Landscape Ontario - April 2013 by Landscape Ontario

April 2013

www.horttrades.com CH D AP U TE R R H of A the M MO NT H

Canada Blooms

ROCKS! Jeff Lee joins LO garden build Page 5

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE The importance of vision By Phil Charal LO president

mart business owners understand the importance of knowing and understanding their business vision. Do you want to grow into a larger company with offices across the country, or focus on a specific target market? What do you envision your target market to be? Who are you? What is your brand? When business owners overlook the importance of having a vision, they allow outside factors to influence their company’s success. By establishing a vision, you create a business path to follow and this avoids the problem of outside factors influencing your ultimate goals. Many years ago, my father said to me “not to worry about investments or get-richquick schemes. Find something you like doing, stick with it, work hard and get really proficient. Be the best. Buy your home and place of business in the best possible location, and pay it off as quickly as possible. If you can do that, the rest of your financial

Formerly Horticulture Review

April, 2013 • Volume 31, No. 4 www.horttrades.com Landscape Ontario’s mandate is to be the leader in representing, promoting and fostering a favourable environment for the advancement of the horticultural industry in Ontario. ISSN 1928-9553 Publications Mail Agreement No. PM40013519

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

success will follow.” I do my best to follow this advice and will hopefully achieve this important vision. When it comes to the importance of vision, one only needs to look at the latest development at Landscape Ontario. The association has sold 23 acres of our 48-acre property for $9-million. Back in 1990, the LO board of directors asked the past presidents to develop a long-term plan for the association. When discussing future head office requirements, a clear set of criteria was agreed to. It had to be on at least ten acres of land, visible from a major highway in order to showcase members’ talents, have a good water supply, be no more than one-half hour from the airport, able to house staff, education, professional development and research facilities and other LO functions. The plan proved prophetic. At the time the LO office was housed in a modest industrial building in Mississauga. A few years later, the late John Van Wissen phoned the office to tell us that he had read the vision report and had found the ideal property to buy. It was the former Shemin Nurseries site on 46 acres, beside the 401, with 5,600 sq. ft. of office space, 20,000 sq. ft. of greenhouse and 15,000 sq. ft. of warehouse. A committee, chaired by the late Casey

Publisher Lee Ann Knudsen CLP lak@landscapeontario.com, 416-848-7557 Editorial director Sarah Willis sarahw@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5424 Editor Allan Dennis adennis@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5345 Graphic designer Mike Wasilewski mikew@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5343 Sales manager Steve Moyer stevemoyer@landscapeontario.com, 416-848-0708 Communications coordinator Angela Lindsay alindsay@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5305 Accountant Joe Sabatino jsabatino@landscapeontario.com, 647-724-8585 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO STAFF Shawna Barrett, Darryl Bond, Kim Burton, Rachel Cerelli, Tony DiGiovanni CHT, Rob Ellidge, Denis Flanagan CLD, Sally Harvey CLT CLP, Helen Hassard, Jane Leworthy, Heather MacRae, Kristen McIntyre CHT, Kathy McLean, Linda Nodello, Kathleen Pugliese, Paul Ronan, Ian Service, Tom Somerville, Martha Walsh

van Maris, was formed to negotiate the deal. After unanimous approval at the January AGM, the property was purchased on June 30, 1994. An official opening and celebration took place on Sept. 21, 1994 with over 500 members in attendance at LO’s new home. Outside of Congress, it was one of the largest gatherings in the history of LO. The Mississauga office sold for $120,000. The Milton property was purchased for $1.23 million and proved less expensive to operate, due to rental income. It took less than ten years to pay down the $730,000 mortgage. Now with the sale of 23 surplus acres for $8,700,000, we will now enter into another chapter of increased capacity. If all goes smoothly, the deal will close in August, and we will have the ability to transform the LO home, so it will reflect the best that the industry members have to offer. We will also have significant funds left over to advance the industry. The board, building committee and I are proud that the sale of the surplus land happened on our watch. We feel connected to the vision, stewardship ethic and core values propagated by our pioneers. We are enthusiastic and excited about accelerating the development of our members as we pursue the vision of a prosperous, professional, ethical, recognized, valued and contribution-oriented industry. I look forward to your guidance, support and comments as we continue our association’s journey. I hope you never lose sight of your vision. Phil Charal may be reached at pcharal@landscapeontario.com.

Looking back 15 years since LO celebrated its 25th anniversary Page 22 4 10 20 20 21 24 25 27 31 31

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

Views expressed are those of the writer concerned. Landscape Ontario assumes no responsibility for the validity or correctness of any opinions or references made by the author. Copyright 2013, reproduction or the use of whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited. Published 12x per year. Rates and deadlines are available on request. Subscription price: $43.51 per year (HST included). For subscription and address changes, please e-mail subscriptions@landscapeontario.com

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Spectacular Canada Blooms gardens attract over 200,000 Outside the Direct Energy Centre, winter was still hanging onto its cold and snowy habits, while Canada Blooms allowed everyone to experience spring just a little bit early this year. The 17th annual show marked its second year of co-locating with the National Home Show, making it the largest home and garden event in North America. The festival ran from Mar. 15 to 24, with estimates showing over 200,000 people visited the two shows. “I felt we had some spectacular gardens this year,” said Tony DiGiovanni following the show. “The creativity and passion from our industry each year is amazing.” Media outlets gave positive reviews of the show. Many commented on the dry stone lighthouse in Landscape Ontario’s garden. In an article that ran in the KitchenerWaterloo Record, the reporter wrote, “The

star of the show, as far as plants go, is a new hellebore called Pink Frost.” Wellknown garden writer Marjorie Harris wrote in her blog, “It was cheery this week to make my way to Canada Blooms and actually see and smell plants in bloom. They have an amazing track record of forcing plants and it made slogging around on those cement floors worthwhile. I like the show very much and there’s a lot to see without it feeling smooshed together.” LO public relations director Denis Flanagan says he saw a real high level of workmanship and craftsmanship in this year’s gardens. “Along with high quality gardens, I felt that the gardens at Blooms this year were really more diverse in themes and style.” Industry Night on Mar. 21 gave LO members a chance to network in a social setting while awards were handed out to deserving garden builders at Blooms. New

Canada Blooms featured some very creative and inspiring gardens this year

4 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO APRIL, 2013

Ontario premier and agriculture minister Kathleen Wynne was a special visitor at the ceremony. Wearing her agriculture hat, the premier addressed the nursery industry, saying it was an important sector in Ontario’s economy. Premier Wynne visited Following a tour Canada Blooms through the Landwhere she had a tour scape Ontario garof the LO garden and den, Wynne was handed out awards at escorted to the Industry Night. To view a video of her visit go Unilock Celebrity to http://bit.ly/XccXIJ Stage, where she handed out awards and spoke to industry members. She said she was privileged to hand out a special award marking Sheridan Nurseries’ 100th anniversary. See page 8 for a complete list of the award winners.

Canada Blooms team 2013 ...and that’s a wrap! By Paul Doornbos CLP, CLT LO garden co-project manager

Beep…Beep…Beep! As the last truck rolls out of the Direct Energy Centre, another show is over and another year’s efforts have been packed, loaded and swept up; returning a space that was alive for ten days, back to an empty span of concrete and steel. Once again members of Landscape Ontario came together and put hours of planning, thought, discussion, collaboration, teamwork and labour into producing another display garden for the association. Suppliers and competitors unite as peers to show off the very best of Landscape Ontario and what is possible when we dare to dream. This year’s garden theme was “Timeless…what’s old is new again.” It was to show how we have grown and developed as an industry and a trade while also celebrating our 40th anniversary. From reclaimed timbers to reusing elements produced for other gardens, the design and build team created a garden that flowed from the old into the new/modern era, all the while branding LO at every turn. Members can be proud of their peers’ efforts to brand their association to the public. Thanks go to every single person whose name is listed in the Contributors list on page 7. They all deserve our gratitude. The end of every garden build leads us to also to debrief the build and review what went well and what needs improvement. Having been a part of the LO garden build the last four years in different capacities, I would like to have members think on a couple of suggestions. Canada Blooms is our biggest single public forum, or touch point as an association. We want to show off what we can do. However, many visitors left Canada Blooms thinking that Landscape Ontario is simply another landscape construction company. We need to create a better way to inform them of who we

LO members volunteer at Canada Blooms because it matters.

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are. Building display/feature gardens, whether the largest ever undertaken (2010) to the smallest (2011), these gardens take immense commitment, dedication and efforts from those who volunteer to take on the challenge while at the same time running their own businesses. Ask many of them why they do it, and you’ll get similar responses, “It’s fun,” “Great group,” “The challenge.” Not one of them will ever tell you it’s to get their name out there, or to generate business. They do it for the same reason that Simon Sinek talks about in his book Start with Why. They do it because it matters to them; they do it because they are selfless promoters of our trade and because they want to leave a legacy of inspiration by example to others of what it means to be a part of LO. They GIVE!! One of our past presidents Gerald Boot once described marriage or any healthy relationship as one where both parties operate from the concept of give, because when one takes, then the relationship breaks down. This is brilliant, and is the concept of LO members constantly giving. Burn-out happens to volunteers when, after years of giving, they need a break and require others to carry the torch in order to create sustainability. After five years of display gardens built by countless members who have given so much, maybe it is time to consider an alternative way for LO to give back to members. One possibility may be to have the winner of the Dunington-Grubb Award get the right of first refusal to build the feature garden in the LO space at Canada Blooms. Give them the opportunity to create a feature garden as their reward, using the garden subsidy and LO allocation. Would it inspire members to aspire to new heights? All members have the opportunity to win this award. It could lead to a creative way to sustain the continued building of a feature garden. These are simply my thoughts and observations from the last four years. I will be leaving my post as co-project manager of the LO garden with the hopes that someone will feel inspired to take up the challenge and continue to build and grow the LO legacy going forward. In closing, it has been my great privilege to have worked with the TEAM, many with multiple years of service who have become more than peers and colleagues. I am very proud to call them friends. I give my heartfelt THANKS and GRATITUDE to all involved.

Contributors to LO’s feature garden at Canada Blooms LEADERSHIP TEAM Project managers: Paul Doornbos CLT, CLP of Thornbusch Landscaping; Brian Marsh of Earth Art Landscapes; Landscape design team: Paul Brydges and Marina Signer, both of of Brydges Landscape Architecture; Connie Cadotte CLD of Garden Retreats; Brandon Gelderman of Gelderman Landscaping; Ron Swentiski CLD and Anne Gilson, both of Trillium Associates; Hardscape: Pat Elo CLT of Earth Art Landscapes; Lighthouse: Dean McLellan of Dean McLellan Stoneworks; Water feature: James Garfield Thompson of Water Arts; Plant acquisition: Regine Marsh of Earth Art Landscapes; Recognition gazebo: Barry Hordyk of Shademaster Landscaping; Wood elements - arbour, screens/gazebo: Steve Carrothers of Aeon Gazebo; Lighting: John Higo of Turfcare Products/ Illumicare; Tear down: Brandon Gelderman of Gelderman Landscaping. BUILD TEAM Steve Carrothers and Justin Cransberry of Aeon Gazebo; Paul Brydges and Marina Signer of Brydges Landscape Architecture; Brian Marsh, Regine Marsh, Pat Elo CLT, Colin Marsh, Dean McClure and Matthew Miller, Earth Art Landscapes; Connnie Cadotte of Garden Retreats; Kevin Hackson CLT of Hackstone Landscapes; Dean McLellan of Dean McLellan Stoneworks; Andrew Hutten and Ken Hutten of Hutten and Co Landscaping; Laurie - Ann Stuart, Wayne Desormeaux and Jenn Raedts of LA Gardens; Jeff Lee of Lee’s Landscaping; Richard Kuizenga, Clarence Visser and Alex Verdonk of Shademaster Landscaping; Paul Doornbos of Thornbusch Landscaping; John Higo, Brad Willis, Scott Sims and Raymond Josephian of Turf Care Products Canada/Illumicare; James Garfield Thompson of Water Arts; Menno Braam of Whistling Dwarf Stone Work. SUPPLIERS Aeon Gazebos, Boot’s Landscaping and Maintenance, Cast Lighting,

Circle Rock, Connon Nurseries/NVK Holdings, Ground Effects Landscapes, Hutten and Co. Landscaping, Illumicare Group, Jill Jensen Botanicals, Limberlost Stone, Mori Nurseries, M. Putzer Hornby Nursery, Pebbleman Natural Stone, Silhouette City, Stam Nurseries, StoneRox, Turf Care Products Canada, Unilock, Upper Canada Stone, Vanden Bussche. VOLUNTEERS IN THE GARDEN Steve Carrothers of Aeon Gazebos; Paul Brydges and Marina Signer of Brydges Landscape Architecture; Dean McLellan of Dean McLellan Stoneworks; Brian Marsh and Pat Elo CLT of Earth Art Landscapes; Connie Cadotte of Garden Retreats; Harry Gelderman CLT and Brandon Gelderman of Gelderman Landscaping; Edward Hewis of Ground Control

Contracting; Kevin Hackson CLT of Hackstone Landscapes; Kim Goodwin of Living Landscapes; Brad Willis, Scott Sim and John Higo of Turf Care Products Canada/Illumicare; Pete Vanderley CLP of Vanderley Landscaping; Menno Braam of Whistiling Dwarf Stone Work; Don Voorhees and Laurie Leek. TEAR DOWN TEAM Steve Carrothers and Jordene Flota of Aeon Gazebo; Brian Marsh and Pat Elo of Earth Art landscapes; Brandon Gelderman, Jason Hinkley CLT, Jason Atherton, Chris Langendoen, Darrell Hummel, Scott Maxwell, Steve Sharpen, Jason Felker CLT, Mitch Muis, Henry Vanhengstum CIT of Gelderman Landscaping; Jeff Lee of Lee’s Landscaping; Jason Beatty, John Hordyk and Josh McCartney of Edengrove Landscapes; Peter Vanderley CLP and Caleb Matthisen of Vanderley Landscaping; Pam Cook of Rural Roots Landscaping; Clarence Visser and Alex Verdonk of Shademaster Landscaping. If we missed anyone, let us know and we include the name in next month’s issue.

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Arthur Skolnik of Shibui Landscaping Toronto poses with his garden, which received a number of awards at Canada Blooms.

Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds took a handful of awards at the Canada Blooms award night, including the Universal Access Award.

Canada Blooms 2013 feature garden winners The best displays in gardening and landscaping were recognized at Canada Blooms 2013. Presentations took place on Mar. 21 at Industry Night. Also announced that evening were the Judgesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Choice and Universal Access Awards. Shibui Landscaping Sheridan Nurseries Award for outstanding garden, small size Holbrook and Associates Landscape Architects The S.G. Ulbright Award for outstanding garden, medium size D.A. Gracey and Associates The Gordon A. MacEachern Award for outstanding garden, large size Near North Design Build Landscaping Outstanding interpretation of the show theme Parklane Nurseries Outstanding representation of sponsor message Kent Ford Design Best use of bulbs, presented by Tradewinds International Sales Shawn Gallaugher Most imaginative garden design Holbrook and Associates Landscape Architects Outstanding use of artistic elements in a garden Sheridan Nurseries Outstanding educational garden (for students) Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds Outstanding use of trees Creative Garden Designs Outstanding use of interior plants, presented by Brookdale Treeland Nurseries Mori Gardens Design and Garden Centre Outstanding use of annuals and/or perennials, presented by Vanhof and Blokker Genoscape Perry Molema Award for outstanding use of water, presented by Aquascape Parklane Nurseries Outstanding use of natural stone, presented by Beaver Valley Stone Landscape Ontario Outstanding use of structures

8â&#x20AC;&#x192; LANDSCAPE ONTARIO APRIL, 2013

Genoscape Outstanding use of Permacon Product, presented by Permacon Group D.A. Gracey and Associates Outstanding use of walkways Royal Stone Landscape and Design Outstanding outdoor living space, presented by Canadian Wildlife Federation Shibui Landscaping Outstanding use of innovative elements in a garden Shawn Gallaugher The Garden Club of Toronto Award for best overall use of colour Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds The W.E. Bridgeman Award for best overall use of hard landscape elements Kent Ford Design The Humber Nurseries Award for best overall use of plant material Holbrook and Associates Landscape Architects The Leslie L. Solty Memorial Award for best overall creativity in garden design Shibui Landscaping The Landscape Ontario Award for best overall quality of workmanship Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds Universal Access Award Holbrook and Associates Landscape Architects Judges Choice Award for best overall garden Judges Alistair Johnston, Martin Wade OALA,Jeff McMann CLT, Ron Koudys OALA, CLD, Michael Prokopow, John Consolati, Bill Hewick, Marjorie Harris, Sheila Murray-Belisle, Lorraine Johnson, Heidi Campbell, Aaron Harpell, Debbie Martin. Universal Access Award Panel conveners Lorene Bodiam, Elvin Dobani, Louise Barker, Al Reeves, Joanne Vandenbogaerde. Recorders: Magda Foremski, Christine Kennedy.

Family members who work to make Lloyd’s Landscaping a success. In front, from left, Kim Cotter, Stephanie Lemesurier and Louise Tyrrell, and in back, Paul Lloyd, Brian Cotter, Chris Lemesurier and Scott Lloyd. Absent are Rick Sr., who spends the winters in Florida, and Rick Jr.

Lloyd’s Landscaping family celebrates 50 years on the job Lloyd’s Landscaping in Pickering is truly a family business. And, this year the family is celebrating the company’s 50th anniversary. It began in 1963 with Richard Lloyd in Scarborough’s West Hill with his small enterprise maintaining area grounds. Fifty years later, Lloyd’s Landscaping offers cus-

tomers a full slate of services that include landscape design and build, lawn care, tree care, snow removal and lighting. Now owned and operated by Richard’s son-in-law Brian Cotter, Lloyd’s Landscaping has been located on its 15 acre site in Pickering for the last 15 years. “At 75 years

Rick Lloyd Sr. began his company 50 years ago in Scarborough.

old, Rick still checks in to offer advice or help with certain projects,” says Cotter. There are now three generations of family involved with operating the business. Brian Cotter takes time to attend Durham Chapter meetings where he says he can network with other industry professionals and keep abreast of what’s going on within the association, industry news and events. He also found that attending both Congress and the LO snow and ice symposium, provide a great opportunities to learn about new product introductions and continue networking. Over the years, Lloyd’s Landscaping has received a number of Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence. There is special pride associated with the presentation in 1998, when the company received a plaque marking 25 years as a charter member of Landscape Ontario. Lloyd’s Landscaping serves all of Durham district and the eastern portion of the GTA. Presently undergoing a growth phase, the company employs 15 full-time staff and 25 part-time. Cotter says the coming season is looking good, with bookings right through to September. He says the company works hard to keep up with the latest trends and techniques. “We take pride on the great foundation built on many years of horticultural knowledge. We ensure that new products are thoroughly investigated, government approved and that we continue to demonstrate improved performance by our management and staff,” says Cotter. This August, the family plans to host a barbecue at its Pickering location to celebrate the 50th anniversary. Brian Cotter says a date is to be determined.

Brian Cotter heads the family business from its offices in Pickering.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

Sale of excess LO property announced

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Landscape Ontario’s Building Committee has announced the sale of 23 acres of excess land from the 48-acre property at the home office in Milton. An offer of $8,740,000 was accepted on Mar. 21. The deal will officially close this August. LO president Phil Charal says, “We will have the ability to transform the LO home, so it will reflect the best that the industry members have to offer. We will also have significant funds left over to advance the industry.” LO will have access to Steeles Ave. and access to a water retention pond. As well, the purchaser will connect the LO structures to water and sewage systems. “This marks a new chapter in the development of our association and industry,” says Charal.

Garden training video first of its kind

Thanks to the Landscape Ontario Garden Centre Sector Group, garden centres across Canada have a new tool to train employees. Sector group chair Michael Van Don-

gen CHT says the training program offers a three-tier approach to training. “It provides education for staff, safety compliance training and learning about the business of garden centres.” The sector group worked with LS Training System of London to create the online training video. LO was joined by the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association to share 50 per cent of the costs, while LS Training System took on the remaining 50 per cent. “This training system is the first of its kind in the industry,” says Van Dongen. “The system helps to manage the intake of new staff because long before they start, we can create online profiles they can log into. From here, we can monitor their progress and know if they are ready for day one.” Michael Van Dongen supervises Van Dongen Garden Centre and Landscaping Services in Hornby. In examining the three tiers, Van Dongen says the customer service training will show new hires the basics of customer service so that they are better prepared when the season begins each May.

Mail: P.O. Box 157, Oakville, Ont. L6K 0A4 Office & Warehouse: 5204 Trafalgar Rd., Milton, Ont. L0P 1E0 Phone (905) 878-4244 Fax (905) 878-7888 Sales 1-888-769-TIMM (8466) www.timmenterprises.com sales@timmenterprises.com

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An industry first, the LO Garden Centre Sector Group, CNLA and LS Training System have created an online training program that will be used across Canada.

The second tier will provide information that will ensure compliance with WHMIS and personal safety aspects, such as sun burn, bee stings, and many other basic safety issues. “The video section on safety will allow garden centres to avoid costly training during the spring rush, and is easily followed up with customizable on-the-job checklists,” says Van Dongen. Looking at the third part of the training system, new employees will be educated on both how a garden centre operates and product knowledge. “Areas such as plant information for new staff will allow them to know about some of the exciting elements of our industry,” says Van Dongen. Costs range from $199. To learn more about the system, sample of the video, or sign-up for the training system, go to www.lstraining.com/garden.php.

Located only minutes from Toronto and Hamilton

Contractors Lecture event a success despite weather

Landscape Ontario’s Contractors Lecture and Dinner event on Feb. 27 had a full house with more than 140 contractors and suppliers in attendance. The event was hosted by LO’s Landscape Contractors Sector Group at the Latvian Cultural Centre in Toronto. Weather reports were for flurries, freezing-rain and icy roads for 48 hours proceeding the event. This resulted in many cancelling to fulfil snow and ice removal contracts. Despite the rumoured dreadful forecast, the roads were drivable and many came out to network with peers, have a great dinner and learn from the lecture. The Latvian-style buffet dinner, at the subsidized price of only $5.00 per person, was made possible through the generous event sponsors Beaver Valley Stone, Dufferin Aggregates, Eloquip, Gro-Bark (Ontario), Sheridan Nurseries and Unilock. We extend our sincere thank you to each of them. Each of the event sponsors had exhibits showcasing their products. It gave everyone an opportunity to see the products up close and talk to the suppliers throughout the evening. Peter Guinane, chair of LO’s Contractor Sector Group, was MC for the evening that provided two very different perspectives on landscape design and architecture as it relates to the landscape contractor. The first lecture was from Daria Nardone OALA, a Toronto-based landscape architect with a broad range of experience from town planning to garden design, both locally and internationally. Nardone focused on a collective consciousness and how it relates to landscape art, with an emphasis on her life experience, past projects and history of her design work. Scott Wentworth OALA, the second presenter, highlighted the purpose and passion for landscape design. He challenged attendees to “Come Alive Outside!” and enjoy outdoor living, and question the why, not the what. Wentworth is a contractor and landscape architect based in Picton and Kingston, and has been building unique residential gardens for 23 years. In his 36 years of experience, he has created thousands of residential gardens, commercial landscapes and municipal parks. Both presenters answered questions about their projects, and shared some of their best life experience tips for the trade. The room was bustling following the event and many commented how inspired they were by their peers and enjoyed the opportunity to glimpse inside Nardone’s and Went-

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ASSOCIATION NEWS worth’s worlds. The end of the sessions was marked with refreshments for all at the Pipers Pub, courtesy of Illumicare Group. “This event has become a great networking event for landscape contractors, designers, architects and like-minded professionals in Ontario. Attendees were engaged and left the event with new information, and unique perspective from two seasoned professionals,” said Guinane. He also remarked, “This event is made possible through the hard work of our committee members and we thank each one of them for volunteering their time.” The committee is already looking forward to announcing plans for the 2014 event. The committee appreciates everyone’s support, and ask for ideas, comments or suggestions to kristen@ landscapeontario.com to help make next year’s event even better.

LaPorte CLT said “Many new faces were in the crowd, with over 75 in attendance, and along with the valuable information gained, attendees took advantage of the great networking opportunities.” The meeting was held at Innisbrook Golf and Country Club in Barrie. The formal portion of the meeting featured officer Hank Dubee of the MTO, who received many questions that drew out important information for the members.

LaPorte says that the MTO officer “cleared up some myths that have been travelling through the coffee shops. Officer Dubee clarified a number of requirements that he felt members needed to understand. He allowed the conversation to pull out the relevant information.” The meeting was followed up with door prizes and more social time. The board thanked the sponsors for all the support that allows holding such informative meetings, the Chapter members for attending the event, and Officer Dubee for his continued support throughout the years. “It’s so important that members receive this type of information in order

MTO draws great reviews in Georgian Lakelands

Members of the Georgian Lakelands Chapter are pleased with the response to the Mar. 5 meeting featuring Ministry of Transportation officials. Georgian Lakelands Chapter organizers were pleased with the huge attendance at its Mar. 5 meeting. Past president Michael

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for us to keep our wheels turning safely on the road to success,” said LaPorte.

ICPI Chapter to become committee in LO

The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) Ontario Chapter has moved to integrate itself as a Hardscape Committee of Landscape Ontario. Newly named chair of the committee, Mike Riehm, president of Envirobond, says, “The committee hasn’t completely formed as of yet, so we are still in the infancy stages.” Once we are more organized, members will be notified how to become involved. Past chair of ICPI Ontario Chapter, Chuck Chambers talked about the initiative at the ICPI national meeting earlier in the year in the U.S. He explained that ICPI Ontario Chapter would no longer be accepting dues. The video of Chambers’ interview may be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTj777_am90.

2,800 trees and shrubs have been planted, which required 3,200 hours of volunteer time. Barry Sandler, executive director of the Veterans Memorial Parkway community program, says, “I think by the end of this we’ll have the largest commemora-

tive feature to veterans in the country, if not the world.” The project, which began two years ago, is a tribute to the men and women who have served in Canada’s military. It is hoped that by 2017, over 6,000 trees and 15 commemorative rocks will be

Stratford Garden Show

London Chapter prepares next stage of Parkway project

The London Chapter is preparing for the next phase of the Veterans Memorial Parkway that will see two new large features and 650 more trees planted along the 10-kilometre stretch of highway. The Chapter will be joined by the 66th Scout Troop in constructing two new large features. They will include a park with memorial tree plantings featuring the Canadian flag and a large rock inscribed with the word Bravery. To date, 255 tonnes of stone and

The Stratford Home and Garden Show saw two Landscape Ontario members take part in the event from Feb. 28 to Mar. 3. Daniel Shoag Landscaping of Stratford, and A Touch of Dutch Land-

scaping, also of Stratford, attracted quite a bit of attention at the show. Shown above is the display by A Touch of Dutch. The festival’s website can be found at www.stratfordgardenfestival.com/.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

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installed along the parkway The London Chapter of Landscape Ontario leads the community coalition, which includes municipal, provincial and federal governments, military veteran groups, corporations, small businesses, service and community groups. A special reception for corporate and community partners was held on Mar. 1, to honour those who helped the VMP project arrive at its present state. Sandler said the response has been incredible. More information on the project,

or to donate, may be found at treesfortheparkway.ca.

Windsor Chapter spreads the message at home show

Green for Life was the central theme of the Windsor Chapter’s garden space at the Greater Windsor Home Builders Association Home Show from Mar. 1 to 3. Many members of the Chapter supplied the manpower to greet the numerous consumers. They were also front and centre building the feature garden, along

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Chad Jackson CHT from CJ Blowers in Millgrove won a 50-inch TV at the UPI Energy LP booth at Congress 2013. LO member and owner/operator Chad Jackson, brings over 20 years of landscaping experience in both maintenance and construction including over four years of blower truck experience. In photo, Blake Sicard, left, from UPI Energy presents Jackson with his prize.

“Overall it was a very successful show with many inquiries relating to member companies’ products and services and the Green for Life branding,” says Don Tellier CLT, vice president of the Windsor Chapter. “Special thanks to Chris Power and Karl Klinck for dedicating their time to the build/dismantling of the booth and supply of materials. Santerra Stonecraft was instrumental in the supply and timely delivery of the wall material used in our booth display...thank you Nino Papa.” Tellier said that the Chapter wants to recognize all the volunteers who worked throughout the weekend to staff the booth. “You all did our Chapter a great service,” said Tellier.

Members appreciate hotel discount benefit

The Windsor Chapter had many inquiries relating to Landscape Ontario at its booth at the Greater Windsor Home Builders Association Home Show held Mar. 1 to 3.

with providing materials. Landscape Ontario Windsor Chapter has made the home show an annual event for a number of years. This year

the members scaled back on last year’s fully-integrated landscape garden, and chose to build a smaller, but impressive, 10 x 10 foot creation.

One of the newest participants in the Landscape Ontario member benefit program is CLC Lodging. This program offers Landscape Ontario members savings of 20 to 40 per cent off hotel stays. LO past president Gerald Boot CLP recently used the program, and says, “I think CLC is a bit better than CAA. No quesContinued > tion, there were savings.”

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ASSOCIATION NEWS CLC is a leading negotiator of workforce lodging rates, with consolidated purchasing power of nearly $500 million annually. There is no advance booking required, and no annual fees or minimum usage requirements. A few of the brands in the CLC system are Days Inn, Econo Lodge, Super 8, Hyatt Place, Sleep Inn, Quality Inn,

Holiday Inn, Comfort Inn, Hampton Inn, Ramada Inn and Best Western. The program boats a lowest-rate guarantee. If you find a lower qualifying rate, CLC will match it and give you $30 for your next stay. Former member services manager with CNLA, Joe Salemi, says, “I used my CLC Lodging Check Inn card during my

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Upper Canada Chapter’s Second Annual Squash Tournament on Feb 28 was a smash hit. The group had a great day, in what is described as a fun and rewarding event for all involved. Dan Clost took the championship title. Next year, the tournament will be held in Kingston. Moore’s Water Gardens sponsored the event, and prize table items were donated by Garant Tools, Connon Nurseries CBV, Nature’s Way and Bishop’s Seeds. Organizers were Judy Bell and Janine Treanor.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS recent trip to the PLANET Student Career Days in Auburn, Ala., and saved just over $180 U.S. in the course of a four-night stay. The hotel staff was very accepting of the use of the card and very knowledgeable on how it worked.” To find out more about the CLC Lodging program, contact the CNLA office at 1-888446-3499, or info@cnla-acpp.ca.

Blog gives GreenTrade high marks

Rob Redden, a blogger with Upper Canada Stone Company, gave GreenTrade Expo rave reviews. “Thanks to all the staff at the LO Ottawa Chapter and those at Landscape Ontario for a job well done,” wrote Redden. He continues in the blog, “The little sister to Congress is GreenTrade Expo, hosted by the Ottawa Chapter of Landscape Ontario. And let me tell you, little sister is sure growing up!” Redden writes, “This year’s show in my opinion was the best yet. I have not heard official numbers, but one other exhibitor told me there were 17 more booths this year over last. The show felt bigger, the exhibitors seemed more enthusiastic and the show attendees more qualified. They showed up with questions, comments, product inquiries, and eager for knowledge. The blogger wrote that with confidence, his company will continue to sup-

18 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO APRIL, 2013

port GreenTrade. “If you’re looking for a few new customers, it’s one that I highly recommend.” To read the complete blog, go to http://bit.ly/WU5coD.

Landscapers plan second canoe trip to help river

Derek Lippert CLP, owner of Quiet Nature of Ayr, is taking on the challenge of canoeing the entire length of the Grand River, from its beginnings in Dufferin County to the shore of Lake Erie at Port Maitland. The second annual fund-raising event will take place from Apr. 21 to 27. Lippert and his company’s designer J.P. Bartle will join forces again to challenge the 250 km trip, just as the season begins to heat up. A member of Landscape Ontario, Quiet Nature is a landscape design, contracting, and maintenance/gardening company. The duo hopes to raise $15,000 for the Grand River Conservation Authority’s tree planting efforts, and to increase awareness of watershed-wide environmental issues and tourism potential. “Our goal is to raise awareness of the

river’s importance to us all,” says Lippert. The Grand is the largest river in southern Ontario. Over its 300 km length, the Grand and its tributaries support nearly one-million people, over 6,650 square kilometres, in 38 communities. A regular canoeist and backcountry camper, the idea of a canoe trip to help the Grand River came to Lippert last year. Having canoed portions of the Grand over the years, he knew it would take a minimum of five days. “As the owner of a landscape company, taking off five days in mid-spring was more or less out of the picture. I figured that the only way I could justify a five-day adventure/holiday during the busiest part of our season was by doing some good in the process.” Educated in ecology, and owner of a company that focuses on sustainable landscape solutions and ecological restoration, Lippert says the trip is an opportunity to learn and share information about the environmental issues facing the Grand River watershed. Pledges can be made online at www.quietnature. ca/grandadventure/. A Facebook page www.facebook.com/quietnaturesgrandadventure has photos and a journal from the journey. Last year the two canoeists saw the Grand River change from a 20 ft. wide, rocky stream to a meandering miniature Mississippi. They posted a video of that journey at www.grandriveradventure.com.

Canadale Home and Garden Show

Canadale Nurseries recently held its sixth annual home and garden show in St. Thomas with over 5,000 visitors taking in the event. The three-day open house in the award-winning garden centre included over 25 area businesses, displays of animals and demonstrations.

From left, Kate Intven-Holt, supervisor, Jim Stinson, assistant garden centre manager, and Pauline Intven-Casier, vice president of Canadale Nurseries, enjoying some of the attractions at the show. Funds raised at the annual event go towards the community hospital in St.Thomas.

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NEW MEMBERS Durham Bio-Logic Ltd Mitchell Levine 5276 St. John’s Sideroad, Stouffville, ON L4A 7X4 Tel: 905-881-7942 Membership Type: Active Prestige Property Maintenance Inc Richard Brinkley 5104 Davis Dr, Cedar Valley, ON L0G 1E0 Tel: 905-473-1311 Membership Type: Active

Georgian Lakelands Cut Above Natural Stone Ltd George Boyd 7172 Concession B-C, RR 5, Orillia, ON L3V 6H5 Tel: 705-327-1158 Membership Type: Associate LA Gardens Laurie-Ann Stuart 33 Bear Creek Dr, Barrie, ON L4N 9M6 Tel: 705-737-4263 Membership Type: Active Pave-Tech (Canada) Joe Rubino 6 - 9 Ontario St, RR 1, Orillia, ON L3V 6H1 Tel: 705-329-2200 Membership Type: Active

Golden Horseshoe Tom Drake Brantford, ON Membership Type: Horticultural Dragonfly Landscaping and Property Management Inc Mark Raimondo 409 Dundurn St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 4L8 Tel: 416-688-0269 Membership Type: Active Inside/Out Contracting Jim Provost 2603 Armour Cres, Burlington, ON L7M 4T3 Tel: 905-335-8001 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

London Clear Creek Landscape and Property Maintenance Paul Moeyaert 106 East North Rd , Clear Creek, ON N0E 1C0 Tel: 519-875-2057 Membership Type: Active Lighthouse Landscaping David Christopher Unit B - 4226 Raney Cres, London, ON N6L 1C3 Tel: 519-951-5483 Membership Type: Active

Toronto Mohammed Abu-Halimeh Oakville, ON Membership Type: Horticultural Zack Barrett Mississauga, ON Membership Type: Horticultural Cheryl Simpson Toronto, ON Membership Type: Horticultural Brian Sinkovec Toronto, ON Membership Type: Horticultural Brightview Construction Inc Jack Lucente 4 Blueberry Hill Crt, Bolton, ON L7E 1S3 Tel: 905-951-2773 Membership Type: Active

20 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO APRIL, 2013

EVENTS

Coldsprings Landscaping Ltd Bill Parisi 42 Dunning Cres, Toronto, ON M8W 4S8 Tel: 416-259-6610 Membership Type: Active

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

EcoTec Construction Ltd Curtis Marcoux 11537 Town Line Rd, Acton, ON L7J 2L7 Tel: 519-853-4914 Membership Type: Active

April 30 - May 1

Enterprise Commercial Trucks Jim Likourezos 709 Milner Ave, Toronto, ON M1B 6B6 Tel: 855-806-3205 Membership Type: Associate Ground Force Landscaping & Design Inc Gustavo Boti 24 - 7355 Torbram Rd, Mississauga, ON L4T 3W3 Tel: 905-671-1112 Membership Type: Active Kingscape Landscape Construction Group Mike Dall’Acqua 19 - 13085 Yonge St, Richmond Hill, ON L4E 0K2 Tel: 416-414-7754 Membership Type: Active Longo Landscaping Ltd Danny Longo Toronto, ON Membership Type: Horticultural Star Gardening Limited Rose Doncses 19980 Bathurst St N, Holland Landing, ON L9N 1P5 Tel: 905-836-7612 Membership Type: Active Town of Milton Alex Frank Milton, ON Membership Type: Horticultural Uniquip Canada Ltd Benoit Dufresne 4101 Industriel Blvd Laval, QC H7L 6G9 Tel: 905-567-5071-x280 Membership Type: Associate

Upper Canada Ground Master Jeff Earle

1366 County Rd 2, PO Box 452, Brockville, ON K6V 5V6

Tel: 613-342-7750 Membership Type: Active

Waterloo Knell’s Industrial Steve Keith 2090 Shirley Dr, Kitchener, ON N2B 0A3 Tel: 519-578-1001-x231 Membership Type: Chapter Associate Omniscape Phill Karasinski New Hamburg, ON Membership Type: Horticultural On The Mark Building Mark Grant 46 William St, New Hamburg, ON N3A 2K6 Tel: 519-662-1415 Membership Type: Active

Windsor Cedar Springs Decks and Fences Sal Costante 844 Westminster Blvd, Windsor, ON N8S 2C1 Tel: 519-817-4318 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Health and Safety Conference and Trade Show International Centre, Mississauga Health and Safety Conference Partners in Prevention 2013 will host a health and safety conference and trade show. For more information, contact 1-877-494-9777. May 4

Landscape Industry Certified Written Test

St. Clair College, Windsor Get ready for the 2013 season and complete your written Landscape Industry Certified exam. For more information, go to www.horttrades.com/ certification-test-at-st-clair-college-2013.

Dry stone walling course May 4 - 6

Landscape Ontario home office, 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton May 11 - 12

Maxwell Stone Supply Yard, 9257 Beechwood Rd., Collingwood Learn the ancient art of dry stone walling from two of Great Britain’s Master Wallers from the Dry Stone Walling Association. Weekend hands-on courses are offered at two different locations. Email Dean McLellan at hlmasonry@ehtel.ca for information or to register. May 21 - May 22

Grey to Green Conference

Evergreen Brick Works, Toronto Green Roofs for Healthy Cities is organizing the Grey to Green Conference from May 21 to 22 at Evergreen Brick Works in Toronto. For more information, go to www.greytogreenconference.org. July 5 - July 7

The Backyard Glam Tour

Georgian Lakelands The Backyard Glam Tour tour will be a one-of-a-kind opportunity to gain VIP access to 12 glamorous and professionally decorated backyards in the Georgian Bay and Southern Grey County regions. Visit www. backyardglamtour.com for full details.

VOLUNTEER PROFILE Carol Fulford’s dedication helps Durham Chapter thrive Carol Fulford of Gerrits Property Services in Pickering is known as a dedicated and inspiring volunteer. Since 2004 Fulford has been a member of the Durham Chapter, serving as the Chapter secretary-treasurer since 2006. Her husband John also serves on the Chapter executive “I saw the great benefits of being involved in the Chapter,” says Fulford. “You can gain so much information simply through the networking opportunities at Chapter functions.” Along with Chapter

events, over the years Fulford has also volunteered her time at many other Landscape Ontario events, including Canada Blooms, Congress and governance meetings. “I enjoy seeing the Chapter succeed,” says Fulford. And with the Durham Chapter, it’s easy to confirm that success with increasing attendance numbers at recent meetings. The past March meeting saw an attendance of over 80 members. With a membership of 160,

attracting that many to a Chapter meeting is astounding. LO’s membership and chapter coordinator Helen Hassard says, “Carol has been a dedicated and inspiring volunteer since before I started at LO. She helped me learn the ropes at the Durham Chapter and has continued to amaze me with her dedication and enthusiasm. How Carol finds time to do all that she does for the Chapter, while running the company she owns with her husband, raising a family and volunteering with several other charities, I’ll never know.” Fulford gives a great deal of the credit for the Chapter’s success to the executive. “I have a great executive team to work with at the Chapter. The support from them is amazing.” This month, Landscape Ontario magazine features the Durham Chapter profile on page 24. The busy volunteer also gives a great deal of her time to other groups besides Landscape Ontario, such as Durham Community Care and Scouts Canada. “I enjoy doing it, and receive great satisfaction from helping others,” says Fulford.

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4. 1. The Waterloo Chapter celebrated the end-of-season with its annual Fall Freeze-Up Dinner and Dance. A highlight of the evening was a presentation to John Wright (left) of Wright Lawn Services and Paul Grobe of Grobe Nursery for their 25 years of service to the Waterloo Chapter. 2. The Windsor Chapter

held its annual Awards of Distinction at St. Clair College with nearly 40 people in attendance. In photo are members of the Garlatti Landscaping team who won a number of awards. 3. Landscape Ontario hosted over 100 professional development seminars in its 2005 winter program. One of the instructors was Sean James of Fern Ridge Landscaping in Milton. 4. At the annual Awards of Excellence program at Congress, past presidents awards were given to Mike Pascoe and Bob Wilton. In photo at the presentation are, from left, Tony DiGiovanni, LO executive director, Mike Pascoe, Bob Wilton, and Gerald Boot, LO president. 5. Excellent snow conditions under sunny skies blessed the eighth annual Georgian Lakelands Ski Day at Alpine Ski Club, Blue Mountains.

Landscape Ontario celebrates 40 years

2005

Growth and change have marked Landscape Ontario’s history, but pride in the association shines throughout. The year 2013 is occasion for special pride, as

22 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO APRIL, 2013

your association’s 40th year. Landscape Ontario magazine is searching its archives to publish nostalgic annual highlight spreads through the end of next year. LO’s first 25 years were documented in a special yearbook, available at

www.horttrades.com/yearbook. Each issue this year will feature information from the years between the 25th anniversary and today. Photos or material about LO’s history are appreciated; please send to Allan Dennis, adennis@landscapeontario.com.

LAWN CARE HIT HARD WITH WSIB RATE HIKE

If the Workplace Safety Insurance Board’s expected 2006 premiums for the landscapers were any indication, the industry saw an upward trend in the number of safetyrelated accidents. The group hit hardest was the lawn care industry, whose rate of 2.45 per cent escalated to reach the same WSIB figure as in 2000. Rising healthcare costs, insurance and claim costs were cited as the main reasons for the increase.

PESTICIDE BYLAWS REMAIN HOT-BUTTON ISSUE

5. GREENHOUSE, NURSERY SALES CLIMB

According to figures released by Stats Can in 2005, a boom in sales took over the industry during the 2004 growing season. Combined sales of flowers and vegetables hit a record high of $2.16 billion, eclipsing the previous year’s $2.09 billion in sales. The Canadian greenhouse industry continued to grow in 2004 by an additional 3.5 million square feet. More than half of that square-footage is in Ontario, and almost all of the gain can be attributed to the expansion of vegetable production in Ontario and British Columbia.

The first dandelion appearance on 2005 meant a renewed interest in regulating pesticide application. Added to the growing list of municipalities discussing a ban or reduction of pesticide use were the Region of Waterloo, Ottawa and London. Waterloo’s two-pronged approach included an education campaign that encourages everyone to reduce the amount of pesticides they use. The second initiative was a proposed by-law that controls where and when pesticides can be used. Ottawa’s approach to the issue started in 2002, when city staff began educating residential and commercial property owners to reduce their dependence on pesticides. The strategy called for residential and commercial pesticide use to be reduced in 2005, by 70

per cent and 65 per cent, respectively. If reduction targets weren’t met, city staff was directed to draft a pesticide by-law later that year. However, staff asked council for one more year to evaluate the education program and reduction targets. London’s proposed by-law to ban cosmetic pesticide use was met with a delay, as council voted to defer debate on the issue. The thinking was to wait and see how a legal challenge against a similar by-law in Toronto would hold up in court. Meanwhile, three judges on the Ontario Court of Appeal upheld the City of Toronto’s ban on pesticides, ruling that municipalities have the authority to pass by-laws aimed at matters of the health, safety, and well-being of its inhabitants. With the lawn care industry suddenly in dire need of alternatives, a Weed Man franchisee in the GTA was in the middle of conducting a successful experiment using beet juice extract as a fertilizer. The 18-0-5 formulation is about 23 per cent more expensive than traditional spraying, has a slight odour, and requires rain to be applied successfully. But the benefits outweigh the disadvantages, says Paul Gaspar of Weed Man Toronto, especially considering the limitations lawn care providers in the city would find themselves subjected to after September 1. “It’s a fact of life in the City of Toronto,” Gaspar said. “We have to realize that we’re never going to get rid of all the weeds.”

BLOOMS OF BRESSINGHAM FOUNDER DIES

Alan Bloom, founder of Blooms of Bressingham Nursery in Norfolk, England, passed away on March 30, 2005. He was 98. One of Britain’s greatest plantsmen of the 20th century, Bloom pioneered the use of hardy perennials in island beds and was responsible for breeding and introducing many award-winning new plant varieties, including Astilbe ‘Sprite,’ Achillea ‘Moonshine,’ Geranium ‘Ballerina’ and Phlox ‘Frank Schubert.’ In 1955, Bloom started work on the Dell Garden, which today features 27 island beds planted with more than 5,000 different plants. Bloom was recognized for his work, attaining the Victoria Memorial Medal and the MBE from the Royal Horticultural Society.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 23

CHAPTER OF THE MONTH

scapes in Sunderland, who has been involved as the plant manager for the Landscape Ontario feature garden at Canada Blooms. Regine Marsh immigrated to Canada in 1984 with her parents, settling in Brockville. She attended the University of Guelph. After graduation, she took a position as head gardener at the Board of Trade Golf and Country Club in Woodbridge. In 1991 she married Brian Marsh, and shortly after began work with the City of Durham College Mix and Mingle Oshawa. Durham Chapter has been working to Brian Marsh became involved in a partmake connections at Durham College’s nership, running a growing landscape conHorticultural Technician Diploma Program. struction company. “The need was there On Mar. 6, several Chapter members for someone to manage the office related attended the college’s first annual Mix and items, and my skills evolved from being a Mingle. This was a great opportunity to hands-on horticulturist to an administrator. speak with the students of the horticultural After 12 years of being involved in a partprogram and meet the newest members of nership, the couple decided it was time to our industry. It was also a great opportunity go out on their own. to see the new diploma program, meet the They purchased a 64-acre farm with a instructors and give input towards the prolarge three acre pond and an old house gram’s direction. from 1884 to renovate and call their own. It also provided room to start a new company. Visiting job sites In 2009, Earth Art Landscapes was born. LO wants to promote the association within Earth Art Landscapes is now looking the industry. In May, membership departforward to its fifth season. “We run three ment staff Denis Flanagan CLD and Helen landscape construction crews, as well as Hassard, along with other LO staff, will one garden maintenance crew. In 2012, we spend a few days out on the road visiting decided to take the plunge and build a new your job sites. The plan is for home office office building. We are now well organized staff to come and meet your staff, take a with four offices and a large, heated shop, few pictures, promote LO and bring a few as well as ample parking to accommodate treats. If interested in LO staff stopping by, our growing company,” says Regine. email helen@landscapeontario.com to discuss Brian Marsh has been involved with date and time. Landscape Ontario since 1997, being a member on several Featured member, boards, as well as Regine Marsh being president of Durham Chapter snapshot We feature Durham the Durham ChapNumber of Members: 160 Chapter member ter for five years. Number of Active members: 117 Regine Marsh, presi“This involvement Chapter Board Brian Baun, Provincial Board Rep dent of Earth Art Landhas enabled us to Carol Fulford, Treasurer and Secretary make some great John Fulford, Director friends within our Edward Hewis, Vice President industry. Brian also Mark Humphries, Director Brian Marsh, Past President became involved in Norm Mills, Director helping with CanApril Scarlett, Director ada Blooms and Greg Scarlett, President has just finished his Brian Shelfoon, Director sixth feature garden Steve Wall, Director installation,” says Regine. “I hope that we will continue to contribute to the green industry by providing our customers with a lasting, but ever-changing, piece of art and that we as a company can be someone our staff is proud to work for and our customers will recommend,” says Regine.

Durham Chapter continues active schedule Durham Chapter has become a very active and a successful group, featuring huge attendance numbers at meetings and staging a highly successful suppliers’ barbecue every August. Something different will occur this summer with Durham’s involvement in the Toronto Chapter’s annual charity golf tournament. Durham board member Brian Shelfoon will serve on the Toronto golf planning committee. Durham Chapter doesn’t host a golf tournament, so when Shelfoon wanted to help with a golf tournament, it made sense to help his neighbouring chapter. The annual governance meeting determined that networking with fellow industry members is a priority. It’s great to see two neighbouring chapters working together for mutual benefit. While this type of thing might not be unprecedented, it certainly isn’t common. It may inspire other volunteers to look beyond geographical limits and seek projects they find meaningful. Who knows, maybe this summer we will see a few Durham foursomes at the golf tournament and some Toronto supplier booths at the Durham barbecue. Durham Chapter has become wellknown for its work at the Parkwood Estates, helping to maintain the beauty of the Oshawa treasure.

Regine Marsh is an active Durham Chapter supporter.

24 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO APRIL, 2013

INDUSTRY NEWS College of Trades begins its regulatory duties On Apr. 8, the Ontario College of Trades began registering members. Under the legislation, the College has the mandate and powers to regulate all approved trades in Ontario, and will perform standard regulatory functions such as issuing licenses and certificates of membership, investigation and discipline mechanisms, setting standards for training and certification, conducting research and collecting relevant data to support future apprenticeship and certification policies and removing barriers and increasing access for internationally trained workers. The government feels that the college as a regulatory body will help modernize Ontario’s apprenticeship and skilled trades system. The organization will be funded by fees of $100 to $200 for tradespeople and $600 to $700 for employers in the construction, service, manufacturing and industrial trades sectors. In late March, Brad Duguid, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, stood in the provincial legislature, stating, “The College will protect the people in those fields as well, from the illegal and substandard work found in the underground economy. “We have a responsibility to protect the public, and a responsibility to protect our skilled tradespeople who are qualified and abide by the law. “To those opposed to the creation of a

College of Trades, I ask why you would so readily dismiss our responsibility to protect consumers and these important workers?” Opposition to the idea says the new College of Trades will increase costs. The Ontario Construction Employers Coalition claims the college will drive jobs and opportunities out of Ontario during tough economical times. The coalition says those fees amount to an $84-million annual tax grab to create a “costly and unnecessary bureaucracy.” Bob Guthrie, ceo of the College, says, “The skilled trades now have their own selfgoverning regulatory body representing all trades in Ontario. This is a big step. The College will work with members to create training and work standards for the trades.” Duguid says that the College will help raise awareness of the career opportunities the trades provide. “It will lift up the value and credibility of the trades as an attractive career option.” Duguid says that not one cent of the registration fees collected by the College of Trades will go to the government. Ontario’s skilled tradespeople include dozens of occupations and thousands of workers. The landscaping industry is included in that group. To view the fee schedule, or more information on the College of Trades, go to www.collegeoftrades.ca/about.

Harper addresses EI changes

Prime Minister Stephen Harper spoke to the concern on the issue of the employment insurance program and seasonal workers. In late February, Harper said that the government will ensure that seasonal workers are protected. He claimed that misinformation has been relayed about the government’s plans to reform the program. The green industry has expressed concerned about the EI reforms. It is feared that the program will force EI recipients to to take job opportunities up to 100 kilometres away, even if the work pays less. Many in the industry say the changes will discourage many potential employees from entering the industry. CNLA says it is continuing to try and receive some answers from the federal government on the issue.

Off-road tire fees increase

Ontario Tire Stewardship (OTS) has announced increased fees for off-road tires that take effect Apr. 1. The Ontario used tires program is funded by a fee collected by OTS from tire manufacturers and first importers of new tires in Ontario. The fee covers the costs of managing used tires to prevent them from ending up in landfills or being burned. It also pays for the cost to disposal of used tires. A list of the type of tires and new fees can be found at http://bit.ly/Zr8GLP. Andrew Horsman, executive director of OTS, says that the current fees being charged were not covering the real cost of recycling tires in Ontario. He says a lot of work went into determining the real costs and the fees were determined accordingly. The fees divided the cost of recycling

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 25

INDUSTRY NEWS

Courtesy of the artist and Diaz Contemporary Photos by: Toni Hafkenscheid

by the number of tires being recycled. The calculation is based on the weight of the tire when it’s recycled. When purchasing new tires the Tire Stewardship Fee is itemized on the invoice or receipt. For more information, go to http://bit.ly/ YhsOEH, or contact info@RethinkTires.ca, or 1-888-687-2202.

Artist creates horticultural installation at AGO

The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) on Dundas Street West in Toronto is featuring a horticultural work of art by Canadian artist, Kim Adams. The piece measures 122 cm high by 81 cm wide by 203 cm long. It is made up of miniature toy train cars stacked, passenger cars, box cars, hopper cars and dozens of miniature human figures about two cm high. The display is at the AGO until Aug.11, 2013. – Larry Sherk

The Artist’s Colony (Gardens) by Kim Adams is a true horticultural work of art, featuring green roof gardens, a vineyard, hop field and vegetable gardens.

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MEMBERSHIP Journey into wonderful, not-so-scary world of Twitter By Helen Hassard Membership coordinator

’ve recently joined Twitter and I’ve got to say, while I may be late to the party, I’ve been having a great time. Before I got involved with Twitter, I simply ignored it, as I’m sure is the case for many of you. I can’t say it’s for everyone. Since its inception in 2006, Twitter has quickly grown in popularity. According to Internet sources, the social media site has 72 million active member accounts (as in members who post multiple tweets daily). So this winter, I decided to take the plunge and started our @LOMembership account; for those of you who don’t speak Twitter, the @ symbol is used to identify a person’s account. If I was writing a tweet and wanted to shout out to Landscape Ontario magazine in the hopes that they would find my tweet interesting enough to retweet, I would write “@LoassocMag” in the 140 characters that make up a tweet. And if I wanted to suck up to my boss, I would type, “@denisflanagan I saw you on TV yesterday, here’s a clip of you giving fabulous gardening advice.”

The main thing I learned from joining Twitter was that 140 characters can be a powerful thing. It instantly links me with interesting articles, upcoming events, funny videos and generally just making me feel as though I’m getting to know someone on the human level. The more information you give Twitter about your interests (information you provide by following certain types of people), the more it will customize the news for your tastes. For example, I follow mainly members and people in the green industry. The news articles on my list this morning included a Globe and Mail article about investing in Toronto’s parks, an article from Environmental Canada about reducing risks to migratory birds and a design article about the use of LED lights. All this takes only five to 10 minutes on average to scan tweets from the people I follow. Twitter has easily become the most efficient and best time management social media tool I’ve used. Joining Twitter was a somewhat intimidating process. My initial thoughts were, “Who wants to hear what I have to say?” and “What do all those symbols mean?” or “What if I don’t have time to tweet very often?” So if those same fears are preventing you from trying it out, let me tell you that, 1. If you stay true to your passion and tweet things of interest, avoiding

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talking about things like what you ate for lunch than you’ll find followers with common interests. 2. I’ve already explained the @ symbol so the only other thing to know is #. This basically is a connecting tool, so if I wrote #Gardening it would become a link to view what other people who wrote #Gardening have to say. If I’ve lost you here don’t worry, it’s somewhat intuitive once you try it out, and you can always Google a proper explanation. 3. It doesn’t matter how often you tweet (although in my personal opinion tweeting every hour is too much). Hopefully, I’ve alleviated your fears and given you reason to try it out. If you’d like to stay in touch with the LO staff, see list below. Feel free to give me a call at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 354, or by email to helen@landscapeontario.com, or tweet me.

Socialize with LO www.facebook.com/ landscapeontario

@LOassocMag @TonyDiGiovanni1 @denisflanagan @green_for_life @LandscapeTrades @locongress @LOExpo2013

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PUBLIC RELATIONS Chapters help kids all year long By Denis Flanagan CLD Director of public relations and membership services

O members have created many opportunities for children to become involved with horticulture throughout the year. Our Waterloo Chapter continued its greening schools competition, with the announcement that this year’s winning entry is Elmira District Secondary School. We will be following the project as it unfolds and publish a feature article sometime this summer. To support the garden built by Toronto Chapter members at Sick Kids Hospital, a further donation of $5,000 was presented to the Child Life Department. The goal is to develop gardening programs at the hospital. I’m sure as the plans develop, the Chapter will need some ideas, materials and volunteers; please contact us if you are interested in being involved. Canada Blooms was a big hit with young families during March Break this year, as parents busily captured shots of gazebos and waterfalls on their smart phones and tweeted thoughts about the latest plants. The next generation of gardeners could be seen jumping and rolling on the turf areas, getting their hands dirty in the ever-popular natural playground created by Adam Bienenstock, or at the wonderful new kids activity area sponsored by Fafard and Floral Dimensions. There seems to be a tremendous momentum in the industry to support gardening programs for children. I asked Louis Damm, owner of Floral Dimensions Flower Farm from Fenwick, for his thoughts. This is what Louis had to say, “It is very important to engage children, along with their parents and grandparents, in gardening. Gardening is a survival skill that leads to the understanding of long term nutritional health. The obesity concerns that are experienced today can only be overcome by understanding good nutrition from food sources. This starts by growing fresh food

28 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO APRIL, 2013

in the garden. Like learning to ride a bike, gardening skills will take children to new experiences. The Children’s Garden Experience at Canada Blooms is a wonderful

platform for us to do our part in teaching this gardening skill, while offering parents and grandparents a place to start teaching this survival skill.” I agree with Louis. We continually watch our LO members juggle family life along with developing their business plans, yet they still find time to contribute to the big picture. We look forward to following those stories this year and into the future. Denis Flanagan may be contacted at dflanagan@landscapeontario.com.

The next generation of gardeners are inspired at Canada Blooms.

Arvils Lukss, Toronto Chapter president and Toronto Chapter past president Lindsay Drake Nightingale take time out during Canada Blooms to present Andrea Hoover, Child Life Department, Sick Kids (centre), with a $5,000 donation on behalf of the Chapter. Hoover plans to use the money to add an interactive component to the rooftop garden at the hospital by adding planting benches for children to monitor the growth rate of small plants and vegetables during their stay.

PROSPERITY PARTNERS

where we’re weaker — the actual landscape construction work. Don’t get me wrong, we do and did great work, but it wasn’t profitable What is it about being involved with your for us. Instead, we’ve chapter that helps you in your business decided to sell, design and manage the and/or maintaining a healthy work-life jobs, and let subcontractors who are balance? more efficient at specific trades complete Grant I love being involved in our local the projects. I credit Prosperity Partners Landscape Ontario Chapter. I really enjoy for giving me the tools to properly and meeting and talking with other business objectively evaluate our business. We are owners and discussing best practices. I excited about the future and confident that always come away from an LO meeting this will prove to be a really good decision with some good information, ideas, and for us. encouragement. They’re a great bunch Jacki What did you like the most about the of people. Having said that, one thing I’ve Effective Management Short Course you learned is that it is often very easy to get attended on Jan. 7, 2013? too involved in volunteer efforts, which can Grant I appreciate that it was a quick and be detrimental to the work/life balance. easy review and reminder of the Prosperity I encourage everyone to be involved in Partnership program. It’s always good to their local LO chapter, but guard your time have a refresher. wisely. Jacki I’ve had lots of feedback on the Short Jacki What does being involved with your Course concept. What are your thoughts Chapter’s governance do to enhance your on the value of breakout sessions/ career and interests? networking in a seminar? Grant I’ve been able to Grant I always find that meet some great people the networking aspects of and make some beneficial any seminar are the most connections, both inside valuable. I feel that I’m getting and outside the landscape to the point where I’m able industry. Being involved in to give back and give some steering the direction of the advice/experience to younger chapter is exciting. It helps business owners. When I us to focus on the future and first started out, I benefited think about where we want greatly from the advice and the industry, and particularly experience from those who our chapter, to be down the were further along than me. road. Jacki If you could start your Jacki What specifically has business all over again, would Grant Harrison the Prosperity Partners you include the Prosperity program most recently done to help you Partners program in your learning and with your business and work-life balance? business development plan? Grant I sound like a broken record, but Grant Yes. honesty, being able to intentionally and Jacki Going forward, will you continue to clearly evaluate all aspects of my business engage in the Landscape Ontario Chapter has been vital, especially in the last three community, and if so, why? months. Due to the evaluation process, Grant I will likely be taking a short break from I learned through Prosperity Partners, any official involvement in our chapter. as well as discussion I’ve had with other The last two years have been very busy trusted Prosperity Partners, to identify our with LO governance and new projects strengths and move our company in a with the chapter. With the change in our direction that focuses on them and gives business, I need to focus more intently on us the best chance at long-term success its sustainability and success. However, I and stability. will continue attending meetings and being Jacki Can you give me an example? involved to a lesser degree...at least for Grant We have very recently decided to now. focus our business on what we do best: Jacki Hart may be reached at sales, design and project management. prosperity@landscapeontario.com. We have decided to eliminate the areas

An interview with Grant Harrison By Jacki Hart CLP Prosperity Partners program manager

his month, I’ve interviewed Grant Harrison CLT of Escapes Outdoor Living in London. Grant was among the first business owners to participate in the Prosperity Partners seminars, and it’s really rewarding for our team at LO to read how helpful the program has been to the process of growth and strategic planning in his business! Jacki How has the Prosperity language helped you to be intentional about how you run your business? Grant I have been able to use the Five Pillars — Leadership Excellence, Professional Operations, Financial Health, Sales Success, and Customers for Life — to regularly evaluate my business throughout the year. These pillars have made me aware of areas I need to focus on. As a result of these regular evaluations, we are able to identify areas that need improvement, as well as areas where we can celebrate some success. Jacki Can you give me an example of the type of questions you ask yourself as a result of the Prosperity Partners tools? Grant It’s pretty basic, but then again, I’m pretty basic. I am constantly asking myself how we are doing in each of the five areas, followed by, “What do we need to do to improve and grow?” Jacki How does what you’ve learned through the Prosperity Partners program help to rejuvenate your interest and passion, and keep you engaged? Grant Prosperity Partners taught me to skillfully evaluate all aspects of my business. Evaluation reminds me why I’m doing what I’m doing, which is because I enjoy it. It keeps me focused, and allows me to identify areas that need attention, and areas where we’ve seen growth and need to celebrate. We enjoy a good celebration! Jacki I understand that you’re involved in your local Landscape Ontario Chapter Board. Congratulations! I am wondering:

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 29

EXECUTIVE DESK Passion, inspiration and enthusiasm build Canada Blooms Tony DiGiovanni CHT LO executive director

ost people think gardens are built by combining earth, trees, turf, shrubs, flowers, stone, wood and water. However, if you have ever had the opportunity to witness the garden build at Canada Blooms, you know that passion, inspiration, enthusiasm and pride are also involved in the process. Canada Blooms is awesome! It’s like a magnifying glass that focuses the creativity, skill and talent of our industry. Everyone who walks into Canada Blooms is welcomed by the visible evidence of thousands of ideas that can be recreated in their own homes. Millions of visitors have been emotionally touched by the beauty and the wonderful fragrance. All of us in the industry have benefited from the work of the garden build-

ers and floral enthusiasts. Canada Blooms has put our industry on the map. We thank all the participants in Canada Blooms for doing such an exemplary job at promoting the industry. During the building process, I was struck at how illogical it all was. There were hundreds of individuals working 15-hour days in the midst of dust and diesel fumes while creating amazing displays, only to take them down ten days later. Landscape Ontario is filled and blessed to have so many members who have what Tom Intven refers to as the LO gene. The contribution ethic is contagious, and happily has spread from one generation of members to the next. We all owe great thanks to the following individuals who made us all look great. Please forgive me if I missed some. Paul Brydges and a team of designers from LO’s designers group (Connie Cadotte CLD, Ron Swentiski CLD, Anne Gilson, Ron Koudys CLD, Fred Post CLD, Marina Signer) who imagined the various concepts and elements. The main focal point was a Beacon of Knowledge, a wonderful dry stone creation built with passion by Dean McLellan, Kevin Hackson, Menno Braan and friends. They are quietly reviving the ancient art of dry stone walling. Thanks to Upper Canada Stone for the donation of a huge quantity of stone. The beacon symbolizes one of the core values of Landscape Ontario — to share knowledge. Please see http://bit.ly/10dQS81. Steve Carrothers from Aeon Gazebo lent his carpentry skills and built a gazebo complete with green roof. Barry Hordyk was also involved in the gazebo. Project manager Brian Marsh led a team which included Pat Elo CLT, Brandon and Tyler Gelderman, Regine Marsh, Jeffrey Lee, Darryl Bond and many others who skilfully constructed many elements of the garden. James Thompson was responsible for the curved water wall. John Higo and Raymond Josephian from Turf Care brought the garden to life with their landscape lighting skills. Sally Harvey CLP, CLT spent many hours before, during and after the build coordinating thousands of details required for a smooth execution. Her mammoth contributions must be acknowledged and recognized. (You should have seen the length of her Gantt chart). Rachel Cerelli also helped coordinate many of the details. Robert Ellidge was responsible for preparing the signage and power point displays. Here is another video of the garden http://bit.ly/YdnDWa. Another highlight of Canada Blooms was the Sheridan Nurseries garden which celebrated 100 Years of Horticulture. The display not only chronicled Sheridan’s story, it reflects the history of Ontario horticulture. Congratulations to Sheridan for reaching 100. And speaking of passion, Alan White, Kyle Tobin, Steve Tschanz, George Friedel, Ken Pavely, Lee Ratcliffe, Paul Gaspar and Paul Grotier once again revealed their passion for turf by building vignettes throughout the festival, tying them all together with a contest that had young people searching the building for clues on how turf improves the quality of life. Have a great spring season! Tony DiGiovanni may be reached at tonydigiovanni@landscapeontario.com.

30 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO APRIL, 2013

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