Landscape Ontario - February 2015 by Landscape Ontario

February 2015 www.horttrades.com

CONGRESS

BUSY, LIVELY, MEMORABLE

Landscape

Complete 2015 coverage starts on page 4

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AWARDS Project by Cedar Springs Landscape Group, Don Salivan Grounds Management Award winner

HONOURING CANADIAN WAR DEAD — WHEREVER THEY MAY LIE

If only we could have brought you home

HELP US TURN THIS DREAM INTO A REALITY The Never Forgotten National Memorial Foundation will be building Canada’s very first National Memorial in a National Park...Honouring Canadian War Dead — Wherever They May Lie In association with Parks Canada, this stunning memorial will be proudly located at Green Cove along the world famous Cabot Trail, in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park...

Donate now at www.nfnm.ca Like us on Facebook

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The Never Forgotten National Memorial is proudly supported by:

2 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO FEBRUARY 2015

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Hire slowly By Dave Braun LO president

ust last month, we were expanding our production and needed to add to our team. The position that needed filling was entry-level, so instead of having people send in resumes that would require us to sort through them, we advertised a job fair at our company. Over 50 people showed up, and we had brief interviews with everyone. After narrowing the field, we interviewed the candidates three different times. No less than three of our employees were involved in the interview process. By the time we had selected these interviewees, we had already invested a great deal of time and energy in them. We grew to like each of them, and I would like to think, they grew to like us. After the third round of interviews, I called their previous employers. To be clear, I didn’t call their “references,” because anyone can get a few names to speak well of them.

February, 2015 • Volume 33, No. 2 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. ISSN 1928-9553 Publications Mail Agreement No. PM40013519

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I continue to be amazed and appreciate how honest so many former managers will be. I once had an employer call me back while he was on vacation thousands of miles away, just to make sure I didn’t hire the person I interviewed. I still vividly remember getting this shocking feedback, because prior to this news, the candidate was one of the best I could remember. In the hiring process for our labour position last month, the strongest candidate — someone who was used to physicallydemanding work that required great attention to detail — was given a thumbs up by the supervisor, the manager and myself. We then called the candidate’s references. Not only did this candidate have a bad habit of not showing up, he actually went AWOL and was never heard from again. I like to think that I have somewhat of a good read on people, but he gave good interviews to all three of us! So good, that we almost wanted to make excuses for him, but I knew we needed to listen to the facts. One of the best examples of a thorough hiring process is found at Google. Google’s own website highlights (some would say warns) potential employees about its stringent hiring process. Candidates are interviewed by a group of current Google

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, Ian Service, Tom Somerville, Martha Walsh

employees, some of whom may be within the team the candidate may be working with and some from another team. After the interview, a committee of Google employees ranks and rates the interviewee. From this point, according to one Google employee involved in the hiring process, only the “best” candidates perform two rounds of phone interviews, with only about “one in ten” passing this marker. It’s been said that Google’s hiring rate is lower than the acceptance rate at Harvard and Yale, so it’s no surprise that if they fly to headquarters for an in-person interview, they’re very qualified. Again, right on Google’s website they state, “We believe that if you hire great people and involve them intensively in the hiring process, you’ll get more great people.” The more thorough the hiring process we follow, the fewer “bad hires” we’ll encounter, even if we’ll can never eliminate them. Think for a moment. Have you ever hired the wrong person? How long did it take you to move them out? As the saying goes, if you’re constantly talking about “managing somebody,” you’re probably managing the wrong “somebody.” If putting a lot of effort into the hiring process seems like something you don’t have the time, energy or resources for, think about the alternative. There’s nothing more draining on your time, energy or resources than keeping poor employees, or eventually replacing them. Dave Braun may be reached at dbraun@landscapeontario.com.

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FEATURES CONGRESS LO AWARDS PROGRAM SPONSORS/BEST BOOTHS CANADA BLOOMS

ASSOCIATION NEWS AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE NEW MEMBERS EVENTS Industry NEWS COLUMNS Ad Index Classifieds

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 2015, 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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For many attendees Congress is about the trade show floor and an opportunity to conduct busines

Trade show to conferences, Congress 2015 was a winner Surveys show that the majority of those who attend Congress, do so to gain product knowledge, network with peers and learn about industry trends. From the trade show floor to the conference rooms, Congress 2015, held from Jan. 6 to 8, provided the nearly 12,000

attendees with what they were looking for, and more. Heather MacRae, Director of Events and Trade Shows for Landscape Ontario, said, “I saw and received many positive comments on this year’s Congress. From attendees to exhibitors, Congress 2015

Many attendees at Congress 2015 were excited to have a hands-on experience with one of Canada’s most iconic trophies, the Grey Cup. Kubota, which is a big sponsor of the CFL, brought the special trophy to its booth.

4 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO FEBRUARY 2015

was a great success.” Diana Cassidy-Bush CLP, of Fresh Landscape & Garden Solutions in Tweed, felt that this year’s Congress was amazing. “I came away totally revitalized and excited about all the new information that I had learned.” Meg Soper of Meg Soper Presentations said she was talking to a woman at Tailgate, who she asked, “Is this your business?” Soper says she answered, ‘No Meg, this is my life. “I think that perfectly sums up the positive energy and unique spirit of your attendees,” said Soper. Ken Watling, of Lightning Equipment Sales in Burlington, said, “I want to take a moment to thank you for all the help you gave us in making our booth a success. Our new associate, Jennifer, who is familiar with this industry and has taken part in many types of trade shows, remarked that this is definitely the best show she has attended in her 20-plus years in sales.” “We had a number of new exhibitors this year, which really added to the show. Attendees are looking for something new each year, and they had many opportunities to take in many of the new products at the booths and the New Products Showcase. Of course, many in attendance were inspired by education conferences. We registered over 600 attendees at our conferences,” said MacRae. Conference and Event Manager Kristen McIntyre said, “Our team continually strives to provide conference and event delegates

a great experience. For 2015, we brought in a more diverse group of presenters and experts, including some controversial topics, some humour and even some games!” Congress 2015 began on Warmup Monday with the IPM Symposium, Designer Conference, and Peers Helping Peers Workshop. This year was a special for the IPM Symposium, as it celebrated its 50th anniversary. “It was truly a notable occasion,” said McIntyre. “The lawn care industry in Ontario has been through a lot in the last few years, and the fact that we had 350plus operators, owners and related professionals at the 2015 event is remarkable.” The 50th IPM Conference featured a great line-up of speakers throughout the day. Speakers at the IPM were Crystal Lafrance, Regional Pesticide Specialist with the Ministry of Environment; Dr. Patricia Vittum, a professor at the University of Massachusetts; Dr. Michael Brownbridge, Research Director at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre; Evelyn BrowningGarriss, a recognized expert on natural weather cycles; Pam Charbonneau of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, and Dr. Marty Petrovic, Professor of Turfgrass Science at Cornell University. This was followed by a panel discussing ‘Top Turf Myths: Fact from Fiction.’ The panel was moderated by chair of the IPM Symposium Committee, Kyle Tobin of Lawn Savers Plant Health Care. The energetic session brought many questions from the audience. Following this, keynote speaker Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemons grabbed everyone’s attention with an inspirational message, that ramped from all quiet when Clemons spoke about his youth to top of scale loud when the former football star moved into his rah-rah mode. Two awards were handed out for the 50th anniversary. The IPM Leadership Award went to Pam Charbonneau, who is retiring this year, and a special IPM Recognition Award was given to Monica van Maris. The Leadership Award recognizes leadership and contribution to the healthy growth of the industries represented in the IPM symposium. The recipient of the award is nominated by peers, and IPM Symposium Committee determines the award winner from those nominees. A ticket draw saw two 50-in. plasma TVs given out. Winners were Steve Hyatt and Alex Scott. A special VIP dinner was held following the Symposium. “It was a great opportunity for dinner guests to get up close and personal with Pinball Clemons; he stayed and socialized with the entire group,” said Continued on page 6 > McIntyre.

Speakers at the Landscape Designer Conference addressed an auditorium packed with engaged delegates.

The Plant ID Challenge drew a great many people who tested their skills in naming the 30 plants on display.

With over 11,000 members of the green industry in attendance at Congress, it’s a great opportunity to network for face-to-face business interaction.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 5

LO excutive director Tony DiGiovanni took time to speak with Fanshawe students taking part in Congress. DiGiovanni said it is very important to encourage the next generation to drive the industry.

Over at the Landscape Designer Conference, it was a day of highly respected speakers discussing both landscape design and business concerns. Sector Group chair Chris Mace said he was pleased with the attendance at this year’s event. “We had a lot of good responses from attendees this year,” said Mace. Speakers at this year’s event included Alexander Reford, director of Les Jardins de Métis/Reford Gardens; Jennifer Gannon, owner of BonaVista LeisureScapes in Toronto; Ajon Moriyama, designer and architect of many major buildings in Toronto; and Andrew Wall, owner of Sandler Training. Keynote speaker was special guest Julie Moir Messervy, a high profile designer in the U.S. She talked about how designers help people enjoy their outdoor surroundings. She told her audience about being innovative to distract customers from today’s busy lifestyle and to enjoy nature. Also held on Monday was the Peers Helping Peers Workshop led by Jacki Hart CLP and Tim Kearney CLP. “We had a VERY engaged group of owners and managers, and covered a lot of ground. The basic premise of our Landscape Ontario Peer to Peer Network is to ensure that our members realize that in business, and in their career, they are not alone,” said Hart.

6 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO FEBRUARY 2015

the high profile speakers presented at this “In addition to rave reviews on the feedyear’s conferences. back forms, several business owners have Said McIntyre, “At night, our guests contacted us to bring the short course to their business team for a one-on-one event. were entertained at Harry’s Bar, the Awards ceremony, supplier suites and We also had many members in the room the Tailgate Party. We feel privileged and who shared that they have already used very fortunate to have such an engaged the Build Your Prosperity seminar content industry, and we truly enjoyed every minto form their business style,” said Hart. The Irrigation Conference took place on Jan. 9, hosted by Landscape Ontario’s Irrigation Sector Group. Guest speaker was Tim Malooly who presented Emerging Trends in Water Use and Availability in the Outdoor Living Environment. The proposed Never Forgotten memorial is resonating with LO members; Bernie Wolfe and Paul Brydges are key volunteers in its national fundraising drive. Efforts came together to create a counter display publicizing the memorial, distributed to all Congress exhibitors. Thanks to the hundreds of exhibitors who displayed the piece in their booths; they made a huge impact. Read more about the memorial at nfnm.ca. Over 30 seminar sessions and keynote speakers were offered at Congress 2015. Jeffrey Scott, Meg Congress conferences saw nearly 600 people attend this Soper, Jim Paluch, Tom Shay and year’s programs. A number of dynamic speakers were a Peter van Stralen are just a few of big attraction this year.

ute of the 2015 event.â&#x20AC;? Many Conference and special event speakers have shared their presentation materials. Visit horttrades.com/ congress-presentations-2015 to browse and download the files. The Plant Identification Challenge booth continues to be a popular draw for many attendees at Congress. Many visitors to the trade show floor took on the challenge of identifying 30 plants lined up on the floor. The Challenge was developed to bring awareness to the Landscape Industry Certified Program. The exhibit reflects a plant identification test station at a sanctioned certification day. The Cultivate and Connect event was held on Jan. 6, bringing together educators, students and green industry professionals. High school and college students formed collaborative teams to complete designs which were judged by industry professionals. A design by students from Ursula Franklin Academy in Toronto and Ryerson University won the contest. Congress 2016 takes place Jan. 12-14, at the Toronto Congress Centre. Bookmark LOCongress.com for the latest show information.

Letter to the editor I would like to thank the IPM committee and all who were involved in giving me such a prestigious award on this 50th anniversary. It was a great surprise and shock. When I turned around to face the crowd, my heart gave a flip to see so many women in the crowd. I realized this is what I was working for all these years, to see so many women taking the same interest in our industry, as their mates. To my surprise when the program was ended, one of the speakers, Patricia Vittum Ph.D., came to me and congratulated me on a job well done, and said she hoped she can come back some other time. This is the first time a speaker has told me she enjoyed the delegates. Thank you Patricia for your kind words, we do appreciate your good job; well done. Once again I thank everyone very much.

Monica van Maris

Monica van Maris, a pioneer member of Landscape Ontario and annual volunteer at Congress, was presented with a Leadership Award at the 50th IPM Symposium. She is shown accepting the award from Kyle Tobin, chair of the IPM Symposium Committee.

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Adding to the fun at the annual Awards of Excellence ceremonies was the appearance of some famous faces. Award winners taking the stage were surprised to find Jay Leno among them.

Special awards honour those with outstanding contributions More than 600 industry professionals took in the always-impressive Awards of Excellence ceremony at the Toronto International Plaza Hotel, where the best in the business were honoured for their work on Jan. 6 The annual awards night featured MC Frank Ferragine of City TV’s Breakfast Television, along with a live band providing an upbeat mood before the announcements of the winners. This year featured a talk show format, with Ferragine interviewing special guests throughout the night. The following day, images of the award winning projects were displayed for attend-

ees entering the trade show. It was a great opportunity to show off the breathtaking design and master craftsmanship in landscape construction, maintenance and design projects created by Landscape Ontario members. A number of special awards were handed out during the ceremonies. For the second consecutive year, The Landmark Group of Thornbury won the prestigious Dunington-Grubb Award. The award goes to the most outstanding and highest overall scoring project in the construction categories.

This year’s Award of Excellence took on a talk show theme. Here MC Frank Ferragine interviews LO 2nd vice president Paul Brydges, left, and Haig Seferian CLD.

8 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO FEBRUARY 2015

Other top awards went to Pro-Land Landscape Construction, winning the Casey van Maris Award, and Cedar Springs Landscape Group, which took the Don Salivan Grounds Management Award (cover). The Salivan Award goes to the company judged to have entered the best grounds management project. The Casey van Maris award is given to the project awarded the highest marks for execution of unique and innovative design in landscaping. The Community Leadership Award is given to a member who makes a significant contribution to the community through their horticultural work. Sasha Hunter was given the award this year for her work with the Perry Molema Memorial Garden. Guelph couple, Margaret and Ivan Stinson, are long-time volunteers and supporters of the horticulture industry. They were presented with the Legacy Award. This award recognizes a lifetime of achievement in the horticulture industry, and is given to those who not only impart their knowledge on the people around them, but who leave something for the next generation. The Environmental Award goes to an organization or individual for outstanding contributions and achievement in maintaining or promoting a sustainable healthy environment. This year Ken Jewett of Maple Leaves Forever was honoured for his long-term work in promoting the planting of maple trees. Landscape Ontario took the opportunity to show appreciation for his tireless work towards environmental stewardship and leadership. Well-known dry stone expert Dean McLellan was a popular choice for the 2015 Past Presidents’ Award. A committee of three past presidents of Landscape Ontario named McLellan for his outstanding contributions to the association. The other recipient of a Past Presidents’ Award was Upper Canada Stone, for the company’s continual support and contributions to the association. Michael Van Dongen of Van Dongen’s Landscaping and Nurseries in Hornby received the Frank Ewald Jr. Award, which goes to a Landscape Ontario member who has not yet reached their 36th birthday, and has made an outstanding effort in the promotion and betterment of our association. Van Dongen is chair of the Garden Centre Sector Group and member of the LO Board of Directors. Denis Flanagan, Director of Public Relations and Membership at Landscape Ontario, says, “We are very proud to honour the men and women who make up Ontario’s green industry.” To view a video of the Awards of Excellence ceremony, go to http://gfl.me/x2qc

Congress announces best booth winners

With over 600 exhibitors at Congress this year, judges had a hard time deciding on the best booth awards. In photo, Kubota Canada National Marketing Manager Rob Allison holds the Paul J. Day Award for best in show presented by, left to right, trade show committee member Michael LaPorte CLT, trade show manager Heather MacRae and trade show committee chair Terry Childs.

With nearly 600 exhibitors on the floor at Congress 2015, judges had a difficult decision to choose this year’s best booth award winners. Winning the Paul J. Day Award for best of show was Kubota Canada for its outstanding display, which included a fullsized loader done up as a cellophane and

cardboard-packaged toy. “We had fun with tweets like, ‘This toy doesn’t depreciate when you open it,’ “ said Jillian Kleovoulos, Kubota Canada marketing specialist. Another top winner was NewRoads National Leasing of Newmarket, honoured with the Congress Special Promotion award, for its creativity in promoting show

Congress 2015 thanks all our sponsors and volunteers Sponsorship of our show, many sector events, conferences and special events create great experiences at Congress, and are a critical part of what makes the event a success. Our appreciation and thank you to the following sponsors: TRADE SHOW: Banas Stones, Beaver Valley Stone, Best Way Stone, Bobcat Company, Global Arch Inc StoneArch, International Plaza Hotel and Conference Centre, Landscape Trades, Medallion Fence, Vermeer Canada AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE CEREMONY: AV Canada, Connon Nurseries CBV Holdings, Draglam Waste and Recycling, Earthco Soils, Perfect Sphere Productions CONFERENCE SPONSORS: AV Canada, Best Way Stone, Hort Protect, Nursery Sod Growers Association of Ontario IRRIGATION CONFERENCE: Hunter Industries, John Deere Landscapes, Rain Bird International, The Toro Company, Turf Care Products Canada, Vanden Bussche Irrigation IPM SYMPOSIUM: Allturf, BASF Canada, G.C. Duke Equipment, JB & D Company, Koppert Canada Limited, Lawn Life, Turf Revolution FEMININE FACTOR IN HORTICULTURE: Connon Nurseries NVK Holdings LANDSCAPE DESIGNER CONFERENCE: Connon Nurseries NVK Holdings, Dynascape Software, Moonstruck Lighting, Outdoor Lifestyle magazine, Select Stone Supply, Unilock Limited TALIGATE PARTY: AV Canada, LO’s Hardscape Committee, Perfect Sphere Productions LEGACY ROOM: Brouwer Sod Farms Ltd/Kesmac, Echo Power Equipment Canada, G&L Group, Gravely, Kobes Nurseries, Kubota Canada, Nutrite, Oaks Landscape Products, Stihl, Investment Guild, Unilock, Zander Sod Co.

attendance electronically. The other winners were Best Booth - 100 sq. ft., excluding heavy equipment, Hutcheson Sand and Mixes; Best Booth between 100 and 400 sq. ft., excluding heavy equipment, Mar-co Clay and Stone of Bright; Best Booth over 400 sq. ft., excluding heavy equipment, Techo-Bloc; Best Booth heavy equipment, Battlefield Equipment Rentals of Stoney Creek; Best Booth small equipment, Stihl Limited. Judges this year were John LeRoy of J.C. Security Consulting, Paul Day of P. Day Management, and Lee Ann Knudsen of Landscape Ontario. Winners are judged on a set of pre-determined criteria, including design, visual impact and quality of construction. Show manager Heather MacRae said, “It’s always a difficult choice selecting the best booth winners. Vendors deserve to be recognized for the time and effort that gets put into not only making their booth special, but also making Congress a better show.”

Congress takes several days on-site to set up before the show, has many moving parts and lots of events. We could not run the event without the professionalism of our dedicated volunteers. A sincere thank you to each of them. SHOW COMMITTEE: Terry Childs, chair; Nathan Helder, vice chair; Michael LaPorte, vice chair; Dave Braun; Brian Cocks CLT;. Douglas Coote; Lexi Dearborn; Paul DeGroot; Barry Dickson; Beth Edney CLD; Kim Iceton; Mike Riehm; Klaas Sikkema; Monica van Maris; Jack VandeRee CONGRESS CONFERENCES AND SHOW: Lee Benson CLD; Cees Braamse; Emily Bright; Irene Bultena; Terry Childs; Cassandra Cotter; Kim Cotter; Harry de Vries; Judy deBoer-Bell; Kimberley Dodd; Paulo Domingues; Paul Doornbos CLD, CLT; Scott Duff; Beth Edney; Adrien Gallant; Nathan Helder; John Lamberink CIT; Jody LaPorte; Skai Leja; Stephanie Lemesurier; Terence Liu; Pat Malloy; Henny Markus; Sarah Melamed-Simon; Joanne Mohan; Fran Moore; Norm Mills; Jerry Noordam; Kevin O’Hara; Irina Polstvin; Greg Redshaw; Ron Sikkema; Greg Skotnicki; Margaret Stinson; Gerrit Tervrugt; Mike Thomas; Jeff Trudeau; Louise Tyrrell; Anna van Maris; Jason Vettese; Bruce Warren; Dan Winstanley; Alex Zalewski CLT; Cassie Zalewski IPM SYMPOSIUM: Kyle Tobin, chair; Pam Charbonneau; Paul Gaspar; Rohan Harrison; Ken Pavely CLT; Lee Ratcliffe; Violet Van Wassenaer; John Wright; Monica van Maris IRRIGATION CONFERENCE: Paul Barker CIC; Steve Brewer CIT; Nick Conte; Louise Cottreau; Chris Davies; Kara Gibbons; John Lamberink; Chris LeConte, vice chair; Steve Macartney, chair; Roy Neves CLIA, CID, CIC; Paul Proulx; Jamie Riddell; Mike Ross; Scott Sim LANDSCAPE DESIGNER CONFERENCE: Ken Bekendam; Paul Brydges; Tiffany Byrd; Don Chase; Chris Clayton; Jen Cuddie; Beth Edney CLD; Brandon Gelderman; Ryan Heath CLT, CLP; Kelly Keates; Mark Kimmerly; Ron Koudys CLD; Anthony Lombardi CLP, CLD; Chris Mace; Fran Moore; Carolyne Planck; Haig Seferian CLD; Ron Swentiski CLD LANDSCAPE ONTARIO RESOURCE BOOTH: Jay Rivait, Norm Mills, Lexi Dearborn, Carol Fulford WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 9

Landscape Ontario Otium Outdoor Exercise Garden will be upfront and centre at Canada Blooms this year.

LO Canada Blooms exercise garden also has a social conscience By Shawn Gallaugher Landscape Ontario’s Otium Outdoor Exercise Garden at Canada Blooms will demonstrate several levels of social responsibility. First, the garden will promote outdoor exercise to increase physical health and wellbeing. Secondly, the otium concept rethinks the way our society exercises by taking exercise outdoors and reconnecting people with the landscape. Thirdly, the LO Otium will demonstrate how physical fitness can be accessible and affordable to all, and reach people of lower socio-economic status, who tend to have poor health and greater issues with depression and obesity. The Otium Concept is a garden that is designed with a form of boot camp style exercises. These are performed in the landscape to strengthen one’s health, wellbeing, and connection to nature. The concept is unique, in that the landscape

features of the garden are used as exercise equipment. For instance, retaining walls are used for stepping, jumping and balancing, while paving patterns in patios and walkways are used as markers for cardio exercises. Overhead structures, such as arbors and gazebos, contain bars and brackets to support various suspension training systems to lift one’s body weight. Contemplative areas in the garden also provide opportunities for stretching, yoga, and meditation. One of the interesting features of the LO Otium is that it includes an area in which those confined to a wheelchair, or with a disability, may work out. The warm-up program includes arm circles and swings, shoulder and neck rotations and shoulder leans. The cardio aspect involves push sprints across the sports court and chair transfers from the wheelchair to the bench, as fast as possible. Strength training involves the use of bands and flexibility is improved with wheelchair yoga. The

garden design is programmed to accommodate a range of exercises that can be undertaken by people of all fitness levels. The Otium outdoor exercise concept has the potential to shift the way our society exercises and reconnects people with the outdoors. Within our society, when we think of exercising, we tend to think of performing a physical activity in an indoor environment such as a gym. The business structure of a gym is designed to sell memberships and get people through their doors and into interior environments they have created. When you exercise outdoors, however, a major shift is encouraging awareness and appreciation of the outdoor environment. The Landscape Ontario Otium Outdoor Exercise Garden will be re-purposed after Canada Blooms, with the exercise components moved to the Toronto neighborhood of St. James Town. The largest high-rise community in Canada, St. James Town is one of the most densely populated areas in North America, with 37,000 people living in 19 residential towers in less than one square kilometre. The community is a gateway for many new Canadians. It is a typical transitional neighbourhood, where people new to the city settle for a few years and

LO’s exercise garden reinforces a central concept of Green for Life, the benefits of healthy outdoor living, and builds on our Come Alive Outside garden presented at the 2014 festival.

10 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO FEBRUARY 2015

then move on when they are established. The apartments lack appeal, are poorly constructed, and there is a lack of amenities to support the density of the population. The average income, at $22,000, is one of the lowest in the city. There are approximately 64 different languages spoken in the community, with the ten most common being Tagalog, Tamil, Chinese, Mandarin, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Serbian, Bengali and Urdu. Community Matters Toronto is an optimistic group of St. James Town neighbours helping people build networks and share knowledge and skills. The offer from LO to share components of the Otium with this community is a timely endeavour. As of January 16, 2015, the Canadian Government announced the development of a community-based chronic disease prevention initiative for St. James Town to address unhealthy eating, physical inactivity, and smoking. In discussion with the community, regarding how the LO Otium could be adapted to St. James Town, some inspiring feedback was given by residents. One community member stated, “I would like to walk in a space that reminds me of back home, of the gardens, parks, and the outdoor spaces.” This feedback became a revelation of what the LO Otium could be at Canada Blooms and how the garden could be adapted to the neighbourhood of St. James Town. The list of common sports, popular in the countries of origin among the people living in St. James Town, includes basketball, soccer, baseball, cricket, racquet sports, volleyball and rugby. From here, various sports were combined that have similar training programs and exercise circuits were developed by Nikolai Whyte, a fitness consultant for Shawn Gallaugher Design. With this information, the LO Canada Blooms garden was designed to accommodate training programs for sports both featured in the Pan Am Games, and represented by the culture of St. James Town. After the show, residents will be able to exercise for sports that are familiar to their heritage and be reminded of home. Another social component of the garden is that it shares space with the Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF). The mission of this organization is to conserve and inspire the conservation of Canada’s wildlife and habitat. CWF also has an initiative, ‘Wild about Gardening,’ which informs people about creating gardens

that are wildlife friendly. The program increases young people’s awareness of the environment and wildlife habitat by encouraging young people to enjoy and appreciate environments where they play. The LO Otium design is in tune with the current social landscape, while promoting outdoor exercise to increase the health and wellbeing of people. At the same time, while the garden shares space with the Canadian Wildlife Federation, visitors will learn appreciation for the environment. Once Canada Blooms is all

over, the Otium Outdoor Exercise Garden will have a life beyond Canada Blooms by supporting the culturally diverse neighbourhood of St. James Town. Visit the Landscape Ontario Otium Outdoor Exercise Garden at Canada Blooms from Mar. 13 to 22, at the Direct Energy Centre, to experience the social movement of outdoor exercise.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS Windsor wins Chapter Challenge

Windsor Chapter captured the bragging rights and the Golden Grout for winning the inaugural LO Membership Challenge. Here Chris Power, Chapter vice-president, and Jay Rivait, Chapter secretary, accept the Golden Grout Award.

The race among the nine Chapters that make up Landscape Ontario to increase membership was a photo finish. The inaugural Chapter Challenge saw each Chapter achieve over five per cent increase in membership. When all the numbers were counted, Windsor Chapter won Golden Grout for achieving a 25 per cent increase in its membership numbers. Georgian Lakelands Chapter was in second with a 23 per cent increase. All nine Chapters qualified for a $500 bonus by achieving five per cent increase or higher. Along with the Golden Grout Award, Windsor Chapter won $500 for the highest percentage of new members. Inspired by LO President Dave Braun, the contest began in March of 2014, and concluded on Dec. 31. The winner was announced at Congress. When the contest began, Windsor Chapter president Don Tellier said, “I think that this membership challenge is great! It provides a little incentive to the respective boards to seek out new members, while promoting the Green for Life message at the same time. I have to admit that we did make some extra effort in seeking new members, and hopefully it will pay off in the end.”

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Denis Flanagan, manager of LO Membership Services, said, “All chapters put in an amazing effort throughout 2014, resulting in every Chapter exceeding the challenge of a five per cent increase in membership.” He pointed out that Georgian Lakelands was leading the pack during the Fall season, but just got beat at the post by the small, but mighty, Windsor Chapter. “It was a true photo finish.” The final results showed Windsor starting out with 31 members and finishing with 39, while Georgian Lakelands had 161 members and concluded with 198. Others included Durham with 148 members, and increasing to 167; Golden Horseshoe with 303 members and moving to 323; London with 142 members and ending with 150; Ottawa going from 164 to 176; Toronto from 758 to 851; Upper Canada from 43 to 48, and Waterloo from 182 to 206. LO Membership Department says the momentum will continue with a new challenge for 2015. Stay tuned.

Shuttleworth promotes Code of Conduct

Shuttleworth’s lifetime service encompasses both Landscape Ontario and the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association. His father was president of CNLA (formerly Canadian Nursery Trades Association) from 1959-1960. In 1976, Gord Shuttleworth was elected as the fourth president of LO, and continued the position when he was reelected for another term in 1978. He served as president of the London Chapter in 1982. Shuttleworth says that the original code of ethics was simple and to the point. “About ten years ago the code was changed to a more complicated list. I also don’t think it (the code) has enough teeth.” He also notes that he sees in some cases deterioration in quality of work in landscapes and nursery products. He cites selling plants in two, three and four gallon pots, as opposed to 40, 50 or 60 cm sizes. Shuttleworth says he doubts the vast majority of LO members even know the Association has a code of ethics. “I just had a best friend pass away, and at the funeral home I noticed on the wall a plaque called, A Code of Conduct,” says Shuttleworth. It was a solid statement of how they would treat the customer. It was a reminder of what our Association is missing.”

Landscape Ontario Honorary Life Member Gord Shuttleworth says every organization needs a code by which to operate. Although he is well aware that Landscape Ontario has such a code, he feels it’s time to re-visit the idea of examining and improving that code. This month’s Landscape Ontario magazine includes a Statement of Conduct, Principles and Ethics insert. The page is suitable for framing. “I believe that if each member had one hanging on the wall of their office or store, it would be a more permanent reminder of how we as an Association are committed to our profession,” says Shuttleworth. Shuttleworth is an industry pioneer, past president of Landscape Ontario, innovator and inventor. He received one of the Association’s highest honours at Congress 2013 with the presentation of the Landscape Ontario Honorary Life Membership. The honour was presented by another life member and past president (1979) Karl Stensson, who said, “Gord is one of a long line of leaders who have influenced others through their principles, values, ethics and activities.”

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

Members of the Landscape Ontario Provincial Board of Directors who gathered at the AGM on Jan. 7 at Congress.

Listening Tour announced at AGM

Engaged members of Landscape Ontario gathered for the association’s Annual General Meeting on Jan. 7. President Dave Braun stressed the importance of hearing the quieter

voices within the association family, and announced a 2015 Listening Tour; he plans to visit every LO group. In his executive director’s report, Tony DiGiovanni gave a proud recap of association initiatives. Inspired by sales motivation writer Daniel Pink, he said LO’s success has both enhanced lives and

made the world a better place. Treasurer Dave Wright reported on LO’s sound financial footing. The Executive and Board of Directors for 2015 were introduced, and Gregg Salivan and Tim Kraemer were again elected to serve as Members-at-Large.

Continued on page 19 >

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2015

Landscape Ontario salutes green industry excellence, recognizing the year’s best construction, design and maintenance work. Breathtaking design and master craftsmanship in landscape construction, maintenance and design projects were recognized at Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association’s Awards of Excellence Ceremony, held January 6, 2015. Over 600 industry professionals attended the gala awards presentation held at Toronto’s International Plaza Hotel. The Awards ceremony is held in conjunction with Congress, one of North America’s largest green industry events. The winning projects showed the outstanding levels of craftsmanship attained by Ontario’s landscape industry. That top-notch technical mastery was matched by stunning and sophisticated landscape design. The evening was hosted by Frank Ferragine of Breakfast Television and CityTV. The Landmark Group of Thornbury received the evening’s top honour, The Dunington-Grubb Award, for highest-scoring construction project. Pro-Land Landscape Construction of Brampton received the Casey van Maris Award, and Cedar Springs Landscape Group of Oakville was presented with the Don Salivan Grounds Management Award.

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THE LANDMARK GROUP DUNINGTON-GRUBB AWARD WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 15

The awards recognize the breathtaking design and master craftsmanship in landscape construction, maintenance and design projects created by Landscape Ontario members. Landscape Ontario is pleased to recognize the winners of the 2015 Awards of Excellence for:

ELITE DESIGNED CONCRETE INC Residential Construction - $25,000 $50,000 and Residential Construction $250,000 - $500,000 and Special Interest Construction

Landscape Construction Program ADEN EARTHWORKS INC Commercial Construction - multiresidential and industrial - Over $250,000

FOSSIL LANDSCAPES LTD Residential Construction - $250,000 $500,000 and Residential Construction - $25,000 - $50,000 and Construction, Balcony or Rooftop Garden

AQUASPA POOLS & LANDSCAPE DESIGN Residential Construction - $100,000 - $250,000 and Residential Construction - $50,000 - $100,000 (x2)

FUTURE LAWN INC Residential Construction - $50,000 - $100,000 and Special Interest Construction and Residential Construction - $10,000 - $25,000 and Residential Construction - $250,000 - $500,000

BEYOND LANDSCAPING Residential Construction - $25,000 - $50,000

GARDEN CREATIONS OF OTTAWA LTD Residential Construction - $50,000 - $100,000

BIENENSTOCK NATURAL PLAYGROUNDS Special Interest Construction BLUE DIAMOND POOLS AND LANDSCAPING Residential Construction - $100,000 - $250,000 (x3)

GELDERMAN LANDSCAPE SERVICES Special Interest Construction GENOSCAPE INC Construction - Water Features

BRUCE WILSON LANDSCAPING LTD Commercial Construction - multi-residential and industrial - Over $250,000 (x4)

GREENTARIO LANDSCAPING (2006) INC Residential Construction - $50,000 - $100,000

CEDAR SPRINGS LANDSCAPE GROUP Special Interest Construction and Residential Construction - $100,000 $250,000 (x4) and Residential Construction - $25,000 - $50,000 and Special Interest Construction

GREER DESIGN GROUP Residential Construction - $25,000 - $50,000 GRIFFITH PROPERTY SERVICES LTD Residential Construction - $25,000 $50,000 and Residential Construction $100,000 - $250,000 and Special Interest Construction (x2)

DA GRACEY & ASSOCIATES Residential Construction - $100,000 - $250,000 DARSAN Residential Construction - $100,000 - $250,000 DIMARCO LANDSCAPE LIGHTING Landscape Lighting Design & Installation - Over $30,000 and Landscape Lighting Design & Installation - $10,000 - $30,000 DIMITRIADIS DESIGN BUILD Residential Construction - $50,000 - $100,000 EARTHSCAPE ONTARIO Special Interest Construction

HACKSTONE LANDSCAPES Residential Construction - $100,000 - $250,000

CEDAR SPRINGS LANDSCAPE GROUP DON SALIVAN GROUNDS MANAGEMENT AWARD

16â&#x20AC;&#x192; LANDSCAPE ONTARIO FEBRUARY 2015

HANK DEENEN LANDSCAPING LTD Special Interest Construction IAN MCGREGOR POOLS & LANDSCAPING Residential Construction - $1,000,000 and over IDEAL LANDSCAPE SERVICES Residential Construction - $10,000 - $25,000 INTEGRA BESPOKE LIGHTING SYSTEMS Landscape Lighting Design & Installation - Over $30,000 JEN-DAN LIMITED Commercial Construction - multi-residential and industrial - Over $250,000 (x2) KINGSCAPE LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION GROUP Residential Construction - $250,000 - $500,000 LANDSCAPE EFFECTS GROUP Residential Construction - $100,000 $250,000 (x2) and Residential Construction - $50,000 - $100,000 and Commercial Construction - multi-residential and industrial - $25,000 - $50,000 LIVING ARCHITECTURAL CONTRACTING INC Commercial Construction - multi-residential and industrial - Over $250,000 MAPLERIDGE LANDSCAPES LTD Residential Construction - $100,000 - $250,000 MARKVILLE LANDSCAPING & NURSERIES INC Residential Construction - $500,000 - $1,000,000

Awards entrants are judged on originality, harmony of design elements and integration of plant and landscape materials. NATURE’S CHOICE LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION LTD Residential Construction -$100,000 -$250,000 and Residential Construction - $50,000 - $100,000 (x2) and Special Interest Construction OAKRIDGE LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS LTD Commercial Construction - multi-residential and industrial - $50,000 - $100,000 PARADISAIC CREATIVE DECKS Residential Construction - $50,000 - $100,000 PLANIT GREEN LANDSCAPES Residential Construction - $50,000 - $100,000 (x2) and Residential Construction - $25,000 - $50,000 PLANTENANCE LANDSCAPE GROUP Residential Construction - $25,000 - $50,000 PRO-LAND LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION INC Residential Construction - $100,000 $250,000 (x2) and Residential Construction - $250,000 - $500,000 R J ROGERS LANDSCAPING LTD Residential Construction - $250,000 $500,000 and Residential Construction - $100,000 - $250,000 ROYAL STONE LANDSCAPING & DESIGN LTD. Landscape Lighting Design & Installation Under $10,000 and Residential Construction -$100,000 -$250,000 (x2)

SHADES OF SUMMER LANDSCAPING & MAINTENANCE Construction - Water Features and Landscape Lighting Design & Installation - Under $10,000

YARDS UNLIMITED LANDSCAPING INC Residential Construction - $50,000 - $100,000

SO GREEN CANADA (LANDSCAPE DESIGN BUILD) Residential Construction - $50,000 - $100,000

BALA GARDEN CENTRE Non-Turf Maintenance

TERSIGNI LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION INC Residential Construction - $100,000 - $250,000 (x3) and Residential Construction - $50,000 - $100,000 THE GREAT GARDEN REVIVAL COMPANY Residential Construction - $10,000 - $25,000 and Residential Construction - $25,000 - $50,000 THE LANDMARK GROUP Residential Construction - $250,000 $500,000 and Residential Construction - $100,000 - $250,000 and Residential Construction - $1,000,000 and over THE SCOTT WENTWORTH LANDSCAPE GROUP LTD Web Sites and Residential Construction $100,000 - $250,000 (x5) and Residential Construction - $10,000 - $25,000 and Commercial Construction - multi-residential and industrial - $100,000 - $250,000 TIDY GARDENS LANDSCAPING INC Residential Construction - $250,000 - $500,000 VAUGHAN LANDSCAPING Residential Construction - $50,000 - $100,000

Landscape Maintenance Program

BOOT’S LANDSCAPING & MAINTENANCE LTD Private Residential Maintenance - 15,000 sq ft - 1 acre CEDAR SPRINGS LANDSCAPE GROUP Special Interest Maintenance - Residential or Commercial and Private Residential Maintenance - 15,000 sq ft - 1 acre CLINTAR LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT - MARKHAM/SCARBOROUGH Corporate Building Maintenance - Over 2 acres CLINTAR LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT - MISSISSAUGA WEST Corporate Building Maintenance - Over 2 acres OGS GROUNDS MAINTENANCE SPECIALISTS Multi Residential Maintenance - Over 2 acres SHADES OF SUMMER LANDSCAPING & MAINTENANCE Private Residential Maintenance - Under 15,000 sq ft lot size and Private Residential Maintenance - 15,000 sq ft - 1 acre and Non-Turf Maintenance SNIDER TURF & LANDSCAPE CARE LTD Private Residential Maintenance - 1 acre or more (x2) and Private Residential Maintenance - 15,000 sq ft - 1 acre STRATHMORE LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS Non-Turf Maintenance (x2) and Multi Residential Maintenance - Over 2 acres and Corporate Building Maintenance - Over 2 acres

PRO-LAND LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION INC CASEY VAN MARIS AWARD WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 17

Reaching new levels of craftsmanship and raising the bar for the rest of the industry. Landscape Design Program A CULTIVATED ART INC Private Residential Design - 2500 to 5000 sq ft (x2) AQUASPA POOLS & LANDSCAPE DESIGN Private Residential Design 2500 to 5000 sq ft and Private Residential Design - Under 2500 sq ft BRYDGES LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE INC Private Residential Design - 5000 sq ft or more CEDAR SPRINGS LANDSCAPE GROUP Private Residential Design - Under 2500 sq ft and Private Residential Design 2500 to 5000 sq ft and Private Residential Design - 5000 sq ft or more EARTHSCAPE ONTARIO Commercial Design (x2) GELDERMAN LANDSCAPE SERVICES Private Residential Design - 5000 sq ft or more JASON SMALLEY LANDSCAPE DESIGN INC Private Residential Design - 5000 sq ft or more

PLANTENANCE LANDSCAPE GROUP Private Residential Design - 2500 to 5000 sq ft (x2) ROYAL STONE LANDSCAPING & DESIGN LTD Private Residential Design - 5000 sq ft or more

Website Program AQUASPAPOOLS.CA CEDARGATELANDSCAPING.COM DUTCHMANSLANDSCAPING.COM LAWRENCEPARKGARDENCARE.COM HIRETHEGARDENER.COM

THE SCOTT WENTWORTH LANDSCAPE GROUP LTD Private Residential Design - Under 2500 sq ft

THE PROFESSIONAL GARDENER.CA

WELWYN WONG LANDSCAPE DESIGN Private Residential Design - Under 2500 sq ft

Special Awards Program

YARDS UNLIMITED LANDSCAPING INC Private Residential Design - 5000 sq ft or more

Landscape Irrigation Program DJ RAIN & CO LTD Water Conservation, Non-Potable Water

Interior Plantscaping Program ADEN EARTHWORKS INC Interior Plantscaping Design and Installation

WENTWORTHLANDSCAPES.COM WRIGHTLANDSCAPE.CA

Community Leadership Award 2015: SASHA HUNTER Legacy Award 2015: MARGARET AND IVAN STINSON Environmental Award 2015: KEN JEWETT PAST PRESIDENTS AWARD 2015: DEAN MCLELLAN Frank Ewald Jr Award 2015: MICHAEL VAN DONGEN Past Presidents Award 2015: UPPER CANADA STONE

The Awards of Excellence ceremony was made possible through our presenting sponsors, G&L Group’s Earthco Soil Mixtures and Draglam Salt, and supporting sponsor Connon Nurseries CBV. PRESENTING SPONSORS

Congratulations to all the winners! For more information about the Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence programs, please visit LOawards.com, or contact Kristen McIntyre, CHT, CEM, 18 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO FEBRUARY 2015 ext. 321. Events@landscapeontario.com (800) 265-5656,

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

ASSOCIATION NEWS Members of the 2015 Board of Directors are: Dave Braun, President; Warren Patterson, 1st Vice President; Paul Brydges, 2nd Vice President; David Wright CLP, Treasurer; Phil Charal, Past President; Brian Baun, Durham Chapter; Margot Byers, Georgian Lakelands Chapter; Tim Cruickshanks, Golden Horseshoe Chapter; Peter Vanderley CLP, London Chapter; Bruce Morton CLP, CIT, Ottawa Chapter; Lindsay Drake Nightingale, Toronto Chapter; Terry Childs, Upper Canada Chapter; Thomas Blatter, Waterloo Chapter; Donald Tellier CLT, Windsor Chapter; Michael Van Dongen, Garden Centres; Brian Marsh, Grounds Management; Gerwin Bouman, Growers; Steve Macartney CIT, Irrigation; Stephen Schell CLT, Interiorscape; Peter Guinane, Landscape Contractors; Chris Mace, Landscape Design; Alan White, Lawn Care; James Solecki, Lighting; Mark Humphries, Snow and Ice; Tim Kraemer and Gregg Salivan, Members at Large.

Charlotte, Beatrice, Jasmine, Mateo, Adelaide, Mirabel, Jove and Miles. Born in Veldhoven, The Netherlands, on Sept. 24, 1920, Joan Somers married Bill Intven in 1947. The couple emigrated to Canada in 1950. She worked closely with Bill to realize his dream of starting a plant nursery, founding Canadale Nurseries in 1955. She worked tirelessly to ensure Canadale would become a successful and important part of the St. Thomas business community. She instilled a strong work ethic in her family and those who worked with her. Joan Intven was the matriarch of her family, whom she loved and supported unconditionally. She was kind, generous and cheerful every day of her life. Joan Intven gave generously to many organizations in the St. Thomas and Elgin community and was a dedicated member of St. Anne’s parish and the Catholic Women’s League.

Memorial services were held at Williams Funeral Home in St. Thomas on Jan. 12. A funeral mass was celebrated at St. Anne’s Church in St Thomas on Jan. 13. Joan Intven will be sorely missed but never forgotten by her large family and the St. Thomas community.

Family Skate Day on Feb. 16

Golden Horseshoe Chapter has a great way for Landscape Ontario members to celebrate Family Day. Landscape Ontario members and their families are welcome to come and enjoy a free skate at Gateway Ice Centre at 610 South Service Road, in Hamilton, and lunch from Don Cherry’s Sports Grill. It’s all courtesy of Grand River Natural Stone. The skating event starts at 10 a.m. on Feb. 16, with lunch to follow. Organizers are asking you to please bring donations of non-perishables for the Stoney Creek Food Bank. For more information, contact Lee Rozon at 1-877-640-4005, or lrozon@landscapeontario.com.

In Memoriam — Joan Intven

Johanna Francesca (Joan) Intven (née Somers) passed away peacefully on January 9, 2015 in her 95th year, surrounded by her loving family. Joan Intven was the devoted wife of William (Bill) Intven (1920-2002). She was a loving mother to Hank Intven (Lyndsay Green, children: Lauren and Andrea (Zach Zubrick), Mike Intven (Margaret Intven, children: Katherine (Dave Tyndall), Natalie and Luke), Mary IntvenWallace (children: Will Wallace (Shannon Butcher), Jessica Wallace (Jamie Ware), Dr. Rebecca Wallace (Fede Carbajal), Nick Wallace, Liz Kristiansen (John Christiansen, children: Mellissa (Adam Young) and Julia), Tom Intven (Laurie Intven, children: Kate (Mike Holt), Meggan (Nathan McIntyre), Erin (Jordan McCloskey), and Tess, Margaret IntvenMercredi (son: John Mercredi), and Pauline Intven-Casier (Ron Casier, children: Remi, Victoria, Karel, Hanna (deceased) and Mina (deceased). She was the proud great-grandmother of Merryn, Alexis,

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Be it skiing or relaxing in the amazing spa, Georgian Lakelands Chapter’s annual event has something for everyone.

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Chapter welcomes LO members to Ski and Spa Day

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Landscape Ontario 2015 Ski and Spa Day is set to go for Feb. 26 at the Craigleith Ski Club and the Scandinave Spa at Blue Mountain. Hosted by the Georgian Lakelands Chapter, this is the 18th year for the popular event that welcomes all members of LO. The day begins at 8:30 a.m., offering both a day of skiing or spa. Included in your attendance, $105 per person, is a great networking breakfast at Craigleith Ski Club, your full-day lift pass, or your spa day pass, lunch and the Après Ski celebration to end the day. Student pricing is $ 95, which allows members to bring their family for the fun day. Those wanting to do both skiing and spa may choose skiing in the morning and spa in the afternoon, for $150. This year all attendees will receive a bandana to easily identify fellow participants. To register for the day, go to http://gfl.me/h2pX. For more information, contact Martha Walsh, Georgian Lakelands communications coordinator, at martha@landscapeontario.com, or 1-800-265-5656, ext. 2368.

Upper Canada Chapter hosting annual squash tournament

Join fellow LO members at Boyd’s Gym, 8 Trenton St., Trenton, on Feb. 17, starting at 10 a.m. for a fun day of squash, entitled ‘I Was There IV.’ It doesn’t matter if you have never played before, or if you are an experienced competitor, matches will be available to fit your comfort zone. There is a challenge trophy to be contested, defended by last year’s champion Perry Hartwick of Upper Canada Stone. The overall team champion of the tournament was the three-person unit from Picture Perfect Landscaping Quinte, consisting of Elaine and Neil Bouma and Judy deBoer-Bell. “We offer you a good time, a chance to make new friends, good food, an excellent prize table and lots of opportunity to hit something as hard as you can, legally,” said organizer Dan

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Clost. He noted that LO’s public relations director Denis Flanagan will be playing, “but it is not legal to hit him.” Contact Myscha at mburton@ landscapeontario.com to register, or Dan at dan.clost@gmail.com if you have any questions.

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Order discounted tickets to Canada Blooms

Members of Landscape Ontario can order special bar-coded tickets for the 2015 Canada Blooms/National Home Show, Mar. 13-22. The tickets, ideal for clients, staff, family and friends, come in packages of 20. Invoices will be sent after the show, only for the tickets that were turned in at the door. The LO member cost is $12, instead of the $20 charged at the door. If interested, please download a form at horttrades.com/canada-blooms-bar-codedtickets-2015, and fax to Kathleen at Landscape Ontario, 905-875-3942.

Correction

An extra digit was accidentally added to the return on investment figure quoted in the article, What Women Want, by Jennifer Llewellyn, in the December issue of Landscape Ontario magazine. According to Renovation magazine, kitchen and bathroom renovations return 60 cents on each dollar spent by the homeowner, not $1.60 as appeared in the article. WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 21

NEW MEMBERS Durham

Ottawa

Brickz and Blockz Landscaping Santo Lupo 34 Sullivan Dr, Ajax, ON L1T 3L3 Tel: 416-990-5109 Membership Type: Associate Razr Contracting Ray Van schyndel 118 Norwood Crt, Oshawa, ON L1G 6N3 Tel: 905-718-0098 Membership Type: Interim

Exact Post Ottawa Inc Ross Mitchell 1056 Joanisse Rd, Clarence Creek, ON K0A 1N0 Tel: 613-227-7678 Membership Type: Chapter Associate Kempro Trailers (914119 Ontario Limited) Randy Lavier 6668 Second Line Rd, Kars, ON K0A 2E0 Tel: 613-489-0526 Membership Type: Associate Ottawa Patio & Stone Design Greg McFerran 6406 Blossom Trail Dr, Greely, ON K4P 0B1 Tel: 613-830-4043 Membership Type: Interim

Georgian Lakelands Foothills Farm Ltd Catherine Inch 5715 Offset Nickle Rd, Chelmsford, ON P0M 1L0 Tel: 705-690-2555 Membership Type: Associate Future Green Irrigation Inc Shawn Gill 40 Davis Trail, Thornton, ON L0L 2N0 Tel: 705-999-0907 Membership Type: Active Georgian Chevrolet Peter Doyle 65 Barrie View Dr, Barrie, ON L7N 8V4 Tel: 705-730-1230 Membership Type: Associate John D Bell & Associates Ltd John Bell 201 - 274 Burton Ave, Barrie, ON L4N 5W4 Tel: 705-722-6278 Membership Type: Active RyhenSupply Ryan Henderson 33 Alpine Dr, PO Box 95, Moonstone, ON L0K 1N0 Tel: 705-739-3366 Membership Type: Associate

Golden Horseshoe Todd Appleby O/A Apples Landscaping & Maintenance Todd Appleby 6 Kingsway Cres, Brantford, ON N3R 1M7 Tel: 519-758-8661 Membership Type: Active

London Pitcher Perfect Groundskeeping Inc Austin Pitcher 6 Kopic Crt, St. Thomas , ON N5R 6K6 Tel: 226-448-4588 Membership Type: Active

Toronto ATP Contracting Tom Panagiotopoulos 19 - 16662 Bonhill Rd, Mississauga, ON L5T 1E1 Tel: 416-949-0203 Membership Type: Associate Action Heating Inc Josh Leury 68 Mills Crt, Bradford, ON L3Z 2Y3 Tel: 905-954-5208 Membership Type: Associate Anta Plumbing Tanya Klien 364 Munster Ave, Etobicoke, ON M8Z 3C7 Tel: 416-231-3331 Membership Type: Associate Avlawn Landscape Contractors & Snow Removal Tony Iafrate 6 - 310 Millway Ave, Concord, ON L4K 3W3 Tel: 905-532-0088 Membership Type: Active Bag-O-Sand Inc Peter Hald 14 Centennial Rd, Orangeville, ON L9W 1P8 Tel: 519-941-3242 Membership Type: Associate Bolton GM Craig Watson 12420 Hwy 50, Bolton, ON L7E 1M7 Tel: 905-857-3677 Membership Type: Associate Gibbons Irrigation & Utilities Gerry Gibbons 1606 - 11 Dunbloor Rd, Toronto, ON M9A 0B2 Tel: 905-714-5840 Membership Type: Active

ISA Co. Trading Inc Eisa Khanmohammadian 325 Red Maple Rd, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 6P2 Tel: 647-869-7020 Membership Type: Associate Lee Sand and Gravel Dominic Crupi 85 Passmore Ave, Toronto, ON M1V 4S9 Tel: 416-291-1986 Membership Type: Associate Quick Attach Attachments Keith Martinson PO Box 128, Alexandria, MN 56308 Tel: 320-815-9895 Membership Type: Associate Reinhart Trailer Sales Donald Reinhart 11 Wiggins Rd, Caledon, ON L7C 3T5 Tel: 905-846-1071 Membership Type: Associate Springridge Farm Inc Tom Hughes 7256 Bell School Line, Milton, ON L9T 2Y1 Tel: 905-878-4908 Membership Type: Active Techno Metal Post Hamilton-Durham Inc Roger Lauzon PO Box 28, Campbellville, ON L0P 1B0 Tel: 905-467-3172 Membership Type: Associate

Upper Canada Garden World John Phillips 663 Stewart Blvd, Brockville, ON K6V 7H2 Tel: 613-345-1262 Membership Type: Active V6 Agronomy Inc Ryan Brophy 9236 Branch Rd, North Augusta, ON K0G 1R0 Tel: 613-802-2559 Membership Type: Associate

Windsor Eco-Gro Lawncare Inc Vito Saputo 211 - 5505 Rhodes Dr, Windsor, ON N8N 2M1 Tel: 519-979-7600 Membership Type: Active IQ Power Tools Lucy Martinez PO Box 7449, Moreno Valley, CA 92552 Tel: 888-274-7744 Membership Type: Associate Sawatzky Excavating George Sawatzky 1428 RR 4, Leamington, ON N8H 3V7 Tel: 519-322-5619 Membership Type: Associate

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

Golden Horseshoe Chapter Family Fun Skate. February 16

Golden Horseshoe Chapter Family Fun Skate

Gateway Ice Centre, Hamilton Celebrate Family Day with your Landscape Ontario family and the Golden Horseshoe Chapter from 10 a.m. to 12-noon. Landscape Ontario members and their families are welcome to come and enjoy a free Family Skate, all courtesy of Grand River Natural Stone. Lunch follows at Don Cherry’s Sports Grill. Don’t forget to bring donations of non-perishables for the Stoney Creek Food Bank. For more information, contact Lee Rozon at 1-877-640-4005, or lrozon@landscapeontario.com. February 17

4th Annual ‘I Was There Squash’ Tournament

Boyd’s Gym, Trenton Shake off your mid-winter cobwebs with an exciting game of squash by joining the Upper Canada Chapter for its fourth annual ‘I Was There Squash Tournament .’ All levels of players are welcome to attend with the chance to win the prestigious Challenge Trophy, being defended by last year’s winner Perry Hartwick of Upper Canada Stone. For more information contact Dan Clost at dan.clost@gmail.com or Myscha Burton at myscha@landscapeontario.com. February 18

Georgian Lakelands meeting

Best Western, Howland Drive, Huntsville Join members of Georgian Lakelands Chapter for an all day meeting in Huntsville. The day begins at 10:30 a.m. Topics for discussion include Landscaping and Designing around Septic and Water Systems — the good, bad and the ugly. The afternoon session is Best Practices and Lessons Learned. February 18

Upper Canada Chapter meeting

Invista Centre, Kingston Join Upper Canada Chapter for its February meeting in Kingston. Featured speaker is Nathan Helder on Building a Successful Team. Learn how to successfully recruit and have groom new hires within 90 days. Nathan Helder is owner and the president of Gelderman Landscape Services, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. The meeting begins at 11 a.m. in the downstairs A&B Room. Refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Myscha Burton at myscha@landscapeontario.com, or 1-800265-5656, ext. 354. February 18

Landscape Contractor Lecture Series

Chateau Le Jardin Conference and Event Venue, 8440 Hwy. 27, Woodbridge Join your peers for an evening of creative inspiration and understanding with presentations from noteworthy Landscape Architects Paul Brydges and James Thompson. For more information, contact Kristen at kristen@ landscapeontario.com. WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 23

INDUSTRY NEWS Garden Tourism Conference in Toronto Excitement is mounting as delegates plan to come together for the North American Garden Tourism Conference at the Eaton Chelsea Hotel in downtown Toronto from March 16 to 18. The conference will be co-hosted by well-known garden and tourism personalities Alexander Reford, Director, Reford Gardens and Chair, Canadian Garden Council; Beth Potter, President and CEO Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO); and Casey Sclar, Executive Direc-

tor, American Public Gardens Association (APGA). At the same time Canada Blooms will be taking place at the Direct Energy Centre. This year’s theme is Gardens and Tourism: Making a Difference, with issues such as botanical, public, historic, university and community gardens; tourism organizations; garden trails, destination garden centres and garden focused communities; city, regional, provincial and national parks

Report on Kemptville College pleases Task Force Kemptville’s agricultural college should be handed over to North Grenville to run as a multipurpose community hub, according to provincial government advisor Lyle Vanclief. The Kemptville College Renewal Task Force says, “The provincial facilitator, the Hon. Lyle Vanclief, consulted widely with agriculture and other groups to map out a way forward for a sustainable solution for the Kemptville College campus. The recommendation that the campus be transferred to the local municipality to establish a new Kemptville Centre for Rural Advancement is an exciting and promising development. The proposed Centre would be established to meet the training and develop-

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ment needs of employers in Eastern Ontario.” Landscape Ontario’s Manager of Education and Labour Development , Sally Harvey CLT, CLP, is a member of the Task Force. Last spring, the University of Guelph, which operated Kemptville College since 1997, announced plans to close it after the 2015 school year. The University said the move came after years of declining enrolment and operating deficits. North Grenville Mayor David Gordon also welcomes Vanclief’s recommendation. He is quoted, “This is an excellent first step.”

for over

and cemetery departments; garden-related events and festivals; travel agents and tour operators and related horticultural and travel industry members. There is a special registration pricing for conference delegates who are members and affiliates of the American Public Gardens Association, Canadian Garden Council and Communities in Bloom. The line-up of more than 30 presenters will share valuable insights of how gardens and tourism work together to make a difference on their respective markets. “We continue to add to the Conference program and invite you to visit gardentourismconference.com regularly to view the program as it fills in with experts from every aspect of the Garden and Tourism worlds,” says conference manager Carol Cowan. Mark your calendars for this important event, to make your travel arrangements promptly and to register online at http://gfl. me/h2qg. For more information, contact Carol Cowan at zebra@passport.ca.

Video series highlights green infrastructure

Green Infrastructure Ontario Coalition (GIO) has released a new series of short videos on green infrastructure. The three-part “green infrastructure in the city” series covers a range of topics related to living green infrastructure. The videos outline what green infrastructure is and provide examples from around an urban setting. They also follow #greeninfrastructure John as he explores different types of green infrastructure, from tree-lined streets, urban parks and gardens, to green technologies such as green roofs and permeable pavement. The videos highlight Ontario’s need for more green infrastructure and encourage everyone to imagine their communities if

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we invested in green infrastructure like we do in grey. To view the video, go to http://bit. ly/1GoRoXS. GIO is an alliance of organizations that share a common vision for a healthy, green Ontario where the economic, social, environmental and health benefits of green infrastructure are fully realized. Landscape Ontario is a member of GIO’s steering committee.

Helping workers get back to WORK

It only took a split second. Anthony was working as a break press operator when it happened. “I caught my knee on a piece of machinery and it, sort of…it didn’t bend it backwards, but it tweaked it backwards, and it destroyed all the cartilage and some of the tendons on the sides,” he said. The doctor told him the injury was permanent. “I thought, I’m young, I can’t just sit around; there’s got to be something else,” he said. Afterwards, Sharon, a Work Transition Specialist (WTS) from Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) worked with Anthony to assess what opportunities were available to him. Sharon looked at his past experience, education and interests; and after taking all factors into account, Anthony trained to become a Cardiology Technologist. In looking back on the support he received from the WSIB he said, “They helped me when I didn’t know what I was looking for.” With success in this program, Anthony, now 45, is enjoying the challenge. “I don’t just have a new job,” he said. “I have a new career that I love.” Like Anthony, many seriously injured workers with support from the WSIB, may possibly find new careers, even when they

cannot return to their pre-injury jobs. The WSIB’s Work Transition program has created a renewed focus on helping people get back to work. It now offers faster and better care for injured workers than ever before. And thanks to major investments in customer service and technology, 92 per cent of injury claims are now decided within two weeks — many within 24 hours. Every injury is unique and not all workers are able to return to their pre-injury jobs, however, most workers recover and return to work shortly after an injury. Statistics show that 88 per cent are off benefits within three months and 96 per cent are off benefits within a year.

Research shows the importance of doing some work — even light work — within 90 days of their injuries. Otherwise, the odds that they will ever return drop by 50 per cent. The WSIB’s Return to Work Program employs around 300 staff to help workers return to their current workplace or assist those with more complicated cases. Their role also includes helping those who cannot return to their current workplace find alternative employment opportunities. In the last year alone, WSIB Return to Work staff made more than 26,000 visits to workplaces to help injured workers get back, more safely and quickly, to their jobs.

Canada Apprentice Loan now available

The Government of Canada has announced the Canada Apprentice Loan to help complete an apprenticeship in a designated Red Seal trade, for which landscape horticulturalists qualify.

The Canada Apprentice Loan is an initiative of the Government of Canada to help complete an apprenticeship in a designated Red Seal trade. Horticulture is a Red Seal trade. Starting in January 2015, you can apply for up to $4,000 in interest-free loans per period of technical training. The money will be available to you to help pay for tuition, tools, equipment and living expenses, to cover forgone wages or to help support your family. You will not have to make payments on your Canada Apprentice Loan, and no interest will accumulate until after you complete or leave your apprenticeship training program. Visit the pca-cal.ca/en/Home for more details and to apply online for quicker service.

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EXECUTIVE DESK Congress: An inspiring start to 2015 Tony DiGiovanni CHT LO executive director

his month I would like to give over my space to Jason Bouwman, founder of Compass Creative in Stoney Creek. Jason writes an online blog, entitled Two Cents Worth. I found his most recent blog, about Congress 2015 and our industry, bang-on and reflected my thoughts on our annual great event. Landscape Ontario and a number of our members have worked with Compass Creative on a number of projects. Jason describes his company, “We help our clients understand who they are (truthfully), what they do (exactly),

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who they do it for (specifically) and why it matters (really). In short, we help our clients’ transition from ‘bland to brand.’ ” I thank Jason for his permission to print his thoughts this month.

Think a career in landscaping is an oxymoron? Think again! By Jason Bouwman

Anyone who works with the landscape industry knows how much landscape professionals love their jobs — they love to be outdoors. So you’d better put on one really good show if you want to lure 13,000-plus landscapers indoors and have them stay inside for three to four days. This is what Landscape Ontario manages to do each year in Toronto at its annual Congress. This year was no exception. One of the most memorable moments for me this year happened when I first walked into the trade show hall. I hadn’t taken more than a couple steps, when one particular booth jumped out at me. Hortico! Hortico, a nursery from Waterdown, gave me my introduction into this industry with my very first job at the age of 12. Early on Saturday mornings, my mom would get me up and drive me to the Vanderkruk’s Farm on Robson Road, where for most of the day I would sit on a metal stool in a dingy barn with a group of co-workers stripping cuttings and dipping them in rooting powder. On more fortunate occasions, I was permitted to plant. That now all seems like a lifetime ago. About a year ago, Phil Vanderkruk called me and asked for our help rebranding the business his father founded. I was honoured. So when I walked in the trade show at Congress this year and sat down in the booth our team had designed for my first employer, it was like coming full circle. And that stool I was sitting on in the booth? The SAME STOOL I sat on 30 years ago! Phil had them sandblasted and recoated just for the show. I’ll admit that I enjoyed the nostalgic perch much more at Congress, than I did when I was a kid learning how to work. But looking back, I’m grateful for that first opportunity I was given to contribute and earn my keep. Landscape professionals know how

to work. What became clear though, in numerous conversations, is the need for this industry to improve its storytelling. The industry still struggles to enjoy the respect of the general public and to attract young talent to its workforce. Perhaps this is perpetuated by well-meaning parents who would rather see their kids become doctors and lawyers. Many of the speakers at the conference spoke to the need for better stories. Mike Pennington from Lakeridge Contracting in Whitby, a first-time speaker at Congress, pointed his audience to storytelling on social media. I was also pleased to hear Mark Bradley, owner of TBG Landscape Professionals in Brooklin and LMN, speak again. Mark emphasized the importance of developing a solid brand and compelling website, particularly for companies wishing to attract a higher paying clientele. But I was most inspired by the youth who spoke on the panel at the Cultivate and Connect event, as well as the high school and college students who presented their designs in the Come Alive Outside Design Challenge. They were passionate, knowledgeable and hardworking. Jeremy from Nicola Landscapes, a recent graduate from Fanshawe College (one of my old schools), was emphatic about working hard. “Realize that life is work and work is hard. Once you get that you can move forward, get busy and make things happen.” If anyone still looks down on the landscape industry, I’d encourage them (as I did) to have a conversation with Alan White of Turf Systems in Burlington. He is a guy whose deep knowledge of plants is only surpassed by his big, hairy, audacious ideas for change and his intense passion to be on the leading edge of that change. I am positive that there are more good things on the horizon for the landscape industry. These people are smart, resolved and poised to lead. Coming out of Congress and heading into the rest of 2015 (Compass Creative’s 10th year), I was inspired by the following thoughts: Impacting the world is not done primarily through the work you produce but by impacting the people around you in the process. We must remain humble enough to serve others, disciplined enough to push through the challenges and gracious enough to accept that people and circumstances will not always be as we wish. Jason Bouwman’s blog may be found at compasscreative.ca/blog. Tony DiGiovanni may be reached at tony@landscapeontario.com.

MEMBERSHIP Using your resources: Online member profiles By Myscha Burton Membership and Chapter Coordinator

hope you all had as wonderful an experience at Congress, as I did. I would define the show as ‘wow.’ As a first-timer, I was blown away by the sheer awesomeness of the show and the incredible turnout of our members and exhibitors. It was great to see all of you there and I thank you for continuing to support our association. I was lucky enough to wander the show and even attend two seminars. The excitement and enthusiasm of all attendees was contagious. Having visited some of our members on job sites this summer, I have seen how thrilled your clients are at the ways that you have, to quote Tony DiGiovanni, “enhanced their lives.” They are as impressed with your work as we are, and I think this needs to be showcased. A great way to do this is through your free online profile on our consumer site, landscapeontario.com. Consumers use this site to find member companies. They can also browse through our list of Award winners; what a great way to market your company and show off your talents! This site receives up to 50,000 unique visitors per month. That’s a large market that you have exclusive access to as an Active member of LO. Unfortunately, the online member profiles are an underutilized resource. It requires very little time and maintenance on your part, unlike a lot of other promotional methods. This is your very own page on the site, where you can post your own logo, photos, testimonials and other information — and it’s free. Take a little time this month to complete this quick project that will provide tremendous rewards. You can create your online profile in three easy steps. Step 1: Go to www.locc.ca. You will then be prompted to login to the secure site. If you’ve never done this, no problem; you can set up your account right there. If you’ve forgotten your password, again no problem; you can reset it right there, too. Step 2: Once you’re logged in you will then see a variety of options to select including seminar registration, Source Book listings, etc. On the right hand side of the page, you will see, “Is your company an active member? Create a Member Profile.” Select this option. Step 3: Upload your logo and provide your company’s information and a description that you want a potential client to see. Click and save. Please keep in mind that this tool is open only to our Active members. Fear not Associate members, you too can promote your company on our Associate members list available online to all LO members, through the industry leading product reference guide, the Source Book, as well as the Landscape Trades and Landscape Ontario publications.

ing for something to fill your calendar we have a plethora of events for you. The Durham, Waterloo and Toronto Chapters all had meetings within the first week, and the London Chapter hosts its annual safety meeting on the 10th. By using information and photos of your work, If you find yourself in as many as 50,000 homeowners each month Eastern Ontario on can see how you can best serve them. the 10th, come join us in Ottawa at GreenTrade Expo’s inaugural Awards of Distinction Gala, followed by the trade show on the 11th. We’ll be celebrating Family Day in style at the Golden Horseshoe Chapter’s Family Fun Skate at the Gateway Ice Centre, followed by the 4th annual I Was There Squash Tournament, brought to you by the Upper Canada Chapter which is also hosting a meeting on the 18th, along with Georgian Lakelands Chapter’s meeting the same day in Huntsville, featuring issues with septic systems and a round-table discussion on best practices and lessons learned. If that’s not enough to fill your calendar, Georgian Lakelands Chapter hosts the annual Ski and Spa Day on the 26th and the Windsor Chapter wraps things up this month, also with a meeting on the 26th. If you want more information on any of these events or would like some assistance in creating and updating your online profile, please contact me at myscha@landscapeontario.com, or call 1-800265-5656, ext. 2354.

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PROSPERITY PARTNERS Peers share top five business concerns By Jacki Hart CLP Prosperity Partners Program Manager

n Warm Up Monday at Congress, Tim Kearney CLP and I delivered a session to launch the Peer to Peer Network. We had a VERY engaged group of owners and managers, and covered a lot of ground. The basic premise of our Landscape Ontario Peer to Peer Network is to ensure that our members realize that in business, and in their career, they are not alone. At the start of our launch session, participants were a bit nervous and uncertain. By day’s end, the six people at each table were having constructive, lively discussions and debates about various challenges and solutions. Some were very candid and shared less than pleasant experiences and frustrations. An overwhelming rally of peer support lifted those discouraged few back to being re-energized and focused on moving forward. That’s what peer support is all about. It’s side by side, moving forward together towards their own individual goals and aspirations. During the day, we all participated in an exercise to determine the top five business challenges facing the group. We agreed these would form the core of our Peer Group focus for 2015. Here’s what The Landscape Ontario Peer to Peer Network is focused on working to improve this year: 1. Finding Qualified People 2. The Effects of Poor Financial Controls 3. Creating a Positive Company Culture 4. Creating Leaders in Your Company 5. Managing (creating and sustaining) Efficient Systems

Other issues included creating longterm viable business plans and consistent production rates year to year, crew to crew. The Landscape Ontario Peer to Peer Network is communicating using LinkedIn. To find us, go to linkedin.com and

28 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO FEBRUARY 2015

in the search box at the top of the page, type in: Landscape Ontario Peer to Peer Network. Make a request to join, if you are a member of LO, and a business owner or manager. Your request to join will be processed quickly, and you can then start to enjoy sharing and learning from your peers on these and other issues posted in the discussion. There are two important criteria to join: 1-You have to participate! 2 -You have to agree to abide by our Pledge and Commitment. Participation includes three or four ticketed face to face sessions, which will take place this year. Everyone in the group has committed to participate in each session. We all agree there’s strength in numbers when it comes to networking and group discussions. Our next session is in the Durham Chapter on Mar 26. The following session will be in Milton in July, followed by one or two sessions in the fall; one of which will be in Georgian Lakelands Chapter. Our Pledge to each other in this Peer Group is: • To honour confidentiality • To respect vulnerability • To offer sincere advice • To rise above judgement • To inspire peers with hope Our Commitment to our Network is: • To participate regularly in online discussions

• To engage in Face to Face sessions – ensuring success for all • To follow up when we say we will Our Next Peer to Peer Network session in March will focus on the topic of People and Culture in Your Business. The session will include sharing of ‘current reality’ in focused, facilitated group discussions, in addition to new information and tools related to company culture and qualified people. Many of you will be hiring in the next couple of months, and this is a great time to get prepared to conduct interviews. If you need help to improve your recruitment, hiring and retention processes, please make use of the FREE resources available to you at horttrades.com/HRToolkit. This downloadable Human Resource Kit has some great ideas to get you on the right track. Our Peer to Peer Network will share additional tools for improving people resources and company culture. Won’t you join us? Watch horttrades.com, or your weekly LO e-news for coming dates and locations.

Free prosperity tool: Emergency poster When it comes to operational excellence, health and safety rank at the top of every successful employer’s list. A free tool from the Prosperity Partners resource library is a poster on Artificial Respiration and CPR. You will hopefully never need it, but keeping this vital information posted at your workplace can help staff remember training exercises, should a real emergency arise. Download this free colour poster at http://gfl.me/x2pM. A wealth of other free resources is available at horttrades.com/prosperitytemplates. The templates are organized by Prosperity Pillar, and can be customized to suit your business needs.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

see the enthusiasm behind the Come Alive Outside campaign launched at our Congress trade show in January, and the community projects being undertaken by many of our chapters this year. It seems whatever the project with our members, there is always humour involved and we know that laughter can be the best form of medicine. Laughter can be more contagious than any cough, sniffle, or sneeze. It triggers healthy change, boosts energy, reduces stress and it’s fun and free. I hope to share a laugh with you at the monkey bars in the LO exercise garden at Canada Blooms.

A healthy industry By Denis Flanagan CLD Director of Public Relations and Membership Services

nited Nations has declared 2015 The International Year of Soil, in an attempt to raise awareness and promote more sustainable use of this critical resource. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that without healthy soils, “life on earth would be unsustainable.” Indeed, soils are the foundation of agriculture, of food security and nutrition. Landscape Ontario and The Compost Council of Canada will join forces to promote the awareness of healthy soil later this year. Stay tuned. During a lecture at the Royal Horticultural Society in Britain, it was suggested by Dr. William Bird, that significant savings could be achieved by the national health system if gardening was prescribed by GPs across the country. The U.K. health system spends £60 million a year on long-term health conditions. It is estimated that 80 per cent of these costs could be prevented by patients leading a healthy lifestyle. Gardening could play a major role in developing such lifestyles. Dr. Matilda van den Bosch says projects are underway in Sweden to compare the cost savings of prescriptive gardening with conventional medicine. Both these doctors are optimistic that gardening on prescription could be a reality one day. Landscape Ontario, along with CNLA, will be following this research and hopefully inspire similar action with our Canadian medical practitioners. Some further facts that you can share with your clients came from the eartheasy. com/blog. One long-term study followed nearly 3,000 older adults for 16 years. The study tracked all kinds of dementia and assessed a variety of lifestyle factors. Researchers found daily gardening to represent the single biggest risk reduction for dementia, reducing it by 36 per cent. Why does gardening make such a dif-

ference? Alzheimer’s is a mysterious disease and the factors influencing its incidence and progression remain poorly understood. However, gardening involves many of our critical functions, including strength, endurance, dexterity, learning, problem solving and sensory awareness. To fall in line with this healthy, life changing way of thinking, it is wonderful to

Denis Flanagan may be contacted at dflanagan@landscapeontario.com.

Drop by the LO exercise garden at Canada Blooms and test your fitness level.

ADVERTISERS Allstone Quarry Products Inc. Canadale Nurseries Donway Ford Sales Ltd. Expressway Hino Waterloo

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WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 29

CLASSIFIEDS 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 / Contractors Yard / Seasonal Garden Centre for Rent IN Collingwood High traffic, high exposure location on CR124 and Poplar SR (The new By Pass). Up to 1.5 acre for Outside storage for landscape supplies and equipment, 10 Bins for Topsoil / mulch / stone etc. Storage containers available, also coverall barn and office space. Tree farm on this 24 acre site. Space for Greenhouse available. Contact Gord at gord@itsfyi.ca

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

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

Get INSPIRED Get CONNECTED

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

NURSERY STOCK FIRST NATURE NURSERY Quality Suppliers of LIVE STAKES AND RODS DECORATIVE BRANCHES LARGE EVERGREENS Check us out at firstnaturenursery.com 905-973-3605

Landscape Ontario’s Green for Life brand is designed to promote your professional Get INSPIRED business Get CONNECTED

30 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO FEBRUARY 2015

Get INSPIRED Lakeside Garden Gallery...in Get CONNECTED

Business for 31 years. Now Hiring Landscape Designers Annuals Sales/Maintenance Positions Seasonal Plant Sales /Nursery Assistant Landscape Technicians Qualifications: • Must have garden centre/nursery experience • Must have good knowledge of related products • Excellent decision making/problem solving skills • Excellent work ethic and enthusiasm • Flexible schedule – evenings, days, weekends, holidays Lakeside Garden Gallery 10753 Heart Lake Road Brampton, ON L6Z 0B7 PH: (905) 846-3773 FX: (905) 846-1828 Email resume to employment@lakesidegardengallery.com

Landscape Ontario’s Green for Life brand is designed to promote your professional business

employment OPPORTUNITIES EXCITING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES D. A Gracey is an award winning design/build landscaping company specializing in high-end residential work in the GTA. We are looking for educated/qualified people who have a passion for landscaping and who take pride in the work they do. We are an established company, which continues its steady growth every year. Currently we are hiring: Landscape Construction Workers Skilled Landscape Labourers Skilled Mason Horticulturaist/foremen Landscape Designer If you are interested in a position, we are looking forward to talking with you. Please forward your resume to: D.A Gracey & Associates Ltd. 665 Millway Ave. Unit #11 Vaughan, ON, L4K 3T8 Fax: 905 761-1460 E-mail: mail@dagracey.com Visit our website to see some of our projects and find out more about us at: www.dagracey.com SEASON PLANT SALES ASSOCIATE/ NURSERY ASSISTANT Job Descripton Plant Sales Associates provide a fast and friendly service to our customers, assess their needs and provide assistance. Must have knowledge of nursery stock, annuals, perennials and all related garden product. Qualifications • Previous plant sales an asset • Good knowledge of plants and related products • Excellent decision making ability and problem solving skills • Must have an excellent work ethic and enthusiasm • Must have a flexible schedule – evenings, days, weekends, holidays Email resume to employment@lakesidegardengallery.com Macuto Nurseries Experienced farm workers required to perform manual work. Hand cultivating, digging and tree planting. Hourly rate $11.00. Seasonal employment starting April 1, 2015 to Nov 30, 2015. Job site Keswick, Ontario. Fax resume 905-476-1534 or mail P.O. Box 284 Keswick, Ontario L4P 3E2 Tel 905-727-3666

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horttrades.com/ classifieds

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In case of downtime.

NeverStop™ Loaner Guarantee. Standard on our new Commercial Mowers. When you purchase any new John Deere ZTrak™, QuikTrak™, or Walk-behind mower, you get something more than just a phenomenal mowing machine. You also get the peace of mind that comes with our NeverStop™ Loaner Guarantee, standard with every new John Deere commercial mower. In the unlikely occurrence that your mower should need servicing under warranty, you’ll receive a free loaner from your John Deere dealer* if it takes 24 hours or longer. So say goodbye to downtime. With NeverStop, you don’t have to stop.

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* Program available only at participating dealers and dealer participation will vary. Loaners used for residential purposes provided within 72 hours. Some conditions and restrictions apply. Additional program offerings available for an added cost. See participating dealer for complete details and program offerings.

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32 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO FEBRUARY 2015