Landscape Ontario - July 2013

July 2013

www.horttrades.com

SAFETY is Job One Special issue on promoting safer worksites Bob Allen, safety pioneer WSIB rates tell good news story Young worker training

AND MORE

CH AP TE U R

CA P of th N PE e M AD R ON TH A

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2  LANDSCAPE ONTARIO JULY, 2013

Mark Endicott General Manager

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Cell: 647.923.5182 • Fax: 519.264.1337 mark@hillennursery.com

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Safety is everyone’s responsibility

By Phil Charal LO president

A

s an owner of a landscape firm, I have witnessed the results of many poor safety practices.

I hate to admit it, but some of the accidents happened in my firm over the past 31 years. Thankfully, all the persons involved in those accidents have fully recovered.

Accidents vary from broken bones to falling in pool

Some of the accidents include broken legs, arms, chisels embedded in thighs, boulders rolling down a hill onto railroad tracks, skid steer and loaders tipping over, trucks being left in a parking lot and rolling out into a busy street, employee falling out of a moving truck onto the roadway, fingers cut off, toes crushed, and an employee with a wheelbarrow full of topsoil falling into pool just hours

before an outdoor garden wedding. All this goes along with several herniated disks and hairline fractures.

No matter how well trained an employee is, at times it is simply an accident that takes place because it’s the wrong time, place and person. It is an unfortunate circumstance. However, I can state unequivocally that since our firm entered Landscape Ontario’s health and safety program many years ago, I have seen a dramatic improvement in our accident occurrences and WSIB claims.

Safety Groups best way to improve bottom line

The Safety Groups at LO are the best way for a firm to start or improve on a safety program. Benefits of participating in a Safety Group include: keeping workers safe and on the job, which improves your bottom line; fewer WSIB claims, more effective return to work options for employees, better employee morale, increased productivity, better access to health and safety resources, and great opportunities for networking.

It’s important to note that the safety

groups are performance-based and a rebate program has been developed by the WSIB. The program offers participating firms up to a six per cent rebate on WSIB premiums if the group collectively improves its overall performance.

Qualifying to join Safety Group

To take part in the program a firm must meet the following requirements: have a commitment from the owner or senior management, be a Schedule 1 firm, be in good standing with the WSIB, must commit to program for one year, be in only one program at a time, not be a member of the Safe Communities Incentive Program, complete all the requirements of the safety groups program, such as participate in at least three safety group meetings throughout the year; complete baseline and year-end assessments of your firm’s health and safety program’s strength and weaknesses, develop and implement an action plan of health and safety elements, and keep sponsor informed of progress.

Health and safety is everyone’s responsibility. It is so rewarding for a firm to go through a year with no accidents or claims. This should be the ultimate goal for all LO members.

Phil Charal may be reached at pcharal@landscapeontario.com.

SAFETY is Job One Formerly Horticulture Review

July, 2013 • Volume 31, No. 7 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.

ISSN 1928-9553 Publications Mail Agreement No. PM40013519

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

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 Angela Lindsay alindsay@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5305 Accountant Joe Sabatino jsabatino@landscapeontario.com, 647-724-8585 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO STAFF Shawna Barrett, Darryl Bond, Kim Burton, Rachel Cerelli, Tony DiGiovanni CHT, Rob Ellidge, Denis Flanagan CLD, Sally Harvey CLT CLP, Helen Hassard, Jane Leworthy, Heather MacRae, Kristen McIntyre CHT, Kathy McLean, Linda Nodello, Kathleen Pugliese, Paul Ronan, Ian Service, Tom Somerville, Martha Walsh

Special safety section begins on Page 4 11 19 20 21 22 25 30 30

ASSOCIATION NEWS CHAPTER OF THE MONTH EVENTS NEW MEMBERS Industry NEWS COLUMNS Classifieds Ad Index

Views expressed are those of the writer concerned. Landscape Ontario assumes no responsibility for the validity or correctness of any opinions or references made by the author.

Copyright 2013, 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

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 3

SAFETY is Job One

EXECUTIVE DESK

Education has improved safety habits for the landscape industry.

The importance of safety Tony DiGiovanni CHT LO executive director

N

o one goes to work thinking it will be his last day. Yet it happens.

I have vivid memories of tearful, scared members calling with news that their worst nightmare just came true. An employee was killed doing his job. In 22 years working at LO, I have received five of these calls. As you can imagine, the conversations were not pleasant. I have also received calls when employees and owners have been badly hurt on the job. The disruptions to their lives are almost unfathomable.

Historically, there has not been a proper focus on safety. I remember the first Canada Blooms 17 years ago. There were 35 contractors working round-the-clock to build the wonderful gardens. Equipment was running dangerously in all directions.

There were many near misses. I narrowly missed being run over by a skid steer.

Very few people were wearing personal protective equipment. We purchased boxes of safety goggles, gloves and ear protection and assigned staff member Tom Somerville to distribute the gear to all

4 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO JULY, 2013

workers on the show floor. Many refused.

At that time, WSIB rates had reached $9.11 per hundred dollars of payroll.

This reflected the frequency and cost of the many claims in our sector. It was a wakeup call.

Since then, Landscape Ontario has made safety a priority. Through the amazing awareness and education efforts of Terry Murphy CLP, Bob Allen and Peter Olsen, and through the proactive actions of our professional membership, we have been able to reduce the WSIB rate by

more than half. This has saved the industry millions of dollars and more importantly, saved families a great deal of heartache.

Terry was LO’s manager of human resource development. Bob and Peter (both LO past presidents) represented our sector on the Farm Safety Association.

Landscape Ontario has won awards for our safety work. Staff members Sally Harvey CLP, CLT and Kathy McLean continue the education effort, working closely with Workplace Safety and Prevention Services to keep the safety message in the forefront.

A couple of months ago, we ran a Landscape Ontario magazine cover shot of Georgian Lakelands member Jeff Lee cutting stone at Canada Blooms. We had asked Jeff to remove his goggles for the photograph. From a safety perspective, this was a big mistake.

Immediately after publication, we received complaints from a number of members who were upset because the cover of the magazine should reflect the highest standard of safety. The loudest protest came from Bob Allen, who has spent a lifetime preaching the safety message to the industry. Bob was right. Safety is a serious subject. The magazine needs to continue to reflect this important industry requirement.

As a response to Bob’s passion for safety, we have created this special issue of Landscape Ontario magazine.

We have hard evidence that a focus on safety brings huge results. You have shown that making safety a priority works.

Let’s keep reminding ourselves.

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

The landscape industry owes a great deal of thanks to Ontario safety activists Peter Olsen, Terry Murphy and Bob Allen, pictured from left. The efforts of countless other safety heroes, working tirelessly within their own companies, have also prevented needless heartache and expense.

Bob Allen plans to continue his work to improve safety practices in the industry.

Bob Allen’s lifetime commitment yields a living safety legacy When Bob Allen of R.W. Allen Horticultural Services in St. Thomas got involved with the Farm Safety Association in 1974, the landscape industry had no real representation.

“We began to work to include more landscape-specific information in safety brochures. And, there were not many brochures available for our industry.”

Farm Safety was designated under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act to eliminate workplace injuries in the province’s agricultural sector. The landscape industry was included under its umbrella.

Allen remembers that in the early 1970s the agricultural sector saw between 20 to 25 fatalities each year. The hard work and perseverance paid off, with those numbers

now down to two or three a year.

It began slowly with few specific landscaping safety programs, but piece by piece brochures and programs were developed, and soon many industry members were convinced on the value of becoming more involved in safety procedures and programs.

He well remembers a time when very little attention was paid to safety. That’s all changed now, thanks to the work of people like Bob Allen. “It’s kinda cool to see how it has developed,” says Allen.

Terry Murphy CLP, retired labour and education development manager at Landscape Ontario, remembers when the landscape industry was paying WSIB premium rates close to 10 per cent. After a few years, that rate dropped to 3.8 per

cent through safety programs that were brought into play. “The Farm Safety Association really helped us with training and seminars, which saw the turnaround in WSIB premiums,” says Murphy.

“I am happy where we are, but there is still much to do to continue improving our industry’s safety record,” says Allen.

He says the process has taken on a life of its own. “It’s come a long way since the good old days.”

Allen has a long and active history with Landscape Ontario. And, he continues to write more more chapters in that history. He has served as president of Landscape Ontario (1985) and a member of the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation, and London Chapter board of the directors.

Allen gives a lot of credit to others who served to improve the industry’s safety record. He says former Farm Safety chair Peter Olsen of Royal City Nursery in Guelph had a great deal of contribution to the process. Olsen is also a past president of Landscape Ontario (1986).

Along with pride of achievement, Bob Allen says his volunteer service for safety also provides him with a great amount of personal satisfaction. “I have met people from all across the world through my involvement.” He remembers giving a presentation to the Canadian Senate.

“That was a very proud moment for me.”

In 2012, the Farm Safety Association saw its role assumed by Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS).

It is now the safety provider for the agriculture sector, which continues to include landscaping. Allen, along with Landscape Ontario manager of labour and education development Sally Harvey, CLP, CLT and Peter Olsen are members of the WSPS advisory committee.

Harvey says she is proud to serve on the advisory committee with Bob Allen who is well-respected and prominent in promoting safe work practices. “His longtime record is filled with achievement and a real example of how one can change established practices with hard work and dedication,” says Harvey.

Allen plans to continue his work to improve safety practices in the industry.

He feels there is still much to do, and he wants to make sure that the landscape industry is well-represented on the provincial body.

Based on his past record, the industry can rest assured that it does have great representation.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 5

SAFETY is Job One

access the safety material, go to the resources and services dropdown menu on horttrades.com.

Click on Safety.

The association also provides safety information in its weekly e-news, including a number of seminars and special events that focus on safety.

“A health and safety program is an action plan designed to prevent accidents, and is the joint responsibility of management and workers. Management is legally accountable for noncompliance to health and safety legislation,” says Harvey.

Landscape Ontario magazine is another vehicle in which the association promotes safety.

Over the next few pages of this issue readers can find articles dedicated to the issue of safety.

It’s a proud legacy that the magazine follows, dating back to March of 2000 when the Farm Safety Association presented LO’s membership magazine with an Award of Merit plaque to “for outstanding support in promoting health and safety to the landscape industry of Ontario.”

Terry Murphy says he believes that the industry is slowly improving and developing a true sense of due diligence.

Easy to navigate, www.horttrades.com/safety on the Landscape Ontario website contains great safety resources.

“The industry is enjoying the fruits of earlier efforts. In order for that to continue, members need to maintain good stewardship on safety management and educating employees through regular company training and education.”

He says that safety management has achieved a certain level of importance in Landscape Ontario has a long and proud was passed and acted upon.” The overour industry. “But we still need to remind history of promoting safe work conditions all result was a rate in 2007 of about 3.8 current and new firms that safety is not and practices. per cent. “This saved millions of dollars for only important, it is part of the profit equaOne of the first proponents of safety employers and was a major accomplishtion and must be part of our members’ daily was Terry Murphy CLP. As Landscape ment for the industry.” activities. It not only makes a lot of sense to Ontario’s manager of education and labour Today, the association promotes, orgabe safety conscious, but it is the law.” development, Murphy worked to improve nizes, educates, certifies and does much DeKorte’s Landscaping the industry’s record. more on safety throughout the industry. models good “In the late 1990s there was little regard Through Sally Harvey, who now serves in safety procedures for safety of workers and safety manageMurphy’s role, LO strives to help members Landscape Ontario member DeKorte’s ment. I found out that the key to safety avoid lost profits, while maintaining a safe Landscaping in Fenwick was highlighted by management and accident prevention is and positive workplace.

Workplace Safety and Prevention Services simply continually talking about it and eduThe Landscape Ontario website has an (WSPS) as an example of preparing staff cation at the worker level,” says Murphy. entire section dedicated to safety. It confor a season of safe employment.

Murphy remembers that in 1997, the tains everything from registering with the In an article that appeared in the WSPS’ landscape industry was approaching a WSIB to how to get started on a safety proNetwork News, DeKorte’s office administraWSIB premium rate of 10 per cent for Rate gram. The website also includes resource tor Rob Winnicki, who also serves as head Group 190. “I wrote a strategic plan to material, the latest training programs, how of health and safety for the business, was attack the problem of rising rates. It was to be compliant, information on safety interviewed. presented to the LO board for approval and groups, legislation and the latest news. To

Association has proud record of promoting safe work practices

6 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO JULY, 2013

“Every March before we kick off the season we have an almost full-day orientation meeting,” said Winnicki. Among the topics he listed being covered were injury prevention, emergency response, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), company policies and procedures, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requirements, customer service and Ministry of Transportation/Ministry of Labour requirements.

As with the general rule for landscape companies, DeKorte’s Landscaping doubles its workforce each spring with seasonal workers supplementing its permanent roster of about 15 employees.

Those seasonal workers need to be brought up to speed to keep them and their co-workers safe during the busiest time of the year.

The orientation process also ensures compliance during the Ministry of Labour’s annual new and young worker blitz, which began the first of May. DeKorte’s has been in business in the Niagara Region since 1984, and a member of Landscape Ontario since 1988.

Kristen Hoffman of WSPS, who has assisted DeKorte’s on various health and safety efforts, provided her perspective as a consultant. “All employees participate, and everyone receives an employee handbook. It contains the roles and responsibilities of all workplace parties — the first item on the orientation agenda. The handbook also contains policies and procedures, such as appropriate workplace behaviour (part of our violence and harassment prevention training), use of social media, confidentiality, and other topics. While health and safety is not the sole topic of the orientation meeting, it’s a major component. The goal is to encourage safe, responsible behaviour in all respects.”

In the article, Hoffman describes the orientation training as thorough. She is quoted, “The stronger your first step, the greater success you’ll have with all your subsequent training. It’s an opportunity for new workers to meet and greet other employees.”

Winnicki outlined the company’s procedure. “In addition to orientation training, all new employees receive tool training. The foremen take their crew around the shop and the tool trucks,” he said. The safe operating procedure for each tool is demonstrated on power saws and saw cutters. The foremen also teach employees how to work safely around machinery such as bobcats and excavators.

At DeKorte’s each morning, new workers are assigned a truck buddy who helps them load and unload their truck, and complete job tasks.

Once a month, the foremen also deliver toolbox talks on topics such as upcoming weather, jobsite settings (working safely on the face of the Niagara Escarpment or other slopes), and general housekeeping issues to keep all employees on the same page.

“These talks allow foremen to reinforce key safety messages, provide refresher training, and check on workers’ comfort levels with their assigned tasks. Employees know they can ask questions any time, and refuse work they believe to be unsafe. We make it clear to them that prevention is a priority. If something were to go wrong, then it costs in many ways,” said Winnicki.

The company’s health and safety official continued, “Everybody works together as a team, including the supervisor. This person is performing the same tasks with the rest of the crew. It’s much more beneficial this way, instead of having everybody doing something different. From a safety perspective, the supervisor can see and understand any challenges that an employee might encounter. There are a lot of tools to use and skills for new employees to acquire, so the foremen conduct lots of demonstrations and supervise hands-on learning.”

Kristen Hoffman said she sees much strength in DeKorte’s approach to health and safety. Some examples listed in the article include” Investing in health and safety DeKorte’s has always taken health

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SAFETY is Job One The complete story on DeKorte’s process to improve its safety system can be found on the WSPS website, http://bit.ly/12RF9CH.

and safety seriously, but as the business grew, the owners felt they needed a more robust health and safety program. They understand that health and safety goes hand-in-hand with efficiency, productivity and customer service. One is not more important than the other. Starting in March 2012, WSPS conducted a hazard assessment. The assessment identified and prioritized office, shop, yard, and offsite activities that could cause some type of issue, whether injury, illness or property damage. From this were developed safe operating procedures and sections on the joint health and safety committee, return to work, and violence and harassment prevention. The program also contains HR elements, such as how to conduct performance reviews, and what to consider when going through a review with

8 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO JULY, 2013

an employee.

Delivering orientation training At DeKorte’s, this training takes place in March. One of the biggest challenges for businesses that employ seasonal workers is finding the time to deliver comprehensive orientation training. Many employers have a narrow window in which they can hire workers, train them, and get them onto the floor. But orientation is a worthwhile investment because it helps establish a standard of performance before that first interaction with co-workers and customers.

Once the season starts, it’s hard to pull people off the site for training.

Training for everybody, not just new workers This ensures everyone has the same understanding of their roles and responsibilities, as well as the employer’s health and safety policy, practices, and

performance expectations. It also helps establish a team environment in which everyone is working towards the same goals.

Pertinent information. Many businesses provide some sort of print material that they review with new employees. This can serve as an ongoing reference. DeKorte’s distributes an employee handbook to all participants during orientation training, and goes through it with them.

The handbook contains everything an employee needs to know from a health and safety and human resources perspective. DeKorte’s also keeps a copy of the handbook in a binder, along with related forms — hazard reporting, first aid treatment — and required postings, such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act, in each of its trucks. This is a useful practice for any business with employees working offsite.”

Continuous training and coaching Orientation is just the start, as Rob Winnicki explains. Ongoing efforts keep the training fresh, reinforce key messages, and encourage employees to keep health and safety top of mind.

Be proactive Proactively implementing health and safety program elements instead of reacting to an order or injury is much easier and more efficient. You’re not putting out fires. Taking your time and stepping back to identify the issues allows you to address them proactively through programs and training before issues arise.

Hoffman concluded by stating, “DeKorte’s has a good system in place.”

The WSPS article may be found at http://bit. ly/12RF9CH.

LO plays important part of WSPS Annual Report

Landscape Ontario is well represented in 2012 annual report of the Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS).

The association’s manager of education and labour development Sally Harvey is recognized in the report through a photograph, an introduction and her own words.

She, along with LO members Bob Allen and Peter Olsen, serves on a WSPS special advisory committee.

“Our industry contributes social, environmental and health benefits to our communities. We have an obligation to do it in a safe way, especially if we want to market our industry as a safe and professional career opportunity,” writes Harvey in the annual report.

WSPS board chairman Gordon ValaWebb writes about the importance of people like Harvey, Allen and Olsen. WSPS is unique not only in size, but in capabilities and relationships. It is unique in how it is structured, being a mix of government agency, a not-for-profit, member-driven organization; and a for-profit company.

The WSPS introduced Landscape Ontario in the report with the following, “A trade association that embraces the business case for health and safety understands why a focus on prevention serves as a welcome mat for the youth and new Canadians it hopes to attract to its industry. It is passionate about elevating its image as a safe and competent group of professionals.

“A trade association with that degree of insight has a sweeping opportunity to influence, through its members, the well-being of tens of thousands of employees.

“According to Sally Harvey, leader of the call to action, Landscape Ontario achieves that kind of reach. Landscape Ontario is a horticultural trade association representing more than 2,000 professional members, and Harvey, a fiercely passionate advocate on their behalf, has collaborated with WSPS for many years. Nothing is more important to Harvey than providing up-todate, easy-to-use information to enable members’ compliance. Partnering with health and safety experts is central to her strategy for sustainable change.”

Harvey writes, “It is critical that we partner with a trusted and qualified organization so that we are up-to-date and can help our industry and members achieve compliance. We consider it a true privilege to work with WSPS, and an advantage for all our members.

“Awareness is often the biggest challenge for business owners. They want to be compliant; they just don’t know where to start. The industry-specific projects that Landscape Ontario and WSPS partnered on in 2012 removed some of the barriers to access and awareness. For example, the Safety Group that WSPS sponsors for our members has enabled us to improve our annual scores and member rebates; a small-business guide provides existing and new organizations with a gap analysis and resources on how to begin; and our Tailgate Talks inspire weekly training sessions on industry-related hazards. These tools have had amazing feedback.

“Landscape Ontario also hosts a Safety Council that meets several times a year with agencies that impact our industry from a compliance perspective. WSPS’s participation is crucial to our success in develop-

ing strategies to improve prevention and safe work practices. I don’t think we’d be where we are today without them.”

The WSPS report listed musculoskeletal disorders and falls as the top reasons for lost time injuries. Motor vehicle incidents accounted for one per cent of lost time, but do lead to a disproportionate number of traumatic fatalities and serious injuries.

To view the entire report online, go to www.horttrades.com/wsps-annual-report.

Are executives insured?

A recent court case has brought into question private insurance coverage over WSIB for company executives.

Recently a company that did not provide workers compensation for executives has experienced a string of lawsuits.

The company removed workers compensation coverage for its management team and replaced it with disability insurance. The firm, a scrap metal operation in Hamilton, believed the change would provide the same coverage at a lower cost.

A superior court judge dismissed the claims against the insurer, holding that the claimant was an employee at the time of the incident, and an “employee injury exclusion” in the insurance company’s commercial general liability policy excluded it from having to compensate for the employee’s injuries.

The company appealed on the grounds that the employee was an executive officer, not an employee. Even if he was an employee, said the company, the employee injury exclusion does not extend to employees who are also executive officers. The scrap metal company lost the appeal. In his decision, the

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SAFETY is Job One

appeal court judge concluded the following: • Commercial general liability coverage is intended to protect the insured against losses to third parties or to the public arising out of the operation of the insured’s business. The coverage is not intended to protect the insured against losses to its own employees from workplace injuries.

• While the insurance policy’s employee injury exclusion makes no distinction between employees and executive officers, it states that the insurance holder is not covered for bodily injury to one of its employees arising out of and in the course of employment with it.

• The man’s injuries occurred as a result of his employment with the company.

The appeal court judge notes in his decision that the company had at least one, and likely two, options for eliminating the gap in its coverage. It could have maintained its original coverage of executive officers under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, or purchased an employer’s bodily injury liability coverage extension from the insurance company.

Thinking about appealing a WSIB decision?

If you are considering an appeal on a WSIB decision, the Office of the Employer Adviser (OEA) has a few suggestions.

Many employers choose not to appeal WSIB decisions as they are unfamiliar with the process and with what preparation they need to have a successful outcome.

According to OEA, most WSIB decisions can be appealed if you believe they are incorrect, or contrary to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 (WSIA) or WSIB policy.

The agency suggests that to appeal a WSIB decision regarding a worker’s benefits, work reintegration, Second Injury and Enhancement Fund or Work Transition, complete an “Intent to Object Form” 2397A (ITO Form), which is available in the Employer Forms section of WSIB’s website. You may also call the WSIB at 416344-1000, or 1-800-387-0750 and ask to have one mailed to you. This form is to be used for claims-related matters only. The ITO Form has extensive directions on it which must be followed.

Once you submit the ITO Form, the time limit to appeal stops running. You may then take as much time as you need to submit an Appeal Readiness Form to the WSIB.

To appeal a WSIB decision regarding classification or other revenue-related issues, write a letter to the decision-maker indicating your disagreement with his/ her decision. Note that the WSIB will not automatically send you a copy of your firm file for employer account appeals. You will need to contact the Firm File Access area and ask for your firm file to be sent to you. For more information about accessing employer-specific information, refer to Operational Policy Manual Doc. No. 21-0101 Access to Employer Information on the WSIB’s website.

If you have any questions, you may call the Office of the Employer Adviser for advice and/or representation at 416-3270020, or toll free at 1-800-387-0774.

Powerline awareness for landscapers and arborists

The Electrical Safety Authority has a campaign entitled Look Up, Look Out to help arborists and those in the landscape industry.

The Authority says those trimming trees should identify overhead powerlines that run through trees and ensure that tools are kept 10 feet away from powerlines. All overhead powerlines should be determined before lift ladders are engaged.

Overhead powerlines can be hidden by foliage. Tree trimming tools that contact powerlines can result in electrocution.

Safety videos are available from the Electrical Safety Authority at www.powerlinesafety.info/.

Supervisor Health and Safety Awareness in 5 Steps

The Worker Health and Safety Awareness program is a component of a suite of products developed by the Ministry of Labour to meet mandatory health and safety awareness training in the workplace.

The other components include an awareness poster, the Supervisor Health and Safety Awareness in 5 Steps workbook and employer guide, and e-learning modules.

Like the worker workbook and employer guide, the supervisor workbook and employer guide are now available free of charge from Service Ontario, or downloaded from the Ministry of Labour website at http://bit.ly/11YGnqB.

10 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO JULY, 2013

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Last year over 800 roses were planted in LO’s rose garden. Even without winter protection, this spring the plants are thriving with very low mortality rate.

Trial gardens set to open Aug. 16 Once again, 500-plus new as well as tried-and-true annuals and perennials will be on display for evaluation and perusal at Landscape Ontario’s home office in Milton. The trial beds are jointly operated

by Landscape Ontario and the University of Guelph.

Last year’s planting of over 800 roses is being evaluated this year. Most of the rose cultivars came through the winter in good shape, even though they received no extra winter protection, other than what nature provided; this would seem to be a testament to the improved hardiness that can now be found in the marketplace.

An open house for the trade, Industry Day, is Fri., Aug. 16, 9 a.m. to noon

in Milton, and 1 to 3 p.m. at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute in Guelph.

The program will start in the morning at the LO site and continue in the afternoon at the Guelph trial garden with guided tours of the trial gardens. There will also be a speaker program centred on the topic of using newly released plant material effectively in containers and other plantings. The finalized schedule will be available in early August.

If you can’t make the Industry Day on Friday, you still have an opportunity for a guided tour on Sat., Aug. 17, when the gardens are opened for public viewing.

The public open house runs from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Feel free to contact Rodger Tschanz,

manager of the trial gardens, at rtschanz@ uoguelph.ca with any questions about the open houses, or if interested in participating with the trial garden program.

Ontario well-represented at Skills Canada

After winning gold at the Skills Canada — Ontario landscaping competition in Waterloo, Mark Hecnar and Simon Van Ray from St. Clair College in Windsor earned the right to represent their province in Vancouver from June 6 to 8.

“Ontario was very well represented at Skills Canada by a strong team of first-year students,” said Sally Harvey, LO manager of education and labour development.

Harvey said she had the privilege to once again represent Ontario as the National Technical Committee representative for the landscape gardening comWWW.HORTTRADES.COM 11

ASSOCIATION NEWS petition. “It is a proud moment for me to witness our youth as they enter the competition building in their provincial colours and waving their flags with the most incredible spirit.”

“St. Clair College was fortunate to send two quality competitors to showcase their skills on the national level, and they did so with great professionalism.

Coming into the competition, both Mark Hecnar and Simon Van Ray approached the contest with confidence, excitement and enthusiasm,” said Jason Milling, horticulture technologist with St. Clair College, who coached the students through the two competitions.

Milling reflected on the journey the two students began last September in their first semester at St. Clair College’s horticulture program. “From the beginning, they both showed skills and work ethic which made them stand out,” said Milling.

“Little did they know that the hard work would drive them through the provincial

12 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO JULY, 2013

level, where they earned gold all the way to the west coast and Vancouver.”

Harvey said she saw the team show great competency, maturity and professionalism both at the provincials and the national competition. “They did us proud, Ontario. I hope Simon and Mark will compete again next year. I know this experience was second to none for them.

Although they did not medal this year, these young men have huge potential and I am so proud of them.”

Both students work for Landscape Ontario members. Van Ray is employed with Rural Roots Landscaping in Chatham and Hecnar works for Evergreen Landscaping in Windsor.

Said Milling, “They were both given the support of their employers to participate in this week-long event. This could be an issue with some companies, because the beginning of June is a crucial time and landscape companies often cannot afford to lose two key employees.

Both Simon and Mark appreciate the support from their employers because the experience that they have had with Skills Canada created memories that will last a lifetime.”

Milling remembered sitting down with the two students on the final day of competition. “I asked them if they were enjoying themselves. Both replied with a smile on their faces, that this may have been the best week of their lives. What a fantastic comment,” said Milling.

The Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation supported the Ontario team with an award to help the students offset expenses and enable them to enjoy the entire experience.

Dig Safe Expo coming to LO

Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance (ORCGA) has announced the inaugural Dig Safe Fall Expo at Landscape Ontario’s home office in Milton.

The Sept. 12 event will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include information sessions, interactive demonstrations and even some friendly competition.

The information sessions will include getting around underground, a dam-

age prevention technician’s overview, excavation project, and an infrastructure health and safety mobile classroom.

Demonstrations will include planning and design, One Call, locating and marking, excavation, mapping, compliance, public education and reporting and evaluation.

There is also a free lunch available and no admission charge. To find out more about the event, go to the ORCGA website at www.orcga.com/home.asp.

Sheridan Nurseries hosts Industry Auction

This year the Landscape Ontario Growers Group will stage its annual fund-raiser on Aug. 14. In honour of Sheridan Nurseries’ 100th anniversary year, the company’s Georgetown location will host the event. It all begins at 10 a.m. with farm tours, followed by lunch compliments of Sheridan.

The auction begins at 1 p.m. when attendees can bid on top quality plant material at below-wholesale prices. And top quality is the key here, with the pride of growers evident as they show off their highend plant material.

Last year over $20,000 was raised towards industry research and scholarships.

All industry donations are welcomed for auction, including plant material, related hard goods, garden giftware, silent auction items, etc. There will also be live judging of the Growers Awards of Excellence entries.

There is no fee to attend, just bring your staff and your trailer.

To donate, or for more information, contact Kristen McIntyre at auction@landscapeontario.com, or 1-800-265-5656, ext. 321.

Gardening with love — remembering Gerry Ginsberg

The late Gerry Ginsberg, former general manager of Canada Blooms, had a great passion for his family.

There are many touching stories about Gerry’s love for his wife, Barb, their daughters Rachel and Julie, and her husband Charlie Clodfelter, and grandchildren Maya and Aleyda.

The story that resonates with many friends involves Maya, who is a little girl with Down syndrome. When she was born, the whole family turned for support to the Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City, where Maya’s family lives. A

suggestion from the Guild that her heart be checked, led to open heart surgery to repair holes. The family shudders to think what would have happened without the guidance of the Guild.

Gerry and Barb were living in Canada, but kept in close contact. Picture ‘Gampy’ Ginsberg turning to Skype to send his love directly to Maya, face-toface, heart-to-heart. He would comment on how she just “made my day.”

Charlie, Maya’s father, started a Certified Naturally Grown heirloom produce farm, because he and Julie felt that it would help with Maya’s motor skills and would be a great way to teach her about food, nature and gardening. They named their farm Healing Hearts Farm in honour of Maya. A portion of their profits is donated to the Down Syndrome Guild, a non-profit organization that is building a hydroponic greenhouse to employ disabled young adults.

And so we complete the circle. We start with Gerry — love for his family — help for his granddaughter — organic gardening — donations to a non-profit organization — and back to Gerry.

In memory of Gerry Ginsberg, family man, we are honouring him by giving

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 13

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Ottawa councillor is landscaper for a day

individually and directly to the Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City. If you would like to join us, please click on www.horttrades.com/kcdsg and fill out the secure online donation form.

— Joyce McKeough is a member of the Canada Blooms board of directors, representing the Garden Club of Toronto .

Garden Expo full of new ideas for retailers

Greenlife staff welcomed Ottawa city councillor Scott Moffat to a day in the life. From left, Gang Liu, horticulturist; Julie Doyle, office assistant; Tina Lockett, office manager; Melissa Clark, horticulturist; Mary Stewart, nursery sales and horticulturist; Dave Johnston, operations manager; Scott Moffatt.

Ottawa city councillor Scott Moffatt now has a first-hand experience with what it is like to work in the landscape industry, after spending a day with Greenlife Wholesale Nursey in Manotick.

Each month Moffat works one day with one of the businesses in his ward.

In May, he spent the day as a handson landscape labourer working with a crew installing plants in newly-created infill property in the Ottawa community of Westborough.

The councillor for hire says it is a great way to learn more about his ward, Rideau-Goulbourn, its businesses and residents. An advocate of local businesses, Moffatt uses his experiences to learn what role the city can play to help promote local business and address any issues they may have with respect to their communities.

Moffatt said his day with Greenlife gave him a better understanding of the complexities of the industry. “It is not just digging a hole and planting, but it includes permits, adhering

14 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO JULY, 2013

to by-law requirements, following specific requirements for the planting site and the desires of the homeowner in the planning.”

He learned that there had to be extensive planning especially when dealing with property owners. There were specific instructions about accessing the neighbour’s property relative to planting. He was not aware that was part of preparation.

“Scott worked with the crew in the morning and enjoyed lunch with them.

We provided him a packed lunch, as well as a Greenlife hat and sweater for him to keep. He worked in the afternoon at the nursery,” says Sarah Johnston, owner of Greenlife Moffat said he learned more than just hands-on duties during his day. “I also have a better understanding of the business nature of GreenLife Wholesale Nursery, and how Sarah Johnston realized that Ottawa area landscape and horticultural businesses needed a nursery that could provide product in large quantities at reasonable prices.”

This year Landscape Ontario’s Expo will return to its roots, with the name Garden and Floral Expo.

The event at the Toronto Congress Centre North Building, Oct. 23 and 24, will offer novice and veteran retailers and designers a large selection of products and professional development. The program has been formatted to meet industry retailers’ personal and professional needs, and leading edge vendors will display hundreds of new products to entice customers.

Following last year’s success, the Destination Inspiration Theatre (main stage) will be open throughout the day for all show attendees, and feature workshops on seasonal urn assembly, live cooking demonstrations and information on product trends relevant to garden and floral retailers and designers.

Just announced, executive chef Joseph Levesque of the Toronto Congress Centre will take to the stage to create dishes from locally harvested fruits and vegetables commonly sold through garden centres.

The show reverts back to a 9 a.m. opening, and ticketed sector group hosted events will shift from breakfast to lunch. The Garden Centre Sector Group is excited to announce Jim Hole of Hole’s Greenhouses and Gardens, as the keynote speaker. Hole is Alberta’s most articulate and knowledgeable horticulturist, and known for his business savvy. He is ardent about plants, conservation, the environment and business.

A workshop on Green Plants for Green Buildings (GPGB) will be hosted by the Interior Plantscape Sector Group.

This session will be eligible for GPGB CEU’s, and is the only opportunity of its kind in Canada in 2013.

The annual Welcome Reception will create a buzz with an illustrious panel of retail industry leaders and innovators presenting Top Ten Tips. Who knows how to create retail success better than Karl Stensson, president of Sheridan Nurseries? The company is currently celebrat-

ing its 100th anniversary, and several industry leaders and innovators will join Karl on stage; this will be a memorable part of Expo 2013.

“To connect you to leaders, topics and ideas that will inspire you to meet the challenges of today’s new retail environment, Garden Expo offers an exciting lineup of events,” says Heather MacRae, director of events and trade shows.

Garden writers, on a trend spotting mission, will return to the show for their annual Connect Event. The meeting concludes with a visit to the trade show floor, where vendors showcasing their latest products and services will strive to be ‘spotted’ by the writers for coverage in their publications, blogs and other communication mediums.

A Connecting Educators Summit is a new event being launched at Garden Expo. It is a full-day of sessions aimed at horticultural educators and affiliated professionals. Details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Terry Childs, a consistent volunteer at Landscape Ontario since 2004, was recently honoured with chairmanship of the show committee. Childs commented, “Novice and veteran retailers, design-

ers and florists will receive the inspiration and educational development craved to grow professionally and thrive in the new retail economy. Newer and sometimes smaller member companies gain the ability to look at how to set their sights high and achieve their business goals, as well as how to develop a professional company,” concludes Childs. “Expo provides the opportunity to meet many suppliers under one roof and discuss upcoming needs and desires. Most importantly the positive attitude we give is often reflected in the positive attitude we see.”

To register, or for more information, please visit www.loexpo.ca. Follow Garden Expo and Landscape Ontario on Twitter @LOexpo and @LOevents.

Ruth Wright passes away while gardening

Ruth Wright was gardening on June 7 when she unexpectedly passed away.

Her husband of 45 years is John Wright, an honorary lifetime member of Landscape Ontario.

For 40 years, she and John ran Wright Lawn Care Services together while raising three kids and living on their property in the heart of Bloomingdale.

Ruth Wright

A vibrant 74-year-old, she spent the morning with grandchildren, was in email conversations with her daughters throughout the day and had been working on the front of the house with her son just moments before she collapsed.

In October 2011, she suffered a seizure that nearly ended her life. Her amazing health and vitality prevailed, allowing family and friends to enjoy her company for nearly two more years.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS She was born Lenora Ruth McHolm on July 28, 1938.

She will be dearly missed by her children Carolyn (Wright) and Patrick Gidyk, Dave and Tracy (Adams) Wright, and Julie Wright and Jonathan Baltrusaitis.

Ruth was grandma to Sophie and Chloe Gidyk, Hannah and Ethan Wright, and Luke and William Baltrusaitis. She was the beloved sister of Betty Carruthers, Lois Leber, Kathryn McHolm and Lynda Brown. Ruth was predeceased by her brother Roy McHolm and sisters Mary Halligan and Muriel McHolm. As a sister-in-law, aunt and great aunt, she was much-loved by the extended families of both the Wrights and McHolms.

A teacher earlier in life, Ruth was a farm girl at heart and loved her gardens.

She was also famous for her pies and hotdog relish. She was an active member of her community through her involvement with Bloomingdale United Church, UCW and other committee activities.

She touched many lives with her helping hands, generosity, humour and grace.

The funeral service took place on June 13.

Condolences for the family and donations to the John and Ruth Wright Turf Grass Research Scholarship may be arranged through a memorial gift. To access the form, go to www.horttrades.com/ pledge-brochure.

TNT brings back sports field to school

TNT Property Management in Kitchener played a large role in restoring a high school sports field back into a useable facility and a source of community pride.

Owned and managed by Linda and Rob Tester, TNT broke ground to install an underground cistern to store rainwater to irrigate the gardens and trees that students Kitchener Collegiate Institute planted around the field.

Teacher Pat Rittinger said that the high school’s sports field has long needed an overhaul. Rittinger teaches a green industries course in landscaping, greenhouse construction and urban agriculture at the school.

“Rainwater harvesting is huge right now in urban agriculture,” said Rittinger.

“My kids have been learning about managing water inside and now outside the classroom. I wanted to give them the opportunity to add new skills to their resumes.”

The project is funded through student fundraising and donations from TNT Property Maintenance, REEP Green Solutions, the Region of Waterloo, TD Canada Trust, Toyota Evergreen, and the Tim Walker Memorial Award from the Waterloo school board.

Smart Watering System joins B Corps

Landscape Ontario member Smart Watering Systems of Milton is a member of another exclusive group, comprised of 760 members from 27 countries.

A concept introduced five years ago by a group of entrepreneurs, B Corps certification has been compared to the fair trade label, but for a whole company, not just a bag of coffee. B Corps companies are certified to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

A recent article by U.S.-based magazine Landscape Management interviewed Smart Watering Systems owner Chris Le Conte CIC. The magazine asked him, what things do you do as a B Corps that others don’t do? Le Conte said that the process ensures you modify your corporate documents saying you’ll allocate a certain percentage of profits to employees. “We were already doing that with our profit-sharing plan. Another thing we do is give people two paid days off a year to work for a charity of their choice.”

The former chair of the LO Irrigation Sector Group is quoted, “Many of our clients work with us because they’re trying to reduce their water use as part of a corporate sustainability process. When people pre-qualify us as a vendor, they ask us to see our sustainability policy to see if we’re the right fit. They value those sorts of things, so we thought this would be a good challenge for us, and it’s also good for staff and how we run the business.”

The article is available online at http:// bit.ly/19we08x.

Dry stone courses held at LO and Collingwood

A number of dry stone enthusiasts had the opportunity to learn the craft from some of the best in the world, when Landscape Ontario and Dean McLellan Stonework hosted two courses in June.

Andy Loudon and Peter Isherwood, Master Wallers from the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain, travelled to Ontario

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The first dry stone course at Landscape Ontario home office in Milton drew ten people. In photo students test themselves on the wall, which they had built the previous day in the instructional part of the course, only to tear it down the next day and build it again to be tested on what they had learned.

teach courses at Landscape Ontario’s home office in Milton and later in Collingwood.

After spending one day instructing participants, the second day was spent testing.

About ten participants received certificates at the LO course, while the Collingwood event saw 11 people take part. It was for instruction only.

“It’s great to see the interest in Can-

ada for dry walling,” said Loudon.

McLellan was instrumental in building the stone lighthouse in LO’s Canada Blooms garden. He plans to hold more courses. After receiving certification that puts him one step away from his Master level, he hopes to one day have achieved a level that will allow him to conduct courses without bringing in someone from the U.K.

Haig Seferian in two-part Toronto Star series The Toronto Star published a two-part series on Landscape Ontario member Haig Seferian CLD, entitled, A Day with Haig Seferian.

The article introduces Seferian as landscape architect and frequent HGTV host.

In answering the reporter’s question on his role on HGTV, Seferian said, “That was by chance, kind of like how I fell into the landscape architecture role. I belong to a number of industry associations: Landscape Ontario, the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects, and I’m a fellow of the American

Society of Landscape Architects. I’ve always volunteered a lot in my career. Back in 1996, when HGTV had just gotten approval, producers were out trying to create home and garden shows. One producer had contacted a number of the associations I had belonged to, and I guess they recommended me. I was contacted to come in and act as an advisor, simply a one-time shot. I was happy to do so; if my industry is calling, I’m happy to help out.”

Both articles may be found online at http://bit.ly/130JTWA.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

At the dedication ceremony in memory of Nick Brown, his soccer teammates said their goodbyes and pledged to care for the newly installed tree.

Chapter plants tree in memory of member’s son

The Waterloo Chapter Board of Directors and members came together for a dedication ceremony in Living Memory of Nick Brown, a teenage son of Cheryl Brown who has been actively involved in

Chapter activities.

Held in late April at St. David’s High School in Waterloo, the Chapter provided the tree and planting for the ceremony.

Phil Dickie of Fast Forest, Rob Tester of TNT Property Maintenance and Randy Adams of Adams Landscape Supply, all

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of Kitchener, came together to make the dedication happen.

The 18-year-old passed away in February. All members of his high school soccer team helped place soil around the tree, as did many members of the Waterloo Chapter. The team has taken personal responsibility for the tree and has been carefully watering it since its installation.

“When Cheryl visits the school for her younger son, we hope she sees the growth of the tree,” said Chapter member Linda Tester of TNT Property Maintenance.

The following prayer concluded the ceremony.

Loving God, creator of seed and soil, of tree and flower, you have created this world and all that lives in it.

It is to You that we come in this prayer of dedication and blessing, for you are the giver of life and the sustainer of all that lives.

We come to you to dedicate this tree in memory of Nick Brown who you continue to hold in your generous grace.

We give you thanks for his life and the time we shared with him.

May this tree remind us of the one whom we love and who is held forever in your never-ending care.

May this tree dig deep roots and grow wide branches to bear witness to your abundant love and grace made known in our brother Nick.

We ask for your blessing upon this tree and upon us who mourn, that life might dwell and bear witness to the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we pray.

National Tree Day on Sept. 25

Landscape Ontario is encouraging members to work with their local schools to promote National Tree Day on Sept. 25.

LO and CNLA encourage industry members to take advantage of the event to educate students and the public about the environmental benefits of trees through planting events at schools in local communities.

This is the third annual National Tree Day. In the past, many members brought the classroom outdoors and demonstrated to students how to plant and care for a tree donated by the member.

CNLA has created a full implementation plan, shopwing a step-to-step guide on how members may get involved and use the program. Go to www.hortrades. com/national-tree-week to access the program.

CHAPTER OF THE MONTH Upper Canada Chapter beautifies Kingston hospice The Upper Canada Chapter of Landscape Ontario has taken on the job of beautifying Hospice Kingston, adjacent to City Park.

The garden takes up a prominent piece of the park. Initially constructed several years ago, it had fallen into disarray without proper maintenance.

On May 31, a group of Landscape Ontario members, along with hospice volunteers, started phase one of the project, softscaping the property with weeding, edging, pruning and general tender loving care. The property currently includes a garden, a seating area and The Walk.

The Walk is a commemorative walkway with engraved paver stones celebrating the memories and lives of those who have passed through the hospice.

Sian Pritchard of the Upper Canada

and Ottawa Chapters this season. The test days will take place at Kemptville College on Sept. 26 and 27. The Upper Canada chapter has been passionate about promoting and offering educational opportunities locally.

Chapter relevance

Landscape Ontario’s second vice president Warren Patterson requested LO’s membership department to ask each of the Chapters to answer three questions.

Some Upper Canada members’ answers concerning chapter relevance follow.

Chapter Board, explained, “This is a very special place for a lot of people.” The group expects to complete the project in July with the hardscaping component Upper Canada of the project. In addiChapter snapshot tion, the Chapter Number of Members: 54 plans to assist the Number of Active members: 39 hospice with a longChapter Board term maintenance Neil Bouma, President program to ensure Andre Ypma, Vice President the green space conTerry Childs, Past President tinues to thrive. and Provincial Board Rep

Education

Landscape Ontario will once again offer certification testing in the Upper Canada

What is working in your chapter?

Judy Bell, Treasurer Sian Pritchard, Secretary Ken Dehaan, Director David Gunn, Director Pamela McCormick CLP, Director Jason Partridge, Director

The golf tournament, the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) meeting and any community building projects. The best meeting each year is with MTO, so having relevant information is key. The members also enjoy the golf tournament, so any social and networking opportunities are great.

Everyone also enjoys having the opportunity to come together, learn some new skills and network through community builds.

How do you attract and retain members to events?

The Chapter has started doing advanced registrations for meetings and events; this has led to more registrations, helps the board plan, and informs the board if it needs to push harder to meet its goals.

What do you feel is critical to running a successful event?

Upper Canada Chapter members donated their expertise and material to beautify the gardens at Hospice Kingston.

The event either must have a good social component, or relevant information. Every company has a different expectation from the board; some treat this as an extracurricular and others will come if there’s relevant information. The event needs a good combination of both to get everyone out.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 19

EVENTS

August 14

Industry Auction

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

July 24

July 26

Rebel Creek Golf Course, 1517 Snyder’s East, Petersburg The tournament will take place with a shotgun start at 11:30 a.m. All tournament proceeds will be divided equally among Kids Ability, School Greening Project and The Waterloo Chapter’s Education Fund. The putting green and driving range will be available to tournament participants before tee off.

Loyalist Golf Club, 1 Loyalist Boulevard, Bath Take a break from your busy season and join the Upper Canada Chapter for a fun day on the links at Loyalist Golf Club. Registration starts at noon, with tee-off at 1 p.m. Cost is only $120 per golfer, which includes 18 holes of golf, a cart, steak dinner and prizes. For more information contact Helen Hassard at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 354, or helen@landscapeontario.com.

Waterloo Chapter Golf Tournament

Upper Canada Golf Tournament

July 25

August 3 - 7

Nobelton Lakes Golf Club, 125 Nobleton Lakes Drive, Nobleton The Toronto Chapter will host its annual golf tournament with registration and lunch at 11 a.m. and tee-off at 1 p.m. This event is a great opportunity to network with fellow industry members, meet some local suppliers and have fun. For more information, or to register, contact Helen Hassard at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 354, or helen@landscapeontario.com.

Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St. W., Toronto The ISA International Conference and Trade Show is the premier event for arborists from around the world, and this summer it is held in Toronto. For more information, go to http://bit. ly/11BTwIb.

Toronto Chapter’s Annual Golf Tournament

ISA International Conference and Trade Show

Sheridan Nurseries, 12302 10th Line, Georgetown, Ont. Landscape Ontario’s annual Industry Auction takes place at Sheridan Nurseries’ head office in Georgetown. More information may be found at www.horttrades.com/industry-auction-2013.

August 16

Trial garden open house 2013

Landscape Ontario home office, Milton At this year’s trial garden open house for horticultural professionals, there will be educational sessions and garden tours to noon. Starting at 1 p.m., the trial garden open house will be held at the University of Guelph. To find out more about sponsorship opportunities available with the trial garden, contact Rodger Tschanz at rtschanz@uoguelph.ca, or Kathleen Pugliese at kathleenp@landscapeontario.com.

August 17

LO Windsor Chapter Tigers Game

Comerica Park, 2100 Woodward Ave, Detroit The Windsor Chapter will head across the border to check out the Detroit Tigers’ game against the Kansas City Royals. Good seats are available in section 143 lower baseline box at $50 a ticket, first-come first serve. Email Dan Garlatti at dan@garlattilandscape.com, or Jay Rivait at jaytopgrade@hotmail.com.

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NEW MEMBERS Durham Blue Oak Landscaping Phillip Eliakis 21 Collie Cres Stouffville, ON L4A 0W1 Tel: 905-591-5500 Membership Type: Active L & M Contracting Michael Mooney 125 Percy Cres Port Perry, ON L9L 1B4 Tel: 905-985-1003 Membership Type: Active RTJ Property Services Inc Ryan Jensen PO Box 326 Blackstock, ON L0B 1B0 Tel: 905-442-4321 Membership Type: Active

Golden Horseshoe Bay-Lynx Manufacturing Inc Geraldine Bolle 1574 Hwy 2 W PO Box 81157 Ancaster, ON L9G 4X2 Tel: 905-304-3900 Membership Type: Associate Bayview Tree Sales Philip Smith 3180 Cedar Springs Rd Burlington, ON L7R 3X4 Tel: 905-399-6516 Membership Type: Active Haldimand Commercial Maintenance Jaret Bousfield 4537 Hwy 3 PO Box 883 Cayuga, ON N0A 1E0 Tel: 289-370-0102 Membership Type: Associate The Water Store Craig Killinger 244 Dundas St Waterdown, ON L0R 2H4 Tel: 905-690-4114 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

London DFK Equipment Sales Inc Wayne Barber 475 James St S PO Box 938 St. Mary’s, ON N4X 1B6 Tel: 519-349-2080 Membership Type: Associate

Ottawa Cityscape Daniel Aiello A - 25 Bentley Ave Ottawa, ON K2E 6T7 Tel: 613-726-7105 Membership Type: Active Impressions Concrete Exteriors Earl Spinks 1940 Dunrobin Rd Ottawa, ON K2K 1X7 Tel: 613-978-4432 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

MWS Construction Mark Simpson 4983 Dunrobin Rd Woodlawn, ON K0A 3M0 Tel: 613-223-8996 Membership Type: Active Osgoode Tire Sales Brian Kearns 2605 Stagecoach Rd Osgoode, ON K0A 2W0 Tel: 613-821-2953 Membership Type: Chapter Associate Prestige Design & Construction Ltd Claudio Mazzarello 50 Camelot Dr Ottawa, ON K2G 5X8 Tel: 613-224-9437 Membership Type: Active

Toronto AquaSpa Pools & Landscape Design Pino Prizzi 33 - 3560 Rutherford Rd Woodbridge, ON L4H 3T8 Tel: 416-693-7770 Membership Type: Active Automatic Rain Paul Barker 71032 - 570 Mulock Dr Newmarket, ON L3X 1Y8 Tel: 905-955-4596 Membership Type: Active Instone Landscape Company Ltd John Farruggio 5315 Kirby Rd Vaughan, ON L0J 1C0 Tel: 905-951-2916 Membership Type: Active Land-Con Ltd Ofer Winkler 3 - 163 Bowes Rd Concord, ON L4K 1H3 Tel: 416-504-5263 Membership Type: Active M.O. Enterprises Mac Ogden 5452 Mt. Albert Rd Mount Albert, ON L0G 1M0 Tel: 905-473-1722 Membership Type: Active Mr. Landscape David Reeder 292 Johnston Ave Toronto, ON M2N 1H6 Tel: 416-590-1067 Membership Type: Active Reed’s Landscaping & Stone Creations Inc Wes Reed 19658 Centre St Mount Albert, ON L0G 1M0 Tel: 905-473-2453 Membership Type: Active

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Halyomorpha halys.

Survey to determine spread of stink bug The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Ministry of Rural Affairs, together with the University of Guelph and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, are conducting surveys across southern Ontario in 2013 and 2014 on the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys.

Established in the Hamilton area and expected to spread, the pest poses a significant risk to horticulture crops. Early detection in new geographic areas is important for limiting economic loss to Ontario’s agriculture sector.

These surveys will assess the distribution and abundance of BMSB, identify habitats suitable for build-up and associated agricultural areas at high risk for damage, and develop an inventory of natural enemies.

Early detection in new areas is critical for protecting Ontario crops. For more information and tips on how to identify BMSB, visit ontario.ca/stinkbug.

Report BMSB to the Agricultural Information Contact Centre by email to ag.info. omafra@ontario.ca, or call 1-877-424-1300.

Collect suspect specimens for confirmation. Good quality digital photos, showing key features such as the two white bands on each antenna, can also be useful for identifying BMSB. BMSB has a wide host range that

22 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO JULY, 2013

includes agricultural crops such as tree fruit and nuts, small fruit, grapes, tomatoes, and more. However, it also attacks garden plants and trees commonly found in the landscape (catalpa, maple, ash, tree-of-heaven, lilac, buckthorn, butterfly bush, mulberry, etc.).

Infestations normally occur between June and September. Adults often overwinter in human-made structures including homes. Reports from homeowners are often the first indication of local establishment.

New online resource helps employers with compliance

The Ministry of Labour has a variety of resources to help understand the rights and responsibilities under the Employment Standards Act. In late April the ministry introduced a new set of tools and resources to help business owners understand pay issues, hours of work and time off, severance pay, etc.

The website at http://bit.ly/17c1wlz has special sections. Each section has its own link to areas entitled Special Rule Tools, Hours of Work and Overtime Tool, Public Holiday Pay Calculator, Severance Tool, Termination Tool and Employment Standards Workbook.

conference addresses benefits of green infrastructure

Architects, planners, health professionals and developers, along with landscape architects and designers, gathered at the Evergreen Brickworks in Toronto on May 21-22 for the first-ever Grey to Green Conference.

Organized by Steven Peck, of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, the conference focused on the economics of green infrastructure. More specifically, practical solutions to the challenges of stormwater and air pollution management, the urban heat island effect and increasing urban biodiversity were addressed.

Keynote speakers John Campbell of Waterfront Toronto and Gord Miller, Environmental Commissioner of Ontario, brought powerful messages to the podium. Campbell discussed Toronto’s business model for revitalizing its waterfront, and shared the plans to upgrade minimum green building requirements and increase public parks and spaces for many people to enjoy, while improving storm water management and flood control for nearby waterways.

As Environmental Commissioner of Ontario, Miller fully recognizes and supports green infrastructure for its many benefits. He discussed the policy wars his office has been involved in while looking to have green infrastructure incorporated into planning policies. Six Ontario ministries have denied the request, saying Ontario’s current planning policies are adequate.

Miller noted we need to change the thinking of the provincial ministries and encourage innovation in design. Green infrastructure often saves energy and water, reduces waste and lowers operating and maintenance costs. Miller suggested that planners and designers piggyback on Ontario’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan, as many of the points outlined in the plan mirror green infrastructure initiatives. Ontario’s climate change adaptation strategy has been created by government and all ministries are now on board.

After lunch, which was served on the trade show floor, attendees could choose from one of six breakout sessions on the economic opportunities of green infrastructure, urban agriculture and vertical farming, calculating the benefits of green infrastructure through storm water management and energy savings as well as other presentations from developers, green roof planners and architects.

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Landscape Ontario prides itself on providing the right mix of professional development and product mix at Congress.

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WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 23

INDUSTRY NEWS Smart about Salt names Leanne Lobe as new executive director

Smart about Salt Council has announced the appointment of Leanne Lobe as executive director.

Eric Hodgins, president of the Smart about Salt Council, announced that effective June 14, Bob Hodgins was stepping down as executive director and “taking a well deserved leave after steering and growing the program for the past two years.”

Lobe co-designed the Smart about Salt Program with Bob Hodgins and has been heavily involved with the program since its inception. “We are excited about the experience and leadership that Leanne will bring to the program,” said Eric Hodgins. The new executive director will be supported by LO’s Shawna Barrett, administrative coordinator, who will provide extensive administrative support to the program.

Lobe is employed as a supervisor of source water protection programs with the Region of Waterloo. She is taking on the Smart about Salt duties on top of her work with the region.

The council president praised Bob Hodgins for his work with Smart about

Powerful Profits

EAB detected in Arnprior area

Leanne Lobe

Salt, saying he was a driving force of the program and worked tirelessly to build it over the past several years. “Bob should be recognized for his significant contributions to the snow management industry — not just parking lots and sidewalks through the Smart about Salt program, but on highways across Canada. We are committed to preserving Bob’s legacy through the Smart about Salt program.”

Bob Hodgins will continue to provide training and advisory support to the program and ensure a smooth transition.

The Smart about Salt Program continues to expand with more agencies requiring their contractors to be Smart about Salt Certified and more facilities being certified. The program expansion is also bringing sponsorship support.

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24 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO JULY, 2013

“We are seeing a significant reduction in salt use by our member companies as they commit to being Smart about Salt,” said Eric Hodgins.

Landscape Ontario is a supporting partner of the Smart about Salt program.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced on June 21 it had detected the emerald ash borer (EAB) in Arnprior, Renfrew County and in Northumberland County, near Roseneath and in Cornwall and South Mountain in the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.

Movement restrictions of all ash materials, such as logs, branches and wood chips, and all species of firewood from the affected site, are in place. Owners of the affected properties will be notified of these restrictions. Further regulatory measures will be considered once all survey work has been completed for the year.

The presence of EAB has now been confirmed in 30 Ontario counties, and in seven areas in the province of Quebec.

EAB has already killed millions of ash trees in Ontario, Quebec and the United States, and poses a major economic and environmental threat to urban and forested areas of North America.

On April 1, 2014, the Agency will consolidate most of the regulated areas into one large area in Ontario and Quebec.

This large area will include Highways 400, 401, 416 and 417 in Ontario and Highways 15, 20, 40 and 50 in Quebec.

This approach takes into account the CFIA’s current understanding of the distribution of EAB and should more effectively slow the spread of this pest to other parts of these provinces and to the rest of Canada.

The agency will continue its surveillance, regulatory, enforcement and communications activities across Canada, but a strong focus will be placed on the outer edge of the large consolidated area, where EAB has not currently been detected. The remainder of 2013 will be a transition to this new approach.

Also, as part of the long term strategy to manage EAB, the CFIA has approved the release of two stingless wasps as new biological control agents to combat the spread of EAB. One wasp that has now been released in limited areas in southwestern Ontario by Natural Resources Canada is Tetrastichus planipennisi.

RESEARCH

Plant biomass

Fertilization benefits green roof plants

By Mary Jane Clark and Dr. Youbin Zheng

T

he University of Guelph and Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, with funding from Landscape Ontario, conducted a study to determine if fertilization is beneficial for overwintering survival and growth of Sedum species in a fall-installed green roof.

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities recently reported that in North America there is 48.5 billion square feet of roof space fit for installing green roofs. The area of installed green roofs has quickly increased, encouraged by incentives and bylaws in many major cities.

Strategies are needed to ensure green roof plant survival when installed in the fall.

Fertilization with phosphorus, potassium, or both has been shown to enhance cold tolerance of a wide range of plant species, and the type and amount of fertilizer can play a large role in overwintering success.

When fertility remains within an appropriate range for individual species no winter injury occurs, although there is potential for winter injury if plants are over-fertilized or nutrient deficient. In general, an adequate supply of potassium reduces the risk of frost damage in plants, and is required for most plant metabolic processes.

The trial was conducted on the fifth story rooftop of the Science Complex at the University of Guelph. Sedum mats, grown by Sedum Master in Princeton, Ont., were installed on top of a 10 cm depth of Sedum Master’s Pre-Engineered Growing Medium substrate in September of 2010. The mat had a mix of six Sedum species (i.e., S. album L., S. acre L., S. ellacombianum Praeger, S. reflexum L., S. sexangulare L., and S. spurium Bieb. cv. ‘Dragons Blood’).

On Oct. 8, 2010, three replications for each of eight fertilizer rate treatments were applied to green roof plots in a completely randomized design.

Plant survival

Green roof plots experienced the greatest cold stress in late Jan. 2011, when the daily maximum (-13.4 °C) and minimum (-21.4 °C) air temperatures reached the lowest point of the winter.

Despite the temperature fluctuations, Sedum plants survived the winter and

rooted into the substrate with no plant mortality. In addition, no leaf browning from winter injury was observed for any Sedum shoots in the control. Leaf browning did not differ among fertilized treatments for either S. album or S. acre, and did not occur for S. sexangulare shoots. However, considering all fertilized treatments, S. album had higher (i.e., 13 per cent) leaf browning from winter injury than S. acre (i.e., 5 per cent).

At installation, the average vegetative coverage of all Sedum plants within green roof plots was 80 per cent, increasing to 100 per cent for fertilized plots and 90 per cent for control plots by spring. Over time, vegetative coverage did not differ among fertilized treatments, however, vegetative coverage of the control was smaller than all fertilized treatments in May, Aug., and Oct. 2011. In addition, vegetative coverage for all treatments was larger in May 2011 than Oct. 2010, indicating that Sedum plants grew in all plots between fertilization and spring.

Fertilizer addition also influenced the coverage of three individual Sedum spp. (i.e., S. album, S. acre, and S. sexangulare) within green roof plots. S. album covered a larger area than S. acre in all treatments and S. album coverage was larger than S. sexangulare in the NPK+Low K treatment. S. sexangulare coverage was only larger than S. album in the control treatment. Between Oct. 2010 and Oct. 2011, S. album coverage increased in all treatments except the control, NPK, or NPK+Medium K treatments, with the greatest increase for NPK+High P and NPK+High K treatments.

For all treatments after one year of growth, as S. album coverage increased, S. acre and S. sexangulare coverage decreased, and S. sexangulare coverage increased with increasing S. acre coverage.

At installation, plant height of individual species did not differ among treatments.

After seven weeks of growth, S. album shoots were taller in all fertilized treatments, except NPK and NPK+Medium K, than the control. In the following year (May to Sept.

2011), S. album, S. acre, and S. sexangulare shoots were taller in all fertilized treatments compared to the control, however, no difference among fertilized treatments was observed.

After one year of growth, shoot fresh and dry weights were lower for the control plots compared to all fertilized treatments.

Among fertilized treatments, shoots in the NPK+High P treatment had a higher fresh weight than the NPK and NPK+Medium K treatments and dry weight was higher in the NPK+Low P than the NPK treatment.

In 2010, we observed S. album leaf colour differences between the fertilized and control treatments during the fall, with plants in fertilized treatments remaining green longer in the growing season, compared to control plants, which changed from green to red and/or yellow. From May to Oct. 2011, S. album leaf colour in the control treatment was different (i.e., within the red to yellow spectrum) than all fertilized treatments (i.e., within the yellow to green spectrum). S. album leaf colour was not different among fertilized treatments throughout the study.

Visual appearance of green roof plots was not different among fertilized treatments, but was higher for all fertilized treatments than the control in July and Oct. 2011. The difference in leaf colour was a main factor influencing visual appeal of green roof plots, as treatments with greener leaves appeared healthier than those with red and yellow leaves.

In conclusion, Sedum vegetation mats were able to survive the winter following installation, regardless of fertilizer type or rate, after a fall green roof installation in a northern climate. Although fertilizer with or without added phosphorus or potassium was not required for Sedum plant survival over winter, fertilization increased vegetative coverage, plant height and biomass, leaf greenness, and visual appearance compared to the non-fertilized controls in the following year. Therefore, adding a controlled-release fertilizer such as 16N–2.6P– 10.8K, without additional P or K, after a fall installation can benefit green roof plants.

Future work is needed to determine the influence of fertilization on overwintering for different green roof plant types (cuttings, seed, or plugs).

This work was financially supported by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs/University of Guelph Research Program, Landscape Ontario, LiveRoof Ontario and Sedum Master.

Dr. Youbin Zheng (yzheng@uoguelph.ca). is an associate professor of the University of Guelph, and the environmental horticulture chair for both University of Guelph and the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. Mary Jane Clark is a senior research technician, environmental horticulture at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 25

SAFETY AND TRAINING Know your independent contractor status with WSIB

By Sally Harvey CLT, CLP Manager Education and Labour Development

A

s you know, last January the WSIB introduced mandatory coverage for independent construction contractors within Bill119. Many landscape contractors thought that it did not affect them because of ‘construction’ in the title. But indeed, it does affect many of us who undertake Class G work.

Class G includes landscape companies that provide any of the following services which fall under the 700 series, including, landscape lighting (704), irrigation/sprinkler systems (707), road building and excavating (711), masonry(741), form work and demolition (748), which includes: excavating and grading, asphalt paving, fencing and deck installation, swimming pool installation, masonry and stonework and pre-cast concrete installation except residential); finishing of concrete slabs for patios, private walkways and driveways.

To figure out whether your business may be included, go to: http://bit.ly/11numOL. Further, it also covers independent operators. An independent operator is defined as, “A person who carries on an industry included in Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 and who does not employ any workers for that purpose.”

The changes include not just independent operators, but also sole proprietors, partners in a partnership and executive officers in a corporation working in any of the above construction activities, as they too must have WSIB coverage. Corporations and partnerships already registered with the WSIB must begin to report earnings of the executive officers and partners and pay premiums according to the rate group classifications, starting January 2013.

This change could affect landscape or pool companies that use an independent contract to do portions of the work within the contract that are classified as construc-

26 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO JULY, 2013

tion activities. If you as a landscape company are using independent contractors to do work classified in Class G, as of January 2013, you must make sure they are registered with WSIB by requesting a clearance certificate prior to starting work. Otherwise, you may become liable for any unpaid premiums and/or injuries. Also, make sure that the certificates are up-to-date until all work is completed. They are now available online for you to manage this efficiently. Go to http://bit.ly/11nusWT. Remember, companies hiring contractors are liable under the Occupational Health and Safety Act for ensuring the contractor performs work safely while in the workplace.

Go to www.wsib.on.ca and enter ‘Employer Classification Manual’ in the search field. Landscape companies are typically registered in rate group 190 under ‘Class C: Other Primary Industries.’ Business activities included within a landscape contract might include purchasing nursery stock for planting on site, installing interlocking brick in patios and walks and installation of exterior lighting facilities, when performed as part of a residential landscaping contract. Also included are the installation of curbstones (domestic only), interlocking brick or stone walkways, driveways, or patios; ornamental ponds,

pre-cast concrete stairs (domestic only), retaining walls (domestic only) and sod.

Commercial contracts would classify these activities under Class G: Construction.

What does it mean for the contractor that provides fences, decks and pergolas and gazebos as part of a residential landscape project and who is presently classified under rate group 190? It means nothing, provided those projects are always connected to a landscape project/proposal.

Even if a project is added to another project, make sure that the addenda, change order or quotation title reads: ‘Landscape’ project. For pools, irrigation, line voltage lighting and masonry, this will not work. The WSIB classifies those activities within the Class G – 700.

In closing, my words of wisdom are to ensure that your websites communicate the same message. Make sure that your photos include wood projects that are part of a ‘landscape project’ and not stand alone photos of a deck or wood structure. Websites could initiate unnecessary curiosity on behalf of the WSIB. Make sure your marketing tools align with these visuals.

Detailed information about mandatory coverage (including exemptions), and rate group descriptions are available at www.

BeRegisteredBeReady.ca. Everything you need to know about the new law and how it affects you is there. If you have questions you can’t find answers to on the website, or have questions about classification or clearances, call WSIB at 1-800-387-0750, or 416-344-100, Mondays to Fridays, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Contact Sally Harvey at sharvey@landscapeontario.com.

From information to registration, the WSIB website on mandatory coverage www.BeRegisteredBeReady.ca can clarify how the new law affects you.

PUBLIC RELATIONS Member appreciation day

By Denis Flanagan CLD Director of public relations and membership services

A

s part of our ongoing program to support Landscape Ontario member companies, we have initiated a day for each Chapter with staff members going out to meet with members on their job sites.

To kick off the campaign, Helen Hassard, membership and chapter coordinator, and I spent a day with a number of Durham Chapter members. We toured in a Green for Life-signed vehicle, stocked with bottled water to distribute to work crews.

As part of our strategic plan, we began the tour with a visit to Vandermeer Nursery in Ajax. We dropped off brochures promoting the benefits of joining LO. Jane Kersten and Pradeep Suriar were delighted to be part of the membership campaign and proudly displayed the brochures front and centre on their contractors’ desk.

We received the same warm reception at Arnts Loam Supply in Pickering, where they placed the brochures under their newly installed LO member sign. Thanks to our associate member, we hope to see a spike in summer membership applications.

Back on tour, we visited several job sites, including a unique installation on the shores of Frenchman’s Bay. This included some customized fencing and gazebo details and dredging work that required specialized permits. The complicated installation was being well managed by

UNDERGROUND WORLD Latest statistics show improvement

By Terry Murphy CLP

O

ne of the key statistics that I always watch for at year-end is the number of utility hits that the green (landscape/fencing) industry has accumulated over the last year.

I always compare this number to the previous year to see if we have reduced our hits.

When you look at this data, one may conclude that we slightly increased our landscape sector hits, and the green industry total hits have gone up by about 10 per cent. The landscape sector is up only one per cent, from 360 to 364. I looked at the

Ben Gray from Gray’s Landscaping and Snow Removal in Pickering. We encouraged Ben to enter this project, when the site is completed, in the Awards of Excellence program.

We also made stops at ongoing projects

by B.K. Baun Landscape of Ajax, Earth Art Landscapes of Sunderland, Blue Oak Landscaping of Stouffville, and Lakeridge Contracting of Whitby.

The projects were varied and of top quality. It’s just what you would expect from our professional members.

Speaking of public relations, everyone wants to get in on the social media scene, so to get LO mentioned on Twitter, we took our little mascot Grout the Gnome on tour with us. He certainly became an online celeb!

The good news story continues with visits to members by your LO team Jane, Kathleen, Helen and Grout. We followed this up with stops in Toronto and London.

Visits are planned to Upper Canada Chapter on July 16, Waterloo on July 31, Windsor on Aug. 7, Ottawa on Aug. 20, and Georgian Lakelands on Aug. 29.

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

hits, based on the overall number, the following conclusions may be found in the Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) Report by ORCGA. • The green industry has increased its overall hits from 685 to 754 and also the efficiency has gone down .022 from 0.938, based on the total locate requests.

• The landscape sector has remained relatively the same in utility hits (364 from 360) in the last year, but since the total locate requests have increased from 730,715 to 765,345 (4.7%), our efficiency and productivity have increased.

• The landscape sector continues to make positive progress over the last year.

data, and naturally was disappointed with the results, hoping for a continuous downward trend for our sector. With a lot of effort last year, I thought we might have gone down in hits. Was I missing anything?

The thought occurred to me that our Please send your comments and suggeshits may have gone up just a little, but was tions or any questions to Terry Murphy at our performance improving? What about tvmurphy@ca.inter.net the total number of locates requested. It occurred to me that you can’t use the absolute number of hits alone to measure our efficiency or productivity. It must be compared to Green industry utility hits the total number Year Total hits Change Landscape hits Percentage increase of locates that 2009 914 N/A

542

+38% are requested.

2010 716 -22%

360

-34% When you 2011 685 -5%

360

NIL look at the num2012 758 +10%

364

+1% ber of landscape

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 27

PROSPERITY PARTNERS Keeping your stick on the ice

By Jacki Hart CLP Prosperity Partners program manager

A

s I write this, I’m reflecting on the insane spring we had this year. The season started with a jolt, racing from winter headlong into summer. The soaring temperatures in early May brought landscapes and plants to the forefront of homeowners’ minds and everyone wanted their work done and plants in by yesterday.

It’s really hard to throttle back and regroup when you’re in the thick of it. And regroup is what you should be doing this month. Schedule a day for yourself to work on your business — look at financials, cash flow, and your customers’ experience of your service/ product. Identify where to improve. Make a plan to close those gaps for the rest of the year.

This month, Bruce Morton, owner of Greenscapes Irrigation in Ottawa, has shared his thoughts on how the Prosperity Partners program helped him shift his thinking in a mature business.

Jacki How has Prosperity language helped you be intentional about how you run your business?

Bruce Morton Bruce It helped me recognize that the whole planning process (both strategic and tactical) is an important tool to get everybody rowing in the same direction.

It’s a key factor in decision making as issues arise.

Jacki Can you give me an example of the type of questions you ask yourself as a result of the Prosperity Partners tools?

Bruce Am I actually getting the real answer to a question I ask of my staff? Or, do I need to ask why a few more times to get to the real problem?

Jacki How has what you’ve learned through the Prosperity Partners helped rejuvenate

28 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO JULY, 2013

your interest and passion, and keep you engaged?

Bruce Using some of the program’s principles proved to me early on that it works in making good progress and getting momentum in the right direction.

Even when we take a couple steps back, we now quickly find solutions. I originally started my business with passion. That feeling is re-kindled every time staff begins to do amazing things, and we perform as a team.

Jacki What is it about being involved with your LO Chapter that helps you in your business and to maintain a healthy work/ life balance?

Bruce Mentorship. I learn more from the people sitting around me at one board meeting, than I’d ever figure out on my own. The professionals I sit with at meetings all live the same issues I do, and all have slightly different takes on how to approach challenges (both business and personal). This opportunity to witness, have an ability to share and to learn is priceless to me.

Jacki What specifically has the Prosperity Partners program done to help you most recently with your business and work/life balance?

Bruce I learned to keep my business challenges as black and white issues, that require decisions and subsequent actions, rather than huge emotional events that are to be avoided. Prosperity thinking helped give me a framework to build a process to get things done more effectively.

Jacki Can you give me an example?

Bruce We recently had a very talented employee completely mash-up an important job for which he was responsible. The optics were bad from my point of view. I felt he completely failed to follow process and had total disregard for both the client’s and the company’s concerns. The fix was expensive. I defaulted to the Prosperity thinking: step back and look at facts — no emotion.

I discovered that the employee did his best with the information and resources provided. He had interpreted instructions

from his point of view, and came out with the wrong answer.

It was poor communication on the company’s part. Prosperity language helped frame it as a learning opportunity. We corrected the training and communication, and it hasn’t happened again.

Jacki What specifically has being involved in governance at Landscape Ontario done to enhance your industry relationships with peers, or access to knowledge, experience and information that you’ve recently used?

Bruce Building the relationships I have with my LO professional peers makes it easier for me to get my job done. When I have a question, or a problem, I can just call any one of my peers and ask for help. They have repeatedly been happy to assist.

And, I realize that the feeling is mutual.

I will do whatever I can to help them succeed.

Jacki What did you like the most about the Effective Management Short Course?

Bruce There was a ton of material in that course that I took back to my company and shared with my people.

Jacki If you could start your business all over again, would you include the Prosperity Partners program in your learning and business development plan?

Bruce It seems we never figure out the smarter path until we mature and slow down a bit, gain wisdom and deploy hindsight. I can only dream of where I’d be now had I skipped the school of hard knocks and started with PP in 1987.

Prosperity would have taught me earlyon the basic business tools that aren’t as easily (and inexpensively) available anywhere else. It would have also taught me a better way of keeping my business in perspective from a work/life balance point of view. If I could start all over again, in 1987, I’d take PP, and would be typing this while sitting on my terrace in the Cayman Islands.

Jacki Going forward, will you continue to engage in the Landscape Ontario Chapter community, and if so, why?

Bruce The more I’ve learned by being involved, the more I realize there still so much to learn. I wouldn’t want to lose one of my most valuable information resources.

Visit www.horttrades.com/prosperity for more information on the Partnership.

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

MEMBERSHIP Membership renewals are right around the corner!

By Helen Hassard Membership coordinator

W

e’re not quite at that time of year yet, but I want to give you a head’s-up that your membership renewals will arrive in early September.

As everyone’s lives and businesses can take unexpected changes at any time, I wanted to remind you to keep us in the loop if your business has moved and your contact information has changed. Also, if you haven’t accounted for the cost of membership yet, make sure you do.

Most members who take advantage of the discounts say the membership more than pays for itself and that’s not including intangible benefits. For those of you who aren’t aware of the benefits of membership, or are not taking full advantage, here are some of the ways your membership will help your bottom line.

Endorsed suppliers — LO, in conjunction with CNLA, has worked out deals for our members with a wide range of

companies, such as GM, RBC, Esso, Mark’s Work Warehouse, etc. The full list of endorsed suppliers and the discount you receive can be found at www. horttrades.com/endorsedsuppliers.

Seminars and certification — As a member you save around $80 per seminar. Also, if your company is a member of LO, then all of your employees are automatically members as well, and can use the discounts. Seminars run in the winter months. You may go online to register at www.horttrades.com/seminars/ Chapter meetings and events — All nine of our chapters have at least five meetings a year and a range of special events.

These offer you an opportunity to network with peers in the industry and probably learn something new. Most meetings are free and all employees are welcome to attend.

Promotion — All active members of LO are recognized on the online LO directory and gain access to our logo and free marketing materials. Active member companies are listed on on the Find a Professional page at www. landscapeontario.com. Associate member companies are listed on www.horttrades. com/membership/associate.php.

Discounts on booths at trade shows — You receive a discount per square foot on your booth at Congress, Expo and GreenTrade Expo. Rates vary, based on the show. Contact our trade show department for more information.

Advertising benefits — You receive a discount on advertising in both Landscape Trades and Landscape Ontario magazine.

Both magazines annually reach thousands of industry professionals. To obtain a rate card, visit our website www. horttrades.com and look under shows, media and awards.

Meeting space — Finding a meeting venue or training facility in the GTA is not easy task and can cost your company big time. LO home office, just off the 401 in Milton, welcomes members to utilize the space for their business needs. There are numerous meetings, seminars and events held at home office each year, so booking well in advance is important.

Remember, for easy payment of membership dues, you can pay online at www. horttrades.com/dues/. All you need is your renewal invoice and credit card information.

Keep in mind that not all benefits apply to every membership type, so if you’re not sure about what you are entitled to, go online to www.horttrades.com/membership/categories.php, or contact me directly at helen@ landscapeontario.com. If you signed up as a new member this year, please note that your membership renewal invoice will be pro-rated to show that you paid for a full year at the time you became a valued member of Landscape Ontario.

Landscape Ontario

SAFETY GROUPS

The 2014 Safety Groups application now available Visit www.horttrades.com/safetygroups for a complete overview and to register for the Safety Groups program LO This Week will keep you informed on the latest Safety Group information

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 29

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

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

To advertise: E-mail your name, phone number and ad to Robert at classifieds@landscapeontario. com or fax to (905) 875-0183. Online advertising: Website only ads are available for $67.80 (HST included). Min. order $67.80 for up to 325 words. Website ads are posted for 30 days.

View ads online at www.horttrades.com/classifieds

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

GARDEN CENTRE

PROGRAM

Look for your brochure in the mail and enter your retail garden centre.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

CONNON NURSERIES NEIL VANDERKRUK HOLDINGS INC. Looking for Customer Sales Representatives Plant Knowledge Helpful Fulltime, Part-time or Seasonal Starting Immediately Location is 1155 Hwy 5 Dundas, Ontario Email resumes to mail@connonnurseries.com or Contact Jan @ (905) 523-0442 or Case @ (905) 979-4940

Open for entries July 1 to 31, 2013

View these ads and many more online at www.horttrades.com/classifieds

Entry information and details at:

www.loawards.com

An initiative of

Get INSPIRED Get CONNECTED

Get INSPIRED Get CONNECTED

Garden Centre awards program ad for LO magazine.indd 4

ADVERTISERS

5/29/2013 9:39:41 AM

Landscape Ontario’s Green for Life brand is designed to promote your professional business Ontario’s Landscape Green for Life brand is designed to promote your professional business 30 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO JULY, 2013

Caledon Hills Perennials

www.caledonhillsperennials.com

905-473-1145

Page 17

Christmas Décor (Turf Management Systems)

www.christmasdecor.net

866-615-4147

Page 24

Greenlife - Ottawa Wholesale Nursery

www.greenlifenursery.ca

613-692-3047

Page 15

Hillen Nursery Inc. www.hillennursery.com

519-264-9057

Page 2

Legends Landscape Supply Inc.

www.landscapestore.ca

905-336-3369

Page 8/

Limestone Trail Company Ltd.

www.limestonetrail.com

905-563-8133

Page 20

M Putzer Nursery

www.putzernursery.com

905-878-7226

Page 7

Newroads National Leasing

www.newroadsleasing.com 416-587-1021 Page 21

Oakville Dodge Chrysler

www.lockwoodchrysler.com

289-644-2250

Page 10

Ontario Tire Stewardship

www.rethinktires.ca

888-687-2202

Page 13

www.pottersroadnursery.com

519-688-0437

Page 17

www.sipkensnurseries.com

866-843-0438

Page 16

Potters Road Nursery Inc. Sipkens Nurseries Ltd. Stam Nurseries Stephenson’s Rentals Centres The Investment Guild Timm Enterprises Ltd. Truly Nolen (Turf Management Systems) Uxbridge Nurseries Ltd.

www.stamnurseries.com 519-424-3350 Page 21 www.stephensons.ca

866-946-4646

Page 32

www.hortprotect .com

800-459-8990

Page 12

www.timmenterprises.com

905-878-4244

Page 15

www.trulynolen.com

866-615-4147

Page 20

www.uxbridgenurseries.com

877-655-3379

Page 18

www.loexpo.ca

Plan to attend!

Get the professional development needed to operate your businesses profitably!

Inspire New Retail

Canada’s fall show for the garden and f loral industry

Produced by

In partnership with

Wednesday, October 23 and Thursday, October 24, 2013 Toronto Congress Centre, North Building, Toronto, Ont., Canada

ONTARIO

www.loexpo.ca PRINT YOUTUBE LOGO SPECS

on light backgrounds standard

main red

gradient bottom

C0 M96 Y90 K2

C13 M96 Y81 K54

white

black

C0 M0 Y0 K0

C100 M100 Y100 K100

PMS 1795C

on dark backgrounds standard

PMS 1815C

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 31 WHITE

BLACK

no gradients

no gradients

Equipped for Success

Need a hand with your next project? Big or small, Stephenson’s can help.

Landscape Equipment - Contractor Supplies - Health & Safety Training - Equipment Rental Portable Fencing - Total Fleet Management - General Tools - Equipment Repair

Your Landscaping Equipment Experts.

With 55 years of experience in the Ontario Market, Stephenson’s has built a reputation for Higher Standards & Total Commitment. We do more then just rent equipment, our end to end solutions provide you with a partner that can accomodate all your needs!

Experience the Stephenson’s Difference Today Health & Safety Training Convenient training services. Train where you want: Online – In Class – On Site Experienced Trainers - Fast & Easy Registration

Why Stephenson’s?

25% off any 1 training course*

Total Fleet Management Enjoy the benefits of ownership without the hassles of maintenance costs and downtime.

Tailored to your needs - Same day tool exchange

25% off any 1 day rental*

Reference Promo Code: LOMHST25

Reference Promo Code: LOMER25

Small Equipment Repair & Servicing You can rest assured that all small equipment repair & servicing is done in-house. Quality service in a timely fashion. 21 locations to serve you better.

Landscaping Equipment We’re Landscaping experts.. Visit, call, or go online to explore the wide variety of equipment tailored to your needs. Start saving today.

25% off your next Repair/Servicing*

50% off a 1 day landscape equipment rental*

Reference Promo Code: LOMSER25

Reference Promo Code: LOMLE50

*Valid at all Stephenson’s Locations. Cannot be combined with other offers or programs. Restrictions do apply, see store for details. Expires August 31st, 2013.

stephensons.ca 32 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO JULY, 2013

1-866-946-4646