Landscape Ontario - September-October 2023

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Volunteers affect change on a national level

Irecently had the privilege of being an observer at the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) meetings in Winnipeg, Man. Watching how the CNLA board of passionate, committed volunteers and CNLA staff move national issues through the committee structure and bring them to the forefront of our Canadian government and/or international governments is awe inspiring.

The Growers Canada committee is tackling multiple issues (such as new plant species, pest and diseases, borders, and more) and working hand in hand with researchers and CNLA’s Government Relations committee in order to keep our borders open for the movement of ornamental horticultural products.

The boxwood issue is a prime example of the work and commitment of both the staff and volunteers at CNLA. With the box tree moth infestation, all movement of boxwood from Canada to the U.S. has stopped — leaving an estimated five million plants to be thrown out or not produced. There are presently no infestations in British Columbia, but sales to the U.S. are still not permitted. The British Columbia Nursery Landscape Association (BCNLA) and the government are working to try and maintain an open border for the sale of boxwood, but with limited success. The Government Relations team is in constant communication with partners to the south to get the flow of goods moving.

Insurance is on everyone’s mind in Ontario and across the country. The committee work being done to bring together a cohesive plan for the Snow and Ice Sector is being spearheaded by

Landscape Ontario. That means all eyes are on us to achieve a national strategy of education and certification with the goal of managing risk, decreasing claims and thereby lessening insurance premiums.

Garden Centres Canada (GCC) has also had a great achievement rolling out their virtual staff training program. They have grown their Facebook peer group to 145 members — triple the number it started with a year ago. Finally, GCC had a very successful Summit in Vancouver, B.C., with delegates coming from as far away as Australia. The 2024 summit will be held in Niagara, Ont.

Volunteers are key to all that we and our partner organizations do. The CNLA is looking for members for various committees, including Climate Change Adaptation, Professional Development, Growers Canada, and Industry Human Resources. At Landscape Ontario, we, too, need your valuable input and we’re looking for committee members for the Grounds Management sector group, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DIB), Chapter Engagement, Growers Group, and at the chapter board level. The role of the volunteer committee member is to bring forward their insight and knowledge from their respective businesses and from their peers to better the entire landscape profession. If you have a strong passion for all things green and you can volunteer six to 12 hours of your time per month, we would love to hear from you. Call one of our membership engagement specialists at 800-265-5656; they would be pleased to direct you to the correct sector or chapter.

As always, I welcome your conversations and feedback.

President - Lindsay Drake Nightingale

Past President - Dave Wright

Vice President - Ed Hansen

Second Vice President - Lindsey Ross

Treasurer - Jeff Olsen

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

BUILDING ON A FOUNDATION OF TRUST

By Karina Sinclair

“IT'S ALL ABOUT TRUST,”

said Ian Stewart, owner of Yards Unlimited. “I trust my people and they trust me. Our customers trust us and we trust them.” In those few words, Stewart describes why he believes his landscaping company has been so successful.

Yards Unlimited Landscaping is a family owned and operated design/ build company in Ottawa, Ont. For over 30 years, their focus has primarily been residential construction, hardscaping and softscaping. The company employs full-time designers and office staff, and expects to generate close to 400 designs this year. During the busy season, they have up to 10 crews working on projects.

In the past 17 years alone, they have amassed nearly 40 provincial awards from Landscape Ontario and three National Award Nominations from the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA).

This success doesn’t happen by accident. Stewart has established practices that set his crews up for success. By addressing time-wasting bottlenecks, welcoming foreign workers, investing in training, and empowering crews by trusting them, Yards Unlimited has found a rhythm that works.

Continued >

EMPOWERING CREWS

Like other landscaping companies in the Ottawa area, Stewart says Yards Unlimited is committed to providing quality customer service and gorgeous designs. But what sets them apart is how independent their crews are. “They don’t have a lot of supervision from me, necessarily, because they’re all skilled craftspeople,” said Stewart. “They're all well versed in what the company image should be, what our qualifications are. I think our forepeople really enjoy having the ability to stretch and to grow. And I know our clients love our forepeople, because they have that knowledge.”

Stewart, who has decades of experience as a landscape designer and instructor at Algonquin College, now sees himself as a support person. He tells his crews: “It's my job to ensure that you have the equipment, the machinery, and the materials in a timely fashion. You’ll have everything you need in order to perform the project well.” He recalled his own early days working on a crew that didn’t have enough tools to go around, shaking his head. “Materials. Machinery. That should be the least of their worries. Their worry is constructing a job. Well, with the clients in mind, that's their job. It’s my job to support them.”

By ensuring everyone has what they need, Stewart encourages open communication and gives space for the crews to bring their ideas to the table. “They feel they can put

their own stamp on the projects. And I know that's important for anybody that's proud of themselves to have that ability to grow. We've had great success keeping our people, our employees, and I think three quarters of that

their own projects and crews, and feel confident they can turn to him if there are challenges or issues, even if they have ideas that differ from his.

“It's a real working relationship and I feel after each and every meeting, each of us are satisfied because we've each had our say,” he said. “We've all had an opportunity. Sometimes they go with my ideas. A lot of times they'll go with theirs and I trust them because they've been with me for so long and the work that they do. This is where I get a kick out of it.”

UNIQUE DESIGN STUDIO

When Stewart notices potential bottlenecks, he looks to create a process to improve productivity. For example, he realized his designers were often hampered by busy Ottawa traffic while travelling back and forth to visit clients. “Our workload was building up and it wasn't going to mesh. We were going to be dropping clients, which is foolhardy to spend money on marquee advertising and not have time for that client, that's silly.” So Stewart wondered: “What if we eliminate the travel time?”

is the fact that they feel worthy.”

One foreperson has been with Yards Unlimited for over 29 years. The foreperson with the least amount of tenure has 17 years, and all other supervisors fit in between. Stewart says they enjoy running

To do that, Yards Unlimited purchased and converted a west-end house into a unique in-office landscape design studio. “We wanted a building that was warm and comforting, but also functional. It was an investment, but it has paid off in spades because our clients are happy,” said

Ian Stewart, Owner of Yards Unlimited

Stewart. He explained that the designers gather all the measurements and photos needed during initial on-site consultations. Clients come to the studio for follow-up meetings where they can review their projects on a big screen, check out catalogues and material samples, and work out all the details without distractions. This lets the designers work on more projects instead of criss-crossing the city.

LABOUR SHORTAGE SOLUTIONS WITH TFWP

Once the designers were freed up to work on more projects, Stewart had to find enough labourers to fill the crews needed to complete them. “I don't know where everyone went, but they're not around anymore. And so we obviously market ourselves to the universities, to the colleges. I'm a big believer in horticultural students. We have quite a few graduates working for us, so we love that,” said Stewart. “But we still need more labourers in order to support our size.”

In recent years, Stewart decided to hire temporary foreign workers to expand his crews and keep up with demand. “I think it’s worked out tremendously well,” he said. “They work hard and they’re great people to work with.” The language barrier was challenging at first, but of course, there’s an app for that. “Everybody now has the app on their phone. And so if there's a communication gap, they simply punch up the phone and it's done.”

Stewart offers this advice to other employers considering hiring foreign workers: “Train them on a few tasks to start with, just like you would with anyone hired from local schools in Canada.” Yards Unlimited also hosts training days where new workers get to ride or touch equipment they wouldn’t normally get to work with. Stewart said that Yards Unlimited has been able to bring back the same people year after year. “I hope that's a testament to our company as well, because they could go somewhere else, but they requested to come back here and we requested them too.”

MONEY IS NOT A DIRTY WORD

Thanks to local weather patterns, Stewart factors a shorter construction season into his operations. “I taught estimating at Algonquin College for years. I would say to the students, ‘you have 170 days in Ottawa to make 365 days worth of money. Do the math.’” Stewart said. “You have to make money. It's not a dirty word. All the customers that you work for have the money to pay you to do this job.”

Stewart feels a successful landscaper should be able to afford the same treatments for their own backyard. “You’re not just a landscaper. You’re an entrepreneur. You’re a business person. You should make money. Learn to calculate yourself so you can generate enough money to support yourself and survive the days

THE NEXT GENERATION

you’re not working. That’s the key.”

Fitting all the projects in roughly fiveand-a-half months can mean long hours and hectic schedules, but Stewart embraces the hustle. “I love it. And what am I going to do — sit at home and knit? I want to have a nice home. My kids deserve things,” he said. “Our clients have money because they work hard. You work hard, so you should be able to have money. And it's not a bad thing to do. It's absolutely not. It affords you to allow your employees to have a good wage and to have benefits and all that kind of stuff.”

He added that making money also allows businesses to buy quality equipment and build systems for proper health and safety.

“All these things cost money. And if you're not making that money, you can't afford it.”

To help raise the perception of the green trades, Steward encourages formal education and training for individuals entering the profession. The seasoned entrepreneur appreciates that graduates from post-secondary and apprenticeship programs understand the terminology, theory and science behind best practices. This includes working with students in the programs and those working toward becoming a Certified Landscape Designer. “I've sent many people through the [Horticulture Technician] Apprenticeship Program,” Stewart said, referring to certification programs administered in part by Landscape Ontario and CNLA. “I helped them go through the program. Then I help them with their portfolios. At one time, all the Certified Landscape Designers in Ottawa came out of this office.” Thinking back to his early days in landscaping, Stewart recalls the limited choice of materials. “Back then, anyone my age will know we had patio stones or bricks in brown, gray, red, and that was it. And when I see what we're doing now and what my people can do with interlock or wood or what have you, it's just mind blowing. The industry has come a long way.”

Like every family business, there is an evolution from one generation to the next. Stewart, who runs Yards Unlimited with his wife Rochelle, has two sons who also work for the company. “I know someday that they'll kick me out and that's the way it should be. They're young men and they'll figure out what they want and they'll realize that they don't need Dad around anymore.” But for now, Stewart enjoys sharing his wisdom.

“How long will I stay at it?” Stewart pondered this question for a moment, before answering with a smile. “So as long as the joy is still there,” he said. “I still get a total fascination when I come around and see what my crews are doing.”

Ian Stewart (back row) with some of the Yards Unlimited crew.

Landscaping has something for everyone...

if you know about it

Interview adapted by Karina Sinclair

INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONALS

HHeather Jerrard describes her early work journey as “flighty.” Working in call centres, home renovation companies, and community theatre gave her a broad range of skills, but she couldn’t find a job that felt like the right fit. When a friend encouraged her to go back to school to earn a diploma, Heather searched for programs within walking distance of her home and stumbled upon the Fanshawe College landscape design program. “I had actually never heard that term before until that moment,” Heather said. “And so as soon as I saw that on the screen, it's been love ever since.”

After graduating, Heather found joy while applying her diverse skill set for different local landscaping companies and joined Landscape Ontario’s Peer to Peer Network on behalf of her employer. When pandemic-

prompted layoffs forced Heather out of a job, she spiraled. “I hadn't really noticed how much I invested my selfworth with my job until I no longer had that job,” Heather said. “I ended up reaching out to the Peer to Peer Network, which I'd still been attending as a member. And it was that network that really held me up. Between them and my husband, I'm forever in their debt.”

One night, Heather had a vivid dream and woke up with a vision to introduce younger generations to the green trades sooner. Heather partnered with educator DawnMarie Deagle at the Thames Valley District School Board to develop and implement a classroom experience that engages students from grades one to eight in garden design. Heather and Dawn-Marie recently talked about their project and its inaugural success on an episode of the Landscape Ontario Podcast.

Dawn-Marie Deagle and Heather Jerrard

What prompted you to develop a program to engage elementary students in landscape and garden design?

I had a very vivid dream that I was walking down a school hallway and there was all this beautiful children's artwork all over the walls. In my dream, all these kids weren't just studying about different habitats or how to draw a flower. They were actually studying landscape architecture according to their grade.

And I woke up and I thought, “Somebody must be doing this. This has to be a thing.” I started doing some research online, trying to find resources about teaching children how to design outdoor spaces. Not just how to grow a bean in a cup, but bigger.

As an educator, what do you think about Heather's vision to introduce students to the architectural elements of landscape design?

Dawn-Marie: Any time I can get our students out in nature, it's a win. For our kids’ mental health and wellbeing, we need to have programs like this that connect them back to the earth and tap into some of the skills that perhaps traditional school has been neglecting, because we need those skills to be present in our students. So when Heather contacted me, I was pretty eager to partner with her.

I'm also the guidance lead at our school. I'm very cognizant that our kids need to know about a variety of different career paths and landscape design isn't a profession that is often discussed. It really allowed students to shine when they were creating their gardens.

How did you decide what you were going to demonstrate with each grade?

Heather: In the beginning, I was very excited to incorporate all aspects of the curriculum for each grade and that still is my long-term goal. For the books I'm writing, I'm focusing on the curriculum expectations by grade across all subjects, because landscape design ties in to all the subjects and quite easily.

Once I realized just how big of an undertaking that is and after many conversations with Dawn-Marie looking at the curriculum, we really focused on art and language. But then there's also the social skills and the personal story summary. It all ties in with their own identity so that was kind of where we focused. We asked the students who might you see in a landscape and what are they doing? We talked about arbors and pergolas and patios and driveways and even treasure! Just having them explore their imagination.

Dawn-Marie: Many of our students live in apartments, and initially, many of them thought, “I can't have a garden.” And Heather was really good at reiterating to each of the groups, “No, you can have a container garden, even in your apartment. You don't need land to grow things.” And so that really challenged some of the misconceptions of what a garden is for our students.

It seems like exposure to a program like this might inspire a whole new generation to consider working in the green trades.

Dawn-Marie: It's wonderful that we're becoming more well versed in the different options that our students can follow. This was a great opportunity because there were kids who were like, “I didn't know that I could do this for a living.” What a powerful gift. Yes, we teach curriculum-specific expectations, but ultimately, I want our students to know how to learn and what their options are.

Heather: Exactly. If you are a math guy or girl, or if you are in marketing or advertising, or if you're science and chemistry, or if you like hands-on work or if you like languages, if you like presenting — if we could just let everyone know there is something in landscaping for everyone.

This interview was adapted from an episode of the Landscape Ontario podcast. Listen to the podcast at landscapeontario.com/podcast or by searching “Landscape Ontario” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Play.

Supporting the sector at Queen's Park

What else is happening on the day?

Landscape Ontario and Daisy Group plan on hosting a “Touch a Truck” event outside Queen’s Park to allow MPPs and their staff to experience the equipment and learn more about snow and ice management.

LO is also hosting an indoor evening reception, so the Sector representatives can engage with MPPs and their staff in a more casual environment.

How do I get there?

The Legislative Assembly of Ontario at Queen’s Park is located at 110 Wellesley St. West in downtown Toronto, just north of University Ave. and College St.

There is limited wheelchair-accessible parking in the northeast parking lot and the south drive. Vehicles without accessible parking permits can stop briefly in front of the main entrance for drop-off or pick-up only.

Public parking is available a 10-minute walk away at the Green P lot, University of Toronto, St. George Campus Parking and the University Health Network Parking.

By Julia Harmsworth

If you are taking public transit, the closest subway stop to the building’s main entrance is Queen’s Park station on the YongeUniversity subway line. The 506 Carlton Streetcar also stops at Queen’s Park station. The 5 Avenue Road and 94 Wellesley Street buses stop at Queen’s Park. The subway, streetcar, and bus are easily accessible from Union Station if you are taking the GO train into Toronto.

What’s happening?

On Oct. 24 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., some 10 to 15 representatives from the Snow and Ice Sector group (SISG) will head to Queen’s Park to lobby for legislative change on issues affecting contractors and communities across Ontario. They will speak face-to-face with MPPs about the issue along with Daisy Group, a lobbying firm Landscape Ontario has partnered with on government relations work.

Why are these reforms so important?

These suggested reforms will lead to affordable and accessible insurance, create safer sites and working conditions, mitigate the loss of contractors willing to provide snow and ice services, and benefit the millions of Ontarians who use snow and ice services each winter.

The changes will also create a better educated, more professional, well-respected snow and ice workforce, which will improve public perception of the Sector.

What legislative changes is the Sector pushing for?

The SISG is asking the provincial government to create legislation to support the establishment of an Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) over snow and ice management so the industry can be better regulated. They also suggest current legislation be changed so that property owners cannot transfer their responsibilities over to Snow and Ice contractors — so those contractors are not individually liable for accidents that occur on the job.

The Sector wishes for both owners and contractors to be given legal liability protections if they comply with educational requirements.

Lastly, the Sector asks the provincial government to commission a detailed study into the industry to identify its ongoing problems and inform the best course of action.

Upon arrival, you will go through a security screening process and there may be wait times, so be sure to arrive around 30 minutes early.

How can I support the Sector from home?

If you cannot be in the room with the legislative members, there is still plenty you can do to help. Keep talking about the issue and write to your MPP. Their contact information can be found on the Legislative Assembly of Ontario website. Remember to introduce yourself as a constituent.

You can also donate to the cause by sending an e-transfer to etransfer@ landscapeontario.com with the word ‘snow’ in the message. Your money will help pay for work with Daisy Group and support future marketing campaigns.

The Sector also needs your feel-good stories to help get the word out there. Have you helped a member of the local community in their time of need?

If so, reach out to jsalemi@ landscapeontario.com to share your story and help the cause.

Landscape Ontario’s Snow and Ice Sector Group (SISG) is working to improve working conditions for snow contractors across the province — and they need your help.

ASSOCIATION NEWS

which posed challenges for her business. She cites lost time and increased stress as the biggest impacts on her operations.

“It’s our busy season — like stupid busy,” said Drake Nightingale. “I’m a maintenance business. I need my garage.”

Drake Nightingale believes equipment theft has increased in the last year, from conversations with York Regional Police and her colleagues. Though the culprit was not caught, she hopes they will be in the future.

She installed a security system with cameras on her premises, which she hopes will deter future theft and help catch culprits. She also refrains from posting her shop’s interior — with the equipment — on social media.

“What can you do? You try to not be as obvious,” said Drake Nightingale.

Jon Agg, co-owner of Pristine Property Maintenance in Ajax, Ont., made similar recommendations. He spoke to installing more cameras, motion-sensor lights, fences, trailer locks, GPS tracking on vehicles and equipment, and custom serial numbers on equipment.

Agg lost $50,000 to $60,000 in stolen equipment this year, including a Dingo, a catalytic converter, mowers, and line trimmers.

“Theft has always been there, but I think we’re starting to see it more and more prevalent now with the landscaping equipment and the catalytic converters in trucks,” said Agg.

BY JULIA HARMSWORTH

A number of Landscape Ontario members have observed a rise in gas and electric equipment theft this year.

Landscape Ontario spoke with three landscaping and horticulture businesses who recently experienced significant thefts of both electric and gas-powered equipment. They all advised fellow businesses to invest in security systems, GPS tracking and lighting.

Insurance brokerage Marsh Canada confirmed in the last four years, businesses have reported over $700,000 in equipment theft losses, with the average loss valuing $17,000.

Adding to the stress on business owners, many of the individual items

stolen are lower in value than the typical deductible — making it less viable for owners to submit claims.

Lindsay Drake Nightingale, owner of Yorkshire Garden Services Inc. in the Toronto area, incurred around $21,000 in damage and stolen goods to theft over the May long weekend.

The culprits smashed through her garage bay door and stole various gas and electric powered equipment, including battery packs, drills, reciprocating saws, chainsaws, blowers, and line trimmers — items Drake Nightingale notes can be sold quickly on Facebook Marketplace.

Drake Nightingale was without her garage for two weeks while it was fixed,

Pristine Property Maintenance is large enough to recover from theft quickly, but Agg imagines thefts to smaller businesses are a different story.

Another landscaping business owner in Milton, Ont. — who prefers to remain unnamed — believes thieves are targeting whichever equipment is “most convenient and quick” to steal. He said the amount of theft in the last two years has been “outrageous.”

The owner estimates his business has incurred $40,000 worth of damage and stolen goods this year, from equipment theft and attempted vehicle theft.

Though the company recovered all their stolen vehicles, they incurred damage. Smaller tools like cut-off saws, concrete saws, chainsaws, generators, blowers, hedge trimmers and hammer drills — worth $500 to $2,000 each — are gone for good.

Lindsay Drake Nightingale is warning other landscape professionals about an increase in equipment theft this year.

“It’s ugly out there. It’s not fun anymore,” said the owner.

The owner is hesitant to file insurance claims for the damaged vehicles because he believes his premiums will increase. He is disappointed in the police’s apparent inability to keep thieves in custody after arresting them, referring to the system as “a disaster.”

“All these thieves, whether they’re stealing cars or landscape equipment, they have no fear, they don’t care, and they know if they get caught — don’t worry about it. It’s nothing. They’re off.”

The business has a GPS tracking

system on all their vehicles which allowed them to be recovered. The owner recommends other businesses implement a similar system to protect themselves from theft.

Marsh Canada recommends businesses log visitors in and out to ensure unauthorized individuals do not enter sites. They also suggest businesses keep sites well-lit, install motion-activated lighting, install surveillance equipment and video cameras, store all equipment keys in a secure location, store all machines at secure locations near job sites and disable machines onsite to discourage thieves.

Marsh Canada confirmed in the last four years, businesses have reported over $700,000 in equipment theft losses, with the average loss valuing $17,000.

New plants showcased at Landscape Ontario head office

A FULL PLANT LIST CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT gfl.me/hbBm

About 90 industry professionals, plant lovers and students attended the Landscape Ontario/University of Guelph Trial Garden Open House on Aug. 17, 2023. The annual event provides a guided tour of the latest plants being trialed at the site, before they are available in the marketplace.

The half-day event kicked off with an indoor education session with Rodger Tschanz, University of Guelph trial garden manager, who welcomed visitors and introduced the various presenters. Tanya Carvalho, territory manager of Canada for Ball FloraPlant and Selecta One, explained the process of trialing plants and highlighted some recent introductions. Felicia Vandervelde, regional account manager at PanAmerican Seed, discussed reliable seed production and provided examples of

successful plants that were trialed.

Next, Guinevere Kern, horticultural therapy practitioner, LO GROW Program and Homewood Health Centre, discussed optimizing horticulture for health from awareness to support. Finally, Cassie Russell, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) nursery and landscape specialist, spoke about invasive species in the landscape, including spotted lanternfly and box tree moth.

Attendees then enjoyed a guided tour of the many planting beds, including the “stone entry bed” — a tribute to the Perennial Plant Association (PPA) with a special planting of Rudbeckia American GoldRush, 2023 perennial plant of the year. The “flagpole bed” was planted in recognition of last year’s 75th anniversary of PanAmerican Seed

(PAS). The planting had a white and purple palette and included a selection of historical breeding highlights from PAS. Once again, LO, University of Guelph and OMAFRA partnered to continue evaluating pollinator activity on a selection of commercially available ornamental plants. Thanks go to MacKenzie and Avery and their supervisor Sarah Jandricic for their dedicated research.

The main perennial trial features over 250 plant varieties, plus a new trial of echinacea (over 40 entries) and a salvia trial. Over 250 types of annuals were also trialed, both in the ground and in containers.

Landscape Ontario and the University of Guelph would like to recognize the following companies and organizations who participated or supported this year’s trial:

MAJOR SPONSORS:

Canadian Ornamental Horticulture Association, Canadian Agricultural Partnership, Agriculture Canada.

BREEDERS AND PLANT SUPPLIERS: American Takii, Ball FloraPlant, Benary, Danziger, Darwin Perennials, De Vroomen, Dümmen Orange, Hilverdaflorist, Jelitto, Kieft Seed, PanAmerican Seed, Pacific Plug & Liner, Proven Winners, Takii Europe, Selecta One, Syngenta Flowers, ThinkPlants.

GROWERS AND SUPPLIERS:

Aris Horticulture, Colonial Florists, ICL-Group/Specialty Fertilizers, Linwell Gardens, Ed Sobkowich Greenhouses, JVK (Jack Van Klaveren), MCP Manufacturing, Geo Sant and Sons Greenhouses, SunGro Horticulture, The HC Companies, Walters Gardens.

SUPPORTING ORGANIZATION: All-America Selections.

Landscape Ontario celebrates 50th anniversary

Members of Landscape Ontario gathered at the association's home office in Milton, Ont. on Aug. 16 for a special 50th anniversary event.

The celebration included tours of the Landscape Ontario trial gardens, food, fun games, door prizes and a musical performance by the DeeGees — former Executive Director Tony DiGiovanni's band.

Held after a meeting of the Provincial Board of Directors, the member appreciation event provided a great forum for the association's leadership, members, staff and partners to network and celebrate the success of the past 50 years.

Joe Salemi, LO executive director, welcomed those in attendance and paid tribute to the previous boards, pioneers and visionary members who formed the association back in

1973 and who later had the foresight and courage to purchase the Milton property in the early 90s.

Lindsay Drake Nightingale, LO president, spoke to the crowd and attributed the association's unique success to its strong volunteer base

of passionate and caring members. Nightingale ended by challenging members to get involved with their local chapter or sector groups in order to have their voices heard and to continue to advance the profession.

Garden Centre group seeks feedback on training program

Landscape Ontario’s Garden Centre Sector group is seeking feedback from those who participated in the free Introductory Horticultural Training sessions held April 12, 20 and 27, 2023. The free training was designed to provide inexperienced staff with some basic lessons on industry terminology and common practices.

The aim of the online survey is to gather feedback from garden centre owners (whether they used the program or not), plus those employees who did participate in order to update and improve the content later this year in time for next year’s sessions. The survey will also measure the effectiveness of the program.

A link to the survey, which closes Sept. 22, plus handouts, a quiz (with answers) and a full recording of each session can be found online at gfl.me/hbuw

Stay ahead of winter with the KSMI Weather app

KSMI Weather is an Ontario-made tool that provides 24/7 location specific weather insights and data to help assist with winter operations decision making. KSMI is effective in providing timely, relevant and accurate local weather information that is completely customizable with real time alerts delivered to your email and the KSMI Weather app. This service is available exclusively to Landscape Ontario members, municipalities and government organizations.

KSMI also provides the following features:

• Advanced notice of impactful winter events, including timing, precipitation amounts and other potential weather hazards.

• Timely and relevant data delivered to your email inbox and phone via text message that can be used in real time and also retrieved if required for unforeseen future circumstances, such as insurance claims.

• Access to real-time weather reports, mapping products, road conditions, hundreds of live weather cameras, weather experts and more during storms. KSMI’s report logging feature offers customized forecast delivery

times, archived forecast reports, and sign-off abilities for staff.

• A user-friendly app for iPhone and Android devices (phones and tablets).

Here’s how to access KSMI Weather:

• Go to https://portal.ksmi.ca/

• Select Create a New Account and fill out your registration information.

• For Association select Landscape Ontario.

• It may take 1-2 days for your account to be verified by KSMI.

• You will be notified by KSMI once your account is verified and ready to use.

• Keep an eye out for how-to videos coming from KSMI.

While no one can predict the weather with perfect accuracy, emerging tools including KSMI are making it a little easier to ‘stay ahead of winter.’

Katie Erickson’s hard work pays off

Katie Erickson was one of 12 recipients of the $1,000 Post-Secondary Scholarship awarded by the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation (OHTF) in 2022. Katie learned about the Foundation’s many scholarship opportunities from her teachers at Fanshawe College. The scholarship helped fund her final year of the Landscape Design Advanced Diploma program. Katie looks forward to implementing sustainable design practices that embrace native species, and is passionate about getting people engaged with what’s outside.

Did you have any exposure to horticultural careers in secondary school?

I took horticulture classes in grades 11

and 12 and really enjoyed working in the greenhouse with the plants.

What prompted you to pursue this career?

I have a passion for nature and the outdoors and was having a hard time finding a program that suited me well. My fiancé, Jared, owns a landscaping company and suggested the landscape design program at Fanshawe.

What career path do you plan to take after graduation?

As of April 24th, I have been working alongside Jared as a junior landscape designer for Kettle Creek Landscaping in St. Thomas, Ont. His father, Mike Goodwin, started Kettle Creek Landscaping in 1987. We provide total grounds maintenance,

landscaping services, enhancements, and now complete landscape design!

Do you plan to pursue more education?

For now I plan to stay updated within the landscape industry by attending Landscape Ontario’s trade shows, conferences, and training programs.

Who are your role models in the profession?

I look up to many of my professors such as Cindy Buelow, Andrew Wilson, Sara Bellaire and Adriana MacDonald.

What has been your favourite part of learning about landscaping and horticulture?

My favourite part was definitely the plants. I also really enjoyed my co-op at Riverbend Golf Community working alongside my professor, Cindy Buelow.

VOLUNTEER PROFILE

Rhonda Derue sees volunteering as a gift to all (including the giver)

"Do what you love, love what you do,” is the phrase that drives fine artist and designer Rhonda Derue. Derue is the owner of Derue Designs and offers home and landscape design services in Gananoque, Ont. and surrounding areas. She has won multiple Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence, including the inaugural Neil Vanderkruk Award for Excellence in Design. “There is no place that I feel more alive than in nature,” Derue said. “It is the greatest gift to be able to bring that passion for the outdoors to the work that I do.” Derue also brings her passion as a leader to her local Landscape Ontario chapter and other community initiatives.

How did you get involved in this profession?

As a child, I helped [my grandmother] pick raspberries and sit at Kingston’s Market Square to sell them. My mother’s love of gardening spread perennial and vegetable gardens across my childhood home. My career as a landscape designer was a natural extension from those early experiences and later, when combined with a fine arts

degree, courses through Landscape Ontario, and years of building my own gardens/houses led to the career I have today.

What inspired you to take on leadership responsibilities with the Upper Canada Chapter? Volunteer groups are only as strong as the people that show up. Our chapter is blessed with many giving and talented people. I wanted a seat at the table where decisions were being made that affected our local community. I’d like to think that my participation in a leadership role has made a positive difference over the years.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering?

It was Walt Whitman who said: “The gift is to the giver.” Volunteering is a gift we give forward to the people and projects we spend time with, but the goodness received in return is its own reward. Giving is a rewarding experience that I return to again and again.

Over 1200+ varieties of perennials

Many unique and hard to find varieties

Fruits and succulents

What advice do you have for people who may want to volunteer?

Do it! Each of us has unique gifts. What are you holding yours back for? Your contribution helps to amplify whatever you give toward.

Are there other ways you have donated your time and effort?

There are always places, people and causes that can use a little help. I have been involved in many ways over many years, helping where and when it was my place to do so.

I am currently assisting an Indigenous Land Trust group in Kingston navigate a relationship with the municipality

that wants to develop an industrial park abutting the land where they have developed a food sovereignty garden. I am learning a lot and offering what I can.

What is your favourite plant?

Trying to choose a favourite plant is like asking ‘who’s my favourite grandchild?’ — I love them all!! I have a fondness for helleborus, dwarf pines and chamaecyparis obtusa nana gracilis, rudbeckia and lots of Japanese-inspired plants of every shape and size. The list of favourites is long! Plants continue to teach me how resilience and beauty can coexist and thrive.

Rhonda Derue in Gananoque, Ont. garden.

Ontario Association of Landscape Architects honours individuals and organizations for 2023

Former Landscape Ontario Executive Director Tony DiGiovanni was among 10 individuals across the province who received awards from the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects (OALA) at a ceremony held in Toronto’s Distillery District on June 8, 2023. The awards from the not-for-profit organization recognize those who have made significant contributions to the landscape architecture profession.

To earn the award, DiGiovanni demonstrated a strong commitment to collaboration, and his leadership has certainly been instrumental in bringing together diverse groups of individuals and organizations for the greater good. He has helped advance many of the priorities of Landscape Ontario members, and his work has had a significant impact on the profession as a whole. In 2003, the Tony DiGiovanni Scholarship Fund was launched to support Ontario students who exemplify the qualities that build trust in the profession of horticulture.

Other awards winners include:

THE DAVID ERB MEMORIAL AWARD: Ryan James and Eric Conway

THE JACK COPELAND AWARD FOR ASSOCIATE LEADERSHIP & CONTRIBUTION: Khatereh Baharikhoob

OALA PUBLIC PRACTICE AWARD: Stephen O’Bright and Robert Duguid

CARL BORGSTROM AWARD FOR SERVICE TO THE ENVIRONMENT: Sibylle von Knobloch

OALA AWARD FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE TO THE ENVIRONMENT: Plenty Canada an Indigenous not-for-profit organization committed to reconciliation through the cross-cultural protection of nature

OALA PRESIDENT’S AWARD: Jane Welsh

OALA President from 2018-2021

OALA PINNACLE AWARD FOR LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURAL EXCELLENCE: Donna Hinde

OALA President from 1998-2000

The OALA Honours and Awards are the highest recognition the association can bestow on its members and the general public. Awards spanning different categories are handed out each year to candidates nominated by their peers and selected by the Association's Honours, Awards and Protocol Committee. Over 100 community leaders participated in this year's ceremony. For more information on the awards, visit oala.ca/oala-honours-and-awards

Top row: Tony DiGiovanni, Brendan Stewart, Eric Conway, Khatereh Baharikhoob, Donna Hinde, Fadi Masoud.

Bottom row: Ryan James, Larry McDermott, Robert Duguid, Sibylle von Knobloch, Stephen O'Bright, Jane Welsh.

Registration now open for 2024 Congress Conference

Whether you’re just getting started in your landscaping career, developing your existing workforce or are simply a lifelong learner, the 2024 Landscape Ontario Congress Conference has something for you.

Following the success of last year, organizers are sticking with a half-day format, so you can learn in the morning then check out the Congress trade show exhibits while you’re on site. In addition to being your three-day ticket to Congress, your Conference pass gives you access to the Tailgate Party and free LIVE Stage demos. The early bird rates — $225 for members, $275 for non-members and $40 for students — ends Dec. 15, 2023.

Last year, our expert presenters inspired nearly 500 participants by sharing new ideas and tried-and-true

tips to grow as professionals. This year’s Conference is bound to have something for everyone — with speakers including Paul Gellatly (AKA “The Tattooed Gardener”) on big ideas for small gardens, Adele Piere on permits and their impact on landscaping, and Erinn Johanson and Rose Bilodeau on hiring temporary foreign workers for your business.

This year’s congress will take place from January 9-11, 2024. It will be held at the Toronto Congress Centre’s south building, with some events taking place at the nearby Delta Hotels by Marriott. There is free parking on-site as well as a shuttle service to the convention centre.

Register and find all the information you need at: locongress.com/conference

Skilled Trades Ontario to launch Certificates of Qualification, wallet cards for skilled trades professionals

This summer, Skilled Trades Ontario will begin issuing over 17,500 certificates of qualification and more than 200,000 wallet cards to apprentices and certified skilled trades workers across the province.

“This is an exciting milestone for thousands of skilled trades professionals,” said Melissa Young, CEO and Registrar, Skilled Trades Ontario. “Not only do certificates of qualification and wallet cards serve to validate credentials, they are a testament to the hard work, resilience and unwavering dedication behind every certified skilled trades professional. I look forward to seeing them proudly displayed on worksites and in businesses across the province.”

Over the coming months, skilled trades professionals in compulsory and non-compulsory trades who received their certification after Jan. 1, 2022, will begin receiving their certificates of qualification in the mail.

A certificate of qualification is an official document that proves that a person is qualified to work in a particular skilled trade in Ontario. To obtain a certificate of qualification, individuals are required to have passed their certification exam and have met all requirements to practice their trade in Ontario.

“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government has invested $1.5 billion in the skilled trades to make life-changing careers in the skilled trades more accessible to jobseekers and launched Skilled Trades Ontario to bring our province’s system into the 21st century,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “I was proud to reveal last month that these efforts have paid off as apprenticeship registrations have increased by 24 per cent. Today’s announcement is another step in our mission to make Ontario a national leader in the industry.”

Beginning this fall, wallet cards will be issued to apprentices and certified compulsory and non-compulsory skilled trades professionals in the province. Wallet cards can be easily carried while working on the job, in the event they are requested by inspectors or clients.

“The flow of skilled people into our business is critical given the link to innovation and efficiency that are so essential to our global competitiveness,” said Linda Hasenfratz, Executive Chairman and CEO, Linamar Corporation. “That is why we are heavily invested in developing a generation of young people in skilled trades. I am thrilled to see our skilled tradespeople getting the recognition they so richly deserve for the critical work they do and the essential role they play in our business.”

Since launching last year, Skilled Trades Ontario has provided online verification of the status and license details of compulsory apprentices and journeypersons on its online public register. This service will continue to be publicly available and updated.

Certificates of qualification issued prior to Jan. 1, 2022, will continue to be valid and recognized by Skilled Trades Ontario.

EXECUTIVE DESK

Members drive Landscape Ontario’s strategic priorities

After a spring and summer hiatus, Landscape Ontario’s Provincial Board of Directors recently met to discuss our strategic priorities for 2024 and beyond. Much like the visionaries that formed this organization in 1973, and the board that made the decision in 1994 to purchase the property we’re still on today, the current Board are making long-term strategic decisions that will see Landscape Ontario continue down the path of local and international success. Every day I come into the office, I’m greeted by the many faces of Landscape Ontario’s past presidents that adorn our main entrance. It reminds me of the rich history of this organization and how important it is to remember the work of those who came before us — and that we bring the same care and commitment to the work we are doing to usher Landscape Ontario into the future.

We have a lot to be excited about. Registration for next year’s Landscape Ontario’s Congress Trade Show and Conference is now open. Earlier this year, the 50th anniversary Congress saw record sales and attendance. The founding members would be proud of how much this event has developed over the years (and in fact I know many continue to be involved to this day). It’s still where relationships are formed, where friendships are forged and where business partnerships are born. It’s just all happening on a much larger scale and on a much bigger stage.

The visionary Board of Directors from the early to mid90s who led the purchase of our property in Milton, Ont., would hardly recognize the grounds and the facility today. Our property has never looked better. David Turnbull, Landscape Ontario’s Property Manager, University of Guelph Trial Garden Manager Rodger Tchanz and his team, along with the recruits in Landscape Ontario’s GROW program and retired City of Toronto grower Stanley

Roszak have all come together to make the gardens extra special this year as we celebrate our 50th anniversary. If you are ever in the Milton area, please stop by and check out our beautiful gardens. This facility is owned by you, the members — and the coffee is always on!

Our main focus this year has been on workforce development (closing the labour gap), and government advocacy on the issues affecting you most. Our workforce development efforts are being driven by our strategic plan, which laid out our vision for Landscape Ontario to be the hiring hub for the industry in the province. While there is always work to do, we are well on our way to making that a reality. Through the Skills Development Fund from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development, we have been able to accelerate that vision. We are now in year four of recruiting people, training them, and finding them employment with Landscape Ontario member companies. We are upskilling people already in the industry, and helping owners become better employers.

None of this would be possible without our member volunteers. At a recent Landscape Ontario event, I spoke with a passionate member who wanted to see change for the better within one of the sector groups — so I invited him to volunteer some of his time and be the catalyst for change that he wanted to see. Lucky for all of us, he’s done just that. I know there are more members out there who want to see positive change, so here is my personal invitation to you. Please come and join a sector group, chapter board or committee. We need each and every one of you willing to be the change you want to see and work in partnership with us to make great things happen.

Our work is driven by you as a member of Landscape Ontario. We need your voice at the table. Send me an email and I’ll get you connected to the committee, chapter, or sector group where you can make a difference.

Joe Salemi CAE LO Executive Director jsalemi@landscapeontario.com

MEMBERSHIP

Maximize your membership ROI

In today's competitive business landscape, every penny can make a significant difference to a company's bottom line. What we learned from the Landscape Industry Operating Stats Survey results, published in the previous issue of this magazine, is that some members aren’t taking advantage of the exclusive discounts included in their membership. Our conclusion? You may be spending more than you need to on essential equipment and services. Here’s a look at a selection of the benefits and discount programs available to members and how they can work for you.

To illustrate the point, let's step into the world of "Unbe-LEAF-able Lawncare", a fictitious young landscaping company with eight regular employees — the average count for surveyed companies.

MEET UNBE-LEAF-ABLE LAWNCARE LTD.

Unbe-LEAF-able Lawncare is a general lawn care contractor in southern Ontario. They operate with a fleet of two pickup trucks, one van and one small office car. Alongside their vehicles, they have two large-size mowers, safety equipment for their entire team, appropriate work clothes for their employees, a few lawn signs, and a first aid kit that gets restocked regularly. While this might be less than the basic toolkit for many landscaping companies, the variables and options in the industry are numerous, so we will assume the bare minimum for this scenario.

UNLOCKING DISCOUNTS FOR EVERYDAY COSTS*

Your LO membership provides significant savings on everyday operating expenses. Let's delve into the discounts Unbe-LEAFable Lawncare can take advantage of:

Fuel discounts: An average three cent per litre discount, adds up quickly when fueling up multiple vehicles regularly.

Safety equipment discounts: A 15 per cent discount on safety equipment translates to a more secure work environment, and might mean UnbeLEAF-able Lawncare can afford a few back-ups when items break or get lost.

Work clothes discounts: A 10 per cent discount on tool belts, rugged pants and durable work shirts ensures employees are dressed for the job and look credible.

Lawn signs discount: Effective and highly visible, lawn signs are essential marketing tools for a landscaping business. A 20 per cent discount helps Unbe-LEAF-able Lawncare promote their services to their clients’ neighbours without overspending.

First aid equipment discount: The safety and wellbeing of the team is a priority. A 10 per cent discount on first aid equipment ensures crew members are prepared to handle unexpected medical situations, which can — and do — happen to anyone.

BEYOND THE BASICS: EXPLORING ADDITIONAL DISCOUNTS

While the aforementioned discounts offer immediate benefits, other discounts are available too. These include:

Vehicle discounts: For a landscaping company that relies heavily on its fleet, vehicle discounts can lead to substantial savings.

Training discounts: Investing in employee development pays off in productivity and expertise. LO offers a wide range of professional development seminars where a member could save hundreds versus a non-member.

Insurance discounts: Insurance is a necessary expense, and discounts on premiums lessen the financial strain.

Marketing discounts: Landscape Ontario events, trade shows and publications connect you with key industry professionals and decision makers across the country. Members receive a discount on magazine advertising, digital marketing products and exhibit space at Congress and other events.

THE BOTTOM LINE: TRANSLATING DISCOUNTS INTO SAVINGS

Considering Unbe-LEAF-able Lawncare's size and operations, the calculated savings from utilizing the basic discounts would amount to approximately $2,000 per year after the cost of membership. That’s right, our fictional “average” member is seeing a $2,000 ROI just from discounts on essentials. With these funds saved, the company might decide to channel more resources into digital advertising, expanding their online reach and attracting new clientele. Additionally, they could plan to invest in training and education seminars for employees, nurturing a skilled and knowledgeable workforce that will drive the company's growth.

HAVE YOU MAXIMIZED YOUR MEMBERSHIP ROI?

The Operating Stats Survey results underscore the clear value of LO membership. UnbeLEAF-able Lawncare is a fictional stand-in for real businesses across the industry for whom exclusive member discounts offer a practical way to enhance their operations, trim costs and drive growth. From fueling vehicles to safeguarding employees, each discount plays a role in creating a resilient and thriving business environment. As the business landscape continues to evolve, the value of these discounts remains steadfast, demonstrating the true and enduring ROI for your LO membership.

To explore exclusive member savings visit HortTrades.com/member-savings-programs

Evan Dickson LO Director of Membership Services edickson@landscapeontario.com

PROSPERITY PARTNERS

Paying a living wage vs minimum wage

There are many ways in which the pandemic left a lasting impact on our profession. Some have been extremely beneficial, while others are applying pressure to profitability and team retention.

One of the strongest legacy benefits that stands out in my mind is the elevated consumer/propertyowner awareness and appreciation for landscapes and pleasant outdoor spaces. There was a huge increase in demand for residential landscaping at all levels. The related ripple effect that spread across all green profession sectors drove unprecedented sales, while many sectors in the economy were shut down or drastically restricted.

We have also seen an unprecedented influx of jobseekers — both from the sectors that were deeply restricted (such as food, entertainment, travel and retail), and from those sectors where workers realized how much ‘safer’ they felt working outdoors.

Along with this worker migration has come labour shortages in manufacturing and logistics — among other pressures driving inflation to levels we haven’t seen in decades. With higher costs of living comes demands for higher wages to make ends meet.

Many of you reading this column are living this new reality, which is putting an unprecedented squeeze on the gap between labour burden costs and charge out rates.

While we’ve never before (at least not in my 43-year green industry career) been poised to leverage this level of increased demand and respect for our

products and services, it is somewhat bittersweet. The pressure is on us to attract, acquire and retain great team players like never before. We need to be competitive in our wage rates, benefits and perks.

MORE THAN MINIMUM

Enter the Living Wage. It’s a concept getting lots of attention. And it’s a powerful recruiting and retention tool when properly leveraged.

Check out this website and look up the ‘living wage’ currently posted for your area: ontariolivingwage.ca/rates

Living Wage is the new minimum wage for competitive employers. You can apply and become certified as a living wage employer via ontariolivingwage.ca/certify — then promote it on your social media posts and recruitment marketing across all channels. If you’re not already paying your lower wage earners the ‘living wage,’ it will require a ‘reset’ to get your wage rates up to a competitive level. Similarly, your charge out rates will also have to bump up.

Many business owners push back on raising their charge out rates, afraid to lose customers on price. Those with multiyear contracts into which there are no clauses allowing for increased pricing or renegotiation have a different challenge. But for those who price their contracts each year, or by the project, the room is there to increase rates. Getting past the ‘price increase’ barrier requires a change in perspective.

A WIN-WIN SITUATION

For years, labour has been a top-of-mind issue. Consider this new scenario checklist for those looking to shift to paying

'Living Wage’ as a baseline:

• You have a higher demand for job seekers wanting to work outside. Check.

• You have a steady right-fit sales funnel. Check.

• You are paying a Living Wage to your newest/entry level employees, and everyone else proportionately more based on merit and capability. Check.

• You are charging out your labour and COGS plus Overhead Recovery at a rate sufficient to earn the profit you’ve targeted. Check.

• Your team is engaged, excited to learn and grow into the opportunities you have laid out for them. Check.

• You have 90 per cent retention year after year — and have little recruiting, onboarding and training to do each spring. Check.

Let’s face it: The cost of training is huge, so the less training we have to do, the more effective and profitable our teams’ performance and pride of accomplishment will be. The higher your pay scale, the more likely you can build a better workplace in which everyone on your team can thrive. A win-win for everyone. When retention is low, then both lost opportunity and the training costs are high. Training typically requires your highest paid, technically capable staff to spend much of their effort mentoring and teaching others — which means they are your highest paid and least effective people at the production tasks. A pretty expensive pattern to be stuck in.

This is a new era. One in which we have the best opportunity to raise our charge out rates (along with every other trade), in order to pay our staff well, to live well. And for them to want to grow a career within our professional sectors.

One last thought here: If you’re worried about raising rates, just consider that for every customer or quote you might lose by increasing your charge out rate, it makes room for customers who are ready and willing to pay well for your services at a higher and up-to-date rate. Better trained and experienced staff do a better job, customers notice and see the value. Everyone is happier — you, the team, your customers.

Jacki Hart CLM Prosperity Partners Program Manager