Association News

Landscape Ontario members to celebrate front line workers

The Garden Makeover Appreciation Contest will see volunteers build 10 gardens across the province.

Landscape Ontario recently announced an initiative designed to celebrate the dedication of healthcare profession als and frontline workers in the fight against coronavirus. The Garden Make over Appreciation Contest is seeking nominees across the province for a chance to win one of nine $5,000 gar den makeovers, one for each chapter. There will also be a grand prize make over worth $25,000, putting the total value of prizes at $70,000

Nominate your frontline hero today

We want association members and the general public to share stories of friends, neighbours or family members who work on the front line and have helped to improve the lives of those in their community throughout the Covid19 pandemic. To nominate a frontline hero, simply complete the nomination form found at LandscapeOntario.com/ hero. All nominations must include a brief paragraph describing your nominee’s contribution, their name and the community they live in.

Nominations are being accepted online until Aug. 31, 2020. Nominations will be reviewed by a committee, with winners announced sometime in September.

Volunteers and donations needed

This is our chance to say thanks to those who selflessly answered the call to keep all of us safe. If you would like to donate plants, products, supplies, labour or your expertise to a garden makeover in your chapter, we would love for you to join the team! Installa tion is expected to take place this fall.

To express your interest in participating, simply complete the online form at LandscapeOntario. com/hero to be a part of this amazing effort.

Enter the 2020 Garden Centre Awards program

Entries for Landscape Ontario’s Garden Centre Awards of Excellence program are open to retail members July 1 to Sept. 1.

The annual awards competition recognizes the unique and innovative marketing efforts of retailers using photographs and descriptions of their efforts. Whether it’s a creative merchandising display of plants or seasonal goods, a permanent display garden, print advertising, a website, or a special event designed to attract customers to their store, the program offers many categories for retailers in all shapes and sizes.

Garden centres are invited to showcase their best plant material, including: deciduous shrubs and/or trees, annuals and/or perennials, evergreens and/or broadleaf, specialty plants material your business is noted for, and new varieties of annual and/ or perennials. Companies with their own permanent display gardens are invited to showcase features under 500 sq. ft. or over 500 sq. ft. in size.

The awards program also recognizes outstanding retail displays of giftware, hardgoods and seasonal goods. Other Merchandising Techniques is divided into creative P.O.P. area, outstanding promotional event, outstanding print advertising, and outstanding website development.

The program is only open exclusively to members of Landscape Ontario and a fee of $75 per entry applies. Non-member entries will not be considered.

Details about the Garden Centre Awards of Excellence ceremony will be announced at a later date. Organizers continue to plan for a live ceremony, but are also exploring a number of virtual options.

To learn more about the program, please contact Myscha Stafford at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 2333, or e-mail awards@LandscapeOntario.com.

In memoriam — John Paul Lamarche

Horticultural business audiences. He made an impact consultant and author, on people, companies and John Paul Lamarche (JPL) employees, revisiting his truehas died. life experiences as an award

Lamarche was well winning contractor in Ontario known in the North and Quebec. JPL believed in American horticultural teaching with humour. industry since 1984; JPL never believed that JPL Consulting was an growth was the only answer to Ontario-based estimating business problems. He taught and consulting firm. He and mathematically proved was recognizable by his that taking two steps back trademark handlebar and gaining control was the moustache, (till 2000), his John Paul Lamarche common-sense approach to crushing handshake and realistic growth. He believed booming voice. JPL was that making a penny more per a regular speaker at Landscape Ontario sales and/or production dollar was the Congress, CNTA, and Ontario provincial proven method to profitability. chapters, as well as Canada Blooms. Since his first seminar, he presented

JPL gave his first speech at Landscape thousands of seminars and workshops, Ontario Congress in 1985. From there, he in all horticultural sectors across North gave seminars, workshops and offered America. JPL was involved in the private consulting to all sectors of the horticultural industry for over 40 years. horticultural trades across North America. First, as an entrepreneur, then as industry JPL successfully taught and entertained his consultant, as well as professional speaker and author. As a business consultant, he helped thousands of companies with their estimating and productivity. He was also a marketing, training, and business consultant to the garden centre sector. He won numerous awards for his avant garde marketing. JPL also proudly served on the Garden Council of Canada.

Constantly in demand, JPL spoke at trade shows, conventions, and associations, teaching his philosophy across North America. He authored eight books to the industry, and five software programs. His books are available on Amazon. His software is used across North America, Australia, the UK and South Africa. In 2008, he retired from speaking and seminar/workshops, but continued to do private consulting in Ontario, until his passing.

A private memorial service was held June 12.

If you wish to view the service in memory of Jean Paul please visit roadhouseandrose.com.

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Entries now open for 48th edition of Awards of Excellence

In 1992, Avalon Landscaping won the Dunington-Grubb Award for the highest scoring project in Landscape Ontario’s annual Awards of Excellence program. Avalon owner, Ed Chanady, recalls winning the prestigious award: “At the time, we were still just a small company, and some pretty big companies typically would win that award. But we won, along with six other awards that year. Our project was featured on the cover of the magazine and it really brought us to the forefront.” Chanady says it provided a springboard for his company that led to working on a few television shows with HGTV and to work on projects with some really big name architects.

LO’s Awards of Excellence program is now accepting online entries of projects in the construction, maintenance and design categories. LO members have until Oct. 1 to submit their best and most unique work in the annual competition.

Started in 1973, the awards program celebrates the most outstanding crafts manship, design and innovation the green profession has to offer. Members who have won awards have leveraged the recognition in marketing campaigns, sales to clients, and to acknowledge the hard work and tal ent of their teams. Winning an Award of Excellence showcases the high level of pro fessionalism and quality of your company.

Interior landscaping, irrigation, and land scape lighting are also part of the program.

This year, organizers are proud to introduce the first annual Employer of Choice Awards. These awards provide a chance for your company to be recognized as one of the top employers within the Landscape Ontario community.

LO members are also invited to nomi nate an individual for one of the Special Awards. These awards recognize outstand ing leaders and volunteers of the association who share their time and passion for the betterment of landscaping and horticul ture in Ontario.

All awards submissions are completed online via LOawards.com, and the pro gram is only open to current members of Landscape Ontario. The website includes detailed information about the categories and guidelines, eligibility requirements and submission details.

To enter, you will need a username and password to login. If you do not have one, or cannot remember your password, the system will prompt you to either create a new account, or you can reset your pass word. From there, you will find a step-bystep guide for awards submissions, starting with company information and category selection. You can always save-as-yougo, then go back and continue to complete your entry at any time.

Before starting an entry, it is best to have the following information: • Contact information of the person entering on behalf of the company. • Images of the project in hi-res .jpg for mat; minimum of six and maximum of 15. • A point form project summary describing what you were trying to achieve with your project, including any quirks or condi tions imposed by the property owner. Do not include your company name. • Authorization Signatures form with the client/property owner’s signature. • Credit card information for payment.

Please note that your entry will not be officially submitted until payment is received.

Details about the Awards of Excellence ceremony will be announced at a later date. Organizers are planning to hold the usual live event in conjunction with Congress in January, but are also exploring a number of virtual options.

If you have any questions about the awards program or the entry process, or if you need help navigating the online entry system, please contact Myscha Stafford at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 2333, or e-mail awards@landscapeontario.com.

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Free safety decals to help fight coronavirus

“Don’t let your guard down” is the theme of a campaign led by Landscape Ontario’s Covid-19 Task Force, highlighting the importance of safety protocols. Landscape Ontario printed 20,000 decals promoting that message; one is polybagged with this issue, and more may be ordered online or by contacting the LO office. The decals measure eight by 2-1/2 inches, and the Task Force encourages members to place as many as possible on equipment and trucks.

Posters promoting safety and featuring basic action points have also been developed, and are posted for free download at HortTrades.com/covid-19-safety-posters-and-decals. Versions in English, Spanish and French are available, as well as artwork to paste into email signatures.

Maintaining safety protocols is vital to our sector’s ability to continue operating, as well as our public relations profile. LO president Dave Wright expressed the urgency by saying, “We all need to become safety companies that happen to do landscaping.”

Members can order additional decals via an online order form at HortTrades.com/promotional-material or by contacting Meghan Greaves at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 2301 or mgreaves@ landscapeontario.com. Please specify the number of decals and language required.

Inspire a teen about landscaping and horticulture this summer

Landscape Ontario and Skills Canada have teamed up to provide students entering grade 7, 8 or 9 with a series of free virtual summer camps. The five individual workshops in horticulture and landscaping will run July 6 to Aug. 21, and part of a larger series that cover a number of other skilled trades.

Qualifying students can register for any of the workshops, which will also provide opportunities to explore career paths while learning the required skill sets.

Skills will be developed in landscape design, maintenance, propagation, plant identification, horticulture therapy, and more.

For more details and a registration link, visit gfl.me/h8c7.

Tulips in Guelph thanks to Paul Brydges

A Guelph, Ont., media outlet recently featured a story on Landscape Ontario member and past president, Paul Brydges, who donated 750 Liberation 75 tulips to the Guelph Cenotaph.

Brydges, a landscape architect and owner of Brydges Landscape Architecture, planted the tulips last fall, in memory of his grandfather and great uncle who each served in the Second World War.

Emerging for all to enjoy this spring, the orange Liberation 75 tulips mark the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands by Canadian troops at the end of the war. Brydges planted another 75 tulips at his house and donated 75 to Guelph Collegiate (GCVI) as part of a national campaign to plant 1.1 million of the tulips to honour the number of Canadians who served in the Second World War.

A Vimy oak, also donated by Brydges, grows behind the cenotaph in memory of Brydges’ great uncle Norman who died in France shortly after the battle of Vimy Ridge.

Peer group hopes to meet in Muskoka this fall

Members and organizers of Landscape Ontario’s popular Peer to Peer Network are still hoping to gather for its annual two-day summit in Muskoka, Sept. 24-25.

With most of the province currently in phase two of reopening, Jacki Hart, LO Prosperity Partners Program Manager, says this year’s summit may require a reduction in the total number of participants to allow for proper social distancing, or the event could get pushed back to October or November.

The business owners and upper managers that make up the majority of the peer group engage in business-related conversations online via private Facebook and LinkedIn groups, and also gather in person at six different locations across the province each year.

This year’s Summit will focus on operational efficiency, exit strategies and succession planning. Guest speakers include: Frank Bourque, Landscape and Hardscape Business Consultant; Mark Bradley, CEO of LMN; and Arden Urbano of Greenius.

Full details and registration is online at HortTrades.com/p2p.

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Membership dues renewal invoice in your inbox this August

Each year, all Landscape Ontario member companies must pay their dues renewal invoice in order to maintain membership status. Dues invoices for the 2020-2021 fiscal year will be sent out electronically in mid-August. In order to expedite the process, members are asked to ensure their contact information is up-to-date.

Members have three easy ways to pay their dues: online, by phone, or by mail. Pay online with a credit card using LO’s secure payment portal at HortTrades.com/dues. Or with credit card in hand, you can call LO’s membership services department at 1-800-265-5656 or 905-875-1805 to pay your invoice. Lastly, the bottom portion of your dues invoice can be mailed to the LO home office with either a cheque, payable to Landscape Ontario, or with the credit card portion completed.

Please do not plan to drop off the form or make a payment in person at the LO office as it is temporarily closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Members are reminded to renew their dues upon receipt or risk losing access to the many financial and networking benefits available to them as a current member (see special section on pages 21-28 for details on the many benefits of membership).

New membership categories were implemented earlier this year, and while most members should see no difference in their renewal fee, those who average 1.5 or less full-time staff can switch to the new Sole Proprietor category. Full time is defined as working 2,000 hours per year or equivalent. Qualifying members must contact LO at the number below to implement any category and fee change.

Members will receive renewal reminders in follow-up campaigns by email and phone before any unpaid memberships are cancelled.

Dues invoices are sent out in August as the association’s fiscal year ends Aug. 31.

If you have any questions about membership benefits, or to update your contact information, please contact the LO Membership Services Department at 1-800-265-5656 or 905-875-1805.

Grower awards postponed until 2021

Members of the Landscape Ontario Growers’ Sector Group have decided to postpone this year’s Growers Awards of Excellence program. The decision was made during a virtual meeting held June 23.

With restrictions on large public gatherings in place due to the coronavirus pandemic, the group cited public safety as one of the top reasons that led to the decision.

Entries of plant material are typically judged live at the Growers’ Group’s annual Industry Auction, which was cancelled earlier this year.

The group looks forward to planning both events to be held in 2021.

Prosperity among peers — Kennedy Johnston

Kennedy Johnston, owner of Peter Knippel Nursery in Gloucester, Ont., has been attending LO Peer to Peer sessions for many years. He credits fellow Ottawaarea member, Tim Kearney for inspiring him to involved with the group.

Q. In what ways has being a member of the

Peer to Peer Network helped you as a

A. business owner? It’s definitely helped “It’s nice to talk reinforce some of the things we are currently to other business doing or that I think are owners because the right steps to do. It’s nice to talk to other you end up having business owners because you end up having the the same issues.” same issues. When you are giving suggestions about what you’ve done, a lot of times you’ll get positive feedback and that reinforces that you’ve probably done the right thing — and the bigger benefit is that you get tons of ideas from what other people have done.

Q. Describe your biggest ‘Aha Moment’ from one of the workshop discussions

A. At the recent workshop in Ottawa, we were looking at a pyramid of how your business is built, and I realized I need to impart more information to my employees. I think I tell them a lot, but in reality, in going through that exercise I realized I probably don’t tell them as much as I think I do. If they don’t know, they can’t help — and they want to help.

Q. How do you feel when you work face-to-face with peers on pressing business issues?

A. I’m always surprised by the number of great ideas that could all work just as well, or even better than my own ideas when we are discussing a particular scenario. It definitely helps you improve upon the things you’ve already started.

Landscape Ontario member business owners can join the Peer to Peer Network for free. Discussions on business-related issues take place online via private Facebook and LinkedIn groups, and several workshops are scheduled across the province each year.

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Landscape Ontario continues work on insurance crisis

By Tony DiGiovanni LO Executive Director

Insurance has quickly become a huge issue for many business owners in the landscape and horticulture profession. Everyone is facing large increases. Some members report insurance premium increases anywhere from 25 to 400 per cent. Some cannot obtain insurance at any cost.

There are several reasons for these increases. Many insurance companies simply will not cover snow and ice operations — even if the business is profitable. This has happened in the past. Insurance markets fluctuate internationally, and we are currently in a very hard market where insurance companies are fleeing risky business. It also does not help when contingency lawyers proactively encourage the public to sue and insurance companies settle because it costs more to fight than to settle.

Landscape Ontario’s Snow and Ice Management Sector Group is fighting this issue. Below are some strategies being implemented:

Support of Bill 118: MPP Norm Miller’s Bill to reduce the statute of limitations from two years to 10 days will be going to committee. In fact, just before the Covid crisis hit, the Bill was scheduled. Unfortunately, Covid postponed all normal legislative activity. We are hoping to pick-up the process as soon as the government gets back to normal.

Support of the Freshwater

Roundtable Alliance: LO is a part of this alliance that is working to convince government that the best way to protect oversalting of our water resources is to develop appropriate standards for snow and ice operations that focus on reducing the use of salt, and then to provide liability protection to accredited contractors who employ best practices. This is essentially the model that is being used in New Hampshire.

Feasibility study to determine if we should start our own insurance

company: Through the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) we have asked Marsh (our endorsed insurance broker) to investigate the feasibility of developing our own insurance company. The term used is “Captive Insurance.” If our members have their own insurance company, they may not be subjected to the ups and downs of the global market and

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Investigation of a Self Insured

Retention program: A number of our larger members are looking at developing a Self Insured Retention (SIR) program. This is similar to Captive Insurance, but without the formality of setting up an insurance company.

These are the main strategies we are employing to deal with this very serious issue. For the latest update, and to help support our efforts, please plan to attend our virtual Snowposium on July 28. To register, visit Snowposium.ca.

Roller-coaster spring for garden centres

Ontario garden centres shared a tense spring with other green sectors during the provincially mandated Covid-19 shutdown. The wait was agonizing for retailers, as they watched their prime sales window narrow. But once doors reopened, customers literally cleared retail benches, generating record sales. “It was nuts,” said Michael Van Dongen of Van Dongen’s Landscaping and Nurseries in Milton. “This was a season like none other. Unprecedented.” He reported hosting more customers than ever, and significantly, “Lots of new people entered the garden world.” Sales could have been even better, he reported, if more inventory had been available. “We had to wait two weeks for our suppliers to send even a plastic bag of garden soil — that had never happened before.” Rob Vanderkruk of Connon Nurseries in Waterdown echoed the observations. He reported coming off an extremely strong spring, saying, “Retail sales are significantly ahead of last year.”

Vanderkruk also saw lots of new traffic in his store, an encouraging sign of new blood in the gardening community. Vanderkruk participates in LO’s Garden Communicators group, an effort started by the grower sector to work with garden writers toward driving demand for plants and garden products this tough spring. Vanderkruk credits the garden communicators for an important part in inspiring homeowners to garden during the lockdown, and to generate such unprecedented retail sales.