurserymen may have the ability to clone themselves and divide their time, the least we can do today is take a moment to give a heartfelt “Thank you!” to those who give us the strength and the drive to continue to do what we do; midnight dinners and all.

Dave Braun may be reached at dbraun@landscapeontario.com.

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FEATURES WOLFEGANG BONHAM INDUSTRY AUCTION REPLACING TREES

ASSOCIATION NEWS VOLUNTEER PROFILE EVENTS New Members Industry NEWS COLUMNS Classifieds Ad Index

Views expressed are those of the writer concerned. Landscape Ontario assumes no responsibility for the validity or correctness of any opinions or references made by the author. Copyright 2014, 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: $43.51 per year (HST included). For subscription and address changes, please e-mail subscriptions@landscapeontario.com

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Peace, Love and Landscaping, with a little help from friends, created a back yard paradise for the Stillwells.

Wolfegang Bonham enhances lives of couple battling cancer It has been said many times that the landscape industry is the business of enhancing lives.

Wolfegang Bonham, owner of Peace, Love and Landscaping in Burlington, experienced up close and personal the true meaning of what it is to enhance lives.

Bonham first met Larry Stillwell of Burlington when he stopped at the Peace, Love and Landscaping booth at the Burlington Home Show. “This soft-spoken and nice guy explained to me he wanted to create a back yard paradise for his bride. He always refers to his wife, Jane, as his bride.” The couple has been married 42 years. She has liver cancer and is on chemotherapy.

Stillwell told Bonham that his budget was around $10,000. “His wants amounted to at least $18,000. He asked me if I could see a way to do something.”

In the midst of his busy season, Bonham’s initial response was no. “I felt that I couldn’t give the Stillwells what they wanted on a $10,000 budget.”

After the show, Bonham went home, where he could not get the meeting with Larry Stillwell out of his mind. “I talked to my wife about it, and kept telling myself that this is crazy. It is the middle of June and the

4 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO AUGUST 2014

job would require a crew for two weeks.”

Finally Bonham decided he had to do something. “I was touched by both Larry and Jane’s situation. I didn’t feel right walking away from it. Something about this project really spoke to me.”

Bonham says that the circumstance fits with his company’s philosophy of going beyond just a garden. “For me, I’ve always been interested in trying to take my company to a different level,” he says.

In the end the project cost about $30,000, while allowing the Stillwells to stay within their $10,000 budget.

When word got out, a number of companies asked if they could be involved. “I was amazed at the response from other companies. It was a bit overwhelming,” says Bonham.

Providing materials free of charge were Techo Bloc, for pavers; Alliance Designer Products, for Gator Base and poly sands; CAP Brick, for aggregates and soils; Select Stone, for armour stone and a bubbling rock; Martek Supply, for lighting and a water feature basin; AGL (Artificial Grass Ltd.) for artificial turf, including installation; and Millgrove Perennials, for plants. Connon NVK provided discounted nursery stock and Rona

Burlington gave preferred pricing on lumber and hardware. “We provided all the equipment, and donated 50 per cent of the labour,” says Bonham.

The process of creating the back yard paradise was done in secret. Jane did not know. Behind closed-off windows, Jane couldn’t see what was going on in her backyard.

When she was allowed to see the project, her reaction would create the warmest emotion among even the most hard-hearted. A video by CHCH TV in Hamilton shows Jane hugging Bonham, and in heartfelt expression, said, “Oh my goodness. Oh good Lord. Oh Wolfe, this is amazing. It’s my oasis.” She called Wolfe Bonham her miracle worker.

Bonham says Jane’s garden has everything to make it a backyard paradise. The space now has lighting at night, artificial turf, a water feature and more.

Jane says she’s planning to be out there this summer, then in the fall, and the winter and the spring and as long as she can. “I hope I get to use it for a very long time. That’s going to be my goal — use it for a very long time.”

Larry says he’s in awe of the response

by Bonham and his company and all the businesses that stepped up to be part of the project.

Wolfe Bonham says he is very pleased he decided to take on the project. “It’s left such a positive feeling for me

personally and professionally,” he says.

To view the video from CHCH, go to http://gfl.me/x2cf.

For Bonham it’s been quite a journey to arrive at where his company is today. Out of school, Bonham had a varied working experience. He worked as an audio engineer, and from there — he chuckles when he says it — he left to become involved in jewelry design. He tells of his days living in an RV and travelling across the U.S. to sell his jewelry at festivals. When the recession hit and gas costs escalated, it became tough to make a living. It was time for another career change.

The festival circuit that Bonham was involved had a medieval theme. It required all the exhibit booths to maintain an authentic look. “Each booth area had a cement pad with skirt of cement. It was tough to cover and look medieval,” says Bonham. A girlfriend at the time suggested covering the cement with flowers.

In the process of providing the plant cover, Bonham developed a love for gardening. He soon after took a pond building course from Sean James of Fern Ridge Landscaping in Milton. “We became friends at the time, so when I left the jewelry tour, I needed a job. I talked to Sean to see if I could get on to a crew.

He surprised me when he made me crew chief. He justified in me taking the crew chief job, saying that I already had experience managing people. He added, ‘I know you can drive a truck and trailer.’

He told me the rest he could teach me.”

After taking courses at Mohawk College and learning as much about plants as possible, about ten years ago Bonham began Peace, Love and Landscaping.

The company provides landscaping services for select residential clients within the Burlington, Oakville, and Hamilton areas, as well as Waterdown, Dundas, Ancaster, Milton and Mississauga.

People are always curious about the name of Bonham’s company and its tattoo-looking logo. He says people ask me if I tattooed the logo on my body. He says he can’t really remember where he first came up with the name or logo idea. “It’s something that just sort of developed over time.” And, oh yes, he does have the logo tattooed on his body. “It shows the commitment for my company,” says Bonham.

Bonham says that each piece of the complicated logo does have a meaning.

Many of those meanings were evident when a back yard paradise was created for Jane Stillwell and her groom: Peace, Love and Landscaping.

Jordan Milmine was one of the Peace, Love and Landscaping staff to help create a back yard paradise.

Wolfe Bonham’s company has one of the more intricate logos in the landscape industry.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 5

This year’s Industry Auction saw a good turnout at Winkelmolen Nursery in Lynden.

Canadian grower of the year hosts annual auction The 2014 edition of Landscape Ontario’s Industry Auction was hosted by Canadian Grower of the Year winner Winkelmolen Nursery in Lynden.

The nursery is also celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.

Tours of the 600-acre facility were conducted before the event. Most of the industry members in attendance took the opportunity to view the beautiful nursery.

The annual auction raises money for horticultural research and scholarships.

Lots were donated by generous growers and suppliers.

The Growers’ Awards of Excellence entries were judged in the morning and the winners announced at the end of the auction. An Awards of Excellence certificate went to each of the 11 winning lots, which were then auctioned. The winners will be recognized at Expo’s garden centre event held at the Toronto Congress Centre on Oct. 23.

Special appreciation goes to the dedicated members of the Grower Awards of Excellence judging panel, who offered their time and expertise: Jen Llewellyn, OMAF (chair); Michael Pascoe CLT, Fanshawe College; Rita Weerdenburg, CNLA; Glen Lumis, University of Guelph; Sean Fox, Arboretum, University of Guelph; Perry Grobe, Grobe’s Nursery; Len Mancini, Holland Park; and Jim Lounsbery, Mohawk College. See the complete list of winners on following page.

On hand to welcome visitors to the

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event was Landscape Ontario president Dave Braun, who represented LO and Growers Sector Group. He thanked the Winkelmolen family for hosting the event and providing lunch.

“I would like to thank our generous host and lunch sponsor, Winkelmolen Nursery for providing this excellent facility to hold our auction,” said Braun. “We appreciate

all of the effort from their outstanding staff, and would like to take a moment to present them with a certificate of appreciation,” said Braun. Accepting the certificate were second generation family members, Nick and Jeff Winkelmolen.

Industry volunteers who worked to run the auction included John Moons, Brandon Lovegrove, Gerwin Bouman, John Mantel, Dave Braun, Jen Llewellyn, Glen Lumis, Fred Somerville and Dave Tillaart.

Organizers offered a special thank you to John Moons, Connon Nurseries NVK Holdings, for his continued commit-

The judges’ Choice Award for the best overall entry went to Millgrove Perennials. In photo, LO executive director Tony DiGiovanni and LO president Dave Braun present James Feenstra (centre) of Millgrove Perennials with his Award.

2014 GROWERS’ AWARD WINNERS CATEGORY

PLANTS

COMPANY

JUDGES’ COMMENTS

Category 1

Picea pungens ‘Neon Blue’

Mori Nurseries

Good uniformity; outstanding uniformity; stunning colour, luscious looking new growth, and generous rootball.

Microbiota decussata Std. and Juniperus chinensis ‘Darb’s Frosted Std.’

Canadale Nurseries

Good colour on juniper; unusual to see Micro as Std.; impact of each individual specimen is tremendous! Incredibly lush and full. Microbiota are grafted nice and low to improve the aesthetics in the landscape.

Assorted evergreens

Willowbrook Nurseries

Broadleaf Evergreens

Nice colour, with rich contrasting variation in foliage, intense colour and impeccable quality makes this lot an easy category winner!

Category 4

Assorted shrubs

Connon Nurseries NVK

Artistic arrangement — full, well grown plants, quality plants that are well rooted and will excel in the landscape.

Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’

Willowbrook Nurseries

Trees had excellent uniformity, cleanliness and sales appeal. Beauty trees!

Salix repens Std.

Connon Nurseries NVK

These uniquely formed trees offer great sale qualities for a non-flowering tree.

Great colour and texture.

Quercus x warei ‘Long’ Regal Prince® oak

Braun Nursery

Great uniformity and incredible quality that makes a wonderful first impression.

Very clean and healthy foliage; a wonderful choice of specimen trees for a grand looking front entrance.

Assorted vines and groundcovers

Mori Nurseries

Nice use of colour and texture, diversity of height gives lovely balance to this group of vines and groundcovers.

Assorted perennials

Millgrove Perennials

Presentation was superb, layered look of texture is very effective; plant quality is just incredible.

Yucca desmetiana ‘Blue Boy’

Willowbrook Nurseries

Interesting colour, very unique plant, splendid colour. Wonderful conversation piece in a patio planter.

Assorted plant material

Willowbrook Nurseries

Strong use of texture and height transitions, unique use of landscape accessories; you can’t possibly take it all in with one look.

Evergreens - Field Grown, Upright and Spreading

Category 2 Evergreens - Container Grown, Upright and Spreading

Category 3

Deciduous Shrubs

Category 5 Deciduous Ornamental Trees, 300 Cm Or Less

Category 6 Deciduous Ornamental Trees, Top Grafted/Worked

Category 7 Caliper Trees

Category 8 Vines and Groundcovers

Category 9 Perennials and Judges’ Choice

Category 10 Unusual and Rare Plants

Category 11 Design on a Skid

ment with operations at the auction. “The event would not be the same without him,” said LO conference and event manager Kristen McIntyre. She also offered a thank you to, “our outstanding auctioneer, Jim McCartney. He always adds sense of humour and fun to the event.”

A special bidders’ prize this year was an iPhone 5, donated by Plant Products. It was won by David Onofree of Erin Mills Gardening and Landscaping in Mississauga.

Generous donors to the 2014 auction include, Acti-Sol, Braun Nursery, Canadale Nurseries, Connon AVK, Connon CBV, Connon NVK, Direct Solutions, Dutchmaster Nurseries, Grindstone Creek Nursery, Gro-Bark, Hillen Nursery, JC Bakker & Sons, JM Peeters Nurseries, Kobes Nurseries, Langendoen Nurseries, Millgrove Perennials, Mori Essex Nurseries, Paul Boers Ltd., Plant Products, Sheridan Nurseries, St. Williams Nursery and Ecology Centre, Timm Enterprises, Tunpetti Corp, Willowbrook Nurseries and Winkelmolen Nursery.

Next year’s Industry Auction will take place at Canadale Nurseries in St. Thomas.

Family members who operate Winkelmolen Nursery display the certificate of appreciation presented by the LO Growers Group for hosting the auction.

They are from left, Nick, Ans, Jan and Jeff.

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At what point do you replace a tree?

The issue of replacing trees under warranty became one of the hottest topics ever among the 900-plus members on Landscape Ontario LinkedIn page.

The issue began generating a buzz, when LO executive director Tony DiGiovanni posted the following, “A member called to say he is being forced to replace trees under warranty even though only 20 or 30 per cent of the tree is dead.

Do you have any thoughts on what the warranty standard should be? I checked the Ontario Provincial Standard, but could not find any references.”

A check across Ontario by Landscape Ontario magazine also didn’t reveal any form of standard from an industry or consumer perspective.

Develop guidelines

DiGiovanni says that may change. A discussion has begun with the Ontario government to create a provincial guideline. Two initiatives have come out of our discussions on LinkedIn,” says DiGiovanni. One is the encouragement of including changes in the Ontario Standards and the other is developing independent industry guidelines through LO’s Landscape Contractors and Ground Maintenance Sector Groups. “It’s very encouraging, and I thank those people who contributed the comments on the LinkedIn page.”

Responses show that most members offer warranties, with conditions. Some question if a standard is even possible.

Lost time and money

Jeff Carson, project coordinator at EcoTec Construction in Acton, started the conversation, stating, “You can imagine the lost time and cost to companies for staff to take time to go back to the site to determine the condition of trees.” He says that if a standard was agreed on when a tree was dead, it could be used to resolve questions raised by clients. “We could use it as a reference to help with discussions with clients who at times think a tree is dead when it shows 15 to 20 per cent loss.

“There is no standard definition of severely died back, so contract administrators and inspectors can define die back any way they choose. In some cases we are being told to replace trees with 20 to 30 per cent die back of lower branches with healthy crowns and new growth.”

“The reason that a written spec is not published is because of the complexity of determining when a plant needs replace-

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ment,” says Marc Arnold of Rockcliffe Landscaping Design Centre and Nursery in Ottawa. “Some plants may be able to be coaxed back into good health and others may not. For example Taxus species are much more likely to put out new growth from dormant buds and make a full recovery, whereas Thujas do not put out new growth from lower branches which have died back.”

Tim Kearney CLP, of Garden Creations of Ottawa, says Landscape Ontario sector groups need to step in and listen and have the pulse of members and react. “I would like to hear that the Landscape Contractors and Growers Sector Groups work out some policy statement that we all can live with.”

Kearney feels there is not a landscape contractor who hasn’t been touched by this issue in one way or another. “If the policy is done with all parties in mind, it could even be used as a promotional tool to help sell the integrity and intent we all have and want the public to know about.”

Lexi Dearborn of Dearborn and Associates in Barrie says her company provides written instructions for plant care in “both our plant book and in our written contract.

We also check the site for two or three weeks after installation to ensure the plant material is being properly watered. We follow this up with an email notification if we feel maintenance is not taking place.”

Tim Kearney says, “My policy for plant replacement is quite simple. As long as you are our client and in good standing we replace it. As long as there are no signs of extreme neglect or vandalism, we replace.

The only thing I ask is that the client does do not dig it up. We will. I need to see why it died.”

No water

A number of contractors raised the issue of poor maintenance by customers. Most contractors insist they must plant the tree if it is to be covered by a warranty. Garden centres present a list of requirements to the customer to qualify for the warranty. Lack of watering is the main reason most members cite as the reason for die-back.

Arnold says, “As contractors, we should try to use our experience in helping to choose suitable plants, ensure that information about plant care is understood by the client, follow-up to see if watering is actually being done and provide a proposal for plant protection for over-wintering. We should not be afraid to inform clients that the warranty is contingent on proper care and if we find such care is not being pro-

vided, we should send written correspondence indicating when an inspection was done and what care was lacking.”

He continues, “Last and most importantly, we need to charge enough to cover the warranty claims we encounter. This may mean that for particular jobs we include a higher premium if the survival of the plants is questionable, or indicate in our bid which plants will not be covered under warranty.” Arnold suggested another option is to provide a discount instead of a warranty. “This allows for competitive pricing without any risk.”

Carson says, “In my opinion July and August are best for assessments because trees are in full foliage at this time of the year. For example, this year we were called out to replace 15 trees that a municipal inspector checked in May and said were dead. We mobilized with the new trees only to find that nine needed to be replaced, as the rest were just late to bud out. You can imagine the lost time and cost to everyone, including the nursery, that was gracious enough to take the trees back.”

When is it dead?

So, when is a tree considered dead? Most members replace a tree if 40 to 50 per cent, including leader, is dead.

Tim Kearney says he is finding that larger stock is coming with ridiculously small root balls. “Everyone knows an evergreen will survive for months before finally failing due to root loss. Your clients have paid you significant sums to install lovely gardens, not damaged goods. I say that many of the items we are installing are already damaged goods and will suffer and really show the result after their first winter. No amount of water will prevent the plant from going into shock and shedding branches because of root loss.”

Marc Arnold feels that the main problem stems from customer expectation. He explains that clients want large trees, but contractors many times require smaller and lighter root balls as property access can be tight. “The nursery industry is bowing to pressure from the trade, asking for smaller root balls for large trees. They (growers) do not want to lose the sale and so over time root balls tend to get smaller.”

To continue the discussion on the subject, ‘When is a tree dead?’ and many other topics concerning our industry on the Landscape Ontario LinkedIn site, go to http://gfl.me/x2cy. Only members of Landscape Ontario’s LinkedIn page are allowed access, but once you sign into LinkedIn, look for the Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association group.

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Women in Trades Network. It was a key partner in developing a recent Tradeswomen Mentoring Event. We were so pleased to have Landscape Ontario’s Manager of Education and Workforce Development, Sally Harvey, as a mentor and participant,” stated Wilson.

The MicroSkills director concluded her introduction, “This partner is a guiding light in doing the work that is necessary to address systemic barriers and open doors to women in the trades. We would like to thank Landscape Ontario.”

DiGiovanni said he was there on behalf of Sally Harvey to receive the award. “I feel great pride, not only for their wonderful words about Landscape Ontario, but especially for the acknowledgment of Sally Harvey’s immense contribution. Thank you Sally for making all of us look good,” said DiGiovanni.

Expo announces fall line-up

Building on more than a decade and a half of success, the 15th anniversary edition of Garden & Floral Expo is right around the LO executive director Tony DiGiovanni accepts an award from Jane Wilson, Director of Women Services, corner, and excitement is starting Community Microskills Development Centre. to build.

The Oct. 22 and 23 trade show will return to the North Building of the Toronto Congress Centre, and will continue to thrive and serve the Canadian floriculture Landscape Ontario proudly accepted the and horticulture retail communities. design, delivery, access to employers Partnership Excellence Award from ComGarden & Floral Expo is the one-stop networks and apprenticeships; health and munity MicroSkills Development Centre shop to explore new product offerings, safety, site tours — the list goes on...but at a special presentation on June 26. meet vendors, learn about trends, socialbeyond this, LO has fully embraced the According to MicroSkills, the award ize and share ideas with peers and retail women who graduate from this program was presented to Landscape Ontario for experts. Each day offers free stage demas valued assets to the industry, ensurits “unwavering commitment to ensuronstrations at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., ing that they participate in the sector’s ing that women are participating in this as well as ticketed lunch events at noon. key trades and professional development important industry in Ontario’s economy.”

Day One will be full of inspiring ideas. events, and offering additional technical On hand to accept the presentaThe Inspiration Theatre (our main stage) training, and scholarships to promising tion was LO executive director Tony will kick-off with Winter Florals That Wow; graduates.”

DiGiovanni. “MicroSkills is a wonderful your opportunity to learn about what’s In presenting this award, Community organization which focuses on helping coming up on the style horizon and preMicroskills Development Centre Direcwomen find employment. Tonight I sense pare you for the winter season. The stage tor of Women Services, Jane Wilson, the passion, mission, goodwill and family will also host a live floral design competiacknowledged Landscape Ontario’s “foratmosphere in the room,” he said. tion — come see who will win Canadian ward looking and pro-active work on In announcing the award, Micro Skills Florist magazine’s Inspired Designer title. human resource development strategies stated, “As the province’s premier hortiLandscape Ontario’s Interior to build a profile of career paths and leadcultural trades association, Landscape Plantscape Sector Group will host a ership opportunities that can only benefit Ontario has partnered with MicroSkills lunch workshop on Holidayscaping: The our graduates. since 2008 to support our Horticulture Revenue Stream You Need to Know “Lastly, we sincerely appreciate the Technician Pre-apprenticeship ProAbout. This session will provide details willingness of LO to support and particigram for Women. In this role, Landscape on how you can incorporate this emergpate in community based initiatives that Ontario has made significant contriing profit centre into your retail centre, strengthen women’s participation in the butions to every facet of the program: or as an add-on to your current busitrades. LO is an important member of our

Microskills honours LO with award

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

Expo features the annual Garden Centre Awards of Excellence.

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ness profile. Opening day at Expo will be capped off with The Top Ten at the Welcome Reception, hosted by Karl Stensson. All delegates are invited to hear unique ideas from 10 of their peers, while enjoying refreshments and learning tips for success.

Day Two will see timely business topics such as seasonal staffing and branding issues take centre stage. The ticketed lunch event, hosted by our Garden Centre Sector Group, is entitled Driving Seasonal Sales: Winning Strategies for Garden and Floral Retailing. It will be presented by Peter Cantley. He has been in the floral and garden business for more than 45 years, with the past 30 at Loblaw Companies Limited, as vice president of Floral and Garden until his retirement in June. He will draw on his experience at the helm of a major Canadian retailer, and provide insight into strategies used to differentiate your company, and win in the highly competitive horticultural retail environment. Cantley will capitalize on his visits to floral and garden retailers across Canada and the globe, and provide examples from his many years of his in-store success. This is a retail-driven session not to be missed.

Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association remains committed to setting the standard and meeting the changing needs of the industry. The association’s commitment, event partners and sponsors strive to find the resources and tools to promote your prosperity.

Don’t miss the 2014 edition of our trade show for independent garden centres, florists, designers, Interior plantscapers, nursery growers and mass

merchant retailers. Discover the trends driving the market — and your success!

Back for the 2014 edition of Expo are personalized VIP passes for the show.

Trade show admission is $10 per member before Oct. 3, and then goes up to $15 per member, unless you have a VIP pass. The pass is a complimentary entry into the show for both days. Exhibitors have passes and are happy to invite you on their behalf. Simply contact one of

your suppliers and ask to be their guest at Garden & Floral Expo 2014.

Not sure if one of your suppliers is at the show? Please take a look at www. loexpo.ca for up-to-date listings. If your supplier is not exhibiting and you think they should be there, let them know — and let us know, we would like to welcome them to the Expo family. Contact Heather at heather@landscapeontario.com to sign them up.

Board approves legal advice program The LO board of directors has approved a program that offers members unlimited calls for legal advice seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to midnight local time.

“We (LO board) were approached by an insurance company offering legal insurance. Members will receive general advice on any legal question pertaining to business operations,” say LO executive director Tony DiGiovanni. “The best part is the cost. The service is $20 per member, annually.”

In order for Landscape Ontario to qualify for the program, all members needed to participate. “This year your dues will not go up, even though members will notice an extra $20 tagged on, “said DiGiovanni. “The $20 will be added as a

separate line item at the bottom of the invoice. It will be titled ‘Legal Advice Program.’”

The executive director reflected how the proposal seemed too good to be true. “It was reviewed by our insurance committee, board of directors and our lawyer Robert Kennaley. All were impressed. We have decided to try it out.

This fee may be removed in the future, depending on the success of the program,” concluded DiGiovanni.

Any members with questions or concerns about the program may contact DiGiovanni at tonydigiovanni@landscapeontario.com.

Let’s Get Growing!

Landscaping Supplies:

Soil Screened Topsoil Triple Mix Topdress

Mulch Nature’s Mulch Nature’s Mulch Coloured

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Hours of Operation Mon. to Fri. 7 am - 7 pm Saturday 7 am - 4 pm

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M. PUTZER HORNBY NURSERY LTD We welcome all Commercial and Residential Landscape Contractors www.putzernursery.com

Kemptville is the next site for the Landscape Industry Certified test days.

New certification testing in Kemptville

The next opportunity to take the Landscape Industry Certified exams is on Sept. 25 and 26 at Kemptville College, followed by tests at Ridgetown College on Oct. 24 and 25. Written tests will also take place at Expo on Oct. 23. Scheduled orientation days are July 30 at LO home office, Sept. 13 at Kemptville and Oct. 3 at Ridgetown.

To register, go to http://gfl.me/x1sA. Judges are also needed for tests days; please contact amcinnes@landscapeontario.com, or go to http://gfl.me/x29P.

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It’s time to renew your membership

Landscape Ontario staff Jane and Myscha are currently sending out membership renewals. We value all our members and hope you will respond promptly.

It is important to factor in the cost of your Landscape Ontario membership with your company’s bottom line. For your reference, here is a breakdown of the benefits and costs associated with each membership category. All costs listed include HST. Active members: This classification is given to our seasoned professionals with over three years in business. Active members are entitled to all of the benefits offered by Landscape Ontario, including the use of the Green for Life logo. The cost of an active membership is $550.31.

Associate members: Associate members are companies and/or suppliers providing a product or service to the industry and are entitled to all Landscape Ontario membership benefits. The cost for an associate membership is $668.96.

Chapter associate: Like associate members, our chapter associate members provide a product or service to the industry, however, they are focused exclusively in one of our nine chapters. The fee for a chapter associate membership is $359.34.

Interim members: The interim membership is designed for those companies who are in the early stages of the journey (at least one year, but less than three years in business). This type of membership allows you to get a great introduction to the horticulture industry, while utilizing the resources and support Landscape Ontario has to offer. Once an interim member has been upgraded

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to an Active membership, after they have been in business for the required time, they are then entitled to the use of the Green for Life logo. The cost of an interim membership is $327.70.

Horticultural: This membership is based on one’s connection to the horticulture industry including teachers, media, government officials, etc. The fee for this membership fee is $175.15. This membership allows for an individual to stay connected to the industry through LO publications, chapter events, etc.

However, cost saving benefits do not apply.

Student: If you are a student of horticulture wanting to get a foot in the door in the industry then this is the membership for you. Best of all, it’s free. Students enjoy a subscription to the Landscape Ontario publications, enews and are welcome to attend chapter meetings to network with future colleagues.

The complete list of membership benefits for each category can be found on the Horttrades website. Remember that not all benefits apply to each membership category. Should you have any questions about which membership category in which you fit, or questions pertaining to member benefits, please contact Myscha Burton at myscha@landscapeontario.com, or call 1-800-265-5656, ext. 354.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

Register to build a feature garden at Canada Blooms by Sept. 15.

Canada Blooms offers opportunity to build feature garden

Canada Blooms offers industry professionals a great opportunity to show off in front of 200,000 consumers.

Right now is the time to register to build a garden for Canada’s National Flower and Garden Festival.

Last year garden builders took the opportunity to showcase their talent, creativity, craftsmanship and professionalism through their feature gardens. This year you have a chance to do the same at the 18th annual Canada Blooms Flower and Garden Festival taking place from Mar. 13 - 22 at the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto. Building a garden at Canada

Blooms results in thousands of dollars worth of advertising.

The deadline for submissions is Sept.

15. If interested in designing or building a garden in 2015, you may complete the form found at http://gfl.me/x2c5 and return it to info@canadablooms.com , or via fax at 416-447-1567.

The theme for the 2015 edition of Canada Blooms is ‘Let’s Play.’ New general manager at Canada Blooms, Terry Caddo, says.

Those chosen to build a garden at the festival will receive assistance. “As the festival builds interest for your organization, it also promotes the entire industry,” says Caddo. “We offer a great amount of help to builders.” This includes complimentary space; sand for construction; mulch for garden beds; access to volunteer labour; access to environmentally friendly propanepowered machinery; water for maintenance and water features; forced plant material at their visual peak at wholesale prices; up to 15 complimentary tickets; promotion in the Canada Blooms magazine presented to all attendees; link to your organization on the Canada Blooms website; Canada Blooms.com, with over 11 million visits; opportunity to participate in scheduled face to face appointments with potential clients; an awards competition that includes exciting marketing campaigns for the best of the best and support aiding garden builders in finding sponsors.

Priority does go to feature garden builders who have participated in previous Canada Blooms festivals, members in good standing of Landscape Ontario and garden builders whose designs bring unique value to Canada Blooms and interpret the theme

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Let’s Play in their designs. Once approved, placement will be on a first come, first served basis, with size available, design features and date of submission of request taken into consideration.

Submissions will be sent to the feature garden committee for selection based on the Canada Blooms feature garden criteria. Winners will be notified by the end of September.

Silver Anniversary for Beaver Valley

Follow three Guidelines in anti-spam law

Since Canada’s new anti-spam law came into effect on July 1, many business owners are still finding the new rules a bit confusing.

In simple terms there are three guidelines that everyone needs to follow: obtain consent, clearly identify yourself and make it easy to unsubscribe.

The law applies to commercial electronic messages (CEMs) only. A CEM is defined as encouraging participation in a business transaction or activity, regardless of whether there is an expectation of profit.

For all electronic messages you determine as commercial, you will need to obtain consent of your recipients, and keep records. There are two types of consent, implied and express consent.

Express consent means that a person has clearly agreed to receive a CEM before it is sent. Consent may be implied in certain situations, such as an existing business or non-business relationship.

Implied consent means it would be reasonable to conclude you have someone’s permission to send him or her a CEM based on prior relationships. Implied consent could also apply to someone who

Customers, contractors and suppliers all were on hand to help Beaver Valley Stone in Thornhill celebrate 25 years in business. Owner Tony Pacitto and general manager Tino Cimone welcomed visitors. The June 21 event saw dozens of suppliers in attendance with displays, along with educational sessions and a barbecue as part of the celebration. As well, Beth Edney CLD and Carson Arthur answered questions and provided valuable insight into the industry.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS has conspicuously published his/her email address, say on a website.

In all cases, ensure you understand the consent you have received from your recipients, and keep detailed records in case you are ever asked to prove that consent has been received.

Consent can be obtained either in writing or orally. In either case, the onus is on the person who is sending the message to prove they have obtained consent to send the message.

Identify yourself and anyone you represent in the message. Provide contact information including your business name, postal address and either a telephone number or email address.

Include a working mechanism that allows the recipient to unsubscribe from receiving additional messages.

Learn about the law at www.fightspam.gc.ca. The federal government has posted information about the law along with news, updates and valuable tips.

It’s time to show off your work

Ottawa and Upper Canada Chapter Boards

In the July issue of Landscape Ontario magazine, the list of Chapter Board of Directors left out Ottawa and Upper Canada.

The incoming Chapter boards for those two chapters follow.

Ottawa: Ed Hansen, president; Sundaura Alford CLD, vice-president; Mark Mallette, treasurer; Bruce Morton CLP, CIT, provincial board rep.; Chris Burns CLP, past-president; Patricia Stanish CLD; Kelly Mulrooney-Côté; Jim Curran; Chris Urquhart; Sarah Johnston; Mike Fulcher, and Steve Neumann.

Upper Canada: Terry Childs, president and provincial board rep.; Andre Ypma, vice-president; Judy deBoer-Bell, treasurer; Sian Pritchard, secretary; Neil Bouma; Diana Cassidy-Bush CLP; Paul Doornbos CLT, CLP; David Gunn; Pamela McCormick CLP, and Jason Partridge.

The kids will soon be back to school, and you are wrapping up last season’s unfinished projects. You probably have some really cool new projects just under your belt. It’s time to show it all off.

Until Oct. 1 at 4 p.m., landscape contractors, designers, grounds maintenance, irrigation and interior plantscape contractors may enter their work in the Awards of Excellence program. The construction, maintenance and design program offers a whopping 43 categories for entry. The entry brochure is enclosed with this issue, or reference www.loawards.com.

Our association is thriving with resourceful, innovative and creative professionals; the awards allow us to showcase your accomplishments and artistry.

It’s important to recognize projects that stand out in quality, workmanship and design, but also as examples to promote our industry’s high level of skill and professionalism to the public.

Winning entries are viewed each year by thousands of people — both consumers and the trade. Award winning projects have been featured on HGTV, Breakfast Television, in Garden Inspiration maga-

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zine, 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 the numerous trade publications.

Award winning projects and companies are also frequently profiled in Landscape Ontario magazine. The ceremony announcing the winners for the construction, maintenance and design programs, with more than 600 industry professionals, media and special guests in attendance will be held Jan. 6, 2015, in conjunction with LO’s Congress trade show and conference.

You can take beautiful photos of your projects, but landscapes come with their own rules, when it comes to setting them up and photographing them. To capture a landscape properly, you need to remember several things, such as keeping shadows in mind — they detract from your picture.

Did you know most landscape photography experts say that an overcast day is prime time for taking vivid landscape shots? A bright sunny day does not capture the hues and deeper shades in a

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Those taking part in a dealers’ convention of LO member Innovative Surface Solutions of Ajax had a chance to enjoy a Toronto Blue Jays game in a private box to conclude the day. In photo is Innovative owner Greg Baun and director of sales Fred Persia, who were joined by special guest Toronto Maple Leafs legend Bobby Baun. Innovative has distribution outlets in Canada and the U.S.

landscape, and often results in a washed out looking photo. Also remember to take more shots than you need. That way you have more to choose from. But don’t take my word for it, 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 at special photography seminar being held at the LO office on Aug. 27.

The full-day photography seminar, Capture the Moment, will help landscap-

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ASSOCIATION NEWS ers and designers capture images they will be proud to share. A great picture tells not only the story of your project, but also why your work deserves recognition.

The first part of the day will review the basic mechanics of good photography, aperture, shutter speeds and composition

skills. The second part will explore the many qualities of light and how to work with natural light to highlight the garden’s best features. Illustrated with beautiful images, and packed with practical tips, you will take better pictures with your digital camera after this session. More

details on the seminar are at www.horttrades.com/seminars.

So remember to take lots of photos on your job sites, and that before shots really help to sell your work. Photographs from projects that have won in the past are available for viewing online.

For more information on the Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence programs please feel welcome to contact me directly, kristen@landscapeontario.com or visit www.loawards.com.

Garlatti open house Garlatti Landscaping of LaSalle marked its 25th year in business on June 21 with a special open house that featured grilled sausages and hamburgers, as well as chips and pop. There was even face painting

for the kids. Owner Dan Garlatti said the day went very well. “We look forward to our next excuse to hold a similar day,” says Garlatti. In photo the staff members pose for their 25th anniversary photo.

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From golf to baseball to chicken barbecues, there is a long list of Landscape Ontario summer activities to enjoy.

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Still lots of summer events on LO’s social calendar

There are still lots of opportunities to enjoy the summer social activies available through Landscape Ontario.

First up is the Toronto Baseball Tournament, Sun., Aug. 17, at Richmond Greens Sports Centre and Park, with a couple of golf tournaments later in the week: Golden Horseshoe Golf tournament, Wed., Aug. 20 at Willow Valley Golf Club, Mount Hope, and Ottawa Golf Tournament, Wed., Aug. 20 at the Canadian Golf and Country Club in Ashton.

The following day, Durham Chapter holds its annual Annual Barbecue, Aug. 21 at Armtech, Brooklin, while also the same day, Georgian Lakelands Barbecue and Sector Updates event is at Clearview Nursery, Stayner Ending a busy week, the Upper Canada Golf tournament is Aug. 22 at Trillium Woods Golf Club, Corbyville.

The London Golf Tournament starts September’s line-up of events, when it takes place on Sept. 5, at Echo Valley Golf Course, 2738 Brigham Rd., London. Two days later, the Waterloo Ball Tournament and Family Picnic stages its Sunday event at the Breslau Ball Diamonds.

September 11 has two events scheduled. The Golden Horseshoe Chicken Roast will take place at Braun Nurseries, while Georgian Lakelands Putting Challenge will be held at Blue Mountain Resort.

For more information about any of these events, please go to www.horttrades.com/comingevents, or keep your eyes peeled for the weekly e-news, LO This Week. If you would like your staff added to our e-news mailing list, all you need to do is ask; email Angela at alindsay@landscapeontario.com.

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VOLUNTEER PROFILE

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SNOWPOSIUM LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

SNOW AND ICE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE AND EXPO Hosted by the Snow and Ice Sector Group of Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association

SNOW & ICE CONFERENCE AND EXPO Tuesday September 16, 2014

Landscape Ontario, 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, Ont.

From trucks and plows to electronics and software, you will find the tools to help improve your business!

Conference Sessions: Trade Show:

REGISTER TODAY!

8:30 a.m. - 12 noon 12 noon - 4 p.m.

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When Margot Byers, owner of Lady Bird Garden Design in Markdale, joined Landscape Ontario in 2009, it was to take advantage of the networking opportunities available through the association.

“As a landscape designer, I do most of my work alone.”

Byers designs dream gardens in Oakville, Mississauga, Milton, Toronto, Georgina and Grey County. “I joined Landscape Ontario for the networking opportunities and to meet other designers and landscape contractors and suppliers of landscape materials and garden decor,” she says.

Her first volunteer efforts with Landscape Ontario involved helping the Georgian Lakelands Chapter with its events.

Her efforts to network were such a success, that she now is a member of the provincial board of directors, representing Georgian Lakelands.

Byers says her favourite memory while being involved with LO took place at a Chapter meeting and social at a Collingwood restaurant. “It was a good turnout and everyone enjoyed themselves.”

She recalls that at the end of the meeting most of the members had slowly left, except for a group of women who were chatting about their industry. “This impromptu gathering consisted of landscape designers, contractors and suppliers. It was a great informal sharing of different perspectives of our industry from a woman’s point of view. I was still relatively new to the Chapter board, and this chat session gave me personal connections to other women in the landscape industry.”

Margot Byers says she found what she was looking for in the way of a networking benefit and getting to know other members in our industry. “I have met many members through LO, allowing them to get to know me and what I do.

She feels the association needs to be more relevant to smaller and single-employee businesses, which includes designers, small growers and maintenance companies. “These members may be small now, but with Landscape Ontario’s help, they can become larger and more successful businesses.”

Along with her volunteer work with Landscape Ontario, Margot Byers is a Master Gardener with Grey County Master Gardeners and also sits on the boards of her federal and provincial Conservative riding associations.

EVENTS

August 22

Upper Canada Golf Tournament

Bookmark www.horttrades.com/comingevents for up-to-date event information.

August 17

Toronto Chapter Baseball Tournament 2014

Richmond Green, 1300 Elgin Mills Road East, Richmond Hill The annual Toronto Chapter Baseball Tournament is a great opportunity for LO members to enjoy some competitive fun on the ball field, a barbecue and good times in a relaxed setting.

For more information on the event, contact Myscha at myscha@landscapeontario.com.

August 20

Ottawa Chapter Charity Golf Tournament for CHEO

ers, as well as other Landscape Ontario member professionals. For more information, contact Myscha at myscha@landscapeontario.com.

August 21

Georgian Lakelands Chapter Barbecue

8257 County Road 91, Stayner The inaugural Georgian Lakelands Barbecue will start at 4 p.m. at Clearview Nursery. There will be a panel to discuss issues facing landscape contractors, designers and growers. For more information, contact Martha at mwalsh@ landscapeontario.com.

Armtec/Brooklin Concrete, 6760 Baldwin St. North, Brooklin You won’t want to miss this year’s event. We are gearing up to meet consumers and suppli-

Proudly growing fine perennials

25

for over

Echo Valley Golf Course Registration and lunch are from 10 to 10:45 a.m., with a shortgun start at 11. Cost is $125 per golfer, which includes a cart, lunch, dinner and prizes. For more information, contact the London Chapter coordinator, Wendy Harry at wharry@landscapeontario.com.

Breslau Ball Diamonds Come out to the ball diamonds and enjoy the day of great sports with your friends, family and colleagues, a corn roast, barbecue, raffle and much more. It starts at 8 a.m. There will be a minimum of eight people per team, with a minimum of two women. Even if you don’t have enough players, we can match you with another company to create a team. For more information, contact Katie at katie@helmutz.com, or at 519-888-9536.

Golden Horseshoe Golf Tournament

Durham Chapter Barbecue

London Chapter Golf Tournament

Waterloo Ball Tournament and Picnic

August 20

August 21

September 5

September 7

Canadian Golf and Country Club, Ashton Join us again for a day of great golf, networking and fun times as we raise money for Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario at the Canadian Golf and Country Club in Ashton. For more information, contact Martha at mwalsh@landscapeontario.com.

Willow Valley Golf Course Join us this year at the Golden Horseshoe Golf Tournament in our effort to support the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. Registration for the tournament begins at 11 a.m. Single golfer cost is $140 and includes 18 holes of golf, cart, lunch and dinner, driving range and practice putting green. For more information, contact David Pierce at david@capbrick.com or Lee Rozon at lrozon@landscapeontario.com.

Trillium Wood Golf Club, 1281 Hwy. 37, Corbyville Join us in our effort to support the Children’s Wish Foundation. Registration and sign in begin at 11:15, with tee-off at 12:30 p.m. Cost for a single golfer is $120, which includes cart rental, 18 holes of golf, practice driving range and dinner. For more information, contact Myscha at myscha@landscapeontario.com.

September 11 August 21

LO trial garden open house

Landscape Ontario home office, 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton Stop by in the morning and see how the annuals, perennials, vegetables and hardy roses in Landscape Ontario’s trial gardens are performing this year. Starting at 1 p.m., the trial garden open house will continue at the University of Guelph.

Georgian Lakelands Inaugural Putting Challenge

Blue Mountain Resort, 108 Jozo Weider Blvd., Blue Mountain Join fellow chapter members at this unique, 18 hole putting challenge, to raise funds for local Georgian Lakelands Chapter events.

For more information, contact Martha at mwalsh@landscapeontario.com.

years

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NEW MEMBERS Durham Zylstra Landscape Services Inc Jamie Zylstra 3004 Concession Rd 6, Bowmanville, ON L1C 3K5 Tel: 905-429-9325 • Membership Type: Active

Georgian Lakelands H.C.S.W. Property Management Hank Williams 29 Nelson St W, Alliston, ON L9R 1G9 Tel: 705-435-3561 • Membership Type: Active

Turning Leaf Landscapes James Boughner 252 - 1235 Fairview St, Burlington, ON L7S 2K9 Tel: 289-208-6246 • Membership Type: Active

London Sedum Master Inc Greg Magda 746645 Township Rd, Princeton, ON N0J 1V0 Tel: 519-458-4061 • Membership Type: Active

Ottawa

J & K Farms Ltd Jim Drury 2056 Brown Rd, RR 1, Barrie, ON L4M 4Y8 Tel: 705-721-0502 • Membership Type: Associate

Roberto Lappa Excavation Roberto Lappa 81 Hornchurch Lane, Nepean, ON K2J 0A7 Tel: 613-227-0692 • Membership Type: Active

Northpoint Landscape Supplies Inc Kirk Richardson 1053 Gill Rd, Midhurst, ON L0L 1X0 Tel: 705-302-0066 • Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Silverstone Contracting Corp Branon Hover 19 Colonnade Rd, PO BOX 5542, Ottawa, ON K2C 3M1 Tel: 613-692-8488 • Membership Type: Active

Nottawasaga Mechanical Joseph Carr 465 Lyons Crt, Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z 1V1 Tel: 705-429-3512 • Membership Type: Associate

The Better Look Services Lorenzo Di Raimo 39 Sullivan Ave, Ottawa, ON K2G 1V1 Tel: 613-791-9498 • Membership Type: Active

Triemstra Brothers Tree Service Cameron Triemstra 7 Brown’s Lake Rd, Seguin, ON P2A 2W8 Tel: 705-774-4843 • Membership Type: Active

Wild Ridge Landscapes Inc David Wildeboer 56 Bongard Ave, Ottawa, ON K2E 7Z9 Tel: 613-854-9453 • Membership Type: Interim

Utopia Auto Sales & Recreation Sean Moore 1413 HWY 11, Shanty Bay, ON L0L 2L0 Tel: 705-770-8932 • Membership Type: Associate

Toronto

Golden Horseshoe

Brampton Truck Service Manny Oliveira 17 Strathearn Ave, Brampton, ON L6T 4P1 Tel: 905-791-7579 • Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Cherry Hill Landscape Maintenance Dave Nash 5 Lyngate Ct, Stoney Creek, ON L8J 2J9 Tel: 905-578-5383 • Membership Type: Active

Central Tree Care Ltd Mike Spencley 48 St. Quentin Ave, Toronto, ON M1M 2M8 Tel: 416-436-5118 • Membership Type: Active

Concord Carriers Inc Wayne Ylitalo 8658 Hwy 9, Tottenham, ON L0G 1W0 Tel: 905-936-6139 • Membership Type: Associate Curb Appeal Concepts Inc Peter Bonanno 2301 Nikanna Rd, Mississauga, ON L5C 2W8 Tel: 416-346-7579 • Membership Type: Active Greenville Landscaping Inc Jerry Racco 31 Delta Park Blvd, Brampton, ON L6T 5E7 Tel: 905-450-6504 • Membership Type: Active Heatstone Concepts Inc Nunzio Consiglo 8 - 12 Bram Crt, Brampton, ON L6W 3R6 Tel: 905-364-2286 • Membership Type: Associate Lakeside Tree Service Wayne Anthony 117 - 3007 Kingston Rd, Scarborough, ON M1M 1P1 Tel: 416-450-3062 • Membership Type: Active MIX-CAN Construction Materials Ltd Bill Baradie 10 - 895 Dillingham Rd, Pickering, ON L1W 2Y6 Tel: 905-492-6226 • Membership Type: Associate Solda Pools Ltd Bryan Wing 76 Orenda Rd, Brampton, ON L6W 1W1 Tel: 905-796-6500 • Membership Type: Active Terex Construction Americas Aron Sweeney 8800 Rostin Rd, Southaven, MS 38671 Tel: 662-393-1326 • Membership Type: Associate Toronto Landscape Design Gabor Lakatos 50 Pheasant Rd, Toronto, ON M2M 3G9 Tel: 416-419-7541 • Membership Type: Active

Waterloo AMI Attachments Inc Bernie Howorth 2372 Floradale Rd, RR 1, Elmira, ON N3B 2Z1 Tel: 519-669-0387 • Membership Type: Associate Jay Fencing Ltd Jay Aissa 29 Northfield Dr W, Waterloo, ON N2L 4E6 Tel: 519-747-3970 • Membership Type: Associate Revolver Screening Systems Frank Thompson 530 Governors Rd, Guelph, ON N1K 1E3 Tel: 519-820-4666 • Membership Type: Associate Tricity Ready Mix Ltd Ron Esbaugh 36 Manitou Dr, Kitchener, ON N2C 1C3 Tel: 519-894-0900 • Membership Type: Associate Van-Del Contracting Ltd Bryan Stevanus 835 Sawmill Rd, Bloomingdale, ON N0B 1K0 Tel: 519-743-4133 • Membership Type: Associate Wilder Concepts Adam Wilson 23 Eleanor Crt, Guelph, ON N1E 1S6 Tel: 519-830-0469 • Membership Type: Active

Windsor Grass Hopper Landscaping Ken Willson 8725 Broderick Rd, La Salle, ON N9A 6Z6 Tel: 519-818-4684 • Membership Type: Active

22 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO AUGUST 2014

INDUSTRY NEWS

Tetrastichus planipennisi, a natural enemy of emerald ash borer, offers hope as a management tool.

Wasps released to combat EAB With most of Ontario infested by the emerald ash borer (EAB), CFIA has approved the release of a stingless wasp as new biological control agents.

Wasps have been released in limited areas in Huron County, southwestern Ontario, by Natural Resources Canada.

The wasp is Tetrastichus planipennisi, and believed to originate from the same region in China as the EAB. The wasp is a natural predator of EAB in China.

When the eggs hatch, the young wasps feed on the host larvae, killing them. The wasps will not eliminate populations of EAB entirely, but it is hoped that they will reduce the population to a point where EAB is manageable.

CFIA says the approval of biological control agents for use against EAB offers promise for slowing its spread over time. The federal agency says that although it will take time for wasp populations to build up and for the effectiveness to be evaluated, it is taking a long-term view to finding innovative ways to manage the EAB situation.

A Canadian Forest Service report shows that the infestation of EAB will cost the country as much as $2 billion over the next 30 years to cover the costs for treatment, removal or replacement of infected ash trees.

The report also found that up to 98 per cent of the infested ash trees die within five years.

A map showing the spread of EAB in Ontario is available at http://gfl.me/x2cr.

Greening the Highways project continues in Niagara area

Vineland Research and Innovation Centre is continuing the Greening the Highways study project, in conjunction with Landscape Ontario and the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association.

The project is a five-year study of tree growth at five highway sites in Niagara.

The trees were planted as would normally be done by a Ministry of Transportation contractor.

Darby McGrath, research scientist, nursery and landscape at Vineland, is conducting the study.

She says when she began the research, she really wanted to determine what actually is driving tree mortality. McGrath said speculation included road salt, high winds and pollution as causes of tree deaths along highways.

She points to soil compaction and the quality of soil at the Niagara highway sites as a factor. In a newspaper interview, McGrath is quoted, “We’re not saying that road salt doesn’t influence certain plantings, and that pollution can’t be damaging, but most of the time it won’t matter because the trees won’t survive long enough for those things to actually have an influence.”

The soil at the test sites is heavy clay that is re-used as fill. Once that heavy soil

is compacted, the roots of trees have a difficult time fanning out to reach water and nutrients.

“The soil conditions are not unique to these plantings,” says McGrath. She says that it’s not unusual to see similar soil conditions at road construction sites, housing developments, etc.

The researcher says that when the trees are planted at the highway sites, holes are dug, trees put in and everyone walks away.

At two test sites, four species of trees were planted: honey locust, eastern red bud, Freeman maple and common hackberry.

McGrath says the best growing tree was the maple, and the worst was the hackberry.

McGrath is quoted in the article, “We want to see now what the difference is for those species, along with the difference between them in the prepared and nonprepared soil.”

The trees at the five sites, once planted, are left to live or die on their own. They are not watered or fertilized.

Results of the study will be turned over to the MTO to guide it in future plantings.

The final report on the Greening the Highways project on sites along the 401 in Toronto came in 2012. Data for that report was gathered over a two-year period.

The project began in September 2009, when the Minister of Transportation at the time, Jim Bradley, announced that $1-million was being allocated to the project.

Planting began in the late spring of 2010.

The partnership also included Landscape Ontario, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.

About 2,000 trees were grown at Vineland, as well as Braun, Willowbrook and Sheridan Nurseries. Trees chosen for the project were those resistant to winter highway salt and summer dry spells.

The first long-term data was collected in July 2011 and September 2011. The planting sites were along the 401 at the junction with the 427 and three sites next to the Allen Expressway.

The final report on the first study was written by Dr. Hannah Mathers. Mathers concluded that in future studies with MTO, the planting of experimental trees should be supervised by a researcher responsible for the project.

LO member makes donation to Trinidad school

Long-time LO member Fred Prescod CLT helped a school in his country of birth, Trinidad.

Prescod served on the LO Interiorscape Sector Group and taught at Mohawk ColWWW.HORTTRADES.COM 23

INDUSTRY NEWS lege. He resides in Hamilton, and explained he took a trip home last year for his brother’s funeral. His brother was musician Patrick ‘Pat’ Prescod.

While in Trinidad, Prescod visited a local school, named for his father, where he was approached by members of staff who outlined a number of areas in which the school required assistance. One such area was the need for a presentation projector to aid in teaching, which Prescod donated.

“I am very pleased to hand over this projector,” he remarked. “I am trying to establish a relationship with the school, because there are a couple of other things I am trying to do for the school, especially with the music program. I am trying to hook them up with my cousin, Victor Prescod.”

Victor Prescod is a musician, educator and adjudicator in Trinidad.

Principal of the C.W. Prescod Primary School, Yvette Antoine, said the school was very happy to receive the projector. She said, “We really needed this projector.”

The average annual income in Trinidad is about $11,000.

She thanked Prescod for coming to the school’s assistance, stressing, “He has been working with us for some time now, and we pray that he continues to work with us. The school bears his father’s name, and it reflects on his family.”

Christopher Wilberforce Prescod (C.W. Prescod) was born in Georgetown. He served as headmaster of the Georgetown Primary School and the Evesham Methodist School, before being appointed inspector of schools. After his retirement, he opened a commercial school, teaching typ-

ing, shorthand and bookkeeping. He was also chairman of the board of education for many years. “Everyone knew him as Teacher Prescod,” said Fred. C.W. Prescod passed away in 1980.

Recommendations for Kemptville College

Over 200 people were in attendance at the Kemptville College Renewal Task Force town hall meeting on July 16.

Along with offering an opportunity of speaking to the issue of the college’s survival, attendees welcomed facilitator Lyle Vanclief, who was appointed to the task force by Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Jeff Leal.

Many representatives of local municipalities attended, including mayors, MPs and MPPs. Also on hand were members of the Task Force, with representation of Landscape Ontario through LO’s Manager of Education and Labour Development, Sally Harvey CLT, CLP. The University of Guelph, which operates Kemptville, had earlier announced the decision to close the college at the end of 2015 to save $7-million in annual costs, as enrolments have sagged.

Marty Derks, vice chair of the Kemptville College Renewal Task Force, said, “Over the past 15 weeks, we have met with several groups that have an interest in developing future plans for the local agricultural institution.”

Vanclief, who once served as the Canadian Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, stated that he was attending the town hall meeting to listen to what the task force and

National Tree Day Members of Landscape Ontario will once again have the opportunity to become involved in National Tree Day on Sept. 24.

National Tree Day celebrates one of our most important natural resources, providing many benefits including the ability to clean air and water, prevent soil erosion, provide food and shelter for animals, and create a natural noise barrier in our urban environment. Trees also reduce heating and cooling costs, provide learning environments for youth and communities, and beautify surroundings.

National Tree Day serves as a reminder to all Canadians to appreciate these great benefits.

LO members may register an activity with CNLA. There is even a tool kit, which contains a media guide, planting activity guide, press release template, school proposal template, teacher reference guide, allergy notice and logos.

Visit the official Tree Day website at www.nationaltreeday.ca.

24 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO AUGUST 2014

concerned residents had to say, but would not be answering questions.

The issue raised by a number of people at the town hall meeting was about rumours of expressed interest in taking over the campus. Apparently showing interest are St. Lawrence College and Algonquin College, as well as private groups.

The task force would not confirm specific information on that question.

Bill Smirle, acting as chairperson of the meeting, read out the three recommendations from the town hall meeting: Forming a stakeholder advisory panel of leading business and community members on a transformative model for Kemptville College to deliver research and education programs that are focused on high growth and high demand segments in agriculture, agri-food, equine, horticulture and associated trades; that the renewed Kemptville College is founded on strategic partnerships that will leverage the strengths and capabilities of each organization; and that the Province of Ontario support the request of the Municipality of North Grenville to administer Kemptville College on an interim basis during the period of transformative change.

IPPS conference coming to Niagara

A few surprises, hardcore management insight and some production basics top the program for the International Plant Propagators’ Society (IPPS) Eastern Region Conference in Niagara Falls, from Sept.

17 - 20. Its theme is Improve Your Ground Game.

Recognition in plants, how to do breeding crosses, optimizing profit improvement potential and lean management are a few of the talks included during the event.

Other subjects include root health, soils and growing media, intelligent spraying and plants for green building façades.

The four-day conference is the highlight of the IPPS year, offering educational sessions, tours to area production nurseries, greenhouses and botanical gardens, a poster session, a silent and live auction and time to socialize and connect with plant geeks and industry movers and shakers. The mission of the IPPS Eastern Region is to provide a forum for education and information exchange among plant professionals.

The conference hotel is the Crowne Plaza Fallsview in Niagara Falls. To make reservations by Aug. 22 to get the IPPS conference room rate; call 800-519-9911.

The conference kicks off on Sept. 17 with a choice of full day pre-conference tours. The Grower Pre-Tour will visit Blue Sky Nursery, J.C. Bakker & Sons Nurser-

ies, Grimo Nut Nursery and Valleybrook Gardens.

The botanical pre-tour will visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre and the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens. The final stop for both tours will be the exciting White Water Walk.

It’s an up-close and personal look at mighty Niagara Falls before heading back to the hotel for the welcome reception.

Thursday will feature a full day of talks accompanied by a silent auction with bidding opening bright and early, continuing throughout the day and concluding during a cocktail hour at the end of the speakers’ session. The auctions will feature gift cards for local businesses, horticultural supplies, rare horticultural books and other treasures.

There will be a full-day conference tour on Sept. 19, where you may get an insider look at key Ontario growing operations.

Showing off their best techniques and latest innovations will be Westbrook Greenhouse Systems or Aldershot Greenhouses, Winkelmolen Nursery, Connon Nurseries CBV, and Verbinnen Nursery. The final stop of the day is at Connon Nurseries NVK, where attendees will have a tour followed by a wine event, barbecue dinner and live auction.

The live auction will include two vacation packages. The University of Guelph Arboretum package includes a private guided tour of the arboretum, a night at the Delta Hotel, breakfast for two and a $100 restaurant gift card for the hotel’s restaurant. The Niagara package includes a onenight stay in the Crowne Plaza Fallsview Hotel, breakfast for two overlooking Niagara Falls and a private, behind-the-scenes afternoon walking tour of the estate vineyards and winemaking facility at Legend Estates Winery on the Lake in Beamsville for yourself and nine guests and a $100 gift card for a dinner at Weinkeller Restaurant in Niagara Falls.

Complete conference details are available at www.ippseastern.org.

Employer Adviser warns of bills coming before Queen’s Park

Director of the Office of the Employer Adviser, Michael Zacks, says the new Liberal government has promised to re-introduce the legislative bills that died when the election was called.

Of those 28 bills, two deal with changes to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 (WSIA). Bill 146, Stronger Workplaces for a Stronger Economy Act, 2014, among other changes, would make client employers bear the accident costs of injured temporary workers. This Bill is now tabled as Bill 18. And, Bill 128, Workplace

Safety and Insurance Amendment Act (Permanent Partial Disability Supplements), 2013 is another private member’s bill that would amend section 110 of the WSIA, so that a pension, that a worker is eligible to receive under the federal Old Age Security Act, does not reduce the worker’s permanent partial disability benefits for pre-1985 and pre-1989 injuries under the pre-1997 Workers’ Compensation Act. This bill had not been re-introduced as of July 16.

Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal reveals that there are 8,100 active cases, which is significantly higher than the historic case load of about 5,000. “This is because of an increase in the number of appeals coming from the WSIB, and not enough vice chairs to deal with the increased volume. The result is that it is now taking anywhere from 12 to 15 months to get a hearing date,” says Zacks.

Changes coming in 2015 for outside accessibility

Ontario’s Building Code has been amended to include enhancements to accessibility in buildings.

As of January 1, 2015, new construction and renovations will be subject to updated accessibility requirements.

These Code amendments, together with the 2012 Design of Public Spaces standard, finalize the government’s changes to the province’s accessibility standard.

Five accessibility standards are already in regulation under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act: Customer Service, Information and Communications, Employment, Transportation, and Design of Public Spaces. For more information on Accessibility Standards, see www.ontario.ca/ AccessOn. The new requirements apply to most new construction and extensive renovations. Existing buildings, where no work is planned, are not affected by these new requirements.

The standard for the design of public spaces only applies to new construction and major changes to existing features.

The changes include recreational trails or beach access routes; outdoor public eating areas like rest stops or picnic areas; outdoor play spaces, like playgrounds in provincial parks and local communities; outdoor paths of travel, like sidewalks, ramps, stairs, curb ramps, rest areas and accessible pedestrian signals; accessible parking (on and off street); service-related elements like service counters, fixed queuing lines and waiting areas; maintenance and restoration of public spaces.

For more information on each standard change, go to http://gfl.me/x2cv.

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EXECUTIVE DESK What’s the difference?

Tony DiGiovanni CHT LO executive director

A

friend and I were talking about an organization that had drastically changed for the worse after its president retired. At one time the business was thriving, and employee morale was high. Now there was apprehension and unhappiness.

I have witnessed this phenomenon many times. During high school, I had a part-time job as a grocery clerk at the neighbourhood supermarket. The store changed managers frequently. It was amazing how many different leadership styles each manager brought to the position.

There was the dictatorial tyrant, who incited fear. He commanded his staff as if they were soldiers in a battle. There was the reluctant leader, who could not make a decision and spent most of his time in the office. There was the collaborative boss, who wanted to be everyone’s friend. There was the visionary who made everyone feel they were part of something bigger.

Some went out of their way to challenge and nurture their staff.

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Others could not care less. In every case, the leader had a huge effect on the “feel” and effectiveness of the organization. Some inspired loyalty and motivated staff to do their best. Others incited fear and loathing and made you want to quit.

In recent years, I have seen struggling companies thrive when they are sold. Other organizations, that traditionally have trouble recruiting and keeping staff, suddenly became a magnet for talent as soon as there was a leadership change. We see this same type of thing with sports teams, churches and political parties. Leadership seems to matter a lot. So, what is the difference?

This is a complex question. There are libraries and institutes devoted to the question of leadership. In some ways, it’s also a simple one.

In my role, I get to witness leadership in action every day. Here are some leadership attributes that are easy to discern through observation.

Leaders care. They treat their family, friends, customers, employees and suppliers with respect. They are continually striving to be better. They want to make a positive difference. They care about the success of others, as well as their own.

Leaders have vision. They see beyond themselves. They are able to communicate a vision of a future that is better when people work together for a common cause. They realize that it is more about people than things. They work towards enhancing lives.

Leaders are action oriented. They don’t sit still. They set goals.

They develop plans. They communicate the plans in a way that inspires collective effort.

Leaders are trusting and trustworthy. They see the best in others. They say what they mean and mean what they say. They don’t gossip. They seek to help. They are builders. They trust others to find their own way.

Leaders are good communicators and listeners. They have the pulse on what is going on in the organization. They communicate through their actions, as well as their words.

Leaders are fair. They treat people well. Tough decisions are made respectfully. They are empathetic.

Leaders are peace makers. They try to turn conflict into collaboration.

Leaders are competent. They are always looking at better ways to do things. They learn from others.

Leaders inspire. They are able to mobilize, motivate and inspire others. They are able to communicate a higher purpose.

Leaders serve. A good leader is not selfish. Their role is to nurture, support and help.

This is a short list of leadership attributes identified through observation. Most of you would probably agree with this list. The list is sobering. It reflects an immense responsibility for those of us in leadership positions.

One of my favourite sayings is, “Leadership is a choice — not a position.” All of us have an opportunity to demonstrate good leadership and make a huge difference in our organizations, whether we have a formal title or not.

Tony DiGiovanni may be contacted at tony@landscapeontario.com, or at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 304.

PUBLIC RELATIONS p lants can lower home heating and cooling costs by as much as 20 per cent • Trees shading an air conditioner can increase its efficiency by 10 per cent • A mature tree can have an appraised value up to $10,000 Coincidently, one of our members, Lakeridge Landscaping completed, the work for the ReMax Canada Blooms competition. Known as Curbaliceous, it was one of ReMax’s most popular promotions in 2013 with over 30,000 entrants. Home owner Tina Sanders from Scarborough won this year’s event.

She had some nice things to say about dealing with an LO member.

“It was great to have a fresh set of experienced eyes to look at the garden and to see its potential. They (Lakeridge Landscaping) were able to take it to the next level.

“Lakeridge Landscaping incorporated existing features of the garden (garden beds, trellises, rocks) in the design to Landscape Ontario’s PR outreach efforts educate consumers on enhancing home values through landscaping. create a new look that still felt like it belonged to us.

“The contractor was able to envision the implementation of the design and turn it into a reality by choosing the perfect

By Denis Flanagan CLD simple, do-it-yourself renovations. While hardscaping and plant materials.

Director of Public Relations doing a quick fix to your home and gar“I have a lot of experience with perenand Membership Services den might seem like the easy route, nials, but had no idea about shrubs. I was investing in professional landscaping, able to benefit from their vast experience. s part of our work to promote the aside from being aesthetically pleasing, They were very helpful and patient with landscaping industry to the public, will not only increase the value of your my questions. this is part of a press release sent home, but provide you with additional “It was nice to see the entire front yard out for the summer. You may download benefits. transformed in only two days — it would a copy of the comA professionally designed and manihave taken us two years! plete release from cured lawn and garden that are well kept “The crew members were very profesthe LO website to and maintained will enhance the curb sional and obviously very experienced in use to promote your appeal of your home, endearing you to what they do. All of the work was done own company. your neighbours, beautifying the look of efficiently and carefully with the crew Go to www. your street and enhancing the value of cleaning up as they went. I really loved landscapeontario.com/ your home. Your yard is the first impresthe tidy line-up of chained wheel barmedia-releases. sion people will have of your home. Make rels ready for the next day complete with It’s that time of it a good one. pylons.”

• Landscaping can add as much as 14 per year again! cent to the resale value of a building and With the warm summer months finally Denis Flanagan may be contacted at speed its sale by as much as six weeks here, many homeowners are looking to dflanagan@landscapeontario.com.

• Properly selected and placed trees and refresh the look of their home through

Curb appeal

A

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 27

MEMBERSHIP

Grout and team stopped in for a delicious barbecue lunch at Geosynthetic Systems with Sue Windover, left, and Kelly Mulrooney-Côté.

The value of customer service

By Myscha Burton Membership and Chapter Coordinator

T

he summer is flying by. I would like to thank the members who have hosted us at different job sites thus far. It has been a pleasure to see your incredible work and we appreciate you taking the time to welcome us.

Through June and July we have been able to see members in the London, Ottawa and Upper Canada Chapters. Our day in London was a busy one. Denis Flanagan and I had the opportunity to visit the R.W. Allen Horticultural Services team, PGS Landscape, Grand River Brick and Stone, Nicola’s Garden Design and the Jay McKinnon Company, along with some unexpected visits with some of the Clintar Landscape Management (London) team and Kimmick Landscaping.

Thanks to Martha Walsh, Ottawa Chapter coordinator, we had a wonderful day visiting some of our Ottawa members, including Geosynthetic Systems, Green Thumb Garden Centre, Greenscape Watering Systems, R. J. Rogers Landscaping, and even a stop at Algonquin College.

28 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO AUGUST 2014

Despite some rain and a GPS with a sense of humour, we had a great day visiting Paul Doornbos CLT, CLP, at the Thornbusch Landscaping Company, who was kind enough to show us multiple sites, while playing the role of tour guide for Denis and me. We also visited some of the crew at Nature’s Way Landscaping, a completed site of Picture Perfect Landscaping Quinte and a stop at Connon Nurseries/CBV (Trenton). Pictures of these visits can be seen on facebook.com/LOGrout.

Seeing the work of our members and chatting with clients about the projects has been very rewarding, and is a testament to the excellent customer service and professionalism of our LO members.

One of the trends I’ve seen throughout these visits is the value of positive word of mouth from a happy customer. In light of this, I thought I would share with you a phrase that I feel embodies customer service: “give ‘em the pickle.” No, there’s no hidden meaning. This phrase was actually coined by businessman Bob Farrell who created the customer service 101 video, Give ‘Em the Pickle.

The idea behind giving the pickle is about going that extra mile for the customer, and within your team. Regardless of your project, we all have a pickle we can give. Whether that’s tidying at the end of the day, being extra attentive to the client’s needs, keeping them updated with the proj-

ect or schedule changes, etc. Sometimes we need a hand from our team to get a job done, or just to get through one of those days. That’s giving someone the pickle.

Clients that we have met on these visits attest to the great attitude of the crew, and the quality work being done. You never know who you’re making an impression on, and a good attitude is everything. Customers will tell their friends and boast about your quality work to transform a space, but they will do the same if a job is not done with the same consistency and quality as it was previously. Even on hard days, going that extra mile makes a difference.

From what I have been hearing, pickles are being given in bulk by our members.

Why not take some time to celebrate all of your hard work this season and come out to a golf or baseball tournament, or a barbecue? Chapter meetings will resume shortly, so stay tuned for updates. A list of chapter events can be found on www.horttrades.com as well as registration information. Feel free to contact me at myscha@ landscapeontario.com, or call 1-800-2655656, ext. 354, should you have any questions about upcoming events or membership renewal processes.

Mary Shearman Reid, owner, and Grout, outside Green Thumb Garden Centre.

UNDERGROUND WORLD

The first-ever Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance’s Dig Safe Fall Expo was held at LO home office in Milton last year. It returns this year on Sept. 18.

LO hosting ORCGA’s Fall Expo

By Terry Murphy CLP

T

he Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance’s (ORCGA) Dig Safe Fall Expo Day will take place at Landscape Ontario’s home office in Milton on Sept. 18.

Last year was the first time for the event. It was attended by more than 200 damage prevention professionals, making it an excellent success.

Landscape Ontario’s Executive Director, Tony DiGiovanni, says, “We totally support the educational efforts of the ORCGA in its dedication to protect our underground utilities. As an ORCGA member, Landscape Ontario is pleased to partner in this event.”

The Dig Safe Fall Expo Day is an allday event, running 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The day is structured so industry participants who don’t have time to come all day, may take in an hour seminar or demonstration, have lunch and or coffee and spend whatever time they can afford to benefit from the Expo.

This day of networking, seminars, demonstrations and equipment viewing

is absolutely free. There is lots of parking space, and that’s also free. The day is designed give all those interested in damage prevention an update on industry news, exposure to Ontario One Call and the new Bill 8 regulations. At the same time, participants may improve their knowledge and understanding of underground issues.

ORCGA is hoping to improve the performance of contractors by eliminating utility strikes and making the locate process more efficient. In announcing the event, Jim Douglas, acting president of ORCGA, stated, “We all need and can benefit from an educational and training event that will update people on the issues, provide demonstrations on underground techniques, outline new best practices.”

Douglas continued, “Last year, 200 people came to our first event. Many of them told me they were very happy with what they saw. This year we want to make it even better.”

There will be 12 concurrent one-hour seminar training sessions for contractors and excavators. They will hear information on damage prevention training and knowledge so that they become more proficient and cost effective, up-to-date on the latest information on industry issues, understanding how the industry functions

and new developments on a variety of subjects.

Seminars scheduled for the day include, Getting Around Underground, Hydro-Vac Practices, What Constitutes a Valid Locate, Infrastructure Health and Safety, and Dig Safe Boulevard Demonstrations. These are repeated throughout the day, so that you can take advantage of all subjects. Exhibitors will also display equipment.

The ORCGA Damage Prevention Circuit will have live demonstrations that will allow visitors to see first-hand all about safe excavations and current practices.

Some of the presentations scheduled include, Planning and Design, One Call, Locating and Marking, Excavation, Mapping, Compliance, Public Education, and Reporting and Evaluation. All these special circuit demonstrations are free.

Take time to see our new DIRT Report, which highlights the 2013 Damage Prevention Industry Statistics. Landscapers can take pride in seeing that our overall hit reduction statistics reflect an outstanding industry effort.

We are always interested in your feedback on any ORCGA or landscaping industry event. It is your industry and your event, and we want it to fulfill your requirements and meet your needs. If you don’t tell us how we are doing, we can never make it better. Please take a minute at the event and talk to any of our ORCGA Board of Directors or staff, and let us know how we are doing and what we might do to make this event better for you.

For those brave or competitive souls, there is a locates competition. Come out and try your hand at one of the Locate Rodeo Wheels. This fun competition offers prizes and it’s free.

Bring your key employees to this event and learn more about Damage Prevention and the Underground. There is no cost for the day and you will improve your understanding and knowledge and hopefully avoid some very serious MOL and TSSA fines in the future.

If you can’t afford a full day, then come for a couple of hours and join us for lunch or coffee. This one-day event will take place rain or shine. You must register for the event, so that we know how many people are planning to attend. For more information, or to get a registration form, please contact ORCGA at 1-866-4464493, at www.orcga.com, or email jim@ orcga.com .

Your suggestions and comments are welcomed at tvmurphy@ca.inter.net

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 29

PROSPERITY PARTNERS Professional development: ‘Tis the season to start your plan

By Jacki Hart CLP Prosperity Partners Program Manager

A

s August is upon us and you look forward to a break (maybe a weekend off, or a Sunday off), I encourage you to spend a couple of quiet hours reflecting on your year-to-date.

It is always best to write it down (accountability is a powerful thing). So list some things that went really well: A great new employee, an awesome new customer, a hot new product line, or a great installation.

Now list the things that are still driving you nuts: wrong-fit employee, wrong-fit customer, the job from hell. At this time of year, we are in the home stretch. In August, we notice that it is a little cooler at night and in the morning. It’s getting a little darker earlier each day. Gardens look...well like August gardens do.

It is also the start of planning season.

Yep. You’re the boss and you are driving the bus, so you better decide how your company is going to respond to some of the problems. Winter comes fast, and it flies by too. It’s the time to analyze and improve. In Prosperity Partners fashion, let me remind you that if you’re aiming at

nothing, you will hit it with huge accuracy!

So what are you going to aim at improving for next year?

We are so fortunate as an industry to have an association that offers such incredible courses on business development for all levels. Start to set goals on how you are going to increase your knowledge, and start to solve some of the problems that don’t seem to go away.

A Prosperity Partners seminar is a great first step to drilling down to the core problem. It will very quickly identify where your strengths are, and also where your weaknesses lie.

Great articles (like this one) appear monthly in this magazine and Landscape Trades. Take the time to browse and find that article that relates to some of your identified problems.

For the first time ever, starting this winter, a Peer to Peer Network is going to be offered to all our members. I don’t know about you, but whenever I sit at a table with fellow colleagues, I learn all kinds of new information. In true Landscape Ontario fashion, we all freely share our experience.

Your problems won’t go away unless you try to fix them. You’re not alone. You are in good company, and in fact, you’re not the only one with this problem. There may be a dozen companies who have already gone through the very same issue. Based on my experience watching

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www.horttrades.com/promo 30 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO AUGUST 2014

our LinkedIn group discussions, sage advice, what not to do and what to do information is exchanged regularly.

We are in the social media world and the new LO Peer to Peer Network recognizes that. Nothing, however, replaces a face-to-face chat with your colleagues. All you do is ask, exchange ideas, and recognize that the first step to fixing something is admitting there is problem. The rest will work itself out. Prosperity Partners programming helps to connect you with solutions, peers and ideas.

Concept of Peer to Peer Network

LO’s You’re In Good Company Network will provide member engagement with any one of several group-generated discussion topics relevant to day-to-day frustrations and challenges.

Our goal is to see our peers use the Peer to Peer Network to draw from and create their own informal peer advisory board.

This peer to peer journey will be ongoing and punctuated with timely, relevant solid business opinions, advice and critical thinking. It’s peers helping peers, with face-to-face facilitation when requested.

We want this network to be uncomplicated, somewhat organic, and set up to respond with maximum flexibility to the collective needs of the members who engage. Members will drive content. The facilitators will drive context and skill improvement resources. The facilitators’ role will be to encourage next level management and operational best practices, plus the introduction of provocative critical thinking and business assessment techniques. The facilitators are Tim Kearney CLP and Jacki Hart CLP. The Prosperity Partners pillars and language will serve as the core philosophy for the Peer to Peer Network meetings, discussions and seminars.

Additional content will be provided as needed and will build on the Prosperity Partners Effective Management Short Course concept. The Peer to Peer Network will also embrace and celebrate shared member successes.

Watch this space in coming months for the You’re In Good Company Peer Network launch.

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

CLASSIFIEDS

employment OPPORTUNITIES

All classified ads must be pre-paid by credit card. Rates: $50.85 (HST included) per column inch Min. order $50.85. 15% discount on ads run for entire calendar year. Box Numbers: Additional $10.

Confidentiality ensured. Deadlines: 20th day of the month prior to issue date. (eg: June issue deadline is May 20th). January deadline is Dec. 10. Space is limited to a first come, first served basis.

To advertise: E-mail your name, phone number and ad to Robert at classifieds@landscapeontario. com or fax to (905) 875-0183. Online advertising: Website only ads are available for $67.80 (HST included) for Associaton members and $90.40 HST included for non-members. Website ads are posted for 31 days. View ads online at www.horttrades.com/classifieds

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

employment OPPORTUNITIES

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE COMPANY FOR SALE Successful, respected and well-established company, serving the Dundas, Hamilton and Burlington area for 25 years. Locally owned and operated, Is looking for a professional and dedicated purchaser. Well-maintained equipment. Dependable staff, loyal customer base.

Owner retiring.

For serious inquires only, please reply in confidence by email to: knightspropertymaint@hotmail.com

opportunities at davey tree Davey Tree is currently expanding operations and looking for experienced Arborists, Foremen, Climbers, and Groundspersons.

We are the largest employee-owned company in the green industry, and Canada’s trusted source for complete plant health care. Our roots extend back to 1880, and we have branches from Ontario to British Columbia. Davey provides: • Excellent training • Career advancement • Company benefits • Employee ownership • Opportunities in all aspects of arboriculture • Solid industry compensation bases and incentive programs.

If you are interested in being part of our growing team, please email or fax resume to: John Arico.

Email: John.Arico@davey.com Fax: 905-304-7605. www.daveytree.ca

ESTABLISHED MUSKOKA LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE COMPANY FOR SALE Successful, respected company, locally owned and operated, is looking for a professional and dedicated purchaser. Well-maintained fleet of trucks and equipment. Dependable staff, loyal customer base. Year-round operation.

For serious inquiries only, please reply in confidence by email to: MuskokaOpportunity@gmail.com

ADVERTISERS 404 Stone Ltd.

G & L Group (Draglam) Greenlife - Ottawa Wholesale Nursery Gro-Bark (Ontario) Ltd.

www.allstonequarry.com

905-939-8491

Page 13

www.amazinggatesofcanada.ca

855-484-2837

Page 16

www.braungroup.com

800-246-6984

Page 25

www.christmasdecor.net

866-615-4147

Page 16

Join our discussion forum

www.coivic.com

905-878-9101

Page 15

http://linked.in/LOLinkedIn

www.connonnurseries.com

905-628-0112

Page 2

www.gandlgroup.com

905-669-3538

Page 22

www.greenlifenursery.ca

613-692-3047

Page 17

www.gro-bark.com

905-846-1515

Page 19

www.hutchinsonfarmsupply.com

905-640-2692

Page 19

Legends Landscape Supply Inc.

www.landscapestore.ca

905-336-3369

Page 14

M Putzer Nursery

www.putzernursery.com

905-878-7226

Page 12

www.newroadsleasing.com

416-587-1021

Page 25

Hutchinson Farm Supply

Newroads National Leasing Ontario Landscape Supply Potters Road Nursery Inc. Sipkens Nurseries Ltd. Stam Nurseries Timm Enterprises Ltd. Uxbridge Nurseries Ltd.

ONTARIO

Page 10

Christmas Décor (Turf Management Systems) Connon Nurseries/NVK Holdings Inc.

LANDSCAPE

905-887-3404

Braun Nursery Limited Coivic Contracting Ltd.

Keep in touch with www.404stone.com

Allstone Quarry Products Inc. Amazing Gates of Canada

Due to growth and expansion, we have full time openings for the following positions: Sales Arborists Davey Tree Expert Co. of Canada, Limited, an employee-owned company, is the leading Full Service Tree Care provider in Ontario.

We currently employ over 350 people in the Arboricultural field in the province. As we continue to grow and expand our operations, we are currently looking for Sales Arborists in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). This is a contract position for 5-6 months with possible full time employment.

Pay/Benefits: • Salary/bonus based on experience • RRSP benefit program • Employee stock purchase plan • Employee benefit program • Advanced Training and Educational Programs Requirements: • Minimum 2 years’ experience in the sales field • Professional appearance • Strong communication and organizational skills • Self-motivated • Clean drivers record • Certified Arborist Please email or fax resume to the attention of John Arico Email: John.Arico@davey.com Fax: 905-304-9013 Link to Davey website: www.daveytree.ca

www.ontariolandscapesupply.com 905-839-2099 Page 11 www.pottersroadnursery.com

519-688-0437

Page 17

www.sipkensnurseries.com

866-843-0438

Page 21

@LOassocMag @LOMembership @TonyDiGiovanni1 @denisflanagan @green_for_life @LOevents @LOgnome

www.stamnurseries.com 519-424-3350 Page 20 www.timmenterprises.com

905-878-4244

Page 13

www.uxbridgenurseries.com

877-655-3379

Page 18

www.facebook.com/ landscapeontario

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 31

Celebrating 15 years with the floral and garden industry

LOexpo.ca

Looking for

CANADA ’S FALL FOR THE SHOW GARDEN AND INDUST FLORAL RY

Wednesday, October 22 and Thursday, October 23, 2014 Toronto Congress Centre, Ontario Canada

WINNING STRATEGIES for Garden & Floral Retailing?

Then don’t miss Peter Cantley’s presentation

Driving Seasonal Sales

Being held Thursday, October 23, 2014 12 noon - 2:00 p.m.

Ticketed Lunch includes Garden Centre and Grower Awards of Excellence Ceremony

Register at LOexpo.ca

32 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO AUGUST 2014