Landscape Ontario - November 2011

November, 2011

www.horttrades.com

PM 40013519

Planting HONOURS heroes London Chapter and Grant Harrison bring Veterans Memorial Highway to life Page 7

2 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER, 2011

Formerly Horticulture Review November, 2011 • Volume 29, No. 11

’ O e )

S’ GO te c.)

O

GO

www.horttrades.com

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

4 FEATURES

Renewed energy at Expo London highway project Greenroof success

20 COLUMNS

20 OMAFRA 21 Smart about Salt 22 The Underground World 22 Contractors’ Column 23 Prosperity Partners 24 Systems for Success 25 Membership 26 Education 27 Public Relations 28 Executive Desk 29 President’s Message

9 ASSOCIATION NEWS

Greening Toronto streets Invasive plants Helping cancer unit Upper Canada transforms grounds van Wissens 50th

14 Industry NEWS Safety blitz Retail guru LIEP to 2012 Germans tour nurseries

30 Classifeds 31 Ad Index

ISSN 0823-8472 Publications Mail Agreement No. PM40013519

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

Communications coordinator Shawna Barrett skbarrett@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5305

Accountant Joe Sabatino

jsabatino@landscapeontario.com, 647-724-8585

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO STAFF

Carla Bailey, Rachel Cerelli, Paul Day CDE, Lexi Dearborn, Tony DiGiovanni CHTR, Rob Ellidge, Denis Flanagan CLD, Sally Harvey CLT CLP, Helen Hassard, Lorraine Ivanoff, Jane Leworthy, Kristen McIntyre CHTR, Kathy McLean, Linda Nodello, Kathleen Pugliese, Paul Ronan, Ian Service, Tom Somerville, Martha Walsh

Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Circulation Department Landscape Ontario 7856 Fifth Line South Milton, ON L9T 2X8 Canada

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 2011, 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

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Old friend, new name

By Lee Ann Knudsen CLP Your old friend Horticulture Review is suddenly Landscape Ontario magazine. I know this comes as a shock.

It might help to know that every change to your magazine was made for a reason.

Team members Mike Wasilewski, Allan Dennis, Sarah Willis, Steve Moyer, Shawna Barrett and I, as well as our volunteer advisory committee, hope the new brand and redesign strike you as a breath of fresh air. It was not undertaken lightly; hours of back-to-the-drawing board thought went into the transformation. Research shows magazine readers are conservative, and dislike change. However, the old magazine was a loosely organized patchwork. It

was not a review of horticulture, and did not reflect LO’s Green for Life identity.

Where to start?

First step in the rethink was to recognize the magazine’s importance as a communications hub that helps LO succeed. Understanding that fact, association features and news now take their rightful place up-front.

The news is followed by service information, including events and new members.

Industry news follows association news; information about Ontario’s green industry that does not fall under the LO umbrella.

Finally, columns bring up the end.

Updated look

With the organizational bones in place, it was time to address the magazine’s look.

Our Green for Life brand was the logical spin-off. Beyond the brand, we selected typefaces and other format details to promote easy reading, foremost.

It is clear that Ontario’s green industry has a sophisticated design sense. I will never forget the statement made by a block of orange snapdragons in LO’s Blooms 2010 garden ... just one of countless examples. The industry brings high style alive through living palettes, water, light, all changing through the seasons. And the elegant spaces are all created by customer demand in an open, competitive market.

Amazing. Your editorial team’s modest hope is that the redesign lives up to your industry’s standards.

Living legacy

Next year will mark this publication’s 30th birthday. To founder Rita Weerdenburg, we respect the magazine as a living community, and hope you approve of its renewal.

So once the shock wears off, with any luck Landscape Ontario magazine will reflect the vibrance of its readers, Landscape Ontario’s proud members.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 3

attract consumers looking to create something new in their home gardens. It also allows garden centre operators to learn new ways to grow their business through product selection, customer service, guest relations and marketing.

Great start

New plants and new products continue to draw attendees to Expo.

Expo continues to provide high value A renewed energy greeted horticulture and floriculture professionals visiting Canada’s premier garden and floral trade show, Expo 2011.

This year Expo moved to a new building at the Toronto Congress Centre, where the two-day October event included not just the popular trade show, but also education seminars, award presentations for Ontario garden centres and municipalities, a new product showcase, design shows and more. Over the two days, more than 2,000 visitors attended Expo.

“Every year Expo strives to be better than it has ever been, and with the help of top notch exhibitors and innovative new products, we succeeded this year in keeping the show fresh and exciting,” says show manager Lorraine Ivanoff.

Although attendance numbers were slightly down from last year’s, a real sense of a positive business atmosphere was found throughout the trade show.

Expo 2011 is a kick-off event for the industry preparing for the 2012 season, showcasing all the hot new products to

Well over 120 garden centre owners came away feeling fortunate to have taken advantage of the opportunity to hear Sheridan Nurseries president Karl Stensson share his experience and philosophy on how to build a garden centre’s brand. His keynote presentation featured Stensson’s policy of referring to customers as ‘guests.’

He noted, “When we invite guests to our home, we ensure that they are comfortable and enjoy the experience. It should be no different in your store.”

Noted industry expert JPaul Lamarche said that Stensson’s presentation was “likely the most informative seminar I have seen, period!” He went on to say, “It is said many times, that you should take in as many lectures, seminars and presentations as possible, as you may get one or two things that can transform your business.

Karl Stensson delivered a passionate, well thought out seminar on the little things you can do, to not only stay ahead of the box stores, but to move them out of your radar! Personally, I saw approximately 20 things I would implement tomorrow if I had a garden centre. Most would cost only hundreds of dollars and generate thousands in return. Most could be done by staff, thereby improving attitude and enthusiasm.”

At the end of this presentation, the Garden Centre Sector Group presented a $500 cheque to Stensson towards his company’s

Two Great Stores. One Great Source 175 Wyecroft Rd., Box 313.

Oakville, Ontario, L6J 5A2 Fax: (905) 845-9109

One Telephone Number • (289) 644-2250 One E-mail • fmackenzie@lockwoodchrysler.com

270 Oak Park Blvd.

Oakville, Ontario, L6H 0G3 Fax: (905) 845-5772

l cia per e p S sca d Lan Rates Let Fran MacKenzie Peacock put her 25 years of dedicated fleet expertise to work for you. Great products, great selection.

Delivered to you, on your schedule, guaranteed. Enjoy professional service delivered with a smile, Fran will do whatever it takes to provide you with a seamless, hassle-free buying experience.

Fran MacKenzie Peacock, Fleet Manager • (289) 644-2250 ☺• Affiliate Chair - NAFA Ontario Chapter 4 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER, 2011

favourite charity, The Children’s Wish Foundation.

Exhibitor awards

Judges had a tougher time than usual this year deciding the winners of the annual best booth and best promotion awards at Expo. Two categories for the best booth award were less than 200 sq. ft. and over 200 sq. ft. The first award went to Jill Jensen Botanical Specialties of Newcastle, while the latter award was won by Maple Leaf Nurseries of Jordan Station.

“Choosing the winners is always a tough decision, because there are so many deserving booths at Expo, but Jill Jensen and Maple Leaf stood out for the attention to detail and crisp layouts,” said Ivanoff.

John Neofotistos, ceo of Exhibitor Insurance.com, Concord, Tracy McKnight and Dave Brown, show managers, Seasons Christmas Show, Midhurst, were the 2011 judges.

Westbrook Floral of Grimsby won the best promotion award at Expo for the work put into engaging customers to attend the show. “Westbrook exemplifies the marketing savvy that we look for in our exhibiting partners. Our exhibitors are the best conduit to reach out and engage our industry,” said Beth Edney, chair of Landscape Ontario’s show committee. The best promotion award winner is determined by the committee after a careful review of the promotion efforts by exhibitors prior to the show.

For the first time in the show’s 12-year history, the volunteer members of the show committee selected their top three best booth winners, based on seven criteria: signage, flooring, circulation in and around the booth, innovation, use of lighting/special features, clarity of products bring sold

The best booth award was won by Jill Jensen Botanical Specialties of Newcastle. In photo, from left, Lorraine Ivanoff, show manager, Randy Ball and Henri Piersma, both representing Jill Jensen, and Beth Edney, chair of the trade show committee.

and staff attire. All exhibitors, regardless of booth size, were included in this evaluation.

The overall winner was Westbrook Floral.

Second place went to Aquascape and third place to Floral Express.

To view results of the Communities in Bloom Green for Life Awards, see Denis Flanagan’s column on page 27.

New Product Showcase

More than 100 of the latest industry products were featured in the New Product Showcase. Winner of People’s Choice for best new product or plant introduction was Jalisco Imports’ flat tire baskets.

Supporting A good cause

A heartfelt presentation at Expo’s welcome reception was Willowbrook Nurseries’ cheque presentation to the Canadian Can-

cer Society. Willowbrook has branded its one-gallon pots of perennials pink and yellow. For every perennial purchased with the cancer pot wrap, five per cent of the sale is donated to the Cancer Society.

John Langendoen, president of Willowbrook, presented a cheque of $5,380.04 to Canadian Cancer Society representative Angela Daley during Expo’s opening reception.

Ideal forum

The induction ceremony for new Canadian Academy of Floral Art (CAFA) awarded members for participating in a competition entitled A Tribute to Things Canadian.

“Expo is the ideal forum to showcase the artistic talents of floral designers,” said CAFA president Derrick Foss. “We are pleased and excited that we have once again been able to be part of this wonderful event.”

Attendees heard author Rory Sheehan provide an informative discussion on finalizing a sale and building your business. He was the star attraction at the Landscape Designers’ networking and breakfast event.

Attendees enjoyed the fragrant and eyecatching displays created by ten leading Ontario growers, Bayview Flowers, Cosmic Plants, Floral Dimensions, Northern Innovators, Pioneer Flower Farms, Prins Grow, P. Ravensbergen and Sons, Slappendel Greenhouses, Westbrook Floral and Westland Greenhouses.

Expo 2011 partners

A heartfelt presentation took place when a ceremonial cheque was presented by Willowbrook Nurseries Angela Daley of the Canadian Cancer Society.

Sponsors continuing to support the industry include: Canadian Academy of Floral Art, Communities in Bloom – Ontario, Flowers Canada (Ontario), Pick Ontario, Dig, Drop, Done Foundation, Global Arch, Greenstar WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 5

Garden Centre Sector Group chairman Michael Van Dongen presents awards to Pauline Intven-Casier of Canadale Nurseries and Karl Stensson of Sheridan Nurseries.

Awards of Excellence Expo 2011 created a great atmosphere for business networking opportunities.

Plant Products, Fafard et Freres, Canadale Nurseries, DeWitt Company, Langendoen Nurseries, Valleybrook Gardens (Ontario), Horta-Craft , Ambius, Plants in Design, Ada’s Flowers, CMC Wholesale, Floridus Design Images, Mex Y Can, Westbrook Floral, Flowers Canada Retail, LO’s Landscape Designer Sector Group, Connon Nurseries – NVK, Gib-San Pools, Teleflora, Tradewinds International.

The display garden, designed by Jack VandeRee CLT, with help from Boot’s Landscaping and Maintenance, and Connon Nurseries - NVK Holdings (plant material), Permacon Group (stone), Dinstinctive Rail (pergola) and Westbrook Floral (flowers), attracted a great deal of positive response.

The next big event for Landscape Ontario is the 39th annual Congress on Jan. 10 to 12. For more info on one of North America’s largest horticultural, lawn and garden trade shows and conference, go to www.locongress.com.

6 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER, 2011

After the keynote, LO’s Denis Flanagan announced the Awards of Excellence winners in the Garden Centre and Grower categories.

“The Awards of Excellence program is a great opportunity to acknowledge the workmanship, quality and commitment each of the winners invest into their companies and products,” said Flanagan.

The following are the winning entries announced at the Expo presentation: Angelo’s Garden Centre, Concord: Display of plant material — annuals and/or perennials.

Bala Garden Centre, Bala: Display of plant material — annuals and/or perennials.

Canadale Nurseries, St. Thomas: Merchandising techniques — Outstanding promotional event; Display of plant material — deciduous shrubs and/or trees.

Connon Nurseries/CBV Holdings, Waterdown: Display of plant material — annuals and/or perennials; Display of plant material your business is noted for.

Cudmore’s Garden Centre, Oakville: Display of plant material — annuals and/ or perennials.

Mori Gardens, Niagara-on-the-Lake: Display of goods — hardgoods.

New North Greenhouses, Sault Ste. Marie: Display of goods — giftware; Merchandising techniques - outstanding promotional event.

Parkway Gardens, London: Display of plant material — your specialty, plant mate rial your business is noted for; Permanent display gardens - over 500 square feet.

Sheridan Nurseries, Georgetown: Merchandising techniques — outstanding promotional event; Display of plant material — annuals and/or perennials; Display of goods — seasonal; Display of plant material — deciduous shrubs and/ or trees; Merchandising techniques — creative POP area; Merchandising techniques — print advertising; Display of goods — giftware; Merchandising techniques — outstanding website development.

The 2011 list of Growers Awards of Excellence winners was published in the August issue of Horticulture Review.

London Chapter president Grant Harrison and London mayor Joe Fontana plant the first tree as part of the Veterans Memorial Parkway project.

City and London Chapter join to create living memorial to Canada’s war veterans

By Carla Bailey London Chapter coordinator A highway in London, Ontario has become a living memorial to Canada’s war veterans.

Veterans Memorial Parkway runs for 10 kilometres, beginning just north of the 401 up to the airport. Along the way, large granite rocks are engraved with words to honour veterans, such as courage and sacrifice.

Now, thanks to members of Landscape Ontario’s London Chapter, 8,000 trees will provide a living honour guard along the parkway.

On Sept. 30, a unique and historic agreement was signed between the City of London and Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association by Joe Fontana, mayor of London, and Grant Harrison CLT, London Chapter president Attended by prominent Londoners, representing businesses, government, press and the private sector, the cafeteria at 3M Canada on Tartan Drive was filled with people who want this coalition to succeed and prosper.

“It is unique. This is the first time that the city has given up control of a project. More and more, governments must be prepared and willing to work in collaboration with partnerships,” said Fontana. “Partnership agreements have some risks, but we need to get over that and make it happen, as opposed to getting caught in the weeds.”

The mayor continued his positive comments on the project, stating, “While recognizing our veterans with this living tribute, we expand the tree canopy coverage, engage and involve the community, and at the same

time bring social, health and environmental benefits to our community.”

He concluded his talk by stating, “Imagine inspiring a community daily to remember not the battles won, but the power of people

who knew that they needed to do to and did so without complaint. This growing monument honours hope and legacy as well as the many sacrifices made.”

While the speeches were taking place inside, the hardworking teams from Clintar Landscape Management — London, Eden Gardenworks, Escapes Outdoor Living Designs, Haven Landscapes, Kimmick Landscaping and Rural Roots Landscape were hard at work outside drilling the holes and moving the trees into place. Many comments were heard about how amazing it was to see volunteers not only donate their equipment, but their time and labour as well.

“This is a huge project. It represents for us, as a horticulture association, an opportunity for members and associates to show our pride and involvement in the community,” said Harrison.

Site preparation took about seven hours, which allowed for a very smooth planting event on Sat., Oct. 1, when over 100 volunteers from a number of community groups joined with members of Landscape Ontario’s London Chapter to plant and stake 200 trees in just three hours. All enjoyed a thank-you barbecue after the last tree was installed.

London highway project is example of LO values The signing ceremony on Sept. 30 was a real sight to behold. The room was filled with prominent Londoners representing business, government, press and the private sector.

The ceremony lasted just over 30 minutes and Grant Harrison (Chapter president) spoke eloquently about LO and its participation in the Veterans Memorial Parkway Community Initiative Program (VMP CIP).

While the signing ceremony progressed, various London LO companies and staff could be seen preparing the site for Saturday’s planting. The participating companies were quite impressive with their professionalism and donation of time, labour and equipment to this project. The two planting areas provide us with a successful template we can sell to the businesses and people of London.

Grant Harrison is a real testament to LO and has gone above and beyond the call of duty for this project. When I needed his advice/support, Grant has been there for us, workong tirelessly for months implementing the VMP CIP. His participation has exceeded his role as the president of the Chapter, and this project would not have succeeded without his efforts. His level of dedication and effort to LO astounds me, and I believe he deserves special recognition.

Barry Sandler (member Area Special Projects Committee – Scouts Canada) has also worked tirelessly for this project for many years and he should also be recognized for his efforts. There have been many hurdles to the success of the VMP CIP, and Barry has kept the project focused and on schedule. It should be noted that Barry and LO’s London Chapter organized all the various components of the ceremony and planting day in just over 14 days.

The VMP CIP is a great example of the values and foundation of LO. Landscape Ontario is a tremendous trade organization and the staff members in Milton and London have been quite instrumental in the success of this project.

On behalf of the VMP CIP, thank you!

Michael D. Martins Kimmick Landscaping, London

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 7

MEMBER PROFILE Kees Govers on the ground floor of fast-growing green roof industry

Kees Govers’ horticulture background helped him create a unique installation system for his company LiveRoof Ontario.

By Allan Dennis The concept of green roofs has quickly become the fastest growing reality within the green industry. Landscape Ontario member Kees Govers of LiveRoof Ontario in Mount Brydges has become one of its driving forces.

“I began actively in the green roof industry in 2006,” says Govers. Previous to then, he was involved in the perennial nursery business selling to garden centres.

The rising Canadian dollar and depressed prices were making the wholesale perennial market difficult. “I saw where the green roof industry was heading, and changed my focus towards it.”

In 2009 the industry grew by 16.1 per cent, and last year was up by 28.6 per cent, according to Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, which gathers data on the industry.

Govers says his company has increased its production and sales threefold, while its labour force grew five-fold.

The public sees the major benefit of greenroofs as a method to improve the environment through air quality, and reducing the urban heat island effect. Govers says the vast majority of his business comes from clients who are looking to solve stormwater issues and increasing the lifespan of roofing systems.

8 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER, 2011

Govers estimates that green roof surfaces absorb up to 99 per cent of a oneinch of rainfall, reducing runoff, lessening the risk of sewer overflows and flooding.

He says, “Many cities have no room to handle the stormwater runoff, so they are looking at greenroofs to handle the problem. It’s a way to eliminate digging up streets and installing expensive systems to deal with stormwater.”

The other selling factor is the extension of a roof’s lifetime anywhere from 100 to 200 per cent, by protecting the rooftop from ultraviolet rays, large temperature fluctuations, drying winds and punctures.

Govers’ company provides unique service by growing all its plants at LiveRoof Ontario’s facility in Mount Brydges, near London. “As far as I know, we are the only ones to do this,” says Govers. Plants such as sedums, alliums, Sempervivums and Delospermas are used with media in a depth of four inches. When fully vegetated and saturated, each container weighs around 30 pounds.

Once the plants have become established in the containers, they are delivered to the site. And, there’s no random placing of the containers on the roof. Long before the plants have begun growing, LiveRoof creates a design for the project, so that each module is placed in a very specific

pattern. Govers says the system allows a quick installation of the modules, as staff members know exactly where each unit goes.

Another advantage of delivering mature plants, according to Govers, is that installation can take place anytime from Apr. 1 to Nov. 15. “With new plantings, you can’t complete the process in the dry months,” he says.

He says the Toronto by-law that was passed in 2010, has already resulted in more than 1.2 million square feet of new green space planned for commercial, institutional, and multi-unit residential developments across the city. He foresees more municipalities such as Mississauga, Hamilton, Vaughan, and Richmond Hill passing similar by-laws. He doesn’t see the provincial government placing similar laws across Ontario. “It tends to be an urban focus right now.”

Since he began in the greenroof sector, Govers says he has seen many changes.

“At the beginning, it was a bit of a wildwest show, but one of the best things to happen was the establishment of standards. He credits Green Roofs for Healthy Cities for developing its Professional Accreditation Program.

Govers says the future is bright for the industry. His company is currently growing plant material in the nursery for 17 to 18 projects. Some may begin this fall, depending on weather, while the majority will be ready to start in early 2012.

A past president of the LO London Chapter and chapter rep on the provincial board, Govers says he now has a ‘peripheral’ relationship with Chapter activities.

Horticulture Review interviewed Kees Govers at Fanshawe College in London.

The Oxford Street campus building has most of its roof covered in plants, installed over a year ago by LiveRoof. In midOctober the green roof was still lush and healthy.

It has been maintained by a private company, but soon Fanshawe College horticulture students under Michael Pascoe will take over the program, performing maintenance, while learning something about this fast growing industry service.

Pascoe says he thinks Fanshawe is the only college in Ontario offering a greenroof program. “It’s a great opportunity to have this major greenroof canvas on one of our (college’s) buildings,” says Pascoe.

Kees Govers is proud of his involvement with Fanshawe College. He is optimistic about what’s ahead for the green roof industry, and believes educating students will ensure that the industry will be in good hands down the road.

ASSOCIATION NEWS Toronto Chapter plans to Green Streets

By Allan Kling CLP You remember Mel’s moose? Those brightly coloured plastic beasts scattered throughout Toronto.

Green Streets! is a similar concept, but think living gardens instead of synthetic animals. Imagine 50 pocket gardens strategically placed throughout downtown Toronto, creating the perfect lunch-hour walking tour. Each garden will be the result of a partnership involving Toronto’s arts community, our local landscape industry and downtown businesses.

These will be small gardens — some no bigger than a bathtub — but each utterly unique. They are meant to be head-turning, the result of imaginations running wild. The design theme is sustainability, although loosely defined. Think of everything from re-purposed junk to innercity agriculture. Think of what happens when nature, innovation, and imagination meet on the street.

Green Streets! is an initiative of Landscape Ontario’s Toronto Chapter. Those

of us working in the city’s core believe that gardens do belong downtown, where they can amuse, inform and inspire the hundreds-of-thousands who live and work there.

Landscape Ontario members are ideally positioned to deliver these gardens.

Our designers, contractors, growers and retailers have the tools, materials and know-how to create and maintain them.

In doing so, these members will have an opportunity to tell the LO story and to showcase their work. The net result will be that Torontonians get a living lesson in gardening and some exercise while touring the gardens. Landscape Ontario gets an opportunity to promote the horticultural industry to the urban consumer and members are able to demonstrate their services to a very large market.

Green Streets! is open to anyone with an imagination! We are looking for teams with wild ideas and the skills to build them. If you are a contractor or maintenance provider, consider partnering with a landscape design professional, florist,

Green Streets! will feature small gardens with head-turning results.

architect or student. Landscape Ontario is securing sites in Toronto’s business district, which will be assigned to those with the most exciting ideas. The project will launch in May 2012 and the gardens will be maintained through September of next year.

This is a competition. Selection criteria and guidelines are under development now and will emphasize designs that speak to sustainability innovation, education and imagination. Winning entries will be announced in January, giving selected teams five months to turn ideas into realities.

LO’s Toronto Chapter will launch a website shortly that contains all the details. In the interim, contact Allan Kling at akling@urbangarden.ca for more information.

Invasive Plant Council expects regulations

By Peter Scholtens There are over 400 species of plants considered invasive in Ontario.

These plants affect a wide range of ecosystems and crops, from farmland to riverbeds. Control of invasive plants creates a huge drag on the economy, including $2.2 billion in weed control and lost production.

On Oct. 13 and 14, I attended the annual Ontario Invasive Plant Council (OIPC) annual meeting and conference in Prince Edward County, representing Landscape Ontario. As attendees, we had the opportunity to take field trips to see how local ecosystems are affected by invasive species. Discussions took place on the implications of action, or inaction, against the alien invaders. Workshops outlined current work in the field against invasive species and strategies to fight invasive plants.

Conservation authorities, responsible for management of natural areas, struggle to maintain biodiversity against invasive plants. It’s a complicated issue with so many different invaWWW.HORTTRADES.COM 9

ASSOCIATION NEWS sive plants from different sources, and problems in the field. It’s difficult for government departments and agencies to determine who is responsible and where to put efforts.

Some work has taken place in the province in the fight against invasive plants. OIPC, a non-profit, multi-agency organization founded in April 2007 to coordinate a provincial response to the growing threat of invasive plants, consists of conservation authorities, academic institutions, private consultants, industry and environmental non-government organizations, as well as all levels of government.

Of interest to the nursery and landscape trade were workshops discussing current government programs to fight invasive plants. These workshops highlighted gaps that government agencies identified in the quest to control invasives.

The strengths identified were good programs that monitored existing invasive species and searched for new problems.

The gaps included a lack of clear responsibility, as the current roles are not clear. The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) need to clarify which agency is responsible for specific problems in the field.

Legislative and regulatory gaps were also identified, allowing the entry of new species and the spread of invasive plants once they’ve entered the province.

The MNR is currently undergoing a review to determine the strengths and weaknesses of current legislation and regulation. This report will be released at the end of March 2012. It will be used to establish the need for new legislation and regulation to control the entry and spread of invasive species.

During the conference, there were numerous opportunities to network and discuss issues with other attendees. Several people spoke about their plans to send staff to educate retail garden centre employees regarding invasive plants.

They hope garden centres could educate the public about growing the right plant in the right place.

Invasive plants in home gardens have become an issue for people who own property adjacent to natural areas. Retail garden centres that sell water plants will be a particular focus (along with aquarium and pet stores). This is because at least

two Eurasian water plant species have recently escaped into the wild and are the subject of eradication efforts in the Trent and Ottawa Rivers. The source of these escapes is thought to be local retail garden centres. MNR staff hopes to reduce the risk of this happening again, so they plan to reach out to retail outlets selling these plants and others like them.

It was evident at the conference that government agencies consider invasive species a special concern, and they plan to address the problem. The nursery and landscape trade is currently being identified as a source for the introduction of invasives into natural areas. The landscape and nursery trades need to take some ownership of and responsibility for this issue. Some believe it is to our benefit to be aware of these issues, educate ourselves, and our customers, and perhaps even to begin to regulate our own behaviour before the government begins to do it for us.

Peter Scholtens of Verbinnen’s Nursery in Dundas serves on LO’s Environmental Committee.

Pathways to Perennials raises $3,000 for cancer unit For the eighth consecutive year, LO member Pathways to Perennials in Kettleby, hosted its Annual Art and Jazz Charity Garden Party to raise funds for the Southlake Regional Cancer Unit.

The event collected $3,000, which brings the eight-year total to over $21,000.

Attendees at the Sept. 29 event enjoyed a beautiful evening of delectable food donated by Summerfresh, and an interactive menu prepared by Absolutely Fine Foods, while enjoying the incredible sounds of The Trilogy Jazz Project.

Visitors were also able to view the fragrant perennial beds and lifestyle displays enhanced by outdoor lighting.

International sculptor, Brett Davis of Age of Bronze Studio in King Township, displayed his work.

The evening was capped off by a raffle in which many companies came together to donate prizes to such a good cause.

The raffle featured more than two dozen fantastic pieces of interior and exterior décor, plants, trees and garden acces-

10 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER, 2011

sories.

Angie Mennen, garden centre manager, noted that statistics show that by 2014, York Region alone will see as many as 4,500 new cancer cases diagnosed each year, almost double the provincial average increase.

Upper Canada beautifies residence

By Dan Clost CHT Past president, Upper Canada Chapter Upper Canada Chapter is pleased to have created a long-term relationship between community members and the horticulture industry.

The Chapter was approached by Starr Olsen, executive director of Community Living in Quinte West, requesting help to transform the grounds of the Joan Scott Development Centre, a home for disabled adults.

The grounds were typical of a 1970s industrial area, with no plants except a lot full of weeds, surrounding a concrete path that was designed to move people from the street to inside the building with minimum delay. There was no reason to stop along the way.

The vision was to create a pleasing array of gardens, a pathway, patio, and raised planters for teaching purposes.

The theme was a sensory garden. A unique feature is a thousand-square-foot patio with 12 distinct areas surrounding the three large planters. Each area has either a different pattern, such as basket weave and herring bone, with different coloured pavers. As well, a variety of pavers with different profiles were used.

Grateful acknowledgement is given to the inventor of poly-sand that filled the interesting gaps where patterns met.

The level of support within the Upper Canada Chapter was exceptional in terms of donated materials and bodies working on the ground. Over the course of two non-raining October weekends, 40 volunteers toiled away. In total, 21 companies were represented as suppliers of either materials and/or labour, and more than 99 per cent of the material was donated.

Just before the ribbon cutting ceremony, one LO member informed the mayor that the project was completed on time and under budget.

Visitors and students at 11 Canal Street are now treated to a pleasing view of swaying ornamental grasses, lilac hedges that define without segregating, trees and shrubs with foliage selected for colour, movement, texture and fragrance,

a new path and a patio with some ground level surprises.

Next spring, the teaching beds will be filled with all manner of interesting plants that will provide beauty and instruction. How cool is that, eh?

It must be noted that all of the folks from Community Living Quinte West administration, board members, students, and the agency’s own group of volunteers pitched in to make their presence felt. This was a complete community effort, bringing together LO members, potential members, individuals, city and provincial administrations, as well as quite a few on-lookers.

The landscaped grounds are adjacent to the entrance to the local conservation authority waterfront trail, which is travelled by many people. They, too, can now enjoy the beauty created by members of the Upper Canada Chapter.

The van Wissens mark 50th anniversary Hendrika and John van Wissen celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Oct. 7, in Brampton, surrounded by family and friends.

John van Wissen was always proud to have been involved during the beginning of Landscape Ontario.

He believed firmly in a trades organization that represented his industry.

Today, John Jr. operates John van Wissen Nurseries and Garden Centre in Brampton.

Hendrika and John van Wissen John van Wissen suffered a stroke while battling cancer about three years ago, paralyzing him and leaving him without the gift of speech. The couple still maintains an apartment, and their dedication to each other continues after 50 years.

Immigrating to Canada from Holland when he was 19 years old, John van Wissen came from a market-gardening family of nine kids. It was natural process that his first job in Canada was at a garden centre, Goodison’s on the Queensway in Mississauga. A wonderful mentor and trainer, Harold Goodison taught John in all aspects of retailing.

After establishing himself in Canada, John placed an advertisement in the Dutch newspaper wishing to correspond with a girl back in Holland. Hendrika van Spijk, from a market gardening family of 14, came to Canada and married John van Wissen.

In 1979, the couple purchased a two-acre property in northwest Brampton, where John van Wissen Nursery and Garden Centre began. It started with apples, tomatoes and a few perennial plants and grew to include three separate businesses: van Wissen Perennials, van Wissen Cut Flowers and John van Wissen Nurseries and Garden Centre. van Wissen recognized early in his market gardening career that he was not only selling plants, but knowledge. The buying public craved plant information and knowledge, and the couple became extremely helpful and giving with their time and knowledge. The business grew, and soon they became supporters of the vision that is Landscape Ontario.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM  11

VOLUNTEER PROFILE Keith Osborne: From the ground up Keith Osborne is a familiar face to many LO members, especially those involved with growers’ issues and the trial gardens.

Over the past few years, the sales representative for Gro-Bark (Ontario) has served on LO’s Environmental Stewardship Committee, the Trial Gardens Committee at LO home office and the Growers Sector Group.

He says he was inspired to join Landscape Ontario because everyone on the committees and LO staff were so friendly. “I thought it would be great to be part of that atmosphere,” he said.

“I was right then, and it gets better with time.”

Working to help improve the trial gardens with in-kind donations of soil from GroBark is one of Osborne’s favourite volunteer activities.

He has also been a guest speaker at the August trial gardens open houses the past two years.

The annual growers’ group bus tours to nurser-

12 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER, 2011

ies are always special events for Keith Osborne. “It is such a good time seeing everyone together, meeting new friends and renewing with past friends.”

He says he has become much better known within the industry from his volunteering work at LO. “Another benefit from volunteer for the association is the real satisfaction that results from helping others and promoting the entire industry.”

Asked if he had any suggestions to improve the association, Osborne said, “We need to practice what we preach.

Let’s plant more material at our own offices and sites; including Landscape Ontario’s home office site.”

Along with his volunteer work at Landscape Ontario, Keith Osborne is also involved with the Canadian Greenhouse Conference and International Plant Propagator’s Society.

Helps with research projects

Osborne has also worked with Dr. Youbin Zheng and his research team at the University of Guelph on a project entitled Development of Sustainable Growing Systems for Nursery, Greenhouse Ornamental and Vegetable Production.

Landscape Ontario’s Growers Group and Gro-Bark (Ontario) helped fund this three-year project. The project tested the performance of newly developed growing substrates in producing some of the common and important nursery and greenhouse species. Keith Osborne was a contact person for the project.

LO STAFF PROFILE Mike Wasilewski Graphic designer

What is your job description at LO? I am the graphic designer. I help produce Landscape Ontario (formerly Horticulture Review), along with various print and webbased media items. I also help maintain horttrades.com and facilitate advertising production.

What is your background before coming to LO, and when did you begin work at LO? I was a student at Sheridan College, where I received my certification in art. I studied graphic design at York University for one year, finishing my post secondary

at University of Toronto, where I received my HBA. I went through a couple of internships before finally settling with LO in September of 2008. While attending school, I worked as a landscaper for roughly seven years, so I think that helped solidify my position at LO. When not at work, where can you be found?

I ’m a gym rat, a rink rat, and a homebody.

After work, you can find me at the gym, one of my favourite hobbies. Having been born and raised in this country, I always found there were two important rules for being a Canadian: maple syrup is king and hockey is everything! Ever since I was five years old, and my dad laced-up my first pair of skates, you couldn’t keep me off the ice. To this day, you still can’t. I guess that’s why winter’s my favourite season (I always get dirty looks for saying that).

Other than that, I’m usually enjoying the comforts of my home where I spend time in my man-cave watching movies or hanging out with friends and family.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

O ut of the numerous phases I went through as a kid, I always wanted to be a comic book artist. When I was younger, comics were my inspiration. When I began my high school years, I found out I could make a career from art and figured my

best bet was graphic design, considering the comic book industry was really difficult to get into at the time.

What inspires you during your time at LO? Working with the great staff at LO and talking to the enormous group of volunteers.

It’s unbelievable how an industry such as ours, knowing the lifestyle of landscapers, designers, growers, etc., can still be able to set aside time from their busy schedules to help out LO. The industry is just incredible.

Name your all-time favourite movie, musical group and TV show.

I love this question. I am a huge movie and music buff, so it’s really hard to pinpoint one for each. My favourite movies are John Carpenter’s The Thing and Cameron Crowe’s Almost Famous.

I love rock music; everyone from Led Zeppelin to Queens of the Stone Age, but one band has always stood out from the rest: Tool.

TV show would be Firefly. It was cancelled prematurely, which was sad (How can you not like a western in space?). The show had such a large fan-base that it spawned a movie, Serenity, which was also great.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

The U.K. I want to explore castles.

Tell us one thing about you that few of your colleagues know about you.

Years ago when I played hockey for York University, I received an invitation to play pro hockey in Europe, but never accepted the offer. Having a career in hockey was never my goal, as I wanted to stay in school and focus on my studies. Although, at times I somewhat regret not taking the opportunity. In the end, I think (hope) I made the right decision.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 13

EVENTS

Waterloo Fall Freeze-Up

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

Waterloo Inn Conference Hotel, 475 King Street North, Waterloo Come out and enjoy a season-ending event at the 32nd annual Waterloo Chapter’s Fall Freeze-up dinner and dance. Cocktails start at 6 p.m. with buffet dinner at 7:15. The event will include D.J., door prizes and large draw prizes.

Tickets cost $130 per couple. Order your tickets early to be entered into a draw to win a free night at the Waterloo Inn. Draw to be held at the November general meeting.

December 13

Ottawa chapter winter social

Congress, where the industry comes together. Starts Jan. 10

Landscape Ontario and industry events

Chapter events

December 5 - 6

Ottawa chapter meeting

ICPI concrete paver installation course

Landscape Ontario, 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton The Interlocking Concrete Paving Institute (ICPI) is holding its Concrete Paver Installation course at the LO home office in Milton.

January 10 – 12, 2012

Congress 2012 trade show and conference

Toronto Congress Centre, 650 Dixon Rd., Toronto Landscape Ontario’s Congress is Canada’s largest green industry event for landscape professionals. Engage with energetic industry professionals to sharpen your skills and increase your expertise. Details at www.locongress.com.

November 15

Royal Canadian Legion Branch, 641- 3500 Fallowfield Rd., Ottawa The Ottawa Chapter Winter Social begins at noon. Pre-registration is required for the free lunch and to qualify for Sen’s ticket giveaway.

January 17

Ottawa chapter AGM

Royal Canadian Legion Branch, 641- 3500 Fallowfield Rd., Ottawa Join the Ottawa chapter for its November meeting, with speaker Terry Lussier of ActionCoach discussing the process to growing a successful business.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch, 641- 3500 Fallowfield Rd., Ottawa Join the Ottawa Chapter for its Annual General Meeting with speakers, the executive director and president of Landscape Ontario. Pre-register for a free lunch and to qualify for the Sen’s ticket giveaway.

November 17

February 15

Windsor Chapter meeting

Dominion Golf Course, 6125 Howard Ave. Oldcastle Gear up for the winter at the Windsor chapter’s snow and ice meeting. Robert Roszell will present the new salt applications research done through the University of Guelph and LO.

19th annual Green Trade Expo

C E Centre, 4899 Uplands Drive, Ottawa Now in its 19th year, Green Trade Expo moves to a new location. Show hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bookmark the website for upto-date information, www.greentrade.ca.

November 18

NEW MEMBERS Golden Horseshoe Elizabeth Craig 290 John St E, Niagara on the Lake, ON L0S 1J0 Tel: 905-328-0321 Membership Type: Horticultural

Toronto Aileen Barclay 302 - 30 Prospect St, Newmarket, ON L3Y 3S9 Tel: 416-550-4154 Membership Type: Horticultural

Manulife Financial Jason Rawhut 200 Bloor St E, Toronto, ON M4W 1E5 Tel: 416-926-3000 Membership Type: Horticultural

Rooms ‘N Blooms Richard Vernon 29 Hamilton St S, Waterdown, ON L0R 2H4 Tel: 289-925-5587 Membership Type: Active

Ajoi Landscape Design Inc Julie Jeannotte 375 Salisbury Lane, Newmarket, ON L3Y 8A4 Tel: 905-853-2564 Membership Type: Active

Muskoka in the City Inc Al Seymour 7178 Ridgeland Cres, Mississauga, ON L5N 1Y9 Tel: 905-812-8872 Membership Type: Active

London Total Facility Solutions John Moore 540 Wharncliffe Rd S, London, ON N6J 2N4 Tel: 519-690-1075 Membership Type: Active

Buxton Grounds Maintenance Ltd Joseph Racippo 6 Buxton Rd, Toronto, ON M3M 1Y5 Tel: 416-243-2674 Membership Type: Active

b sq Design Studio Inc Robert Boltman 27 St. Paul St, Toronto, ON M5A 3H2 Tel: 416-723-1959 Membership Type: Active

Harsha Stones Inc Dharamveer Pandya P3A - 1703 McCowan Rd, Scarborough, ON M1S 4L1 Tel: 416-439-9703 Membership Type: Associate

14 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER, 2011

INDUSTRY NEWS Pallets targeted in November blitz Any workplace with pallet racking is a potential target for inspectors during a month-long blitz, which began Nov. 1.

“If you have lift trucks and pallet racks,” says Don Brown, a provincial specialist with the Ministry of Labour’s Industrial Health and Safety Program, “we’ll be interested in having inspectors visit your workplace.”

Inspectors will focus on issues that can lead to worker injuries when working with or near racking systems. The most serious racking hazards involve a total or partial collapse of a rack, and loads falling from the rack or lift truck used to load or unload the rack.

During the blitz, ministry inspectors will pay particular attention to warehouses, distribution centres, retail operations, and manufacturing plants where pallet racks are commonplace. “If racking has the potential to collapse,” says Brown, “we want to make sure it’s rectified and properly maintained. Otherwise, it represents a significant hazard that could seriously injure or kill workers.”

Brown identified two likely inspection priorities. “Inspectors will be checking on whether employers are maintaining equipment in good condition, which is a requirement under section 25(1)(b) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. I think another important component will be the employer duty to provide information and instruction to workers (section 25(2)(a)). For example,” continues Brown, “where workers are loading racks and working around racks, it is important that they understand the loading specifications and understand and be trained on how and when to report racking damage. Safe operation of lift trucks is also important.”

“If you don’t have the paperwork and drawings to show that a racking system was built and installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications,” says Leon, “you’ll need a Pre-Start Health and Safety Review conducted by an engineer. If you’ve modified a racking system, you’ll need an engineer’s report on the system.

“A lot of people don’t realize this.

They think it’s a grandfathered thing: ‘The racks were here before I started so I must be exempt.’”

A racking structure installed prior to

Oct. 7, 2000 is exempt from a Pre-Start Health and Safety Review unless it has been modified, he explains. Furthermore, if racking was installed in accordance with current applicable standards, then no PSR is required. However, the employer should have documentation to support this.

For additional information on racking and storage, go to http://bit.ly/vWMqiF.

Stanley shakes up retailers at greenhouse conference

Now in its 32nd year, the Canadian Greenhouse Conference moved to the bright, new Scotiabank Convention Centre in Niagara Falls this year.

Held on Oct. 5 and 6, the trade show floor featured both familiar exhibitors and new ones. A well-planned conference offered plenty of educational opportunities for greenhouse growers and garden

centre operators, as well as students.

The popular pre-show bus tour visited a hydroponic operation, herb grower, cut flower and vegetable growers and enjoyed a luncheon stop at a Niagaraarea winery.

For garden retailers, the marquee speaker was John Stanley, of John Stanley Associates. A renowned retail consultant, Stanley travels the world speaking with store owners. At the Canadian Greenhouse Conference, he presented three sessions for garden centre owners, and packed a lot of information into each one. Stanley addressed challenges facing the garden centre industry, and helped retailers set out a plan for their future, saying that today’s stresses include climate change, increased box store penetration, changing consumer habits and expectations as well as social media marketing.

Today’s consumers are looking for what Stanley calls “The Latte Factor.” He says shoppers want more than a plain coffee — they are looking for an experience when they shop: something new every day. If they see the same old, same old, they will go somewhere else.

As an example of the changing face

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 15

Botanical Name

Qty. 1 Gal Qty. 2 Gal Qty. 3 Gal Avail. Price Avail. Price Avail. Price

VINES Ampelopsis glandulosa Elegans 432 8.00 Campsis radicans Balboa Sunset 462 8.00 Celastrus orbiculatus Diana 210 8.00 Celastrus orbiculatus Hercules 260 8.00 Celastrus scandens 460 8.00 Hydrangea anomala petiolaris 152 6.00 453 13.00 Lonicera brownii Dropmore Scarlet 205 8.00 Lonicera heckrottii Goldflame 200 8.00 Lonicera japonica Halls Prolific 320 6.00 270 8.00 Parthenocissus quinq. Engelmannii 242 6.00 844 8.00 Parthenocissus quinquefolia 1,000 6.00 Parthenocissus tricus. Veitchii 1,000 6.00 Polygonum aubertii 1,000 6.00 Vitis riparia 365 8.00

EVERGREENS

Azalea Golden Lights 266 13.50 Azalea Mandarin Lights 251 13.50 Azalea Orchid Lights 474 13.50 Buxus Faulkner 246 5.00 934 11.00 Buxus microphylla 556 5.00 42 11.00 Buxus X Green Gem 844 5.20 1,000 11.20 Buxus X Green Mound 1,000 5.00 1,000 11.00 Buxus X Green Mountain 1,000 5.00 1,000 11.00 Buxus X Green Velvet 1,000 5.20 774 11.20 Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Pygmaea’ 230 15.00 Chamaecyparis pisifera Aurea Sungold 6 5.00 311 11.00 Chamaecyparis pisifera Filifera 172 5.00 284 11.00 Chamaecyparis pisifera Filifera Aurea 325 11.00 Cotoneaster dammeri Coral Beauty 1,000 5.00 752 7.00 Cotoneaster dammeri Major 599 7.00 Cotoneaster salicifolius Repens 716 7.00 Euonymus fortunei Canadale Gold 723 7.00 Euonymus fortunei Coloratus 1,000 5.00 Euonymus fortunei Emerald Gaiety 1,000 5.00 1,000 7.00 Euonymus fortunei Goldtip 333 7.00 Euonymus fortunei Sarcoxie 443 7.00 Ilex X meserveae Blue Prince 500 6.00 275 13.00 Ilex X meserveae Blue Princess 840 6.00 623 13.00 Juniperus chinensis Gold Coast 160 5.00 495 11.00 Juniperus chinensis Gold Star 310 5.00 350 11.00 Juniperus chinensis Mint Julep 390 5.00 401 11.00 Juniperus chinensis Pfitz. Compacta 205 5.00 383 11.00 Juniperus chinensis San Jose 41 5.00 312 11.00 Juniperus communis Repanda 386 5.00 223 11.00 Juniperus conferta Blue Pacific 550 5.00 180 11.00 Juniperus horizontalis Andorra Compacta 277 5.00 432 11.00 Juniperus horizontalis Bar Harbor 289 5.00 298 11.00 Juniperus horizontalis Icee Blue 989 6.00 821 13.00 Juniperus horizontalis Lime Glow 205 6.50 74 13.50 Juniperus horizontalis Prince of Wales 419 5.00 106 11.00 Juniperus horizontalis Wiltonii 445 5.00 668 11.00 Juniperus horizontalis Yukon Belle 355 5.00 300 11.00 Juniperus media Armstrongii 122 5.00 308 11.00 Juniperus procumbens nana 53 5.00 420 11.00 Juniperus sabina 276 5.00 93 11.00 Juniperus sabina Buffalo 41 6.00 152 13.00 Juniperus sabina Calgary Carpet 131 6.00 132 13.00 Juniperus sabina Skandia 150 6.00 191 13.00 Juniperus squamata Blue Carpet 96 5.00 254 11.00 Juniperus squamata Blue Star 360 11.00 Metasequoia glyptostroboides 1,000 7.00 Microbiota decussata 55 5.00 275 11.00 Myrica pensylvanica 1,000 7.00 Picea abies 279 7.00 135 11.00

16 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER, 2011

Botanical Name

Qty. 1 Gal Qty. 2 Gal Qty. 3 Gal Avail. Price Avail. Price Avail. Price

Picea glauca Conica 541 Picea omorika 201 7.00 Picea pungens glauca 230 7.00 Picea pungens Globosa 40 5.00 267 Pieris japonica Mountain Fire 200 Pinus mugo var. mugo 1,000 Rhododendron ‘Nova Zembla’ 200 Taxus cuspidata Aurescens 403 Taxus cuspidata Monloo 400 Taxus cuspidata nana 56 6.50 290 Taxus X media Densiformis 1,000 6.00 854 Taxus X media Hicksii 1,000 6.00 1,000 Taxus X media Hillii 630 6.00 209 Taxus X media Wardii 648 6.00 846 Thuja occidentalis 613 Thuja occidentalis Nigra 738 5.00 597 Thuja occidentalis Smaragd 851 5.00 1,000 Thuja occidentalis Wintergreen 1,000 5.00 592 Thuja plicata Spring Grove 680 Tsuga canadensis 206 5.00 207 Tsuga canadensis Jeddeloh 386 Tsuga canadensis Pendula 250

13.00 22.00 11.00 11.00 15.00 18.50 15.00 13.50 13.50 13.50 13.50 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 13.50 13.50

DECIDUOUS SHRUBS Acanthopanax sieboldianus 392 7.00 Acer ginnala 292 7.00 30 8.00 Acer rubrum 856 7.00 Amelanchier canadensis 104 7.00 200 9.50 Amelanchier humilis 442 7.00 Aronia mel. Autumn Magic 219 7.00 Berberis thunbergii Aurea nana 140 6.00 300 13.50 Berberis thunbergii Concorde 75 6.00 99 9.50 100 13.50 Berberis thunbergii Rose Glow 270 6.00 299 9.50 Berberis thunbergii Royal Cloak 601 6.00 82 9.50 70 13.50 Berberis x Emerald Carousel 287 9.50 Betula alleghaniensis 200 7.00 Betula nigra 465 7.00 Buddleia davidii Black Knight 275 7.00 Buddleia davidii Ellens Blue 450 7.00 Buddleia davidii Ile de France 704 7.00 Buddleia davidii Nanho Purple 337 7.00 Buddleia davidii Petite Plum 400 7.00 Buddleia davidii Pink Delight 460 7.00 Buddleia davidii Purple Prince 773 7.00 Buddleia davidii Royal Red 336 7.00 Caryopteris clandonensis Dark Knight 246 7.00 Caryopteris clandonensis Grand Blue 417 7.35 Caryopteris clandonensis Worchester Gold 344 7.00 Celtis occidentalis 578 7.00 Cercis canadensis 460 7.00 Chaenomeles speciosa Nivalis 412 7.00 Chaenomeles speciosa Rubra 956 7.00 Chaenomeles speciosa Texas Scarlet 495 7.00 Chaenomeles sup.Crimson and Gold 243 7.00 Clethra alnifolia Hummingbird 223 7.00 Clethra alnifolia Pink Spire 580 7.00 Cornus alba Elegantissima 293 7.00 Cornus alba Red Gnome 460 7.00 Cornus alternifolia 1,000 7.00 Cornus amomum 891 7.00 Cornus kousa chinensis 300 7.00 Cornus racemosa 1,000 7.00 Cornus sanguinea Midwinter Fire 354 7.00 Cornus stolonifera Kelseyi 439 7.00 Cotinus coggygria Royal Purple 371 11.00 Cotoneaster apiculatus 292 7.00

Many More Cultivars and sizes available

Botanical Name

Qty. 1 Gal Qty. 2 Gal Qty. 3 Gal Avail. Price Avail. Price Avail. Price

Cotoneaster horizontalis 643 7.00 Cotoneaster preacox Boer 1,000 7.00 Deutzia crenata Nikko 773 7.00 Deutzia gracilis 910 7.00 Diervilla lonicera 556 7.00 Euonymus alatus 255 5.00 764 8.00 Euonymus alatus Compactus 1,000 5.00 550 8.00 967 10.00 Fagus sylvatica Purpurea 533 7.00 Forsythia Kumson 477 7.00 Forsythia ovata Ottawa 930 7.00 Forsythia X inter. Northern Gold 1,000 7.00 Forsythia X intermedia Goldtide 443 7.00 Forsythia X intermedia Lynwood 420 7.00 Fothergilla gardenii ‘Mount Airy’ 300 1.00 Genista tinctoria Royal Gold 314 7.00 Gymnocladus dioica 169 7.00 180 9.50 Hibiscus syriacus Aphrodite 319 5.00 70 10.00 Hibiscus syriacus Diana 450 5.00 312 10.00 Hibiscus syriacus White Chiffon 72 5.60 197 10.60 Hibiscus syriacus Woodbridge 390 5.00 200 10.00 Hydrangea arborescens Annabelle 882 7.00 1,000 10.50 Hydrangea macr. Nikko Blue 211 8.00 Hydrangea paniculata Pink Diamond 399 7.00 Hydrangea paniculata Pinky Winky 376 7.60 Hydrangea paniculata Tardiva 345 7.00 Hydrangea paniculata Vanille Fraise 288 9.00 Hydrangea serrata Bluebird 440 7.00 Ilex verticillata 351 7.00 Ilex verticillata Afterglow 1,000 7.00 Ilex verticillata Southern Gentleman 507 7.00 Itea virginica Henrys Garnet 791 7.00 Kolkwitzia amabilis Pink Cloud 818 7.00 Ligustrum ovalufolium 278 7.00 Ligustrum vulgaris 333 7.00 Lindera benzoin 400 7.00 Liriodendron tulipefera 335 8.50 Lonicera tatarica 231 7.00 Lonicera tatarica Arnold Red 1,000 7.00 Lonicera xylosteum Claveys Dwarf 548 7.00 Lonicera xylosteum Emerald Mound 1,000 7.00 Lonicera xylosteum Miniglobe 555 7.00 Magnolia stellata Royal Star 307 15.00 Magnolia X Butterfly 238 15.00 Magnolia X loebneri Leonard Messel 331 15.00 Nyssa sylvatica 240 7.00 Philadelphus coronarius Aureus 607 7.00 Philadelphus Innocence 863 7.00 Philadelphus Minnesota Snowflake 341 7.00 Philadelphus Natchez 238 7.00 Philadelphus X virginalis 295 7.00 Physocarpus opulifolius 1,000 7.00 Physocarpus opulifolius Dart’s Gold 1,000 7.00 Physocarpus opulifolius Diabolo 1,000 7.60 Physocarpus opulifolius Seward 657 9.85 Populus deltoides 450 7.00 Potentilla fruticosa Dakota Sunrise 793 7.00 Potentilla fruticosa Gold Drop 1,000 7.00 Potentilla fruticosa Goldstar 268 7.00 Potentilla fruticosa Mango Tango 503 7.00 Prunus cistena 399 5.00 1,000 7.00 23 8.00 Prunus virginiana 426 7.00 Quercus macrocarpa 393 7.00 41 8.00 Quercus robur Fastigiata 633 9.00 Quercus rubrum 720 7.00 Rhus typhina 1,000 7.00 Rhus typhina Tiger Eyes 15 10.50 239 16.50

Botanical Name

Qty. 1 Gal Qty. 2 Gal Qty. 3 Gal Avail. Price Avail. Price Avail. Price

Ribes alpinum Rosa Bonica Rosa J P Connell Rosa John Cabot Rosa rubrifolia Rosa rugosa Rosa rugosa Alba Rosa x Champlain Rosa x George Vancouver Rosa x Royal Edward Salix bebbiana Salix caprea Salix eriocephala Salix exigua Salix gracilis Purpurea Nana Salix nigra Salix repens Sambucus canadensis Sambucus canadensis Aurea Sambucus nigra Black Lace Sambucus pubens Sorbaria aitchisonii Sorbaria sorbifolia Sorbaria sorbifolia Sem Spiraea alba Spiraea arguta Spiraea betulifolia Tor Spiraea bumalda Gold Mound Spiraea japonica Anthony Waterer Spiraea japonica Crispa Spiraea japonica Dakota Goldcharm Spiraea japonica Flaming Mound Spiraea japonica Froebelii Spiraea japonica Golden Princess Spiraea japonica Goldflame Spiraea japonica Magic Carpet Spiraea japonica Shirobana (Genpei) Spiraea japonica White Gold Spiraea nipponica Snowmound Spiraea vanhouttei Stephanandra incisa Crispa Symphoricarpos albus Symphoricarpos chenaultii Hancock Syringa meyeri Palibin Syringa patula Miss Kim Syringa vulgaris Tilia americana Viburnum dentatum Viburnum dentatum Chicago Lustre Viburnum lentago Viburnum nudum Winterthur Viburnum opulus Nanum Viburnum plic. Summer Snowflake Viburnum plicatum Mariesii Viburnum plicatum Shasta Viburnum trilobum Viburnum trilobum Bailey Compact Weigela florida Bristol Ruby Weigela florida Bristol Snowflake Weigela florida Elvira Weigela florida French Lace Weigela florida Java Red Weigela florida Minuet Weigela florida Nana Variegata Weigela florida Rumba Weigela florida Victoria

1,000 465 252 335 310 552 249 430 265 314 806 1,000 212 1,000 880 288 263 997 1,000 75 225 495 1,000 125 1,000 276 255 1,000 568 922 511 725 1,000 688 1,000 1,000 386 478 346 406 1,000 1,000 251 1,000 1,000 833 328 489 642 1,000 359 380 446 408 340 1,000 685 265 337 199 343 200 299 932 546 212

7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 9.50 100 7.00 7.00 7.00 8.00 298 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.25 7.00 211 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 8.00 8.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 5 7.00 7.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 9.60 9.60 7.00 8.00 7.00 7.00 7.00

13.50

9.50

8.00

8.00

17 RR 2, Mount Brydges, ON N0L 1W0 • Tel: 519-264-9057 •WWW.HORTTRADES.COM Fax: 519-264-1337

INDUSTRY NEWS of retail, Stanley spoke about Kidzania, a Mexican chain of family entertainment centres where children pay for the opportunity to work in adult jobs. The concept has been dubbed ‘advertainment’ as the children can bottle Coke, work at McDonalds, or fix Chevrolets. Stanley noted that through Kidzania, other industries are attracting children to their trade while entertaining them.

Hot retail trends to follow include a children’s garden category. Stanley noted that children’s tools, boots and watering cans are often scattered throughout a store, and recommended creating an area just for children. He said that

for some retailers, fairy gardens have become a good seller. Edible landscaping is leveling off in some areas, but is still a large category that should receive attention, and also recommended promoting colour in the garden. Stanley said that as the economy slips; it’s been shown that people surround themselves with brighter colours.

Stanley spent a lot of time on the subject of social media, encouraging everyone to devote some resources to it immediately. He noted that smart phones have changed the marketing game. Shoppers now trust information that comes from their social media con-

tact — or a supplier — more than your in-store salesperson. Shoppers will follow recommendations from their friends, snap smart tags to learn more about products in your store, and will soon expect to checkout and pay through their cell phones.

Stanley predicted that traditional advertising will continue to decline as people invest in Facebook Places, Google Circles and phone apps to spread their message to customers.

Stanley’s list of recommended reading for retailers includes: Spend Shift by John Gerzema and Michael D’Antonio, Signs that Sell by Sonja Larsen, The Experience Economy by Joseph Pine and James Gilmore, Brandwashed by Martin Lindstrom and The Soul of the New Consumer by David Lewis.

John Stanley’s White Paper, Vision

German visitors tour Ontario nurseries

A group of 26 nursery people from Germany began a tour of Ontario at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre.

It was an ambitious itinerary for even the most seasoned of travelers. In late September and early October, a group of 26 nursery people from Germany travelled throughout Ontario and B.C. The visitors had a first-hand look at the operations of the Canadian nurseries. After visiting a number of B.C. nurseries, the tour landed in Ontario, starting off with a meet-and-greet at Vineland Station, co-hosted by CNLA, Landscape Ontario, and Vineland Research and Innovation Centre.

After a tour of the research projects currently underway at Vineland, the group met with some Ontario nursery colleagues. Presentations on the current state of the industry in Canada and Germany revealed that growers in both countries are dealing with many of the same challenges.

Ontario nurseries visited by the delegation included JC

18 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER, 2011

Bakker Nurseries, Mori Nurseries and Willowbrook Nurseries in the Niagara area, and Connon NVK Nurseries in Waterdown, Winkelmolen Nurseries in Lynden and Pieper Nurseries in Dorchester. With the intent of heading north to glimpse Ontario’s famous fall colours, the group made its way to Somerville Nurseries in Everett and Bradford Greenhouses before heading to Algonquin Park.

The wide-ranging tour was concluded with visits to Dutchmaster Nurseries in Brougham, Uxbridge Nurseries in Brooklin, Brookdale Treeland Nurseries in Schomberg, and Sheridan Nurseries in Georgetown.

The tour was organized by Dr. Heinrich Loesing, director of Versuchs- und Beratungsring für Baumschulen, a membership-supported nursery research and consulting organization.

A tour is organized to a different country each year.

20/20 The Next Decade for Independent Garden Centres is a strategic document co-authored by Stanley and Trevor Cochrane with contribution from Malcolm Scott. It provides their view of the changing retail scene and encourages garden centres to prepare business plans for the changing retail climate. The white paper sells for $1,995 on John Stanley’s website, but Garden Centres Canada is offering it to members for $399. Contact garden centres’ priorities manager Renata Triveri at renata@canadanursery. com for details.

Executive program looking to run in 2012

A collaborative effort between the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association and the George Morris Centre, an independent think tank, the Landscape Industry Executive Program (LIEP) was developed specifically for executives, managers, and owner-operators in the landscape, nursery, retail garden centre sectors.

Unfortunately, LIEP 2011 was postponed as the number of registrations did not warrant running the program this year. It was close, but not close enough, but there will be one more opportunity to implement the program in 2012.

The program’s developers ask, “Do you spend too much time putting out fires running the day-to-day activities in your business?” They say LIEP will resolve problems of not having time to work on your strategic business plan, recruiting and retaining good people, and helping to resolve issue such as competition from big box stores.

Funding opportunities are available for those members with a Farm Business Registration Number (FBRN) in Ontario’s Growing Forward Program. The link to the policy and procedures manual of the Growing Forward Business Development for Farm Businesses program is http://bit. ly/s8Aikx. Eligibility criteria are on page 4 of the document.

Included in the LIEP are training for strategic planning, succession planning, operations planning, and information systems management.

New dates for the fall 2012 program will be announced in the coming weeks.

Watch for updates in LO’s e-newsletters.

For more information on the program, contact Karen Bilton, education coordinator, George Morris Centre www. georgemorris.org, 519-822-3929, ext.

205, or karen@georgemorris.org.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 19

OMAFRA NURSERY REPORT Bio-based pots

By Jen Llewellyn, OMAFRA Nursery Crops Specialist, and Mahendra Thimmanagari, OMAFRA Crop Bioproducts Specialist

T

he Ontario nursery industry is the largest in Canada, representing 44 per cent of the total farm gate sales of nursery stock in the country, with a total growing area of around 23,525 acres.

Estimates show one-third of this area is devoted to container production.

The Ontario nursery industry has actively participated in plastic recycling programs for containers, poly films, trays, wraps, bags, etc., in an attempt to reduce the amount of waste plastic in landfills.

Some wholesale nurseries, horticultural suppliers and garden centres are also providing collection depots.

Several growers are presently experimenting with bio-based containers to reduce the impact of production on the environment. Fibre-based materials such as coconut coir and rice hulls are used to manufacture biodegradable containers for the nursery and greenhouse sector. Several pot suppliers offer biodegradable pots that are really catching on in some product lines.

Let’s take a moment to review the terminology for various bio-based products in the industry: • Bio-based refers to products made with some component of biological, or organic renewable materials, such as crops and crop residues, grasses, and wood fibres.

• Biodegradable container material is broken down through a biological microbial process (bacteria, fungi). Under natural conditions, it can take several months to years to break down.

• Compostable is a process similar to biodegradation, but it occurs under specific composting conditions (temperature, O2, CO2) and therefore takes a shorter time (six to eight months in commercial operations).

Compostable plastic products must meet the standards, ASTM D6400, or ASTM D6868, to be labeled as compostable.

Some nursery growers have been trialing coconut coir pots (imported from Asia).

These coir pots can last two to three years in outdoor production and still maintain their

integrity and natural look. One of the advantages of the porous coir pot is the additional air in the root zone. Growers have seen a significant increase in the amount of fibrous roots for several species of trees grown in coir pots, compared to smooth-walled plastic pots. This increased root mass is a huge boost for plant quality and out-planting success and can make up for the added cost.

Make sure the pot you choose is appropriate for the length of time that crop will be in production.

Most of the biodegradable, bio-based pots out there are geared towards short production cycles in the greenhouse (three to six months), after which they may become brittle, or fall apart when handled. Typically they are made out of rice hulls, corn or coir.

Higher costs

Although bio-based pots function very well, they often cost significantly more than plastic pots. With continuously rising input costs in nursery and greenhouse production, profit margins have been reduced. During these tough economic times, the nursery industry is looking to reduce costs.

Some Canadian researchers are examining bio-based pots that can be manufactured here in Ontario.

Locally grown, locally processed and locally manufactured products can reduce the carbon footprint of the product. The energy required for manufacturing biobased pots is usually lower, along with emissions, compared to petroleum-based plastic pots. When blended with recycled plastic materials, bio-based materials reduce the need for the virgin polymer in the manufacturing process. However, plastic pot manufacturers are already using some recycled plastic in their products.

A University of Guelph research project led by Dr. Amar Mohanty, Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre, BDCC, and funded by OMAFRA, has recently been commercialized. Through Ontario businesses, biocomposite “bio-bins” are being retailed by Home Hardware and Canadian Tire stores across Canada.

In this biocomposite product, switchgrass was blended with oat hulls and used plastic. The composite was a process developed at BDDC, University of Guelph and

20 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER, 2011

then molded to produce the bio-bin products. Manufactured by companies in the Cambridge and Kitchener region, there is a license agreement between the University of Guelph, Evolution Biopolymers/ Green Ripple Innovations, Waterloo. It has been estimated that the bio-bins will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 per cent.

Since local switchgrass, oat hulls and recycled plastic (agricultural bale wrap, plastic mulch, greenhouse plastic film) were used, the cost of the final product was actually 10 per cent lower than a comparable plastic pot. The BDDC’s goal is to manufacture 100 per cent bio-based products at a competitive price.

Dr. Mohanty also has an additional research project looking at biocomposites from proteinous co-products and natural fibres containers. Corn gluten meal and soy meal are plasticized with low grade glycerol (a byproduct from biodiesel) into bioplastic. The bioplastic will be reinforced with Ontario-grown switchgrass and miscanthus.

At this time, there are only a handful of companies manufacturing biodegradable polymers in the global marketplace. These are made from corn, potato and other plant starches. Because of the high cost, it has been difficult to justify their use in place of traditional plastic products. Composites made from biodegradable polymers that are byproducts of corn gluten meal, dry distillers’ grains, glycerol, and plant fibres from perennial grasses, agriculture residues, can help reduce the cost and environmental footprint of these products. Another goal of Dr. Mohanty is to develop bio-based materials and other biocomposites that can be blended with waste plastic films from greenhouse production.

There is no question that developing bio-based materials for pots in nursery and greenhouse plant production is extremely challenging. In particular, it is challenging to meet the needs for a long term, woody nursery crop. The much longer cropping cycle, irrigation method, long-term outdoor exposure and handling practices (pot spacing, inventory shifting) can have significant implications on the feasibility of using biobased materials for nursery pots.

Research indicates that crop fibres, recycled plastics and agricultural byproducts can all be sourced from Ontario and manufactured into various biocomposite products. These ventures may open new markets for manufacturers, suppliers and growers, while reducing the volume of plastic waste in Ontario.

Jennifer Llewellyn may be reached at 519824-4120, ext. 52671, or by email jennifer. llewellyn@ontario.ca.

SMART ABOUT SALT A rainy day is a risk management opportunity

By Bob Hodgins Smart about Salt executive director

R

ecently, I was walking around a property with maintenance staff to review a site for Smart about Salt designation. At the time, I had a revelation. It was raining that day and, as a result, it was very easy to see the areas on the property that would present the highest risk for slip and falls in the winter, and would consequently become high demand areas for salt. All you had to do was just look for the puddles.

We also saw poorly designed buildings that directed roof drainage onto walkways, rather than having rain gutters take the water to a safe location.

These are areas that site owners and managers should be fixing during the off-winter periods. This action not only reduces their slip-fall risk, but also saves money and infrastructure/environmental damage by reducing the need for excessive salting.

If you are the contractor who maintains these areas in the winter, then you will want to flag them as high risk/high attention areas and notify the owner — preferably in writing.

I was talking with a gentleman this past week about this problem. He is responsible for maintaining a LEED-certified building and recognizes the benefits of becoming Smart about Salt certified. He knows that it will ensure that the company has appropriate salt management practices. When he and his staff see these puddles, they get out their leaf blowers and blow the water away before the next cold spell hits and turns it into ice. By being proactive in this way, he reduces the risk and cuts his salt costs.

Another high risk and high salt-use practice is plowing snow to the high side of the pavement. This stockpiled snow will eventually melt and flow back onto the pavement, where it can freeze and create sheets of ice. Again, these are high risk and high salt-use areas. The simplest solution to this problem is to place the snow where melt water will not flow back onto the pavement.

One contractor makes it his practice to have the curbs showing (where curbs exist of course), thus ensuring that the snow is outside the paved areas.

It is not always possible to relocate the snow. One shopping mall proposed small asphalt humps to intercept and redirect the water before it could create a hazard. The other option is to remove the snow to a proper snow disposal site. Although more costly, it does reduce the risk.

The problem is best addressed at the time when the parking lots are designed. By using more perimeter catch basins and proper parking lot grading, the water is removed before it has a chance to create large skating rinks. Let’s treat the causes and not just the symptoms, and be Smart about Salt!

Bob Hodgins may be contacted at bob.hodgins@sympatico.ca.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM  21

THE UNDERGROUND WORLD Reducing utility hits

By Terry Murphy CLP

L

ast year the landscape industry reduced underground utility hits by 36 per cent. Why? Mainly, because landscapers are now calling ahead for locates and being extra careful when digging.

Can we further reduce these numbers?

I think so, but it may depend on the next few months. In October and throughout November, everything depends on the due diligence of landscapers, as to whether we can reduce our hits for 2011. We need to remind our landscape construction crews of the responsibility to obtain locates before digging.

Remember, if you hit a small gas line going into a residential property, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority will

invoice you $750 to $1,000 for its investigation and the gas utility will charge repair costs anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500, depending on the circumstances. The average total cost per hit is around $2,500.

Fines are virtually eliminated if you have obtained locates. A utility underground hit also could trigger a WSIB Workwell Audit, which will cost dearly in time and potential fines.

We sometimes have a mental or fatigue lapse as we approach the year’s end.

Please bring this important subject up in your company’s tailgate safety sessions.

The fourth quarter is no time to relax your damage prevention efforts.

811 telephone number sought The Ontario Regional Common Ground Alli-

CONTRACTORS’ COLUMN How much to spend on landscaping

By Arthur Skolnik

O

nce, at the end of an initial meeting, a client asked me if $2,500 would be a realistic estimate to build a deck, lay several hundred feet of flagstone and create a water feature. He wasn’t joking.

Most people don’t know what their landscaping dollar buys. Yet, most homeowners have a sense of the cost and a good idea of what they’ll receive when it comes to kitchen renovations, bathroom tiling, drywall, painting, etc.

A few homeowners are willing to spend big money on the landscape, but most remain bound with trepidation and uncertainty. We seem to be in an era when dream landscapes are more available, but the cost to realize those dreams remains largely unknown. I think it’s par-

tially because the homeowner needs to place much more trust in the contractor who works outside. Outside, the thrill of the realization of the work is untested and unexperienced, compared to the inside guy.

Here everyone has seen the transformation within their own home, or at a friend’s home. They are unsure if that same thrill will be there at the end of the outside job.

After a typical one hour initial meeting with potential clients, the first FAQ is, “How much should I spend on my landscaping?”

That’s a good and valid question.

A simple formula I lay on the table is for them to consider a dollar amount equal to roughly ten per cent of the value of the home. That means a million dollar home might have $100,000 as a starting point for a discussion about a client’s needs and wishes, and what it will cost to deliver. Does that include the front and the back? Where

22 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER, 2011

ance (ORCGA) is continuing to work hard to convince the authorities that a national 811 telephone number for locates will not only reduce accidents, but make business more efficient and eliminate other risks. I will keep you up-to-date as to what progress is made towards implementing this goal. Once the number is installed, companies would require only one call and your locates would arrive automatically on schedule.

ORCGA will hold a damage prevention seminar for your company. This seminar was developed for the landscape industry to train employees on damage prevention considerations. You may want to consider this seminar for one of your winter educational programs. Contact Jim Douglas at orcga@ cogeco.ca to book this seminar, which takes about three to four hours to complete.

Please talk it up at industry meetings.

The more we mention locates, the greater the visibility. This will help get the message to the non-members of Landscape Ontario.

Talking it up will help our whole industry.

Please send your comments, suggestions and ideas to tvmurphy@ca.inter.net.

does a swimming pool figure in the overall dollars? What if the majority of the work is wet-laid flagstone and tall stone walls? Or, what if the client wants an instant collection of mature and rare Japanese maples?

That’s why the 10 per cent of the value of a home is only a starting point; a threshold for homeowners to wrap their minds around what landscaping can cost. The answer to how much should I spend on my landscaping, is open for interpretation, negotiation and plenty of explanation, but at least ten per cent of the house value is a starting point.

When your clients ask how much they should spend on landscaping, offer dollar amounts for different materials, and explain your fees regarding hourly rates and daily equipment usage, Drop me a line to Arthur Skolnik shibui@rogers.com, and I may include your comments in an upcoming Contractors’ Newsletter.

Thanks to Alica Dusil of Dusil Design and Landscape, Burlington, for her comments regarding the last newsletter.

Arthur Skolnik owns Shibui Landscaping in Toronto and is a member of the Landscape Contractors Sector Group.

PROSPERITY PARTNERS Managing the experience

By Jacki Hart CLP Prosperity Partners program manager

T

wo years ago, I stepped back from the day-to-day operation of my business, and made the final steps of delegating my role to a team of three managers. The goal was for the management team to look after 90 per cent of the operations, sales and administrative functions, and for them to come to me for help with the exceptions.

The exceptions ranged from things like special services or procedures, which had developed over time with long-term customers on one end of the scale, to dealing with wrong-fit customers, unusual work requests, or service failures at the other end.

The biggest challenge I faced was feeling as though I didn’t have my finger on the pulse of these exceptions, and lacked context to understand the problems which needed my attention — without going ballistic. We developed a set of tools which proved very helpful. The Prosperity Pillar Customers for Life is all about using this type of management tool (or your own similar invention) to track who says what to whom, when and why.

The insight that comes from this is huge and helpful. It’s a great way to bridge the gap between the owner and customer, when there’s just no way to be in more than one place at one time.

Crew/customer discussion summary By having this document available to all of us via laptop, or mobile device, we are able to ensure onsite comments from customers onsite are translated into action behind the scenes, so that no one has to remember every little detail later on. The changes or requests are followed through, immediately.

See Fig. 2.

One of the most important parts of running a successful business with customers

who trust you, and repeat business with you for life, is to create a high level of communication.

In my experience, a high level of communication equals a high level of trust.

When you have a high level of trust with customers, you are able to navigate snags in service delivery, and use that trust both ways, thereby ensuring you are paid for your services each and every time.

Take a moment to go to www. horttrades.com/prosperity and see what the Prosperity Partners Build Your Prosperity Seminar can do to help build better tools in your business.

The next seminar takes place in Milton on Dec. 7.

Jacki Hart may be reached at prosperitypartners@landscapeontario.com.

Fig. 1 Client

Email /call

Date

Discussion /topic

Action item /comment

Outcome /notes

Mrs. Provan

Called John at office

Oct. 23/11

Wants us to store all planters empty in garage.

Wants front garden renovated in spring

Arranged for garage key. Meeting her Oct. 31 to discuss renovations for pricing this winter and spring booking (John Oct. 25)

Nov 2: Met with her. Pricing reno for Jan. discussion.

She’s leaving for holiday until Jan 10. (John).

Fig. 2 Name

Date

Lead Hand comment on daily log sheet

Management comment /follow-up

Date complete

Mrs. Smith

Sept.

1/11

(Jane) Mrs. Smith loved her planters, except next year doesn’t want German ivy. We agreed on Millar’s wife, instead.

(Jacki) Pls. Change on 2012 flower planting notes, and grower order spreadsheet.

(Karen) Changes complete on both crew planting notes and grower order. 9.4.11.

Client experience tracking sheet

A simple Excel spreadsheet stored electronically in a central place (i.e. on a server, or as a shared Google document) was created. See Fig. 1 By using this document, every time a customer called or emailed, and required follow up, we each would quickly post on this shared doc so that I and everyone else on the team knew what was happening with each client.

Another document which proved very helpful, as the number of moving parts and distance between them and me grew.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 23

SYSTEMS FOR SUCCESS Steps to better hiring practices

By Mark Bradley

W

hile sitting having a coffee, Dan said to Bill, “I just need three or four more good field staff.” Bill wanted to sub some snow work to Dan. They’d just returned from a site visit and now sat down to talk some shop. “One more really good supervisor and a couple of really good supporting staff and we could take off next year.”

“Start looking soon,” advised Bill. “It’s never too early; especially now, as some companies are laying off for the winter.

You’ve got some snow work to keep people busy, so it’s a good time to be hunting. In fact, it’s always the right time to be hunting.”

“Do you have an interview form you could send me?” asked Dan with a smile. “I especially need some questions I can use to find those superstars.”

“We do,” said Bill, “But people who are a lot smarter than you or I have been trying to solve the interview problem for years, and nobody has found those few questions that are going to turn you into a hiring machine.

So forget the magic bullet, but get better with a hiring process.”

“What’s your process?” asked Dan “Spend a little more time hiring, and you’ll spend a lot less time hiring.”

“What?” asked Dan. “Spend more time hiring when you have to hire, and won’t be hiring nearly as often.

When I started out, I hired and fired fast, but I was always hiring/firing, or frustrated.

This way, we spend more time doing the actual hiring, but we hire/fire a lot less. It’s found us better people, and saved us a ton of time. And it’s not a big deal. You don’t need an HR staff to run this. Anyone can follow the three simple steps.”

Application and pre-screen “One of the best things we ever implemented was pre-screening our applicants.

We respond to every interesting resume with a pre-interview form. It’s ten basic

questions are about past work history, where they heard about the job, and why they are interested in it. We’re looking for interested answers that show some effort, and the right attitude and approach to the pre-interview. Only about 45 per cent of the pre-interviews come back to us.”

“That’s it?” asked Dan. “Not even half?”

“That’s right,” answered Bill. “All the employees who don’t show up on the day they’re hired, or who work for three days until they find something easier, or who drag their boots around because they could care less are not going to bother to fill out and return ten questions to us. They’ll go work for the other guy, who brings them in and throws them out there.”

“I don’t have to waste my time on with them. Actually, with the pre-interview, I don’t spend any time at all. Our office manager can do the pre-screening and filter out the best for me. I don’t have to look at 50 applications, only at the best five.” said Bill.

Face-to-face interview

Bill said, “I don’t know if there’s any magic to an interview. It’s more of art, rather than a science. All I used to care about was whether they had a driver’s license, types machines they’ve run, and when they could start. But I burned through a whole lot of people, and a whole lot of time and money.

“Then I wrote a more formal interview with standard questions — some easy and some tricky — and I stuck to the script.

It was better, but I still ended up with too many wrong hires. So we made some simple changes, and it seems to work.

“We start with really informal conversation, like I do with you. We talk about their past job, what their typical day was like, what equipment and tools they’ve used, etc. This drops everyone’s nerves — mine and theirs. It’s not a test anymore; we’re just getting to know each other. This is where the art comes in. You need to pick up on little things and zero in on them; ask more questions. For instance, I like to ask about things they could have run better at their old company. Once they are relaxed, they’ll open up more about this kind of stuff.

Then take their side, agree with them, build rapport. Ask more questions, and soon, they’ll be telling you almost everything you

24 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER, 2011

need to know about their attitude. And we hire attitude. We can train anyone on skills, but we want to hire people eager to learn, to build a career, and who work well with others. And, I learn more about this in conversation, rather than any standardized interview questions.

“I do move on to some standard questions. I put them in situations that are a little trickier: ‘Your foreman tells you to dig eight inches instead of 12, because you’re going over on this job. What do you do?’ Or, I’ll ask, ‘Tell us about a rule or policy at an old job that you didn’t agree with.’ I try to get a little more attitude by putting them in some past scenarios, to see how they handle themselves.

“When we find our man, or woman, we move to the final step; the working interview.

Working interview

“The terms of the working interview are simple. You start with a two-week, paid working interview. There are no strings attached, and we both re-assess at the end to see it’s working out for us.

“The working interview allows the most important persons to get involved in the hiring process, my foremen. They’ll evaluate the new employee over two weeks, and if they haven’t proven themselves by then, we know we have to start over.

“For those who are the right fit, it also helps us assign the right wage. We have a pay scale for the different positions, based on things like years of service, training, certifications, etc. We might have a new hire believe they should start at Equipment Operator – Level 3. No problem, we’ll start you there for the two-week working interview. But, our expectations are going to be that you can work effectively at that level, and if you don’t, we’ll either re-assign your pay grade after the two weeks, or we’ll agree to disagree and part ways.

“On the flipside, we might hire a Landscape Tech at Level 1 who proves they can read plans, layout sites, finish their health and safety training courses. The working interview helps ensure that staff lives up to the expectations we share during the interview and that their compensation is fair and accurately reflects the skill set.”

Dan was jotting some quick points as Bill explained the process. “I like it,” he said. “It’s simple, and it’s a whole lot better than what we’re doing now.”

“I don’t think hiring will ever get to an exact science,” said Bill.

Mark Bradley is the president of The Beach Gardener and the Landscape Management Network.

MEMBERSHIP Bragging about the Chapters

By Helen Hassard Membership coordinator

N

ow that I’ve been working at Landscape Ontario for a year-and-a-half, I’ve really come to think of the chapters I work with as family. If you’ve ever received the type of four-page letter which my mom sends out around the holidays, then you know some families like to brag about their accomplishments. So, I thought I would take the opportunity to give you an update about the great things each of our chapters is doing. Unlike my mother, I can’t go on with four pages per chapter, because the editor won’t let me have more than one page per issue for my article.

Durham Chapter

This year the Durham barbecue was a complete success. It was well attended, well promoted and everyone had a great time. But since Carol Fulford from the Chapter board has already told you all about the barbecue in the October issue of Horticulture Review, I want to talk about something different. This chapter not only ran a successful event in August, but meeting dates and topics were selected in June.

This chapter is on the ball and the line-up they selected is both informative and entertaining.

Golden Horseshoe Chapter

The Golden Horseshoe Chapter has always prided itself on the annual chicken roast. It’s an event that is unique to the area and has a long and shining history.

But I think with all the focus on the chicken roast, the members may not realize that the golf tournament has also become quite A force with which to be reckoned. This year’s golf tournament, on Aug. 18, was once again a sold out shotgun tournament with the highest attendance of any LO tournament. Next year’s event will surely be as successful, so to guarantee a foursome, better sign in early.

Georgian Lakelands Chapter The Georgian Lakelands Chapter runs a number of great events, including the annual Christmas party that combines a dinner, casino night and live auction in a way that I’ve never seen before. The way it works is when you attend any of the chapter events over the year, you accumulate LO dollars. At the Christmas dinner, you are given a certain amount of LO dollars just for registering, plus the LO dollars you earned during the year. You get to use this fun money to gamble at casino night and then at the end of the evening there is a live auction that accepts your LO dollars.

London Chapter

Carla Bailey, London Chapter coordinator, tells us of a unique and historic agreement between the City of London and LO, which was signed on Sept. 30 by Joe Fontana, mayor of the City of London. This agreement provides the authority for the Veterans Memorial Parkway Community Program to begin operations. The program will plant 8,000 large trees over the next five years, which will stand as living sentinels. As well, 15 commemorative features will be built to remind us of the values inherent in service to our country and our communities.

Ottawa Chapter

Ottawa Chapter coordinator Martha Walsh provided us information on the 2011 golf tournament, which raised $3,000 for the Ottawa Food Bank. The membership has an ever-increasing philanthropic philosophy of prosperity through engagement, which continues to serve the National Capital Region. The members collectively decided to increase the percentage of proceeds donated. This is just one of the community engagement activities that unify and motivate the membership toward building a better Ottawa.

Toronto Chapter

This chapter also has a number of successes of which I can brag about, but the one I’m going to tell you about is truly unique. They have started a project

entitled Green Streets. This program will bring industry leaders together next summer to install 50 urban gardens in downtown Toronto. Gardens will be conceived in partnership with artists, landscape professionals, floral designers and students.

The high-visibility gardens will be linked by a walking tour and widely publicized across many media platforms. There are still opportunities to get involved, so contact Allan Kling 416-805-0703, or akling@ urbangarden.ca.

Upper Canada Chapter

Upper Canada Chapter is another group with many strengths. The one I’d like to talk about is the Chapter’s focus to give members in Upper Canada the education that they want. Each year the chapter hosts a few one-day seminars on issues such as safety training, skid steer certification, etc. The Chapter determines what the members want by distributing an online survey in the winter (look for that in an upcoming e-news). Last year’s educational days booked-up fast, so the Chapter has decided this year to hire more instructors. I still would book early to ensure your space.

Waterloo Chapter

The Waterloo Chapter does many things extremely well. Meetings are always well organized, fun, educational and wellattended. Organizers also run a number of great social events and carry out a lot of work in the community. The fall freeze-up dance is unique to this Chapter, and coming up soon. Get your tickets before it’s too late to enjoy this event, which consists of dinner, dancing, large prizes and door prizes. Go To http://bit.ly/q12plm to purchase tickets online.

Windsor Chapter

I’m sure you’ve all heard of the Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence, but did you know that the Windsor Chapter has its own awards program? Each summer, members are invited to submit projects to the Windsor Chapter for judging.

The awards are presented at a ceremony at the end of October. This event allows members to gain recognition at the local level, while being recognized at an event by their peers. Even though this article is in the November magazine, I’m writing this mid-October, so I don’t know who the winners are, but keep your eyes peeled for the results.

Helen Hassard may be contacted at helen@landscapeontario.com.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 25

SAFETY AND TRAINING Future workforce needs your support

By Sally Harvey CLT, CLP Education and Labour Development Department

I

had the pleasure of travelling throughout the province this fall, meeting with several industry-related program teachers, instructors and program coordinators. We discussed opportunities for Landscape Ontario to provide stronger support and industry connection.

We are privileged to have such dedicated teachers and instructors. The challenges they face are many, and include generating industry awareness to fill classes, budget restrictions, and students with a wide range of skill and experience levels. I left each

school feeling a greater appreciation for teachers and instructors. They have their work cut out for them.

If we want to sustain our business, we must look to the future for our next generation of skilled labour. Many of us have survived fairly well by hiring unskilled or inexperienced staff, however, we would likely have accelerated our business growth had we taken the opportunity to hire skilled staff from college, university or apprenticeship programs.

It is our duty as employers, and industry to support the teachers, instructors, programs and schools who provide our industry with skilled labour for our future. I urge you and/or your staff get involved with your local high school, college, or university program to engage youth by sharing your passion and love for this industry. Become a positive influence. Remember back to when you entered the industry? Who mentored you? Those memories remain positively vivid for me. I was blessed with the opportunity of being trained by three wonderful industry members over my career.

They took me under their wing, taught me, trained me and most importantly inspired me. Our young people have many choices today, however, they also need the opportunity to understand the possibilities to make smart choices. I encourage every employer to introduce at least one young person to our industry this winter: • Host a class fieldtrip to your yard, site or a recently completed project.

• Offer to work with a class on a project, or demonstrate a skill that they can try out.

• Offer to take a student or a class to Congress 2012.

• Provide them with relevant co-op/work placements to give them a taste of what we love to do every day.

• Donate materials and supplies so that students may gain experience.

• Offer to join the school’s program advisory committee, offering your guidance and leadership so that they remain relevant and connected.

The sky truly is the limit. Please write to let me know how you have introduced our industry to youth and become involved in supporting our programs, sharvey@ landscapeontario.com

26 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER, 2011

Have you registered your apprentices yet?

This is my last chance to remind employers to register employees for the apprenticeship program for this winter. The program focuses on occupational skills, landscape construction and landscape maintenance.

Our industry apprenticeship teaching delivery agents are starting programs this November, December, or January.

Apprenticeship is expected to be offered at Fanshawe College (London), Humber College (Toronto), Loyalist College (Connon Nursery, Trenton), Mohawk College (Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington), University of Guelph, Kemptville College.

For more information on the program go to: http://bit.ly/pE5JtC for a fact sheet, or www.horttrades.com/apprenticeship and scroll to bottom of page and click on ‘Apprenticeship pre-Registration Form, Incentives and Employer Training Tax credits; http://bit.ly/qIVDzs employers’ guide. To register: www.horttrades.com/apprenticeship and scroll to bottom of page and click on apprenticeship pre-registration form.

Red Seal Trade designation

As with all training programs, there is good value in achieving the Red Seal Trade designation in the landscape horticulture program for you and your staff. Benefits include: • Employees/apprentices expand their knowledge, skill, ability and experience that will benefit their employers when they return each spring.

• Employees are in school only 12 weeks over two winters, so they can still work for employers and gain valid experience during the season.

• Sponsoring employers can become mentors and trainers and contribute to their apprentices training in the field and by sending them to school.

• Employers who support apprentices gain loyal employees who contribute to business growth and success • Financial incentives are available to both employers and employees.

If your employees will be laid off this winter, or are interested in extra training in a program as described, and eventually want to achieve their Red Seal designation, then apprenticeship is the right fit for them.

Register now to avoid delay and disappointment.

Contact Sally Harvey should you have any questions at sharvey@ landscapontario.com.

PUBLIC RELATIONS Green for Life Community Awards

By Denis Flanagan CLD Director of public relations and membership services

T

he Ontario Communities in Bloom awards ceremony held at Expo was well-attended, with over 30 different municipalities represented from across the province.

The Green for Life entries were submitted with digital images and a 50-word description of the project. These were judged by Tom Somerville and Bruce Warren, both experienced industry representatives and also judges for Communities in Bloom program.

The judging criteria are based on inno-

vative ideas, community spirit and sustainability. Liz Klose from CNLA did a wonderful job hosting the event, keeping things moving in a timely fashion. She made a special presentation to Martin Quinn from Goderich, recognizing the difficult times that community has faced after a devastating tornado.

Twenty-six communities were recognized with certificates and a winner for each of the three categories: Green for Life School Award, City of Niagara Falls for Schools in Bloom, Green for Life Parks Award, Municipality of Chatham-Kent for Kingston Regional Park project, Green for Life Community Award, Owen Sound for Scenic City Order of Good Cheer, The Judges’ Choice Award for 2011 was presented by Caroline de Vries from Tradewinds International of Mississauga and Mark Cullen to Kettle and Stony Point

First Nations for Hillside School Green Thumb Gardeners project.

Mark Cullen commented during his congratulations, “Kettle Point, near Forest, Ontario, gets its name from the unique round kettle-shaped rock which formed naturally and slowly in the shale.”

Landscape Ontario members who submitted entries and received certificates were Parklane Nurseries of Beaverton for the Courtyard of Learning project, The Scott Wentworth Landscape Group of Picton for Come Alive Outside project, and Brydges Landscape Architecture of Galt and Ground Effects Landscapes of Hanover for Hanover and District Hospital Garden of Fond Memories project.

The afternoon concluded with our generous sponsor Caroline de Vries handing out a box of bulbs to each community that entered.

The Green for Life Community Awards is an initiative of The Landscape Ontario Garden Centre Sector Group and was successfully organized and administered by Lee Rozon, executive director of Communities in Bloom — Ontario.

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

Stihl

is the proud sponsor of the Landscape Ontario

2011 Certification testing

Thank you www.stihl.ca For more information, on certification, go to www.horttrades.com/clt

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 27

EXECUTIVE DESK The important things Tony DiGiovanni CHTR LO executive director

S

ometimes life gets so busy with meetings, emails, phone calls and projects, it’s easy to forget, overlook or take for granted really important things.

A couple of painfully sobering experiences last month made me stop to reflect on those issues.

I love working for a membership comprised of amazing, hardworking, passionate, dedicated, positive and contribution-oriented individuals. My fellow staff members are equally inspired by the countless hours members devote to the organization. President Tom Intven describes this unique membership trait as the “Landscape Ontario Gene.”

I often think about Landscape Ontario as a family, church or club for mutual improvement. However, sometimes it is easy to forget that families, churches and clubs are made up of individuals. Our focus must always be to listen, serve, provide value, support and appreciate individual members.

At the October board meeting, a member I greatly respect and admire remarked that in 25 years no one picked up the phone to ask how he was doing. The comment struck me hard. I felt saddened, and a little ashamed.

Coincidently, the day after the board meeting, I received a call from a long-time

member (who is now a teacher) telling me that a recent interaction with the office made him feel we had lost some empathy and compassion. He had missed a registration deadline for his students by one day, and we were being inflexible.

During our discussion, he revealed that he let his membership lapse because of a previous interaction. He felt we had lost our ‘family’ culture. I was again saddened and felt guilty. I did not even know he had quit the membership a year ago. I should have. It was also interesting to hear he felt guilty for quitting. This reveals how much members care about the organization. All it would have taken was a personal phone call from me to iron-out a misunderstanding. As it turned out, I am pleased to say he has now returned as a member.

Another incident last month also got me thinking that Landscape Ontario is really a lot more than a business organization.

I was privileged to be invited to John and Ricky van Wissen’s 50th wedding anniversary (see page 11). John is now in a retirement home, after suffering a stroke a number of years ago.

There were many other LO members at this event to celebrate the wonderful occasion with the van Wissen family. Years ago, John called to tell me that the former Shemin Nurseries site was for sale and that the association should purchase the property, because it matched the description in our Strategic Plan. We did. I reminded him about this. His face lit up. He is still proud of his Landscape Ontario community.

Early this month, we hosted a think-tank featuring an industry consultant from Cali-

fornia named Judith Guido. She described branding as the sum total of all the interactions that an organization has with its stakeholders. Branding is much more than a logo or advertising campaign. It is the culture of the organization. She challenged members of the group to reflect on their own businesses and come up with one word that describes the desired culture.

It got me thinking about the one word that describes the culture of Landscape Ontario. The first word that came to mind was ‘help’ in that every interaction with the membership should be helpful. One of our members Kristin Ego MacPhail suggested that the word should be ‘supportive.’

I agree.

If you have any ideas, comments, advice, or suggestions on how we can be more supportive, please email me at tony@ landscapeontario.com, or call me at 800-2655656, ext. 304. If I or any of our excellent staff have ever reflected a lack of empathy or support, please let us know. We are always striving to do better, but sometimes we may not be aware. If any of our processes or policies appears callous, insensitive or inflexible, please tell me. If you feel like your contributions are not valued, I would love to hear from you.

As the years go by, it has become evident that the association is really about community building in its human sense.

Horticulture is the excuse. We exist to support each other’s growth personally, financially, socially and spiritually. We exist to because our members care.

A thank you

So many members contribute so much to this organization that it is very easy to forget to thank people. I want to thank Pat Lamanna of G and L Group, Bill McKague at Gro-bark, Connon Nurseries NVK, M. Putzer Hornby Nursery and Sheridan Nurseries for the recent landscaping contributions at the Landscape Ontario home office site.

I also want to highlight the amazing contributions made by Grant Harrison, Mike Martins and Barry Sandler. They took on a huge responsibility to complete London’s Veteran Memorial Highway Project. This is a very large and important multi-year project. They recently completed a planting of 200 trees on the highway site with the help of many volunteers (see page 7). Their efforts reflect well on everyone in the association and industry. We are very proud of their accomplishments and leadership. Well done!

Tony DiGiovanni may be reached at tonydigiovanni@landscapeontario.com.

28 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER, 2011

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

changing times. We have to get out of our comfort zone to be innovative and let our creative juices flow.

Fundamentals still needed

It’s not business as usual Tom Intven LO president

R

ecently Landscape Ontario, in its continuing effort to help members, hosted business consultant Judith Guido to address leading garden centre owners and managers. Her talk, held at the LO home office, was about how to deal with the changing retail climate.

One of her takehome comments included the three most dangerous words in business today, “Business as usual.” She said that due to the recent rapid changes in economics, climate and social media, there is no such thing as business as usual, and that the ability to adapt to change is a key element of success today.

Her advice, while focused on retail, pertains to all of our ten sector group members. The consumer climate, along with the world, is changing faster now than ever before. Change is the biggest fear for many, but those who face it and do adapt to the change, are the successful ones. In Judith’s opinion, we all need to get out of our comfort zone — take a real hard look at ourselves and our businesses and develop a plan. I, too, am a firm believer in developing a business plan, executing the plan and then evaluating the plan.

Elements of the plan

Guido explained that the stronger and clearer your brand, the more it will resonate with your customers, who are more likely to come to you with confidence.

The most important step in defining your brand is to spend the time canvassing your staff and customers, and evaluating yourself.

Guido had an interesting exercise in respect to brand definition. She asked participants to define their company brand in one word, and then focus all their activities around that one word. This

exercise works for all businesses, no matter to which sector you belong. Try it, and see if you can define your business mission in one word.

LO exists to help

Our executive director Tony DiGiovanni defined LO’s brand with a single word, help; LO exists to help our members.

Your business plan going forward should include a clear definition of your brand.

Another big picture dimension of your plan should include understanding the new dynamics of consumer demand.

Today’s customer demands are changing and evolving. First, the customer is a she — 88 per cent of buying decisions are made by women. She insists upon transparency, corporate responsibility, the human touch, ecofriendly products and services, loyalty rewards, innovation and an authentic experience. If you are not providing those dynamics, she will not spend her dollars with you.

Another important element in the development of the plan is to survey the market for trends that, in Guido’s words, “have traction.” In her opinion, these trends include goods and services that are natural, affordable and innovative.

Innovation is key

At the recent Great Lakes Conference, which brings together the governance leaders and directors of the horticultural trades associations in the states that border the Great Lakes, the focus of discussion was on innovation.

The analogy was drawn to the lessons from the movie Moneyball. The movie documents an unconventional way of looking at player recruitment and line-ups based solely on statistics. The approach used by Billy Beane enabled baseball’s Oakland Athletics, with the lowest payroll in the league, to become a winning team and earn an all-time record 20-game winning streak in the 2002 season.

The point is that we have to take risks and try new things, and look at our business in unconventional ways, in order to innovate and adapt to survive in these

In developing a plan to survive in the new economy, let’s not forget the fundamentals of sound business practices as laid out in the Prosperity Partner program.

While Guido’s presentation focussed on adapting our marketing plan to today’s customer and business climate, it’s essential to review how change affects the other Pillars of Prosperity: The Financial Component — Watch your costs, set a budget and stick to it. The basics of sound financial management do NOT change. Pay your bills on time and stay within your budgets. Changing times may mean you need to visit your budget more than once per year.

The Operational Component — Keep training and retraining your staff, continue to invest in your equipment, improve efficiency and strive toward lean management.

Leadership — An important part of the leadership piece is to be an innovator.

Ensure that you do what is needed to get your creative juices going, whatever that is for you. Be open-minded, especially to your staff’s ideas. Focus on creating an environment of excellence and innovation for all your staff.

Sales — Focus your marketing campaign on over the top personalized service.

Know your customers and tailor your plan to their needs. Today’s consumer expects excellence in service. In order to succeed, we need to not just meet, but exceed, customer expectations. This means attention to the little things that mean so much, the extra phone call, personal touches, and focus on detail specific to the client. Pay attention here and you will have a Customer for Life.

My final contribution to the elements of your business plan is the most difficult to execute in today’s economy, and that is to stay optimistic and be positive.

The longer I am in business, the longer I appreciate the power of positive thinking to determine one’s success not only in business, but in all aspects of life.

Tom Intven may be reached at 519-631-1008, or tintven@landscapeontario.com.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 29

CLASSIFIEDS All classified ads must be pre-paid by VISA or Mastercard. 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. 1. 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). Website ads are posted for 30 days and are limited to 325 words.

View ads online at www.horttrades.com/classifieds

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES TREE FARM 15 MINUTES FROM OTTAWA FOR SALE Hundreds of landscape-quality trees of various species available for wholesale and retail sales including Colorado spruce, red oak and maple, etc. Late model equipment: tracked loader, tree spades, tractors, etc. available. Secure, fenced yard available for rent. Perfect for landscape or tree company wanting to add general tree planting/ash tree replacements to their services.

Email for more information: forest99@bellnet.ca

Get INSPIRED Get CONNECTED

nursery stock HOFLAND GARDENS ORNAMENTAL GRASSES, PERENNIALS, GROUND COVER Tel: (905) 355-3392 E-mail: hoflandgardens@phc.igs.net

equipment

SERVICES AND SUPPLIES TREE TRANSPLANTING Transplanting trees up to 9” truck diameter with 10,000 lb. rootball. 44”, 80” & 90” spades to move trees with and can basket up to 90” 100 acres of trees to choose from.

BOTANIX OXFORD INSTA-SHADE RR # 2, Burgessville ON N0J 1C0 Tel: (519) 424-2180 • Fax: (519) 424-2420 Toll Free: 1-800-387-0246 Contact Jan Veldhuizen Email: jan@oxfordinstashade.com www.oxfordinstashade.com

Mark Fisher Founder of the Escarpment Company Milton ON

“Prosperity Partnership helps us focus on the areas that we need to develop and, more importantly, provides a proven road map with best practices and resources to help us achieve our goals.”

www.horttrades.com/prosperity 30 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER, 2011

FINN Hydroseeders & Bark Blowers New and Used: • Flex Guard FRM • Soil Guard BFM • Erosion Control Blanket Seed & Fertilizer Toll free: (855) 761-6649 Fax: (905) 761-7959 www.fibramulch.com

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

Dependability.

Weather or Not. Doing the right thing is easy when you use Draglam Salt. For more than twenty years we’ve built our reputation on delivering the highest quality salt whenever and wherever you need it. And through our unrivalled purchasing power and innovative strategic planning process, Draglam Salt will be your safety partner for whatever Mother Nature throws at us.

GandLgroup.com

draglamsalt.com

Concrete

Soil

Aggregates

Salt Waste

advertisers COMPANY

PAGE

PHONE

Braun Nursery Limited.

19

800-246-6984

www.braungroup.com

Canadale Nurseries

31

519-631-1008

www.canadale.com

Draglam Salt (G&L Group)

30

416-798-7050

www.draglamsalt.com

32

905-683-8211

www.dutchmasternurseries.com

Dutchmaster Nurseries Ltd Hillen Nursery Inc

WEBSITE

16-17 519-264-9057

Kobes Nursery

13

905-263-8814

www.kobesnurseries.com

Landscape Safety

11

877-482-2323

www.landscapesafety.com

Legends Landscape Supply Inc

15

905-336-3369

www.landscapestore.ca

Limestone Trail Company Ltd

19

905-563-8133

www.limestonetrail.com

Newroads National Leasing

31

416-587-1021

www.newroadsleasing.com

Nisco National Leasing

12

888-634-9559

www.niscocanada.com

Oakville Dodge Chrysler

4

289-644-2250 fmackenzie@lockwoodchrysler.com

Potters Road Nursery Inc

26

519-688-0437

Riverbend Farms (Ontario) Ltd

23

519-765-2130 riverbendfarms@amtelecom.net

Sipkens Nurseries Ltd

6

866-843-0438

www.pottersroadnursery.com www.sipkensnurseries.com

Stam Nurseries

21

519-424-3350

www.stamsnurseries.com

Uxbridge Nurseries Ltd

28

905-655-3379

www.uxbridgenurseries.com

Winkelmolen Nursery Ltd

19

519-647-3912

www.winkelmolen.com

Zander Sod Co Ltd

21

877-727-2100

www.zandersod.com

Attention Independent Garden Centres:

CANADALE NURSERIES

wants to help you thrive in the new economy, here’s how: In 2012, your customers will be looking for deals more than ever, Let us help you plan your sale schedule in the winter. Use our Great Sale Plants to plan your weekly sale schedule. You need a Plan to be successful this coming year more than ever!

Don’t count on unknown last minute sales.

Differentiate Yourself

by Offering Unique Plants!

In 2012, set yourself apart with unique plant material. Your customers will still want new and unique plants to make their yards their own. Canadale can help with its Specialty, Unique and New plant lists.

Let us Help You! With years of experience, let us help you to plan your success for next year. We’d love to sit down with you to discuss your plant needs for the entire gardening season of 2012. Call and set up an appointment.

NEW

012 rn a2 o dale f a E2XPO NEfW r o m C G SHRUBS 0 1 IN

S TION ODUC TR aEleORDINARY T IN d a N n E a C & RE o m C FROM TH

1

ER

FLOW

SPECIALTY PLANTS

frSELF APART

for Spr ing 201 2

SET YOURSELF APART

T YOUR

SE

anese

n Jap Moo Autumn

SALE PL AN TS

ar ord Ced

Whipch

rance

FOR SPRIN

G 2012

Daphne

l Frag

Eterna

WITH UNIQUE, RARE

AND SPECIALTY PLANTS

la Weige Wine 2-3’ blooms

GREAT

Maple

pink ed Semi dwarfpleform leaves, es Spill • k pur e & Ros r Qty • Dar rf Win .50 • A dwa m $12

Orde

a ange

2G 30c

Hydr blooms er & Ice e to red grow Firer Qty • Largedy,whitsturdycolo ur Orde

• Har NEW at • Gre m

$15.00

3G 30c

Wolf Eyes Chinese Dogwood

ress oki Cyp

n Hin

PURCHA SE

Chirime e

ut Ros

cko ble Kno Dou

wood Gold

Rush

Dawn

Red

rangea rry Hyd Strawbe Vanilla

rangea bing Hyd ted Clim

ega nda Vari Mira le se Map Japane Sunset Oregon

Bristol Cone Pine

Japanese Umbrella Pine

THESE SA LE PL ANTS Create a week TO: ly sale progr am for next Creat

spring NOW e traffic flow ! in your sale plants, business next year by offering week and still achie Be competitive ly ve full marg in! with the Box Stores by offeri ng great week Order today, first come, ly sales! first Prices are Net,

served, Plants shipp while quantities last. ed prior to June 1.

Phone: 519.

631.1008

a

Little r Qty Orde

ange Hydr light Lime Limrfeform of colo ur • Dwa flower at mer • Gre lific bloo$12.50 • Pro

m

2G 30c

se ckout n Ro t of Kno e Ru single, sporstant Hom • True red ase resi r Qty

Orde

Fax: 519.631.

0818

Daub’s Frosted Juniper Standard

18 31.08 519.6 Fax:

y dise mer • Ver eat bloo$12.50 • Rep m

ries dale

Domingo Pine

Weeping White Spruce

08

Venus Hybrid Flowering Dogwood

Briggs Moonlight Daphne Specimen

31.10 9.6 e: 51

2G 30c

Ltd.

Phon

Canadale Nurseries Ltd.

Phone: 519.631.1008 Fax: 519.631.0818

269 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 3C4 Phone: (519) 631-1008 Fax: (519) 631-0818 E-mail: tji@canadale.com

Nurse

Cana

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 31

32 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER, 2011