Landscape Ontario - March-April 2024

CELEBRATING THE

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear LO members,

As we bid farewell to winter's embrace, it is with great anticipation and excitement that I extend a warm greeting to each of you. As the days lengthen and nature begins to stir, it's time for us to channel our enthusiasm into preparing for the vibrant season ahead. Spring is not only a time of renewal and growth, but also a canvas for us to paint a landscape that reflects the beauty of our diverse community.

I am eager to share a message of inspiration and unity as we embark on the journey toward a stunning spring transformation. Together, let us embrace the opportunities to enhance our landscapes, build destination companies, foster community engagement and create spaces that inspire joy and connection for all.

Here are a few key points to guide our efforts:

• Educate your teams,

• Provide an inclusive environment of learning and understanding,

• Volunteer for something you are passionate about within the association (and encourage your team to participate, too).

We are leaders in what we do. Let’s not be afraid to showcase our talents. Have a wonderful spring and remember we are stronger together. Lean on each other to push to new heights.

UTILIZING FOR TREE NURSERY CALIPER MEASUREMENTS

By David Weales (MASc), Cole Tarry (MSc), along with Dr. Medhat Moussa (PhD, PEng)

Inventory is an essential part of tree nursery management. One key aspect is measuring the caliper (or diameter) of each tree. It’s important not only to know how many trees of each caliper and species are available but also to track size from season to season or year to year, ensure that trees are growing properly and allow managers to make decisions about soil, fertilizer and water needs.

Measuring tree caliper is a timeconsuming process, and for large nurseries with tens or hundreds of thousands of trees, inventory may only be possible once per season or year. Depending on the availability of labour, measuring each tree with calipers may not be possible, and nurseries may have to rely on eyeballing or taking a small subsample and extrapolating for the rest of the row or field.

Even if every tree could be measured with a caliper tool, trees may not be symmetrical around their trunk. Even if two trained workers were to measure the same tree, they may get different

measurements depending on the angle and height of where they take the measurement.

To measure this variance, researchers at the University of Guelph conducted a small study where a researcher and the nursery manager measured the caliper of 25 trees using the same caliper tool. Caliper measurements were grouped in bins based on the Canadian Nursery Stock Standard guidelines. When the measurements were compared, only 64 per cent of the trees were placed in the same caliper group, while in the rest there was a difference of +/- 1 caliper group.

Automated measurements of tree caliper can help reduce or eliminate this variability. A research team headed by engineering professor Dr. Medhat Moussa developed a system that provides accurate measurements of tree caliper using cameras and a computer system that can be mounted on the back of a truck, tractor or lawn mower. This allows for measurement in a fraction of the time it takes a nursery worker to perform

the task manually. In its final prototype, the system could capture images from a vehicle moving up to five km/h, about the speed of a riding lawnmower. It uses two cameras on opposite sides of the mount in order to capture two rows simultaneously. These cameras capture both colour and depth, which allows the calculation of the caliper measurement. The system also records the precise location using an embedded Real-time kinematic positioning (RTK) GPS unit, and uses advanced AI algorithms to accurately measure tree caliper even if there is occlusion or clutter in the way.

The system prototype was tested at two different nurseries while driving an average of three km/h through the rows, which allowed imaging of 3,000 trees per hour. Multiple images were collected per tree to enhance accuracy. The test demonstrated that images and extraction of tree caliper can currently be completed at a rate of 1,000 trees/ hour. The current system accuracy was evaluated to be +/- 1 caliper group from a ground truth human measurement

64.5mm

in 88.5 per cent of the cases, which is similar to the human-to-human comparison. Improving the accuracy is possible with simple steps, like using poles with distinct colour and ensuring plant or cover crop growth near the base of the tree is kept to a minimum so that the camera has a completely unobstructed view of the area where the measurement will be taken.

In the future, nurseries have also expressed interest in using this system to determine the grade and species of each tree. Tree grading is more difficult than caliper measurement as it is more of a subjective metric, but with assistance from growers, it could be possible to use the system’s AI models to learn tree grading. RFID tags can also be used to label groups of trees by species.

For more information about this research, please reach out to David Weales at dweales@uoguelph.ca.

This research is funded by the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, a collaboration between the Government of Ontario and the University of Guelph.

The output of the system showing the detected tree highlighted in green along with the estimated measurement.

The camera and GPS system mounted on the back of a pickup truck.

LESSONS FROM A LIFELONG HORTICULTURIST

By Julia Harmsworth

Stanley Roszak is the picture of patience. When it comes to designing, planting, weeding and everything in between, he says, “If I start, I finish.”

Roszak was born on a nursery farm in Poland, the youngest in a family of five. He spent 17 years studying horticulture: five years of technical school, five years for his Bachelor’s degree, two years for his Master’s, and five years for his PhD in seed production.

His love of plants took him from Poland to work in Germany, Czechia, Hungary, the Netherlands — where he worked at the Keukenhof, a highlight of his career — and finally to Canada in the late 1980s. “From everywhere I learned something,” he said of his travels.

Roszak worked at Edwards Gardens and Centennial Park Conservatory in Toronto and created horticultural designs for Canada Blooms. In retirement, he works two days a week at the Landscape Ontario office in Milton, Ont., designing and maintaining the grounds and the planters that appear throughout the summer.

“Whatever you see outside is typical European [style] from the 1960s and 70s,” he said, referring to the grounds. “You see the sound of music. That’s my design.”

On the musical note, Roszak believes a well-designed garden is like a symphony orchestra. He doesn’t have a favourite part of the LO grounds because he sees it as a comprehensive composition, not individual parts.

To complete a composition, he uses four design elements — colour, texture, form and space — and five design principles:

balance, rhythm, proportion, dominance and harmony. Together, these elements and principles create an artistic whole.

This keen focus and attention to detail sets Roszak’s designs apart. “In my opinion, the plant has a face, has a front, and you have to turn it that way, this way,” he said.

One of his favourite designs is the sculpture he created for the 2003 Mosaïcultures Internationales in Montréal, an international mosaiculture competition. Chosen to represent the City of Toronto, he and his group constructed a creature with the body of a buffalo — representing Canada’s Indigenous peoples — and three heads representing the populations that have found home in Toronto: the lion for Africa, the deer for Europe and the tiger for Asia.

Roszak loves watching other people walk through gardens and viewing his designs, like the mosaiculture: “I like to always stay behind, and if I see a smile, that’s the payback.”

He also created striking displays for chrysanthemum shows during his work as a grower and designer for the City of Toronto. One basket contained over 5,000 chrysanthemums, which demanded a minimum two hours of work every other day to maintain.

This methodical, patient work ethic is key to Roszak’s results. He believes creating any flower bed or garden is one per cent inspiration and 99 per cent perspiration.

“I never cheat the plants. You have to give them everything. You have to do what the plant at that moment needs. If the plant needs water, they have to be watered. I feel pain if I break the leaf.

I know the plant’s feeling the same way, so I must be gentle,” he said. “My respect to the plants is 100 per cent. All my life, I know only plants. So that’s my way.”

In addition to his dedication to plants, Roszak is known for his dedication to his community. He taught courses on plant propagation in Toronto, teaching elementary and secondary students how to grow plants in eggshells.

He was recognized with an Etobicoke Urban Hero Award in 2014 for making the community a better place to live, work and play. He gave over 10,000 volunteer hours to help students at Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton Catholic Secondary School build and tend gardens.

Today, he does horticulture work for small non-profits and organizations, including his church. He often works on funeral arrangements, which he believes should be more colourful.

In his free time, Roszak collects unusual seeds and plants — some of which he brings to the LO office, like a succulent called Euphorbia lactea, or “dragon bones.” He rents greenhouse space in Toronto to hold them all. He joked, “If you’re addicted [to plants] like me, that’s not good. It’s expensive. I don’t smoke, I don’t drink, so I spend my money on plants.”

This monumental love of plants is Roszak’s motivation. “Why do I like plants so much?” he pondered. “Plants give me pleasure all the time. They never give me a cold shoulder; they never back stab me. And they pay you back.”

“I started with plants, and I think to my last day I’ll be with plants. I cannot doubt them because they are part of my life.”

RECRUITING THE

HOW ENGAGING YOUTH NURTURES

THE LANDSCAPE AND HORTICULTURAL SECTOR

By Kali Pearson

If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that finding and keeping great talent is tough. And while there are plenty of HR strategies to help business owners once people are in the workforce, Landscape Ontario and its members are working to draw more young people into the talent pool by engaging them early and often. With so many career paths to choose from, these initiatives aim to get to the root of the talent issue by igniting their passion for a meaningful career in the green trades.

“Engaging youth is a necessary part of recruiting our future workforce and leaders. It is essential for long term sustainability of the industry,” says Courtney McCann, director of workforce development at Landscape Ontario. “If youth aren’t being engaged, our workforce ages and isn’t able to grow.”

SOWING THE SEEDS

What did you want to be when you grew up? For some, a career in the landscape trades may have been a childhood dream, or a family business to carry on. But for many kids (and their parents), the landscape and horticultural trades aren’t even on the radar.

“There’s a lack of understanding of our profession,” says Scott Wentworth, owner of Wentworth Landscapes in Picton, Ont. “The perception of our trade can definitely be limited to cutting lawns

by parents, teachers and guidance counsellors.”

Wentworth is trying to address this through Come Alive Outside, a non-profit he co-founded with Jim Paluch in 2012. The Come Alive Outside Design Challenge is a program where postsecondary students collaborate with elementary school students (AKA, ‘their clients’) to design their ideal outdoor space at their school. The winning design is then built by industry, students and parent volunteers.

“We work most with grade three to six students, because their imaginations are completely unfiltered,” said Wentworth. “A zipline through dragons in the school yard? Sure, why not! I'll tell you, if some of those students don't end up being landscape designers or in the landscape profession, something's become misaligned in the universe because it really seems to capture them.” Teachers have commented to Wentworth many times that they have seen even students who typically struggle with school light up with enthusiasm through this project.

He points to the recent example of a 13-year-old special needs student who very enthusiastically took part in the program. “The teacher told me as she was walking me to the door that he usually doesn’t even talk in class,” Wentworth said. The student later told Wentworth he’s already counting down the years until he can get

FIVE WAYS YOU AND YOUR CHAPTER CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

1. Gain visibility in the local community by running events like Touch a Truck, or taking part in community greening initiatives.

2. Work with your local school or school board to find opportunities to connect with youth through hands-on educational activities.

3. Spread the word about the Foundation scholarships (you can find more info at ohtf.ca).

4. Volunteer with the Landscape Ontario Youth Engagement Committee.

5. Consider teaching or guest lecturing — either at a post-secondary program or at LO.

a part-time job at Wentworth Landscapes. Often, said Wentworth, the design challenge prompts educators to think about creating more green spaces and even gardening clubs at their school.

Come Alive Outside’s work isn’t limited to school outreach. The non-profit organization also engages local communities through initiatives like the Green Street Challenge, which essentially turns areas of a city or town into a pop-up green space, encouraging residents to connect with plants and nature in ways they may not have considered.

Both initiatives address a significant barrier to getting more young people into the landscape trades — their parents. “I don't think the parents really understand what those opportunities are,” said Wentworth. “So far, we’ve hosted six Come Alive Outside Design Challenges, and in every event, we’ve seen students, parents and the school community grow their understanding of what the landscape profession offers in the way of a meaningful career,” he said.

In all of this work, appealing to the imagination — and demonstrating that careers in the green trades can make a difference — is key. “This generation of students has a keen awareness of climate change from Greta Thunberg, but little guidance on what careers could lead them to have a significant

impact on solving climate change issues,” said Wentworth. “We are that profession — the ‘boots on the ground’ that will make the difference.”

STANDING OUT IN THE HIGH-SCHOOL CROWD

While sparking imagination is key for attracting younger students, high school is when youth begin taking concrete steps toward their career of choice and decide on post-secondary education plans. Through programs like Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program, and LevelUp! Trade Fairs hosted by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training & Skills Development, more students than ever are being encouraged to consider a career in the skilled trades.

That’s great news for all skilled trades, but the trick is standing out from the crowd. Most students and their parents are familiar with high-earning trades like plumbing and electrical work, but the green sector isn’t as well known or understood. Angela Wilkins, Landscape Ontario’s new youth engagement coordinator says our sector can attract attention at career fairs by creating booths that invite students to get their hands dirty — planting seeds or even creating miniature landscapes.

NEXT GENERATION INSIGHTS

Liane Cook and Tanya Olsen asked their Humber College students about their take on what will entice more youth into the green trades:

“Societal impressions of the industry NEED to change. With that change, cultural expectations will improve and that should increase the promotion of horticulture and our industry as a viable career to the youth.”

“Promoting that we have the ability to improve the environment and sustainability on this earth. Our career helps to mitigate climate change.”

“Pre-apprenticeship programs!!!!! This makes the opportunity available to enter the industry without the previous association with the industry.”

“Promote the value that our industry provides (COVID confirmed that our industry was a necessity).”

“Promote incentives such as available grants and scholarship funds.”

“Sharing the different opportunities available within the industry (you can switch careers yet still be in the industry. For example, landscape construction technician to landscape designer).”

“It’s a chance to see various careers in the landscape trades,” said Wilkins. “We get a chance to show kids that it’s not just one career, it’s lots and lots of careers — design, irrigation, turf, horticultural technology and more. There are so many different opportunities, depending on what the students are interested in.”

On top of demonstrating different paths, LO aims to give students concrete guidance on the many ways to enter the industry at these events — from higher education, to internships, to ongoing microtraining and Landscape Ontario student memberships.

At a recent OYAP conference, Wentworth discovered that even apprenticeship program managers aren’t always aware of the depth and breadth of careers in the green trades — from boots on the ground landscaping, to emerging opportunities and technologies like AI and robotics.

This is one of the many reasons LO attends the LevelUp! Trades Fairs. Hosted in high schools across the province, these five events can draw up to 6,000 students per day.

LEANING INTO YOUTH ENGAGEMENT

In addition to hiring Wilkins, LO recently re-established a committee dedicated to youth engagement, which will meet for the first time in April. The goal of the committee is to find ways to make connecting with youth at the chapter and sector level easier and more effective.

In collaboration with the newly formed committee, Wilkins is leading the creation of a Green Careers Ambassador Program. “This is for all members across Ontario who would like to participate in youth engagement activities at local schools and in their local communities,” Wilkins explained. “Landscape Ontario will provide the toolkit and ideas, as well as some materials, so that they can go into schools and into the community and do an activity with youth to get them more interested in this career, your business, and horticulture and landscaping in general.”

Wilkins is excited about the upcoming Skills Ontario Competition in May where college and high school students will compete in a Landscape and Horticulture category and a Landscape Design Contest. Several LO members volunteer to judge the competitions, and also help to promote the green trades.

GROWING INTO POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION

Many LO members also give back to the trades and connect with future leaders of our industry by taking on teaching roles at post-secondary institutions like

Fanshawe College, Niagara Parks School of Horticulture and Humber College, which offer degrees and diplomas in Landscaping and Horticulture.

Pam Cook, account representative at Clintar Landscape Management in London, Ont., teaches horticulture at nearby Fanshawe College and believes that once young people are made aware of the trade, their enthusiasm is boundless.

“Young people are drawn to the conversation about making a change and helping the environment,” she said. “We are the forefront industry to make these changes on a global scale. It is all encompassing. We are the ones tending to and installing gardens, urban forestry, designing landscapes that serve the community as well as the environment. I think there is a wonder and joy that comes with participating in something that can truly change the world and people's lives.”

Tanya Olsen, owner of Royal City Nurseries, and Liane Cook are instructors at Humber College. The school offers several learning opportunities, including the Horticulture Technician Apprenticeship program and Landscape Technician Diploma. Olsen and Cook both see a similar level of passion in their students. They say students tend to be very excited about working outdoors in the fresh air, “with no walls crowding down on you all day.” They say the environment, climate change, urban food supply and sustainability are key drivers that motivate students to enroll and commit fully to their studies. Olsen also feels strongly that early exposure to green spaces is the best way to promote interest. The ‘gardening lifestyle’ needs to be introduced early because, as she says, “carrots don’t come from a bag.”

LIFELONG LEARNING

There isn’t anyone in the trades who thinks learning ends at graduation. And indeed, sometimes micro-education through LO provides the spark to get students started on their path. “Getting people involved isn’t just about higher education. It’s about what levels of even micro credentials and training we can do to bring people in and just get them excited,” Pam Cook said. “Is this something that you want to do? Is it something that you can participate in that provides a good career opportunity? Higher education can be a big financial investment and time commitment.” With that financial hurdle in mind, the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation (Landscape Ontario's separate charitable entity), offers a wide range of financial scholarships for post-secondary education each year.

Cook, Olsen and Cook encourage their students to become LO members

in order to take advantage of the many things the association has to offer. Pam Cook specifically encourages students and faculty at Fanshawe to attend Congress, Landscape Ontario’s annual trade show and conference to take advantage of free educational opportunities and to network with future employers. Olsen and Liane Cook invite current students and recent

graduates alike to attend free Toronto Chapter meetings and invite LO to talk to their apprenticeship students about the support and training LO offers. Finally, they help students find meaningful employment through landscape.jobs, a free online jobboard for the green profession.

Everyone interviewed for this story agrees our work to grow the future workforce of landscape and horticultural professionals doesn’t end when students get their degree or accept their first role. “It's the transition between coming from education and finding an employer that emulates what they're looking to do,” said Pam Cook. “When they enter into education they get really excited about what they're doing. They find people who are passionate, who are leaders in the industry and then they may not see that emulated in their workplace.” She says keeping young people in the sector will take commitment and willingness to change on the part of employers.

“People are looking to be able to support themselves but also have time to spend with their hobbies, passions and families,” she says. “Sometimes our industry is unappealing when it comes to hours and how they juggle their lives

around that demand. The companies that will stand out to the next cohort will understand and embrace what that looks like. It may be custom tailoring compensation, ongoing education or better hours and schedules based on employee needs.”

With the re-establishment of a Youth Engagement Committee, skills training and the LO community’s ongoing commitment to mentoring young people and business owners alike, Landscape Ontario and its members are leading the way for a green future.

“The universal conversation that [youth] all share is a need for change and accountability. They look at the world through a different lens. They want and demand change and I am so proud of them for that,” said Pam Cook. “They pick this education path because they want to see a world that their and the next generations get to enjoy. They are ready to be fierce change makers and I can not wait to hand the reins over to them.”

For anyone wishing to take a more active role in recruiting the future by joining the Youth Engagement Committee or volunteering at events, please reach out to awilkins@landscapeontario.com.

Frontiers Landscape Architecture: Hidden Lakes

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO MEMBERS AND PROJECTS RECOGNIZED AS THE BEST IN THE LANDSCAPE AND HORTICULTURE INDUSTRY

Winners of Landscape Ontario’s Awards of Excellence program were announced during a sold-out evening event held at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto Airport on January 9, 2024.

Exclusive to members of Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association, the awards program recognizes the breathtaking creativity and master craftsmanship in landscape construction, maintenance, design, lighting and irrigation projects created by landscape and horticulture professionals in Ontario.

The theme of this year's awards ceremony was "Landscapes of the Future."

SPECIAL AWARDS

LEGACY AWARD 2024

TONY DIGIOVANNI CHAPTER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 2024

MARC CARRIÈRE PROSPERITY PARTNERS LEADERSHIP AWARD 2024

SCOTT WENTWORTH

TOP AWARDS

DUNINGTON-GRUBB AWARD

PRO-LAND LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION INC.

For: Stairway to Heaven

Residential Construction | Over $1,000,000

HORST DICKERT MEMORIAL AWARD 2024

LAVISH GARDENS INC.

For: Willow Farm Wildscape

Residential Construction | $10,000-$25,000

CASEY VAN MARIS AWARD

ORIOLE LANDSCAPING LTD.

For: Canadian Shield Feel Residential Construction | $250,000-$500,000

NEIL VANDERKRUK AWARD

FOR EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN

TLC PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPING

For: Inside Out

Private Residential Design | 2,500 to 5,000 sq ft

Dunington-Grubb Award

Casey van Maris Award

Horst Dickert Memorial Award

Neil Vanderkruk Award

GREEN STAMP AWARDS

GREEN STAMP AWARD FOR CONSTRUCTION

THE BACKYARD URBAN FARM COMPANY

For: Darcel Community Garden

Commercial Construction | Multi-Residential & Industrial | $10,000-$25,000

GRIFFITH PROPERTY SERVICES LTD

For: Highland Gate

Commercial Construction | Multi-Residential & Industrial | Over $250,000

HOGAN LANDSCAPING INC

For: Urban Secluded Sanctuary

Residential Construction | $100,000-$250,000

HUTTEN & CO LAND AND SHORE

For: Smoke on the Water

Residential Construction | $250,000-$500,000

LAVISH GARDENS INC

For: Willow Farm Wildscape

Residential Construction | $10,000-$25,000

MATTHEW GOVE & CO

For: The Ribbon Garden

Residential Construction | $50,000-$100,000

MIKE'S LANDSCAPING

For: Golden Pheasant Getaway

Residential Construction | $50,000-$100,000

OAKRIDGE GROUP INC

For: Plains Road Rain Garden

Commercial Construction | Multi-Residential & Industrial | $100,000-$250,000

OAKRIDGE GROUP INC

For: Saltfleet Conservation Wetland Project

Commercial Construction | Multi-Residential & Industrial | Over $250,000

ORIOLE LANDSCAPING LTD

For: Canadian Shield Feel

Residential Construction | $250,000-$500,000

PRITTY LANDSCAPES INC

For: A River Runs Through It

Residential Construction | $250,000-$500,000

ROCKSCAPE

For: Leonard Lake Property

Residential Construction | $250,000-$500,000

Wentworth Landscapes: Natural Country Inn Retreat

WOOD BULLY LTD

For: Secret Garden

Residential Construction | $100,000-$250,000

WENTWORTH LANDSCAPES

For: Natural Country Inn Retreat

Residential Construction | $100,000-$250,000

Griffith Property Services: Highland Gate

WENTWORTH LANDSCAPES

For: Rustic Hideaway

Residential Construction | $100,000-$250,000

WENTWORTH LANDSCAPES

For: Country Horizons

Residential Construction | $500,000-$1,000,000

CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM AWARDS

RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION

UNDER $10,000

GREEN ROOTS LANDSCAPING INC

LIVING GREEN LANDSCAPING INC

RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION

$10,000-$25,000

DOVERSCAPES INC

LAVISH GARDENS INC

RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION

$25,000-$50,000

ACTION HOME SERVICES (X5)

CUDMORE'S LANDSCAPE & DESIGN LTD

DOVERSCAPES INC

INFINITE POSSIBILITIES GROUP INC

PROSCAPE LAND DESIGN INC

WENTWORTH LANDSCAPES

RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION

$50,000-$100,000

ACTION HOME SERVICES (X5)

AVANTI LANDSCAPING

BLUE DIAMOND POOLS AND LANDSCAPING (X2)

BOULDER DESIGN INC

GELDERMAN LANDSCAPE SERVICES

GRANITE PARK INC

GREEN ROOTS LANDSCAPING INC

GRIFFITH PROPERTY SERVICES LTD

HOGAN LANDSCAPING INC (X2)

KENNETH MORGAN POOLS & LANDSCAPING LTD (X4)

LANDSCAPE EFFECTS GROUP

MATTHEW GOVE & CO

MIKE'S LANDSCAPING

NATURE'S CHOICE LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION LTD

OUTDOOR REFLECTIONS (X2)

PARKLANE LANDSCAPES

PARKSCAPE LTD

PLANTENANCE LANDSCAPE GROUP

PRECISION LANDSCAPING (X2)

PROSCAPE LAND DESIGN INC

WILD RIDGE LANDSCAPES INC (X2)

YARDS UNLIMITED LANDSCAPING INC (X4)

RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION

$100,000-$250,000

ABLOOM LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR INC

ACTION ANYTIME

ACTION HOME SERVICES

ARTSCAPE CONSTRUCTION LTD

AVANTI LANDSCAPING

BALSAM CREEK LANDSCAPING

BLUE DIAMOND POOLS AND LANDSCAPING

BONAVISTA POOLS LTD (X4)

BRIARWOOD & CO. LANDSCAPES INC

BOULDER DESIGN INC (X3)

CCS POOL AND LANDSCAPE (X2)

CEDAR SPRINGS LANDSCAPE GROUP (X2)

COUNTRYSIDE LANDSCAPE (1904728 ON INC) (X3)

COURTLAND LANDSCAPE & GROUNDS

DANCOR LANDSCAPES (X2)

ELP ENVIRONMENTAL INC

EXACT LANDSCAPES (X2)

FRONTIERS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

GARDEN HOLISTICS INC (X2)

GOLDEN MEAN LANDSCAPES (X2)

GRANITE PARK INC (X3)

GREEN ROOTS LANDSCAPING INC

GREEN SCENE LANDSCAPING (X2)

GRIFFITH PROPERTY SERVICES LTD (X2)

GUY ROBERT LANDSCAPE & DESIGN

HIGGINS HARDSCAPE

HOGAN LANDSCAPING INC

HUTTEN & CO. LAND AND SHORE (X2)

INFINITE POSSIBILITIES GROUP INC (X3)

KENNETH MORGAN POOLS & LANDSCAPING LTD (X4)

KLUTCH LANDSCAPING & DESIGN

M.E. CONTRACTING

MIKE'S LANDSCAPING

NIAGARA OUTDOOR (X2)

OAKRIDGE GROUP INC (X3)

OGS LANDSCAPE SERVICES

ORIOLE LANDSCAPING LTD

PARKLANE LANDSCAPES

PARKSCAPE LTD

POOL CRAFT (X2)

PRECISION LANDSCAPING

PRITTY LANDSCAPES INC (X3)

PROSCAPE LAND DESIGN INC (X3)

ROOTZ LANDSCAPES

RUGGED EARTH LANDSCAPING INC (X2)

SCENIC STONE LANDSCAPE & DESIGN INC (X3)

SHORELINE POOLS AND LANDSCAPES INC

TERRA OPUS GROUP (X2)

THE LANDMARK GROUP

TLC PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPING

URBANTERRA LANDSCAPE & DESIGN

WENTWORTH LANDSCAPES (X2)

WHITBY SHORES LANDSCAPING LTD

WHISPERING PINES LANDSCAPING

WILD RIDGE LANDSCAPES INC (X3)

WOOD BULLY LTD (X2)

Balsam Creek Landscaping: Szak Residence

Muskoka Landscapers: Phoenix Rising 2

RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION

$250,000-$500,000

ROCKSOLID LANDSCAPES INC (X5)

BALSAM CREEK LANDSCAPING (X2)

BLUE DIAMOND POOLS AND LANDSCAPING (X2)

CCS POOL AND LANDSCAPE

CEDAR SPRINGS LANDSCAPE GROUP (X3)

CLINTAR LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT - LONDON

COUNTRYSIDE LANDSCAPE (1904728 ON INC) (X2)

DEKORTE'S LANDSCAPING LTD (X3)

GELDERMAN LANDSCAPE SERVICES (X2)

GRIFFITH PROPERTY SERVICES LTD

HIGGINS HARDSCAPE

HUTTEN & CO. LAND AND SHORE (X5)

KENNETH MORGAN POOLS & LANDSCAPING LTD (X7)

JONATHAN ROBERT LANDSCAPES

LANDART

LAND-CON LTD

LANDSCAPE EFFECTS GROUP

LINCOLN WOODS LANDSCAPES INC

MAPLERIDGE LANDSCAPES LTD

METHOD EARTH (X2)

MUSKOKA LANDSCAPERS

NATURE'S CHOICE LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION LTD

NIAGARA OUTDOOR

OAKRIDGE GROUP INC (X2)

ORIOLE LANDSCAPING LTD (X2)

PARKSCAPE LTD

PLANIT GREEN LANDSCAPES (X4)

POOL CRAFT

PRECISION LANDSCAPING (X3)

PRITTY LANDSCAPES INC

PRO-LAND LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION INC (X5)

PROSCAPE LAND DESIGN INC (X6)

ROCKSCAPE (X2)

SILVERFERN LANDSCAPING (2019) INC

STREAMLINE IRRIGATION & LANDSCAPE SERVICES INC

THE IMRIE GROUP (1827462 ONTARIO LTD)

THE LANDMARK GROUP

THREE SEASONS LANDSCAPES

URBANTERRA LANDSCAPE & DESIGN

WENTWORTH LANDSCAPES

WHISPERING PINES LANDSCAPING

XTERRA LANDSCAPES INC

RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION

$500,000-$1,000,000

BALSAM CREEK LANDSCAPING

BAUN LANDSCAPES LTD

FRONTIERS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE (X2)

GELDERMAN LANDSCAPE SERVICES

HUTTEN & CO. LAND AND SHORE

KENNETH MORGAN POOLS & LANDSCAPING LTD (X2)

KENT FORD DESIGN GROUP INC

LANDART

LAND-CON LTD (X3)

LANDSCAPE EFFECTS GROUP

OAKRIDGE GROUP INC

OGS LANDSCAPE SERVICES

PARTRIDGE FINE LANDSCAPES LTD (X2)

PRO-LAND LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION INC (X2)

PROSCAPE LAND DESIGN INC

ROCKSOLID LANDSCAPES INC

TERRA OPUS GROUP

THE LANDMARK GROUP

WENTWORTH LANDSCAPES

RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION

OVER $1,000,000

ACTION HOME SERVICES

BALSAM CREEK LANDSCAPING

CEDAR SPRINGS LANDSCAPE GROUP (X2)

DAWLAND FARMS & LANDSCAPING

DEKORTE'S LANDSCAPING LTD

EARTHSCAPE (X2)

FRONTIERS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE (X2)

HILL'N DALE LANDSCAPING

MUSKOKA LANDSCAPERS (X2)

PRO-LAND LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION INC

ROCKSCAPE (X3)

COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION

MULTI-RESIDENTIAL & INDUSTRIAL

$10,000-$25,000

THE BACKYARD URBAN FARM COMPANY

COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION

MULTI-RESIDENTIAL & INDUSTRIAL

$100,000-$250,000

BIENENSTOCK NATURAL PLAYGROUNDS (X2)

DAWLAND FARMS & LANDSCAPING

GRIFFITH PROPERTY SERVICES LTD

JEN-DAN LIMITED

OAKRIDGE GROUP INC (X3)

PROSCAPE LAND DESIGN INC

RUTHERFORD CONTRACTING LTD

THREE SEASONS LANDSCAPES (X2)

URBAN GARDEN

COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION

MULTI-RESIDENTIAL & INDUSTRIAL

OVER $250,000

BIENENSTOCK NATURAL PLAYGROUNDS

RUTHERFORD CONTRACTING LTD

PLACE OF BUSINESS

LANDSCAPE EFFECTS GROUP

ROCKSOLID LANDSCAPES INC

ROOFTOP OR BALCONY GARDEN

GRANITE PARK INC

INTERNATIONAL LANDSCAPING INC.

LANDSCAPE EFFECTS GROUP

WENTWORTH LANDSCAPES

Rocksolid Landscapes: House On A Hill

SPECIAL INTEREST CONSTRUCTION

ABLOOM LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR INC

BALSAM CREEK LANDSCAPING

CEDAR SPRINGS LANDSCAPE GROUP (X2)

GRIFFITH PROPERTY SERVICES LTD

HANK DEENEN LANDSCAPING LTD

HANSEN LAWN & GARDENS LTD

HILL'N DALE LANDSCAPING

MAPLERIDGE LANDSCAPES LTD

NIAGARA OUTDOOR

PROSCAPE LAND DESIGN INC

WENTWORTH LANDSCAPES

WATER FEATURES

ACTION ANYTIME

BLUE DIAMOND POOLS AND LANDSCAPING

GUY ROBERT LANDSCAPE & DESIGN (X2)

HILL'N DALE LANDSCAPING

LAVISH GARDENS INC

NATURE'S CHOICE LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION LTD

SHADEMASTER LANDSCAPING LTD

SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING

COURTLAND LANDSCAPE & GROUNDS

EARTH ELEMENTS

HANK DEENEN LANDSCAPING LTD

LANDART

LAND-CON LTD

OAKRIDGE GROUP INC

PLANTENANCE LANDSCAPE GROUP

THREE SEASONS LANDSCAPES

WOOD BULLY LTD

WEB SITES

EARTH ELEMENTS

GELDERMAN LANDSCAPE SERVICES (X2)

LAND-CON LTD

NATURE'S CHOICE LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION LTD

OAKRIDGE GROUP INC

THREE SEASONS LANDSCAPES

UNIQUE LANDSCAPE SERVICES

WILD RIDGE LANDSCAPES INC

DESIGN PROGRAM AWARDS

COMMERCIAL DESIGN

BIENENSTOCK NATURAL PLAYGROUNDS (X3)

PLANTING DESIGN

LESS THAN 10% CONSTRUCTION

LAVISH GARDENS INC

PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DESIGN

UNDER 2,500 SQ FT

MEG & KENNEDY LANDSCAPE DESIGN FIRM

PLANTENANCE LANDSCAPE GROUP

RUGGED EARTH LANDSCAPING INC

PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DESIGN

2,500 TO 5,000 SQ FT

KENT FORD DESIGN GROUP INC

PRO-LAND LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION INC (X2)

TLC PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPING

URBAN GARDEN

PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DESIGN

5,000 SQ FT OR MORE

GELDERMAN LANDSCAPE SERVICES (X2)

PROSCAPE LAND DESIGN INC

PRO-LAND LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION INC

THE LANDMARK GROUP

LIGHTING PROGRAM AWARDS

LANDSCAPE LIGHTING DESIGN & INSTALLATION

UNDER $10,000

DIMARCO LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

GROUNDHOG LANDSCAPING LTD

KENNETH MORGAN POOLS & LANDSCAPING LTD

PLANTENANCE LANDSCAPE GROUP

PROSCAPE LAND DESIGN INC

WOOD BULLY LTD

LANDSCAPE LIGHTING DESIGN & INSTALLATION

$10,000-$30,000

DIMARCO LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

EARTH ELEMENTS

GROUNDHOG LANDSCAPING LTD

HILL'N DALE LANDSCAPING

KENNETH MORGAN POOLS & LANDSCAPING LTD (X3)

OGS PROPERTY SERVICES/GREENTURF

IRRIGATION SYSTEMS

SILVERFERN LANDSCAPING (2019) INC

LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

DESIGN & INSTALLATION

OVER $30,000

DIMARCO LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

HILL'N DALE LANDSCAPING

SHADEMASTER LANDSCAPING LTD (X2)

LANDSCAPE LIGHTING DESIGN & INSTALLATION

HOLIDAY LIGHTING

LANDSCAPE EFFECTS GROUP

LAWNSAVERS PLANT HEALTH CARE INC

NUTRI-LAWN | BURLINGTON IRRIGATION

THE LANDMARK GROUP

IRRIGATION

PROGRAM AWARDS

WATER CONSERVATION AWARD | NON-POTABLE WATER

EMPIRE GREEN LAWN SPRINKLERS LTD

MAINTENANCE PROGRAM AWARDS

PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL MAINTENANCE

1 ACRE OR MORE

THE LANDMARK GROUP

CORPORATE BUILDING MAINTENANCE

UNDER 2 ACRES

ANDY'S HOME & LAWN SERVICE INC

CLINTAR LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT - LONDON

SPECIAL INTEREST

MAINTENANCE

THE BACKYARD URBAN COMPANY (BUFCO)

2024 PRESENTING SPONSOR:

2024 SUPPORTING SPONSORS:

2024 CONTRIBUTING SPONSOR

REMEMBERING GLENN PEISTER

Glenn Burton Peister, one of the founding members of Landscape Ontario and the association's first president, passed away on Jan. 28, 2024. He was 97.

A man larger than life, whose legacy is etched in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known him, Glenn had a razor-sharp memory, quick wit and an infectious sense of humour. Glenn endeared himself to family and friends alike. His zest for life and vigour never faded.

A true pioneer in the Canadian landscape industry, Glenn was the first president of the Ontario Landscape Contractors Association (OLCA). In 1967, he headed an OLCA committee requesting Humber College and other institutions offer horticulture tech courses. As OLCA president, he was heavily involved in the negotiations and debates to unite with the Ontario Garden Maintenance & Landscaping Association (OGMLA) and Ontario Nursery Trades Association (ONTA) to form a single association that would later become Landscape Ontario.

When LO was formed in 1973, Peister became the association’s first president and said, "This took years of effort by unselfish, far-sighted people who sought to improve and promote their chosen vocation."

Peister also says he put 12,000 miles on his car during his year as LO president.

In his first column that appeared in Landscape Ontario magazine, Glenn wrote, “Landscape Ontario will develop, serve and prosper directly in proportion to the degree to which we collectively support it. We have a wealth of ingredients needed to make Landscape Ontario a vital force in the industry.”

Glenn later served as president of the Canadian Nursery Trades Association (now CNLA) in 1977-1978.

On the industry side, Glenn founded

McLean-Peister Limited in 1950 with headquarters on King Street East in Kitchener, Ont. Using his extensive knowledge, skills and creativity as a leader, contractor, landscape architect and influencer, Glenn developed an enviable landscape and general site contracting business operating throughout the province and beyond.

Glenn left his mark undertaking thousands of landscape projects, including prestigious sites such as the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, Ontario Science Centre, Queen's Quay Park in Toronto and Expo '67 in Montreal. Glenn completed major landscape works on many of Ontario's universities including U of T, Wilfred Laurier, and University of Guelph.

He was fortunate to combine his love of golf with business, being involved in significant renovation projects at golf courses such as Lionhead, Barrie National Pines, Glenn Abbey and many others.

In October 2023, Glenn proudly celebrated his 97th birthday at the grand opening of McLean-Peister's newest venture, Kitchener Self Storage. Glenn's journey through life was nothing short of inspiring, and all bets were on for him to live for at least a century.

For more information on Glenn’s career, education and family life, visit HortTrades.com/glenn-peister.

Glenn Peister holds the certificate of appreciation for his leadership as president.

As president of Landscape Ontario, Glenn accepts the association’s charter from Premier of Ontario Bill Davis (right).

GROWing CONFIDENT

LEADERS

Interview with Charolette Cascioli

by Karina Sinclair

The demand for skilled workers in landscape and horticulture is higher than ever. HR consultant

Charolette Cascioli joined the Landscape Ontario Podcast to explore different solutions for this growing problem — and shared her insights on attracting better candidates by broadening the prospective talent pool, the risks of ignoring company culture and how participating in ongoing training programs like those offered by LO can help strengthen the leadership skills needed to build a great team culture.

From your perspective as a human resources professional, what do you think would help employers fill their vacant roles?

We really do need to be looking outside of our industry. That's one of the suggestions I always make to our contractors. I’ve heard some phenomenal stories of outstanding supervisors and lead hands that just came completely outside of our industry, like culinary and retail. When you see a resumé come through your desk, don't just exclude that candidate because they don't have landscaping experience. Look beyond that.

Temporary foreign workers are another option. The government is recognizing that our industry needs workers. And even though we're seasonal in some cases, we are demonstrating very successfully that we don't have enough candidates for our positions. And so candidates are coming across from Barbados, Philippines, Mexico, El Salvador, multiple countries. I think that's a really great opportunity for our contractors to expand their talent pool across the borders.

Also, making sure we hire for attitude versus aptitude. I think that's a really important concept to deal with this labour shortage. Landscape Ontario has phenomenal training programs that are very unique for small to medium businesses. We have new entrants who are being trained on health and safety, plant ID and weed identification, turf grass — these are things that we don't have time to train people on in the field so why not make use of the GROW New Entrant program?

And then, when you have an employee who is doing really well in those skills, and is also demonstrating leadership capabilities, why not put them in the GROW Supervisory Training Program? It's completely free and it's a phenomenal program. Sixteen hours of foundational supervisory skills training, along with coaching sessions and goal setting. This is top notch training that's being provided free to our contractors. So make use of that.

How important is culture when attracting ideal candidates?

So many times we just think it's about compensation, benefits or additional perks. But research time and time again points to job seekers looking for a number of factors.

A pleasant working environment and culture are still ranking as some of the most important components of choosing an employer. You're spending a third of your time at work; you want to make sure that it's a really great culture.

Because of that, what are you offering to these employees? How are you setting yourself apart? Would you want to work for your company? Those are the kinds of questions I always encourage people to think about. Culture is a big part of that.

Considering a business owner has so many responsibilities to worry about, what are the risks of not taking the time to invest in company culture?

They're huge! A majority of the workers are not engaged. And companies should ask themselves what can be done to foster a strong culture of connection and engagement.

We have to prioritize the human element of our businesses and recognize that productivity and efficiency come when employees are engaged, inspired and connected to their coworkers. This all comes from our culture that we're building in our companies.

What does employee disengagement look like in a landscaping and horticulture business environment?

When an employee is not really engaged in their workplace, they're going to be very discretionary where they put their effort and energy. They're going to do things like call in sick frequently. They're going to come in late. They're not going to be fully engaged in your team meetings. They're not going to come up with new ideas and solutions. And they're going to consistently miss deadlines and lack enthusiasm.

There's this terminology that's been floating around lately. It's called quiet quitting. And essentially, it's what it says — it's employees just giving the bare minimum. Your company is going to suffer as a result of that. You want to tap into your employees’ discretionary effort. And that's what building a company culture is.

This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

THE

This interview was adapted from an episode of the Landscape Ontario podcast, published on December 1, 2023. To hear the whole interview, visit landscapeontario.com/podcast, or search for it on your favourite podcast app.

PODCAST

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Landscape and horticulture scholarships:

Providing financial support to future industry leaders, innovators and influencers

The Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation (Foundation) is the research and scholarship arm of Landscape Ontario, championing a vibrant future for the landscape and horticulture profession. The Foundation financially supports cutting-edge research and empowers ambitious horticulturalists, landscapers and landscape architects throughout their educational journey with a diverse array of scholarships, bursaries and awards to foster growth and innovation in horticulture.

The industry’s identification of their ongoing need to attract skilled workers to the horticultural trade has resulted in an impressive line-up of scholarship funds made available annually by the Foundation. In 2024, a total of 48 scholarships amounting to nearly $58,000 from 11 different programs were awarded.

Providing scholarships is particularly close to the hearts of Foundation supporters who point with pride to the

many recipients who are now successful industry members. These awards have enabled a diverse mix of talented and dedicated apprentices, technicians, designers, landscape architects, researchers and more to contribute to the advancement of horticulture and promote environmental stewardship.

SCHOLARSHIP VALUE IS MORE THAN JUST MONEY

Being awarded a scholarship can have a significant impact on students. Craig Klomp received a $1,000 Post-Graduate scholarship in 2022 while pursuing his Master's in Landscape Architecture at University of Guelph, and says that financial support allowed him to focus on his learning. “I’m really grateful to Landscape Ontario [and the Foundation] for the opportunity. The scholarship has been a huge, huge benefit,” Craig said. “We all know education is extremely expensive and so the scholarship allows for the opportunity to really engage with

IT STARTED WITH A LETTER…

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

The committee noted it was looking into a method in which monies donated would be placed in a trust fund for

education at the forefront and not have to worry about financial strains of living and paying tuition.”

Katie Erickson was one of 12 recipients of the $1,000 Post-Secondary scholarship awarded in 2022. Katie, who had been encouraged by her professors to apply for the scholarship, said the award helped fund her final year of the Landscape Design Advanced Diploma program at Fanshawe College, but also helped validate her skills and talents. “When I received my scholarship, I felt like I had been recognized for all my hard work and efforts in the Landscape Design program,” Katie said. “It was an honour to be a recipient of this award.”

Keegan Stribbell was awarded a $600 Apprenticeship Scholarship while completing his second year of the Horticultural Technician Apprenticeship Program (HTAP). To be considered for the scholarship, Keegan was required to be enrolled in an accredited apprenticeship program and submit a two-page essay

use on research projects. The letter suggested a number of methods could be used to raise the money for the trust.

The Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation became an official entity in 1979 and scholarships were added to the list of Foundation efforts.

The very first scholarship was awarded to Dennis Wale, a student with the highest standing at Humber College on March 27, 1981.

about his interests and experience in the horticultural profession.

Now that Keegan has completed the apprenticeship, he hopes to eventually write the Red Seal exam to continue to develop his career toward leadership roles. He offers this advice to others pursuing the green trades: “Every day you will learn something new; never be afraid to take risks and ask questions. The world is literally in your hands and it is you who will continue to mould the beautiful landscapes that will last for years to come.”

GET READY TO APPLY AND NOMINATE

Each year the Foundation offers a number of Post-Secondary, Post-Graduate and Apprenticeship scholarships. The total

number of scholarships awarded in a given year are determined by the number of applications received. All applicants must reside in Ontario.

If you’re a student in a related field of study, visit the Foundation’s website, OHTF.ca, to learn more about each scholarship and eligibility criteria. You may apply for multiple scholarships with a single submission.

If you’re a landscape or horticultural program coordinator, you can nominate your exceptional full-time students with leadership qualities for a Cullen Family Scholarship. The Cullen Scholarships are awarded to contribution-oriented candidates who demonstrate integrity, honesty, perseverance and initiative and who care about their fellow students,

teachers, community and industry.

The deadline to apply or nominate for this year’s awards is June 30, 2024. If you have any questions please contact: scholarships@ohtf.ca

KEEP THE LEGACY ALIVE

The Foundation would like to thank all of its donors who generously support the scholarship program. A list of supporters can be found on the Foundation’s website, OHTF.ca, along with annual reports and a secure way to make a donation. A donation is an easy and effective way to support Ontario’s horticultural community. The Foundation is a registered charity and all donations will receive a tax receipt.

dating for job seekers,” the afternoon event brought job seekers and employers from across Ontario together for some

To make mingling as easy and stress-free as possible, the hiring party facilitated relaxed conversations by structuring it as a game where job seekers asked potential employers

seven questions to be entered into a draw to win a prize.

“There are a lot of jobs that are available in this field of work, and there are many different career paths. A lot of people who are trying to job search don’t always know about those jobs, so it’s really important that we consider what we can do to support people,” said Courtney McCann, Landscape Ontario’s director of workforce development.

Before the hiring party, staff held an information session for employers about the association’s professional development programs. These include Training for New Workers, the Supervisory Training Program for current employees, and Employers of Choice, which helps business owners and leaders build strong teams.

Employers posted jobs on the Landscape.jobs Live Job Board at Congress, which were seen by thousands of job seekers throughout the threeday trade show. LO also facilitated informal sessions on the show floor for job seekers and employers to meet and engage face-to-face.

“I’m really hoping that the job

seekers not only got to meet all sorts of different employers that do different types of jobs, but that they were inspired and felt some of the passion that some of the members have, and now they may be considering different

jobs they hadn’t thought of before,” McCann added.

Employers can post jobs for free online on the Landscape.jobs job board at landscape.jobs.

Supplier membership discussed at 2024 AGM

Landscape Ontario membership convened for the association’s 51st Annual General Meeting on January 10, 2024. Held at the Toronto Congress Centre in conjunction with the Congress trade show and conference, the AGM provided an opportunity for members to hear about association activities from the past year and to provide input on the future direction of the association.

Executive Director Joe Salemi said LO’s membership team is conducting a bylaw review to make space for suppliers in association governance structures, to adequately recognize their efforts. “That’s something we’re definitely hoping to

move forward with,” added the new LO president, Ed Hansen. The association is undergoing an overall governance review to ensure it runs as smoothly as possible.

Salemi also announced the association added a new chapter this year: the Muskoka North Chapter, which will be formed out of members in the existing Georgian Lakelands Chapter. The advocacy efforts of members in the vast region resulted in this change.

The outgoing executive welcomed the new one: Hansen as president, Lindsay Drake Nightingale as past-president, Lindsey Ross as first vice-president, Jeff Olsen as second vice-president

and Pam Cook as treasurer. David Milne and Rohan Harrison were nominated and elected as members at large for another year.

Beth Edney, Landscape Designers Sector representative, asked if member-at-large terms could be increased from one to two years. Outgoing president Drake Nightingale said the Board of Directors would discuss the idea.

In her report, Drake Nightingale expressed her happiness with increasing chapter engagement over the course of her two-year term and member participation in LO’s GROW and Apprenticeship programs. She said the latter are strong educational opportunities that “define our future,” as per the theme of her presidency.

Salemi said the association has formed a strong relationship with the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development — particularly in the Skilled Trades Ontario program — and is focusing significant efforts on workforce development. LO was invited to a high school in Pickering where it was announced that grade 11 students who so choose may now enter the apprenticeship pathway full-time and apply for their high school diploma upon completion.

In his report, Salemi highlighted the association’s government relations work which has been a strong focus over the past year. LO worked with the City of Burlington to shorten the process of getting a pool permit from 16 to six weeks, and with the City of Kitchener to reduce the burden of contractor licence requirements for LO members.

On the provincial level, the association has met with the 10 provincial ministries and Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s office in its active lobby to equalize liability among snow and ice contractors and reduce the use of road salt, which is affecting the province’s waterways.

Olsen, outgoing treasurer, gave a financial report on the fiscal year from Sept. 1, 2022 to Aug. 31, 2023. He assured members LO is on the right track, posting one of its best fiscal years ever. It reached a $662,000 surplus, which is a $1 million turnaround from the previous year’s $382,000 deficit.

In closing the meeting, Hansen expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to take the reins as president. He also shared the theme of his presidency: we are stronger together, so “you don’t just want to be involved; you need to be.”

At the conclusion of the meeting, members of the Provincial Board of Directors posed for a group photo.

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO PROVINCIAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT

Ed Hansen

PAST-PRESIDENT

Lindsay Drake Nightingale

1ST VICE-PRESIDENT

Lindsey Ross

2ND VICE-PRESIDENT

Jeff Olsen

TREASURER

Pam Cook

CHAPTER REPRESENTATIVES

DURHAM

Rob Havery

GEORGIAN LAKELANDS

Teresa Matamoros

GOLDEN HORSESHOE

Fran Mackenzie

LONDON

Cindy Buelow

OTTAWA

Steve Neumann

TORONTO

Jonas Spring

UPPER CANADA

Terry Childs

WATERLOO

Jason Dietrich

WINDSOR

Liana Desmarais

SECTOR GROUP REPRESENTATIVES

GARDEN CENTRES

Art Vanden Enden

GROUNDS MANAGEMENT

Sarah Beckon

GROWERS

Brent Vanderkruk

IRRIGATION

Steve Macartney

LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS

Peter Guinane

LANDSCAPE DESIGNERS

Beth Edney

LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

Jamie Riddell

SNOW AND ICE MANAGEMENT

Jon Agg

TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT

Alan White

MEMBERS-AT-LARGE

David Milne

Rohan Harrison

In Memoriam — Marc Thiebaud

After living with multiple sclerosis for 32 years, Marc Thiebaud passed away peacefully with family by his side on January 2, 2024. He was 81 years old.

Born in Switzerland, Marc moved to Canada in 1952 when he was a young boy. Four years later, Marc started working for his father, Rene, who founded Oshawa Garden Service in 1953 in Oshawa, Ont. Later, Marc’s two brothers John and Rene also joined the company. Renamed OGS Landscape Services, the company began its path to becoming an award-winning company.

In 1993, the company was divided among the three brothers to form the OGS Landscape Group, with Marc taking on the role of president of OGS Grounds Maintenance Specialists.

Marc was a prominent and respected member of the landscape industry. He was one of Landscape Ontario’s original board members when the provincial association formed in 1973, and later served as the association’s third president in 1975. For Marc’s many years of service to the industry, he was awarded an Honorary Life Member (the highest award given by Landscape Ontario) in 1991.

Marc became the Ontario representative to the Canadian Nursery Trades Association (CNTA), known today as the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) and went on to assume the role as president from 1980-83. Marc was instrumental in the restructuring of the CNTA. He was later recognized for

his many contributions to the provincial and national associations with the CNLA President’s Award.

Marc was also a longstanding member of Landscape Ontario’s Building Management Committee, which purchased the first LO building on Matheson Road in Mississauga, Ont. Marc continued to work on the committee throughout the purchase of the Milton property. He was involved right up until a major renovation began in 2018 to realize the committee’s long-time vision of creating a world-class training, education and networking facility for members and staff of LO and CNLA.

Marc was also on the board of the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation — a registered charity that funds industry research and landscape and horticulture scholarships for Ontario students.

Marc was a devoted member of his local community, serving as president of the Oshawa Kinsmen Club in 1980. The historic Parkwood Estate, in Oshawa, Ont., was also very dear to him as he sat on its Board of Directors and served as head groundskeeper for many years.

Marc’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the nursing staff of Lakeridge Gardens for their devoted care. Donations may be made to the MS Society of Canada.

For more articles on Marc’s extensive career and industry participation, visit horttrades.com/marc-thiebaud

Marc Thiebaud served as Landscape Ontario's third president back in 1975 and continued to volunteer for another four decades.

In Memoriam Don Chase

It is with heavy heart we announce the passing of Don Chase on Jan. 22, 2024. Don was born in Toronto and later moved to Hamilton.

A landscape designer by trade, Don was a longtime member of Landscape Ontario and spent over a decade volunteering on the Landscape Designers Sector Group. He was instrumental in helping to develop and update the Certified Landscape Designer (CLD) certification program, including the Landscape Designer Manual launched in 2013. Don also taught landscape design courses in the early days of the association's annual Winter Professional Development Series in Milton and was a frequent presenter at the annual Landscape Designer Conference. He volunteered at the Congress trade show, was a judge during industry certification events and was both a presenter and judge for the association's annual Awards of Excellence program.

A graduate of Guelph University, Don taught at Humber College and Niagara Parks School of Horticulture. He was an avid fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Green Bay Packers. He also loved to golf and was an avid reader.

He is survived by his partner Pamela of 28 years, stepdaughter Michelle and step-son Warren (Pam). Papa Don to Allyson (Ben) and Sydney. Also survived by his sister Judy (Dave), niece Nikki (Tyler, Makayla, Scarlett, Lincoln). nephew Jason (Kelly, Peyton, Sadie). Predeceased by his mother Phyllis and father Vernon.

Cremation has taken place and the celebration of life will take place at a later date.

Landscape Ontario

Greg Schaafsma enjoys building community gardens

By Julia Harmsworth

Greg Schaafsma loves the outdoors, getting involved in the landscaping community and learning from likeminded people. These qualities make him stand out in the Landscape Ontario London Chapter volunteering space.

Schaafsma studied landscaping at the University of Guelph’s Ridgetown College and spent 17 years in the nursery industry before starting at Grand River Natural Stone in London, Ont., where he has worked for 12 years.

He brought his wealth of experience in the profession to the London Chapter Board in 2019, serving as vice-president for three years and now president, organizing events like the annual golf tournament, which he particularly enjoys.

What made you want to pursue landscaping and horticulture as a career?

My dad worked in a factory, and it wasn’t a great environment. I saw how he was, and I didn’t want to do that. I wanted to be outside working with my hands and working with plants. I’ve always been interested in growing plants and landscaping and doing all that kind of outdoor work. I had no interest in working in a factory.

What made you want to get involved with the London Chapter?

I wanted to be a little more involved in the community and the different projects that were going on within LO at the time. When

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO WELCOMES

35 NEW MEMBERS

GOLDEN HORSESHOE GEORGIAN LAKELANDS

I first got involved, they did the Veteran’s Memorial Gardens at HMCS Prevost in London, so I helped there. I was like, ‘oh this is interesting.’ I wanted to get more involved in that side of things — helping build gardens for the community, places where people can go and relax.

How were you involved in the community garden at Indwell Commons in London?

The Indwell community garden came around because Jay Murray from TLC Landscaping Design + Pools was involved with it, and he asked if the London Chapter could be involved as a group to build a garden at the new development. It was intriguing because what Indwell is doing is building low-income housing to get people off the street; it’s very good what they’re doing.

So, we helped with the garden portion of it, which lets the people there have a sense of peace. They can go out and relax in a nice garden area within the city. Our next project — if everything goes as planned — is we’re going to help with Hospice of Elgin to build outdoor garden spaces.

How did it feel to complete the Indwell project?

It felt good. It was a long time, there were a lot of setbacks with the whole pandemic and that, but it was nice to finally see everything completed. For it to be all done was a sense of achievement.

What do you enjoy the most about volunteering with the Chapter?

I just like being involved with other like-minded individuals that are working the field. We all come from different backgrounds — I’m in a stone yard/retail setting, versus a lot of other people on our board are landscapers and in nursery. We all get together and learn from each other and swap different ideas about how we can make LO better.

What are your hopes for the future of LO, and landscaping and horticulture in general?

I’d like to see us get back to more in-person involvement. The past few years we’ve had a big decline, and everybody’s still apprehensive about coming out to meetings. That seems to be the biggest issue with everybody — getting the contractors back out to in-person events.

When you’re not volunteering or working, what do you like to do?

I do enjoy the Blue Jays, so watching the Blue Jays games. I golf, and I’m also a craft distiller. I like certain beverages and it was expensive to buy them, so I was like, ‘how can I make it cheaper?’ I also do a lot of hiking so I go on hiking trips with my friends.

Making it easier to do business in Ontario EXECUTIVE DESK

Over the last few months, Landscape Ontario’s Provincial Board of Directors and staff have been working hard to drive the association’s strategic priorities forward. The hallmark of a great association is its ability to connect the tactics (operations) and activities it engages in on a day to day basis with the strategy set out by its stakeholders.

Landscape Ontario is a member-driven organization, where members lead the strategic priorities of the organization. It’s our mandate as staff to take the vision of the members and translate it into action.

We are laser focused on connecting the landscape horticulture community through Landscape Ontario’s chapters and sector groups. To do this, we have invested in trained event professionals who are working hard to put on the best events possible in partnership with those groups. I hope to see you at a Landscape Ontario chapter event soon.

Were you one of the nearly 13,000 people to visit Landscape Ontario’s Congress trade show and conference? Despite a few snow events throughout the week, we had a full parking lot each day of the show and all of the ticketed events were completely sold out. I was inspired and energized to see our community connecting with one another, learning from each other, building on existing relationships and forging new ones.

Our government relations activities have increased quite a bit with two provincial government files. As you may know, Landscape Ontario is urging the

provincial government to make adjustments to the Occupiers Liability Act to equalize the playing field for liability between property owners and managers, and snow and ice management contractors. With all of the liability risk currently on snow and ice management contractors there is a fear of litigation for slip and falls. As a result, snow and ice management contractors are using (or are being pressured by property owners/ managers to use) more salt than required. With slip and fall cases on the rise over the last five years we have seen insurance rates skyrocket. And in many cases, we have seen contractors unable to get liability insurance for snow and ice management. Landscape Ontario’s Snow and Ice Management Sector Group has been working tirelessly to advance their mandate. They have developed a training and accreditation program to go along with proposed legislative changes. We hope to have more to report soon.

We are active in several municipal government files as well, including advocating for phase outs of two-stroke engine equipment over full bans. We are also working with some municipalities on contractor license requirements, permitting processes and pool drawing requirements.

We continue to focus on driving the priorities of the landscape horticulture trades forward, making it easier for you to do business and thrive in Ontario. We have many events planned this spring and I would love to see you at one. Bring your employees and a peer in the community. As our president, Ed Hansen says, “we’re stronger together!”

Joe Salemi CAE

LO Executive Director

jsalemi@landscapeontario.com

Welcome Muskoka North Chapter MEMBERSHIP

On Jan. 10, 2024, a new Landscape Ontario chapter was born. Association members gathered at Landscape Ontario’s Annual General Meeting and approved the creation of Muskoka North, which encompasses the Muskoka region and Northern Ontario — areas that were previously part of the expansive Georgian Lakelands Chapter. The Muskoka North Chapter currently has 181 Landscape Ontario members and Georgian Lakelands has 318 members.

The idea to create this new chapter came from a group of passionate members in the Muskoka region, led by Emily Keown of Five Points Landscaping. Keown highlighted the challenges posed by extreme distances to members who wish to engage with their local chapter. For example, there are 556 km between Severn and Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.

This is a vast distance to maintain close connections to members. Keown, who is the chapter’s first president, also pointed to the need for training that acknowledges the differences in Northern Ontario’s climate and plant zones. Despite these barriers, LO’s northern members have always brought a tremendous amount of energy to the association and their communities.

The members in Muskoka North want to engage with Landscape Ontario and there is a great appetite for professional development in the region. For example, 24 members participated alongside Landscape Ontario’s Apprenticeship Program in last year’s Muskoka Landscape Horticulture Career Fair in Bracebridge, Ont. Northern members are also eager to network with their peers, as did the

45 members who attended LO’s Peer to Peer Network Fall Summit in Huntsville, Ont., last fall. The new chapter board is poised to build on those successes.

Muskoka North held its inaugural meeting on Feb. 6, 2024. More than 50 members packed Bracebridge Barrelhouse to talk business with peers and elect the new chapter’s board members. They are: Emily Keown, chapter president, Jen Davies, provincial board rep, Brooklyn Welsh, treasurer and Sherri Hornsey, secretary. Congratulations to all on becoming the first volunteers to take on these important responsibilities in the fledgling chapter. Their commitment to improving the landscape and horticulture trades will serve their new constituents well as Muskoka North establishes itself as a chapter.

Picture that full house in Bracebridge: landscapers and suppliers, coworkers and competitors, all meeting to discuss their common needs, shared goals and how to strengthen the industry. This is one of the primary reasons Landscape Ontario was formed: To provide a means for passionate individuals who recognize they are stronger together. There are challenges and opportunities facing the landscape and horticulture trades that can only be met through collective action. The members and staff of Landscape Ontario stand behind this new chapter in full support. We can’t wait to see what you’ll do next.

If you are a Landscape Ontario member in Northern Ontario and you would like to learn more about how to get involved in your new chapter, contact Jaleesa Rhoden, LO Membership Event Specialist at jrhoden@landscapeontario.com.

Evan Dickson

LO Director of Membership Services

edickson@landscapeontario.com

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Gordon South, aka @woodbully on social media, won a 2024 Landscape Ontario Award of Excellence in the Social Media Marketing category. His goal on social media is to attract new clients, educate the next generation of landscapers and entertain DIY enthusiasts.

Here is how you can get inspired by the content Gordon publishes on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube:

• Get rolling with video: Wood Bully’s content is almost 100 per cent video: If you’re not posting videos yet, now is the time to start!

• Don’t just focus on the finished landscape: Show your work in progress, materials and tools, your team’s specialties and split the whole building process into multiple steps to create a series of videos.

• Vary the formats: Talk to the camera, record a voice-over, shoot a timelapse of a build, interview a crew member and get different angles.

• Show your personality: Make sure the content aligns with your positioning and goals, and don’t be afraid to joke around.

• Your content doesn’t need to be polished or complicated: Get started by using your phone to record what you’re doing. You’ll have the opportunity to refine your approach once you have a better understanding of what your audience likes to see. If you’re working alone, a tripod can make life a bit easier.

• Post your short-form videos on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube Shorts: See how they perform on each platform and adapt your content accordingly.

Charlotte Guena LO Digital Marketing Specialist

cguena@landscapeontario.com