Landscape Ontario - September 2015

September 2015 www.horttrades.com

SAUGEEN

SKILLS one stone at a time PM 40013519

Page 6 Dean McLellan, Menno Braam, Mike Henry, Ty Kewageshig, Dallas Thompson and Henry Mandawoub

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2 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO SEPTEMBER 2015

S’ LOGO

SUMERS’ RS’ LOGO , Website edia, etc.)

ON LOGO

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Plant it high, never die

By Dave Braun LO president

A

ll too often, trees planted in our landscape die unnecessarily. I don’t have to tell anyone the enormous costs of replacing trees; from the cost of labour to the cost of the tree, from the loss of productivity for the crew to the loss of reputation of our companies, it’s something that can cost us deeply.

Last month, I received a call from one of our customers who had an issue on his site. He had a number of trees that were in decline and a number that were dead. When I visited the site, I was surprised that any of the trees survived. The trees were buried five inches below grade and then had almost a foot of mulch on top, creating a “landscape volcano,” which was suffocating the plant.

Fortunately, we can increase tree survival by avoiding a few common mistakes.

The biggest cause of tree death and decline that I see on landscape sites is trees that have been planted too deeply.

September, 2015 • Volume 33, No. 8 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 Phone: 905-875-1805

Trees need drainage and oxygen to survive, and will drown if they are just one inch below grade. The old adage, “Plant it High, Never Die,” is a mantra to which all of your staff should adhere.

In most cases, trees should be planted with the root collar at least three to four inches above grade. Planting your trees with a quarter of the root ball above grade is another good rule of thumb. Any aesthetic issues caused by planting trees slightly higher can be solved by gently grading the area to make a slight mound around the tree. Dead trees that are perfectly at grade never look good. Also, if the hole is inadvertently dug too deep, add soil to the bottom of the hole and compact it with your foot.

Sometimes the root collar is actually buried in the root ball when the contractor receives the tree. In this case, it’s important to scrape off the top of the root ball to expose the root collar to determine the correct planting depth. When considering the width of the hole, it should be at least one and a half times the width of the root ball (more is ideal). The young fibrous roots of the new tree will grow much better in disturbed soil. These new roots cannot grow in air, so it’s important to continuously pack

Publisher Lee Ann Knudsen CLM 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 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO STAFF Darryl Bond, Kim Burton, Myscha Burton, Rachel Cerelli, Tony DiGiovanni CHT, Rob Ellidge, Denis Flanagan CLD, Sally Harvey CLT CLM CAE, Jane Leworthy, Heather MacRae, Kristen McIntyre CHT CEM, Kathy McLean, Linda Nodello, Kathleen Pugliese, Ian Service, Tom Somerville, Martha Walsh

the soil with your feet as you plant, not just at the end of the process (step firmly, but don’t pack hard). Also, when mechanical equipment is used to dig holes, it’s critical to make sure that the sides of the hole have not been “glazed,” creating a hard wall that new roots cannot penetrate.

Do not place more than one inch of mulch directly over the root ball on newly planted trees (too much will decrease soil oxygen). Piling mulch around the trunk should also be avoided to prevent bark decay. I’ll say this again, less is more — one inch is plenty! As a rule of thumb, when you’re applying mulch away from the root ball, three to four inches of wood/bark chips can work well for weed control and preventing soil compaction. On wet soils, however, mulch may hold excess moisture, and also isn’t suitable in particularly windy areas.

A general rule of thumb is one inch of water per week. Watering can be a significant expense, but is very little compared to the full cost of replacement.

Finally, do not remove the wire basket, as this will only damage the roots. Unless there is unnatural fiber (e.g. plastic twine), or an excess amount of sisal rope or burlap, it’s unnecessary to remove the tree from its packaging. The remaining lacing helps to stabilize the tree against the wind and will decompose within the season.

Sometimes, tree planting specs can be contrary to the health of the tree. It is our responsibility to use our knowledge and ensure healthy trees for our communities.

Dave Braun may be reached at dbraun@landscapeontario.com.

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FEATURES GELDERMAN’S 60TH SAUGEEN DRY STONE PROJECT

ASSOCIATION NEWS LETTER TO THE EDITOR SCHOLARSHIP PROFILE NEW MEMBERS EVENTS INDUSTRY NEWS COLUMNS AD INDEX CLASSIFIEDS

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 2015, reproduction or the use of whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited. Published 11x 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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Nathan Gelder had a replica of the 1948 Jeep Willys, driven by Jan Gelderman, completely restored to mark the 60th anniversary of the company.

Gelderman Landscape Services celebrates a 60-year legacy Nathan Helder, president of Gelderman Landscape Services in Waterdown, strongly believes in the philosophy of former president of Ford Motor Company and former chair of Chrysler, Lee Lacocca, who said, “I hire people brighter than me and then I get out of their way.”

But for Helder there is more than simply hiring smart people. “Once you have the right people, then they must understand the structure that is in place and that they are empowered to make mistakes, and grow from those,” says Helder.

He must be doing something right. Gelderman Landscape Services has gone through a significant and steady growth in business over the past few years. It’s doubled its income and number of staff members.

Helder attributes many reasons for the

4 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO SEPTEMBER 2015

growth, but he notes one area is niche thinking. “I look for new and better opportunities in this industry,” says Helder. “When many in the industry zig, I tend to zag the other way.”

He gives an example of how the company focuses on maintenance contracts for condos and residential landscape design and construction. Helder points out that Gelderman focuses on high-end clients providing them with strength in communication, punctuality, cleanliness and highquality work.

“We call it the Gelderman Way. It’s based on the tried and true method that is 60 years old,” says Helder. At the same time Helder has instituted a clear plan that allows his team to drive the process. “Gelderman’s is not about Nathan, it’s about its team.”

With the business celebrating its 60th anniversary, Helder looks back on both the company’s beginnings and his start at Gelderman.

In 1955, Jan Gelderman founded Jan Gelderman Landscaping. He provided lawn maintenance in the spring, and landscaping and stone work in the summer and fall.

It was a one-man operation with one crew that worked for over 20 years. He passed away in 1993.

To commemorate the 60th anniversary, Helder had a replica of the 1948 Jeep Willys, driven by Jan Gelderman, completely restored. It honours the humble beginnings that saw success based on hard work, pride, skill and a strong faith.

Those attributes were handed down to Jan’s son Hank, who took over the business in the early 1970s at age 21. By 2005, the company had 30 trucks and more than 60 employees. It was that year at the company’s 50th anniversary celebration, that Helder approached Hank Gelderman about buying some shares into the company.

“Hank told me that there was only one share to buy at Gelderman’s,” remembers Helder.

“When I came on board in 2006, I had absolutely no landscaping experience.

My background was dealing with farmers. I knew people and how to deal with finances,” says Helder.

“It took me a few months to think about taking over the company,” says Helder. “My wife had never worked at the company as a kid, nor did she have any interest in the business, and I had no landscaping experience.” Helder’s first involvement with the company actually began in in 1998, when he married Hank’s daughter, Michelle.

When Helder finally made the decision, he remembers that the butterflies that had been hanging around his stomach all the time he was debating the issue of purchasing, disappeared.

In 2010, the Globe and Mail featured an article on succession planning in business, using Nathan Helder and Hank Gelderman as examples. The article states, “The beauty of the deal was in the details.

For instance, the company’s value was determined as of 2005, and the two parties agreed it would increase two per cent a year subsequently. Growth beyond that would accrue to Mr. Helder, rather than adding to the total value of the firm. That solved a common problem in which successors buying shares over time have to pay more for the company if they are successful in building it up.”

Hank Gelderman stayed on to guide his son-in-law in the business until 2011, when he officially announced his retirement. See

Members of the Waterdown staff gather for a group photo.

July 2011, Horticulture Review.

Helder remembers he ended his job on a Friday, and started at Gelderman’s on Monday. He says, “I was like an eagle my first year, swooping into each department asking questions and observing what everyone was doing.”

Knowing he needed to learn all the various tasks directly on-site and observing how and what was taking place, Helder worked at all the jobs. “I also had to earn the staff’s respect.” His hands-on approach also provided him with great respect for the industry.

During that year, Helder also realized he didn’t know many people in the industry. That opportunity presented itself when Helder was contacted by Landscape Ontario Executive Director Tony DiGiovanni. “Tony wanted me to help organize an environment stewardship committee, which would include members from every sector in the industry. I became chair, and quickly began meeting many of our industry’s professionals.” He also served on the Show Committee, Landscape Contractors’ Sector Group, Founda-

tion and Prosperity Task Force Committee.

On the business side, Helder met Mark Bradley, president of Landscape Management Network, who provided great assistance. “I also connected with Jeffrey Scott of The Leader’s Edge. He (Scott) was just starting out, and I had a great opportunity to see how business is run U.S. style,” says Helder.

Nine years later, Helder has created his own consulting business, Southbrook Consulting. He says he has just a few clients, because he doesn’t want to take away too much time from his prime focus with Gelderman’s.

Education is a big part of what he does at his business. “We call it Gelderman University,” says Helder. Both customers and staff learn lessons at this university. “We teach staff how to work with strategic plans, financial issues and how to budget. The goal is to make better leaders.”

Helder also instituted a program that uses behavioural assessment tests to find the right employees. He says that the system is very good at preventing bad hires.

In 2014, Gelderman Landscaping Ser-

vices expanded in the Kitchener-Waterloo region with the purchase of Outdoor Services in Guelph. The following year, the business name was changed to Gelderman Landscape Services, from Jan Gelderman Landscaping.

The Gelderman team is excited about its 60th anniversary. The company unveiled its special logo for this year, highlighting the refurbished 1948 Jeep Willys.

The company also sponsored a contest, Share the Care Landscape Giveaway.

In July, Gelderman’s announced Lisa and Allan Logie won a $10,000 landscape. The promotion stated, “For us, it’s a great way to celebrate 60 years of caring for our customers, and 60 years of caring to make our world a more beautiful place! With Share the Care we want to give someone a beautiful new outdoor living space that might not otherwise have one.”

On Sept. 17, a special thank you barbecue for industry friends, suppliers and colleagues will take place. The event will celebrate the amazing growth and transition that has taken place over 60 years, while maintaining a legacy of care.

Members of Gelderman’s Guelph branch gather for group photo.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 5

ever built in North America, with a capacity for 1,500 people. Unfortunately, due to a lack of understanding of correct dry stone building techniques 45 years ago, the Amphitheatre structure is now failing.

“There are some areas that are unsafe, with places where the stone is falling,” says McLellan. He explains that if built properly, dry stone structures will last hundreds of years.

McLellan says, “The men of Saugeen are learning this craft which will provide them with a skill that very few people have achieved. When we first began, not everyone appreciated the craft,” remembers McLellan. Members of the Saugeen crew now understand the complexities and hard work required of dry stone installations, and how fortunate they are to have someone with Dean McLellan’s skill and dedication to teach them those skills.

To help make the plan to restore the site a reality, McLellan was joined by Richard Nancarrow, project manager and engineer; Patrick Callon, landscaper and teacher; and Menno Braam, certified dry stone waller.

Million dollar stones

A hardcover book, filled with photographs of the Saugeen project, has been published by Menno Braam. Entitled Building Walls and Workers for the Future, it contains history of Saugeen First Nation #29, background on the project and images of the men and women involved with the project.

The book may be purchased online at http://gfl.me/x2By. Proceeds go directly to the Saugeen Amphitheatre Rejuvenation Program.

Saugeen dry stone project about building walls and workers The largest dry stone project in North America is underway at Saugeen First Nation #29 community, outside of Southhampton.

But the project, led by dry stone guru Dean McLellan of Dean McLellan Stonework of Holstein, is not just about building walls and stairs. It’s much more complex than that. This ambitious undertaking is also about educating and teaching men of the Saugeen First Nation in the craft of dry stone, while maintaining the legacy of the community from past generations to the next.

One of the first tasks of the crew was

6 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO SEPTEMBER 2015

to rebuild the staircase connecting the two levels of the property. The result of this work, begun in 2013, is an amazingly beautiful staircase of stone that combines with the awesome view overlooking the Saugeen River.

The dedicated and well-trained group of eight Saugeen First Nation men will now tackle the dilapidated Amphitheatre.

Upon viewing the impressive-looking Saugeen Amphitheatre, it makes one pause to also admire the ambitious and difficult task facing the crew to rebuild the Amphitheatre. Built in the early 1970s, it is one of the largest dry stone projects

McLellan estimates that thousands of tons of stone worth millions of dollars were already onsite, but he says Upper Canada Stone has been a major benefactor of the project. “Every year the company provides us with an endless amount of stone,” he says.

Saugeen First Nation’s Program Manager and Employment and Training Officer Jennifer Kewageshig says, “What’s great about this project, is it started as a training opportunity, and has now turned into an apprenticeship program. Many of those on the crew hope to do stonewalling as a trade.”

Nathan Thompson, a resident of Saugeen and the foreman of the crew, is working on his level two certification. “I am going to stay with this project as long as I can,” he said. One must reach four levels of certification to qualify for the level of Master Craftsman.

Says McLellan, “Jennifer (Kewageshig) is the reason we are here creating these structures and teaching the men a new skill.” He adds, she had to sell the idea of the project to the Band Council, before anything could move forward.

“She continues to be a strong advocate of the project,” says McLellan.

Book captures project

This summer a hardcover book, filled with photographs of the Saugeen project, was published by Menno Braam. The book,

entitled Building Walls and Workers for the Future, contains history of Saugeen First Nation #29, background on the project and images of the men and women involved with the project. The book may be purchased online at http://gfl.me/x2By. Proceeds from the sale of books will go directly to the Saugeen Amphitheatre Rejuvenation Program and help ensure its completion.

Dean McLellan’s love of dry stone walling began at an early age. He remembers watching his grandfather, who was a stone mason, build walls without the use of mortar. After graduating from university, “I played beach volleyball earning money from sponsors and working on restoration projects.”

He says his skill set increased with dry stone, after he was fortunate to have the opportunity to go to Britain to work with the best artisans in the world. The improvement in his skill soon earned him his certification designation of Master Craftsman. He is the only person in Canada to hold that distinction bestowed by the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain. McLellan is also the only approved examiner in Canada.

renowned stone carver Nicholas Fairplay.

“Those people who took part had a very unique opportunity to see first-hand the talent of Nicholas Fairplay,” said McLellan.

The event also included a dry stone competition and courses for the public.

For McLellan, the project at Saugeen is more than laying down stone. For him, “It’s very hard work that provides great satisfaction in seeing the end result, but it’s also so rewarding to see the men here progress so well, in so many ways.”

Teaching craft

For the past ten years McLellan has been passing on his craft to others in Canada, along with his work in Saugeen. Many Landscape Ontario members and visitors to Canada Blooms are well familiar with the structures in the Association’s garden created by McLellan, such as the lighthouse, urn and this year’s climbing wall.

He is the Faculty Associate at Willowbank School of Restoration Arts in Queenston, where he helped organize and run a large scale dry stone walling festival. He was also involved in organizing the Stonewurx Festival in Hanover in 2012.

This past spring McLellan and the crew travelled to Cobourg to build the front entrance roundabout at the Northumberland Hills Hospital. The project was a joint partnership of Landscape Ontario, Upper Canada Chapter and the Rotary Club of Northumberland Sunrise.

The project was completely funded and installed by the groups, and provided to the hospital at no cost.

This summer, the Saugeen Stone Festival was held Aug. 15-17, at the Saugeen First Nation in Southhampton. It was a celebration of stone, arts, the environment and community, featuring live music, local artisans, workshops and more. Landscape Ontario was one of the sponsors.

Organizers were very excited about the two-day stone carving course by world-

Dean McLellan poses at one of the dry stone walls at Saugeen. Throughout the walls, there are unusual designs that demonstrate the talent and creativity of the crew.

Rebuilding the dilapidated amphitheatre is a daunting task, but the Saugeen crew is ready to take it on. Once it is complete, the structure will be a huge attraction for the community.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS Excitement and anticipation builds for Thrive ’15 Some long-time and traditional Landscape Ontario events will have a different look in new location this year.

Garden Expo, Industry Auction, Snowposium and the Golden Horseshoe Chicken Roast will become one event under the name Thrive ’15, on Sept 16 – 17, at the Ancaster Fairgrounds.

“All of these events have been standalone for many years,” says LO show manager Heather MacRae. “Our idea for Thrive sparked excitement. This new venue offers opportunity for both indoor and outdoor activity.”

The name Thrive was chosen based on the thriving environment, of not only LO, but the green industry as a whole.

Ancaster Fairgrounds is a modern exhibition facility and an ideal venue for Garden Expo, providing parking and easy access.

Landscape Ontario hosted Garden Expo for 16 years to promote the ornamental horticulture industry. There is free admission. The event continues to provide opportunities for one-stop-shopping to explore new products, meet vendors, learn about trends, socialize and share ideas with peers and retail experts alike.

New this year is the Buds ‘n Suds

Tent. “If not for Farfard’s sponsorship, we wouldn’t be able to offer what should be a big draw,” says Kristen McIntyre CHT, CEM, LO Conference and Event Manager. “One of the most important things attendees want is food, and LO is good at providing food, and lots of it.” She points out that everyone will receive a lunch ticket, courtesy of Connon NVK. “It’s a first,” she says.

Also at Thrive’15 is the garden centre awards ceremony. This year’s keynote speaker is Judy Sharpton, well-known garden centre design and renovation specialist.

Snow and ice contracting professionals will all be in attendance at Thrive ’15 to take in Snowposium on Sept. 16. Hosted by the Snow and Ice Sector Group, Snowposium will feature displays of exciting new products, as well as popular snow removal equipment and technology.

The annual event, previously held at LO home office, will continue to provide many opportunities to help industry professionals make their operations more efficient and cost effective. Along with educational sessions, and outdoor display of the latest equipment, products

and technology, Snowposium will feature a walk-around safety demonstration by the MTO at 1:45 p.m.

The annual Industry Auction is a major fundraiser for the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation, which hands out scholarships and research funds. The Sept. 17 Auction is hosted by LO Growers Sector Group, and also features that sector’s Awards of Excellence. There is no admission fee or RSVP required.

The Auction continues to offer top quality Ontario-grown plant material, while helping to raise funds for industry research and scholarships. Also on the auction block are landscape supplies and hard goods. All winning bidders will be entered into a draw for a special prize.

Bidding begins at 9:30, with lunch at 12-noon on Sept. 17. Once judges have made their decisions, winners in the growers’ category of the Awards of Excellence will be announced.

Golden Horseshoe Chapter has operated its Chicken Roast for many years, staging the event at member businesses each year. It has grown in attendance and attractions each year, but the main ingredient has always been great barbecue chicken with Chapter members handling the chef duties.

The Chicken Roast takes place on Sept. 16, from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Chapter always provides an evening of good food and great entertainment. Tickets are $10 per person if purchased by Sept. 9, online at locc.ca, or at the door (if not sold out) for $15 per person. Children 12 and under eat free.

Along with great barbecued chicken, there will be wieners and salads, along with

Thrive ‘15 brings together three great events under one roof, on Sept. 16-17, at Ancaster Fairgrounds. Garden Expo, Industry Auction and Snowposium will provide a varied and worthwhile variety of attractions.

8 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO SEPTEMBER 2015

door prizes and lots of activities for kids.

Everyone is anxious to enjoy all these great events that are now under one tent.

If you don’t want to miss out, check out all the information and registration opportunities at lothrive.com.

NURSERY CLOSING WITH LENO MORI’S RETIREMENT

Mori Nurseries in Niagara-on-the-Lake announced it will close down its operation

by Nov. 30, 2015.

The closure of the 65-year old business accompanied Leno Mori’s announcement that he was retiring.

Mori began the nursery in 1950, with seven acres of land. He served as president of the Ontario Nurserymen’s Association in 1960. An article and video interview with Leno Mori may be found at horttrades.com/history---leno-mori.

The announcement says, “We would like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt thank-you for the many years of your loyal business and we trust that you have enjoyed the enhanced quality of our products and services.”

MacRAE NAMED TO CAEM BOARD

Heather MacRae, Landscape Ontario’s director of Trade Shows and Events, has been selected to sit on the Canadian Association of Exposition Management (CAEM) board of directors. She will serve as co-chair of the education committee.

The CAEM is the national association for professionals involved in the production, management, and planning of trade and consumer shows, and for events of a similar size and scale. Its mission is to improve, represent and promote Canada’s trade and consumer shows and events industry.

OTTAWA HELPS STUDENTS WHILE MAINTAINING CANCER SURVIVORS’ PARK

Ottawa Chapter continues to maintain the Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Surviviors’ Park, located on 4.5 acres in Ottawa’s Alta Vista neighbourhood.

The Chapter has maintained the landscape of this unique landmark since 2009. The members volunteer their time from April to October.

One of two parks of its kind, it features the sculpture “Cancer: There is Hope” created by the renowned Mexican sculptor Victor Salmones. Visitors are provided with a positive mental attitude walk, and the road to recovery area featuring plaques that contain actions that lead to recovery.

Continued >

Ad Size 4.625 x 9.875

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M. PUTZER HORNBY NURSERY LTD We welcome all Commercial and Residential Landscape Contractors www.putzernursery.com Students from the Horticultural Industries Program at Algonquin College had some hands-on instruction from LO members at the Cancer Survivors’ Park, at top. Below, LO members donated their time in both the Park’s maintenance and instructing the students.

Fall digging is starting soon Place your orders early

EMAIL: YARD@PUTZERNURSERY.COM FAX: 905-878-8737 CALL: 905-878-7226

10 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO SEPTEMBER 2015

For the past two years an educational opportunity has been created by Past President of the Ottawa Chapter Ed Hansen, of Hansen Lawn and Gardens in Ottawa, along with Ottawa Chapter Treasurer Steve Neumann, Coordinator at Algonquin College Horticultural Industries.

Neumann says the time spent at the Park creates learning opportunities for students under the guidance of Ottawa Chapter member companies.

On June 10, a group of 20 students from the Horticultural Industries Program at Algonquin College, under the guidance of Hansen Lawn and Garden, attended the park. They were instructed in the proper application of mulch of the park’s trees, as well as pruning, clean-up and maintenance of the existing garden beds.

Ottawa Chapter members involved in the voluntary maintenance of the Cancer Survivors’ Park believe strongly in the future of the industry. They feel that students should be given as many opportunities as possible to learn. — Martha Walsh

ENTER AWARDS BEFORE OCT. 1

By this point in the season members and crews are tired; daylight fades faster, as does one’s energy.

While a trip to the tropics would be great, achieving something more practical and logistically feasible is within your grasp.

It’s time to enter one of your best projects into the Construction, Maintenance and Design Awards of Excellence program.

Many award winners have said that winning an award is a “unifying, gratifying and essential team motivator and builder.”

It’s a time to get you and your staff up on the big stage in front of peers and reaffirm that your company is excellent.

Entries are being accepted until Oct. 1 in the construction, maintenance and design programs. Don’t wait until the deadline; take your photos and start the online entry process now. Retouched photos will not be accepted.

Awards of Excellence coordinator Kristen McIntyre says, “This annual reminder provokes some creative reasoning for extension requests; while I appreciate the opportunity to hear the outstanding and imaginative explanations, appreciated more is that your submission is on time. We need to get them processed, judged and winners’ information prepared for the greatest (landscape industry) show on earth.”

The 2016 winners will be announced on Jan. 12 at the discothemed ceremony presented by G&L Group with Connon Nurseries CBV Holdings as supporting sponsor.

Visit LOawards.com to submit entries and to also find entry guidelines and categories for each program. A user name and password are required if you have not already created one with Landscape Ontario. You can work on your entry and log out or in at any time before the deadline. Until you have entered payment information your entry is not officially submitted.

When you login, you will need: • Contact information of person entering on behalf of company • jpg photographs of the project; minimum of six and maximum of 15 • A point form project summary, describing what you were trying to achieve with the project, including any quirks or conditions imposed by the property owner, conservation authority, etc.

• You will be prompted to print an Authorization Signatures form signed by the client/property owner • Credit card information for payment

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LO HOME OFFICE HOSTS LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY CERTIFIED EXAMS

Candidates, judges and volunteers arrived at the Landscape Ontario home office in Milton on Aug. 6 to take part in the Landscape Industry Certified testing.

The remaining 2015 test date is Sept. 25, Eastern Ontario, hands-on and re-write tests at Kemptville College, A.J. Logsdale Building, 830 Prescott St. To find out more, go to horttrades.com/certified, or contact Claudia at CNLA, claudia@ cnla-acpp.ca, or 1-888-446-3699.

Judges taking part included Jeff Gilberds, Harry Gelderman, Jaimi Uram, David Comfort, Audrie VanderWerf, Renee Kendel, Jeff McMann, Karinthia Battig, and Margarete Haefele.

Sponsors of the day were Stihl, Battlefield - Milton, Hustler Mowers, Vanden Bussche Irrigation, Echo, M. Putzer Nursery, John Deere Landscapes, Green Horizons/Hamilton Sod, Bobcat of Hamilton, Billy Goat and Walker Mowers.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 11

ASSOCIATION NEWS

From left, Hanover businessman, Bill Roseborough, who approached Landscape Ontario members Paul Brydges of Brydges Landscape Architecture and Tim Kraemer of Ground Effects Landscapes, to design, build the structure and landscape the area of the Country Meadow Estates Rest Area in Hanover.

12  LANDSCAPE ONTARIO SEPTEMBER 2015

LO MEMBERS HELP HONOUR HANOVER DEVELOPER

Over 150 people in the small community of Hanover, turned out on June 27, to celebrate the opening of a park and gathering place created to honour the memory of local developer, Louis Whaling.

Whaling owned a real estate and a home construction company, providing both houses and employment for people in Hanover for over 50 years. The impact he made on the community was witnessed by the creation of the Country Meadow Estates Rest Area in his memory, and the willingness and generosity of people wanting to help honour Whaling’s legacy.

Hanover businessman, Bill Roseborough approached Landscape Ontario members Paul Brydges of Brydges Landscape Architecture and Tim Kraemer of Ground Effects Landscapes, who donated the design, construction and landscaping.

Permeable paving stones were installed, along with native and near native trees, shrubs and perennials that are sun and drought tolerant. The rest area provides a gathering place for neighbours, as well as a shady shelter for walkers, joggers and bikers.

IN MEMORIAM: PETER OLSEN

Peter Olsen of Royal City Nursery passed away on July 8, 2015.

Olsen was a horticulturist at heart, always stopping to pull a weed or unsheathe his secateurs to prune just one more branch. His love and passion for all things landscape led him to become a student in the first Horticulture Apprenticeship program at Humber College.

In 35-plus years of teaching, Olsen freely gave his time as a founding member of Landscape Ontario, member of the Garden Centre Group Co-op, chair of the Farm Safety Association and also as a member of the Rotary Club.

Never shying away from hard work, he believed if you are going to teach someone, the best way was to work alongside them. Until recently, Peter Olsen could be found at the garden centre loading a car, diagnosing an insect problem, or helping

to solve the mystery of what to grow in a difficult spot. It was with great pride he taught daughters Tanya and Leah, everything he knew.

Everything in Olsen’s life came back to family: wife Doreen, daughter Tanya and her husband Dave, daughter Leah, her husband Rob and their two children.

As a lasting piece of advice to his grandsons, Reed and Parkin, Olsen wrote, “Believe in yourself! Stand tall and be proud of who you are. Be kind to your neighbour and especially your brother.

Be honest and trustworthy. When you go for a walk, take a piece of licorice in your pocket and think of your Morfar (Morfar means grandfather in Danish) and then have a bowl of ice cream with sprinkles on top before you go to bed.”

A celebration of life was held at the Arboretum Centre, University of Guelph on July 20. Donations can be made to the Peter Olsen Horticulture Apprenticeship Scholarship Fund, operated through the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

First Waterloo Family Day a big success The 1st annual Waterloo Chapter Family Day was a huge success, when over 100 members, families and staff enjoyed the facilities of Bingeman Park in Waterloo on July 19.

Trevor Garner, Waterloo Chapter Family Picnic Chair, says he is very happy with the result of the first-ever event for the Chapter. “It was very well received by the families. The kids had a great time,” said Garner. “Bingeman Park is a super venue.”

Garner said the purpose of the event was to give back to families of members, and also to introduce families to each other. “It was very well received by those who attended.”

The Family Day featured lunch,

Students, staff and LO members celebrated the completion of the outdoor classroom and garden at Elgin Court Public School in St. Thomas.

COMMUNITY BUILDING AT ST. THOMAS SCHOOL Was Waterloo Chapter’s first-ever Family Day a fun time? Just ask the people in this photo. The success of the first year, has organizers looking ahead to next year’s event.

face-painting, beach volleyball and time on the water park.

Asked if the Chapter planned to hold the event again next year, Garner responded, “Absolutely.”

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For full products details, visit us at www.glwp.ca 14 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO SEPTEMBER 2015

Several Landscape Ontario members participated in a project to turn a bare school courtyard into a green, outdoor classroom. They worked with other community-spirited donors over two years; contributions totaled over $50,000.

The outdoor classroom and garden at Elgin Court Public School in St. Thomas was dedicated on June 23. Community and school officials, as well as donors, were on hand for the ceremony.

Students immediately brought the project to life; snacks were served, and all enjoyed the kids’ impromptu games in the beautifully designed, and safe, courtyard.

The school’s grade eight graduation reception was planned for the courtyard later that week.

Participating companies from the green industry included R.W. Allen Horticultural Services, Beamish Landscape Services, Silverthorn Landscape Supplies and Sheridan Nurseries.

Students at John Paul II (JPII) Catholic Secondary School in London will learn about growing, harvesting and cooking with fruits and vegetables in a new urban garden built by a collective of students, volunteers and business.

Jane Berardini, the school’s public health nurse and a member of the garden’s planning committee, said she looks forward to sharing future grains of wisdom within the community. She added that produce grown in the garden will be used in the school’s hospitality program.

“If we have stuff growing in the garden, we’ll harvest it and put it on the lunch tables,” she said.

Plans for the urban garden near the front entrance of JPII originated from a $50,000 federal grant approved in 2014, which London’s Tydan Landscape Design

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FLEET DEALER owner Paul Rancourt said was used up “rather quickly.” Rancourt, whose company installed a rainwater harvesting system within the urban garden, estimates that Tydan donated about 200 hours of labour to ensure the completion of the project.

“The main reason why you want to do rainwater harvesting is of course to save money,” Rancourt said. “Municipal water that comes out the tap is very expensive and you’re not only paying for the water coming out of the tap, you’re also paying for flushing the water down the sanitary system.

“The problem is that when you get torrential rains, all the water can’t properly go into the manholes. The whole system becomes overloaded and then you start to get the sanitary system mixing with that water. And then it overflows and goes into our streams, rivers and lakes, which is causing a lot of pollution,” he continued The garden was officially unveiled to the public on June 19. The grand opening also coincided with Garden Days, a Canadawide celebration of gardens and gardening.

Also in attendance at the grand opening was London Mayor Matt Brown, who acknowledged the contributions by community organizations and Landscape Ontario members, including Permacon, Grand River Natural Stone, Aaroc Aggregates, Aquascape, MacKenzie Irrigation Services, Bobcat of London, Connon Nurseries/NVK and D & J Paton Brothers Landscape Supplies.

“On behalf of all of city council, let me just congratulate you on such an incredible project,” Brown said. “This couldn’t have happened if it was the school just working in isolation. This happened because of a huge community effort both from volunteers and private business.”

Upkeep of the garden throughout the summer has been looked after by Denise Collins and her volunteer group North East London Community Engagement.

— Stuart Service

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR STUDY SALT APPLICATIONS

In the past four years, I have been involved with the Snow and Ice Control for Parking Lots and Sidewalks (SICOPS) salt research project. I have been monitoring our salt numbers very closely with a new automated salt tracking system from Viaesys designed specifically for this project.

It was originally developed to collect data for the research project, but after seeing the value in seeing the true amount of salt that was applied to each location, it was an eye opening experience. For the first time in the history of Urban Meadows PMG, I was able to truly see trends in the applications by my team.

After reviewing the data collected from the past four years with the team at Viaesys, we noticed something about our application rates in response to weather conditions and the growth of our company.

Turns out at the start of the project, it was myself and my partner who did all the salt applications. There was a direct correlation to weather patterns and salt application rates. As the company grew and we continued with the research, we saw another pattern form. This was when my partner had left salting operations and went into a management position. There was less correspondence between the weather conditions and application rates.

Now with the last season behind us, we happened to notice another anomaly. Both of us left operations and went

into management, and were replaced by operational staff. What we found was that our application rates were even less responsive to the weather conditions and became more an average application rate for each event instead of following the weather conditions. This was a red flag that we needed to step up on training and development within the company.

Being involved with the SICOPS research has allowed us not only to see the amount of salt we are putting down, but it has also allowed us to see as a growing company where we need to improve on as a company and become more profitable.

William ‘B.J.’ Jordan Urban Meadows Snow and Ice Control Sector Group chair

MECHANICS ARE UNDERVALUED COGS OF INDUSTRY

The Scott Duff and Fox Hollow articles in the May issue are good ones to read.

Paul Rapai’s creativity makes me think of “mechanics,” the maintenance individuals on our “grower farms.” These people manufacture implements out of scrap, or make adjustments to tools to ease the workload, or speed up processes. They often seem to be adaptable to the new technology, all the while serving as a key link in their nursery’s daily operational program.

I think that there should be an LO Mechanics Association. They are a breed all their own.

Danny Babineau at V. Kraus fits the bill. He was a proactive participant in the safety program, when I was involved.

He kept separate repair logs on farm machinery, stopping any of it in disrepair from leaving the yard. He was constantly reminding drivers to tell him immediately of implement or vehicular problems. No one could use the barn lift truck without passing the operator test and everyone working with the wood chipper understood beforehand how to use it. He was a safety enforcer. He made a diagram of the key electrical shut-off points on the property and marked them with overhead batteryoperated lights that would work with a power shut-down. It was all with a view to safety.

Danny is a Red Seal type for the industry and probably a good example of the key, undervalued cog in the wheel of the provincial nursery industry.

Continue with the farm innovation stories of the Fox Hollow type by spending more space on the “mechanics” of the industry. Let people know how they help agricultural businesses financially with their innovations and adaptability, and probably now also with their computer savvy in sourcing machine parts, etc.

Maybe give their class a boost and the recognition as a trade of their own. Bring them together to network.

I would think that they all have stories that can benefit the wider industry.

Harry A. de Vries

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SCHOLARSHIP PROFILE Scholarship helps Andrew Burgess begin an exciting life journey gess adds, “$500 is $500, and it certainly helped out with general expenses while I was a starving student grinding my way to the top. I’m very thankful for the opportunity to have it out there for the taking.”

Burgess chuckles that he still has the scholarship certificate on his wall above his office desk. Much has changed since Burgess received his scholarship in 2004.

“Today, I am the proud owner of Natural Impressions Landscaping. We have been in business since 2009, and as mentioned, it has completely changed my life in so many positive ways.”

A loyal member of Landscape Ontario, Burgess sits on the Ottawa Chapter Board of Directors. “Needless to say, I’ve come full circle,” he says.

Burgess states that the horticulture program is an incredible program and a won-

A Growing Tradition

The year 2004 is a pretty significant time in Andrew Burgess’ life. It was a time that completely changed the life of the presentday owner of Natural Impressions Landscaping in Ottawa.

In 2004, “I enrolled in the Horticulture Technician Program at Algonquin College in Ottawa (Woodroffe Campus). I didn’t realize it at the time, but the program would not only change my life financially, it changed who I am as a person today. I am forever grateful to my dedicated teachers and the people who helped push me during tough times in the program.”

That summer Burgess applied for a scholarship in hopes that he would get a bit of extra cash to help out with the tuition burden and expenses in general. “Being a young student, I was thrilled to find out that I was eligible for a $500 scholarship.” Bur-

derful career path. “I can only hope that the scholarship opportunities continue for future students, and we see more of them available.”

No fear of the scholarship program ending. The Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation was created to support the green industry through scholarships, bursaries and awards available to high school and post-secondary students. Students may find more information at horttrades.com/ scholarship.

If you have contact information for a past scholarship recipient, please write adennis@landscapeontario.com.

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NEW MEMBERS

S.W. Farrell & Sons (1979) Ltd.

Kurt Farrell 50 Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, ON K2G 0B3 Tel: 613-225-0560 Membership Type: Active

DURHAM

GOLDEN HORSESHOE

TORONTO

DLB Group Ltd

Bluegrass Landscape - 1991 (1768886 Ontario Inc)

Breeze Landscaping

Marc Bohemier 48 Raeview Drive, Stouffville, ON L4A 7X4 Tel: 416-900-0324 x202 Membership Type: Associate

FSM Landscaping Inc

Luis Romeiro 180 - 1895 Clements Road Pickering, ON L1W 3V5 Tel: 905-686-1200 x203 Membership Type: Active

JA & DA Thomson Construction Ltd

Carl W Walker 7292 Haldibrook Rd, Caledonia, ON N3W 2G8 Tel: 905-679-6754 Membership Type: Active

Burlington Garbage Removal and Landscaping Services Inc

Lupe Vintimilla 3475 Geneua Pl, Burlington, ON L7N 2P2 Tel: 289-208-8886 Membership Type: Interim

Charlie Davidson 240 5th Line West RR1 Campbellford, ON K0L 1L0 Tel: 705-653-2645 Membership Type: Active

Crescentoil / Fuels Inc.

Prepared Surfaces (William Withey)

Gelderlands Inc

Bill Withey 1362 Hunters Creek Road, RR 3 Minden, ON K0M2K0 Tel: 705-286-4714 Membership Type: Associate

GEORGIAN LAKELANDS Bill Leimgardt Construction Bill Leimgardt 2080 Con 11, RR 3 Singhampton, ON N0C 1M0 Tel: 705-446-4569 Membership Type: Active

Preferred Heating and Air Conditioning Stuart Nicholson 64 Shebeshekong Rd S, Nobel, ON P0G 1G0 Tel: 705-938-1060 Membership Type: Associate

Trevshawn Inc. O/A Weed Man Sudbury Taylor Marshall 165 Fielding Road, Lively, ON P3Y 1L7 Tel: 705-682-4646 Membership Type: Active

Steven Reise 136 Cannon St W, Hamilton, ON L8R 2B9 Tel: 905-527-2432 Membership Type: Chapter Associate Brandon Gelderman 2224 Ghent Ave, Burlington, ON L7R 1Y7 Tel: 905-637-1509 Membership Type: Interim

LONDON Carrier Centers

Gail Fitzmorris 645 Athlone Place, Woodstock, ON N4S 7V8 Tel: 519-533-5509 Membership Type: Associate

Old South Landscape Professionals Bren Silk 43001 - 456 Wharncliffe Rd S London, ON N6J 0A7 Tel: 519-902-6341 Membership Type: Active

OTTAWA McDonald Liquid & Bulk Inc

Adam Mcdonald 303 rue de la Cordillere, Gatineau, QC J9J 2N5 Tel: 613-795-3531 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

The CG&B Group Inc.

Sharon Mitchell 120 South Town Centre Blvd Markham, ON L6G 1C3 Tel: 905-948-2672 Membership Type: Associate

Universal Field Supplies Inc

Ernesto Stasiak 4 - 1540 Trinity Dr, Mississauga, ON L5T 1L6 Tel: 416-677-1558 Membership Type: Associate

Darryll Hodges 4 Doner Street, PO Box 607 Gormley, ON L0H 1G0 Tel: 416-896-0325 Membership Type: Active

Van Belle Nursery Inc

CVM Landscaping

Robert Brubacher 64 Trench St, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 3W5 Tel: 647-868-6736 Membership Type: Active

Ecological Invention

Joseph Leo PO Box 309, King City, ON L7B 1A6 Tel: 647-216-1415 Membership Type: Active

JT Landscaping and Gardening Ltd. Jason Felicio 116 Mast Road, Maple, ON L6A 3X1 Tel: 647-274-1106 Membership Type: Active

Lawn Care Alert

Daniel Clark 101 - 2275 Upper Middle Rd E Oakville, ON L6H 0C3 Tel: 647-835-5014 Membership Type: Interim

Multi Tool Construction Ltd.

Phil Bodzasi 6 Tobosa Trail, Brampton, ON L6R 1X4 Tel: 416-625-1618 Membership Type: Interim

Splenda Concrete Design Inc.

Luciano Baglione 123 Deerwood Cres Richmond Hill, ON L4E 4B2 Tel: 905-773-1682 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Curtis Friesen 34825 Hallert Rd, Abbotsford, BC V3G 1R3 Tel: 888-826-2355 Membership Type: Associate

WATERLOO Multi Shelter Solutions

Andrea Eygenraam 5 - 360 King St, PO Box 1125 Palmerston, ON N0G 2P0 Tel: 519-343-2335 Membership Type: Associate

Planes Precast Concrete Ltd

David Best 1190 McAdoo’s Lane Glenburnie, Kingston, ON K0H 1S0 Tel: 613-548-1864 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Tri City Materials

Wes Esbaugh 2264 Snyders Rd E Peterburg, ON N0B 2H0 Tel: 519-634-5110 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Weed Man - Hanover/Listowel/ Orangeville/Owen Sound/Port Elgin Kim Lucas/ Treves Lucas PO Box 279, Listowel, ON N4W 3H4 Tel: 519-343-2227 Membership Type: Active

WINDSOR Discovery Landscaping Inc

Colin Calvert 1308 St. Luke, Windsor, ON N8Y 2N1 Tel: 519-253-9876 Membership Type: Active

Serving the landscape industry for nearly 50 years

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www.kobesnurseries.com 20 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO SEPTEMBER 2015

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

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September 10

Hardscape Committee Golf Tournament

Carlisle Golf and Country Club Registration fee at $150 per golfer includes 18 holes of golf (with cart), lunch and dinner, driving range and practice putting green. For information about the tournament open to all golfers, or sponsorship opportunities, contact Jason Vettese at jvettese@bestwaystone.com, or Mike Riehm at mriehm@envirobond.com.

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September 16 - 17

Thrive ’15

Ancaster Fairgrounds Thrive ’15 brings together Garden Expo, LO’s Industry Auction, and Snowposium at one venue. For more information, go to lothrive.com.

In Business to make Money?

September 16

Golden Horshoe Chapter Annual Chicken Roast

Thrive ’15, Ancaster Fairgrounds Enjoy social time with your ‘other’ family and the opportunity to make new connections. Children’s dinner options and entertainment will be available.

All are invited 4:30 - 8:30 p.m. Tickets at the door.

September 18

London Chapter’s 10th Annual Golf Tournament

Echo Valley Golf Course, 2738 Brigham Rd., London Registration opens at 10 a.m., with a shotgun start at 11 a.m. Dinner will follow at 5 p.m. For more information, contact Wendy Harry at wharry@landscapeontario.com.

September 19

2015 Bob Girard Memorial Golf Tournament

Sutton Creek Golf Club, Essex Registration for the Windsor Chapter Golf Tournament opens at 12:30 p.m., with a shotgun start at 1 p.m., and dinner following play on the course. For more information, contact Jay Rivait at jaytopgrade@hotmail.com.

USE THE RIGHT TOOLS

September 24

Georgian Lakelands Chapter 2nd Annual Putting Challenge

Blue Mountain Village Mark your calendars for the 2nd annual Putting Challenge! Sign-in opens at 3 p.m., with the Putting Challenge starting at 4 p.m. Dinner and awards will follow. For more information, contact Myscha Burton at myscha@landscapeontario.com, or 1-800-265-5656, ext. 2333.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 21

INDUSTRY NEWS

where visitors were invited to vote for their favourite, but all other containers are monocultures to allow the plant to sink or swim on its own.

Begonias are grown in containers under shade cloth as well as in full sun, proving Sawaya’s point that they can perform beautifully if given enough water.

He notes that as an industry, we all need to do a better job teaching homeowners how to water their plants.

AAFC REVERSES DECISION ON ADVANCE PAYMENTS PROGRAM

Over 2,400 containers were on display at Sawaya trial garden tour on July 22 -23.

Sawaya trial gardens attract industry and writers Trial gardens are, unfortunately, one of the green industry’s best kept secrets in Ontario.

They are a one-stop shop where garden retailers, maintenance contractors and designers can see for themselves which plants perform well, and which plants to avoid.

One such resource is in Simcoe, where Mel Sawaya has been running annual flower trials on his farm for 15 years. Industry members and garden writers were invited to tour his gardens on July 22 and 23.

Sawaya started the gardens to test

annual plants in the Southern Ontario climate, as many growers only see them at trials in Holland or in California. Sawaya works with all breeders and one visit to the trials shows you which petunia cultivars stand up in our hard rains, and which get knocked back.

Formerly the production manager at Fernlea Flowers, Sawaya provided a wealth of knowledge for those who visited his open house. This spring, he and several helpers planted up 2,400 containers that are treated to drip irrigation, and fertilized with each watering.

There were about 30 mixed baskets,

The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) recently received the good news that Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) will not require nursery and sod growers to participate in the AgriStability program in order to qualify for the Advance Payments Program (APP).

The reversal to this decision was a result of a letter sent by CNLA to AAFC and a subsequent conference call meeting, which included representatives from industry, CNLA, Agricultural Credit Corporation (ACC) and AAFC. In their announcement to CNLA, officials from AAFC acknowledged that industry would have insufficient time to apply for the AgriStability program for the 2015 application deadlines.

AAFC cautions that this change is effective for 2015 only and they will advise the industry further related to any decisions made for 2016. It is hoped that program changes within AAFC will allow for other forms of security to support applications for 2016 and beyond.

CNLA extends its sincere thanks to Agriculture Credit Corporation for assistance in presenting the industry’s position to AAFC related to this matter. Thanks are also extended to J.C. Bakker Nurseries and Eagle Lake Sod Farms for representing

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industry needs to AAFC. For more information on how your nursery can access interestfree operating funds through the Advance Payments Program, visit agcreditcorp.ca.

DWYER GROUP ACQUIRES THE GROUNDS GUYS

U.S.-based Dwyer Group, one of the world’s largest franchising companies of trade service brands, acquired The Grounds Guys of Canada.

Originally founded by 10 van Stralen brothers in 1987 as Sunshine Grounds Care in Orangeville, the company offered comprehensive landscape management services. The company then began looking at ways to expand the business.

In 2010, Dwyer Group entered into an agreement to market the franchise in the U.S. under a new brand name, The Grounds Guys, which was later adopted across the Canadian locations.

The full acquisition of the Canadian franchisor includes 34 franchisees, representing 40 locations across Canada. They join 194 locations across the U.S. under the direction of Chris Elmore, president of The Grounds Guys.

Dwyer Group will maintain an office for The Grounds Guys in Canada. In addition, the van Stralen family will remain consultants for the brand and stakeholders in the company, as equity investors with Dwyer Group. Peter van Stralen will also become a director of Dwyer Group Canada.

The ministry recommends that prior to operating the equipment, proper work planning should be carried out to identify potential safety risks, such as manholes or utility covers, uneven or unstable ground, overhead obstructions and electrical conductors.

All workplace parties, such as employers, supervisors and workers, share responsibility for ensuring compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its regulations.

Obligations under the OHSA and Construction Projects Regulation related to elevating work platforms include, but are not limited to, the following: • The elevating work platform must be designed, manufactured and tested in accordance with the applicable standard of the National Standards of Canada prescribed in section 144.

Continued >

MINISTRY OFFERS ADVISORY ON ELEVATING WORK PLATFORMS

The Ministry of Labour has provided an advisory on working at heights.

The ministry advises that elevating work platforms can be a safer alternative than working from a ladder or scaffolding, if the equipment is used properly.

The ministry suggests that because of the ready availability through rental or lease arrangements, elevating work platforms have become more accessible and widely used. “Workers must receive training on how to use this equipment properly and safely, as improper operation of this equipment can result in serious injury or death,” says a ministry notification.

Hazards associated with using elevating work platforms can be avoided when the equipment is: • used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions • used within design specifications and maximum rated capacity • regularly inspected and tested • properly maintained and stored

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BRAUN CONTINUOUS WIRE BASKETS

BETTER DESIGN BETTER WIRE BETTER FIT

• The elevating work platform: must not be loaded in excess of its rated working load; must be used on a firm and level surface; must be operated only in accordance with the written instructions of the manufacturer; must not be loaded and used in such a manner as to affect its stability or endanger a worker; cannot be moved unless all workers on it are protected against falling by a safety belt attached to the platform; and must be equipped with guardrails.

• A worker who operates an elevating work platform must be given oral and written instruction on the operation and be trained to operate the class of equipment before using it for the first time.

• The equipment must be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

For more information on obligations under the OHSA and the Construction Projects Regulation, visit the Ministry of Labour webpage at http://gfl.me/x2Cb.

BATTLEFIELD OPENS IN BRANTFORD

Battlefield Equipment Rentals has announced the opening of a new location in Brantford. The new branch is located at 10 Abbot Court, with easy access from Hwy 403 via Garden Avenue.

The Brantford location marks the 32nd Battlefield Equipment Rentals location in Ontario. The new facility encompasses 13,000 sq. ft., and sits on three acres.

NATIONAL TREE DAY ON SEPT. 23

WWW.BRAUNGROUP.COM 1-800-246-6984

On Sept. 23, Canada will celebrate National Tree Day. National Tree Day will serve as a celebration for all Canadians to appreciate the great benefits that trees provide: clean air, wildlife habitat, reducing energy demand and connecting with nature.

Green industry members are encouraged to celebrate the occasion by hosting a planting event, holding a sale, or even educating others. This is the fifth year that National Tree Day has been celebrated.

To increase your event’s exposure, register at nationaltreeday.com and use #NTD2015 in your social media posts.

CLP NOW CLM

CNLA has announced that all provincial associations have agreed upon the change the designation Certified Landscape Professional to Landscape Industry Certified Manager.

The acronym “CLP” will no longer be used, changing to “CLM”.

CNLA is asking all members using CLP in their signature to update to the new acronym at their earliest convenience.

GROUP WORKING ON PLAN TO SUSTAIN KEMPTVILLE

Ontario has established a working group to explore the feasibility to deliver learning, training and instruction at the Kemptville campus in Eastern Ontario.

The group includes representatives from University of Guelph, Municipality of North Grenville, United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, Ontario’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Ontario’s Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

In the past, the college had offered the horticulture technician program. There is no indication that will continue when a new plan is announced.

CORRECTION

An article in the May 2015 issue of Landscape Ontario magazine contained the wrong name of sit-up winner in the Landscape Ontario Otium Garden at Canada Blooms. Phillip Zhong managed the most sit-ups, 777, in the Garden Challenge.

24 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO SEPTEMBER 2015

EXECUTIVE DESK Do you have problems finding good employees?

Tony DiGiovanni CHT LO executive director

F

inding good employees is a huge issue for our industry. This is true even for those I would consider ideal employers, who offer full-time work, above average wages, overtime and excellent benefits.

Have you ever asked why? Have you ever looked at the issue from the employees’ perspective? What can you do to improve the situation? What can Landscape Ontario do to help?

Let’s start by looking at why young people may not be attracted to this industry in the first place. My parents and grandparents were avid gardeners. Their ancestors were subsistence farmers.

They learned how to till the earth from an early age. They loved growing fruits, vegetables and flowers, and without me even knowing it, their enthusiasm spread to me. Just being around family who connected with earth was enough to inspire a love of plants and gardens. What about this generation?

Urbanization and smaller parcels of available land make this the first generation in history in which most young people will not be exposed to anyone who tills the earth. How will this generation be inspired to love growing and gardening? How will they even know there is a meaningful career called horticulturist or landscape professional?

In addition, there are 70,000 landscape/horticultural jobs in Ontario and only 250 graduates from formal horticultural programs each year. This is a huge gap. It means that finding skilled employees is almost impossible. You (and Landscape Ontario) will need to take responsibility for training and inspiring the next generation of landscape professionals. Are you/we up to the challenge?

Our industry’s future depends on it.

I once attended a human resource lecture about finding and keeping good employees. At the end of one hour explaining strategies and techniques for recruitment and retention, the seminar leader summarized his talk by saying, “Look in the mirror and ask — would you work for you?” What a great question.

The answer is more important.

Inspire prospects

This industry is extremely fortunate because there is a constant flow of young college, university and high school students who are looking for spring and summer jobs exactly at the time we need them. It is your responsibility, and ours, to inspire this group of industry prospects. Ensure they have a positive first experience. Play the role of teacher.

Take the time to educate and train. Create a supportive and learning environment. Training and knowledge builds enthusiasm. Give them responsibility.

Raise awareness for the educational and career opportunities that are available to them. Care. Even though they may return to their studies, you will have given them a positive and memorable experience that may lead to a fulfilling future career.

We must start the mentoring process earlier.

Over 80 high schools offer horticulture programs

Recently, Landscape Ontario hosted a meeting of horticultural educators from high schools and colleges. A Ministry of Education official was also present. We were pleased to learn there are over 80 high school that offer horticultural/ green industries programs and at 26 of these schools a student can graduate with a specialist high school skills major in horticulture. In addition, most secondary schools offer a co-op program where young people are encouraged to try different trades.

What an amazing opportunity we have to tap into this valuable resource.

We must be willing to look at the employment issue from a longer-term perspec-

tive and build our future one student and employee at a time. I remember Past President Phil Charal writing about his positive experience starting with co-op students, who over time became full-time employees.

Apprenticeship is a gift to the industry

Apprenticeship is probably the single most important solution to building a healthy and prosperous industry. Sponsoring an apprentice is a way to build your business, retain employees, inspire lives and grow a healthy future for our industry. It is not difficult to do. It is inexpensive. In fact, there are employee and employer incentives.

The best part is that the government pays the apprentice while they attend school in the winter. All you have to do is sponsor the employee and promise to provide an on-the-job training experience. The apprentice is given a skills book that you are expected to sign-off as each skill is mastered. Take the time to review the process at horttrades.com/ apprenticeship. We are here to help any way we can.

Apprenticeship is a gift. My grandfather used to say, “If someone wants to give you a gift — take it.” Apprenticeship is a gift to you and your employee — take it.

Recently I read a book on the science of motivation. Research shows we are all motivated by autonomy, mastery and purpose. If this is true, what can you do in your business to create a culture that responds to the research?

Taking the time to show your employees how our industry provides economic, environmental, health, therapeutic, lifestyle, recreational and aesthetic benefits to society will reflect our “purpose.” Making the effort to provide superior on-thejob training opportunities and enrolling employees in the apprenticeship program will reflect your commitment to “mastery.”

Giving employees responsibility and providing a culture of accountability will reflect “autonomy.”

Looking in the mirror and answering the question, “Would you work for you?” will go a long way to solving the industry’s collective problem with finding skilled employees.

Tony DiGiovanni may be reached at tony@landscapeontario.com.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 25

PUBLIC RELATIONS Member appreciation

By Denis Flanagan CLD Director of Public Relations and Membership Services

A

s we start our membership dues renewal process every fall, it seems a great opportunity to review the ways your Association truly values your membership.

Although our members are very humble when it comes to taking credit for the countless volunteer hours they contribute to the association, we try whenever possible to give credit and recognition of volunteer time by highlighting these members in magazine articles, signage at events, on the LO website, at the Awards of Excellence ceremony and at Chapter meetings and events. We also publish a list of volunteers in the LO Annual Report, which can be seen at http://gfl.me/x2Bx. There is no doubt that the main reason for the success, growth and future of Landscape Ontario is the direct result of the dedication and hard work of its members. Perhaps we will never be able to truly recognize that contribution, but we will strive to do so at every opportunity.

With that in mind, if you think of someone in your company and/or chapter who deserves some recognition, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We continue to work with Canadian Nursery Landscape Association to develop a comprehensive network of endorsed suppliers who offer business solutions, networking opportunities and cost saving benefits to owners and employees. These member-only plans are also a way of rewarding you for your effort towards building a viable association and industry.

There really are no words to describe the incredible contribution individual members and chapters make to local communities. We try, as often as possible, to capture ongoing projects, charity work, donations and volunteer time that you so generously give to your neigh-

bourhoods. In turn, we share the heart warming stories and photos with the media.

Time and time again we have captured in photos, video and in print some truly inspiring stories that have had lifechanging results. We know that your motivation for being involved is not for the praise and glory, but we believe you truly deserve some time in the spotlight.

We will continue to promote your projects. Again, if you know of any members, projects, or stories that deserve to be spotlighted, please contact us.

Membership Appreciation Days were a great success last year. The succession of member visits had us meeting with companies on their job sites. We

chatted with employees and recognized customers who hired LO professionals.

In 2015, we implemented a new idea.

This involves setting up an LO booth at Associate members’ places of business. The idea is to meet as many member companies and their employees as possible, serve some food and refreshments, listen to feedback and update members on upcoming events.

The other reason, of course, was also to connect with non-members to explain all the benefits of belonging to Landscape Ontario. What better place to meet potential members than at a busy supply yard in the middle of Spring?

So far this summer, we have had great success at Connon Nurseries NVK, Beaver Valley Stone and Grand Valley Stone. It truly is rewarding to meet dozens of members and offer some food and free giveaways as a way of saying thank you for supporting your association Contact Denis Flanagan at dflanagan@landscapeontario.com.

Membership Appreciation Days visited Grand River Natural Stone in London. Some of those at the event include, in front from left, staff from Rural Roots Landscaping in Lambeth, Andrea Kennedy, Pam Cook, Dan Litman and Matt Brezden. In back from left, is an unidentified staff member from Grand River Stone, Jarrett Woodard of Grand River Stone and past president of the London Chapter, and Peter Vanderley of Vanderley Landscaping in London, and London Chapter President.

26  LANDSCAPE ONTARIO SEPTEMBER 2015

SAFETY AND TRAINING Developing our workforce

By Sally Harvey CAE, CLT, CLM Manager Education and Labour Development

L

andscape Ontario’s Education and Labour Development committee has identified the Horticulture Technician Apprenticeship program as a top priority.

We have been told that if industry does not start to leverage this gift from government, then the opportunity may change. Of course, we do not want this to happen.

In order to prevent that from happening, we have been working hard on initiating additional support to ensure sustainable registrations and completions. Activities to date include, but are not limited to: • Heightened promotion and outreach to industry • Developing better connection to the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities to support a complex registration process • Development of an optional registration support program for our members (LO can support completion of applications and the entire process for apprentices and employers) • Development of an optional

MEMBERSHIP Ready for Chapter season?

By Rachel Cerelli Membership and Chapter Coordinator

F

all is fast approaching, when you will be able to start taking part in a spectacular variety of both social and educational meetings that your Chapter boards have planned for this coming fall and winter season.

On Aug. 5, Denis Flanagan and I had the opportunity to sit in on a board meeting during the planning stages of the upcoming events. If you have not had the opportunity to be involved with an LO board or committee, then you may not be aware of all the passion and energy that each group of volunteers brings to the table. There is so much positive energy that radiates from these volunteers.

All this planning is for the greater good of each of you — our industry professionals and members of the Association. While

sitting at the meeting, I too felt excited about the coming events. I look forward to helping to make sure the events and meetings are a success.

It is amazing to listen to board members discuss what they feel would benefit members. I watch the ideas unfold, and then they are turned into amazing events.

Chapter meetings have been put together to help you at your local level. The meeting topics are geared to what companies and their staff deal with on a daily basis. From the following list, check out what each chapter has planned for its first meeting or event of the new season: Durham Chapter, meeting, Rainfall Gardens, Oct. 6, 7 p.m.

Georgian Lakelands Chapter, Putting Challenge, Sept. 24 Golden Horseshoe Chapter, Chicken Roast (at Thrive), Sept. 16, 5:30 p.m.

London Chapter, 10th Annual Golf Tournament, Sept. 18 Ottawa Chapter, Golf Tournament, Aug. 27 Toronto Chapter, meeting, How to Find, Hire and Keep Skilled Staff, Nov. 5

Apprenticeship Registry to enable us to communicate with those progressing through the system, in order to ensure that all incentives (for employers and apprentices) and steps are taken advantage of along the way to support completions and success We also are offering that an LO representative will visit every level 1 and level 2 class during the first two weeks of in-class instruction. This will allow us to better connect with the apprentices and allow them to opt in to the registry.

For a vast array of information on the Horticulture Technician apprenticeship program, go to horttrades.com/apprenticeship.

LO looks forward to enabling more horticulture technician registrations and completions in Ontario. I personally look forward to your feedback and suggestions for improved support and connectivity.

Please feel free to contact me at sharvey@landscapeontario.com.

Many thanks for all that you do in developing our workforce.

Upper Canada Chapter, meeting, Scott Wentworth speaking on the initiative, Come Alive Outside, Oct. 14, Waterloo Chapter, meeting, How You Can Learn to Facilitate Greatness Through Innovative Techniques and Use a Proven Sales Technique, Sept. 2 Windsor Chapter, Sept. 19, Bob Girard Memorial Golf Tournament No matter your interest, level of experience, or love/hate of social events, each of the chapters coordinate something that will interest you and your staff.

I urge each of you to join me and our trusted LO spokesgnome for at least one meeting or event this coming season. Grout will put the events he plans to attend on Facebook. If you plan to attend any of the events, please share, tag, like or comment on his Facebook page at facebook.com/LOGrout, so we know to expect you there.

To find out more about how you can get involved, or if you are shy to attend your first meeting, send me an email. I would love to chat with any of you that simply need more info. Grout and I will see many of you at a local chapter meeting or event.

Contact Rachel at rachelc@landscapeontario.com, or 1-800-265-5656, ext. 354

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 27

UNDERGROUND WORLD Statistics show solid improvement

By Terry Murphy CLM

O

ne of the key statistics that I look for is for the year-end DIRT Report, which shows the number of utility hits the green (landscape and fencing) industry has accumulated over the past year.

The key for me is to compare this new number to the previous year’s statistics to see if we have reduced the number of hits. Did we see any improvements? Congratulations, green industry, you continue to improve. In landscaping, we have reduced our utility hits per 1,000 locates by 53 per cent over the last four years. The fencing industry went down by 36 per cent. What a fantastic job.

This article is a detailed follow-up to last month’s report which included only actual hits. This report includes the effect of locate requests which is an extremely important statistical performance measurement.

The comparison of hits for the green industry appears at right (Table 1). When you look at these data, one would conclude that in landscaping, we decreased our one year landscape sector absolute hits by 22 per cent, while the green industry total hits went down by 26 per cent.

The data really becomes relevant when you look at utility hits per 1,000 locate requests, which is the true measurement of improvement.

The green industry has decreased the overall annual utility hits from 746 to 550 (-30 per cent) and also the one year locate request efficiency has increased from 148,020 to 155,550 (+5.1 per cent), based on the total locate requests.

The following data are about locate requests for the last several years, and the relation to the actual number of utility hits (Table 2).

The landscape sector reduced the utility hits (326 to 254) by 22 per cent last year. Since the total locate requests also increased, the actual efficiency and productivity has greatly increased. Fencing

has also shown a solid reduction from 419 to 256, or 39 per cent.

The 2014 ORCGA DIRT Report has further broken down the root cause data for utility hits and has categorized the locate request information into the various green industry activities. It also looks at the root cause for the industry for all utility hits. The main causes continue to be not obtaining locates and poor excavation techniques.

The four- and five-year results show that in general, excavating contractors are calling Ontario One Call more for locates and are being more careful while doing excavations.

Please note that each spring the Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance conducts its annual spring Dig Safe Promotions. This year, key kick-off meetings were held in 11 municipalities where board members and volunteers distributed promotional literature to the public. ORCGA’s main message is for everyone, both contractors and the public, to Call Ontario One Call and get locates and dig safe.

You may wish to consult the ORCGA website to see when and where a Dig Safe promotion will be next year, so you can plan to attend. These promotions give more information to the public and exca-

vators. This contributes to the reduction in utility hits, which are a major cost to all society. Please support these activities and help out if you can.

I know the above data are boring to those who do not appreciate statistics, but for numbers- and results-oriented people, these stats tell the whole story. Green industry excavating contractors should be very proud of their efforts of the last ten years. They have certainly made great steps in improving our safety and damage prevention performance.

Landscape Ontario and The Ontario Fencing Association will continue efforts on damage prevention performance.

Last year alone, contractors saved over $600,000 by reducing utility hits by almost 200. We can probably double this saving, considering the time saved in meetings with TSSA and other job site meetings.

This shows us that good safety management can produce savings to the bottom line in profits.

ORCGA’s next major effort will be at the 2016 Landscape Ontario Congress and Fencecraft Show at the Toronto Congress Centre and our ORCGA contractor exhibit at next year’s Canada Blooms and National Home Show in March, 2016.

Please remember to always Dig Safe and always call Ontario One Call for locates. Thank you for your efforts to reduce utility hits.

Send your comments and suggestions or any questions to Terry Murphy at tvmurphy@ca.inter.net, or telephone 905-279-5147.

Table 1 Comparison of hits for the green industry Year Total hits

2010 716 2011 685 2012 758 2013 746 2014 550

Green Industry hits -22 % -5 % +10% -1.6 % -26.3%

Landscape hits -34% Nil +1 % -10.4 % -22.1%

Table 2 Landscape industry hits compared to locate requests Year 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

28 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO SEPTEMBER 2015

Utility Hits 331 390 396 549 360 360 366 326 254

Locates per 1,000 Hits per 1,000 53.34 6.20 57.10 6.85 64.40 6.15 60.40 7.91 73.61 4.93 82.55 4.42 94.52 3.90 103.47 3.15 109.8 2.31

Percentage change +10.2 +10.0 +28.5 -37.6 -10.3 -11.8 -19.2 -26.7 -45.0

PROSPERITY PARTNERS Checking in at the half-way mark

By Jacki Hart CLP Prosperity Partners Program Manager

F

our down, four to go. We’re at the half-way mark of the snow off-season (at least, I hope we will have four more months without snow).

All of our seasonal sector group members are full steam ahead. This is the time of year when the cracks in your company foundation will show, lurking in the deep dark recesses of forgotten core values, unclear purpose and lack of clear visionary goals.

Daily conversations I’ve had this summer with contractors (both in and out of our industry), have led me to conclude that everyone is running flat out. They are scrambling to meet the needs of an increasingly sophisticated and demanding clientele. Rapid advancements in technology — and the expectation of rapid responses — have complicated the nature of what we all do for a living. The end result is a more intense test of company structure, systems, adaptability and resilience. I trust you agree.

Successfully passing these tests depends upon having a solid company foundation. I thought it timely to share parts of a recent presentation I’ve made about the first step in creating a solid business foundation: Core Values. Here’s an excerpt: “Core Values reflect the non-negotiable attitudes in a business. When communicated properly they drive consistency, performance and customer experience.

“A business without Core Values is like a ship without a rudder. It’s directed by ever changing currents, tossed around by storms, and averting disasters with strokes of luck. Sooner or later, without consistent direction, decisions aligned with intentional goals or positive attitudes, every business owner rides out the same peaks and valleys over and over again: hiring, firing and training again and again, never finding the right right-hand team players. We end up dealing with the same issues, answering the same ques-

tions, putting out the same fires. This happens year after year. Core values are the foundation for systems and policies, goals and vision that prevent this cycle.

“They are a great screening tool to find ‘right fit’ people and build a team with the right company attitude. When used properly, they guide alignment in policy, effort, market position and results. Alignment creates buy-in. Buy-in results in engagement and retention of the right people. This includes customers. Core Values drive accountability and consistency in behaviour and decision making.

“It’s important to make sure Core Values are more than just words on the wall.

You have to define them and take them seriously. They must be used as verbs, not just nouns or adjectives. You must communicate them on every level, every day.

They are the foundation of the business.

They are the building blocks upon which everything else is built. If you just pick a group of words that fit neatly into an acronym, it’s just as meaningless to your team as stealing someone else’s company core values and using them as your own.”

Let me give you an example from my own company. The new owner of Water’s Edge Landscaping took an entire day last winter working with me to determine the following five simple core values, and define how they will drive her company culture. It is the foundation of all policies, systems, processes, attitudes, accountability, and measurements for success and improvement. The acronym is P.R.I.D.E. Purposeful: We do what we say we will Recognized: A talented team delivering exceptional service Innovative: Smile in the face of change, create and adapt Dependable: Our trustworthy team values reliability Engaged: We embrace our culture of continuous mutual improvement In contrast, when I owned Water’s Edge, the core values were C.A.R.E. Competence: Always doing the right thing Adaptability: Smile in the face of chaos and innovate Respect: The experience for EVERYONE we engage with comes first

Excellence: The impression you leave behind every time you do work for or engage with someone Same company, different owners, different core values, different behavioural focus.

In Karen’s case, choosing P.R.I.D.E. is driven in part by her frustration with undependable staff (using core values to explicitly define what behaviour is right fit) and with the goal to continue the company reputation for premier quality service. By the way, her shift in focus has attracted a more reliable, engaged team than she had last year.

C.A.R.E. was driven by my focus on the customer’s experience of everything the company did, and integrating rapid change into every day routine.

To select, define, communicate and bring core values to life in a company is hard work. It takes focus, clarity and in my experience, a facilitator to assist and capture everything relevant. It’s a crucial piece of the business puzzle for any successful leader, and deserves an investment in time and effort by the owner. No one else; just the owner. Defining core values is not an agenda item for a staff meeting. It’s not a group exercise.

In order to reduce headaches and stress in a small business, the owner must learn to become an effective leader. Effective leaders are consistent. They can’t be consistent without a clearly defined game plan and vision. Nor can they be effective without clearly articulated non-negotiable guidelines. Please make the time this month to spend a half-day without distractions, and reflect on the first half of your season. Ask yourself these questions: What are we doing really, really well?

What’s driving this result?

What’s not working and driving me nuts? What’s driving this result? If I could change three things, they would be….

Then, sit back and consider whether having a solidly communicated guideline of non-negotiables would drive more desirable attitudes and behaviour more aligned with your expectations. Would it help lessen your stress and create positive accountability (where people step up and take pride in what they do, and admit when they messed up – wanting to fix it)?

If so, please put ‘define core values’ on your winter to-do list.

The Peer to Peer Network is a LinkedIn forum for LO member business owners. To join, go to http://gfl.me/x2vv.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 29

CLASSIFIEDS

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

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) for Associaton members and $90.40 HST included for non-members. Website ads are posted for 31 days. View ads online at www.horttrades.com/classifieds

EQUIPMENT 30’ ALUMINUM IRRIGATION PIPE (Used) - Wade rain 3” & 4” pipe - $50.00 each Call Frank 905-727-3666

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES GENERAL FARM LABOURER Field labour in the nursery, minimum wage.

Duties: Weeding, hoeing, planting, digging, watering and pruning of trees and shrubs in fields and yard.

Seasonal – April to November Skills Required: Grade 12 diploma, work experience an asset.

UXBRIDGE NURSERIES LIMITED 8080 Baldwin St., Brooklin, ON, L1M 1Y6 Contact: Wilma Muhic wilma@uxbridgenurseries.com

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES GENERAL MANAGER — Small Tree Farm - COLLINGWOOD Bloom’n Nursery is looking for a full time seasonal Tree Farm Operator / Manager in the Collingwood area. There are 10 acres with over 5000 trees currently in stock. This is a specialized tree farm, whereby the trees are grown in Fabric Grow Bags that offer many advantages.

Qualifications • Diploma in a horticulture field preferred (Horticulture Technician) • Minimum 3 year’s horticulture experience in growing, maintaining, planting and retailing trees. A certified pesticide applicators license is helpful.

• Must have a valid license and experience pulling trailers and operating equipment such as skid steers.

E-mail: gord@itsfyi.ca

View more ads online at www.horttrades.com/classifieds Keep in touch with

LANDSCAPE

ONTARIO

http://linked.in/LOLinkedIn

404 Stone Limited

www.404stone.com

905-887-3404

Page 12

www.allstonequarry.com

905-939-8491

Page 13

www.braungroup.com

800-246-6984

Page 24

Connon Nurseries/CBV Holdings Inc.

www.connon.ca

888-775-2687

Page 9

Connon Nurseries/NVK Holdings Inc.

www.connonnurseries.com

905-628-0112

Page 32

Allstone Quarry Products Inc.

Expressway Hino Waterloo

www.expresswaytrucks.com

800-558-7364

Page 21

www.draglamsalt.com

888-907-7258

Page 23

www.glwp.ca

877-266-0636

Page 14

G & L Group (Draglam Salt) Great Lakes Wood Products Inc. Greenlife - Ottawa Wholesale Nursery Gro-Bark (Ontario) Ltd.

@LOassocMag @LOMembership @TonyDiGiovanni1 @denisflanagan @green_for_life @LOevents @LOgnome

Highland Chevrolet/Highland National Leasing JC Rock Ltd. John Deere Dealers Kobes Nurseries Inc.

www.greenlifenursery.ca

613-692-3047

Page 15

www.gro-bark.com

888-476-2275

Page 21

www.highlandgm.com

905-727-9444

Page 22

www.jcrock.ca

877-326-4006

Page 11

www.johndeere.ca

Page 2

www.kobesnurseries.com

905-263-8814

Page 20

Legends Landscape Supply Inc.

www.landscapestore.ca

905-336-3369

Page 18

M. Putzer Nursery

www.putzernursery.com

905-878-7226

Page 10

Newroads National Leasing Potters Road Nursery Inc. Sipkens Nurseries Ltd.

www.facebook.com/ landscapeontario

COLLINGWOOD - LANDSCAPER RETAIL OFFICE AND CONTRACTOR YARD AVAILABLE 600 sq. ft. of beautiful office space attached to a large coverall barn. Ample parking for both clients and equipment.

Optional: landscape supplies setup such as topsoils, mulches, granular, river stone, etc., available. Go to www.BloomnNursery.ca Optional: Potential garden centre area available in high traffic location.

Please contact Gord at gord@itsfyi.ca for more information

ADVERTISERS Braun Nursery Limited

Join our discussion forum

FOR SALE BY OWNER Garden centre and landscape company located in Saugeen Shores, (Port Elgin) Ontario. 11 acres of landscaped grounds, display gardens, two ponds, paved parking and driveways, storage buildings, large 40’ x 80’ shade structure with mesh top, two heated greenhouse structures, seven hoop houses. Equipment and stock, large 3,000 square foot house, includes private yard, staff room, two offices.

Operating in the same location for 33 years.

Large client base. Owner retiring, will stay on to advise new owners.

Very successful, continuing sales growth, financials available, supplier list available.

For further information please contact Doug Gowanlock at beaglerun@bmts.com

South Oakville Chrysler Fiat

www.newroadsleasing.com

416-587-1021

Page 19

www.pottersroadnursery.com

519-688-0437

Page 13

www.sipkensnurseries.com

866-843-0438

Page 23

www.southoakvillechrysler.com

905-845-6653

Page 15

Stam Nurseries

www.stamnurseries.com

519-424-3350

Page 24

V. Kraus Nurseries Ltd.

www.krausnurseries.com

905-689-4022

Page 19

30 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO SEPTEMBER 2015

Why exhibit at Congress?

We bring an audience of over 13,000 participants directly to you. l l l l l

make sales meet potential buyers establish relationships increase product awareness strengthen position as an innovative supplier

It’s three days that are too important to pass up!

Canada’s Premier Green Industry Trade Show and Conference JANUARY 12-14, 2016 Featuring Fencecraft

TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, TORONTO, ONTARIO Sponsored by

Produced by

BoBcat company

medallion Fence ltd

Vermeer canada inc

Visit LOCONGRESS.COM WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 31 or call 1-800-265-5656 ext. 366

32 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO SEPTEMBER 2015