Landscape Ontario - March 2018

March 2018 HortTrades.com

25 YEARS

AND GROWING Ottawa Chapter’s GreenTrade Expo celebrates a milestone Page 4

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Propel your business and career

By Warren Patterson LO President

L

ast month, I closed my column by saying, “I am very thankful for being part of Landscape Ontario... as a group of professionals, we can all work together to help each other through challenges... and continue to profit.”

I would like to expand on this thought.

Mentorship has played a big role in my career — both seeking it and giving it to others. Through other people’s experiences and observations, you can truly learn how to make things better. Mentoring is an invaluable experience for both parties involved. When you mentor someone, it helps to crystallize what you know and how your business works. A person being mentored learns valuable lessons in a compressed time frame, allowing them to propel their career forward much faster.

Mentoring is valuable to everyone: from a first year staff member to a seasoned business owner. Mentoring is a founding

March, 2018 • Volume 36, No. 3 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 profession 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

pillar of the association. One of the pillars of LO’s purpose is to facilitate mentoring.

Members and their staff have many opportunities to mentor and to receive mentoring.

LO chapter meetings provide a great opportunity for members to meet and exchange information with people in their local market. Here, you can build relationships with people that you can then call up when you have a problem or need advice. I have done this a number of times, and have never felt threatened that I was discussing my problems with a local competitor.

LO sector groups have lots of business mentoring that happens before, during and after meetings and events. Sector groups share lots of information that is specific to their area of business.

This sharing of information is very powerful within the sector groups, but since many sectors have an impact on one another, I would personally like to see more collaboration between sector groups in order to maximize the benefits to the overall industry.

Attending allows you go get a good feel for the challenges and opportunities that are relevant to your business.

Started three years ago, LO’s P2P Network is the perfect first step on your path

Editor Robert Ellidge rellidge@landscapeontario.com, 647-722-5645 Assistant editor Scott Barber sbarber@landscapeontario.com, 647-478-3171 Multimedia designer/IT coordinator 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 Publisher Lee Ann Knudsen CLM lak@landscapeontario.com, 416-848-7557

to personal business mentoring. Open to owners of LO member companies, the group meets several times a year at various locations across the province. They tackle issues, learn from and support each other, and work toward helping each other and their employees to realize their full potential. Their sharing continues online using a private Facebook page and LinkedIn group.

Members routinely post business questions and then very quickly receive advice or direction from others within the group.

The peer to peer group alone makes being a member of LO worthwhile. To join, email signup.peer2peer@landscapeontario.com.

This past September, I had the unique opportunity to be part of the International Garden Centre Association (IGCA) Congress in Niagara Falls, Ont. Delegates from all over the world joined us to tour Ontario’s best garden centres. We spent four days together and every day I met new people, talked business and learned how other people deal with the same issues we deal with.

Participating in events and tours is a fun way to learn more about yourself, your business and others.

LO has lots of opportunities to give and receive mentoring. If you want to grow as a person or propel your career, I urge you to get out and get involved. Be a mentor, get a mentor.

My motto: “You always get out what you put in,” is alive and well within our membership and association.

Warren Patterson may be reached at warrenpatterson@barriegardencentre.com

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FEATURES GREENTRADE EXPO

ASSOCIATION NEWS NEW MEMBERS EVENTS INDUSTRY NEWS COLUMNS ADVERTISERS

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO STAFF Darryl Bond, Amy Buchanan, Kim Burton, Tony DiGiovanni CHT, Denis Flanagan CLD, J. Alex Gibson, Meghan Greaves, Sally Harvey CLT CLM, Heather MacRae, Kristen McIntyre CHT CEM, Kathy McLean, Linda Nodello, Kathleen Pugliese, John Russell, Ian Service, Myscha Stafford, Tom Somerville, David Turnbull, Martha Walsh, Cassandra Wiesner

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 2018, 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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with table-top displays in the conference room of a local hotel to over 100 exhibitors this year in a state-of-the-art facility. Morton coordinated that first show which has now gone on to become the must attend landscape and horticultural trade event in Eastern Ontario.

The GreenTrade Expo show committee agreed there should be a special celebration for exhibitors and members alike to commemorate the quarter century milestone of the Ottawa Chapter’s signature event.

Chapter awards

GreenTrade has grown from 12 table-top displays to over 100 exhibitors.

Ottawa Chapter’s GreenTrade Expo celebrates 25 years Landscape Ontario’s Ottawa Chapter’s annual trade show, GreenTrade Expo, celebrated its 25th anniversary with a very special show at the EY Centre in Ottawa, Ont., on Feb. 14.

Coinciding with Valentine’s Day, the weather gods provided sunny skies and comfortable above freezing temperatures, which alleviated any concerns by show organizers that snow removal would take precedence for those who typically visit the

show, resulting in near record attendance that didn’t disappoint.

“We’re delighted the weather really worked in our favor this year,” said Bruce Morton, Show Chair. “Move-in was made so much easier and the steady stream of visitors throughout the day seemed to be relaxed and having fun. Early feedback from our exhibitors is very positive.”

From its humble beginnings 25 years ago, the show has grown from 12 exhibitors

GreenTrade offers a full day of seminars by leading experts.

4 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO MARCH 2018

Festivities for the 25th anniversary event kicked-off the evening before the trade show (Feb. 13) with the fourth annual Ottawa Chapter Awards of Distinction Gala.

Hosted by Gifford Associates Insurance Brokers, the evening is where attendees enjoyed cocktails, great conversations, a delicious buffet dinner and the presentation of awards. A live band and two comedians from Absolute Comedy rounded-out the evening by providing entertainment and lots of laughs for everyone in the room.

“We really look forward to the gala,” said Morton. “It’s our big opportunity, in a fun, social setting, to truly celebrate the outstanding service we get from all our suppliers.”

The 2017 Jim Bauer Award, sponsored

by Greely Sand & Gravel, is presented to LO members who have been in business for at least 20 years, and have been an LO member in good standing for 10 years.

The 2017 recipients are: Artistic Landscape Design, Exel Contracting, and Upper Canada Stone Company.

An army of volunteer students from Algonquin College help with the operations of the show.

The 2017 Joan Johnston LO Community Involvement Award was presented to Brent Pyper, president/owner of Greely Sand & Gravel. The award recognizes individual members who have demonstrated and outstanding commitment to the LO community and Brent continues to support all Ottawa Chapter events.

Supplier awards were handed out to recipients in five categories. Companies were first nominated by their peers online with voting to determine the winners also taking place online. Winning suppliers for 2017 are: Manderley Turf Products, Best Plant Material Supplier (sponsored by InLite Design); Unilock, Best Hardscape Supplier; Geosynthetic Systems, Best Landscape Accessory Supplier; Bradley’s Insurance, Best Supplier to the Trades; and Terence Hills of Manderley Turf Products was voted 2017 salesperson of the year.

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Trade show

Presented by Permacon, the 25th anniversary edition of GreenTrade Expo kicked off with the well-attended and perennial favourite — the early morning, MTO Contractor’s Breakfast. Attendees enjoyed a hot breakfast and a lively seminar presented by MTO officers, covering new and important vehicle safety information for the upcoming season. This informative event was presented by Manderley Turf Products, Gifford Associates Insurance Brokers, and B&T MacFarlane.

In addition to gathering suppliers and buyers from Eastern Ontario, GreenTrade Expo also offers a first-class educational series that runs throughout the day. This year, the SiteOne Landscape Supply Busi-

ness Education Seminar Series comprised four seminars that included business topics such as government grants for training employees, new trends in plant material, new technology (such as battery powered equipment), and how companies can best deal with the new employment standards in Ontario, as passed under Bill 148.

A community effort

GreenTrade Expo welcomes students, the future of the landscape and horticulture profession, with open arms. In fact, stu-

Bruce Morton (left) presents a Jim Bauer Legacy Award to Steve Neumann.

dents from Algonquin College’s Horticulture Industries and Horticultural Training Apprenticeship programs are key to helping set-up and coordinate activities on show day.

“The students built the Coffee Bar area and decorated the entire show, with floral product sponsored by Connon NVK,” explained Morton. “They also hosted the welcome and registration areas, greeting all of our show visitors with a smile and all the information they needed. We really couldn’t run the show without them. They’re an

The early-morning MTO Contractor’s Breakfast is always well-attended.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 5

Volunteers greet exhibitors and attendees with a smile at the Coffee Bar on the trade show floor.

The chapter’s Awards of Distinction gala included dinner and entertainment.

Terrence Hills, 2017 Salesperson of the Year (centre), flanked by Ottawa Chapter’s Bruce Morton (left) and Ed Hansen (right).

6 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO MARCH 2018

Proceeds from beer tent sales went to Ottawa Food Bank.

awesome ‘army,’” Morton said. Students were also coordinated with show branded apparel, sponsored and donated by The Sam Group.

Show attendees once again received complimentary parking this year, sponsored by Geosynthetic Systems, Connon NVK, and members of the Ottawa Chapter of Landscape Ontario.

New this year, GreenTrade partnered with Pinecrest-Queensway Community Employment Services and the Horticultural Training Apprenticeship Program (HTAP) to hold a job fair in conjunction with the show. In total, twelve member firms spent the day conducting speed-dating-style interviews with local job seekers.

The show featured a number of new exhibitors and product lines for 2018, as well as the ever-popular, complimentary all-day Coffee Bar sponsored by Bradley’s Insurance and Cityscape. This year’s 25th anniversary celebration also included a craft beer tent featuring products from Perth Brewery, sponsored by Yates Custom Sprinklers and Greely Sand & Gravel. Proceeds from the beer sales went to support the Ottawa Food Bank. The special area proved to be a great place for those attending the show to network and relax.

“This whole event wouldn’t be possible without the remarkable work and dedication of our volunteers as well as the generous support of our many sponsors,” said Morton.

“They don’t just make the event possible, they make it fun, as well. We’re privileged to have such a great group of companies and organizations supporting us.”

Organizers, attendees, sponsors, students and all those involved look forward to next year, where GreenTrade Expo will take place Feb. 13, 2019.

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Keynote speaker, Mark Krautmann (left), talks with attendees during a break.

Growers group event shares latest innovations and research Landscape Ontario’s Growers Sector Group held their annual Short Course at the Royal Botanical Garden in Burlington, Ont., on Feb. 7. The nearly 200 growers and suppliers in attendance spent the day learning about the latest research projects, innovative production practices, market trends, technology, and more.

Program Chair Jen Llewellyn, Nursery Crop Specialist at Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) welcomed attendees and spoke about the Ontario government’s plans to introduce two carbon offset programs to reduce greenhouse gases, including a voluntary program and a cap and trade program.

In the first of two talks, keynote speaker Mark Krautmann, co-owner of Heritage Seedlings & Liners in Salem, Ore., shared innovations, procedures and business philosophies that have played a crucial part in the success of his, and wife Jolly’s business over the past 30 years.

Started in 1981, the couple set out to propagate unusual deciduous tree and shrub liners of which they now supply over 500 varieties.

Before sharing some of the innovations and changes made to their production facilities over the years, Krautmann began by stating employees are the number one resource when it comes to business success. “What is our business without our people?” he asked, explaining the need to ensure employees are happy, valued and involved in both the decision making process and ultimately tied to the success of any business.

Krautmann showed examples of his innovations, such as ergonomic benches for employee comfort and safety, but says even more important to the innovation of his business is his time spent mentoring employees.

Providing firsthand experience, Krautmann explained how he and Jolly had identified and successfully mentored people within their company to become key players at a very young age. He challenged everyone in the room to identify someone within their own organization that would benefit from mentoring, adding the many benefits to the mentor as well.

Rebecca Parker from Connon NVK

attended the event and said, “For my first time, I found the growers short course to be very valuable. The speakers were great and the topics were very relevant to our industry. There were many interesting thoughts and products to further the growing horticulture industry. I am looking forward to next year’s course.”

After lunch and some networking, Erin Bullus-Appleton, Plant Health Survey Biologist at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), gave a presentation on the early detection, response plans and public outreach campaigns the government agency has when dealing with invasive species in the landscape. CFIA have developed very detailed surveys to track the locations of various pests in the province and also have a smartphone app called EDDMaps that allows anyone to take a picture of and pest found in the landscape and submit a report and location for follow up.

Darby McGrath, researcher at Vineland Innovation and Research Centre (VRIO) presented some tree species that are not commonly planted in urban or highway settings that may well be best suited for those harsh conditions.

For his second talk, Krautmann showed examples of woody ornamentals that were not successfully introduced into the retail market over the years. In order to be successful, Krautmann says a plant must be distinctly different (but not too weird looking), be relatively easy to grow, be widely adapted to many growing conditions, have an easy, catchy name and be attractive to female buyers. Krautmann says another key to success is the variety must also be actively promoted and marketed by both the producer and the retailing agent.

Dave Cheung, co-authour of the BugFinder app provided a one-year anniversary update on his app launched at the 2017 Short Course. In addition to the Android release last June, Cheung says a new report function and host selector have been added based on user feedback and urged users to continue to provide feedback in order to constantly improve the ap.

Cheung says the next evolution of the app, called BugFinder server, could allow realtime alerts to users on pest sightings, key events and outbreaks.

The popular Growers Good Ideas sessions ended the day with a variety of growers sharing home-made solutions that increase productivity, solve a unique problem, or simply make a task possible. In the end, the audience voted Gerwin Bouman of Stam Nurseries with the best idea for his easily transportable, black plywood cutout nicknamed “Vern.” A life-sized cutout of Bouman himself, Vern is placed in the WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 7

ASSOCIATION NEWS field beside trees and shrubs when taking photos to give potential clients a feel for the size and scale of the plant material in the photo.

The Growers’ Group also announced they are in the process of organizing a one-day bus tour, tentatively scheduled for Sept. 18. More information on the group and its activities can be found online at HortTrades.com/growers-group.

PLANT LOVERS COME OUT TO LONDON CHAPTER EVENT Held Feb. 9 in the Crystal Ballroom at the Lamplighter Inn in London, Ont., the second annual Plant Symposium was a huge success. Co-hosted by Landscape Ontario’s London Chapter and the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects (OALA), the full slate of garden related seminars provided a great day for gardeners of all skill levels.

Despite a wintery forecast for the day, nearly 180 attendees comprised of hor-

e

ticulture and design students from Fanshawe College, landscape architects, landscape designers, Landscape Ontario members, contractors and members of local horticulture societies were in attendance.

Participants enjoyed socializing and chatting with the 10 marketplace vendors during lunch and in between speakers.

Vendors included Parkway Gardens, Vanluyks Garden Centre, Baseline Nurseries, Millgrove Perennials, Anything Grows Seed, Fanshawe College, Garden Glamour, Reforest London, City of London and Natalie Coles Children’s Books. There were a lovely assortment of plants, outdoor focused children’s books, bonsai trees, and curated garden accessories available to purchase and given away as fabulous door prizes.

The four speakers for the day included Paul Zammit, Lorraine Johnson, Mathis Natvik, and Brenda Gallagher, all of whom were inspiring and offered a wealth

The marketplace vendors offered attendees an early bit of shopping for spring.

of knowledge. The audience was captivated by the topics which included Rethinking Beauty: Planting with Greater Purpose, Growing Edible Native Plants; Merging Ecology; Aesthetics and Infrastructure with Landscape Design; and Problems with Invasive Species. The presentations were both informative and

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relevant to the wide range attendees in the audience.

Organizers would like to recognize the following sponsors who helped make the event a success: OALA (co-host sponsor), Baseline Nurseries (lunch sponsor), and Grand River Brick and Stone (coffee sponsor). Canadale Nurseries, Parkway Gardens and Vanluyk Garden Centre donated plants for centre pieces and to add a touch of spring colour throughout the event.

Feedback from attendees was very positive, with some saying they will encourage others to attend with them next year. The third annual Plant Symposium will take place in February 2019.

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REJUVENATED IRRIGATION CONFERENCE A SUCCESS

A new date, new location and new format proved very successful for this year’s Irrigation Conference.

Held Feb. 2 at Lionhead Golf and Conference Centre in Brampton, Ont., the initiative of Landscape Ontario’s Irrigation Sector Group attracted about 100 people related to the irrigation profession.

Robert Cooke, Central Turf and Irrigation Supply, started the day with an informative session titled, IT for Irrigation Water Management. Following Cooke, Jim Loyd, (also known as the Prophet of Profit, Sultan of Swag, Doctor of Monetary Truth and the James Brown of Business) danced his way up to the podium to talk about Profitable Pricing of Irrigation Systems. Loyd received a standing ovation for his entrance.

The afternoon program included an update on the Water Smart Irrigation Professional (WSIP) program with Jeremy Harris from the Region of Peel. Loyd returned to conclude the event with an instructive session on the Selling of Profitable Irrigation Systems.

Organizers would like to thank the following sponsors: Toro Irrigation, Rain Bird, Hunter, Vanden Bussche Irrigation, Turf Care, SiteOne Landscape Supply, Central Turf and Irrigation, Atlantic Irrigation, Hydro-Rain and WSIP. Previously held each January in conjunction with Landscape Ontario’s Congress trade show and conference, organizers say the feedback and attendance this year indicates the changes in date and location were successful.

Members who have any suggestions for next year’s conference, or who would like to participate on the Irrigation Sector Group can contact Amy Buchanan at abuchanan@landscapeontario.com.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

Winkelmolen family recognized with agriculture award Congratulations to the Winkelmolen family, owners of Winkelmolen Nursery in Lynden, Ont., on being awarded the 2017 Osborne L. Sager, Farm Family of the Year award from the Hamilton Wentworth Federation of Agriculture.

The award was presented as part of the Hamilton-Wentworth’s Celebration of Rural Excellence dinner and banquet held Feb. 10 at the Ancaster Fairgrounds in Jerseyville, Ont.

The Winkelmolen family were nominated for many reasons, including their leadership in the nursery sector, their innovation and astute business acumen, and their volunteer efforts with the LO Growers Sector Group, Industry Auction, Canada Blooms and Highway of Heroes Living Tribute.

Pictured left to right: Jeff, Nick, Ans and Jan Winkelmolen accepting the award on stage at the event.

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The annual Lighting Conference includes education, networking and new products.

LIGHTING CONFERENCE 2018

A capacity crowd enjoyed a day of education and exhibits at the 2018 Lighting Conference, held Feb. 1 at Lionhead Golf and Conference Centre in Brampton, Ont. An initiative of the Landscape Ontario Lighting Sector Group, the annual gathering of professional lighting installers, manufacturers and suppliers began with a dark, live demonstration of all the variations of

lamp and integrated light technology.

James Riddell, SiteOne Landscape Supply, demonstrated colour temperature, beam spreads and function of integrated fixtures, allowing the audience to see what kind of landscape lighting they could use on their next projects.

After lunch, Landscape Ontario members shared some of their personal experiences: Frank DiMarco of DiMarco Landscape Lighting, presented the Trials

and Tribulations of Running a Successful Business, while Carl Hastings and Conrad Monteiro of Moonstruck Lighting spoke on Purchasing a Company.

Breakout sessions ended the day with John Higo, Turf Care, speaking on the technical side of landscape lighting, including connections, hooking up transformers, and calculating beam coverage. James Solecki, Integra Bespoke Lighting Systems, spoke on the architectural side of landscape lighting, demonstrating various lighting design and installation techniques to help subtly and effectively highlight architectural features.

Organizers would like to recognize the following event sponsors: SiteOne Landscape Supply, Turf Care Products, Illumicare, Martek Supply, in-Lite, Linzel, Vanden Bussche Irrigation, Alliance Outdoor Lighting, FX Luminaire, Aquasol Outdoor Lighting, Atlantic Irrigation, Focus Industries, Cast Lighting LLC, Brilliance LED, Vista Landscape Lighting, and Central Irrigation Supply of Canada.

Members who have any suggestions for next year’s conference, or who would like to participate on the Lighting Sector Group can contact Amy Buchanan at abuchanan@ landscapeontario.com.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS Co-founded by Landscape Ontario and the Garden Club of Toronto in 1996, and co-located with the National Home Show since 2012, this year’s festival features stunning display gardens built by LO members, as well as other members giving expert talks to those attending the event.

This year, awardwinning designer and Genoscape feature garden design for Canada Blooms 2018. landscape contractor, Joe Genovese, owner of Genoscape, will create a 5,000 sq. ft. garMEMBERS SET TO INSPIRE den featuring over 700 flowering plants, AT CANADA BLOOMS 100 cu. yds. of triple mix and mulch, and Landscape Ontario members will once invest more than $300,000 on the part of again wow tens of thousands of gardening Genoscape and Landscape Ontario to and horticulture enthusiasts at this year’s build the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute Canada Blooms, Mar. 9-18, 2018 at the Garden.

Enercare Centre in Toronto, Ont. The garden will emulate a stretch of

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highway, including an overpass, representing the many bridges where Canadians gather to pay tribute to fallen Canadian soldiers on their final journey along the Highway of Heroes from CFB Trenton to the Coroner’s Office in Toronto.

The Highway of Heroes Living Tribute’s mission is to plant two million trees as a tribute to the men and women who have served Canada during wartime and as a living memorial to the 117,000 who have died.

With the theme of “Let’s Go to the Movies,” other LO members have taken inspiration from the silver screen to design and build gardens this year. Some of the themes include: The Last Samurai, by J. Garfield Thompson Landscapes; The Jungle Book, by Landscapes by Evergreen; An Inconvenient Truth, by Mountainhill Landscaping; and Midnight in Paris, by Modern Landscape Designers.

The Landscape Ontario Growers Sector Group returns this year with an interactive display promoting Ontario-grown nursery stock and telling the story of the families who produce it and the many benefits to our economy, health and society.

For more information on Canada Blooms, visit HortTrades.com/canadablooms-2018 or CanadaBlooms.com.

NEW MEMBERS DURHAM Total Equipment Sales Inc

John King 869 Grenoble Blvd, Pickering, ON L1W 1T7 Tel: 416-717-0516 Membership Type: Associate

GEORGIAN LAKELANDS Northshore Sports & Auto Inc Jordan Rocchetta 647 MacDonald Ave Sault Ste Marie, ON P6B 1J4 Tel: 705-942-9006 Membership Type: Associate

Bigwin Island Golf Club

Mitch Guy Baysville, ON Membership Type: Horticultural

GOLDEN HORSESHOE Target Specialty Products Mark Scenna 887 Tanager Ave Burlington, ON L7T 2Y1 Tel: 416-458-2396 Membership Type: Associate

Lennox Pave-All Limited

Gayle Opitz Burlington, ON Membership Type: Horticultural

Salvatore Inserra 17 Mockingbird Dr, Richmond Hill, ON L4E 4L8 Tel: 647-208-0145 Membership Type: Active

LONDON Midtown Landscaping (1060038 ONT Ltd)

Sunset Decks Inc

Paul Anthony 125 Bell St Ingersoll, ON N5C 2N9 Tel: 519-670-0893 Membership Type: Interim

Chris Falbo 8060 Lawson Rd Milton, ON L9T 5C5 Tel: 416-936-7616 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Vivax Metrotech Canada Inc

TORONTO Comm-Struction Inc

Jeremy Long 6-41 Courtland Ave Concord, ON L4K 3T3 Tel: 289-846-3010 Membership Type: Associate

Bernie Tan 10388 Hwy 48 Ave Markham, ON L3P 3J3 Tel: 416-410-6001 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Woodbridge Fireplace Inc Tony James 1305 Meyerside Dr Mississauga, ON L5T 1C9 Tel: 905-564-3001 Membership Type: Associate Ariel Stagni Toronto, ON Membership Type: Horticultural

Georgetown Chevrolet Buick GMC Bianca Wilson 33 Mountainview Rd N Georgetown, ON L7G 4J7 Tel: 905-877-6944 Membership Type: Associate

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EVENTS

Full details and registration information for all events can be found online at HortTrades.com/events or at specific chapter or sector pages.

Mar. 28

Halton Skills Competition

Georgetown District High School, Georgetown Participate in the Career Showcase to show students why they should work for your company.

Sponsorship opportunities also available. Visit HortTrades.com/events.

May 29

2018 Blossom Party

Toronto Botanical Garden Formerly known as Woman to Woman: Lunch in the Garden, this floriferous annual garden party includes food stations, a silent auction, and presentation of the Monica van Maris Green Professionals Woman of Influence Award. Buy tickets online at the TBG website.

Canada Blooms showcases the best of the landscape, horticulture and floral professions.

Mar. 9-18

Mar. 22

Enercare Centre, Toronto Ten full days of the country’s largest showcase of landscaping, horticulture and floriculture includes stunning display gardens, a vendor marketplace, dozens of informative speakers and demonstrations, entertainment and more. Volunteers are needed to help set up, tear down and work the show. Visit HortTrades.com/canada-blooms-2018.

Dominion Golf Course Get ready for the roads this season with an update from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. Lunch at noon followed by presentation at 1 p.m. Please RSVP by Mar. 19 to Jessica@ SuttonCreekGolf.com. St. Clair college students welcome. Details at HortTrades.com/windsor-chapter.

Canada Blooms

Mar. 13

London Chapter Meeting

Best Western Lamplighter Inn Prepare your staff for a safe working season with an update from the Ministry of Transportation.

London Chapter AGM and Board elections will also take place. Doors open at noon for networking and lunch. Meeting starts at 1 p.m. Details at HortTrades.com/london-chapter.

June 14-15

Windsor Chapter Meeting

Mar. 27

Gear Up for Spring

Ancaster Fairgrounds, Jerseyville Register online now for this free event help by LO’s Golden Horseshoe Chapter. Includes a full day of educational events geared to get you thinking about safety before the busy season, a trade show, networking, live demos, prizes and more. Visit HortTrades.com/gufs-2018.

The Urban Forests of Tomorrow

This two-day conference in Toronto will guide participants through the challenges and opportunities that environmental changes post to our urban forests and help prepare for the future.

Visit ufis.ca.

June 26-29

SIMA Snow and Ice Symposium

Clevaland, Ohio The 21st edition of snow and ice management professionals from across North America will feature industry awards, a trade show, educational workshops, new products, keynote speakers and more. Full details and online registration at sima.org.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

ONLINE TOOL PROMOTES TREE SUCCESS

Urban Forestry toolkit now available

Urban forests play a vital role in helping communities adapt to and mitigate climate change, reduce air pollution, sequester carbon and save energy through natural heating and cooling. But urban forests are facing increasingly difficult growing conditions. Exotic pests, more frequent and severe storms, and the loss of soils in urban developments all contribute to stressed urban forests.

In order to contribute to healthy, resilient communities, these valuable assets need to be managed proactively and supported consistently across the province.

A new toolkit is available to help urban forest managers communicate the benefits provided by urban forests in Ontario to a municipal audience using relevant and recent research and also provide an introduction to asset management planning.

The first piece of the toolkit can help build the case for the value that urban forests provide as a municipal asset – with the goal of integrating urban forest management into municipal asset management plans.

The second document in the toolkit helps urban forest managers understand how urban forest assets fit into the municipal asset management planning process.

The Urban Forestry Toolkit is a set of documents that support those working to improve urban forest management across the province. This toolkit builds upon the 2015 report Ontario’s Urban Forests: Call to Action and was developed with input from professionals around the province.

Links to the toolkit can be found online at gfl.me/h3HV. This project was funded in part through Growing Forward 2 (GF2), a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

NATIONAL CHARGE-OUT RATES SURVEY

The Landscape Canada Committee of the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) has created a Charge-Out Rates Survey, and requests all landscape operators take a few minutes to contribute their data to this valuable survey.

The purpose is to gather accurate and reliable information on equipment and job charge-out rates. The survey closes March 31.

Results will be shared with CNLA and provincial association members, and will provide industry charge-out rate averages for each demographic area.

The information/data entered should be effective January, 2018. Only aggregate data compiled from the surveys will be communicated.

Please visit the following link to access the survey at gfl.me/h3Kb.

A new website has been developed to help landscape professionals, municipalities and those planting trees in urban and suburban areas to properly select the right tree and adequately remediate the soil based on current site conditions in order to minimize tree mortality.

The website is the result of Greening the Canadian Landscape, a research project led by Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (VRIO) in Vineland, Ont. The Tree Species Selector located at GreeningCanadianLandscape.ca, allows users to choose from a variety of planting sites and then select specific criteria such as tree size, hardiness zone, shade tolerance and drainage conditions. A broad tree species database is then filtered to list only the species best suited for each situation.

The filtered results also include a detailed fact sheet on each recommended species that includes photos, notes on specific insects and diseases, management notes, and a full list of cultivars.

Tree selections are currently suited to eastern Canada, with Ontario-specific pest and disease notes, but efforts are under way to customize the website for central Canada with Alberta-specific pest and disease notes. Currently, trees hardy as far north as USDA zone two and as far south as zone six have been included.

Another feature of the website, the Soil Remediation Calculator, provides information on the importance of soil testing and allows users to enter data from a soil test that has already been obtained.

The calculator will then make recommendations on any necessary soil remediation and provide a list of tree species best suited for the soil. Links to soil testing labs and a video on various soil remediation techniques are also included.

The Greening the Canadian Landscape research program was supported by the Canadian Ornamental Horticulture Alliance (COHA) research and innovation cluster and is funded in part through the AgriInnovation Program under Growing Forward 2 (GF2). GF2 is a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

VIDEO SERIES TO HELP RAISE THE STANDARD OF PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPES

A new video series based on the Canadian Landscape Standard (CLS) and the Canadian Standards for Nursery Stock (CSNS) will soon be made available online to help landscape/nursery professionals and home/property owners to build and maintain more successful landscapes.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 15

INDUSTRY NEWS Produced by Landscape Ontario, the videos attempt to illustrate many elements of the printed Standards and deliver them in a more visual, entertaining and educational format. Shot in the field, some of the videos feature leading experts in the landscape and nursery horticulture profession demonstrating specific topics.

The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) and the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) joined forces to create the Standards to set guidelines for landscape construction projects and nursery growing across Canada. The CLS is intended for use by anyone who specifies, designs, builds or maintains landscape work, including landscape architects, landscape designers, landscape contractors, grounds maintenance contractors and government procurement parks departments at all levels. Using the highly-successful BC Landscape Standard as a basis for the Canadian version, the CLS is a national document, with regional supplements.

The CSNS provides growers, distributors, specifiers, and purchasers of nursery stock with a comprehensive and consistent set of minimum measurements and specifications so that commercial transactions can occur in a common language.

Tony DiGiovanni, Executive Director of Landscape Ontario, says the goal of this initial pilot project is to “help elevate the entire profession and to reduce the number of failed landscape projects. As people see the correct way of doing things, their success will increase as well.”

DiGiovanni says the videos will be released this spring via the Landscape

Ontario website and on YouTube to mark the second anniversary of the CLS launch back on March 16, 2016.

Denis Flanagan, LO Manager of Public Relations and well-known gardening celebrity appears in a number of the videos and was involved in helping to choose which topics of the Standards to tackle in video format.

A testing component will take place at the end of each video to reinforce the teachings and to educate the audience. “Since the Standards contains a lot of technical language that is necessary in order to properly tender a project, we would like it to get into Videos were shot in the field and include tips and advice the hands of every landscape from many landscape and horticulture experts. designer, landscape architect and every landscape contractor as well,” says tions and continually revise and update Flanagan. the document to ensure its accuracy and “The videos are more like movie trailers for each section and the goal is they relevance. will also help to market and promote the The CLS is available for purchase in Standards to those looking to have proboth English and French via the CLSA fessional landscapes and those who crewebsite at csla-aapc.ca/standard. The cost ate them.” is $199 for a single digital download Flanagan continues, “rather than simlicense, $199 for a hard copy or $259 for ply describe how to do specific things in both. A student rate and multiple license the Standards, we went out and did them. rate are also available. The CSNS can be We went out and actually planted a tree, found at https://cnla.ca/uploads/pdf/CanadianNursery-Stock-Standard-9th-ed-web.pdf. including staking, and showed how to This project was funded in part measure the caliper of a tree to give people a visual idea of what size of tree they through Growing Forward 2 (GF2), a are looking at on a landscape plan.” federal-provincial-territorial initiative. The The national CLS Steering Committee Agricultural Adaptation Council assists in will remain in place to develop new secthe delivery of GF2 in Ontario.

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EXECUTIVE DESK

Business owners in LO’s Peer to Peer Network see the value in taking time to attend sessions throughout the year.

Take time to save time Tony DiGiovanni CHT LO Executive Director

A

s I mentioned last article, at the beginning of each year, your Landscape Ontario home office staff choose a new word to act as a filter for all of our activities.

For 2018, our word is “listen.” With this theme in mind, and in my role as LO’s “Official Observer,” I would like to share some of the things I am hearing from LO members lately: • Members are having trouble finding employees.

• Building a positive employee culture within your business comes with many challenges.

• Differentiating your business and selling value is always a struggle, especially when dealing with low bidders.

• Members want a better public image of the landscape/horticulture profession.

Too often, the public does not understand the value of the important and life changing work we do, and therefore do not understand the costs associated with

creating and maintaining professional landscapes.

• Members are tired of the increasing compliance demands placed on them by government at the municipal, provincial and federal levels — especially in the area of human resources.

• Members want to become more profitable so they can offer better salaries and benefits to their employees.

As your association, it is our job to “collectively” work on finding solutions to these difficult and complex issues.

We are passionate about improving and advancing our profession. Our strategies and activities are focused on dealing with these matters and many more on a prioritized basis.

However, the truth is, you may also be able to find many solutions to these common issues by listening to and engaging with fellow members. I have witnessed this phenomenon over and over again for many years. The “meeting after the meeting” that often takes place in an almost empty room, hallway, or hotel lobby, after a chapter meeting or trade show is where the real value of membership in Landscape Ontario is realized. Engagement and participation are key. If you don’t

engage, you are missing out on the benefit to belonging to our “club for mutual benefit and mutual improvement.” Take time to save time.

Since its inception over 40 years ago, Landscape Ontario has always operated as an informal peer-to-peer network where members help each other to deal with the multifaceted and lonely world of business ownership. That informal network was formalized a few years ago with the formation of the LO Peer to Peer Network. Every single business owner who is a member of the association can participate for free. The “meeting after the meeting” can now also take place online.

Questions can be posted or opinions can be sought from peers via our private LinkedIn or Facebook groups. A wealth of business advice is literally in the palm of your hand. I follow the online discussions and am marveled at how open members are to sharing information and ideas.

This open sharing has not been an issue, as members of the group must agree to protect confidentiality with the following pledge to each other: • To honour confidentiality.

• To respect vulnerability.

• To offer sincere advice.

• To rise above judgement.

• To inspire peers with hope.

Members of the group also meet faceto-face at various locations across the province throughout the year. Expertly facilitated by Jacki Hart, I have attended some of these sessions and witnessed real friendships being made, lives being changed and I have seen people suddenly realize their role as a leader. I urge you to unlock the value of your membership by joining LO’s Peer-to-Peer Network today. There is some great information and a must watch video at HortTrades.com/p2p. Joining is easy. Simply send an email to signup.peer2peer@ landscapeontario.com and Meghan will guide you through the process.

Bill 148 update

I have been getting many calls about Bill 148. Please see a summary or articles and resources LO has available at HortTrades.com/bill-148.

The special rules for landscape gardeners will still apply for this year. We are not sure about 2019. It is important that you understand the increased costs of Bill 148 and adjust your prices accordingly.

Have a great season!

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

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 17

PUBLIC RELATIONS Staying ahead of your clients

By Denis Flanagan CLD LO Manager of Membership and Public Relations

M

arch is the month when your clients often visit home and garden shows and read the latest gardening magazines that contain articles full of the newest trends in landscaping.

Landscape Ontario can help you stay informed on the latest trends with a visit to Canada Blooms. If you can’t make the trip this year, check out this year’s edition of Garden Inspiration magazine. Distributed at Canada Blooms, this amazing magazine produced by LO’s publishing department includes exiting new plants, award winning projects by LO members and community projects by LO chapters that show the passion, commitment and professionalism of our members. Riding the food and edible trend that continues to strengthen each year, Garden Inspiration will focus on “food, family and fun.” The magazine is sure to resonate with all types of gardening enthusiasts.

Staying informed on the latest trends will increase your credibility and professional image. It will show clients you continue to look for new and innovative ideas and that you are connected with trendsetters and leaders in the profession.

After the festival, we’ll have an ample supply of Garden Inspiration at the LO home office. It’s designed to promote LO members year round at numerous home and garden shows and chapter events.

So if you are stopping by to attend a meeting or a seminar, inquire about taking some copies to give to your clients and potential clients.

In addition to Garden Inspiration, LO provides photos and articles to a number of other publications. The goal of these articles is to inspire homeowners to renovate their property in order to live a healthier, outdoor lifestyle, while also stressing the importance of hiring a pro-

18 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO MARCH 2018

fessional member of Landscape Ontario to make their dreams a reality. Here are just some of the messages we are putting out to gardening consumers via other media outlets this spring.

Have a plan and a budget

Any landscape renovation should have a formal plan and a budget. This keeps everyone on the same page and allows

Garden Inspiration

Spring 2018

meal. Equipment includes sturdy, weather proof ovens, fridges, wine coolers and even humidors. Many people are now spending more on their outdoor entertainment area than on their indoor kitchen.

From a practical standpoint, we all know when you have a party, the most popular place is always the kitchen, so having the option of having your guests outside in the fresh air is the perfect setting.

Health and wellness

Many research studies have shown time spent gardening can make a significant contribution to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Green spaces are beneficial to our physical and mental well being. Designers are now incorporating open air yoga and exercise areas into properties in order for clients to truly enjoy the experience.

More and more people are working from home and a nice outdoor workspace allows for fresh air, reduced stress and even a quick dip in the pool when it’s time for a screen break. There’s even fresh fruit and vegetables nearby for lunch.

Unique plants

food, family and fun

TOP 10 Pollinator plants AWARD WINNING DREAM GARDENS An initiative of

PLUS NEW PLANTS for 2018

for the work to be done in stages over a few years if there is not enough money to do everything all at once. It is critical to have, and follow a master plan, instead of winging it over several seasons.

Food for thought

Food has been a growing trend each year for a number of years. From cooking shows to hip new restaurants, growing and eating food is the number one conversation around the dining room table (or the poolside sushi bar). Many families like the idea of growing their own produce for a variety of reasons. With many new introductions over recent years, growing your own food is even possible on tiny, urban balconies.

Outdoor kitchens

With those freshly-harvested vegetables, it’s time to use the outdoor pizza oven or one of the many other elements of the modern outdoor kitchen to prepare your

Plant choices for a landscape will often depend on several factors, including the overall design, site conditions and the clients likes and dislikes. When choosing a unique plant there are a few factors to consider, such as evergreen versus deciduous, flowering tree versus nonflowering, hardiness, and the amount of maintenance required.

A real landscape professional will know how fast each plant will grow and when it flowers in order to create interest in the garden for more than just one or two seasons.

Colour my world

For a few years it seemed plant breeders/hybridizers were in search for the darkest coloured plants. The quest was on for a black rose, dark-leaved coral bells and petunias with shades of cocoa colour. These are still favorites with many designers, but it seems we have come out of the Dark Ages to a new era brightly coloured plants in 2018.

This trend is evident in the new plants in the Landscape Ontario/University of Guelph Trial Gardens over the last couple of years. Read about them in our Garden Inspiration magazine.

Denis Flanagan can be reached at dflanagan@landscapeontario.com or at 905-875-1805, ext. 2303.

MEMBERSHIP Who will run the world?

By Myscha Stafford LO Membership and Chapter Coordinator

G

irls! Well, we’re working on it.

March 8 is International Women’s Day, so this month, my column is all about the ladies. Historically, women were the original keepers of green spaces and the wives of farmers were responsible for establishing and running horticultural and agricultural associations.

Women like Gertrude Jekyll, among many others, were pioneers in the advancement of the horticulture professions.

To date, Landscape Ontario has had two women serve as president: Monica van Maris in 1987 and Joan Johnson in 2000. Our third female president, Lindsay Drake Nightingale, should take the helm in 2022. Currently, Lindsay is one of three women on LO’s Provincial Board of Directors, alongside Margot Byers and Lexi Dearborn. Lexi carries on the tradition of strong female chapter presidents, who over the years have included Caroline de Vries, Fran McKenzie as well as the three aforementioned presidents (both past and future).

So what role do women play in the leadership of your own business? How many of your full-time crew members and crew leaders are women? Are you a female business owner or co-owner?

Statistically across Canada, selfemployment is less common among women compared to men, who make up 61.2 per cent of business owners. If we surveyed all LO members, it would be relatively safe to say in the landscape maintenance and construction sectors, the majority of business owners and crew members are male. We tend to see more female representation in the retail and design sectors of the green profession.

If you’ve been to a landscaping or horticulture event, chances are the majority of attendees were male.

Are we developing a profession that is accessible and welcoming to both men

and women in all sectors? Would we have a more diverse crowd at events like chapter meetings if they were hosted primarily during the day so that we do not take away precious evening time from you and your families?

What about the culture or work environment on your job sites? Is it inclusive to all potential candidates? Kristal MacMillan, Operations Manager at Christine’s Touch Gardening in Toronto, Ont., offers some food for thought: “I think the common language of our profession is outdated, sexist, and is a catalyst for behaviours. I think a lot of behaviours are implicit and done subconsciously. Awareness and change at the highest levels is essential to make an effective and lasting change in our profession and to get on track to a more level playing field.”

MacMillan continues, “By language, I mean the use of the following terms: man hour and foreman for example. In our company, we have always used the terms labour hour and crew leader or supervisor. It is commonplace in our company to use non-gender specific terms and all of our systems are set up to reflect this so that it quickly becomes the common language for our entire team.”

Resources for women in horticulture continue to increase for both employees and business owners. Australia has an association dedicated exclusively to fostering women in horticulture. Locally, Humber College has partnered with the YWCA and the Ontario Ministry of the Status of Women to create a pre-apprenticeship training program that enables women to become Horticultural Technicians.

Regardless of gender, when you own a business you face constant challenges on a daily basis. You may feel alone, but the truth is there are many others facing the exact same problems. Solutions, advice and even the energy to take on those often overwhelming issues is close at hand with participation in LO’s Peer to Peer Network program. Exclusively for LO member business owners, the peer group gathers throughout the year at face-to-face meetings and continues discussions via private and confidential online forums that empower all business

owners to reach their highest objectives.

A great video and details on how to join are online at HortTrades.com/p2p.

If there is a woman in your professional circle you feel has made an influence in the green profession, consider nominating them for The Monica van Maris Green Professionals Woman of Influence Award. The award will be presented at the TBG’s 2018 Summer Blossom Party (formerly known as Woman to Woman: Lunch in the Garden) on May 29.

The award, presented by Landscape Ontario and Toronto Botanical Garden (TBG), bears Monica’s name in recognition of her pioneering achievements as a green professional. The inaugural award took place in 2017 and starting this year, green industry professionals can nominate candidates who, in their opinion, have made significant contributions and have had an outstanding influential impact on the green professions. For more information, visit gfl.me/h3Gm. Myscha Stafford can be reached at myscha@landscapeontario.com or 1-800-265-5656 ext.2333.

Keep in touch with

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UNDERGROUND WORLD Another successful symposium

By Terry Murphy CLM

O

ver 250 delegates gathered at Blue Mountain Resorts in Collingwood, Ont., Feb. 7-9 to participate in the annual Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance (ORCGA) Symposium. My report this month will highlight some of the damage prevention areas covered during this event. There were some excellent seminar subjects, great food and some very special networking sessions. A special thanks to the ORCGA staff: Doug Lapp, Jennifer Parent, Kim Sheppard and Keith Begley for their outstanding efforts that made the event a huge success.

Hall of Fame members

Each year the ORCGA looks for an individual who has made “exceptional and outstanding” contributions over the years to the damage prevention industry and to the ORCGA organization. This tradition has been going on for a decade or so.

The ORCGA Hall of Fame was rebranded the Jim Douglas Award this year. This prestigious award, now named after the former ORGCA president and CEO was bestowed upon two members this year: Tom Kidd from Hydro One and Barry Shoppoff from Union Gas. Jim Douglas was available at the Awards Luncheon to present this year’s awards.

Douglas is a legend in the industry and I had the pleasure of dining with him and his wife Unis on the Wednesday evening at the event. Jim started the organization from scratch, established the board of directors, led the charge on getting Bill 8 approved, and much more.

Members of the year

This award is presented to an individual whose dedication and service to the ORCGA and industry went above and beyond the call of duty. Two members, Karen Santucci, Utilities Kingston; Ontario South east Geographic Council, and Kathryn Karn, City of Greater Sud-

20 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO MARCH 2018

bury, Ontario North East Geographic Council, were honoured with the award for 2017.

Best Practices Committee

This committee reviews all the suggestions and new recommendations to improve our best practices in damage prevention. There were 45 new items that have either been reviewed or still need to be finalized. This is an ongoing challenge. There are discussions underway as to whether Ontario should maintain their own best practices manual or partner on a national version.

Reporting and Evaluation Committee

This group is responsible for all the statistical reporting and for the Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT Report) publication. This report gives the Damages and Underground Hits information by each of the Geographic Council Areas.

There are estimates for the socio-economic costs of underground damages at $1 billion per year in Canada. (New estimating report called CIRANO). The DIRT Report should be published and available

by April, 2018.

Events and Education Committee

This committee reviews the Symposium feedback and plans for next year’s events. They plan and finalize major functions such as the Locate Rodeo and the ORCGA Golf Tournament. A large part of the planning is the subjects and speakers for the concurrent seminar series for the thee-day Symposium.

Geographic Councils Committee

This committee consists of chairs and cochairs from the 13 Geographic Councils.

They plan speakers for the various council meetings and set objectives for each year. Membership increase is always a hot topic for council meetings. There was a major increase in all Geographic Council attendance during the 2017 year, with the average attendance at 40 members.

This is excellent. Congratulations to the chairs and co-chairs and to Jennifer Parent for a job well done.

Federal Bill S229

Just as the ORCGA in Ontario promoted and lobbied Bill 8, the Ontario Underground Infrastructure Act, at the Provincial Legislature, there is a Bill before the House of Commons in Ottawa for a National Bill modelled after Ontario’s Bill 8. It is in the early stages where MPs are being introduced to the concept of Locates and Damage Prevention of the Underground Utility Assets. This will be an important project for the Canadian Common Ground Alliance (CCGA) in 2018.

Membership

The ORCGA will continue efforts to increase membership numbers in 2018.

Currently, the ORCGA has 524 members.

If you would like to learn more about the organization and the benefits and value of being a member, call 1-866-446-4493 or email jennifer@orcga.com. A small contractor can join for $125 per year. Most members save this amount annually by using the services made available to them as a member. It may be very worthwhile to make that telephone call to see if a membership fits your company.

Belonging to Landscape Ontario and the ORCGA shows the professionalism of your firm and this alone can position you for more business in 2018. Most other contractors will not belong to these two organizations.

Canada Blooms

The ORCGA will build an exhibit at Canada Blooms this year highlighting “Dig Safe” and to call ON1CALL for locates before digging. The display will demonstrate the various underground utilities that are present in most residential properties and show the public why it is so important for them to call for locates before planting a tree or digging post holes for a fence, etc. Educating the public on the free service, the requirement by law in Ontario to obtain locates and to pay close attention to the underground infrastructure will also be key messages at the event.

Terry Murphy can be reached at tvmurphy@ca.inter.net.

PROSPERITY PARTNERS How to attract talent in a new era

By Jacki Hart CLM Prosperity Partners Program Manager

T

he single-most common topic of conversation I’ve heard among LO members this January and February were centered on the topic of staffing. Discussions range from how to find new staff, how to entrench the new ones, and how to keep the good ones.

In response to these questions, the LO Peer to Peer Network set their winter agenda and focused on recruiting, onboarding and retaining staff. We gathered for two days, asking great questions, sharing tried, tested and true techniques, and worked on a series of best practices to apply this year.

On Jan. 25, our session involved a panel discussion with three HR managers from leading companies in our profession. They openly shared great information, and techniques their companies are using to find and keep new staff. The discussion centered around the generation gaps between Baby Boomers, Generation X and Millennials, and how to effectively connect them together.

For the past three years, I’ve been researching the topic extensively, and added the context of national trends to the discussion. The resulting break out sessions were productive, effective and helped all of our peers to leave armed with fresh ideas and cutting-edge techniques. The topics of discussion ranged from how to get recruits to respond to ads, to actually show up to interviews, eagerly engage in their new jobs, and new ways to get them off to a great start.

Two weeks later on Feb. 8, the next session focused on the important topic of on-boarding: the process of integrating new staff into your company culture, working safely and really set up to succeed.

This era of HR management is different in every way. By the same measure that health and safety protocols and due diligence have been introduced in the

past 20 years – from zero to full on … so now has the concept of onboarding.

Gone are the days when an employer could hold an orientation meeting in spring with whomever was ‘on the roster’ at the time, and consider the seasons’ training complete.

To coin a phrase from Sally Harvey, LO’s Director of Education and Labour Development, we must now become ‘Employers of Choice.’ This includes attracting young people from outside our industry into our profession. Statistics show Millennials (presently between the ages of 20-35) will change jobs every THREE to FIVE years. They might come into our profession for a career, but they’re not coming to work for you as a career. Some might stay with you for five to 10 years or longer if you’re lucky, but that will be the exception, not the rule.

With this in mind, employers must

accept and adapt more quickly to this current reality. Employers must create a line item under their overhead expenses for onboarding and recruiting.

Given the demographic shift in our target employee market (Millennials being the most challenging to attract and the most fit for the work we do), employers who don’t change with the times are being left in the dust and severely short staffed.

Employers who have staff-experience videos on their website, internal company Facebook and snapchat pages for staff to connect and engage, signing bonuses and strongly-articulated company cultures are leading the pack, hands down.

If you’re struggling with challenges like this in your business, and you’re a business owner or manager of an LO member company, you can join the conversation in our Peer to Peer Network.

To join, simply email signup.peer2peer@ landscapeontario.com.

Do you have a topic, issue or question to ask your LO member peers?

Contact Jacki Hart at info.peertopeer@landscapeontario.com.

Peer Network resonates with business owner Laurie-Ann Stuart, owner/ last a lifetime.” operator of LA Gardens Stuart says a key for success is to take a lot of notes: in Utopia, Ont., is actively “When you get home, don’t just engaged in Landscape shove them in a drawer,” she Ontario’s Peer to Peer Network. Stuart says one of the says and refer to them over main reasons she makes morning coffee or for some late time to participate is simply night reading. because “there is so much “There’s also a real continuity in attending each of the to gain.”

Peer to Peer sessions,” Stuart Stuart says participating in the group “gives you explains. “So the more of the a sense of ‘I’m not alone out Laurie-Ann Stuart Peer to Peers you attend, the there’ and that the mistakes more it all starts to make sense. you make, other have made already.”

Jacki is spectacular at teaching you how Open to member business owners of to respect your staff and their lives,” Stuart Landscape Ontario, Stuart says members adds, “Because if you can get them on your of the group “will happily give you tips on team, everybody moves forward together.” how to get from A to D without having to go Stuart says the Peer session in September last year provided her with the energy through the strain of B and C.” she needed to make it through to the end “Just like if it was a wedding that you of the season. “When I came back, there are attending or anything else in your was such a difference in my attitude. I life that you put everything aside for, you came back ready to take the world on.” make sure you get there. The situation at For more information on LO’S Peer to hand on the given day will sort itself out.

Peer Network, visit HortTrades.com/p2p.

The knowledge and camaraderie that you gain from attending these sessions will WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 21

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844-822-1111

Page 11

Expressway Hino Waterloo

www.expresswaytrucks.com

800-558-7364

Page 22

www.gogps.com

866-964-6477

Page 12

www.glwp.ca

877-266-0636

Page 9

www.haltonautolease.com

877-837-5674

Page 10

Connon Nurseries/NVK Holdings Inc.

ohtf.ca

GoGPS Great Lakes Wood Products Inc. Halton Autolease Inc. John Deere Dealers

www.johndeere.ca

Metal Pless Inc.

Donate today — give a gift to the future. horttrades.com/OHTF

Page 2

www.metalpless.com

866-362-1688

Page 8

www.newroadsleasing.com

416-587-1021

Page 12

Nisco National Leasing

www.niscocanada.com

888-634-9559

Page 14

Sipkens Nurseries Ltd.

www.sipkensnurseries.com

866-843-0438

Page 13

South Oakville Chrysler Fiat

www.southoakvillechrysler.com

905-845-6653

Page 9

Uxbridge Nurseries Limited

www.uxbridgenurseries.com

877-655-3379

Page 16

Newroads National Leasing

BRAUN

CONTINUOUS WIRE BASKETS

BETTER DESIGN BETTER WIRE BETTER FIT

josh.sparks@expresswaytrucks.com

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

www.expresswaytrucks.com Expressway Trucks Windsor 3817 Essex Rd 46, Maidstone, ON. N0R 1K0

22 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO MARCH 2018

Expressway Trucks Waterloo 2943 Cedar Creek Rd, Ayr, ON. N0B1E0

Expressway Trucks London 125 Towerline Place, London, ON. N6E 2T3

CANADIAN SOLDIERS LIVE FOREVER CANADIAN SOLDIERS LIVE FOREVER CANADIAN SOLDIERS LIVE FOREVER Join us in planting 2 million trees along the 401 Highway of Heroes, a tribute to the men and women

Join planting 2 million trees along the 401 Highway Heroes, awho tribute the men and women Join usus in in planting 2 million trees along 401 Highway ofof Heroes, a tribute toto the men and women who fought for Canada in our wars and athe living memorial to the 117,000 died for freedom. who fought Canada our wars and a living memorial the 117,000 who died freedom. who fought forfor Canada in in our wars and a living memorial toto the 117,000 who died forfor freedom.

You can participate in honouring our military, protecting the environment and beautifying You can participate honouring our military, protecting the environment and beautifying North You can participate in in honouring our military, protecting the and beautifying North North America’s most travelled highway.

Visit hohtribute.ca orenvironment call 905-875-0021 to get involved.

America’s most travelled highway.

Visit hohtribute.ca call 905-875-0021 get involved.

America’s most travelled highway.

Visit hohtribute.ca oror call 905-875-0021 toto get involved.

Illustration by Rick Jacobson Illustration

by Rick Jacobson Illustration

by Rick Jacobson

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24  LANDSCAPE ONTARIO MARCH 2018