Landscape Ontario - January-February 2023

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

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President - Lindsay Drake Nightingale

Past President - Dave Wright Vice President - Ed Hansen

Second Vice President - Lindsey Ross Treasurer - Jeff Olsen

COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT

Director of Communications and Publications

- Scott Barber

Creative Director - Mike Wasilewski

Communications Coordinator and Content Manager - Robert Ellidge

Multimedia Journalist - Karina Sinclair

Account Manager - Greg Sumsion

Business Development - Liz Lant

Digital Marketing Specialist - Charlotte Guena Communications Coordinator - Angela Lindsay Accountant - Joe Sabatino

info: HortTrades.com/contact

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

Gerald Boot CLM, Lindsay Drake Nightingale, Jeremy Feenstra, Mark Fisher, Hank Gelderman, Bob Tubby, Nick Winkelmolen

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

forGoals the next

As we all celebrate the 50th anniversary of Landscape Ontario in 2023, who would have thought that by combining the Ontario Garden Maintenance and Landscape Association, Ontario Landscape Contractors Association and Ontario Nurseryman’s Association, it would have developed and flourished into an internationally recognized association and trade show that has led to the prosperity of over 3,000 current member companies. Our founders had the vision to make it happen when they gathered around their tables in 1973. A lot has changed since those early days, but one thing is still certain — there is a growing passion for all things landscaping and horticulture. When I approached our current Landscape Ontario Board of Directors’ Executive Team, I asked them to look into their crystal balls for the next 50 years. A particular thread was present with all: we must take care and nurture the environment (particularly the urban environment), fight climate change, utilize technology, and continue to value the potential of our workforce while providing them with the best opportunities to make landscaping a viable career. The collective vision of the executive team reflects the overwhelming stance of the entire provincial board.

Special thanks to Allan Dennis for his editorial contributions to this issue.

Our Past President Dave Wright (second generation, president of Wright Landscape Services) stated that, “it is important to look back and celebrate what we have achieved in the last 50 years. It is also important to not dwell on the past, but use it as a guide to our next 50 years. Looking back at the changes in our profession over the last 50 years, I can only imagine the changes in the future. I expect the landscape profession will become even more important as climate change makes cooling our urban spaces an even bigger priority than it is now. I expect technology will change our tools making them more environmentally sustainable. I look forward to being a part of the next 40 or so years.”

Treasurer Jeff Olsen (second generation, president and CEO of Brookdale Treeland Nurseries) said, “When I think of LO 50 years from now, I can imagine the great-grandchildren of our founders at the helm of the organization. The association will be stronger than it is today through prudent financial management, good governance and holding our core values above all. Membership in LO will be the gold standard for the companies in our industry and the public will know that when you hire one of our members, you’re dealing with a true professional. LO members will lead all industries in the fight against climate change and will have accomplished the goal of doubling the urban tree canopy over the prior 50 years. We will be seen as the stewards of the urban environment. Our workforce will be highly trained through our educational programs and, as such, will be able to make a very good living in our industry — we will attract the best and brightest. Our members will continue to benefit through group programs that allow the smallest and largest companies a place at the table. What an exciting time to be in such an amazing industry.”

Ed Hansen, First Vice President (president of Hansen Lawn and Garden) felt that, “We have to continue to embrace technology and let it push us to the next level, while still pushing the limits of what we can do. What might be interesting is how 50 years pushes us back in time to what we realized we should get back to.”

Lindsey Ross, Second Vice President (president of Living Green Landscapes) said, “We will have cracked the code to attracting small companies into the LO family, which will increase our membership exponentially. We will have gone back to our roots to continue to bring other related associations into our fold. We will have planted tens of thousands of trees through our Reconciliation Grove initiative, thus increasing Ontario’s tree canopy.”

We are the nurturers of tomorrow’s entrepreneurial dreams, sustainable environments, tree canopies, and much more. I believe that the next 50 years of Landscape Ontario is in the hands of strong visionaries.

President info@yorkshiregardenservices.com

Lindsay Drake Nightingale LO

Dave Wright

Jeff Olsen

Ed Hansen

Lindsey Ross

CONTRIBUTORS FOR 50 YEARS

Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association has thrived for five decades thanks to the passion and determination of its volunteers. Since the association was formed on Jan. 24, 1973, there have been thousands of contributors, and that shared commitment continues right up until this very moment. Volunteers are the backbone of LO. There are so many devoted people who have invested their time and energy into the community that it would be impossible to recognize everyone. In this special feature, we are highlighting each president, plus a selection of pioneers and builders who helped LO become what it is today.

At his retirement celebration in August 2022, Tony DiGiovanni, LO’s former executive director said: “Landscape Ontario is blessed with individuals who voluntarily take

responsibility and choose to act. People who care and contribute. Caring is infectious, inspiring and communicates at an emotional level. Our organization is filled with individuals who have a common vision for the future, who set goals and priorities and work together to make them happen. It is made up of individuals who understand the value of sharing and who have empathy. Our association is filled with people who understand that meaning comes from serving others… LO is a community for mutual benefit and improvement focused on advancing a profession by working together to grow a prosperous, professional, ethical, valued and contribution-oriented industry. Who would not want to be part of a community with such a wonderful purpose and vision?”

BOB ADAMS

Bob estimated that he attended over 60 events, special occasions and meetings during his term as president of Landscape Ontario in 2008-9. During his term, the new Green for Life initiative began. “The slogan Green for Life says so much. When you stop and think about it, the slogan actually says it all. We are hoping that all our members will display the image on their trucks, equipment and advertising. With over 2,200 members provincewide, and who knows how many trucks, cars and pieces of equipment at our disposal, imagine the impact that our industry will have on the buying public,” Bob said.

BOB ALLEN

Bob became a member of Landscape Ontario’s London Chapter back in 1975 — the year after he began Bob Allen Horticultural Services in St. Thomas. Bob held various positions within the chapter board, including treasurer and membership chair, and served as chapter president in 1981 and 1991 and provincial board rep from 1982 to 1998. Bob and his wife Ruby funded a Ontario Horticultural Trades Association scholarship in 2014, designed to help mature students transition to careers in horticulture through the apprenticeship program at Fanshawe College in London.

BARRY BENJAMIN

Barry had a 40-year record of volunteer service with Landscape Ontario. Before taking on the role of president in 1981, he served served five years on the Provincial Board of Directors. He later joined the Garden Centre Commodity Group, and the Congress Committee. Barry also served the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation, which began with the purpose of raising funds for research.

GERALD BOOT

Gerald became just the 11th Honorary Life Member of LO in 2011. Haig Seferian presented the award at the Awards of Excellence Gala. “His service ethic is inspiring,” Seferian said. “He is always willing to give his time and resources to advance our industry, while enriching the lives of his family, his fellow members, his customers and community.” Gerald served as President in 2004-5, and he has contributed to numerous committees and sector groups including: Canada Blooms, Publishing/ Communications, Snow and Ice Management, as well as CNLA’s Insurance and Certification Committees.

DAVE BRAUN

As president of LO, Dave was involved with the sale of part of the association’s property in Milton. He wrote, “Back in 1994, the $1.24 million purchase of a 46-acre new home for Landscape Ontario was termed, ‘the deal of the century.’ Over 20 years later, on May 28, 2015, the association sold 24.16 excess acres of the Milton property, at $9,263,446.80.” Over the two years of Dave’s presidency, LO membership grew from just over 2,100 to more than 2,500. Another major event during Dave’s term was the launch of the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign to honour Canadian servicemen and women.

LEO BEZAIRE

A founding member of the Windsor Chapter of Landscape Ontario, Leo was also a member of the Provincial Board of Directors. He was awarded the Past Presidents’ Award in 1981 for service to the industry. Founding members of LO’s Windsor Chapter were recognized at the official unveiling of the Chapter’s Legacy Garden at St. Clair College in Windsor, on June 3, 2017. Over 100 people attended the event, including LO members, families and friends, as well as representatives from St. Clair College.

Bob Adams

Bob Allen

Barry Benjamin

Leo Bezaire

Gerald Boot

Dave Braun

PAUL BRYDGES

Paul was the first practicing landscape architect to hold the position of LO President. He had previously served on the Board of Directors and also contributed to LO’s Canada Blooms garden design team. When Paul took on the duties as president in 2016, he wanted the industry to view itself as professionals. Paul stated, “Our biggest hurdle in achieving and maintaining our modern landscapes is to overcome the shortage of qualified team members and also the perception of our profession as mowers of lawns and shovelers of snow.”

LEN CULLEN

Len Cullen was such a major player in the industry that a statue of him was constructed in 2019 in (where else?) Cullen Central Park in Whitby, Ont. In the early 1950s, Len joined the Canadian Association of Nurserymen. He served as national president from 1963 to 1964. Tony DiGiovanni wrote: “Len was both a visionary and a pioneer. He inspired many. His passion and enthusiasm for gardens and business lives on in the hundreds of employees and associates who have made their mark on the horticulture and landscape profession.”

MARK CULLEN

In 2014, Mark and his wife Mary challenged members of Landscape Ontario to match their $30,000 a year pledged for the following three years to support scholarships through the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation. Mark said their goal was to ensure younger generations had the opportunity to pursue careers as green professionals. Mark was also instrumental in the creation of the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign. In November 2022, the campaign exceeded its goal of planting two million trees to honour Canadian Armed Forces members. The campaign has now grown into a national movement, Trees for Life.

HAROLD DEENEN

The ninth president of Landscape Ontario in 1982, Harold would end each of his presidential messages with “Lead, follow, or get out of the way.” A tireless volunteer, over the years, and continuing still, Harold has been a leader on numerous Landscape Ontario and CNLA committees, including CNLA President from 2005 to 2007, and in 2019 as CNLA’s chair of Human Resources, treasurer of the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council and treasurer of Green Cities Foundation.

JOE & BILL DELUCA

One of the most respected landscape construction companies in Ontario, Aldershot Landscape Contractors was a true family effort by Joseph DeLuca and his son Bill. The company and family have been involved with Landscape Ontario for many years. In 1994, Joe DeLuca was one of only four people to receive the Landscape Heritage Award for creating a legacy of excellence that positively influenced the profession. Aldershot’s work won the DuningtonGrubb Award in 1977 and Joe received the Alumni Award in 2004.

HANK DEENEN

Hank, along with Casey van Maris, Tony DeGroot, Bernie Boumeister and John van Roode created the OGMLA (Ontario Garden Maintenance and Landscape Association). Hank chaired the inaugural meeting and eventually served as the group’s first vice-president. OGMLA merged with the OLCA (Ontario Landscape Contractors Association) and the ONTA (Ontario Nursery Trades Association) to form Landscape Ontario in 1973. Both Hank and his son Harold attended the unity meetings that resulted in the formation of LO.

Paul Brydges

Len Cullen

Mark Cullen

Hank Deenen

Joe and Bill Deluca

Harold Deenen

HORST DICKERT

Horst was part of the Ontario Landscape Contractors Association in the 1960s. He sat on the Landscape Ontario Specialty Education Committee as well as on the Advisory Committee to the province of Ontario for universities and colleges for 10 years, where he helped develop the provincial curriculum for apprenticeship programs. In 1988, he received the Trillium Award. Other awards included the Past Presidents’ Award in 1984, the Environmental Award in 1993, and the LO Legacy Award in 2004.

PHIL DICKIE

Phil Dickie was a tireless volunteer with the Waterloo Chapter through the years. He received the LO Community Leadership Award in 2012. This award is given to an individual who has been instrumental in making a significant contribution to their community through their horticultural work on community-based projects. In 2019, Phil was presented the LO Legacy Award.

HANK GELDERMAN

In 2009, Hank was awarded LO’s Honorary Life Membership. On June 23, 2011, over 250 friends, colleagues and fellow LO members gathered to wish him all the best in his retirement. On hand to offer him and his wife Jacoba best wishes was Tony DiGiovanni. He read a letter from LO president Tom Intven, “Hank is a willing and able mentor. He always has a good word to say. Hank truly has lived according to the golden rule: ‘Treat others as you would like to be treated’ – a testament to his deeprooted faith.”

PAUL GROBE

Two of Landscape Ontario’s Chapters exist thanks to the work by Paul Grobe in the 1970s. Back then, Paul, along with fellow pioneer John Wright, left the Toronto Chapter to assist a struggling Hamilton Chapter, now known as Golden Horseshoe Chapter. From there, they moved to form the Waterloo Chapter. In 1995, he received the Past Presidents’ Award and in 2006 he was given the LO Alumni Award.

BUD HEBEL JR.

Bud was one of the people directly involved in the formation of Landscape Ontario. He served as president of the Ontario Nursery Trades Association in 1969, and served on its board from 1967 to 1972. On Jan. 11, 1973, Bud was involved in the final meeting of the Unity Committee to present the package that would create LO. Later that month, it was accepted and the association became a reality.

LINDSAY DRAKE NIGHTINGALE

Lindsay became president in January 2022 and quickly set her focus on the future. In her LO magazine column, she wrote: “As landscape professionals, we need to look at our businesses and determine how we can continue to be profitable, while being kinder to the planet. We also need to recruit like-minded individuals (clients and employees) to create and maintain spaces that will not destroy the environment, but rather will enhance our spaces. “A volunteer for many year’s with LO’s Toronto Chapter, Lindsay was presented with the 2019 Monica van Maris Green Professionals Women of Influence Award.

Horst Dickert

Phil Dickie

Hank Gelderman

Lindsay Drake Nightingale

Paul Grobe

Bud Hebel Jr.

TOM INTVEN

Tom served as LO President from 2010-11. He was twice president of the London Chapter of and he was also a recipient of the LO Past Presidents’ Award for outstanding contribution to the industry. “I really enjoyed my time as LO President,” said Tom. “Our industry is better served by acting collaboratively rather than operating individually.”

PHIL CHARAL

Phil’s involvement with LO goes back to 1983, when his one-year-old company Allweather Landscape joined the association. He began his volunteer work in 2003 as a member of the Toronto Chapter, and starting in 2006 he served as chair of the Landscape Contractors Commodity Group. Phil became treasurer of the association in 2009, and then second vicepresident in 2010. He also served as co-chair on Canada Blooms board for three years. “Being President of LO (2012-13) was a great honour for me,” Phil said. “I learned so much about the industry through my term and developed lifetime business friendships with so many talented people.”

JOAN JOHNSTON

Joan volunteered extensively in the Ottawa Chapter and with the Garden Centre Commodity Group. She also served as LO President from 2000-1. In her address to members at the 1999 AGM, Joan stated, “In this association, our survival and success in a constantly changing environment requires a deep commitment to developing the potential of each human being in our organization. One needs to communicate with a passion that people are what makes us successful, no matter what the endeavor.” She also emphasized the importance of education. “The currency of the next millenium may well be training.”

GLEN LUMIS

As a professor of landscape horticulture in the Department of Horticultural Science at the University of Guelph, Dr. Glen Lumis became well known throughout the landscape profession. He educated hundreds of individuals who went on to take up fulltime careers in the landscape and nursery industries. He was also a researcher who provided knowledge and assistance to growers and landscapers on numerous topics from the effects of wire baskets to root systems of caliper trees. Glen was a cornerstone of LO’s Growers’ Sector Group and a contributor to the annual Nursery Growers Short Course for many years.

JAMES McCRACKEN

When James became LO President in 1981, his focus was on expanding the membership community. He wrote, “The only way all of us improve is by being reminded of the necessity to improve. Our trade members, in becoming more innovative and efficient through an exchange of ideas and methods of performance with fellow members, become proud of their individual reputations in the trade… Being a member of Landscape Ontario is an important step in fulfilling your responsibility to your career.”

FRANK KEARNEY

When Frank took on the task of LO President in 1980, he championed the need to emphasize that Landscape Ontario membership is a symbol of quality. He sent out press releases to Ontario newspapers and other media to promote the association. When contacted in 2019 to ask about his time as president, Frank answered, “During my time as president, the North American industry was emphasizing ‘Green Survival’ and the Nursery Marketing Council; it is interesting that this subject has regained prominence worldwide.”

Tom Intven

Phil Charal

Joan Johnston

Frank Kearney

Glen Lumis

James McCracken

BURKE MCNEIL

In 1972, Burke facilitated meetings with representatives of the Ontario Garden Maintenance and Landscaping Association (OGMLA), Ontario Landscape Contractors Association (OLCA) and Ontario Nursery Trades Association (ONTA), which helped to establish a dues structure, select a name and establish the financial viability of a single, combined association. It led to the formation of LO. At the first general meeting of Landscape Ontario on March 28, 1973, Burke became the firstever recipient of an Honorary Life Membership in Landscape Ontario for his work as Chairman of the Unity Committee.

LENO MORI

An article that appeared in the Aug. 18, 2019 edition of the Niagara Now newspaper read, “Leno Mori smiles at the thought that some people consider him Niagara’s Johnny Appleseed. The builder of one of Canada’s largest and best-known nursery businesses estimated that almost half of all the fruit trees in Niagara were supplied by Mori Nurseries.” Leno was a president of the Ontario Nurserymen’s Association in 1960. He received the Trillium Award in 1991 — given only in exceptional circumstances for outstanding contribution in the field of horticulture, such as the development of a new plant or technique, or for the design of an outstanding project.

PAUL OLSEN

Paul was a longtime contributor to LO, serving as President in 2006-7. Tony DiGiovanni wrote, “When an LO President completes their term, they traditionally receive a ceremonial gavel and a president’s ring. Paul did something different. He gifted the association with a large granite sign in celebration of our 25th anniversary. It still adorns the entrance of our home office and will always be a reminder of his legacy. It’s Paul’s rock.” Paul was also instrumental in the founding of Canada Blooms. In 2007 he recieved the LO Honorary Life Member designation.

PERRY MOLEMA

Perry was an avid gardener, talented landscape designer and Canadian ponding pioneer. A longtime member of LO, Perry spent years as president of both the Windsor and Toronto Chapters. An innovator and supporter of the water gardening revolution, he became the Canadian Sales Director for Aquascape. Many met Perry or attended one of his seminars as he actively worked with Aquascape and LO to educate, motivate and inspire those in the business. Tony DiGiovanni wrote, “Perry Molema described our customer/ public mission very well, when he said, ‘We are in the business of enhancing lives.’

JOHN NORTHWOOD

John was considered a wonderful mentor to many pioneers of the landscape industry. His passion for quality landscapes, especially for trees, inspired many. Over the years, John won many Landscape Ontario awards, including the Past Presidents’ Award in 1989, Environmental Award in 1999, and the Alumni Award in 2005. From 1971-75, his company Lakeshore Landscape Associates won the first five Dunington-Grubb Awards at the LO Awards of Excellence.

PETER OLSEN

Peter was a founding member of LO, serving in many capacities including President in 1986. He was remembered with a ceremonial tree planting to honour the memories of three past members whose work “Benefited the future of generations working in the industry.” He was remembered along with John Wright and Casey van Maris. The Olsen family established a scholarship fund in Peter’s name to help budding horticulturalists further their education.

Burke McNeill

Perry Molema

Leno Mori

John Northwood

Paul Olsen

Peter Olsen

WARREN PATTERSON

When Warren took the role of LO President in 2018, not only was the major renovation of the home office in Milton underway, but there was also the beginning of a new strategic plan for the association. Warren said, “With the board, members, chapters, volunteers and staff actively focused, our collective resources and energy invigorates the many stakeholders involved.” At the official opening of the newly renovated home office on Oct. 23, 2019, Warren told those present that all members should be very proud of the new facility as it is a better reflection of the work done by the association and its members.

JOHN PEETS

John was the first and only LO President to serve three consecutive terms: 1990 through 1993. After serving on the London Chapter Board, John moved onto the Provincial Board of Directors, where he served as treasurer and vice-president. John oversaw several advances during his presidency, including the move of Congress to Copps Coliseum in Hamilton, and the re-establishment of the Provincial Advisory Committee for horticultural apprentices.

GLENN PEISTER

Glenn was among a handful of men back in the early 1970s who, with foresight and determination, worked countless hours to create a strong voice for their industry. “We met and we met and we met,” Glenn recalled of the time spent trying to arrive at a solution to merge three associations into one. When LO was formed, Glenn was quoted at the time, “This took years of effort by unselfish, far-sighted people who sought to improve and promote their chosen vocation.” As the first LO President in 1973, Glenn recalled, “My year as LO President saw me put 12,000 miles on the car.”

FRANS PETERS

Two major changes occurred for the association during Frans’ time as president of Landscape Ontario in 1993: The purchase of the Milton property for LO’s head office and moving Congress to the Toronto Congress Centre. In January of 1994, LO Real Estate Committee, chaired by Casey van Maris, with Frans Peters as a member of that committee, voted to pursue the purchase of what was known as the Shemin Nurseries property in Milton. At the official opening of the new head office on Sept. 21, 1994, with over 500 people in attendance, Frans outlined his vision of an industry training centre, demonstration gardens and research park.

JOE PEPETONE

Owner of Holland Park Garden Gallery in Burlington, Joe initiated the Landscape Ontario Garden Centre Commodity Group in 1988. He was the inaugural chair of the new group and served on the LO Board of Directors until 2006. In his March 2012 column in LO magazine, Tony DiGiovanni wrote about Joe’s contribution ethic. “Years ago, I asked Joe Pepetone why he was so free with sharing business information at a Garden Centre Commodity Group meeting, when his competitors were sitting around the table. ‘It’s easy,’ he said. ‘Do the math. If I offer one good idea in a room with ten competitors and they do the same, I receive nine ideas back.’”

John was part of a special committee of pioneers who worked to develop the Landscape Ontario Guide to Planting Standards. When LO purchased the property near Milton, John became the go-to person. “We were needy neighbours,” remembers Tony DiGiovanni. “When we needed a tree to commemorate our first open house, John supplied the tree. When we needed equipment and expertise to move trees being forced for Canada Blooms, we called on John. When plants were required for the certification programs, we asked John for them. It was always without complaint and without charge.”

Warren Patterson

John Peets

Glenn Peister

Joe Pepetone

Frans Peters

John Putzer

JOHN PUTZER

SYD QUERIPEL

Syd began as a member of the Ontario Garden Maintenance and Landscape Association (OGMLA) in 1966. He served two years as president of the OGMLA in 1968 and 1969. During 1968, he began talks with Ontario Landscape Contractors Association and Ontario Nursery Trades Association to combine the convention and trade show in 1969. It was named the Allied Horticultural Trades Congress in 1970 at the Skyline Hotel in Rexdale. Syd served as a director on the very first nine-person Landscape Ontario Board of Directors and chaired the first Congress under the LO banner. He was named an LO Alumni Member in 2006.

DON SALIVAN

Don was one of the founding members of Landscape Ontario. LO Past President Gord Shuttleworth remembered Don as a leader in the industry. “Don was instrumental in the creation of Landscape Ontario,” Gord said. “When we were trying to combine three associations in the early 1970s, Don was a staunch supporter of the OGMLA and didn’t want to lose its voice by joining with the landscape contractors and nurserymen associations. Don became a devil’s advocate for the process and made us reach further than we thought possible to create a better association.”

BILL SCHREIBER

Bill was active in the OLCA, ONTA, and CNTA. In a profile from November 1985, Rita Weerdenburg wrote, “The names of Bill Schreiber and Lakeshore Landscape Associates will be forever synonymous with the landscape construction trade in Ontario.” Bill Schreiber devoted a great deal of time to create a strong association for the industry. He was a founding member of the Landscape Horticultural Guild. It was from this organization that the Ontario Landscape Contractors Association (OLCA) was created. He worked hard to continue to improve OLCA, until LO was created in 1973.

NICK SOLTY

Nick’s term as LO President in 2002-3 marked the culmination of his family’s association work. Solty and Son was an original member of LO. Nick’s grandfather, Leslie Sr., was heavily involved in the Ontario Landscape Contractors Association, serving as president in 1963, while Leslie Jr. was president of the association in 1970-71. In the President’s Report in 2002, Nick wrote, “Landscape Ontario was built on a strong foundation, built up and solidified over many years with the help of dedicated and talented volunteers. As members of LO today, we are responsible for implementing a vision and acting as navigators for the future of the horticulture industry.”

KARL STENSSON

When Karl became LO President in 1979, he said his top goal was to increase membership. A new ‘game plan’ was the LO Dollar Saver. It showed examples that demonstrated what members saved by belonging to the association. Karl remains proud of his work with Landscape Ontario. “We (LO) are the largest horticultural association in the world,” he said. “I have travelled to many areas and have seen first-hand our growth and success compared to many other countries.” Long-time chair of LO’s Building Management Committee, Karl’s leadership and determination were a driving force that made the 2018 building renovation project a reality.

GORD SHUTTLEWORTH

Landscape Ontario’s fourth president, Gord, was also its sixth president. After serving his term in 1976, he returned to the role in 1978. Tony DiGiovanni said, “There is a saying, ‘We can see further because we stand on the shoulders of giants.’ Gord is one of those giants. He has been instrumental in the success of our association.” In 2013, Gord Shuttleworth received the Landscape Ontario Honorary Life Membership.

Syd Queripel

Don Salivan

Bill Schreiber

Gord Shuttleworth

Nick Solty

Karl Stennson

MARC THIEBAUD

Marc was one of the original LO Board Members, serving as treasurer of the newly formed LO in 1973, as well as Toronto Chapter President. Marc became LO President in 1975. That year saw the association form commodity groups to help ensure all sectors felt served by the newly amalgamated organization. Following his presidency, Marc became an Ontario representative for CNLA in 1976. He moved through the board as secretary/ treasurer in 1978, first vice-president in 1979 and finally as president from 1980 to 1983. In honour of the many years of service, including many years on the LO Building Management Committee, Marc was named an Honorary Life Member.

BOB TUBBY

One of Bob’s greatest achievements during his time as President in 2006-07 was founding the Prosperity Partners Program, said Tony DiGiovanni. “When Bob Tubby served as LO President, he coined the phrase ‘Prosperity Partner.’ If we think of our work as being a prosperity partner to everyone we touch, we will create a culture where people will want to work for us.” Bob said, “there is no better way to learn the inside and out of the association than serving on the LO Board of Directors.” Bob was awarded an Honorary Life Membership at the 2016 Awards of Excellence ceremony.

DAVID TURNBULL

As LO President, David said his focus was to ensure the association remained up-to-date with current needs of the industry and to make the best use of resources. “I believe one of our immediate goals should be to educate membership on the very real benefits of their trade association and the benefits of involvement, not just to the industry but also their individual companies.” In his first magazine column, David outlined how CNLA and LO were launching industry certifications.

MONICA VAN MARIS

In 1987, Monica became the first female President of LO. She was presented with a Leadership Award at the 50th IPM Symposium. She stated, “When I turned around to face the crowd, my heart gave a flip to see so many women. I realized this is what I was working for all these years, to see so many women taking the same interest in our industry.” On May 29, 2018, Monica was presented with the inaugural Monica van Maris Green Professionals Women of Influence Award on behalf of LO and the Toronto Botanical Garden

JOHN VAN STAVEREN

Just three years after becoming a member of Landscape Ontario, John became the association’s fifth president. In his first column as president, he announced the board had voted to organize and manage Congress in 1978. It was a big step for the fledgling association after an outside company had managed the show since its inaugural year. Interviewed in 2019, John said, “At the start of my term as president, my chief program for the year was to try to increase membership.”

CASEY VAN MARIS

Casey will always be remembered as a man whose foresight, determination and constant drive helped to create Landscape Ontario. After Casey passed away in 1997, there was a collective voice that stated, “Landscape Ontario lost one of its most influential and respected members, a founder of the association.” To honour the memory of LO’s second president, a special award was developed to carry on the legacy of “A great friend to the association and industry.” The Casey van Maris Award is given to the project awarded the highest marks for execution of unique and innovative design in landscaping.

Marc Thiebaud

Bob Tubby

David Turnbull

Casey van Maris

Monica van Maris

John Van Staveren

in recognition of her pioneering achievements.

NEIL VANDERKRUK

Named president in 1989, Neil stated, “The association needs people to sell the association to both members and non-members.” At Congress that year, he presented a new LO logo. Tony DiGiovanni said, “It was amazing how much he cared about the industry and LO. Neil and the Vanderkruk family are life-time contributors to the success of Landscape Ontario and the entire horticultural profession.” Neil Vanderkruk continued to provide his time and expertise throughout the years. He was a member of the Building Management Committee and a director on the Foundation Committee. Neil was made an Honorary Life Member in 1991.

JOHN WRIGHT

John’s contributions to Ontario’s horticulture industry began with the OGMLA in the 1960s. Once LO was formed, John served as co-chair of the expansion committee, which spearheaded the growth of the Hamilton Chapter. Later, he helped establish the Waterloo Chapter, servings as its first president. He was also instrumental in starting the Lawn Care Commodity Group in the early 1980s. John was also a dedicated supporter of the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation.

DAVE WRIGHT

Dave’s presidency in 2020-21 is distinguished by the remarkable work the association’s COVID-19 Task Force did to support the industry during the pandemic. The Task Force focused on government relations and providing resources and timely information to members. The community responded, with record-breaking membership enrollment. Tony DiGiovanni said the membership growth was, “In part due to staff and the volunteer COVID-19 Task Force providing relevant information and programs that helped members to better cope with the added pressures of doing business during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

ZIRALDO

Long before Don became famous in the Canadian wine industry, he was one of the driving forces behind the work to improve LO. Don served on the LO board in 1974-75, where he was instrumental in establishing the Qualified Plantsman Independent Study Course through University of Guelph. In 1974, Don led a group of growers to form a national growers’ group to advance all matters aiding the development and the improvement of the growing and marketing of nursery stock in Canada. In 2006, Don directed his energy toward serving as chair of the newly re-energized Vineland Research and Innovations Centre.

DON

Neil Vanderkruk

Dave Wright

John Wright

Don Ziraldo

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

On Jan. 24 of 2023, Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association will celebrate its golden 50th anniversary. It’s a remarkable achievement for any organization, but even more so when you recognize its contentious and challenging origin.

In the early 1970s, members of the Ontario Nursery Trades Association (ONTA), Ontario Landscape Contractors Association (OCLA) and Ontario Garden Maintenance and Landscape Association (OGMLA) were operating on a small scale representing those specific sectors. But visionaries such as Glenn Peister, Casey van Maris, Marc Thiebaud, Syd Queripel, Bill Schreiber and others, felt that a stronger voice was needed.

“We met and we met and we met,” recalled Glenn Peister of the time spent trying to arrive at a solution to merge three associations into one.

Casey van Maris wrote that his objective for the new association was to combine newsletters, meetings, social activities, Congress, government representation and education. He wrote, “In my opinion, we must unite in order to gain our fair share of the consumer dollar, and united we could rise to become one of the most important industries in the province.”

The new association created five regional chapters: Hamilton, London,

Ottawa, Toronto and Windsor. Commodity groups included: growers, landscaping, garden centres and maintenance. The sod growers were to come into the fold, but pulled out before Landscape Ontario became a reality.

When Landscape Ontario was formed, the understanding was that the new association had two years to prove it would be a workable solution for the three former associations. Casey van Maris wrote in his President’s Message that he was happy to report that after a two-year trial period all three voted to dissolve the former associations in favour of continuing on with

Landscape Ontario.

Members of the first Board of Directors included: Glenn Peister, President; Casey van Maris, 1st Vice President; Bill DeLuca, 2nd Vice President; Marc Thiebaud, Treasurer; Knox Henry, Secretary; and Howard Stennsen, Syd Queripel, William Schreiber and Dave Watkins as Directors.

Neville Richards was appointed executive director and was introduced at the association’s first annual general meeting on Mar. 28, 1973, at the Canadiana Hotel in Toronto. Other staff members introduced at the event included: Betty DeVita, Barbara Ough and Larry Bruce.

Syd Queripel

Marc Thiebaud

Bill Schrieber

Glenn Peister Casey van Maris

Celebrating LO’s 10th anniversary in 1983.

LO’S HOME OFFICE

During the first 10 years of its existence, LO’s head office moved four times. In 1973, the home office was located in Suites 202 & 204 at 3464 Kingston Road, in Scarborough. In 1974, the LO office was moved to 4569 Sheppard Ave. East in Agincourt.

In 1978, President Gord Shuttleworth announced that a committee had searched and found a new location for the home office. He told members the move would take place on Oct. 16, 1978 from the Agincourt offices to 3034 Palston Road in Mississauga. “The new space is larger and should afford us room for future developments,” Shuttleworth said.

Six years later, in 1984, LO moved to 1293 Matheson Blvd., Mississauga. The new quarters provided 1,300 sq. ft. of office space and nearly 4,000 sq. ft. for meetings, etc.

As part of LO’s work to develop a strategic plan in 1993, it was recommended the association begin looking to acquire larger office facilities. With 12 employees, plus the Canadian Nursery Trades Association staff of three, the office area was described as ‘bursting from the seams.’ It was determined that any new offices were required to be within a half-hour drive of Toronto’s International Airport and that 50 acres were necessary to “Better

showcase the talents of our industry.”

There were also rumours the new Landscape Ontario offices would be located within the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington. However, at the AGM during Congress ’94, Casey van Maris, chair of the Real Estate Committee, recommended purchasing the former site of Shemin Nurseries in Milton. After a great deal of discussion, the membership voted to negotiate the purchase in partnership with a related group or company.

On May 17, 1994, Landscape Ontario members voted almost unanimously to purchase the former Shemin Nurseries property in Milton. The committee

negotiated with the owners, U.S.based Weyerhauser Corporation for the sale at $1.23 million. The board in January approved the negotiation with the provision that a partner was to be found. Flowers Canada had expressed interest in a partnership, but pulled out. The May 17 vote was to move ahead with LO as the sole owner.

Landscape Ontario set Sept. 21, 1994 for the official opening date of the Horticultural Trade Centre in Milton. The actual move took place on June 30 of that year. The final mortgage payment was signed by the Board of Directors just 10 years later in June of 2004.

DEAL OF THE CENTURY

The $1.23 million purchase of a 46-acre new home for Landscape Ontario was termed, “The deal of the century.” Over 20 years later, on May 28, 2015, the culmination of that sentiment was realized when Landscape Ontario’s Building Committee announced the sale of 24.16 excess acres of land from the 48-acre property. The offer: $8,740,000. That number later climbed to $9,263,446.80 and was accepted on Mar. 21, 2013. The deal officially closed later in August of that year.

LO President Phil Charal said, “We will have the ability to transform the LO home, so it will reflect the best that the industry members have to offer. We will also have significant funds left over to advance the industry.”

Building Management Committee Chair Karl Stensson, said, “The Building Committee looks forward to getting on with the next phase of this exciting adventure.” According to Karl, the shortcomings at LO’s current home office building were apparent for some time. He said that planners conducted a study on whether it would be more beneficial to renovate the existing building or build a new one. Consensus of the consultants was that renovating would be more affordable and in line with LO’s budget.

Members of the Building Management Committee were: Hank Gelderman, Tom Intven, Paul Olsen, John Putzer, Haig Seferian, Marc Thiebaud, Rene Thiebaud, Bob Tubby, Monica van Maris and Neil Vanderkruk, with staff members: Tony DiGiovanni,

The decision to purchase the Milton property — and the later sale of a portion of the land — has been called “the deal of the century.

In the spring of 2018, Stensson paid a visit to the home office and advised the approximately 24 staff, plus several tenants that they had about 30 days to move out and entirely vacate the premises so that the nearly $5 million renovation could finally begin. Construction began later that summer and staff returned just over a year

later in August 2019.

The brand new doors of the Landscape Ontario office and training facility were opened to members, partners, suppliers and industry professionals at an open house on Oct. 23, 2019. The celebration provided many with their first look of the recently completed renovation project.

Tony DiGiovanni, Executive Director at the time, recalled the first meeting 29 years

previous to the newly renovated offices, when past presidents of the association were charged with envisioning a future home office. He said it has been amazing to see that collective vision become a reality. “People will come here to aim higher, become better, reflect their profession well and inspire the next generation.”

No doubt, it’s been 50 years of growth and prosperity.

Kathleen Pugliese, Joe Sabatino and Robert Ellidge.

The history of

There is no doubt that Congress played a major role as the catalyst in the creation of Landscape Ontario. The independent horticulture groups that joined to create the first Congress became one allied association to represent a professional industry.

The first Congress meeting was held in 1969 at the Inn on the Park in Toronto to organize a co-operative under the banner of the Allied Horticultural Trades. The meeting, chaired by Dick Sale, included four associations: Ontario Nursery Trades Association, Ontario Landscape Contractors Association, Ontario Garden Maintenance Association and the Nursery Sod Growers Association. Each one had previously staged its own Congress-like event. The sod growers eventually decided not to become part of LO.

The first unified Congress was held in 1970 at the Skyline Hotel in Rexdale. At the time, it was considered a huge success with 400 delegates in attendance. The next year, Congress was held at the Royal York Hotel in downtown Toronto, with the 1972 event back at the Skyline.

The four independent associations were amazed at the success of the initial events. During those years, the seed for unity was planted. People such as Casey van Maris, Glenn Peister, Bill DeLuca, Marc Thiebaud, Knox Henry, Howard Stensson, Syd Queripel and Bill Schreiber began asking their fellow industry members, “If we can create this

success with our combined show, imagine what we can do as one united and strong association?” After a great deal of effort, successful germination followed.

The fledgling organization, Landscape Ontario, was quick to make changes with Congress. At a meeting during the summer of 1973, Congress Chair Syd Queripel and Show Manager Dave Courtin announced Congress ’74 would be held at a new location.

Scheduled for Jan. 28 to 30, plans called for Congress to move to the new Four Seasons Sheraton Hotel in Toronto. Part of the move resulted in an increase of exhibition spaces from 51 to 73. The headline in Landscape Ontario magazine read, “Congress 1974: A Landmark for Landscape Ontario.” On hand to open the show was Ontario premier Bill Davis. Overall attendance was 750, and the event was described in the magazine as “the best Congress ever.”

In 1976, Congress was again held at the Four Seasons Sheraton Hotel, where for the first time the Canadian Nursery Trades Association and Landscape Ontario held joint meetings. This Congress also featured attendance of 217 students from 10 different colleges and universities across Ontario. Then, Congress ’77 had the best registration yet, with 1,800 attendees, plus 300 students.

Congress in 1978 was the first time the event was produced solely by Landscape Ontario staff. Bad weather did hamper attendance at the Sheraton Hotel in

Toronto with numbers at 525 the first day, 650 the second and 125 on the third day in blizzard conditions.

Ontario Minister of Agriculture Lorne Henderson opened Congress ‘81 and noted that nursery sales alone contributed a value of $30 million in 1979. The number of exhibitors increased by 15 per cent over the previous year with 112.

The following year saw the growth pattern continue. Held at Sheraton Centre in Toronto, over 3,200 registrants took part. Tom Thompson, executive director of the Civic Garden Centre and the first commissioner of Metro Toronto Parks, officially cut the ribbon to to open the event. The show attracted a total of 119 exhibitors with H.C. Downham winning the best exhibit award. Harold Deenen was chair of the event.

Magicians, fortune tellers, strolling musicians and and a giant birthday cake were all part of Landscape Ontario’s tenth

birthday celebration at Congress in 1983 at the Sheraton Centre in Toronto. A total of 4,180 people registered for the event, making it the all-time high number. There was also a record number of exhibitors at the show with 130. It was the second consecutive year the show sold out with 15 companies on the waiting list.

The past presidents brought a great deal of humour to the tenth birthday bash that was remembered many years after the event. A number of them dressed with funny masks and costumes.

The economy was in a tough place in 1984. The Bank of Canada had raised its prime lending rate to 10.56 per cent — the highest level since December 1982. The growth of Congress continued in 1984 with an attendance of 4,400 and the number of exhibitors at 143. An article on Congress in Landscape Ontario magazine concluded, “Congress ’84 provided an exciting mix of business and pleasure in an atmosphere

fresh with expectation for economic recovery.” Winner of the best booth award was Mori Nurseries of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Heavy snow storms that hit the province saw attendance drop by two per cent at the 1985 Congress, compared to the previous year. Despite the storm, only one exhibitor failed to show at the Sheraton Centre in Toronto. With a total of 148 booths, Sommerville Nurseries of Alliston won the best booth award.

At 4,970, attendance at Congress ’86 was the highest ever. Held again at the Sheraton Centre, Congress chair Anna Zalewski said that education was the number one priority. Casablanca Night attracted over 200 people and raised over $1,600 for the Foundation. Past Presidents’ Awards were handed out to Burke McNeill, for his work toward the Association, and Vic Palmer for his efforts in building the Toronto West Chapter.

It was estimated that 7,500 delegates were in attendance at the 1989 Congress — another record breaker. Then again in 1990, show manager Jo-Anne Willets reported another increase in attendance with over 8,000 attendees at the three-day show. The trade show floor also expanded to occupy all three floors at the Sheraton Centre.

With a growing Congress and the Sheraton Centre at capacity, plans called for Congress to move to Copps Coliseum in Hamilton 1991. Opinions on the move were varied. Some strongly agreed, while a large number said they were “cautiously optimistic.” Willets said that Congress currently accommodated 225 exhibitors, while the next year was expected to hit 300. It was also decided to move Congress dates up a week earlier than previous events. Congress ‘91 was held in a new home in a new city. Despite concern about leaving downtown Toronto for Hamilton, it was termed a huge success. Many

Early 1970’s Congress, best exhibit.

commented how much more spacious the Hamilton facility was compared to the Sheraton Hotel. Exhibits increased to 278.

’92 at Copps Coliseum. “I felt that the show was a great success,” said Congress Committee chair John Smit. Awards of Excellence coordinator Ann Lederer said the number of entries jumped 40 per cent over the previous year.

attendance with over 8,500 people arriving at Copps Coliseum from Jan. 17 to 19 to view nearly 400 exhibits. The awards luncheon was changed to the Recognition Breakfast, where individual winners of Awards of Excellence were presented with their hardware.

Following the 1995 event, LO’s Provincial Board of Directors voted to move Congress from Hamilton’s Copps Coliseum back to Toronto. It was decided that the Metro

Toronto Convention Centre would be the home for Congress ’96.

Then Executive Director Tony DiGiovanni explained to members, “Congress is our most important event of the year, and the decision to move was not an easy one. We know we are not going to please everyone, so we took the extra time to poll both exhibitors and delegates to ensure that we had the majority consensus in favour of moving to Toronto.”

Results of the survey showed strong support for Toronto from those chapters east of the city, while chapters west of the city showed a preference for Hamilton. A survey of delegates and exhibitors was split on their choice of locations.

With the resignation of show manager Jo-Anne Willets, assistant show manager Diana Lynn-Hughes took on the interim title until a new person could be hired. On March 20, 1995, LO announced Paul Day as the new show manager for Congress.

With a new show manager and a move back to Toronto for Congress ‘96, the venue was later changed from the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in downtown Toronto, to a newly-renovated facility just minutes away from Toronto’s International Airport. The Toronto Congress Centre, located at 650 Dixon Road was conveniently located only a stone’s throw away from the major 401 and 427 highways. It was also central to many large hotels, including one directly across the street. Now the host hotel where many delegates, exhibitors and staff stay

during the event — and where events like the Awards of Excellence ceremony are held, that same building back in the 1970s had a different name: the Skyline Hotel, where the very first Congress was ever held.

The first year Congress was held at the Toronto Congress Centre it shattered previous attendance and exhibit numbers. Held Jan. 16 to 18, attendance jumped 20 per cent to over 9,500 people. The show itself expanded by over 30 per cent with 427 exhibitors. A major entertainment factor was the appearance of Red Green and his nephew Harold at the final day ticketed breakfast, attracting over 300 people.

A town crier in full uniform, ribbons and balloons all contributed to a festive atmosphere at Congress ’98 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Landscape Ontario. The Congress Committee, under the chairmanship of John Langendoen of Willowbrook Nurseries, went to great lengths to ensure the silver anniversary was one to remember.

The LO booth, created to look like an

old village square, was the site where the 25th Anniversary Yearbook was unveiled by committee chairs Monica van Maris and Karl Stensson. Three years in the making, the 144-page book recounted the history of the association and the changes within the various sectors of the industry. A giant 25th anniversary cake at the LO booth was estimated to feed 500 people.

In 1999, Toronto mayor Mel Lastman requested military assistance to help Toronto shovel out from beneath the white mass left by what was described as “the snow storm of the century.” In response to Mayor Lastman’s plea, over 400 troops from CFB Petawawa arrived in the city. Meanwhile, Congress ’99 resulted in the largest show ever. In an unprecedented move, Congress closed one hour early on Thursday with a forecast for another heavy snowfall in Toronto. Attendance at Congress 2000 shattered all past attendance records. With over 12,000 people visiting the show from Jan. 11 to 13, it was 24 per cent higher than at any time

LO Executive Director Bob Cheeseman and Howard Gallup of Farmers Supply & Equipment congratulate draw winner Martin Kovacs as LO board member Jim McCracken raises his hand, while Karl Stensson and Mark Cullen look on.

in the show’s 30-year history.

Congress 2001 had 12,025 attendees and featured many changes from past events. For the first time in many years, a fee was attached to attend seminars. Conference coordinator Pat Hillmer reported that several sessions were sold out.

Congress marked its 31st year with 12,668 attendees who had the opportunity to visit the 773 exhibitors within the 7.5 acres of trade show space. Many of the conferences were standing-roomonly, with some people spilling into the hallway.

Once again Congress set a new attendance record in 2003, when over 14,000 industry professionals took part. That year, the show days changed to a Wednesday-to-Friday format. After several years of different dates and venues, it was decided that the association’s Annual General Meeting should be held in conjunction with Congress.

In 2003, Landscape Ontario’s Congress was recognized as one of the top 50 trade shows in North America, ranking among the top five of horticultural trade shows in the continent.

Congress 2005 saw the Canadian Fence Industry Association join forces with Landscape Ontario’s event, resulting in a 14 per cent increase in attendance over the previous year.

Tradeshow Week magazine in 2005 listed both LO’s Congress and Garden Expo as two of the largest trade shows in Canada. Congress came in as the 12th largest show, while Garden Expo ranked 45th. New features at the 2006 show included an Internet Cafe and the History on Display that featured antique lawn and garden equipment.

The 2007 edition of Congress garnered rave reviews following the three-day show. Show manager Paul Day said, “This was by far one of the best shows yet, especially with the cooperation of the weather.”

Congress in 2008 was held from Jan. 8 to 10, featuring an early open date with Warm-Up Monday hosting the Landscape Designers Conference, IPM Symposium, and Jim Paluch’s lean management program. Paul Doornbos led a marketing and sales management certification prep course and the LO irrigation group held a ‘roundup.’

Congress 2009 received high marks for its many new and green products. Adding to the excitement, there was a variety of environmentally-friendly products along with a Green Forum to exchange information and best practices on sustainable green initiatives.

Overall attendance at the 2010 Congress showed a 22 per cent increase over the previous year. The trade show began Tuesday, with over 60 Ontario mayors attending a special Green Eggs Breakfast. The event initiated the Green Forum at Congress, hosted by Landscape Ontario, Ontario Parks Association and Communities in Bloom.

Following the opening ceremonies, the delegation was led by a piper in full Scottish regalia to a special presentation of an environment award from Landscape Ontario to Mayor David Miller and the City of Toronto. The award was presented by LO’s

former Executive Director Tony DiGiovanni, who said that Mayor Miller’s core value is environmental stewardship.

A special visitor during Congress 2011 was Ontario Lieutenant Governor David Onley. He delivered an inspiring speech to a crowded room of participants, park managers/ planners and business owners. The event was a joint venture among Ontario Parks Association, Communities in BloomOntario and Landscape Ontario, as part of the Green Communities networking event.

“The best show ever” was the general consensus that surrounded Congress 2012. It was a proud time for everyone in the room when the 2012 Association Achievement Award was presented to Kyle Tobin, Alan White, Peter Guinane, Pat Lamanna and Brad Vanderwoude, for the St. James Park renovation project, which garnered positive media attention toward both the industry and Landscape Ontario. Making the St. James presentation special was a surprise appearance by Toronto Mayor Rob Ford. Ford congratulated the volunteers and companies who donated time and material. “I am here to extend thanks on behalf of myself, city councillors, staff and citizens of Toronto,” said the mayor.

After 17 years as show manager, Paul Day announced his retirement prior to Congress 2012. Colleagues, friends and family took the opportunity at the 2012 Tailgate Party to say goodbye. Day was the driving force behind the growth of

Congress into one of North America’s largest green industry shows.

Congress 2013 reflected on Landscape Ontario’s 40th anniversary. Attendees had an opportunity to view all the past presidents of the association through the Walk of Fame. The anniversary theme was organized by a committee chaired by Monica van Maris.

Coming off her first year as show manager, Heather MacRae said, “Congress 2013 was in many ways the perfect storm with a sold-out show. Supportive sponsors, a top-notch education line-up and great attendance, which all made for a successful event. Celebrating the 40th anniversary in such a positive manner set a great tone for the start of 2013.”

Hundreds of industry professionals overcame frigid -24 C temperatures, snow and the aftermath of the December ice storm to attend Congress 2014, held Jan. 7-9 at the Toronto Congress Centre.

From the trade show floor to the conference rooms, Congress 2015, held from Jan. 6 to 8, provided the nearly 12,000 attendees with what they were looking for, and more. MacRae said, “I saw and received many positive comments on this year’s Congress. From attendees to exhibitors, Congress 2015 was a great success.”

New products, new suppliers, new services, new ideas, and creating and maintaining relationships were reasons nearly 12,000 people attended Congress 2016, Jan. 10-12, at the Toronto Congress

Centre. New in 2016, Landscape Ontario’s Hardscape Committee worked with show organizers to bring live, interactive demonstrations to the show floor with the Hardscape LIVE program.

Many email threads, social media and blog posts and delegates in attendance at Congress ’17 described Canada’s Green Industry Show and Conference as “the best Congress ever.” Held Jan. 10-12 at the Toronto Congress Centre, show organizers made many changes: from an extensive digital marketing campaign, to utilizing new technology, to adding more live demonstrations on the show floor. Heather MacRae said many exhibitors and attendees noticed the changes and described the show as a “refreshed and renewed Congress.” She added that well over 13,000 people attended — over 1,000 more than the previous year. MacRae strongly believed the increase in show attendance was partly due to a huge effort to modernize the exhibitor VIP passes and online registration system.

Congress ’18 proved once again the event was an ideal place for landscape and horticulture professionals to gather at the start of each year. Held Jan. 9-11 (with some special events on Jan. 8), Canada’s Green Industry Show and Conference at the Toronto Congress Centre in Toronto, attracted nearly 14,000 visitors.

A record-breaking 15,657 landscape and horticulture professionals attended Congress ’19, Jan. 8-10. The 46th edition

More than 400 exhibitors participated in Congress 2020.

of the three-day trade show and conference featured over 600 exhibitors on over eight acres of show floor, a full conference, special after-hours events, live demonstrations and some sectorspecific conferences and symposia.

Members of the landscape and horticulture profession gathered once again at the Toronto Congress Centre to kick off a new year and a new decade at Congress 2020. MacRae said one of the biggest changes was a number of show features added to Hall F. These included: axe-throwing, a Patio Lounge, an Ale Trail station, the Landscape Ontario job board, free WiFi and a phone charging station. “We really should have called it Hall Fun,” MacRae said. The new features were added to complement the existing Hardscape LIVE stage and Canada Blooms Campus student gardens.

With no easing of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on the horizon, organizers of Congress 2021 creatively moved forward with a virtual format to provide green professionals with education, product information and networking opportunities. The re-imagined event was called Congress Connect, and launched Jan. 12-14, 2021. The event hosted over 12,000 participants.

In July 2021, Landscape Ontario announced that Congress Redefined would be an in-person trade show, scheduled for Jan. 11-13, 2022 at the Toronto Congress Centre. The event would mark the first gathering of landscape and horticulture professions in two years. In December of 2021, just weeks before the event, organizers were forced to make the official announcement that the show would be cancelled for the second straight year due to the surge of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

Congress ‘23, held Jan. 10-12 is a highly anticipated, special event that will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the trade show and Landscape Ontario. Organizers have once again reimagined the Congress experience with many changes to popular show features, including the New Products Showcase, LIVE Stage, Tailgate Party and more. The Congress Conference sessions continue to offer a wider range of topics and speakers from many sectors and industries and a live, interactive floor plan will allow visitors to find exhibitors and then get walking directions to that location right on their smartphone.

For over 50 years, Congress has provided a forum for landscape and horticulture professionals to gather under one roof to share ideas, renew and create friendships, and to become a unified voice for the profession. Held at the start of each year, Congress provides energy, enthusiasm and ideas for the year ahead. That first ever Congress was a catalyst in the creation of Landscape Ontario and it will continue to be a catalyst for countless other initiatives, ideas and projects in the years ahead.

Congress celebrated 25 years in 1998.

OF LANDSCAPE & HORTICULTURE Excellence

The Landmark Group

Years before the creation of Landscape Ontario, deserving members of the respective associations within Ontario received awards for achievements during the previous year.

When Landscape Ontario became a reality in 1973, a number of citations were carried over from the previous associations. Bill DeLuca headed a committee to create an awards program and organize judges for presentations by the new association.

Unlike today’s Oscar-like galas with over 600 people in attendance to celebrate winners, the new LO program had only four categories

available. There were no big screen images in the room, nor grand entrances by entertainers. At the 1973 Congress banquet, award recipients received a ‘commemorative plaque’ in their respective category: Residential, Civic, Commercial or Specialty. As well, four special awards included: Dunington-Grubb, Trillium, Frank Ewald Jr. Award and Garden Writers’.

The Dunington-Grubb Award was created in 1971 by the Ontario Landscape Contractors Association (OLCA) to honour the late landscaping icon. It continues to be awarded to the highest scoring project in the construction categories.

The Trillium Award was an early distinction presented by the Ontario Nurserymen’s Association (ONA). Beginning in 1959, it recognized persons or firms who made noteworthy and creative contributions to the betterment of horticulture and Ontario’s nursery industry.

The Frank Ewald Jr. Award was another creation by the ONA. It was instituted in 1961 to acknowledge a person under the age of 35 who made the greatest contribution to the growth of the ONA.

The first Garden Writers Award was presented by the ONA in 1968. Over the years LO has continued to recognize garden media, with what is now called the Garden Communicators Award.

A rare presentation at the Awards of Excellence was created during LO’s first

year of existence, when Burke McNeill was presented an the Honorary Life Membership. The award wasn’t handed out again until 1982, when Casey van Maris received the honour. In 1991, Marc Thiebaud and Neil Vanderkruk joined this exclusive club.

Marc Thiebaud, LO’s third president, wrote in 1975 about the new awards program developed by Glenn Peister. Marc wrote, “These awards will receive public recognition within the province. It will help promote members’ work and include a dinner and news media.”

In 1976, Landscape Ontario announced a new approach to the annual awards program. Awards committee chair and LO Past President Glenn Peister said that for the first time recognition would go toward the contractor, architect and owner of the winning project. As well, a public relations firm was hired to promote the awards program.

The first annual Landscape Ontario Awards Night was held on May 2, 1977 at the Inn on the Park in Toronto. Approximately 150 people attended. Aldershot Landscape Contractors won the Dunington-Grubb Award. The Trillium Award went to Gerry Brouwer of Brouwer Sod Farms, while Don Ziraldo of Ziraldo Farms and Nursery received the Frank Ewald Jr. Award. Frank Ewald was present to hand the trophy to Ziraldo.

The Past Presidents’ Award was created in 1978 by Landscape Ontario to honour

SPECIAL AWARDS HONOUR PIONEERS

In 2001, Landscape Ontario developed a new award to honour one of the association’s most respected and influential members. The Casey van Maris Award is handed out for the highest points in design and landscaping excellence. The first winner was Kim Price Landscape Design.

The Don Salivan Grounds Management Award was created in 2010. On stage that year to present the award in the memory of his father was Gregg Salivan. “I can’t think of any higher honour for my father than to have this prestigious award — the very symbol of the best maintenance quality in the province — now carry his name.” The inaugural winner was The Cultivated Garden of Toronto.

The Horst Dickert Memorial Award came into existence in 2011. The award honours one the industry’s leading pioneers. It recognizes the best use of native plant material in a sustainable landscape.

In 2022, the latest high honour was added to the ceremony with the Neil Vanderkruk Award for Excellence in Landscape Design. It is awarded to the most outstanding and highest overall scoring project from the design categories. The award was presented by Neil Vanderkruk’s son, Mark, and grandson,

‘outstanding long-term’ contributions to the association.

Edengrove Landscapes Ltd

Brent. It is in memory of a man who breathed life into every endeavour he took on. Neil Vanderkruk was a founding member of Landscape Ontario, a Past President, and an Honorary Life Member. Derue Designs took home the inaugural award.

AWARDS HANDED OUT AT LUNCHEON

With 4,970 people, attendance at Congress ’86 was the highest ever. The awards luncheon was moved to the last day of Congress. The idea was that it would reduce crowding for the event. Past Presidents’ Awards were handed out to Burke McNeill for his work toward the association, and Vic Palmer for his efforts in building the Toronto West Chapter.

The awards program took on the name Awards of Excellence in 1990. The presentations again took place during a luncheon at Congress. Awards were presented to the top three entries in the 17 categories available.

Over 8,300 delegates visited Congress ’92 at Copps Coliseum in Hamilton, where Awards of Excellence coordinator Ann Lederer said the number of entries jumped 40 per cent that year over the previous event. Avalon Landscaping won the Dunington-Grubb Award, while Audrey Partridge earned the Past Presidents’ Award.

Landscape Ontario announced that changes were coming to the LO Awards of Excellence in 1993. It was decided to add retail and growing segments of the industry. As well, new categories were added to the construction sector.

In 1995, the awards luncheon was changed to a Recognition Breakfast where the Awards of Excellence and individual winners were presented with their hardware.

Congress 2001 featured many changes from past events. The Awards of Excellence program that was normally held on Tuesday afternoons, was changed to Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.

Then in 2004, an Oscar-like night saw numerous awards handed out at the Awards of Excellence ceremony. Hogan Landscaping

Landsccape Plus Ltd

received the Dunington-Grubb, while The Beach Gardener took home the Casey van Maris Award. The growers and garden centre awards took place at Garden Expo the previous fall.

Growth of the Awards of Excellence continued in 2008 with the ceremony themed “Viva Las Vegas,” complete with show girls and the King himself for the grand finale. Performing master of ceremonies duties was Haig Seferian. LO president Tom Intven stated, “This gala tonight drives home my vision of prosperity through engagement. This evening encompasses our past, present and future as an association. We will be wowed by the pictures of the incredible work our members have submitted.”

“The excitement surrounding the awards programs just keeps building every year, and exceeds expectations,” said former LO Executive Director Tony DiGiovanni. “Somehow, our members continue to reach new levels of craftsmanship, paired with breathtaking designs.”

The 2012 LO Awards of Excellence ceremony included cheerleaders, politicians, a TV sports personality, bright lights, music and an evening filled with excited award recipients. Under the leadership of emcee Seferian, the impressive production created an exciting atmosphere.

Over 600 industry leaders gathered to recognize the achievement of their professional colleagues at the 2012 ceremony on Jan. 10 in the Doubletree Hotel. “Our awards program provides a marketing tool for the membership as well as a source of pride for member company employees. Is the ceremony long? Yes. Is it worth the wait? Absolutely! The moment in the spotlight for employees is worth its weight in gold, and gives them a sense of accomplishment and something to be proud of starting their season,” said Kristen McIntyre, LO awards coordinator.

In 2021 and 2022 the awards ceremony transitioned into a virtual event due to restrictions on large indoor gatherings because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Areas of the newly renovated LO home office were decorated and transformed into sets for film crews. Award presenters arrived in staggered times slots to film their segments and an aerial acrobat even dangled from a ribbon in the building entrance. The online ceremony allowed members to chat online as the ceremony progressed, with many expressing how proud the image montages and exceptional work shown on screen made them feel. They were also able to congratulate winners in real time and watch acceptance speeches. The highly-entertaining and often emotional live streams connected the membership in a time when connectedness was scarce and left everyone feeling optimistic about the future prosperity of the profession.

On Jan. 10, 2023 the awards gala will return to a live event at Congress and celebrate 50 years of handing out award honours to deserving LO members. The milestone and the return to a live event will surely be another memorable moment in the storied history of the Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence program.

Cedar Springs Landscape Group

SUPPORTING A Green Future

Before the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation was created, members of the newly formed Landscape Ontario saw a need to encourage young people to enter the industry.

In 1975, $2,541 was accumulated into a Scholarship Trust Fund. A total of $1,200 was given to the University of Guelph to research the ‘Growth Study of Woody Plants.’ Two scholarships were awarded by Landscape Ontario in 1975: one to Kent Turvey of Brantford and one to John Reddin of Windsor. In recognition for achieving the highest academic standing, Kent received $175 and John received $200.

In 1976, LO handed out scholarships to Alberta Auger, Samuel Augustine and Arthur Strange. It was noted that $175 was awarded to Hugh Simpson, an apprenticeship graduate.

In March 1978, members of the Landscape Ontario Research Committee — Neil Vanderkruk, Joerg Leiss, John Northwood and Burke McNeill — wrote a letter that appeared in Landscape Ontario magazine recommending that a foundation be established to help fund research.

The committee noted that it was looking

into a method in which monies donated would be placed in a trust fund for use on research projects. The letter suggested a number of methods could be used to raise the money for the trust. Some of these included members contributing on an annual basis, or money donated through wills. The Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation became an official entity in 1979.

The first Landscape Ontario Auction Sale to raise money for the Foundation was held in 1981 at Timm Enterprises in Oakville. It raised just over $2,000. The following year a total of $3,581 was raised.

The very first scholarship handed out by the Foundation was on Mar. 27, 1981, to Dennis Wale, a student with the highest standing at Humber College. Dennis was employed at Brantford Parks and Recreation.

Bob Chessman, executive director of Landscape Ontario, handed out three awards when the University of Guelph held its spring convocation. A total of 46 students received diplomas at the 1984 event. The three LO award winners were: Antonio Da Silva of Oshawa, Peter Viles of Burlington and James Roberts of Ottawa.

In the fall of 1984, the Foundation handed out four awards at two separate

ceremonies. The first event was the Ontario Agricultural Awards ceremony where two students received the Howard B. DuningtonGrubb scholarships. Bob Cheeseman presented Karen Beswick and Scott Turner with scholarships. The LO executive director then attended the University of Guelph’s fall semester awards program on Oct. 30 to hand out Foundation scholarships to Virginia Burt and Alice Verkade.

Rain didn’t dampen the success of the Growers’ Group Auction at Timm Enterprises in 1986 when over $15,000 was raised for the Foundation.

Both the format and location of the annual LO auction changed in 1990. The auction moved from Timm Enterprises to Connon Nurseries NVK. The event also included a mini trade show. Over $25,000 was presented to the Foundation.

FOUNDATION SETS

THE GOAL OF $1 MILLION

In an interview with Foundation chair Barry Benjamin, he revealed the objective was to reach $1 million. “It’s a fact of life that big money attracts more big money,” said Benjamin said. He noted that at present the

Foundation provided a maximum of 25 per cent toward the cost of any research project.

Benjamin went on to explain that the government was committed to cut back on research dollars. “It will be up to private industry, working through venues such as the Foundation, to support much needed education and research and development for the green industry.”

The Foundation approved approved a total of $15,500 in research grants in 1992. Most of the projects were from the University of Guelph, while others included Ridgetown and Kemptville Colleges.

In the spring of 1994, a think tank, with over 50 LO members in attendance, was held to look at future priorities for the Foundation. Following the meeting, the Foundation’s board created a list of seven research priorities. The list read: sales and marketing, environmental concerns, pests and diseases, plant selection and breeding, cultural practices, education, and communication and standards. On the scholarship side, a total of $18,000 was available for eligible students.

In late-1995, the Foundation gave out a total of $4,000 in scholarships to six students. One of those students, David Wright, received $1,000 and many years later went on to serve as President of Landscape Ontario.

The first recipient of the newly created Casey van Maris Award was Tracey Adams, a first-year student at the University of Guelph. The award went to first year postsecondary students studying horticulture. Tracey received her award from Foundation president John Wright on Nov. 7, 2001.

The group also took on a new name and fresh focus for the Foundation. The

new name was Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation. Raising money for horticultural research and promoting the industry to youth were given equal priority by the Foundation.

At the time, members of the Foundation were: John Wright, president; Monica van Maris, vice-president; David Turnbull, secretary; Marc Thiebaud, treasurer, and members were Horst Dickert, Hank Gelderman, Neil Vanderkruk, Barry Benjamin, John Peets, Howard Stensson and Mike Thomas.

To kick-start the drive toward a $1 million trust, a special promotion saw volunteers from the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation and home office staff spend many hours attending trade shows and events to sell raffle tickets for the chance to win a special edition Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The draw was made on July 16, 2004, at the annual Toronto Chapter golf tournament. Jay Murray of Tender Care Lawn Care won the bike after spending $100 for six tickets on the draw. “I didn’t mind making a $100 donation to education, and if I got lucky, so much the better,” Murray said.

Foundation president John Wright, who drew the winning ticket, said the bike raffle was very successful in raising the Foundation’s profile. “Up until now, the Foundation has been our industry’s bestkept secret,” He noted that in 2003, the Foundation had awarded 23 scholarships and would review twice that many that fall.

On Sept. 4, 2004, during a surprise 50th birthday party held for LO executive director Tony DiGiovanni held at the Toronto Botanical Garden, LO President Tom Intven, together with Gerald Boot and Paul Offierski

announced that members and the industry had raised $75,000 to start the Tony DiGiovanni Horticultural Scholarship Fund. The $1,000 award is given to a candidate that best exemplifies the qualities that build trust in the profession of horticulture.

In 2005, the Foundation announced a total of $22,500 in scholarships went to 26 students. The same year, the Foundation also provided funds to support the Skills Canada competition, in which the team from Fanshawe College won a gold medal in the national competition in Edmonton, Alta.

New brochures in 2006 highlighted donor options and scholarship opportunities. Entitled Make a Difference, the brochure informed potential donors of the new methods to make a donation. Along with an enclosed pledge card, the brochure outlined categories of Tribute, Matching Gift, Steward and Life Insurance.

The Foundation proposed a range of scholarships in late 2006 for new high school graduates. There were five scholarships at $1,000 for students entering a horticultural program in college or university, $400 for students who take an apprenticeship two years after leaving high school, and $500 scholarships for graduates participating in Landscape Ontario’s Professional Development Program.

FOUNDATION HITS MILESTONE

With the pop of a champagne cork on July 19, 2007, John Wright, chair of the Foundation, announced the goal to hit the $1 million mark had been achieved. The celebration took place at the LO home office.

John thanked the members for their countless hours of work. While raising his glass in toast, he offered another challenge to raise another million dollars. The Foundation raised its annual donation for scholarships from $20,000 a year to $30,000 a year to benefit 30 high school and postsecondary students with their education.

Members of the Foundation at the time included: John Wright, Monica van Maris, Howard Stensson, Barry Benjamin, Marc Thiebaud, Mike Thomas, Neil Vanderkruk, David Turnbull, Bob Allen, Hank Gelderman, Ben Kobes and John Peets.

John Wright announced in January of 2010 that the organization had agreed to contribute the first $100,000 for an endowed research chair at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre.

“We have formed an alliance entitled Landscape and Environmental Horticulture Alliance (LEHA). It is aimed at raising awareness for the societal benefits of the green industry,” Tony DiGiovanni said. Members of LEHA included: Bill Ingratta of Vineland, John Wright, Mark Ostrowski

John Wright and Bob Allen.

(Foundation board member), Kathy Elton of the University of Guelph, Rene Van Acker, associate dean at the University of Guelph, Ric Jordan of the Guelph Arboretum and DiGiovanni. The group formed a special fundraising committee. That committee included Paul Olsen, Hank Gelderman, Bill Mori and Bill Stensson.

The Foundation also contributed thousands of dollars over the years to research programs. In 2009, $51,519.51 was provided to help fund research to assist the future of the industry.

MARK CULLEN CHALLENGES

INDUSTRY

The next phase of the Foundation’s evolution came when Canada’s best known gardening personality, Mark Cullen, threw out a challenge to members of Landscape Ontario. Cullen and his wife Mary pledged $30,000 a year for the next three years to support post-secondary scholarships through the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation.

“I have pledged the money because I feel we need to nurture the young people who want to make this industry their life work,” Cullen said. “If our businesses are to continue to thrive, we need to attract good, reliable people.” Under the Foundation umbrella, the Cullen Family Scholarships now distribute more than $20,000 each year to deserving students.

Tony DiGiovanni responded, “One of the most inspiring parts of my job is getting to work with contribution-oriented industry members who freely and enthusiastically dedicate their time and resources in order to benefit others they don’t even know. They are like the tree planters whose actions today benefit generations tomorrow. Mark Cullen fits the profile.”

On Aug. 24, 2015, Foundation president and visionary John Wright passed away. “One of John’s proudest legacies was his work with Landscape Ontario,” his obituary read. “A founding member, he went on to chair the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation. He believed in giving back to the horticultural industry in every way.”

In late 2020, long-time Foundation member and industry pioneer Neil Vanderkruk passed away. The Foundation established the Neil Vanderkruk Innovation and Scholarship Fund. Plans called for $100,000 to create a permanent scholarship in Neil’s name. “Neil was a special guy, he was running one of the biggest nurseries in Canada, and he took his volunteer job at the association so seriously,” DiGiovanni said. “He just put all of his time in. It was amazing to watch his commitment to it.”

Now, the Foundation provides over $60,000 annually to scholarships to students enrolled in secondary and post-secondary landscape and horticulture programs in Ontario. Research funds are also handed out each year to worthy projects through the Dunington-Grubb/Sheridan Nurseries Research Fund and the IPM Symposium Fund.

The journey over the past 50 years has been steeped in success due to the farsighted and hard-working volunteers whose passion ensured their industry would thrive for many years to come.

Tillsonburg, ON

Specializing in field grown and potted cedars along with perennials, trees and shrubs of both deciduous and evergreen varieties. 519-688-0437 info@pottersroadnursery.com

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50Years!

Congratulations on behalf of the CNLA family.