Landscape Ontario - November 2013

www.horttrades.com

THE JOY OF RETAIL Industry connects at Garden Expo 2013 Page 4

CH W AP I TE N R D of S th O eM R ON TH

November 2013

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Skilled trades shortage is next crisis

By Phil Charal LO president

C

anada has a shortage of skilled trade workers, including areas such as mechanics, welding, construction and our industry, horticulture. And, the problem is likely to worsen with many of today’s qualified workers approaching retirement age.

According to Statistics Canada, there are many skilled trade workers approaching retirement, while very few young people are entering the skilled trade workforce.

It seems that today’s graduates are not interested in skilled trades, instead looking at university or less traditional subjects such as cosmetology, food services, and even funeral services. So, couple this with retirement facing large numbers of Boomers and you can imagine how it could result in a crisis.

Recent national survey numbers on education show some interesting facts on the three post-secondary credentials, which

Formerly Horticulture Review

November, 2013 • Volume 31, No. 11 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

include trade certificates (including a certificate or diploma, or a registered apprenticeship certificate), college diploma and university degree. Of the three, the trade certificate is the only one held by fewer young adults than older ones.

It is unfortunate that more young people cannot see value in the trades. It’s an area that offers great job prospects, good pay and provides a sense of accomplishment.

Skilled trade workers are critically important for the Canadian economy. They are the people who will be building new projects and maintaining the old ones. Skilled trades are not something we can outsource to China.

The federal government understands the urgency of the situation, noting that the construction sector alone requires 319,000 new workers over the next seven years.

Ottawa has stated that it will spend $4-million over the next three years to harmonize requirements for apprentices across Canada.

The federal government is also promising to use apprentices in federal construction and maintenance contracts.

Ask any business owner in the green industry what his biggest challenge is, and he will likely single out the problems

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 Integrated solutions representative Greg Sumsion gsumsion@landscapeontario.com, 647-722-6977 Communications coordinator Angela Lindsay alindsay@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5305 Accountant Joe Sabatino jsabatino@landscapeontario.com, 647-724-8585

with hiring good people.

Isn’t it amazing and puzzling how young people generally have a difficult time finding suitable and enjoyable employment, despite holding university degrees?

Today’s youth have been encouraged from an early age to seek a university education and become a professional. In guidance offices throughout Canada and dining rooms in our homes, the song remains the same, and it doesn’t include positive encouragement towards skilled trades.

Canadians are turning their backs on skilled trades. Over the next decade, as the Baby Boomers step away from the workforce, experts say that Canada’s skill shortage could reach a million people.

So, how does business prepare for this crisis?

We need to spend time to continue and improve our co-op and apprenticeship programs by giving young people the great opportunity for hands-on job experiences.

We need to push back against the educational establishment that assumes the best and the brightest must go to university.

We also must encourage our young people to do the work they love and to pursue a career for which they have a passion.

To investigate many of the programs available, the following web pages contain a great deal of information.

Apprenticeship, www.horttrades.com/apprenticeship; Certification, www.horttrades.com/certification; Careers, www.horttrades.com/careers; Education, www.horttrades.com/education.

Phil Charal may be reached at pcharal@landscapeontario.com.

4 8 17 18 19 22 22 23 26 26

FEATURES ASSOCIATION NEWS CHAPTER OF THE MONTH VOLUNTEER PROFILE Industry NEWS EVENTS New Members COLUMNS Classifieds Ad Index

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO STAFF Shawna Barrett, Darryl Bond, Kim Burton, Rachel Cerelli, Tony DiGiovanni CHT, Rob Ellidge, Denis Flanagan CLD, Sally Harvey CLT CLP, Jane Leworthy, Heather MacRae, Kristen McIntyre CHT, Kathy McLean, Linda Nodello, Kathleen Pugliese, Paul Ronan, Ian Service, Tom Somerville, Martha Walsh

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.

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The walkways were filled during peak times on the trade show floor.

Expo meets all expectations of attendees and exhibitors Expo 2013 had some positive comments this year from both attendees and exhibitors on Oct. 23 and 24.

Trade show committee chair Terry Childs said a goal of Expo is help retailers meet business goals and obtain prosperity. “I think this year’s show met that goal,” said Childs. “Networking, first and foremost is the best way for our members to grow their business. This coupled with seminars, workshops, suppliers and social events all combined to make for a successful show.”

Keynote speaker this year was Jim Hole, president of The Enjoy Centre, in St. Albert, Alta. His talk outlined how garden centres can engage with gardeners. He told those present to find ways to attract the new generation of customers, who don’t see themselves as gardeners.

On Wednesday evening, Karl Stensson, president of Sheridan Nurseries, moderated a panel of retail industry leaders and innovators presenting top ten business tips.

Many of those in attendance were owners and staff of top garden centres across Ontario. They were also at Expo to take part in the Awards of Excellence program. See results on page 5.

A first-time exhibitor at Expo, Henk Westerdvin of Plant Suite in the U.S., said, “With us entering the Canadian marketplace, Expo delivered quality attendees who had great enthusiasm about our product. What more could a busi-

4 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2013

ness owner ask for? Excellent results for our first time launch.”

New Product Showcase

The latest plants, flowers and the ever-increasing popularity of vegetables were on display in this year’s New Product Showcase.

Free workshops were held both days at Expo on stage at the Destination Inspiration Theatre.

Garden writers took advantage of the opportunity at Expo to hold their annual connect event.

The meeting also included a visit to the trade show floor. This provided a great opportunity for vendors to show-off to the writers who are an important connection to customers.

Show committee director Klaas Sikkema shows off some of the The subject of green walls, roofs and urban farms new plants in the New Product/New Plants display. took centre stage at a lunch event hosted by the Interior Plantscape of life or living systems.” Biophilic design Sector Group. Chris Raimondi, of Raipoints the way toward creating healthy mondi Horticultural Group, N.J., spoke and productive habitats that connect peoabout how today’s interior business enviple and nature, such as hospitals where ronment is affected by, and profits from, patients heal faster and offices where biophilic design factors. workers are more productive.

The term biophilic literally means “love Raimondi outlined how protection from

the elements, building insulation and civic beautification are some of the benefits of green walls and roofs. Those in attendance heard what system is appropriate for living walls and roofs.

Best booth awards

Winners of the best booth and best promotion awards were announced near the end of the show. Evaluations are based on a set of criteria, which includes design and visual impact, quality of construction, signage, staff identification, promo-

tional material, layout, unique display techniques, visual aids and booth attendees passion for their work, appearance, knowledge of their product, willingness to answer questions, and pride in their company.

Judges had a tough time this year, as

The annual Garden Centre Awards of Excellence program saw some outstanding entries this year. In photo are winners of the outstanding plant display category for annual and/or perennials.

Top garden centres and growers honoured at Awards of Excellence Deserving garden centres and nurseries were honoured at Landscape Ontario’s 2013 Awards of Excellence handed out on Oct. 23 at Expo 2013.

Landscape Ontario created the awards to recognize and celebrate the fact that Ontario nurseries and garden centres consistently provide quality and outstanding service to consumers.

The following are the winners of the 2013 Awards of Excellence for garden centres.

Angelo’s Garden Centre, Concord: Display of plant material — annuals and/or perennials.

Bala Garden Centre, Bala: Display of plant material — annuals and/or perennials.

Baseline Nurseries and Garden Centre, London: Display of plant material — evergreens and/or broadleaf evergreens.

Bradford Greenhouses Garden Gallery, Barrie: Display of goods — seasonal; Display of goods — giftware; Display of plant material — annuals and/or perennials.

Canadale Nurseries, St. Thomas: Display of goods — giftware; Merchandising techniques — promotional event; Display of goods — seasonal; Display of plant material — deciduous shrubs and/or trees; Merchandising techniques — print advertising.

Garden Market, Burk’s Falls: Display of goods – giftware; Merchandising techniques — print advertising.

New North Greenhouses, Sault Ste. Marie: Merchandising techniques — promotional event.

Parkway Gardens, London: Display of plant material — annuals and/or perennials.

Peter Knippel Nursery, Gloucester: Display of plant material — deciduous shrubs and/or trees.

Reds Garden Centre, Halton Hills: Display of plant material — deciduous shrubs and/or trees.

Sandhill Nursery, Huntsville: Merchandising techniques — outstanding print advertising; Permanent display gardens — under 500 square feet; Display of goods — giftware; Display of plant material — annuals and/or perennials; Display of plant material — deciduous shrubs and/or trees; Merchandising techniques — promotional event.

Sheridan Nurseries, Georgetown: Merchandising techniques — website development; Display of plant material — annuals and/or perennials; Display of goods — giftware; Display of goods — seasonal; Merchandising techniques — promotional event; Display of plant material — your specialty: Plant material your business is noted for; Merchandising techniques — creative POP area; Merchandising techniques — print advertising.

Sipkens Nurseries (Palace Perennials), Wyoming: Display of plant material — deciduous shrubs and/or trees; Display of plant material — annuals and/or perennials; Display of plant material — evergreens and/or broadleaf evergreens Vermeer’s Garden Centre and Flower Shop, Welland: Merchandising techniques — print advertising.

The 2013 list of Growers Awards of Excellence winners was published in the August issue of Landscape Ontario magazine.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 5

so many exhibitors displayed high standards.

“Year in and year out, the show floor of Expo is a sight to behold, with bold, vibrant colours and stunning displays that really show the strengths of Ontario’s green industry,” said Heather MacRae, director of events and trade shows for Landscape Ontario. “The creativity and imagination that goes into these displays is astounding.”

Pan American Nursery Products of Millgrove won best booth award for under 200 sq. ft., while Maple Leaf Nurseries of Jordan Station received the award for booths over 200 sq. ft.

Judges felt that Pan American Nursery Products applied creative thinking to create a happy booth presence and generate new customers. The staff sported custom shirts, featuring strong, colourful graphics of the company’s blooming products. “It takes a secure man to wear this shirt,” said sales rep Ryley Anderson.

He reported that attendees love the outrageous outfits. Pan American’s well-lit display was effective, taking advantage of varied heights and massed colour, but the shirts will remain in customers’ minds.

Maple Leaf Nurseries won the large booth prize for the third year in a row.

The open metal structure was a simple and effective design strategy with draped

purple fabric and festive, tiny lights. Maple Leaf’s perennials, shrubs and trees were well displayed.

For the second consecutive year, Canadale Nurseries of St. Thomas was recognized for its marketing efforts to drive pre-registrations to Expo. A big part of Canadale’s program was a chance to win an iPad for customers who place an order at the show.

Best Booth judges were Mike Russell, business development manager for the Toronto Congress Centre; Lee Ann Knudsen, publisher at Landscape Ontario; and Brad Hellas, manager of Showtech Power and Lighting.

Over 150 delegates from education, indusConnecting Educators Conference brought industry, education and try and government came together for an exciting new government people together to discuss serving the horticultural industry. event, Connecting EducaSponsors tors. Highlights included Sponsors of this year’s Expo were Comseminars and talks about education post Council of Canada, Global Arch opportunities, labour market information, – Natural Stone Wholesale, and Stucareer awareness, apprenticeship, safety, dio Specialties. The media partner was and Skills Ontario.

Landscape Trades.

Conference and event sponsors and contributors included Beaver Valley Stone, Bernardin, Canadale Nurseries, Fafard et Freres, Green Plants for Green Buildings, Lechuza Canada, McKenzie Seed and Plant a Row – Grow a Row. Flowers Canada Growers and Canadian Academy of Floral Art were partners with Garden & Floral Expo 2013.

The next big event for Landscape Ontario is the 40th annual Congress on Jan. 7 to 9 at the Toronto Congress Centre. For more information on one of North America’s largest horticultural, lawn and garden trade shows and conferences, go to www.locongress.com.

Pan American Nursery Products of Millgrove won top prize for the best booth under 200 sq. ft. In photo, show committee chair Terry Childs, Alex vanBarneveld and Ryley Anderson, of Pan American, and trade show manager Heather MacRae.

6 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2013

Upper Canada greens school It was a time of pride for members of the Upper Canada Chapter of Landscape Ontario on Oct. 1, when the official ribbon cutting ceremony and unveiling of new outdoor classroom and reading circle at John Graves Simcoe Public School in Kingston took place.

Chapter members provided labour, equipment and supplies to create an outdoor classroom at the school.

Speakers at the official opening included Kingston mayor Mark Gerretsen, school principal Darren Seymour as well as other dignitaries and Terry Childs, Chapter president and provincial representative.

The school is the first recipient of a $20,000 Sustainable Revitalization prize, which included recycled tire derived products and landscaping greenery to transform the schoolyard into an environmentally sustainable space.

The award came about through a contest which was won by a local Kingston business, Car Medics. The owner of Car Medics, Phil Deveau, chose John Graves Simcoe Public as the recipient of the award, which was supported by the Cana-

dian Automobile Association and the Ontario Tire Stewardship.

Childs says the Chapter was approached to help create the green space “To say that the green space has transformed a part of our schoolyard would be an understatement,” says Seymour. “Visually, the space we utilized for Dave Gunn of Gunn-Duncan Landcaping was one of the green space had all of the appeal of the volunteers from Upper Canada Chapter. a fenced-in vacant lot. The space had gone unused for more than ten years. seems to be a good product for commercial After we were awarded the $20,000, Terry or institutional use.

Childs from Nature’s Way Landscaping, The school principal says, “The results created the plans for what the greenspace are truly better than we ever could have would look like. The plans were amazing imagined. Our initial plan for the school but I still couldn’t imagine how they would yard was to create an outdoor classroom look in reality.”

— an alternate learning environment which Over the course of a few weeks in would provide students and teachers with a August, Upper Canada Chapter members different space outside of our four walls” made the plans a reality. After clearing the LO members taking part in the project lot, greenery was brought in and recycled included Simply Landscaping and Garden tire mulch was applied along with limeDesigns in Odessa, Nature’s Way of Gananstone blocks. oque, Picture Perfect Landscaping Quinte “Some of us were excited and intrigued of Belleville, Gunn-Duncan Landscaping about using the recycled tire mulch,” says of Cobourg, Scott Wentworth Landscape Childs. He noted that it went on well, and Group of Picton and Sheridan Nurseries.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

Fanshawe College students, dressed in their distinctive red, offered their services to help guide volunteers to plant over 400 trees along the Veterans Memorial Parkway in London.

London members continue work on Veterans Memorial Parkway Landscape Ontario members continue to take key roles in the success of London’s Veterans Memorial Parkway Community Program (VMPCP).

The latest involvement came on Sept.

28, when 500 community members planted 400 trees along the Parkway.

It is a major landscape project in London, featuring a living monument along a 10-km stretch of Veterans Memorial Parkway to honour Canada’s military veterans.

“It’s unique in the country, in that the entire parkway will become the monument to veterans. It’s designed to create a driving experience to make you think about veterans and their service,” says Barry Sandler, executive director of the VMPCP. “The features are meant to focus on the values and service veterans have given the country. I have looked at examples and I haven’t found anything like this.”

The Veteran’s Memorial Parkway Landscape Enhancement Project officially launched on Sept. 30, 2011, when London Mayor Joe Fontana joined representatives of Landscape Ontario to sign an agreement for the VMPCP to begin operations. The project is expected to be

8 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2013

completed by 2017.

A few days before the big planting day on Sept 28, over 40 LO members and employees working with 14 pieces of equipment dug holes and placed trees for the arrival of planting volunteers. Ron

Koudys CLD conducted a site layout with the help of the London Veterans Memorial Parkway Community staff members and members of the Scouts Canada Urban Forester program.

Groups represented at the planting day included Argyle Community Association, Scouts, Guides, Lions, Rotary, Optimists, East London District Masons, Trojan Technologies employees, GDLS employees, Starlim North America Employees, StarTech.Com employees,

The 66th Scouts, Triple H Paving and Triple H Concrete designed, constructed and installed a hardscape feature on the site, the Canadian Flag.

3M Canada employees, London Garrison Community Council, various veterans associations and Parkwood Hospital patients and staff.

Fanshawe College Horticultural Technician Program students and staff were on site to help volunteers with the planting process. Decked out in their red unforms, the students served an important function in helping volunteers plant the trees. They were also joined by the St. John Ambulance Search and Rescue Team, auxiliary officers from London Police Services, officers from the Traffic Division London Police Services, and City of London Park and Recreation staff.

Displays by ReForest London (Million Tree Challenge Tree give-a-way), Remember November 11 Association, CLC Tree Service, and a volunteer band (Cuda Highway) joined the amazing community event that day. Breakfast was donated by Kellogg’s and Tim Hortons, with water bottles donated by Talbot Marketing, and water by Trojan UV. The 66th Scouts, Triple H Paving, and Triple H Concrete designed, constructed, and installed a hardscape feature on the site, the Canadian Flag in stone.

Along with a number of MPs, MPPs, city politicians and other dignitaries, Landscape Ontario executive director Tony DiGiovanni

and LO’s director of public relations Denis Flanagan attended the event.

Landscape Ontario members taking part in the Veterans Memorial Parkway Community planting included TLC Professional Landscaping, Tydan Landscape Design, Coldstream Land Escape Company, Rural Roots Landscaping, Jay McKinnon Company, Escapes Outdoor Living Designs, Beamish Landscape Services, Mountview Services, Outdoor Aesthetics, MPH Hardscapes, Parkside Landscaping, PGS Landscape, Stone in Style, Unlock (John Lavoie) and Kimmick Landscaping.

Have your say at LO’s AGM LO members wishing to have a say concerning issues affecting the association, will have the opportunity at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Jan. 8, at the International Plaza Hotel, 655 Dixon Rd., Toronto.

Free breakfast is served, starting

at 7:15 a.m. An RSVP is appreciated to Kathleen Pugliese at 905-8751805, or 1-800-265-5656, ext. 309, or kathleenp@landscapeontario.com.

The reminder postcard, shown at left, is mailed as an insert with this issue.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

Turf Care holds second event at BMO Field

Turf Care of Newmarket staged its second Greatest Show on Turf at BMO Field in Toronto.

The company is the premier supplier of irrigation and turf equipment to the stadium, which is home to major league soccer team, Toronto FC. According to Scott Sim CIT, territory manager for Turf Care, the day provides a great learning experience for municipal staff and turf students who are looking to improve on how they grow and maintain turf.

“Tours of the facility were provided so people could see what is going on below the field, such as the irrigation, drainage and sub-air system,” said Sim. Visitors also had an opportunity to try out equipment, and learn agronomic principles from John Bladon of the Chimera Group who has written over 50 articles and executed more than 50 presentations for that industry, ranging from business and agronomy, to physiology and chemistry to communications and sustainability.

Durham College opening is proud time for Chapter

Turf Care of Newmarket showed off its equipment at BMO Field in Toronto.

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Durham College celebrated the official opening of the Centre for Food on Oct. 17, marking the region’s first-ever post-secondary presence focused on field to fork.

The new facility accommodates approximately 900 students studying a variety of programs including Horticulture Technician, Food and Farming and Golf Facility Operations Management.

LO’s Durham Chapter has a strong

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tie to the college, having hosted supplier barbecues, assisted with its horticulture program and being actively involved in the creation of a special partnership with Parkwood National Historic Site (Parkwood). The unique partnership with Parkwood provides students the added benefit of studying and training at Parkwood’s renowned historic gardens and greenhouses in a living lab environment.

Art and Jazz Charity Garden Party marks 10th year

For the past ten years LO member Pathways to Perennials in Kettleby has used its talent and facilities to help raise over $30,000 towards Stronach Regional Cancer Centre at Southlake Hospital in Newmarket.

On Sept. 26, the garden centre hosted its Tenth Annual Art and Jazz Charity Garden Party. It was Vegas for a night while wining, dining and playing popular casino games. The three-hour event raised $3,000 for the cancer centre.

Attendees enjoyed a beautiful evening of mouth-watering food prepared by Chef Ron and his wife Peti of the Pathways to Perennials Garden Café. While enjoying the food, guests were serenaded by the sounds of The Trilogy Jazz Project. Visitors were able to tour the perennial beds and lifestyle displays with outdoor lighting. As well, Lorraine Mennen, owner of Pathways to Perennials, led a tour of Hidcote Hideaway, the wedding gardens that are viewed by private tour only.

Dr. Woodrow Wells, physician lead of Radiation Medicine Program at Stronach Regional Cancer Centre, shared a

Pathways to Perennials opened its gardens for the10th annual Art and Jazz Charity Garden Party, raising over $3,000 towards the Cancer Centre at Southlake Hospital in Newmarket.

few inspirational words about the importance of contributions to the program.

The evening was capped by a raffle in which many companies came together to donate prizes. The raffle featured more than three dozen pieces of interior and exterior décor items, plants, trees, garden accessories and much more!

Stonemen’s Valley once again donated an engraved granite rock for the silent auction in hopes to raise more money for Southlake. “A very special thank you goes out to all of our proud sponsors and to those guests who showed their support!

Success comes easily when like minds commit to work together towards a common goal,” said Mennen.

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A number of LO members helped to sponsor the event. They are Aquascape, Blue Sky Nursery, Brookdale Treeland Nurseries, Greenstar Plant Products, Sheridan Nurseries, Valleybrook and Vanhof and Blokker.

Plans are already underway for the 11th Art and Jazz Charity Garden Party.

GreenTrade opens registration for 2014 show

Landscape Ontario’s Ottawa Chapter is proud to announce its 21st consecutive GreenTrade Expo 2014 on Feb. 12.

GreenTrade Expo is dedicated to green industry landscape and horticul-

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Ottawa Chapter marked its 20th anniversary of GreenTrade last year with a sold-out show. Organizers hope the 2014 version, on Feb. 12, is even bigger and better.

tural professionals, and is Eastern Ontario’s largest trades-only event.

Show attendees can take advantage of free admission to benefit from the over 100 exhibitors expected for 2014. With the exhibitor mix featuring just about every possible product and/or service, the show allows attendees to find just the right ones to offer your clients.

Exhibitor space has sold out the last three years. When exhibit space for GreenTrade 2012 was sold out, the organizing committee elected to move to a larger hall at the Ernst & Young Centre, adding 10,000 square feet of space, which was a 33 per cent increase.

Even with that extra space, through the tireless efforts of show manager Martha Walsh and her team, GreenTrade Expo 2013 was a sellout. It meant that, in addition to loyal, repeat exhibitors, there were also many new, first-time exhibitors, who offered show attendees a much more robust cross-section of industry suppliers.

This has resulted in great opportunities for attendees and suppliers to network with their peers, prospective clients, product and service providers, as well as gain business-building insights, contacts, and perspectives.

The show day will begin with the popular Ministry of Transportation Contractors’ Breakfast. It’s a great opportunity to view the interactive and educational ses-

12 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2013

sion from the ministry staff. The session will cover the latest, up-to-the-minute developments in road regulations and the implications they represent to any contractor who has to use Ontario roadways to do their work. Past attendees report that the timely information from this session saved them a lot of grief and potential fines, and is well worth the time it took to attend GreenTrade Expo.

GreenTrade Expo 2014 will feature a series of free business-building seminars throughout the day, covering need-it-now information, presented by respected experts. Couple the seminars with the essentially unlimited networking opportunities, and GreenTrade Expo represents an unprecedented opportunity for attendees to change the face of their businesses.

Register on-line to qualify for our great door prizes. As has been the GreenTrade Expo tradition, once again many great door prizes will be available only to those attendees who pre-register online through www.GreenTrade.ca Doors will open for GreenTrade Expo 2014 at 9 a.m., and the show runs until 3.

For further information contact show manager, Martha Walsh at 613-796-5156, or email her at MarthaWalsh@ GreenTrade.ca.

Congress 2014 features many new attractions

Don’t miss out on the hottest new business accessory this season — a Congress Conference Pass.

Is there a future in landscape design? A loaded question with a loaded response, and that’s just the opening keynote at the ever-popular Landscape Designer Conference.

The International Plaza Hotel will host the conference and the schedule includes a sponsor showcase and features a full-day of sessions followed by a networking reception. The lineup is fantastic, and is a must-attend for landscape design professionals.

The 49th IPM Symposium returns to the Congress Centre for a full day of seminars. The IPM Leadership Award will be presented. The day’s events will conclude with a complimentary networking reception for all registered attendees.

Returning for a second year is the interactive Effective Management Short Course designed with over-burdened business owner in mind. Focus will be placed on strategies to reduce peak season stress and improve quality of life.

New to the schedule is a Living Walls and Green Roofs Train the Trainer Workshop led by Karin Senneff.

This year’s Conference lineup is hot.

It will focus on prosperity for both business owners and employees.

The conference will start off with a bang…or a drum roll. The Drum Café will kick things off with a very unique, hands-

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ASSOCIATION NEWS on approach to team-building, learning and motivation.

Each day opens with a keynote in the big ballroom, followed by concurrent sessions. Lunch will also be held in the ballroom, and provides delegates with another opportunity to network and hear from various panels of their peers. Also included are daily owners-only workshops focused on key business-development issues.

The program features internationally acclaimed industry and business experts such as Owen Dell, Diarmuid Gavin, Jeff Korhan, Mark Bradley, Jim Mathis, Haig Seferian, Bill Arman and many more.

Another new event at Congress is the pre-Tailgate Party on Wednesday afternoon, under the banner of The Feminine Factor in Horticulture. This inaugural networking event for women in horticulture will include a thought-provoking keynote presentation by Beth Edney, and an opportunity for women in the industry to learn from each other, and gain inspiration.

The Irrigation Conference will run on Thursday morning, and feature Brent

Mecham from the Irrigation Association (IA). Brent will discuss best practices driving toward a greener irrigation industry, as well as highlight new and upcoming IA initiatives. The conference runs in the morning, allowing attendees to visit the trade show in the afternoon.

All this and the always-popular events such as Tuesday night’s Awards of Excellence ceremony, Wednesday morning’s AGM, and Wednesday evening’s Tailgate Party. Watch for the the December issue of Landscape Ontario magazine for more details, and the Conference Guide, which is included in the Nov./Dec. issue of Landscape Trades, or at locongress.com.

LO members mark National Tree Day across the province

LO members were out in force to mark National Tree Day on Sept. 25.

Even Chapters were involved in the event, such as Waterloo, which marked the day by taking part in its green school event at Elmira District Secondary School.

Georgian Lakelands Chapter mem-

Winkelmolen to host 2014 Auction The Growers’ Sector Group has announced that Winkelmolen Nursery in Lynden will host the 2014 Industry Auction. The nursery will mark its 35th anniversary next year.

The Sector Group is putting out a call to members who may be interested in hosting the Industry Auction in 2015.

Any interested members should contact LO executive director Tony DiGiovanni at tonydigiovanni@landscapeontario.com.

14 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2013

bers came together at Cundles Heights Public School in Barrie to enhance the school yard by planting three large sugar maples. With over 200 students from kindergarten to grade 4 overseeing the installation, everyone cheered as the trees were raised. Students were given the opportunity to help dig and then fill-in around the trees.

Chapter members taking part included Dearborn Designs and Associates, Kowalski Landscaping, LA Gardens, and Solty Garden Centre.

At the LO home office in Milton, Landscape Ontario staff and board members planted two trees at the entrance of the site.

Willowbrook Nurseries in Fenwick

donated two trees for local school plantings.

Vermeer’s Garden Centre in Welland donated two trees for local school plantings.

The Grounds Guys in Hanover led a planting demonstration at St. Basil’s Catholic School in Owen Sound. Grounds Guys’ Marilyn Grubb said that 48 kindergarten students participated.

Gelderman Landscape Services in Waterdown planted a tree at Pineland Public School in Burlington with the assistance of pupils and staff.

Terrascapes Landscape and Design of Perth planted an Empire apple tree at the local community food bank, called The Table. A local gardening group was in attendance, along with some students from Perth Children’s House.

Sheridan Nurseries was also busy. In Georgetown, John Reiter helped Silver Creek Public School in Georgetown plant a tree.

Michael Davis in Kitchener led his Sheridan team planting a tree at Monsigner Haller School in Kitchener, and Scott Baillie and his team in Unionville planted a tree at James Robinson Public School in Markham. Sheridan’s Larry Parr in Mississauga planted a tree at St. Clement Catholic School in Etobicoke and Steve Cline in Whitby planted a tree at Robert Munsch Public School in Brooklin. A tree was also planted at Blessed Cardinal Newman Catholic in Scarborough by Andrew Jinkinson and his team from Sheridan.

Cindy Cluett of Beyond the House held a planting demonstration in the new garden at the front of her building in Russell. The LO member also held a planting demonstration in the new Children’s Reading Garden at the Russell Township Library. This was done in conjunction with the Russell and District Horticultural Society.

Jeff Lee of Lees Landscaping in Minesing planted two trees at two school locations, Hillsdale Elementary and Huronia Elementary in Elmvale.

LawnSavers Plant Health Care in Concord planted a tree at

Stam Nurseries Inc.

Over 200 students at Barrie’s Cundles Heights Public School joined Georgian Lakelands Chapter members to plant four sugar maples on National Tree Day.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS Holy Name Catholic Elementary School in King City. Kyle Tobin said that the company also built an outdoor classroom and peace garden.

Snips Landscape and Nursery of Welland donated trees and facilitated planting events at eight local schools.

Darko Trifunovic of Neighbourhood Landscaping in Etobicoke said his company led a fun and interactive planting demonstration at a local school.

OGS Landscape Services in Brooklin planted a tree at Carnwith Park with assistance from Chris Hadfield Public School.

The company also provided tree seed and planting instruction to 60 students at Winchester Public School in Brooklin.

Western Landscape Services in Kingston planted a tree with grades 3 to 8 students at Kingston Christian School in celebration of National Tree Day. Over 80 students took part in the event.

Michael LaPorte of Clearview Nurs-

ery in Stayner said the company planted trees at the schools of its staff’s children.

“At St. Noel Chabanel, Wasaga Beach, we planted one tree and talked to the kindergarten classes. At Nottawa Elementary School in Nottawa, we planted two trees and also held a presentation for the kindergarten to grade 4 classes, while at Admiral Elementary School, we planted a tree.

New hardscape committee chooses its mission

The newly formed Landscape Ontario Hardscape Committee has chosen its mission statement from among three proposals.

The committee’s new mission statement reads, “The mission of the Landscape Ontario Hardscape Committee is to advance the proper application of interlocking concrete pavement sys-

16 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2013

tems and segmental retaining walls by training, educating and providing technical resources to Ontario contractors, specifiers and designers. We rely on the resources developed by the ICPI and the NCMA.” Members of the committee include chair, Mike Riehm of Envirobond; vice chair, Jarrett Woodard of Grand River Stone; treasurer, Laura Vaughan of Atlas Block; marketing, Jason Vettese of Bestway Stone; education and professional development, Alex Cadieux of TechoBloc; past chair, Chuck Chambers of St. Marys Cement; and directors Bruce Burns of Unilock, John Sanchez of Permacon and Al Van Haaster of Oaks Concrete Products.

The committee has helped to organize a permeable paving specialist course on Nov. 28 in Kitchener. The course will feature installing and maintaining permeable interlocking concrete paving. More information can be found in LO’s weekly e-newsletter, or by calling the home office at 1-800-265-5656.

Perry Molema project close to funding goal

Organizers are close to the funding goal for the Perry Molema Memorial Garden in Chatham.

Molema was a talented landscape designer and Canadian ponding pioneer, and a long-time member of Landscape Ontario. He was president of both the Windsor and Toronto Chapters and Canadian sales director for Aquascape.

He passed away on Dec. 22, 2012 as a result of injuries from a car accident.

A number of his closest friends have designed an interactive and integrated garden with a rain exchange system as its focal point The build will be located in downtown Chatham. The city has stipulated that construction of the project can’t begin until enough funds are collected to purchase rocks, gravel, permeable pavers, plant material, soil, mulch, etc. Most of the materials have been offered at cost and all labour will be donated and Aquascape materials needed for the build will be donated by the company. As well some of the funds collected will help maintain the memorial garden.

The Windsor Chapter has already pledged $5,000 towards the project, and LO’s provincial board has committed another $10,000. As of early November, nearly all the funding has been secured.

For more information, or to make a donation, go to www.horttrades.com/ molema-memorial.

CHAPTER OF THE MONTH

bursaries for St. Clair horticulture students. Hospice of Windsor/Essex was also the recipient of several thousand dollars in cash and material donations that would lead to the development of some permanent Solidarity gardens at the hospital.

In recent years, the Windsor Chapter has been involved in construction of the Solidarity gardens, school greening projects at St. Anne French Immersion School, construction of Olivia’s Garden grown to two days due to popularity and for a young local resident who suffers interest. from a debilitating disease, home shows Each year Growing Together was and many more local activities. always weather dependant (first SaturThe Chapter’s main project for 2013 day and Sunday in May). During the first is the Perry Molema Memorial Garden few events, the Chapter enjoyed great that is tentatively scheduled for construcconditions outside, however, was hit with tion in November of 2013 (See story elseless than desirable conditions for a numwhere in this issue). ber of years. This resulted in examining Also scheduled this fall is the conthe future of Growing Together. Based struction of the South Western Ontario on discussions with the college staff and Certification site at Ridgetown College.

Windsor Chapter board, a new event was This site will facilitate the testing of future created under the name Winter Blooms, CLT candidates in 2014 and beyond. which began a very successful five-year All this activity is a testament to the run at the college. goodwill and need for giving back to the This event transformed some large community by relatively few members. empty spaces within the college into Windsor Chapter is proud of its contribubeautiful gardens that created some tions and would like to thank all the servmuch-needed relief from the winter blues. ing board members who fully supported Through both the Growing Together and these activities over the years.

Winter Blooms events, Windsor Chapter Aside from the installed softscape and was able to donate hardscapes and numerseveral thousand ous donations given out dollars towards over the years, WindWindsor Chapter scholarships and sor Chapter is a social snapshot group. The annual Number of Members: 48 Awards of Distinction Number of Active Members: 25 recognizes the efforts Chapter Board of member companies D onald Tellier CLT, President in developing and mainand Prov. Board Rep. Chris Power, Vice President taining residential and Jay Rivait, Secretary and commercial properties Chapter Assistant in the Windsor/Essex Jay Terryberry, St. Clair College County areas. This is Liasion/Director Windsor Chapter’s largDan Garlatti, Director est attended event with Karl Klinck, Director employees and St. Clair Chuck Pronger, Director College Horticulture students invited to the proceedings. Baseball tournaments, bowling, annual golf tournament and Detroit Tigers Day round out an enjoyable social calendar.

Windsor Chapter looks forward to the challenges of 2014. “With the continued support of our small but mighty group, we hope to continue to support the branding of Green for Life in our community,” says Chapter president, Don Tellier.

Windsor Chapter has big list of accomplishments As the smallest chapter in the Landscape Ontario system, the Windsor Chapter has been able to accomplish many positives over the years.

With a very limited budget and numerous requests for assistance from the private and public sector, its 48 dedicated members have been able to step up and give back to the community on a number of initiatives.

In co-operation with St. Clair College horticulture department, a partnership was formed to promote landscaping and horticulture to the residents of Windsor, Essex and Kent Counties. This event, known as ‘Growing Together,’ brought together the students/staff of St. Clair College with the various participating members of Windsor Chapter for what was initially a one-day event. Guest speakers, garden displays, retail booths, equipment displays, petting zoos, etc., enticed the general public to come out with the whole family and enjoy a free admission event. Over the years, it has

Dan Garlatti, left, of Garlatti Landscaping in LaSalle receives one of his 2012 Awards of Distinction from Chapter director Jay Terryberry at the 2012 Awards of Distinction.

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Neil Bouma’s positive belief in industry leads him to volunteer Pride in his trade, a strong belief in education and desire to see his industry thrive are all reasons Neil Bouma, of Picture Perfect Landscaping, Belleville, has such a long history of volunteering with Landscape Ontario.

Bouma says that early on he was inspired by other members who were willing to put in the time to get a Chapter of LO started in our area. “We had a group of contractors and associates who could see the benefits that an accessible trade association could bring to the level of quality and prosperity to the landscape industry in the area. It was clear to me that LO meant access to mentorship programs and education that was not available elsewhere.”

The Upper Canada president feels that LO is a unique trade association. “When I discuss LO with other trades people they are shocked by the level of open communication and support that the landscape trade has through LO.” Bouma is committed to education, which he believes is one of the keys to gaining the respect that other trades enjoy.

Beside serving on the Upper Canada Board since 2006, Bouma and his wife Elaine have both enjoyed volunteering with the Canada Blooms set-up and take-down for the past several years. “We jokingly call it our yearly vacation.” The couple has also volunteered with several Upper Canada Chapter community build projects.

Some of Bouma’s best memories come from working side by side with associates from LO on community builds, and from round-table discussions at local chapter meetings. “I like to see the younger members develop their business and find success in this industry,” he says.

He is sure that he is not the only member who is concerned with seeing the industry thrive in the community. Bouma continues to work towards accessing education for himself and his employees.

Bouma says he is disappointed from time to time to see a lack of participation in his local chapter meetings. “We discuss so many great topics at the meetings. Participation is something I have thought about at length over the past year. It’s a complicated topic.

Members have such different expectations. How can we be all things to all people?”

Bouma also volunteers within his community. He currently sits on the building and grounds committee at a local Christian school, and he often participates in other local build programs. “I enjoy these positions for many of the same reasons I enjoy LO, working with friends for a common goal and an opportunity to learn from other skilled trade and business people.”

INDUSTRY NEWS Greenhouse conference features workshop on workshops On Oct. 9 and 10, greenhouse growers, suppliers and garden retailers met at the Scotiabank Convention Centre in Niagara Falls for the 35th annual Canadian Greenhouse Conference. There was plenty to see on the sold-out trade show floor, including showcases of new plants and new products.

The conference offers tracks covering research, labour, garden centre management, plant production, pest management and more. One session on Making Workshops Work featured Deborah Sirman, one of the owners of Greenland Garden Centre in Sherwood Park, Alta., Lisa Lautenbach of The Watering Can in Vineland and Victoria Whitney of Griffin’s Greenhouses and Garden Centre in Peterborough. All three garden centres are known for workshops, where customers come to learn to create something, and be entertained at the same time.

Sirman noted that workshops can be used to draw customers to the store at a time when they wouldn’t otherwise be there.

For example, at Greenland Garden Centre, she offers citrus and indoor plant growing workshops in January. Sirman adds that workshops offer an opportunity for staff to develop relationships with customers, and helps cement their role as an authority.

The Watering Can has locations in Vineland and St. Catharines, and offers so many workshops they have a full-time staff member dedicated to organizing and ordering product. At Christmas this year, they will have 27 different workshops, so customers

can choose to make an urn, table decoration or wreath. Another staff member works full-time on social media, posting workshops dates and times on Facebook. After the event, photos of the class are uploaded to Facebook, where they gain additional exposure when participants share the photos of themselves with others.

Victoria Whitney was a teacher who gave up classroom work to come back to the family greenhouse and garden centre in Peterborough. She now uses her teaching skills to entertain and educate gardeners.

Whitney discussed techniques for managing different types of workshop participants and offered some tips to help retailers confidently run an organized workshop.

Next year, the Canadian Greenhouse Conference takes place at the Scotiabank Centre in Niagara Falls on Oct. 8 and 9.

New website offers water management technology info for nursery sector Dr. Youbin Zheng, the Environmental Horticulture Chair for both Vineland Research and Innovation Centre and the University of

Guelph, led a research team to develop a web-based greenhouse and nursery water treatment information system.

For the new system, they collected as much information as possible to help industry members decide which technologies to select for specific operations, and to provide essential technical data to help make the right decision when using these technologies.

The new information system includes technologies that can be used for pH control, particle and debris removal, treating irrigation water for pathogen control, and to remove nutrients and other contaminants before discharge. Rough implementation costs are included.

The website will be updated as new technologies and information emerge.

“We encourage you to let us know if you have any new information which can be useful for water management in the greenhouse and nursery industries,” says Zheng.

The head researcher said the team only used peer reviewed information. “We wanted it to be objective information that the industry could know was proven and fairly reported.”

The system also provides some contact information for the technology providers. To access the website, go to www. ces.uoguelph.ca/water.

Funding for the project was partially provided by the Canadian Ornamental Horticulture Research and Innovation Cluster and the Canadian Ornamental Horticulture Alliance.

New online tool can help greenhouse and nursery sector with water treatment information.

EAB found in Peterborough and Algoma The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed the presence of the emerald ash borer (EAB) in new locations in Ontario and Quebec on Oct. 21.

The Ontario locations include north of Rice Lake in Peterborough County and Laird Township in the District of Algoma.

The Quebec areas include Marieville, in the municipalité régionale de comté (MRC) of Rouville; Low in the MRC of La Vallée-de-la-Gatineau, and Boisbriand in the MRC of ThérèseDe-Blainville.

Movement restrictions of all ash materials, such as logs,

branches and wood chips and all species of firewood from the affected sites, have been put in place. Property owners will be notified of these restrictions. Further regulatory measures will be considered once all survey work has been completed for the year.

The CFIA continues to work with federal, provincial and municipal governments towards slowing the spread of EAB. The insect infestation has cost municipalities across Ontario millions of dollars.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 19

INDUSTRY NEWS Timing top dressing to reduce fertilizer loss

A common issue with potted nursery plants is the pots tipping over on windy days, or the substrate becoming too dry and the pot too light to support the plant adequately.

When this occurs, there is often a partial loss of the controlled release fertilizer added as a top dressing and the potting substrate. Researchers conducted a trial by top dressing controlled release fertilizer in container grown plants and then tipping the pots over at different durations after the fertilizer application.

Wild rose (Rosa ‘Flower Carpet Pink’) was grown in two-gallon pots containing Gro-Bark Standard Nursery Mix and using Polyon Nursery Plus Minors 19-0410, at 36 g per pot.

Results revealed that when pots were knocked over two days after top dressing, about 10 per cent of the applied fertilizer was lost, but after two weeks and there-

Socialize with LO www.facebook.com/ landscapeontario

@LOassocMag @TonyDiGiovanni1 @denisflanagan @green_for_life @LOMembership @LOevents @LandscapeTrades @locongress @LOExpo2013 @LOgnome

after, only 2.3-2.9 per cent of the applied fertilizer was lost from the pots.

In devising a suitable management strategy, there are a few other aspects to consider. Most of the controlled release fertilizers used for nursery top dressing only start to release nutrients when the temperature is above 5°C, with limited activity until the temperature is at least 20°C. Most nursery plant species do not exhibit active root growth and nutrient absorption until the temperature is at least 5°C. Therefore, it is important to time top dressing when the temperature is right. If applied too early, the surface of the growing substrates is still hard and it is not easy for fertilizer to stick to the growing substrates. If you can, it is encouraged not to apply top dressing fertilizer on a windy day, or if there are windy days in the near term forecast.

Rough and loose growing substrate surfaces and watering the container after top dressing can also help fertilizer to remain in the pot securely.

For more information, please contact Dr. Youbin Zheng at yzheng@uoguelph. ca, environmental horticulture chair for both University of Guelph and Vineland Research and Innovation Centre.

This research was financially supported by Agrium Advanced Technology.

Gro-Bark and Sheridan Nurseries provided growing substrate and plant materials.

— Dr. Youbin Zheng, Katherine Vinson, Linping Wang and Dr. Mike Dixon

http://linked.in/LOLinkedIn

20 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2013

Plant Products announces plans for new location

Plant Products Company announced plans to relocate its Brampton warehouse and office facility to Ancaster by January 2014.

“We are very excited about opening our new location in Ancaster. We expect our customers and suppliers to benefit from this centralized location“, said Chris Stickles, CEO of MGS Horticultural and Plant Products Company.

“Everyone here at Plant Products is thrilled to move into our new facility” added Gord Jahn, general manager, Plant Products. This is a new building that will accommodate our growth plans with additional square footage for pest control products, which include features such as separate climate controlled biopesticide and biological storage rooms.

Plant Products Company is a subsidiary of MGS Horticultural. Company locations include Leamington and Brampton, in Ont., Laval, Que.; Saint-Hyacinthe, Que.; and Detroit, Mich.

Markham has interactive maps for ash tree ID

The City of Markham has developed an interactive mapping system that allows residents and businesses to locate their address to identify whether or not they have city ash trees on the boulevard or in manicured parks near their private property.

Once identified, residents can find out if the emerald ash borer has attacked the tree, and what management plan program the city is using on the tree.

Markham will spend $2-million this year dealing with EAB and city ash trees.

John Deere SELLs Landscape SEGMENT interest

Deere and Company in the U.S. has sold a majority interest in its landscape business to the private equity investment firm of Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, LLC. John Deere Landscapes is still part of Deere’s agriculture and turf segment.

As a result of the transaction, Deere will retain a 40 per cent equity interest in the business, and continue to increase its focus on agriculture, construction, turf and forestry equipment.

Deere formed the landscapes business in 2001. John Deere Landscapes is one of the largest North American wholesale suppliers of turf and ornamental agronomics, irrigation, outdoor lighting, nursery and landscape materials.

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Anwar Knight CTV News, Toronto, Ont.

e d ra c re t l ra he ng u t o lt u Set your professional goals. c d C ti r n t ho te a Register now at

T E G t A

www.locongress.com WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 21

EVENTS Bookmark www.horttrades.com/comingevents for up-to-date event information.

lunch, networking, and a chance to win one of two pairs of 200 level Ottawa Senators’ tickets.

There will also be a 50/50 draw. Pre-registration required at www.horttrades.com/ ottawa-nov-2013-meet. For more information contact Martha at mwalsh@landscapeontario. com, or call 613-796-5156.

November 22

Landscape Industry Certified written test

St. Clair College, Windsor Landscape Ontario, with the assistance of St. Clair College, will host a written test in Windsor.

To find out more about the various designations offered, email Rachel at certification@ landscapeontario.com, or 1-800-265-5656, ext.

326 November 28

Permeable Interlocking Concrete Paving Specialist Course Congress always promises lots of business and networking opportunities, and the 2014 version has lots of new attractions to make it a must-attend event. Congress 2014 takes place January 7-9.

November 15

Waterloo Fall Freeze-Up Dinner and Dance

Waterloo Inn Conference Hotel, 475 King St. N. Waterloo Come out to the Waterloo Chapter’s 34th annual fall freeze-up dinner and dance.

Visit us at Congress Jan 7-9, 2014 - Booth #30

Cocktails are at 6 p.m., with the buffet dinner at 7:15 p.m. There will be a DJ, door prizes and major draws. For more information, go to www.lowaterloo.com/.

November 19

Ottawa Chapter meeting

Royal Canadian Legion #641 3500 Fallowfield Road, Nepean A panel of peers, moderated by Bruce Morton of Greenscape.ca, will feature three Ottawa Chapter members and be followed by a Q&A. The theme will be challeneges and staffing a seasonal business. Your attendance includes

Walter Fedy Partnership, 675 Queen St., Suite 11, Kitchener Learn about installing and maintaining permeable interlocking concrete paving in this oneday course offered by the Interlocking Concrete Paving Institute (ICPI). The PICP Specialist Course is designed for contractors who are presently doing segmental paving project and wish to move into the permeable interlocking concrete paving market. The PICP specialist course is offered by the Hardscape Committee of Landscape Ontario, and LO members must call the LO office at 1-800-265-5656 to receive the Promotion Code for a registration discount.

Register at www.icpi.org/kitchener.

NEW MEMBERS Georgian Lakelands

Toronto

Algonquin Natural Stone Ltd Jim Alexander 57 Madill Church Rd., Huntsville, ON P1H 2J2 Tel: (705) 224-8699 Membership Type: Associate

Labour Force Landscaping & Construction Ltd Sean West 210 - 3007 Kingston Rd., Toronto, ON M1M 1P1 Tel: (416) 717-4473 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Golden Horseshoe

McCague Contracting Inc Jeff Mccague 4 Davis St., Collingwood, ON L9Y 0C9 Tel: (705) 888-4999 Membership Type: Associate

Artistic Landscape Services John Hutten 143 Concession 6 E., Millgrove, ON L0R 1V0 Tel: (905) 529-5999 Membership Type: Active Bobcat of Brantford Hendrik Scholten 585 Oak Park Rd., Brantford, ON N3T 3L8 Tel: (519) 752-7900 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Ottawa Sicotte Lawn Care Ronald Sicotte 205A - 185 Rue DuCompte, Plantagenet, ON K0B 1L0 Tel: (613) 558-2242 Membership Type: Active

22 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2013

Windsor Evergreen Landscaping Services John Holdstock 360-13300 Tecumseh Rd E., Tecumseh, ON N8N 4R8 Tel: (519) 979-9152 Membership Type: Active

EXECUTIVE DESK Pictures are worth thousands of words Tony DiGiovanni CHT LO executive director

I

n a world overwhelmed with information, it is always refreshing to find a simple way to communicate a message. Our national association CNLA has developed a great info-graphic that communicates the value of collaboration and the importance of our industry in a very effective manner. It saves me thousands of words.

Our mission

The mission of CNLA and LO are identical.

In essence, our internal mission is to help each other prosper. The dictionary defines prosperity as “the condition of being successful or thriving; especially: economic well-being. ”I like a broader definition of prosperity below. It communicates more fully our purpose. Prosperity has at least four components: Financial, Professional, Social and Legacy. LO and CNLA activities relate to all four areas of growth.

Vision

Although the essence of our association is to help each other prosper, we have an even higher purpose. We have a collective

vision. We are building a community that can be summarized in five words. Together, we are focused on growing a prosperous, professional, ethical, recognized, valued industry. I find this vision inspiring. I know many of you are proud of being involved in the company of like-minded individuals helping to do our part in realizing this vision.

The words and pictures communicate our mission and vision from an industry centric perspective. It is also helpful and inspiring to see our purpose from a customer/public perspective.

The late Perry Molema described our customer/public mission very well, when he said, “We are in the business of enhancing lives.” I often repeat that sentiment. It energizes me. The following pictures can be used to communicate the many of the ways our industry ‘enhances lives.’ There are not many industries that provide so many benefits to so many.

Tony DiGiovanni may be contacted at tony@landscapeontario.com, or at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 304.

Statistics show industry provides great benefit to Canada. Download these graphics and more at www.horttrades.com/cnla-infographics.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 23

PUBLIC RELATIONS Wally’s story

By Denis Flanagan CLD Director of public relations and membership services

F

or the past number of years, Landscape Ontario has maintained on the www.horttrdades.com an In Memoriam page on industry members who have passed on.

The following person is another we will be adding to that archive.

Just over a year ago Wally and Dianne Zomer came into my office in Milton, because they felt as long-time members of Landscape Ontario they wanted to explain in person that due to health reasons they would be

closing their nursery in the near future.

Sadly, Wally passed away this past September. I thought I would share some history about Wally, as I am sure the story of how his business and an industry developed will resonate with many other long-time members.

Born to Roel and Albert Zomer in Holland on June 21, 1943, the middle of five boys, Walter Zomer always had a spirit of adventure.

As a boy, he learned his lessons of hard work. This work ethic was later magnified with the necessity of financially helping the family in 1956, after they arrived at Pier 21 in Halifax along with countless other Dutch immigrants to Canada.

Initially settling in Shedden, Ont., just

MEMBERSHIP Take advantage of learning opportunities at Chapter meetings

By Rachel Cerelli Membership and Chapter Coordinator

A

s many of you probably know, I have assumed the position of membership and chapter coordinator. It’s a fairly easy transition from my previous role at Landscape Ontario coordinating the certification program.

I look forward to visiting Chapter meetings over the next while.

We are abou t to begin another season of chapter meetings and winter events, which should prompt many of you to mark your calendars for

events like the winter seminars offered by LO, Georgian Lakelands Ski and Spa Day, Chapter MTO meetings, London Chapter’s top landscape design trends with Ron Koudys, and of course Congress in January.

On Oct. 16, I joined Tony DiGiovanni and Phil Charal at the Georgian Lakelands Chapter meeting. They told members all about leadership, the benefits of being a member of Landscape Ontario and Roberts Rules of Order on how to run a successful meeting (www.robertsrules.org).

Apart from all the wonderful things we learned through the teachings from our LO executive director and board president, the true benefit was the networking taking place before and after the meeting.

For example, one of our new members was having an issue registering an

24 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2013

west of St. Thomas, Wally started his Canadian education in a one-room school house. It was here in south-western Ontario where hard work reached a new level.

The memories of working in the tobacco fields were, over the years, topics of stories among the Zomer brothers. Eventually the family settled in Oakville, where Wally’s dad Albert and older brothers worked hard pruning apple trees, followed by raising chickens.

Within a couple of years, the family was able to purchase property on 8th Line, where Albert maintained orchards.

Walter married Dianne Van Ast in 1966. They had four children over the next nine years. The family took a big risk when Wally left his secure job with the City of Mississauga to buy a property on Walkers Line, outside of Burlington, to start a wholesale nursery business.

The family has now decided to close the business. As a service to one of our members, we have been providing advice to Wally’s son Jamie. If you have any interest in purchasing nursery stock, please contact me at dflanagan@landscapeontario.com, and I will pass your message along to him.

employee as an apprentice. By the next day, this member’s employee had been granted a spot and now will join the Arboriculture Apprenticeship class in January 2014.

Another young member, who has been considering working in design, met three very enthusiastic members who are designers. They gave advice on a path to choose.

Connections were made all over the room. It is a unique opportunity to talk about our industry with other professionals.

This winter season embrace the opportunities to attend at least one of your Chapter meetings. Give it a shot. What can it hurt?

Look at it this way: when you were a kid you looked up to your parents for everything; they knew all the answers. Well, not all of us are lucky enough to have our parents in our business, and even if you do, we all eventually realize our parents don’t actually know all the answers. However, many of your business colleagues may have been around a lot longer, or have learned different on-the-job lessons and can teach you a thing or two.

Reach out to your chapter, meet other professionals in your industry and start to learn, teach and grow with your fellow Landscape Ontario members.

Contact me at rachel@landscapeontario.com.

PROSPERITY PARTNERS The November files

By Jacki Hart CLP Prosperity Partners program manager

T

his is the time of year when I pull out my November File. I’ve talked about this annual event in past columns. It’s always been well received advice, so I’m reminding you to again consider this valuable evaluation process.

Throughout the season, I make lots of quick observations about the systems in my business, jot them down and toss them in my November File. For example, things that are related to operations — noticing how a crew sets up on a job, or how a truck is loaded, unloaded, how our broken equipment is dealt with, etc. I pay attention to communication breakdowns and make note of them. I notice training deficiencies, jot them down and file them. I note gaps in our customers’ experience of working with us — follow up, keeping them in the loop, etc. And, I note what’s working well, paying attention to the processes which were followed well to earn accolades from customers. I also pay attention to who is stretched too thin, and where the balls are dropping.

Keep observations in the November file

All these thoughts and observations are chucked into the November File in my briefcase or Blackberry.

If you didn’t do this throughout the season, simply start a notebook or digital file for jotting down notes about what didn’t go so well in the past season, and what worked like a charm. Try to tab or organize your comments in some logical fashion, so that like comments and thoughts are together. If you didn’t remember to follow my annual advice from years past, by creating a physical file into which you hurriedly chuck various notes to yourself for next year during the thick of the season, then make sure you carry your November File notebook.

You should have it with you all the time

over the next few weeks, so that when ideas and memories (both good and bad) pop into your head, you can collect them while fresh.

Later this month, set aside a series of half-day sessions in your calendar with time by yourself. You decide how many.

I usually take at least three. I suggest on the days you’ve scheduled your sessions, you take yourself out for a nice breakfast alone, and start the wheels turning. Go straight back home (or someplace without distractions), sit somewhere comfortable and quiet, and start working on your business. All phones and computers are shut off.

Map change of strategy

The idea here is that you discipline yourself to do an evaluation of your different systems (or lack thereof) and start to map a change of strategy for next year.

Try to identify the things that need to change and those that you need to lever in order to build on their success. Put them into the five Prosperity Partners Pillars: Sales Success, Professional Operations, Financial Health, Leadership, or Customers for Life. This will give you a list of Need to Fix and Need to Do More of in each heading.

This list may be reviewed with foremen, supervisors, managers, if your business has them. Mull it over for a while. Take stock of which items are most critical (to either expand on or eliminate). This will give you a starting point for what to change, what to learn or what to teach others before the lid blows off of spring next year.

I realize that if you are a snow and ice contractor, November is the beginning of your season start-up. Your challenge is to make the time between seasons, or in the midst of each, to pause, assess, plan and change.

The resources available to you in the coming months to implement change are many. The website www.horttrades.com/prosperity is a good place to start. Click on any of the blue or green buttons and they will take you to the resources available. Operations systems templates, Winter Workshops, the Effective Management Workshop, Congress Conference Seminars and many more can be found there.

Remember: If you’re aiming at nothing, you will hit it with huge accuracy!

What are you aiming to improve next year?

Jacki Hart may be contacted at prosperity@landscapeontario.com.

Landscape Designer Conference

MONDAY JANUARY 6, 2014 International Plaza Hotel

Join your peers and investigate the changes in the role of landscape designers and their creation of unique and beautiful gardens.

FEATURED SPEAKERS include: Ron Koudys, BLA, MEd., OALA, CSLA, ASLA, RLI (MI), CLD Ron Koudys Landscape Architects Christene LeVatte, CLP, Highland Landscapes For Lifestyle Ron McCarthy, BLA The McCarthy Group

Rob Kennaley

McLaughlin and Associates

Diarmuid Gavin

Diarmuid Gavin Designs

NETWORKING RECEPTION Enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres with your peers following the conference.

Effective management workshop

If you’re tired of making changes that don’t stick, consider the Effective Management Workshop being held on WarmUp Monday on Jan. 6. Great ideas, networking and tools will help to assess and manage change.

REGISTER AT:

locongress.com WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 25

CLASSIFIEDS

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Landscaper’s Business Office, Home and Property for Sale A successful landscape architect is transitioning to his business to the next generation; as part of this plan, he is selling the property where the company is currently located.

Over 55 acres near Terra Cotta in the beautifully rolling hills of Caledon is a convenient location to service the GTA. A 30x70 ft barn has been converted to business offices with workshop and storage. The barn has its own mechanical systems plus driveway and yard that are separate from the family home.

The 3+BR/5Bath, 2 storey home is both elegant and inviting. It has an expansive main level that encourages entertaining plus a walk-out basement with games room. The decks and pool take advantage of a southern exposure for optimum enjoyment. Asking $1,450,000.

Call Michele Skawski, Sales Representative at 905-838-5012 RRSI Realty Inc., Brokerage 416-220-4728 or go to: www.LiveInCaledon.ca

All classified ads must be pre-paid by credit card. Rates: $50.85 (HST included) per column inch Min. order $50.85. 15% discount on ads run for entire calendar year. Box Numbers: Additional $10.

Confidentiality ensured. Deadlines: 20th day of the month prior to issue date. (eg: June issue deadline is May 20th). January deadline is Dec. 10. Space is limited to a first come, first served basis.

To advertise: E-mail your name, phone number and ad to Robert at classifieds@landscapeontario. com or fax to (905) 875-0183. Online advertising: Website only ads are available for $67.80 (HST included). Min. order $67.80 for up to 325 words. Website ads are posted for 30 days.

View ads online at www.horttrades.com/classifieds

SERVICES AND SUPPLIES For sale: New Paper pots - Kord brand Assorted sizes: 1009, 1109, 1209, 1211, 0809, 1011, 910, 1112.

Email: zimmermannlandscapenurseryltd @gmail.com FOR SALE ARTIFICIAL TURF 125,000 sq ft of artificial turf for sale.

Approx. 110,000 sq ft of green infield turf.

Approx. 15,000 sq ft of red warning track turf.

Each rectangular piece is 14’ x 8’.

For more info contact: admin@hawkinscontracting.ca 905-591-7711

View these ads and more online at www.horttrades.com/ classifieds

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES ESTABLISHED MUSKOKA LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE COMPANY FOR SALE Successful, respected company, locally owned and operated, is looking for a professional and dedicated purchaser. Well-maintained fleet of trucks and equipment. Dependable staff, loyal customer base. Year-round operation.

For serious inquiries only, please reply in confidence by email to: MuskokaOpportunity@gmail.com ESTABLISHED SCARBOROUGH LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE AND SNOWPLOWING COMPANY FOR SALE Successful, respected company, locally owned and operated, is looking for a dedicated purchaser. Year round operation, with a loyal customer base. Well-maintained fleet of trucks and equipment. Building and yard may be leased separately.

For serious inquiries only, please reply in confidence by email to: rdarding@sympatico.ca

REPUTABLE BUSINESS FOR SALE Reputable, established design/build business.

Loyal customer base, state-of-the-art equipment, diversified services and unique product lines, plant material, boulders and supplies.

Website also included. Asking $325,000.

Email: tjhiar@me.com Cell: 519-919-1474

ADVERTISERS Braun Nursery Ltd.

www.braungroup.com

800-246-6984

Page 13

Canadale Nurseries

www.canadale.com

519-631-1008

Page 7

www.dutchmasternurseries.com

905-683-8211

Page 28

www.gro-bark.com

905-846-1515

Page 15

Hillen Nursery Inc. www.hillennursery.com

519-264-9057

Page 27

J. Lockwood Chrysler Ltd.

www.lockwoodchrysler.com

289-644-2250

Page 13

www.landscapestore.ca

905-336-3369

Page 16

www.newroadsleasing.com

416-587-1021

Page 22

Dutchmaster Nurseries Ltd. Gro-Bark (Ontario) Ltd.

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO ETING ANNUAL GENERAL ME

GET INVOLVED, !

ATTEND “YOUR” AGM ation is doing.

Find out how your associ r industry. you of wth gro the Be part of

“Prosperity through t” Engagemen

2014 Wednesday, January 8,.,

0 a.m Registration opens at 7:0 M at 8:00 a.m.

AG ., a.m 5 7:1 at ast Breakf International Plaza Hotel and Conference Centre,

Legends Landscape Supply Inc. Newroads National Leasing Nisco National Leasing Potters Road Nursery Inc. Select Stone Supply Sipkens Nurseries Ltd. Stam Nurseries Timm Enterprises Ltd. The Investment Guild

www.niscocanada.com 888-634-9559 Page 10 www.pottersroadnursery.com

519-688-0437

Page 13

www.selectstonesupply.com

905-335-4900

Page 11

www.sipkensnurseries.com

866-843-0438

Page 14

www.stamnurseries.com 519-424-3350 Page 15 www.timmenterprises.com

905-878-4244

Page 12

www.hortprotect.com

800-459-8900

Page 9

www.uxbridgenurseries.com

877-655-3379

Page 12

Dixon Rd, Toronto International Ballroom, 655

Uxbridge Nurseries Ltd.

Pugliese at Please RSVP Kathleen ontario.com ape dsc lan se@ glie kpu

V. Kraus Nurseries Ltd. www.krausnurseries.com 905-689-4022 Page 18 Winkelmolen Nursery Ltd.

26 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2013

www.winkelmolen.com

519-647-3912

Page 2

For over 25 years, Hillen Nursery Inc. has remained dedicated and passionate about the nursery industry.

Mark Endicott General Manager

23078 Adelaide Rd. Mount Brydges, ON N0L 1W0

Cell: 647.923.5182 • Fax: 519.264.1337 mark@hillennursery.com

hillennursery.com

Our featured spreads have been seen in the issues of Landscape Ontario magazine.

Now we invite you to visit our website with easy access to our complete up-to-date listings of hundreds of varieties and more.....

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM  27

28 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2013