Gardens Flourish & Smiles Bloom
Greenhorizons, the sod experts, proudly celebrates our longstanding tradition of excellence. Over the years, we have been at the forefront of delivering premium sod solutions, transforming landscapes into lush, vibrant green spaces that enhance the beauty and sustainability of outdoor spaces. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction remains unwavering, making Greenhorizons a trusted name in the industry.
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.
Staff contact info: HortTrades.com/contact
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Leveraging your association connections for success
Our association is a treasure trove of connections. Engaging with fellow members through meetings, events and online forums. Building strong relationships within our community can lead to referrals, collaborations and new business opportunities. Taking advantage of Landscape Ontario’s platforms to showcase your skills and projects (hint: apply for an Award of Excellence before the Oct. 1 deadline). Contributing articles, case studies or project highlights to our publications, newsletters and website. All of this visibility within the community can attract potential clients and partners. Use your slower time to enhance your skills and knowledge. Attend workshops, webinars and training sessions organized by the association (or suggest one you’d like to create). Staying updated with the latest trends and techniques can make you more competitive and open up new avenues for work. Consider providing consultations, workshops or small pro bono projects for community groups or neighbourhood businesses through your local chapter. This not only helps build your portfolio but also establishes goodwill and can lead to paying projects in the future.
Reach out to experienced members for mentorship through LO’s Peer to Peer Network. Their insights and advice can be invaluable while navigating tough times and finding new opportunities. Use the resources available through the association, such as job boards
(Landscape.jobs), industry reports and market info. These tools can help you identify potential opportunities and stay informed about industry trends.
Remember that you are not alone. Never hesitate to connect with peers who might be facing similar challenges. Sharing experiences and solutions can provide emotional support and foster a sense of community. The association often advocates for policies and initiatives that benefit our industry. Stay informed about these efforts by subscribing to e-news and participate when possible. Collective action can lead to broader opportunities and a more favourable business environment for everyone.
Take advantage of the benefits, relationships and knowledge you’ve gained as a member, and use them to set yourself up for future success. Develop a strategic plan that outlines your goals, target markets and potential projects for the upcoming year or season. By proactively building a robust pipeline, you can ensure a steady flow of work and minimize the impact of seasonal fluctuations.
Our association is here to support you, not just in prosperous times, but also during periods of uncertainty. By leveraging the resources and connections available to us through Landscape Ontario, we can navigate these challenges together and emerge victorious.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, need assistance or simply want to share your experiences. We are stronger together.
President
ASSOCIATION NEWS
Touch-A-Truck events help to support local communities
Volunteers from various Landscape Ontario Chapters and Women in Landscaping teamed up to hold five Touch-A-Truck events in communities across Ontario on July 20.
These one-day interactive events offered local residents a chance to get up close and personal with different types of industry vehicles and equipment, plus a chance to explore and learn about the many benefits of landscaping and the various career opportunities available.
Landscape Ontario would like to thank the members who displayed equipment, those who volunteered to organize and run the events, and the many sponsors who contributed to make the events possible.
LONDON CHAPTER
Over 4,500 people attended the London Touch-A-Truck event held by Women in Landscaping (WIL) with support from Landscape Ontario’s London Chapter (LOLC).
The Forest City Community Church in London, Ont., was transformed into a hive of activity that introduced the community to the profession on July 20.
Over 25 companies represented the profession, plus a number of industry organizations, including the International Society of Arboriculture Ontario and Build A Dream.
Organizers would like to thank the many volunteers from Women in Landscaping and London Chapter.
WIL co-founder Carla Bailey said, “We continue to be amazed at how much our profession gives back on days like Touch-A-Truck and WIL/LOLC continues to push for these events throughout the province.”
OTTAWA CHAPTER
Approximately 400 people attended Ottawa Chapter’s Touch-A-Truck event at the Nepean Sportsplex in Nepean, Ont., where about 25 machines and trucks were on hand. The event also featured a planting station, sandbox, sidewalk chalk drawing and an artificial turf wall with a cutout for face pictures.
Landscape Ontario would like to recognize the following individuals who made this event possible: Thomas Hoyle, Griffin Kozij, Ed Hansen, Joan Johnston, Jen Sib, Jenna Kelly, Amanda Carrigan, Caroline Agnew and Shane Saunders.
Exhibitors said it was an excellent opportunity to meet the local community and give back and that they are looking forward to the event again next year.
Continued >
GOLDEN HORSESHOE CHAPTER
About 30 pieces of machinery varying from small equipment to large dump trucks, trains, cranes and trailers were on hand at the Golden Horseshoe Chapter Touch-A-Truck event at St. Paul The Apostle Parish in Burlington, Ont.
Visitors were asked to bring nonperishable food items to support the Burlington Food Bank, and in all, 33 pounds of food and $263 in individual donations were received. The chapter also donated $1,000.
A special kids zone area offered face painting, balloon artists and more.
Landscape Ontario would like to thank
the many members who participated and supported the event, including: Jim Edmonds, Scott Laporte, Jacob Wallace and Chris Church.
Chapter board member Scott Laporte from Unique Landscape Services said, “The community support was outstanding, with fantastic participation from both vendors and attendees. It was heartwarming to see so many young minds captivated by the event, and we hope this experience inspires them to pursue careers in our exciting landscape industry. Let's not forget, the trades are not only essential, but also fun and rewarding!”
You can find photos and videos of the Touch-A-Truck events at gfl.me/hbLv.
WATERLOO CHAPTER
The Kitchener Memorial Auditorium hosted Waterloo Chapter’s Touch-A-Truck event that saw nearly 1,500 people show up to see the 30 pieces of equipment on display from nine LO member companies.
Featuring live demos, food trucks and fun for kids, the event also featured a Stuff-A-Truck campaign that collected 185 pounds of food and over $125 in donations for The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. The collection was enough to provide 407 meals to those in need.
Landscape Ontario would like to recognize: Blake Sicard, Missy Tester, Anne-Lise Watson-Baxter and Trevor Garner for their volunteer efforts.
UPPER CANADA CHAPTER
Upper Canada Chapter members presented the Community Development Council of Quinte (CDC) with a donation of $9,500 following the Touch-A-Truck event held at Connon Nurseries in Trenton, Ont., on July 20.
Supporting sponsors, Sprouts Premium Earth Products, Dibbits Landscape Supply, VanSoelen Landscaping, and Schoonhoven Landscape & Industrial Services each donated over $1,000 to CDC — whose goal is to improve access to community food while also using food to unite and build community.
About 1,000 to 1,500 people attended the event that included a Stuff-A-Truck campaign that collected non-perishable food items, baby items and individual donations to CDC.
The event included a horticultural planting area and educational component to complement the 19 various pieces of equipment on display from 10 companies.
Volunteer organizers Lisa Smith, Stephen Poole, Karina Lapierre, Chris Lamer and some of the Connon Nurseries team are extremely happy with the event and are already looking forward to having the event again next year.
Entry closes Oct. 1 for member-only awards program
Landscape Ontario member companies have until Oct. 1 to complete online entries for the 2025 Awards of Excellence program.
New this year, submitted projects that score 80 to 89 per cent will receive an Award of Merit and scores between
90 and 100 per cent will receive an Award of Excellence. The change comes in response to the increasing professionalism and advancement of projects entered in previous years.
Nearly 50 entry categories are available within five major programs: construction,
maintenance, design, lighting and irrigation.
Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony held in conjunction with Landscape Ontario’s Congress Trade Show and Conference in January. For full details visit LOawards.com.
Chris Lamer (far left) and Lisa Smith (second from right) from Landscape Ontario’s Upper Canada Chapter present the proceeds of the Touch-A-Truck event to CDC Quinte’s Rachelle Baldock and Ruth Ingersoll (far right).
In Memoriam — Jessica Aytoun
Born April 26, 1985, Jessica Aytoun was a kind and loving person who cherished her family, her pets and her career. She had an innate ability to bring joy to those around her with her warm smile and generous spirit. Aytoun fought a courageous battle with cancer and left this earth too young on Aug. 3, 2024.
Jessica served as secretary of Landscape Ontario's Windsor Chapter Board for many years, contributing significantly with her dedication and positive outlook. Jessica was not only a valued colleague but also a dear friend to many within the chapter and the profession.
Her presence will be greatly missed.
She is now reunited in Heaven with Bup, Grandma, Aunt Candy and Grandpa, who will welcome her with open arms. Jessica leaves behind her dearest parents Christine and Richard, her partner Jeff, her brother Matthew and wife Hailey, and her cousins Greig, Renee, Ali and Nolan. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her memory will live on in our hearts forever.
In lieu of flowers, if so desired, donations can be made to the Humane Society of Windsor and Essex County.
Snow and ice pros gather at Snowposium 2024
By Yuantong Anita Liu
Landscape Ontario’s Snowposium 2024 took place on July 31 at the International Centre in Mississauga, Ont. Over 400 snow and ice control professionals from across the province attended the annual conference at its new location — a sign of the significant growth the event has continued to enjoy since its inception.
Gerald Boot, president and CEO of Boot’s Landscaping & Maintenance and chair of the association’s Snow and Ice Sector Group, which organized the event, praised the event’s success this year. “I've been doing this for a lot of years, and I would say this Snowposium this year is the best ever,” Boot said.
He highlighted the benefits of the event’s indoor location, noting that it allowed everyone to stay together and made it easier to engage with exhibitors and attendees. “It’s not raining inside, or very hot, so the temperature is perfect, and I think the size of the show is excellent,” Boot added.
Not only was the expanded trade show floor impressive, but Snowposium also featured panel discussions, expert presentations and important updates affecting the industry, such as liability issues. “Right now, the contractors are taking all the risk and absorbing all the claims for slip and falls. That needs to change,” Boot said. He believes that Landscape Ontario is playing a crucial role in advocating for fairer liability standards in the industry.
Kyle Stevenson, sales developer for Ed Stewart’s Equipment, a presenting sponsor, also recognized the value of the event. “Snow is a big part of our business. It has always been since we started in 1955. You could almost say snow is in our blood, and the Snowposium team does a great job of putting this event on,” Stevenson said.
“I like that it’s at the International Centre. It gives more space, a little more of a professional feel to it,” he added. The timing of the event, which was moved from September to July, allowed exhibitors and attendees to better prepare for the upcoming winter season. “This July time is a good time to get out ahead of their purchasing ideas,” Stevenson noted.
He also appreciated the opportunity to connect with clients in person, strengthening business relationships. “We have a lot of customers in the area. They’re all going to be attending the show today, so it’s good to put some face time in showing that we’re here and show them we care about the industry,” Stevenson said.
Snowposium’s ability to foster community and long-term relationships is what makes it stand out for many attendees. Stevenson shared a personal story about a customer who became a close friend, illustrating the deep connections formed within the industry. “Over the last 10 years, we’ve dealt multiple times on snow and ice control equipment, and today I would say he’s become one of my very close friends,” Stevenson said.
Shawn Collins, general manager of Postcard Perfect, highlighted the importance of the event for connecting with customers and understanding industry trends. “It’s a great way for us to connect with customers, get a better understanding of what the industry is going through right now and what they’re looking for,” Collins said.
For Collins, the event was also about community involvement. “For us, it’s just being involved with the community, understanding what’s going on and
what’s coming up,” he added.
Postcard Perfect has been a member of Landscape Ontario for many years, and Collins emphasized how the event strengthens their ties to both the industry and the community. “Being good stewards of communities [is important] as well. It's not always about taking, it's about giving," Collins said.
Nicole Quigley, owner of Storm Solutions Plus, attended the event to establish her company in the market. “We’re fairly new snow equipment suppliers, so we’re just looking to get our name out and supply snow fighters like us with some equipment that we think is well needed in the industry,” Quigley said.
Quigley and her husband have been involved in snow removal for over 16 years, and Snowposium offered them a platform to introduce their products to a receptive audience. “It’s definitely something that’s needed in Ontario with all the snow we get,” Quigley noted.
With strong attendance and positive feedback, Snowposium has solidified its place as a key event for snow and ice professionals in Ontario. The event’s growth from a small parking lot show to a major event at the International Centre demonstrates its increasing importance to the industry.
Boot is optimistic about the future, noting the success of this year’s event sets a high standard for what’s to come. “Hopefully, next year we can have a bigger show and a better show,” Boot said. Plans are already underway to accomplish this for next year, promising continued growth and success for this important industry gathering event.
Details of Snowposium 2025 will be made available via the event website at snowposium.ca.
Andrew Scott Revington passed away at London Health Sciences Centre in London, Ont., on July 14, 2024. He was 63 years old.
In Memoriam — Scott Revington
Revington started Artistic Shadows Landscapes and Pools in Arva, Ont., servicing London and the surrounding area. He was an accomplished landscaper and designer who beautifully enhanced numerous properties with his integrated designs and was recognized with multiple
Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence. Scott was a lifetime lover of everything natural and this was reflected in each of his landscaping creations.
Scott grew up in Lucan and was an active member in many community activities such as skating teams, hockey, clubs, church serving, swim teams and water polo. Scott graduated from Medway High School and earned his degree in Forestation from Sir Sanford Fleming in Lindsay, Ont.
He loved his wilderness experiences as a Junior Ranger and his time in Sault Ste. Marie working for Weyerhaeuser.
Scott especially loved playing his guitars, songwriting and recording original music. Scott loved canoeing, archery, hockey, skiing, swimming and snowmobiling.
The family would like to extend their sincerest appreciation for the professional care Scott received in ICU at University Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, please forward donations to The Heart and Stroke Foundation and LHSC Foundation, University Hospital in memory of Scott.
The NEW Landscape.jobs
July 1 marked a new phase in the development of Landscape Ontario's official job platform, Landscape.jobs.
Since before the pandemic, increased employee turnover and workforce shortages have made it difficult to recruit skilled professionals for landscape and horticulture employers. Part of Landscape Ontario's commitment to addressing this crucial issue is the development of a recruitment platform designed to meet the specific needs of landscape and horticulture professionals and firms.
In 2021, as part of a government-
funded initiative, the first version of Landscape.jobs was launched on a thirdparty recruitment platform. By covering the platform's user fees, these funds helped build a network of landscape and horticulture job-seekers and employers. While the functionality and customization options were limited, the administration of this early platform provided significant insight into developing our own recruitment platform.
On July 1, Landscape Ontario's official job platform, Landscape.jobs, was launched. With an enhanced user
experience and industry-specific features, the new platform provides the flexibility to meet and adapt to the needs of the landscape and horticulture profession now and in the future.
SIMPLE AND ACCESSIBLE
An industry-specific job platform needs to meet the challenges of the landscape and horticulture work environment. We know mobile access is important, so now you can create and update your job posts online from any device — no login required. We've also eliminated the
barriers between job seekers and your posts by putting the job board right on the home page so your jobs are front and centre.
LESS HASSLE, MORE HIRING
Whether you're posting a job, viewing an application or contacting a job seeker, you can access everything you need directly from your email inbox.
FREE SCREENING TOOLS
The demands of a job in landscape and horticulture are too often underestimated or misunderstood. Employee turnover is costly evidence of this reality. Landscape. jobs' New Worker Screening Tool is designed to help communicate these unique demands, assess an applicant's suitability and establish the key skills and experience they bring to the role. Select the New Worker Screening Tool for your job post and it will automatically be added to your online application.
PROFESSIONAL PROFILES
In August, Landscape.jobs introduced a new way to connect employers with jobseeking professionals. Hiring? Search
current profiles and contact suitable candidates directly through their online profile. Looking for work? Create a free profile and let employers come to you. The easy-to-use online form helps you showcase your skills and experience with no login required — just use your email to update or deactivate your profile at any time.
LANDSCAPE ONTARIO'S WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT HUB
The enhanced flexibility and scalability of Landscape.jobs allows us to create a comprehensive ecosystem tailored to the professional development and networking needs of the landscape and horticulture industry.
The One-Click Apply now makes it faster and easier for you to access fully funded professional training and support anytime you create or edit your job post or Professional Profile.
HIRING JOB-READY GROW GRADUATES JUST GOT EASIER
Landscape Ontario’s GROW Training for New Workers prepares over 100 new professionals for their first jobs in
WHOLESALE, LANDSCAPE SUPPLY YARD
landscape and horticulture each year. Starting this fall, employers can connect directly with the program’s latest job-ready graduates via their Professional Profiles featured on Landscape.jobs.
GROWING STRONGER, TOGETHER
We greatly appreciate your patience and flexibility throughout the transition to the new Landscape.jobs. We couldn't have taken this step forward without your valuable feedback on the early jobs website. As we continue to evolve and enhance Landscape.jobs, your feedback will play a crucial role.
Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm for these efforts. We look forward to growing with you.
COMMITTED TO GROWING A ROBUST AND PROFESSIONAL WORKFORCE
Funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario through the Skills Development Fund, Landscape Ontario's Workforce Development team delivers a range of free training and support services for landscape and horticulture professionals. Go to www.lotraining.ca/sdf to learn more.
SCHOLARSHIP PROFILE
Inspired to build something from nothing
Qozim Adegoke is a second-year student in the Landscape Horticulture program at St. Clair College in Windsor, Ont. He received a $1,000 PostSecondary Scholarship in 2023 from the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation (Foundation). The scholarships are available to full-time students entering their final year of a horticulture degree or diploma program, or any other program of benefit to the horticultural industry, at university, college or polytechnic institute.
Candidates are chosen based on their transcripts, as well as a twoparagraph essay on why they entered the horticultural industry and what they see as their future in the industry. Qozim said, “Our professors at the college keep advising us to apply for scholarships. You just never know.”
Qozim would love to gain additional
certification in irrigation and golf course management before pursuing a Master’s in Project Management or Business Administration. When not in class, Qozim enjoys playing basketball, ping pong and soccer. “I love going to symphony orchestra concerts in my free time and listening to handpan melodies at home for relaxation after a long day in class or work,” Qozim said.
What early exposure did you have to landscaping and horticulture?
I had my Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture already, which gave me the idea and basic knowledge about plants in general. And my father being a real estate developer gave me an insight of the construction aspect of landscaping as he would want me to be on-site on a regular basis to supervise the on-going project.
What prompted you to pursue a career in landscape or horticulture?
After my undergraduate degree, I was thinking of going for my Master’s but I figured I really haven’t gained the optimal knowledge in agriculture, as I felt like I did not go through enough practical sessions during my days in the university. So I decided to take a program where I could have enough practical and visual understanding of what I have studied so far. This is when I did my research on the best college that offers the best practical classes for horticultural programs in Ontario. Luckily for me, I found St. Clair College and the rest was history.
What career path do you plan to take after graduation?
I have a passion for creativity. I love building projects from nothing to something; that makes me feel good. I am looking at being a certified landscape designer so I can work for one of the best landscaping companies in Ontario, growing, learning and designing award-winning projects
together, but I also want to be in the hardscape crew to improve my hands-on skills. As the world is evolving to an AI industrialization, I feel like skilled trades will soon be a protected gem in the job industries because AI can’t plant your trees nor will it be able to do the hardscape jobs.
My long-term goals and vision are quite enormous; redefining the landscape construction and design of real estate development in my home country Nigeria is something I am looking forward to achieving. What is premium luxury without that outdoor lifestyle? [I’d like to take] what I have learned in the landscape industry here in Canada to other young hardworking skilled tradespeople to improve the skilled labour sector in my country, also seek investors to build the first coastal ocean golf club in Nigeria and build more projects from there.
What are the benefits of a career in the profession?
Migrating from a tropical country, I find it interesting learning about new trees and plants that thrive in
this climatic region. I love how the seasons change, leaves dropping, and bringing out fresh greenery every year which is something not quite common in the tropics. Staying fit with less need to go to the gym sometimes is something I like about this profession.
How did winning a scholarship make a difference in your life?
Realizing the Foundation appreciates one's effort is something that keeps me going. It’s more like a booster to keep on striving and continuing doing what you do because someone will surely see that and appreciate you. Honestly, I felt relieved that some part of my tuition fee is being paid for and I am grateful for that.
The Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation is a charitable organization whose mandate is to “ensure a healthy future for the horticulture industry.” To learn more about the many scholarships available under the Foundation and Cullen Family Scholarship Program, please visit ohtf.ca/scholarships.
VOLUNTEER PROFILE
Engaging youth is everything for Jay Terryberry
By Julia Harmsworth
Long-time Landscape Ontario volunteer Jay Terryberry has dedicated his many years with the Windsor Chapter to engaging and educating young people in the landscape and horticulture trades.
“One of the great things about horticulture that we explain to students is it’s hard work, but [it comes with] tremendous satisfaction. There are so many things you can get involved in. There’s landscape construction, there’s
greenhouse growing, there’s golf course, there’s sod — it goes on and on and on,” Terryberry said.
After graduating from the Landscape Horticulture program at St. Clair College in Windsor, Ont., in 1981, Terryberry worked in the garden centre at Orchard Farms doing turf maintenance, deliveries and landscape installations.
Terryberry returned to his alma mater in 1987,
A Picture’s worth a thousand words
teaching courses in turf care, environmental sciences, construction, greenhouse growing and horticulture science before retiring in 2019. “There wasn’t much there that I didn’t teach,” he said.
Terryberry first learned of LO as a student. His college instructors were members and encouraged students to attend meetings and to volunteer; the students often built gardens at local malls. Terryberry became a member himself partly to continue this legacy.
“When I was teaching, I wanted the students to make sure that they were involved as much as they possibly could be with LO,” Terryberry said. He brought his students to Congress to build gardens and encouraged them to participate in skill competitions at Canada Blooms.
During his early involvement with the Windsor Chapter Board — on which he was a director, St. Clair College liaison, vice-president, president and now past president — he worked on LO’s early education programs and student initiatives.
Terryberry also participated in meetings about getting younger people involved in the trades. He believes exposing students to LO is key to both their employment post-grad and the future of the industry. As the older generation retires from the profession and looks to pass on the torch, they’re finding there aren’t enough qualified people to carry it on.
“That’s still the big question now: how do you get more people in the trades, and how do you keep them there?” Terryberry said. As a positive step forward, a student representative from St. Clair College currently sits on the Windsor Chapter Board.
“We’ve always had a really good involvement with St. Clair College, and being a former staff member, that was my goal: to keep them involved. The more they get involved, the better it is for the industry,” he said.
When asked about his favourite volunteer projects he’s worked on, Terryberry named three: First, the chapter’s efforts designing, building and maintaining
gardens at the Hospice of Windsor and Essex County.
Second, LO’s garden makeover initiative to give back to frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The chapter donated time and materials to make over the garden of Dan and Megan Monk — a firefighter and nurse — in Amherstburg, Ont.
“We did their front and back yard. We sodded it and put in all kinds of plants. It turned out great and they were so thankful,” Terryberry said. “It’s a good thing to set up and do, and I was really happy to be involved with that.”
Third, the chapter’s efforts sponsoring the Windsor Residence for Young Men, which aids 16- to 24-year-old men experiencing homelessness. Volunteers do landscape maintenance work on the organization’s property in Windsor, and the chapter supports it in annual charity golf tournaments.
“The chapter is very strong in our own small way. We’re trying to keep everybody engaged and keep the industry moving forward,” Terryberry said.
One of Terryberry’s favourite things about being involved with LO is the camaraderie and support between members. He enjoys sitting down with people, sharing insights about their businesses, learning from each other and collaborating to make everyone successful.
“You come together — sometimes it’s just over a beer — and you talk to people about the industry and where it’s been and where it’s going,” he said. “We’re helping each other out.”
In addition to seeing fellow members succeed, Terryberry finds great satisfaction in seeing his students succeed. For him, a lot of that success comes from involvement. He expressed thanks to those who gave him the push to get involved, and strives to pay this effort forward to young landscape and horticulture professionals.
“Seeing [my students] graduate and seeing how many of them have gone on to be successful — it’s very satisfying. It’s good to run into old students who say, ‘Hey, I’m still in the trades and I’m still very successful.’ That’s the best part of it."
Member Pro le
Happiness is a winning formula at
By Ryan O’Connor
Ask Michael Chudy to describe the key ingredient to the success of his East York, Ont., landscaping company and he can chalk it up to one simple factor.
“The focus really has been the staff, from the very beginning,” says Chudy, owner and head gardener at Gardenzilla. “We’ve really prioritized employee morale and work-life balance from the beginning, and the rest has fallen into place.”
Chudy founded Gardenzilla in 2014 after a decade-long detour from the green trades into web-development and managerial work. He says a conversation with his mom and sister helped him make the permanent transition back into the trade by starting his own company.
“I found that my career became a lot of managerial and administrative work, and that’s not satisfying to me,” says Chudy. “One day my mom said to me, ‘You’ve seemed a lot less happy since you last left landscaping.’ I agreed immediately and really haven’t looked back since.”
Since its inception, Gardenzilla has offered a wide range of landscaping services in the East York community, starting off with seasonal property maintenance and cleanup and growing over the years to offer additional services such as scheduled lawn mowing and garden installation.
Originally, the company was composed of Chudy and a few workers carrying out jobs in a smattering of locations across the city. Now, it has grown into a full-fledged landscaping operation that has operated in its community for over a decade.
High morale pays off
After driving over 10 years of success and growth, Chudy believes that holding a high level of respect and appreciation for his staff has been instrumental to high customer satisfaction. In his eyes, keeping employee morale high is the ultimate payoff.
“Yes, we are known for doing great jobs and being reliable and that is crucial,” says Chudy. “But that’s really a product of having happy staff. When staff are happy, business will follow.”
Workers at Gardenzilla split into separate teams at the start of each workday to provide seasonal landscaping services in the East York area. “One group could be doing a garden pest control job in The Beaches,” says Chudy, “and another could be doing weed pruning in Leaside. We’re on [the] go, all day, every day.”
Alongside Gardenzilla’s growth, Chudy has introduced company programs such as
mandatory sick days and generous health benefits to help keep his staff happy throughout the year. An affinity towards the often physically demanding work also plays a role in employee satisfaction.
“To work this job, you’ve got to love being outside,” says Chudy. “Heaven to me means I come home at the end of the day and I can’t wash the dirt out from the grooves of my fingers. To some degree, I think every longtime employee here feels the same way. You gotta love it.”
Chudy finds having love for the job at hand translates to positive customer interactions. With an average review score of 4.9 stars on Google with over 350 reviews, Chudy may have found the key to ensuring his customers receive top-notch service with every job.
“A lot of the positive reviews I read online mention the cheerful service we give, always willing to answer questions or lend a hand where needed,” says Chudy. “We’re well-liked in our community and I fully believe our happy people are the reason.”
Back at the ranch
Nestled neatly in the community that it serves, Gardenzilla’s main headquarters is located in Leaside Industrial Park, in the East York neighbourhood of Leaside. Acquiring this property was a gamble, says Chudy, but it has paid itself off by helping keep his staff close-knit.
“As a young guy with no business background, I took a big roll of the dice and bought a very large property in Leaside in 2020, way larger than what we needed,” says Chudy, “with my thought process being, ‘The only way this company will grow is if we're all together.’”
Chudy has made it a central hub for his team to meet in the morning and hang out when they have a few extra minutes in the day. As his team disperses into groups at the start of the day, he believes that one central space has a gravitational effect, drawing the team back together later on.
“We’ve always been locally operated, so it’s important for me to keep it close,” says Chudy. “My staff live in the area, and we’ve made great relationships with people in this part of Toronto. We aim to be the absolute gold standard in this area.”
Chudy has set up boardrooms, an offthe-clock lounge and a patio area at the Leaside property to maintain that level of closeness that he sees as essential to the success of Gardenzilla. He says
the camaraderie of his team goes hand in hand with Gardenzilla’s close relationship to the community it serves.
“When we get together in the morning, it’s all smiles,” says Chudy, “And from there on out, the staff are sort of free to build their own schedule with the demands of the day. That gives a level of control over their day that I think they appreciate.”
Planting seeds for long-term success
When asked if there are any future plans for expansion, Chudy remains confident that by focusing on employee satisfaction and keeping things local, Gardenzilla will continue to thrive.
“There’s no pressure for us to expand,” he says. “We’re a local landscaping company, and that’s who we’ll continue to be. In terms of longterm growth, I think we’re going to look at the services we already provide and improve on them on the same scale.”
The landscaping business has seen an exponential increase in demand following the COVID-19 pandemic, matched annually by the increasing number of houses built in Ontario since that time. Knowing this, Chudy explains how there is no pressure to grapple with other landscaping companies in the East York area to remain competitive or gain an advantage.
“There's a near infinite supply of work within the relatively small community we operate in,” says Chudy. “Our competition isn’t really competition. That’s why we can just focus on offering the best services we can.”
Though he still views Gardenzilla as a small business, it requires all hands on deck to make Michael Chudy’s company run smoothly. From the staff at headquarters answering the phones to the landscapers working on-site yearround, everyone plays a role.
“It feels silly to single out any one person who has made Gardenzilla what it is today,” says Chudy. “We’ve always loved the work we do and the community we serve sees that.”
By continuing to focus on employee happiness, Chudy can maintain the high standard that his company has already set for itself in the East York community. It's worked out well for him so far.
“Supporting the team, pulling people together, making them feel like they have a home and that they’re enjoying themselves is the most important thing to me.”
TORONTO CHAPTER BURSARY SUPPORTS
LOCAL COMMUNITY PROJECTS
By Julia Harmsworth
Since 2017, the Toronto Chapter of Landscape Ontario has funded various community greening projects within the city through its annual bursary program. This year, 10 community projects were awarded up to $1,500 each in order to support smallscale projects in the neighbourhoods our members live and work in.
Landscape Ontario Magazine reached out to organizers of some of the projects about their achievements, spanning from native plant gardens, green schoolyards and sustainability initiatives.
MAKING NATIVE PLANT EDUCATION MULTILINGUAL
Cardy Lai, horticultural technician and organizer of West Toronto Native Blooms, is on a mission to grow knowledge about native plants and pollinators — specifically among non-English speaking people.
“I notice a lot of the education — at least in Toronto — around native plants and their benefits is largely available in
English, so there’s a lot of the population who doesn’t have access to this education and this type of gardening,” Lai said. “So by approaching a Korean church that’s already a community, [it’s] a very efficient way to tap into a large, different audience.”
Thanks to these efforts, Toronto Bethel Community Church in Toronto is now home to a pollinator garden. The bursary funded weather-proof multilingual signage, plants and fence-building materials to support the space.
A Korean horticulturist is also giving lectures at the garden after sermons on Sundays in Korean, to complement hands-on workshops.
LOCAL LANEWAY GOES GREEN
Bilton Laneway, a neighbourhood greening project in Toronto’s Forest Hill Village, also earned funding. Suzanne Long, whose apartment overlooks the laneway, began transforming the littered space into a green oasis several years ago.
Now, it’s a safe place to walk, socialize and relax outdoors — a necessity the locals previously lacked. “People gather there. Little kids come out to play with their parents after dinner. I know a number of older couples who walk the laneway just to see what’s in bloom,” Long said. “It’s just a little place for people to be.”
Volunteers maintain the laneway’s five ever-changing planting areas. Despite tough growing conditions — lots of shade and asphalt — it’s a friendly home for pollinators. Long is experimenting with native perennials in concrete planters that require minimal water.
The bursary helped purchase metal edging and plant material to properly edge and contain these areas. Long expressed her eternal gratitude to LO for its support.
“It’s a small group of us,” she said. “The grants we got from Landscape Ontario with their trust that we would do what we said we were going to do — those made all the difference.”
MCPI Land Stewards
A total of $12,500 was awarded this year to the following successful applications under the chapter’s bursary program:
STUDENTS
COME TOGETHER THROUGH GARDENING
Funding also helped support a garden at York University’s Bethune College. The garden lives in the college’s central courtyard and is home to a variety of native plants, including raspberries and currants — newly purchased with the bursary money.
Organizer Claire Del Zotto was inspired to start the project by a summer research placement in a pollinator lab at York. “It really opened my eyes to how much community you can build with even a tiny garden,” she said.
Now, the college’s volunteer sustainability team maintains the garden and runs information sessions to teach students about sustainable gardening practices. In an event this summer, students will work together to make signs for the garden to inform passers-by about the plants.
“It gives [students] a way to engage with each other, while also learning a
meaningful hobby — like, staying off social media, getting some fresh air, getting some exercise. Students seem to really love it,” Del Zoto said. “It’s been really inspiring to see people coming together.”
CAMPUS GREEN SPACES BRINGS CURRICULUM ALIVE
James Robinson Public School, a K-8 school in Markham, Ont., secured funding to upgrade and maintain its universally accessible schoolyard. The space promotes outdoor play and learning with seating, green space and a “loose parts play zone,” which promotes cooperation and problem-solving skills.
“It brings the curriculum alive,” said organizer Jeanette McLellan. “In grade three, you talk about structures. Now you can go outside and in your play actually build structures, and bring those learning points to life.”
Eighty per cent of kids at the school are bussed in from high-density living areas with little access to greenery, so school
is their main opportunity for outdoor play. “I can’t express the importance — emotionally, physically, intellectually — for kids to play outside,” McLellan said.
The bursary purchased log seating, cedar mulch, sand and other materials. Neighbouring dog walkers and bikers who use the area’s paved walking trail are also enjoying the upgrades.
Monarch Park Collegiate Institute, a 9-12 school in east Toronto, also secured funding to upgrade its green space.
Seeds, soil, compost and native plants were purchased to transform grass into a pollinator and food garden. Organizer Heidi Pospisil said students took an active role in starting the garden and growing the food.
“We had this gaggle of teenagers who wanted to get their hands dirty,” she said. “And it’s important, especially in a city context, where we’re so disconnected from where our food comes from. I think it’s good for all of us to re-learn that basic knowledge.”
FRESH PRODUCE FOR HIGH-DENSITY DWELLERS
Thorncliffe Park Urban Farmers, a group based in Thorncliffe Park, Toronto, earned funding to support its two communal vegetable gardens. The gardens are located on low-income residential apartment properties where residents may lack access to fresh produce.
“The original intention was to address the food inequality and insecurity in the neighbourhood,” said volunteer Najeeb Siddiqui. He said the gardens have become focal points in the area, attracting people from all over the community.
The group is also working to clear invasive plants from the gardens’ surrounding areas and replace them with native plants and wildflowers. Welcoming pollinators promises to make the vegetable harvest — shared by the buildings’ residents at no cost to them — even more bountiful.
The bursary helped purchase native woodland plants, metal raised beds and triple mix. The raised beds were a necessary addition to make the garden more accessible.
“One of our youth volunteers is in a wheelchair, and she comes every Saturday and Sunday. For her, having a raised bed is a blessing, because that is totally within her reach to grow, to water, to work on those beds. It’s exactly what we were missing before,” Siddiqui said.
COMMUNITY-LED EFFORTS GREEN URBAN SPACES
Indigenous collective Kih’ti-gewin works to restore urban lands based on Indigenous ways of knowing. The bursary funded the purchase of native plants and garden supplies to support the group’s garden in North York, which grows traditional medicine plants.
Another organization, Regenesis, stewards green space through empowering students and youth to make the community more sustainable. The group earned funding to purchase plant materials for a garden day on the University of Toronto’s St. George Campus, when students will plant seedlings.
Also, Toronto Nature Stewards received bursary funding to purchase native plants for its 42 sites across Toronto. In events the group organizes, volunteers remove invasive plants, plant native ones and clear litter.
The organization empowers communities to restore their local natural ecosystems. There’s an awareness element to its activities; coordinator Luke Kwong said when people see volunteers working in the sites, they learn more about invasive species and native plants.
HORT SOCIETY WELCOMES NEIGHBOURS TO THE GARDEN
Roselands Horticultural Society, a local organization dedicated to horticulture, secured funding for its latest garden installation project at North Runnymede United Church in York, Ont. The garden is home to a variety of native plants which the bursary helped purchase.
“I live in the area, and that corner screamed ‘It needs a garden!’” said Dawna Wright, society board member. “When I saw the bursary application come up, I was like, ‘That’s it!’”
The church is located in a residential area on a bus route, so it’s a place for locals as well as churchgoers. Wright is planning a “Welcome to the Garden” party to inform neighbours about the importance of native plants, pollinators and biodiversity.
“I’m a big proponent of pollinator gardens, and I wanted to beautify the neighbourhood, and I want to educate people that insects are important, and we can make a win/win situation out of it. It looks beautiful, but it’s really for the insects,” Wright said.
Applications for the 2025 Toronto Chapter Bursary Program will open in early 2025. For details and to see past recipients, visit gfl.me/hbLm.
1. Thorncliffe Park Urban Farmers 2. Bilton Laneway
3. Roselands Horticultural Society 4. James Robinson Public School
Selling value over price
A STRATEGIC APPROACH FOR LANDSCAPE ENTREPRENEURS
By Glenn Curtis
In the highly competitive world of professional landscaping, the temptation to lower prices in order to secure projects is ever-present. In my more than 40 years of experience in the business, however, I have discovered that selling based on value — the quality and service you provide, as well as the long-term benefits of the work to the homeowner — is a far more profitable and sustainable approach.
In this article, I will share some of the insights and strategies that have proven successful for my own business, Plantenance Landscape Group. These strategies have proven effective in ensuring our clients are satisfied while creating a truly thriving business.
The risks of price negotiation
Before I get into pricing for value, let’s look at how engaging in price negotiations
can actually cause real harm to your business. When clients realize that prices are negotiable, they tend to undervalue your services and expect discounts regularly, setting a dangerous precedent. This practice usually erodes profit margins, devalues your work and can even damage your reputation and client relationships. By standing firm on pricing and focusing on the value and quality of services you provide, you can maintain the integrity of your business and ensure fair compensation for your work.
The importance of transparent pricing
The first step in selling value over price is building trust — and transparent pricing forms the bedrock of that trust. In my experience, a well-informed client is a satisfied client. Clearly communicating the true costs involved in landscape projects demystifies the process and
sets realistic expectations. Transparency should extend beyond just the numbers; it encompasses explaining the scope of work, quality of materials and the expertise required to execute the project. When clients understand what they are paying for, they are less likely to negotiate and more likely to appreciate the value of your services. This approach not only fosters trust but also positions your business as a reputable and honest entity in the industry.
Knowing your numbers for success
Before you can provide transparent pricing that takes into account the value your company brings, you need to understand your numbers. Knowing the costs associated with materials, labour and overhead allows you to provide accurate and honest quotes to your clients. This understanding is
crucial not just for transparency but also for effectively discussing price and demonstrating your expertise. Clients generally appreciate it when you can clearly explain and validate the costs involved, which builds their confidence and trust in your operations. This comfort and assurance often lead to better client relationships and successful sales and project outcomes.
I always like to keep John Ruskin’s common law of business balance in mind when thinking about pricing. As he puts it: "It's unwise to pay too much, but it's worse to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little money — that's all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do.” Ruskin’s theory is that you can’t get a lot by paying little — if clients choose to deal with the lower bidder they are simply putting themselves into the position of having to pay more later.
Qualifying clients
Will every client say yes? Of course not. You are not the right fit for every client — and not every client is a good fit for your business. That’s all perfectly acceptable. I have found that qualifying clients from the outset can save time, money and valuable resources. To do this, I suggest you develop a set of criteria that potential landscape investors must meet before engaging in a project with them.
This might include budget range, project scope and alignment with your design-build philosophy. By focusing on clients who appreciate creativity, craftsmanship and service, and are willing to invest in it, you can ensure more successful and satisfying projects. In addition, consider implementing a
minimum project value to filter out those who are only looking for the lowest bid. This ensures that you are dedicating your resources to clients who recognize and are willing to pay for the value you deliver.
Value is your competitive advantage
In the landscape profession, selling value over price is not just a strategy but a philosophy that leads to long-term success. By emphasizing transparent pricing, understanding your numbers, resisting the pitfalls of price negotiation and implementing strategies to showcase value, landscape entrepreneurs can build a loyal client base and enhance their reputation as industry experts. Moreover, carefully qualifying prospects can ensure that your valuable time and resources are best invested in projects that are both profitable and fulfilling.
As Warren Buffett, the renowned investor and business magnate, wisely said, "Price is what you pay, value is what you get." This quote effectively summarizes what should be the pricing and design-build philosophy for all landscape professionals. The exceptional lifestyles and true value that we, as a group, passionately deliver to our clients is what will always be remembered.
Glenn Curtis is the co-founder and president of Plantenance Landscape Group, a multi-award-winning design-build and horticultural care firm based in PointeClaire, Que. Glenn has more than 44 years of experience transforming everyday spaces into breathtaking outdoor escapes.
TOP STRATEGIES FOR EMPHASIZING VALUE
Showcase expertise and experience: Leverage your years of experience and industry knowledge. Share case studies, client testimonials, and before and after photos to illustrate the quality and impact of your work.
Detail the process: Educate clients about the intricacies of your work. Provide detailed breakdowns of the design, build and care phases, explaining how each step adds value to their project. This not only informs but also reassures clients of the thoroughness of your approach.
Offer customized solutions: Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, offer tailored solutions that meet the specific needs and desires of each client. Personalized service demonstrates a commitment to excellence and client satisfaction.
Stand behind your work with warranties: Selling based on value also means providing exceptional artisanship and offering warranties. These assurances signal your commitment to high-quality standards and client satisfaction, further differentiating your services.
Showcase high standards and industry recognition: Being affiliated with respected industry organizations like Landscape Ontario is a great way to reinforce your expertise and value proposition. Taking part in Landscape Ontario’s training and entering projects in the annual Awards of Excellence program can reinforce your value proposition.
Exceptional customer service: Superior customer service tends to be a powerful differentiator. It may seem like a small thing, but prompt responses, regular updates and a personal touch can make clients feel valued and confident in their decision to choose you over a less expensive competitor.
It is a wonderful way for a person who's thinking about a trade to come in, try it out, at no cost, and then be supported with being placed at an actual apprenticeship job.
What kinds of support are included in the SDF funding?
There is no cost and it includes that apprenticeship level one training, but it also includes any equipment and gear or book costs. Employment Ontario really wants to make sure that there are as little costs as we can possibly make it so we've really stripped barriers away. For instance, if there's travel costs that may be a challenge, we can support them with that. We can support them with additional clothing needs. Childcare is one of the supports that we offer as well.
We don't want there to ever be a closed door. What is wonderful about this SDF fund is that the objective really is to help people who would have challenges to get into one of these trades without some of this support.
Also, any student gains a free membership with LO. While they're a member, they can get involved in all sorts of ways.
Does the pre-apprenticeship program include support for employers, too?
Yes. And what's wonderful for employers is a lot of these job seekers now understand what the career is and what that ask is in terms of what their jobs are going to look like. They have also completed all sorts of training and have really self-committed to this career choice. The [workforce development] team at LO conducts some of that screening for employers up front.
The employer gets an employee who is very excited with a lot of passion and drive. They have completed their apprenticeship level one training. They are aware of what that apprenticeship Training Standards Log Book is and are keen to work through it.
The other element is that these employers would be eligible for a training incentive fund, meaning that we can offset some of the wage costs, up to a maximum of $3,000.
What demographic is best served by this program?
That is the best part of the fund. The priority is really supporting people who have had some challenges or barriers with getting into one of these trades. It is a diverse group of students and everyone's coming from different experiences, different areas. The group ends up being quite close because we're putting them through something for two years together as a single group. And you'll find that the students end up supporting each other as well. So not only is it wonderful that the work sites are seeing a new group of students being able to hire and train and so on, but the group themselves create such a strong bond. And the diversity is wonderful. It is something you don't always see.
What would you tell someone wondering if the horticulture pre-apprenticeship program is a good fit for them?
I would say it is a place for almost everyone. The different paths and the different areas that people can work in is so vast. This is one of the reasons why I enjoy working here; we're able to support and help them sift and search so that we find the right career path with them.
I would encourage anyone who is curious to contact our staff. We'd be happy to walk them through the different options available to them.
2024 National Awards of Landscape Excellence winners announced
Winners of the 21st annual National Awards of Landscape Excellence (NALE) were announced live on Aug. 7, 2024 during a special gala event held at Delta Hotels Dartmouth in Nova Scotia. The sold-out event was attended by more than 150 members of the industry from across the country, representing a cross section of the horticultural trades.
The NALE recognize Canadian companies that have actively participated in significantly raising the level of professionalism in the landscape industry. Each province nominates members from the provincial awards competitions that are then entered into the NALE. Each province may enter up to three entries per category, for a total of 15 entries per association in the various landscape construction, maintenance and design categories.
Other awards include the CNLA President’s Award, Garden Centre and Grower of Distinction, and the Green for Life Awards that recognize significant contributions made to the ornamental horticulture sector by an individual, corporation or community.
Congratulations to this year’s winners! The recognition is well deserved for all their outstanding work, which significantly raises the level of professionalism in the landscape industry.
2024 National Awards of Landscape Excellence winners:
CATERPILLAR AWARD
FOR COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION
TRIM LANDSCAPING, HALIFAX, N.S.
For: Queen’s Marque
CATERPILLAR AWARD
FOR RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION
FOSSIL LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION, VANCOUVER, B.C.
For: 49th Parallel
COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE AWARD
PARA SPACE LANDSCAPING, VANCOUVER, B.C. For: Prodigy Sponsored by HortProtect
RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE AWARD
SNIDER TURF & LANDSCAPE CARE LTD., WATERLOO, ONT.
For: Modernly Formal Sponsored by HortProtect
LANDSCAPE DESIGN AWARD
JENNIFER HAYMAN DESIGN GROUP INC., BARRIE, ONT.
For: Urban Spa Sponsored by Intrigue Media
GROWER AND GARDEN CENTRE OF DISTINCTION AWARD
ATLANTIC GARDENS, MIDDLE SACKVILLE, N.S.
Trim Landscaping
Snider Turf & Landscape Care Ltd.
Fossil Landscape Construction
Jennifer Hayman Design Group
Para Space Landscaping
GREEN FOR LIFE COMMUNITY AWARD
RCAF 100 PENNFIELD RIDGE AIR FORCE MEMORIAL SITE, N.B.
Sponsored by Caterpillar
2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force. The RCAF 100 Pennfield Ridge Air Force Memorial in New Brunswick was established with flower beds, tree plantings and granite tablets honouring 70 men whose lives were lost at this air base. Funded by $250,000 from the Charlotte County community, over 130 trees have been planted by local students, who also gained horticultural experience.
GREEN FOR LIFE INDUSTRY AWARD ROHAN HARRISON
Rohan Harrison is an Accredited Organic Land Care Practitioner, leads the Grounds Department at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto. Influenced by his family’s farming background, he studied agronomy and now oversees 100 acres of land, practicing 100 per cent organic care. Harrison’s work highlights the healing power of green spaces, aligning with Sunnybrook’s mission to promote health and well-being through sustainable horticulture.
GREEN FOR LIFE INDUSTRY AWARD BEN FLOYD
Ben Floyd from Nature’s Reflections Landscaping volunteered time and materials to help students at New Germany Rural High School in Nova Scotia embark on a new initiative to build a school garden. Students learn about landscaping by beautifying the school’s grounds, which now includes raised beds, a fruit tree orchard, grow light systems and a hydroponic grow tower. Projects included landscaping the school’s front, enhancing the greenhouse and maintaining garden beds. Their efforts have inspired students to consider careers in landscaping.
CNLA PRESIDENT’S AWARD AWARDED TO CNLA PAST PRESIDENT BRUCE HUNTER
After studying Bio Sciences and Agricultural Management, Hunter began his career in landscape construction (19761985). In 1986, he founded Hunter Landscape Design, shifting to residential services and joined BCLNA in 1990. He led the Landscape Certification Program, serving as chair for BCLNA (1995-2001) and CNLA (1996-2001). He later chaired Landscape Canada and CNLA’s Executive Committee, with governance becoming a focus during his CNLA presidency (2017-2019).
Atlantic Gardens
Apply for Unilock scholarships by Sept. 16
Once again, Unilock’s Paving the Future Scholarship program is offering $5,000 scholarships to students enrolled in their final year of a post-secondary landscape architecture or landscape construction program in Ontario. The deadline to apply is Sept. 16, 2024.
Since 2022, Unilock has awarded $175,000 to 35 students and is looking to help the next cohort of talented recipients as they start their new career.
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Be a permanent resident of the U.S. or Ont., Canada.
• Be enrolled in their final year of a fulltime, post-secondary undergraduate or graduate program within landscape management, landscape construction, horticulture landscaping, turf grass management or related field at
a vocational school, community college or university. Students in an apprenticeship program are also eligible.
• Demonstrate academic excellence, maintaining a minimum cumulative average letter grade of B and show a desire to pursue a career in their field of study.
• Demonstrate leadership and an ongoing commitment to their community.
“We introduced the Paving the Future Scholarship in 2022 to commemorate our 50th anniversary and we have seen a strong response in applications for the past two years,” said Diane Williams, VP of marketing at Unilock. “The landscape design and construction industry is a growing field and we are proud to continue
to support this growth by recognizing the future innovators and thought leaders in the landscape profession.
Unilock company founder Ed Bryant passed away in 2021 and the company’s Paving the Future Scholarship was started to commemorate Bryant’s legacy by investing in a new generation of landscape design, architecture and construction leaders.
To enter, students must submit an application, including answering questions describing why they are passionate about a career in landscape construction or landscape architecture and how they intend to actively contribute to the overall industry.
Winners will be notified on Oct. 11, 2024. Applications for both the landscape construction and landscape architecture scholarships can be submitted online at unilock.com/paving-the-future-scholarship.
Register now for Congress 2025
Congress 2025, Landscape Ontario’s annual trade show and conference will take place Jan. 7-9, 2025, at the Toronto Congress Centre. Registration for Canada’s largest and longest running gathering of landscape professionals and suppliers is now open online at LOcongress.com.
Over 12,500 people attended the 2024 event, which featured over 450 exhibitors covering more than eight acres. In addition to the trade show, the Congress Conference features three half days of educational sessions and interactive workshops led by well-respected industry leaders, business coaches and professionals from various industries from across North America.
The show floor has been expanded for 2025 and organizers have added a large electric equipment demo area.
The Live Stage will provide free education to trade show goers on a wide range of topics related to specific industry sectors and landscape professionals.
For full show details, including an interactive floor plan and full exhibitor list, visit LOcongress.com.
New measures to address fraud in Temporary Foreign Worker Program
In early August, Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, convened representatives from Canada’s largest business associations with one clear message: the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) cannot be used to circumvent hiring talented workers in Canada, and the federal government will take further action to weed out misuse and fraud within the system.
During the meeting, Minister Boissonnault outlined the following actions that are being implemented to reduce the use of temporary foreign workers in Canada:
• enforcing consistent application of the 20 per cent cap policy for temporary foreign workers. This includes the policy for the “dual intent sub-stream,” which applies to temporary foreign workers who intend to apply for permanent residency. Employers using this stream will be subject to more stringent guidelines;
• applying a stricter and more rigorous oversight in highrisk areas when processing Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) and when conducting inspections;
• considering LMIA fee increases to pay for additional integrity and processing activities; and,
• looking to implement future regulatory changes regarding employer eligibility (factors such as a minimum number of years of business operations or history of lay-offs by the employer).
While the majority of employers use the program for its intended purpose, more work is required to protect the Canadian labour market and hold bad actors accountable. The Minister will closely monitor employer demand for the TFWP, as well as the employment rate, and is willing to take further tightening measures where required.
The Government is also working on modernizing the TFWP with a new foreign labour stream for Agriculture and Fish and Seafood Processing, as announced in the 2022 budget.
A call to action for our members EXECUTIVE DESK
As your executive director, I am reaching out to you with a heartfelt message: our association has always thrived on the strength of our community, the dedication of our members and the shared passion for landscape horticulture that binds us together. I have heard from many that the economic conditions we’re all experiencing are hard on business right now. There isn’t as much work as there used to be, the average job size is smaller and some are feeling overwhelmed and overextended.
Our association is more than just a network; it is a family of professionals who share knowledge, support each other when we need it most and work together to elevate each other. The benefits of being a member are numerous — from access to exclusive resources and educational opportunities to networking events and advocacy on behalf of our industry. Yet the true value of our association lies in our collective strength and unity of its members. We are at our best when we work together.
It can be very lonely during tough economic times. That’s exactly why it’s more important than ever to be there for each other. I urge you to reach out to your peers, colleagues and friends in the industry who aren’t yet part of the Landscape Ontario family to let them know about the many resources we have available, such as informal Shop Talk sessions, local chapter meetings and our Peer to Peer Network to help get them through this rocky road.
You are our greatest ambassadors. Your experiences, successes and the value you derive from being a part of Landscape Ontario are the most powerful testimonials we have. Share with others the most important reasons for being part of this family of professionals and encourage them to join us.
Here are a few ways you can help:
Share your story
Talk about how being a member of Landscape Ontario has positively impacted your business and professional growth. Personal stories resonate more than any marketing material ever could. Everyone has a unique story and reason for being part of Landscape Ontario.
Invite them to events
Our events are a great way for potential members to experience the community and resources we offer. Bring a guest to our next meeting or networking event.
Highlight the benefits
Remind your peers of the tangible benefits of membership, such as access to industry research, training programs and advocacy efforts that protect and promote our industry. Hint: the truck discounts through GM are on the rise again!
Be a mentor
Offer to mentor new members or those considering joining. Your guidance can make a significant difference in their decision to become part of our association.
Use social media
Share your positive experiences and the benefits of membership on your social media platforms. A simple post can reach a wide audience and spark interest. Tag us so we can amplify your post!
Together, we can ensure our peers are connected to Landscape Ontario so they can continue to grow and thrive. Our strength lies in our numbers and our shared commitment to excellence in landscape horticulture. Let’s work together to build a stronger, more vibrant future together.
Joe Salemi CAE LO Executive Director jsalemi@landscapeontario.com
Online member experience is getting an upgrade MEMBERSHIP
September is the month when most Landscape Ontario’s members renew their annual membership dues. After a hectic spring and summer season, it’s a good time to reflect on the past year of membership and remember how being a part of LO has helped to get you where you are today.
When you look back at your membership year, what memories stand out? For many members, it will likely be Landscape Ontario Congress, which attracted over 12,500 landscape professionals in January. For others, the highlight may be the rewarding feeling gained by participating in a community project with your local chapter — like helping to prepare the grounds at the National Military Cemetery in Ottawa for Remembrance Day or volunteering for Upper Canada Chapter’s project at the Indigenous Food Sovereignty Gardens on Highway 15. Or maybe you remember a new skill learned at an LO training seminar or a new connection made at the Peer to Peer Network Spring Summit. Either way, I hope everyone reading this can think of at least one way their Landscape Ontario membership benefited them this past year — even if it was as simple as a nice discount on a new truck.
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
If your membership is up for renewal on Sept. 1 or later, you’ll notice the experience is a little different from what
you’re used to, and the reason why is pretty important. Landscape Ontario is building a new association management system (our database) and online member portal to better serve our members. Over the next year, you’ll see some huge improvements to your online experience with Landscape Ontario. You’ll find it easier and more convenient to keep track of your membership history, update your company information (including employees) and register for events and professional development. Changes and actions that you used to have to request will soon be available at your fingertips. We’re also making a number of improvements behind the scenes that will help Landscape Ontario staff serve you more efficiently. All of this is in the pipeline, but for now, we’re excited to be rolling out a new system for membership renewals.
For many members, your membership renewal will be your first chance to interact with our new member portal. The process is easy and will only take a minute or two. You’ll receive a renewal reminder email from membership@landscapeontario.com as usual. When you click the “Renew Now” button in that email, it will open a browser window where you’ll be prompted to set a password. This will become your password for the LO member portal with your email as your username. After you set your password, a new page will open with a summary of your membership renewal, with a “Pay” button where you can renew
Evan Dickson LO Director of Membership Services edickson@landscapeontario.com
using a credit card. Other payment methods are also available. Anytime you need to access your transaction history or past receipts, you’ll be able to find them on this page.
After renewing your membership, we strongly encourage you to look around to try out another cool feature of the new membership portal. You can now manage your company roster, ensuring your staff information is always up to date in Landscape Ontario’s member database. For companies with a dedicated accounts payable email, this will allow you to assign a dedicated billing contact separate from the person in charge of general membership management. In time, it will also help you ensure your coworkers and employees are receiving important news on topics like invasive species, government initiatives affecting our trades and upcoming training or events.
There are plenty of exciting changes on the horizon for Landscape Ontario’s online member experience. For now, we’re focusing on perfecting our renewal process, but we are continuing to build the next pieces of the new, modern membership interface. We don’t want to give too much away before it’s ready, but know that Landscape Ontario is making a big investment this year in making your online interactions with us more powerful and convenient than ever before. Click that “Renew Now” button so you can see what comes next.
SOCIAL SNAPSHOT
How to decide which social media platform to focus on
With so many social media platforms out there, how is a busy landscape professional to decide which is the best one to use? It takes a lot of time and energy to post on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok AND YouTube, so here are a few strategies to help you decide which one is best to reach your potential clients.
PLATFORM DEMOGRAPHICS
• Facebook: 3 billion monthly active users, of which 25 per cent are aged 45 and older.
• YouTube: 2.5 billion users.
• Instagram: 2 billion active users monthly and is the most popular platform for people aged 12 to 34.
• TikTok: 1.5 billion global monthly users.
• LinkedIn: 1 billion members worldwide.
TARGET AUDIENCE
If you are a design/build company looking to attract clients, a seasoned professional looking to share environmental best practices, or a new entrant looking to expand your network, knowing who you are and who you want to connect with is a vital first step.
Decide on one or two priorities and always keep your target audience in mind when deciding on which platform to publish your posts.
FOCUS YOUR ENERGY
Start with just one platform. Gathering content and posting regularly takes a lot of time and energy. You already have a billion things to do, so be mindful of your resources and capabilities. This will help you maintain a sustainable workload while you gain a deeper understanding of how it works. You don’t want posting to become a burden.
TRY, AND TRY AGAIN
Make social media fun and play to your strengths or interests. Are you more comfortable writing or taking pictures? Or would you rather edit and share short 20-second videos of what your daily life looks like? If you or someone on your team has multimedia skills, you can elevate your brand through polished content, but always aim to be authentic. Don't be afraid to try and fail. And don’t give up after trying an idea only a few times if it doesn’t work. Let go of a specific platform if necessary.
FINDING INSPIRATION
Many professionals in the Landscape Ontario community are implementing different strategies with success. Check out these great examples on Instagram:
Jessica McGurn @western_landscape
Heather Jerrard @mylandscapeartist
The LandArt team @landartco
Connon Nurseries @connonnurseries
And follow these industry leaders on LinkedIn:
Mark Bradley (and the LMN team)
Rohan Harrison
Ed Hansen
Charlotte Guena LO Digital Marketing Specialist cguena@landscapeontario.com
Mark Bradley
Rohan Harrison
Ed Hansen
