October 2015 Landscape Trades

October 2015 VOL. 37, NO. 8

landscapetrades.com

Build collection options into contracts Personal cellphones can be assets Rainchains divert precious water

PORTFOLIO of

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Contents

PUBLISHER Lee Ann Knudsen CLM | lak@landscapeontario.com Editorial Director Sarah Willis | sarahw@landscapeontario.com Art Director Kim Burton | kburton@landscapeontario.com Editor Allan Dennis | adennis@landscapeontario.com Web editor Robert Ellidge | rob@landscapeontario.com Graphic Designer Mike Wasilewski | mikew@landscapeontario.com Accountant Joe Sabatino | joesabatino@landscapeontario.com Sales Manager, PUBLICATIONS Steve Moyer | stevemoyer@landscapeontario.com INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS REPRESENTATIVE Greg Sumsion | gsumsion@landscapeontario.com COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Angela Lindsay | alindsay@landscapeontario.com Advisory Committee Gerald Boot CLM, Paul Brydges, Laura Catalano, Mark Fisher, Hank Gelderman CHT, Marty Lamers, Jan Laurin, Bob Tubby CLM, Nick Winkelmolen

Landscape Trades is published by Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 Phone: (905)875-1805 Email: comments@landscapetrades.com Fax: (905)875-0183 Web site: www.landscapetrades.com LANDSCAPE ONTARIO STAFF Darryl Bond, Myscha Burton, Rachel Cerelli, Tony DiGiovanni CHT, Denis Flanagan CLD, Sally Harvey CLT CLM, Jane Leworthy, Heather MacRae, Kristen McIntyre CHT, Kathy McLean, Linda Nodello, Kathleen Pugliese, Ian Service, Tom Somerville, Martha Walsh, Cassandra Wiesner

OCTOBER 2015 VOL. 37, NO. 8

Para Space Landscaping, Burnaby, B.C.

FEATURES

6 Judge’s choice

A portfolio of landscape award winners across Canada

12 Storing water in the landscape

Rain chains and downspouts: Practical tools for harvesting rainwater

BY KEN NENTWIG

COLUMNS

16 MENTOR MOMENT

Bob Tubby costs jobs out before — and after — for accurate, consistent margins 18 ROAD TO SUCCESS

A simple recipe for success

BY ROD McDONALD

Landscape Trades is published nine times a year: January, March, April, May, June, August, September, October and November.

22 MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS

The advantages of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)

BY MARK BRADLEY

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24 LEGAL MATTERS

Collection contingencies should be addressed in contracts

BY ROBERT KENNALEY

Copyright 2015. All rights are reserved. Material may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher.

Landscape Trades assumes no responsibility for, and does not endorse the contents of, any advertisements herein. All representations or warranties made are those of the advertiser and not the publication. Views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the association or its members, but are those of the writer concerned.

26 SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPING

Designing landscapes to slow water

BY SEAN JAMES 27 LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Skillful project management brings jobs in on time, within budget

BY AUDRIANA VANDERWERF CLD

DEPARTMENTS

ISSN 0225-6398 PUBLICATIONS MAIL SALES AGREEMENT 40013519 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT LANDSCAPE TRADES MAGAZINE 7856 FIFTH LINE SOUTH, MILTON, ON L9T 2X8, CANADA

Green Pencil Industry News CNLA News Provincial News New Products Coming Events Classifieds Where to Find it

4 28 30 31 32 33 33 34

ON THE COVER: Joe Biderman Landscaping Design, Fall River, Nova Scotia

OCTOBER 2015 | LANDSCAPE TRADES |

3

greenpencil Can we make gardening sexy?

Hungry for an answer family member moved to the country a few years ago to start his own bakery.

A chef by trade, he is media-savvy and a smart businessman; he began making connections with local eateries and reaching out to food writers and bloggers even before his brick oven was complete. The result is that even before he had sold one loaf commercially, he had a threepage feature in a local magazine touting his successful venture. His product hits all the right buzz words: slow, organic, natural, healthy and, of course, tasty. Food is sexy.

Fast forward four years, he has a thriving business with product that sells out each week, a great reputation among local foodies, and he has been featured on

By Sarah Willis television, in Toronto Life, Food & Wine magazine, many blogs and airline inflight magazines. Food is sexy.

Is there any instance where you can imagine someone gaining the same media coverage for a new landscape firm, nursery or garden centre, based on philosophy and a solid business plan? Food is sexy.

Several years ago at a garden centre conference, U.S. garden media personality Joe Lamp’l pleaded with the audience for help to make gardening as cool and sexy as cooking has become. In order

4 | OCTOBER 2015 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

to connect with the next generation of consumers, he said the industry needs to come up with a new term for gardening like ‘Foodie’ is to cooking. Plantie, or gardenie, just doesn’t work. Put your thinking caps on, and email your ideas to sarahw@landscape ontario.com. We will publish them in a future issue of Landscape Trades.

Obviously, we need more than just a catchy label to draw young people outdoors to plant things. The ornamental horticulture industry has done a great job promoting itself online and thanks to our work, we have a wealth of beautiful images to share. ‘Plant porn’ pics can hold their own against ‘food porn’ images any day! But there is a link missing. Lamp’l noted that gardening should be a natural fit with younger always-online consumers, who are seeking to slow down and live an authentic life. But many of them view gardening as hard work and time consuming.

To me, food has always been work. Having always worked outside the home, my relationship with food has evolved into something you throw on the table between arriving home at the end of the day, and running out the door to hockey practice, karate, tutoring, Brownies... you name it.

Gardening is work, but at least after an afternoon planting, weeding or pruning, I’m left with something to enjoy and, as a bonus, that ultimately benefits the environment — not just a sink full of dirty dishes. LT

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Landscapers raise the bar once more

Honouring creativity and

I

inspiration

ndustry peers who judge landscape awards programs are privy to the best work the industry has to offer, and are quick to note trends in design, construction and updated planting palettes. Recently, judges have noticed more attention being paid to environmental footprints of entries, and are seeing the use of permeable pavers, grasses, perennials and drought-tolerant plantings in the projects they evaluate.

Jeff McMann, Arbor Services Co-ordinator at Mount Pleasant Group in Toronto, Ont., has judged landscape construction and maintenance entries for both Landscape Ontario’s Awards of Excellence and the CNLA’s National Awards of Landscape Excellence for many years. He looks forward to viewing award entries, and appreciates the opportunity to judge when asked.

“It’s a real pleasure to judge the landscape award entries.

We’ve seen cultural practices and pruning skills in landscape maintenance entries improving steadily, which are nice to see.” McMann adds that judging the national awards is challenging as, “you are judging the best of each province.

The sheer quality of the work being done is amazing, and it takes time to judge each entry, as sometimes you are splitting hairs to determine the winner.

6 | OCTOBER 2015 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

“The successes of these awards programs are an absolute credit to the members. They are taking incredible pride in their work, training staff and elevating the professionalism of the landscape industry.”

The following pages are a small portfolio of this year’s winners from Canada’s provincial awards programs. They are a testament to the talent and dedication of green industry employees from coast to coast.

National award winners recognized Congratulations to the winners of the National Awards of Landscape Excellence, announced at the CNLA summer meeting in Winnipeg, Man., in August: Caterpillar Award for Commercial Construction/Installation, Wilco Civil Inc., British Columbia; Caterpillar Award for Residential Construction/Installation, Peter Hughes Landscape, Alberta; Dynascape Award for Landscape Design, Welwyn Wong Landscape Design, Ontario; HortProtect Award for Commercial Maintenance, Clintar Landscape Management - Mississauga West, Ontario; and HortProtect Award for Residential Maintenance, Landmark Group, Ontario.

Prince Edward Island Earthform Landscape Professionals, Stratford Specialty Award Pavers

Ontario The Landmark Group, Thornbury

Alberta Homescapes Complete Residential Landscaping, Calgary

Saskatchewan G&S Landscape & Excavation Services, Saskatoon

Newfoundland Daisy Design, St. Philip’s

British Columbia

Nova Scotia

Landscape 2000, Vancouver

Down to Earth Gardening and Landscaping, Wolfville OCTOBER 2015 | LANDSCAPE TRADES |

7

Nova Scotia Elmsdale Landscape, Elmsdale

Ontario Pro-Land Landscape Construction, Brampton

Alberta JVR Landscape, Calgary

New Brunswick Price Landscaping Services, Moncton

Newfoundland Murray’s Landscape Services, St. John’s

British Columbia Para Space Landscaping, Burnaby

8 | OCTOBER 2015 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

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INTERVIEW

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CLEARING THE WAY

TO BECOMING A PAPERLESS SNOW CO. PATRICK FORBES

Ta p p i n g i n t o n e w ways to improve your company’s productivity, efficiency and sales should always be a top priority for any business owner. For Patrick Forbes, President of RMF Landscape Construction Ltd. (RMF), these goals have become more than achievable – especially when he and his team started using real-time technology.

Patrick, tell us about RMF Landscaping.

RMF was established in 1993. We have dedicated teams that specialize in residential and commercial landscape design and construction, interior design and construction, and year-round grounds maintenance. Our years of industry experience and community involvement have brought us to where we are today. We have a unique perspective in understanding the evolution of our market, as well as the importance of quality craftsmanship and superior customer service.

In a nutshell: vibrant, healthy green spaces are our passion!

In the last few years how has RMF adopted technology to achieve the type of success you today?

Great question! We have used LMN for the past five years, and I will honestly say, it has immensely improved our company’s ability and strengths as a whole. The LMN Budgeting tool for example, has taught us the fundamentals of how a budget works and why it’s the back bone of any successful company.

And then, there is the LMN Estimating tool; it works right from the budget and allows us to create detailed proposals fast using our estimate catalogs and template tools. Estimating is such an art form, and to have a system in place was a big turning point for our company.

LMN Time was the next tool that we fell in love with; it eliminated unnecessary paperwork and allowed us to review work

at the press of a button. No more waiting for timesheets and then attempting to understand them; it’s all captured through our mobile device and information is always right there at your fingertips.

In what ways has this technology allowed your company to become more efficient?

The cost savings alone and being able to estimate jobs correctly and on time is huge. Our down time has decreased, we have become more productive, and most importantly our profits have gone up.

Can you give us an example of a certain project you worked on, where your team was more efficient?

One of RMF’s great success stories would involve our Winter Maintenance Division.

We use LMN’s quoting systems and attended one of their Paperless Snow Co. workshops and by doing this, our Winter Maintenance Division had an explosive year. We were able to reclaim information that we never accounted for in the past and using LMN’s budget platforms and quoting templates, our sales increased 300% with an overall profit margin of 33%...now that’s amazing!

With explosive growth comes growing pains and challenges. How has real-time technology been able to help your company overcome these obstacles?

One of RMFs largest challenges has been the integration with QuickBooks. Like a lot of companies, we used QuickBooks for payroll along with our paper timesheets and it was very time consuming. It involved 2-3 days of payroll work and now, all we have to do is import everything directly from LMN and it’s done. Our cost of doing payroll was significantly reduced. We all want to cut out some of the waste in this industry when it comes to certain processes, and LMN has allowed us to do that.

“

“We were able to reclaim information that we never accounted for in the past and using LMN’s budget platforms and quoting templates, our sales increased 300% with an overall profit margin of 33%... now that’s amazing!”

I think you hit on an important message — cutting waste and saving time. With the upcoming snow season right around the corner, can you describe how RMF will thrive during this busy time of year?

LMN is crucial for us to move forward; with minimal to no hiccups throughout the winter season. LMN is the only quoting system we have found to include everything we have looked for when combining quoting processes — for either residential or commercial locations.

The options are endless using LMN’s “service” or “standard” quoting templates to save time; RMF has increased our profits by being precise and accounting for every penny. The crews are overwhelmingly happy with the accessibility to snow routes that are put together in the office with all information needed to do the job right. LMN will never lie about location, time or date when maintaining or monitoring any type of situation. LMN has been so efficient that RMF has basically eliminated all time sheets and quoting by paper, which has easily has saved hundreds of dollars in and out of the office.

Any words of advice for other owners out there looking to maximize their profits?”

“LMN has taught us how to run a business properly! Using the entire set of tools offered in their software, attending their workshops and using their free support has really been crucial in the growth of RMF. Check back in with us at the end of the snow season and I will have great stats to share with you!”’

RMF Landscaping was established in 1993.

We have dedicated teams that specialize in residential and commercial landscape design and construction, interior design and construction, and year-round grounds maintenance. We service Aurora, Newmarket, York Region and the rest of the Greater Toronto Area. For more info, visit: www.rmflandscape.com Developed by landscape contractors for landscape contractors, LMN’s online tools, systems, workshops and training modules offer one-of-a-kind access to drive productivity and profit. LMN proudly offers budgeting, estimating and mobile timesheet software giving business owners the unique ability to get the most out of their landscaping business. For more information please visit: www.golmn.com.

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A rain chain will take all it receives, with the cohesion and adhesion of the molecules and droplets following the outline of the shapes. The common household articles used in this rain chain at the Compost Education Centre Victoria, B.C., shows evidence of evaporated water. A wide variety of creative artifacts are used in rain chains all over the world.

“ This morning I watched the rain fall, and wondered why we don’t have a way to collect and use it instead of letting it run away. And now we see your booth at the trade show! This is wonderful!”

These words were spoken to me at a local home show by a university student, conscious of her water footprint. To spread the message of rainwater harvesting possibilities and to raise rainwater harvesting awareness in the community, the Canadian Association for Rainwater Management (CANARM) entered a booth in several home shows on Vancouver Island this spring.

Our booth contained a cutaway 1,125 litre storage tank with piping and a pump, lighted from the inside. On the other side of the booth stood a running vortex filter capable of handling runoff from a 200 sq. m. roof.

Most folks stopping by indicated that rainwater harvesting is a great idea. Many asked why Canadians have not already been practicing this for a long time. After all, England, Germany and Australia have been. Some came specifically looking for information or contacts or help, while a few thought it’s too little too late, or even not necessary since, “We live in a rainforest!” That last phrase is partly true — the west coast of Vancouver Island has some of the highest rainfall and precipitation volumes in Canada. Take Tofino, with over 3,000 mm of precipitation annually — that’s about 10 feet, an awful lot of water. As winter temperatures seldom stay below freezing in the region for long, about 98 per cent of this is actual rainfall.

In virtually every urban centre across the country, water is a problem. Specifically rainwater, which becomes storm water, which in extreme conditions becomes flood water, and which runs away wasted and unused, and can cause physical and economic damage. continued on page 14

How much rain can a rain chain drain?

BY KEN NENTWIG

Green infrastructure: Storing water in the landscape

12 | OCTOBER 2015 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

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Rain chains are a decorative alternative to a downspout.

sequence of connected bells, links or cups of the rain chain. In this example, that’s about one-third litre, or one-twelfth of an Imperial gallon, per second.

Design for a big storm That small-seeming volume really adds up.

Our building codes dictate the required containment sizes and capacity to manage a deluge. Continuing with the Tofino example, the ‘design storm’ is 13 mm over 15 minutes, about double the example given above. Calculating the volume from the roof area for that period, a total of 650 litres (143 gallons) will be shed. The drainpipe (downspout) required is only 50 mm (2 in.), meaning that the average 75 mm (3 in.) installation is oversized. That’s good.

Which leads back to the title question on rain chains: What about them? Are they useful?

The rain chain has a long history (sorry), perhaps beginning with castoff non-sellable cups or bells at the local artisans shop. Suspended vertically where water would normally drip or run from the overhead shelter surface to the ground to splash and make a mess or noise there, rainchains and downspouts become a channel for orderly drip transfer via gravity.

From a design standpoint, the rain chain can have a certain appeal and charm. Speaking practically, light to moderate rainfall events can be handled by the connected modularity of the drip mechanism. It’s the big events, where water escapes the molecular grasp of the chain effect, that we lose control, and lose access to potential collection volumes through splashing and turmoil that can spread water over a fairly wide distance at

Creative expression is possible with the lowly downspout, as seen on this exterior wall at Springside School, Philadelphia, Pa.

14 | OCTOBER 2015 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

PACIFIC RAINWATER HARVESTING

Rain capture is needed everywhere In spite of abundant precipitation, Tofino has a summer drought problem. Based on Environment Canada monthly averages between 1971 and 2000, fully three quarters of Tofino’s rainfall occurs from October through March. All the water that falls is not used, nor is it captured, and during the high-use season, treated water shortages are rampant. In 2006, the town ordered businesses closed on the final long weekend of the summer, throwing tourist plans into complete disarray. This is not so much a problem of poor planning, but of a dependence on infrastructure based on high outdoor usage of precious, treated water supplies.

Water needs are measured by uses, whether landscape/irrigation or flushing or stormwater retention or fire suppression or emergency preparedness. Costs are based on the equipment and installation required to meet the relationships of available rainfall, catchment area and type, demand volumes and seasonality, site characteristics, storage requirements, and water treatment. Guesswork does not have a place, and thankfully there are some guidelines to help get through the calculations.

A roof sheds copious amounts of rainwater during a storm — one litre per square meter for every millimeter that falls. For example, at a rate of 25 mm per hour, on a roof area of 50 sq. m. (that’s about one inch on 535 sq. ft.), a total of 1,250 litres (1.25 cu m, or 275 gal.) will hit, run down, and escape the impervious surface. It can be channeled along a gutter to a downspout — or rain chain — which directs it to ground level. Since water is ‘clingy,’ it runs down the vertical surfaces, either inside the downspout (hopefully!), or on the outside of the

ground level. One answer could be larger collection structures at the base of the rain chain; another is the lowly downspout.

Green infrastructure makes sense Rainwater falls on the good and the bad, the plants and the hard surfaces, the flowers and the weeds. How much rain falls is a question of climate, and varies according to the season and the extremes that Mother Nature is showing us. A simple rainwater system introduces water to the soil gently, as originally intended. Redirection or containment for later use opens untold possibilities in ground water recharge and irrigation. Designing the landscape to direct, contain and absorb rainwater requires much thought and preparation, and a commitment to maintain the system over the long term.

Rain chains, downspouts, cisterns and rain gardens all have a place in the landscape, and are individual components of a myriad of possibilities. Designers will take these basic premises to an ultimate end, uniquely formed and created for environmental friendliness, for practicality, and for enjoyment. Installers with practical skills and expertise will build structures that accommodate and enhance rainwater capture.

System maintenance personnel will soon become major players in rainwater harvesting as a business operation.

How much rain a rain chain drains is less important than meeting the demand for rainwater — whether at a site or as an entrepreneur. The most fun is in the creativity of solving immediate problems while making a LT valuable difference in the world.

Ken Nentwig is a B.C.- based horticultural educator specializing in rainwater harvesting, landscape design and organic land care.

Blackwood Crossing Greenhouse – Cleveland, AL • Tree House Farm & Nursery – Northport, AL • Warren Family Garden Center – Birmingham, AL • Buttonwillow Nursery – Reedley, CA • Evergreen Nursery – San Leandro, CA • King’s Nursery & Outdoor Living – Taft, CA • Miller Farms Nursery – McKinleyville, CA • Mission Hills Nursery – San Diego, CA • Westurf Nursery – Modesto, CA • Windmill Nursery – Buellton, CA • Wyntour Gardens – Redding, CA • Aspetuck Gardens – New Preston, CT • Gledhill Nursery – West Hartford, CT • Peter’s Home & Garden – Brookfield, CT • East Coast Garden Center – Millsboro, DE • Sullivan’s Garden Center – Milford, DE • Wigert’s Bonsai – North Ft. Myers, FL • Autumn Hill Nursery & Landscape – Woodstock, GA • Best Nursery & Outdoor Equipment – Fortson, GA • Bloomers Garden Center/Triple Creek Farm – Carrollton, GA • Miller Hardware/Seasons Garden Center – Valdosta, GA • Sanderlin Greenhouses – Appling, GA • Savannah’s Secret Gardens – Savannah, GA • Moss Greenhouses – Jerome, ID • Alsip Home & Nursery – Frankfort, IL • Barn Nursery & Landscape Center –Cary, IL • Bella Home & Garden – Bloomington, IL • Bishop Ace Hardware – Springfield, IL • Four Seasons Garden Center & Creative Landscaping – Salem, IL • Goebbert’s Farm Market – South Barrington, IL • Grand Street Gardens – Chicago, IL • Green Thumb Florist & Greenhouse – Schiller Park, IL • Langton Nursery & Landscaping Supply, Inc. – Woodstock, IL • Linton’s Enchanted Gardens – Elkhart, IN • Lizzie’s Garden – Naperville, IL • Lurvey Landscape Supply & Garden Center – Des Plaines, IL • McAdam Landscape & Garden Center – Forest Park, IL • My Garden Greenhouses – Sullivan, IL • Niestradt Landscaping – Shelbyville, IL • Prairie View Garden Center & Farm Market – Hampshire, IL • Red’s Garden Center – Northbrook, IL • The Barn Nursery & Garden Center – Cary, IL • The Corner Garden – Tonica, IL • The Garden Kingdom – Glen Carbon, IL • The Growing Scene, Inc. – Marengo, IL • Turner Tree Service – Jacksonville, IL • Wasco Nursery – St. Charles, IL • Casey’s Outdoor Solutions – Lawrenceburg, IN • Eagle Creek Nursery – Indianapolis, IN • Family Roots – Dale, IN • Four Seasons Landscaping Nursery – Valparaiso, IN • Garden Goodies – Indianapolis, IN • Gardens on the Prairie – Jamestown, IN • Gooseberry Creek Gardens – Lebanon, IN • Gooseberry Creek Gardens – Kokomo, IN • Gooseberry Creek Gardens – New Castle, IN • Hubinger Landscaping & Garden Center – Crown Point, IN • Neuhouser Garden & Gifts – Fort Wayne, IN • Neuhouser Nursery – Fort Wayne, IN • Rosie’s Garden Center & Hughes Landscaping – Indianapolis, IN • Ross Lawns & Landscaping – New Castle, IN • The Flower Pot Garden Center –Garrett, IN • Wasson Nursery – Muncie, IN • Wellfield Botanic Garden – Elkhart, IN • K & K Gardens – Hawkeye, IA • Brady Nursery – Goddard, KS • Loma Vista Nursery – Olathe, KS • TreeScapes - Andover, KS • Twin Oaks Nursery – Ruston, LA • Lex Plant Farm & Garden Center – Shreveport, LA • Bru_Mar Gardens, Nursery, & Gifts – Annapolis, MD • George’s Green Thumb Garden Center – Easton, MD • Meadows Farms Nursery – Burtonsville, MD • Meadows Farms Nursery – Frederick, MD • Meadows Farms Nursery – Germantown, MD • Meadows Farms Nursery – Leonardtown, MD • Meadows Farms Nursery – Severna Park, MD • A.J. Tomasi Nurseries – Pembroke, MA • Cottage Gardens – Haverhill, MA • Lancaster Agway – Lancaster, MA • McCue Garden Center – Woburn, MA • Sixteen Acres Nursery – Springfield, MA • Weston Nurseries – Hopkintown, MA • Weston Nurseries – Chelmsford, MA • Begick Nursery & Garden Center – Bay City, MI • English Gardens – Ann Arbor, MI • English Gardens – Brighton, MI • English Gardens – Clinton Township, MI • English Gardens – Dearborn Heights, MI • English Gardens – Eastpointe, MI • English Gardens – Royal Oak, MI • English Gardens – West Bloomfield, MI • Flowerland – Comstock Park, MI • Flowerland – Kentwood, MI • Flowerland – Wyoming, MI • H & M Landscaping – Swartz Creek, MI • Meldrum Brothers Nursery & Garden Center – New Baltimore, MI • Robson’s Greenhouse - Belleville, MI •Roy Kutchey’s Greenhosues – Midland, MI • Beier’s Greenhouse – Grand Rapids, MN • Mound True Value – Mound, MN • Otten Brothers Nursery & Landscaping – Long Lake, MN • Nature’s Collection – Hernando, MS • Nature’s Collection – Oxford, MS • Brandt & Sons Ace Hardware – Maryland Heights, MO • Rick’s Ace Hardware – Kirkwood, MO • Schmittel’s Nursery – Maryland Heights, MO • Springwater Greenhouses & Garden Center – Marshall, MO • Chadwick Nursery – Helena, MT • Churchill’s Gardens – Exeter, NH • Garden Shop Nursery – Reno, NV • Flagg’s Garden Center & Landscaping –

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Moorestown, NJ • Reynolds Garden Shop – Manahawkin, NJ • Rohsler’s Allendale Nursery & Florist – Allendale, NJ • 111 Farms & Nurseries – Central Islip, NY • Adams Fairacre Farms – Lake Katrine, NY • Amodio’s Garden Center & Flower Shop – White Plains, NY • Bay Gardens – East Moriches, NY • Constantine Farm – Loudonville, NY • Country Way Garden & Design Center – Fairport, NY • De Ruyter Farm & Garden Co-Op – DeRuyter, NY • Faddegon’s Nursery – Latham, NY • GreenScapes Garden Center & Landscape – Whitesboro, NY • Harvey’s Home, Pet, & Garden Center – Johnstown, NY • Lilac Hill Nursery – Victor, NY • Massi’s Garden Center – Painted Post, NY • Russell’s Tree & Shrub Farm – East Amherst, NY • Sorbello’s Gift & Garden Center – Chittenango, NY • Van Putte Gardens –Rochester, NY • Garden Secrets – Charlotte, NC • Green Outdoors Landscaping & Nursery – Asheville, NC • Homewood Nursery – Raleigh, NC • Kenyon Bailey Supply, Inc. – Elizabeth City, NC • Hills Farm & Garden Center – Thomasville, NC • Roger’s Trees & Nursery – Lewisville, NC • Sugartown Flowers & Greenhouses – Yadkinville, NC • Albyn’s Landscape & Nursery Center – Newark, OH • Arnold’s Garden Center – Mansfield, OH • Black Diamond Nursery – Toledo, OH • Cahoon Nursery – Westlake, OH • Creekside Gardens & Gifts – Strasburg, OH • Deborah’s Garden Market – Wooster, OH • Don Mould’s Plantation – Amherst, OH • Don Mould’s Plantation –North Ridgeville, OH • Donzell’s Flower & Garden Center – Akron, OH • Fackler Country Gardens – Granville, OH • Farm Home & Hardware – Wellington, OH • Feasel’s Garden Center – Findlay, OH • Gale’s Westlake Garden Center – Westlake, OH • Gilson Gardens – Perry, OH • Hannah’s Garden Center – Greenville, OH • Lake Cable Nursery – Canton, OH • Lowes Greenhouse – Chagrin Falls, OH • Nature’s Corner At Glass City Landscape – Holland, OH • Natures Green Nursery – Fort Recovery, OH • Nature’s Wonder Feed & Supply – Wellington, OH • North Brand Nursery – Pemberville, OH • Petitti Garden Center – Avon, OH • Petitti Garden Center – Bainbridge, OH • Petitti Garden Center – Boardman, OH • Petitti Garden Center – Mentor, OH • Petitti Garden Center – Middleburg Heights, OH • Petitti Garden Center – Oakwood Village, OH • Petitti Garden Center – Richmond Heights, OH • Petitti Garden Center – Strongsville, OH • Petitti Garden Center – Tallmadge, OH • Pinehaven Greenhouse – Avon, OH • Renck’s Landscape & Garden Center – Hamilton, OH • Rhoads Garden Center – Circleville, OH • Rice’s Nursery – North Canton, OH • Robben Florist & Garden Center – Cincinnati, OH • Schoenbrun Landscaping – Dover, OH • Springlake Nursery – Perry, OH • Starder’s Garden Center – Columbus, OH • Stutzman’s Lawn & Landscaping – New Philadelphia, OH • Summershades Nursery – Swanton, OH • The Greensmith Garden Center – Hinckley, OH • Uncle John’s Plant Farm – Olmstead, OH • Western Ohio True Value – Minster, OH • Willo’Dell Nursery – Ashland, OH • Wilson’s Garden Center – Newark, OH • Dennis’s 7 Dees – Lake Oswego, OR • Dennis’s 7 Dees – Portland, OR • Dennis’s 7 Dees – Cedar Hills, OR • Dennis’s 7 Dees – Seaside, OR • Farmington Gardens – Beaverton, OR • Ferguson’s Fragrant Nursery – St. Paul, OR • Flora Pacifica – Harbor, OR • Shonnard’s Nursery, Florist, & Landscape – Corvallis, OR • Behmerwald Nursery – Schwenksville, PA • Best Feeds – Gibsonia, PA • Brodak Greenhouse – Carmichaels, PA • Brodak Greenhouse – Masontown, PA • Brodak Greenhouse –Millsboro, PA • C & A Trees – Clarion, PA • Carlisle Agway – Carlisle, PA • County Line Nursery – Harleyville, PA • Country Cupboard – Lewisburg, PA • Green Arbor Flower & Shrubbery Center – Waynesboro, PA • Miller’s Ace Hardware – McMurray, PA • Pine Creek Country Gardens – Friedensburg, PA • Primex Garden Center – Glenside, PA • Shady Brook Farm – Yardley, PA • Soergel’s Garden Center – Wexford, PA • Sun Blessed Garden & Gift – Leechburg, PA • The Market at Del Val – Doylestown, PA • Waterloo Gardens – Exton, PA • Wheatfield Nursery – Centre Hall, PA • Wilmot Nursery & Landscaping – Lake Ariel, PA • Young Family Farm – Little Compton, RI • Cold Creek Nurseries – Aiken, SC • Shady Grove Nursery – Pickens, SC • Dutch Garden Center – Humboldt, TN • Gardens on Main – Lebanon, TN • Jensfarm – Manchester, TN • Meadow View Greenhouse & Garden Center – Lenoir City, TN • Riverbend Nurseries – Thompsons Stations, TX • Beyond Paradise – Cypress, TX • Bratcher’s Nursery & Landscaping – Detroit, TX • Brumley Gardens – Dallas, TX • Cristina’s Stone & Garden Center – Frisco, TX • The Garden Center – Dumas, TX • McCoard’s Garden Center – Provo, UT • Tony’s Grove Nursery & Garden – Hyde Park, UT • P.J. Bushey Landscape & Garden Center –East Wallingford, VT • Countryside Gardens – Hampton, VA • Earthganic Greenhouse – Wytheville, VA • Greenworks Nursery – Chantilly, VA • Meadows Farms Nurseries – Annandale, VA • Meadows Farms Nurseries – Charlottesville, VA • Meadows Farms Nurseries – Chantilly, VA • Meadows Farms Nurseries – Culpeper, VA • Meadows Farms Nurseries –Fredricksburg, VA • Meadows Farms Nurseries – Great Falls, VA • Meadows Farms Nurseries – Leesburg, VA • Meadows Farms Nurseries – Manassas, VA • Meadows Farms Nurseries – Fredericksburg, VA • Meadows Farms Nurseries – Herndon, VA • Meadows Farms Nurseries – Falls Church, VA • Meadows Farms Nurseries – Stafford, VA • Meadows Farms Nurseries –Warrenton, VA • Meadows Farms Nurseries – Winchester, VA • Meadows Farms Nurseries – Woodbridge, VA • Moneta Farm & Home Center – Moneta, VA • Shenandoah Valley Landscaping – Verona, VA • White’s Garden Center – Chesapeake, VA • Macs Garden Center – Pasco, WA • McAuliffe Valley Nursery – Snohomish, WA • Ritter’s Garden & Gift – Spokane, WA • Colonial Nursery – Ladysmith, WI • Garden Mart – Mukwonago, WI • Ivy Trails Garden Center – Green Bay, WI • Moraine Gardens – Plymouth, WI • Restoration Gardens – Kohler, WI • Winter Greenhouse – Winter, WI • Meadows Farms Nurseries – Harpers Ferry, WV • Scots Landscape – Vienna, WV • Canada – The Big Greenhouse – Spruce Grove, AB • Kayben Farms – Okotoks, AB • Lougheed Gift & Garden – Lougheed, AB • Minter Country Gardens – Chilliwack, BC • Mother Nature Garden Center – Powell River, BC • John’s Garden Center – Riverview, NB • Dean’s Greenhouses & Flower Shop – Botwood, NL • Glendale Nurseries – Mount Pearl, NL • Hickey’s Greenhouse & Nursery – Dunville, NL • Hickey’s Greenhouse & Nursery – Kelligrews, NL • O’Neill’s Gardenland – Spaniards Bay, NL • Pat’s Plants & Gardens – Bay Bulls, NL • Shand Nurseries – Pouch Cove, NL • Down to Earth Landscaping – Wolfville, NS • Doyle’s Farm Market & Greenhouses – Kentville, NS • Oceanview Garden Center & Landscaping – Chester, NS • Burley’s Gardens – Peterborough, ON • Canadale Nurseries – St. Thomas, ON • Coles’ Garden Centre – Grimsby, ON • Cottage Gardens – Norwich, ON • DeGroot’s Nurseries – Sarnia, ON • Dwight Garden Centre – Dwight, ON • Fern Forest Gardens – Washago, ON • Glass House Nursery – Chatham, ON • IVCO Tree Farms Nursery & Garden Centre – Tilbury, ON • Hollandale Landscaping & Garden Centre – Trenton, ON • Laporte’s Garden – North Bay, ON • Masfrankc Garden Centre – Lucan, ON • Tom’s Eldon Landscaping – Stratford, ON

mentormoment

Supporting the field is ultimate This month’s mentor is Bob Tubby CLM, of Arbordale Landscaping, Concord, Ont. Tubby is a past president of Landscape Ontario, and originated the association’s Prosperity Partner program that helps members improve their business skills. In addition, he has taught budgeting and estimating courses in the off-season at Humber College and Landscape Ontario.

To help you with your estimating, you should be costing your jobs out once they are complete to see where you under-estimated, and make corrections for next time. You can use the feedback from your projects to develop your own task-related production rates which can be used in your future estimations. This 360-degree estimating.

Q. What business problem keeps you up at night?

Q. Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you came to work in the green trades?

A. When it was time to choose a college course and a career, I had not had any experience in horticulture. While poring over the possibilities, I came across the Landscape program offered by Humber College. What I found out about the trade was that there was a number of career options within the industry and many of those options also provided the possibility for business ownership, which really appealed to me.

After working for and learning from other companies for a few years, my wife Mitzi (also a Humber grad) and I started Arbordale Landscaping in 1982. The company currently employs 14 people, and we do mostly design/build landscape projects and occasionBob Tubby, Arbordale Landscaping. ally some tender work. In 1994 we started Moonstruck Lighting, designing and installing lighting and sound systems.

I was president of Landscape Ontario from 2006-2007. Our Executive Director, Tony DiGiovanni, encourages each new president to choose a theme for his term. After teaching budgeting for years, I knew there was a weakness in the business skills of our members, so I decided the association should join hands with employers and become their Partner in Prosperity.

Q. I often seem to win enough work, but never make a profit.

What am I doing wrong?

A. You’re probably not budgeting properly — taking into account all of your costs and charging them to your customer. Or, you are not bringing your projects in on time (within the estimated hours).

Proper labour estimation is one of the hardest tasks, and also the most important. The bottom line is, if you say a job is going to take you 100 hours, then it better take 100 hours. This is the make or break factor for success on your jobs and for the company as a whole.

16 | OCTOBER 2015 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

A. I worry about too much work and falling behind, and too little work to keep us busy and make sales targets. Obviously I don’t get much sleep! I’m proud to say that I haven’t had an employee stay at home for lack of work in 33 years. Ideally, we all want to hire good people and keep them in our employ for the long haul. We owe our employees the ability to earn a steady and predictable income. Don’t be fooled, you earn your living in the field. In my company we believe the field is ultimate, and everybody else is facilitator to the field.

Our office staff is there to support and reduce stress on our foremen and front-line workers.

Q. What is a professional way to prequalify customers?

A. I use a design deposit to screen out the tire kickers. Those who want to work with us have no problem with this, all others go away!

Most important is to establish a budget with the client early in the process. I can’t tell you how many times that I find client budgets that are way less than half of the actual cost of the project. If a client won’t give you a budget (or at least discuss it), then let them go.

I have seen too many occasions where we wow the client with our presentation, only to see them wilt when they see the price.

Q. How do we find the money and/or make the time to train people?

A. We are lucky to have very skilled foremen, who make it their mission to teach and train our rookies on the job. It is in the foreman’s best interest to improve the skill set of his crew members. As new employees gain in skill and competency, they gain confidence and enjoy their work more. We bring each employee along at their speed, recognising their individual strengths and weaknesses.

Ultimately, we want our employees to grow their job into a career, so for example in 2007, Moonstruck Lighting became an ESAcertified electrical contractor, which has allowed us to apprentice electricians, expand our scope of work and help our employees to create careers.

Every employer needs to ask, why am I not making better use of our industry’s apprenticeship training programs? This is truly an underappreciated industry asset that we should be driving to its fullLT est benefit.

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roadtosuccess

Success stories There, on the six o’clock news, is another story of a family business, having survived The Great Depression, World War II and The Age of Aquarius, folding. They lasted 50, 60, perhaps 100 years. They, at one time, supported many families. Another fixture is gone from our business and community landscape.

I don’t enjoy those stories. They make me sad and long for a bygone era when I could walk into one of those stores and the owner would call out, “you’re Bessie’s boy, aren’t you?” My moustache has been white for several years and I am still ‘Bessie’s boy’ in certain places. I smile when this is how I am identified.

I cannot dwell in the past or the way it used to be, as that would cause me to sink into history. People who dwell too often are absorbed into the abyss.

I do enjoy success stories. I love them. I write about them, I talk about them and I cherish them. Those who do well, from our trade and business community, inspire me.

Enough reflection and philosophy and let’s get down to the core essence of this story.

My brother was working on a project. He needed 30 yards of decorative mulch. I took him to my supplier’s yard, he picked out what he wanted and the order was placed.

We were at Waxy’s Landscape Supply Yard.

It is a large company now, though when it started out, it was only a husband and wife team with two pieces of equipment. Today, one can see Waxy’s trucks all over our city. It is owned by Jeff and Donna Wilcox.

When Jeff and Donna were starting out, more than 20 years ago, I was already established and visibly successful. They would talk to me though, to be clear, I was not their mentor. There was another supply yard competing with Jeff and Donna, close to their operation. The competitor was usually ten percent cheaper than Waxy’s and Jeff would get the price shoppers demanding a 18 | OCTOBER 2015 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

price match. It was upsetting and Jeff was bothered greatly. The price shoppers have bothered most of us, usually, early in our careers. Jeff was on the phone with me, worried that this would lead to his young company’s demise.

My advice to Jeff was to ignore his pricecutting competitor and the price shopping callers. “You offer good service, you offer decent products and all that you can and should do is to keep your nose to the grindstone and slowly but surely, you will win out. Win them over, one customer at a time.” It was not much longer after that conversation that I started hearing from landscapers and retail customers that the price-cutting supply yard was short shipping. Their prices were 10 per cent lower, but you were receiving 10 per cent less material. Contractors were running out of material on their job sites and that, as any reader knows, really ticks landscapers off. They often use language that could never be printed in this magazine when they run out of material with 15 minutes left to finish the project.

Slowly but surely, Jeff and Donna’s company pulled ahead and today, they are the market leader while that other company is long gone and nothing more than a distant memory. It is a story similar to ‘The Little Engine That Could.’

My brother and I were in Waxy’s office and Jeff and Donna show up. I hadn’t seen Jeff in five years as he is usually out on job sites.

Office work is just not his thing so Donna looks after the admin part of the company.

I reminded him of our conversation from 1995, his worrying that the cheater was going to win while he played by the rules. He smiled. The smile everyone has when they reflect back on their younger days and what they had thought at the time. There is an adage that says, worrying is similar to sitting in a rocking chair. It gives us something to do but we never get anywhere. That adage applies to myself and many others.

BY ROD McDONALD

Here are a few things that Jeff and Donna have done that have kept their company as a front runner. They have always kept their equipment well maintained and clean. Have you ever noticed that the marginalized companies have broken down, grubby equipment? It is not a matter of money, rather one of attitude. My brother, who is not from the trade, commented, with no prodding from me, as to how clean the Waxy trucks looked and their base colour is white with red markings.

Jeff and Donna hire good people and those employees stay with them for years.

I knew a fellow who was a truck driver. He was a rough character. He got a job with Jeff for a day and was let go. Jeff told me that he could not afford to have drivers who didn’t respect the equipment.

They do not engage in price wars. Their attitude is, “this is what we need to charge to do what we do, and that is that.” They recognize the universal truth that there will always be someone, somewhere, who will charge less. It happens in every city, town, village and industry. There are many people who fail to realize that the road to bankruptcy court is lined with price cutters, those who thought they could do everything cheaper.

Waxy’s offers good service. I have used the company’s services for years and the staff are always good to me. I have always maintained: Everyone sells product but the winners always sell service.

Jeff and Donnas’ philosophy regarding running a business is not complicated. It is basic, simple and most importantly, it works.

A few years ago, they received quite a bit of work from The City for trucking and excavating work. The City was pleased with them but as with all governments, a new bid came out and someone else was given the work. At first, Jeff was upset, he told me. Then he realized that he had to work harder at building his relationships with the independents, and he did. A few months went by and The City

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called. They were not all that pleased with the new company and would Jeff help them out? He apologized but he could not as he was now fully booked and had no room left.

Every contractor loves to read a story just like that one.

and happiness and you present a willingness to serve, then the people who encounter you will be pleased to do business with you.

That is what leads to the million dollars.”

He stared at me and left. After all what did I know?

My next story is one of how not to succeed and how to tick people off while you’re not trying.

In my working life, I have met a wide assortment of people. Most of us have had that experience. One afternoon, I went around the back of the garden centre to help unload a pallet that was on a truck. I noticed, written across the tail gate, in felt pen, “life sucks waiting for your first million to arrive.”

Wow! Where do I begin with a statement and an attitude like that one?

The driver was in his late 20s. I asked if he had written the statement on his truck.

He said he had. I told him the truth, something most people don’t really want to hear.

I told him that what he needed to write was, “life is wonderful when I can be of service to my customers.” The young man snorted. I was definitely being disrespected. As he was young, I took the time to explain.

“If you continue to present that image of yourself, rest assured, you will never see the arrival of your million. It presents such a negative attitude that people will avoid you instead of engaging you. All of your friends will be negative people and they will be the only ones who find humour in what you have written. If your attitude is one of joy

To be a success, we have to engage successful people. We have to write the narrative of our own success stories, well in advance. We also have to enjoy each and every moment as we work away, building our companies. Success is a journey, not a destination.

There is this myth, and rest assured it is 100 per cent myth, that to be successful, you have to be lucky. Luck has so little to do with it. Working hard has a lot to do with success but more importantly, it is working intelligently and with a plan. Whenever I hear that someone is hardworking, but not succeeding, I am reminded that a dog can run many miles, chasing his own tail. The dog works hard but with no direction.

Over the years, I have had people ask me how to sell certain plants and products. I tell them how to do it successfully. They often look at me and say, “that is not complicated” and my response is, “I know. It is actually quite simple. So, why doesn’t everyone do it?” Success does not always belong to the smartest, because they often overlook the simple things.

I stopped in to visit my beloved mentor outside of Saskatoon last October. Going strong at 83 he is. During our visit, he commented that the top students of most

classes are not always the most successful in life. “They are so busy thinking about other things that the simple tasks never gets done.”

He is right. Those simple tasks of life are important no matter how simple. Just ask anyone who has ever been in a dirty washroom or one without toilet paper. Simple things are important things.

Life is indeed wonderful, if we allow it to be so. And if we allow ourselves to a part of a wonderful life then our road to success has already been laid out ahead for us.

Enjoy both your life and your road to LT success.

Rod McDonald owned and operated Lakeview Gardens, a successful garden centre/ landscape firm in Regina, Sask., for 28 years. He now works full-time in the world of fine arts, writing, acting and producing in film, television and stage.

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managementsolutions

Employees: Bring your phone to work!

BY MARK BRADLEY

For the past 13 years, mobile devices have been an integral part of my field operations. Long before the smart phone, our crews were equipped with Blackberry phones, so that my office, field crews and I could communicate, plan and re-plan as the days and jobs unfolded.

Here we are, many years later, and I still meet countless owners who want the benefits of technology, but who don’t take advantage of the power of these devices. Main reasons for not using them include: Fear of the cost of the device, fear of the cost of fixing/replacing damaged devices, fear of the lost productivity due to device-related distractions (phone calls, social media, etc.)and security of your data if an employee quits or is terminated While there are risks, and costs, to today’s smart devices, the advantages far outweigh the negatives. We save hundreds of mistakes per month by using very basic smart phone functions that anyone can learn to use. Here

are some examples: l Documented communication occurs 24 hrs a day from anywhere, and without any delay, waiting for paperwork, designs, POs etc., to get passed via paperwork l Navigation apps eliminate crews getting lost and the need for GPS navigation devices l We take and share daily jobsite/progress pictures and information in cloud drives l Our timekeeping app eliminates just about every bit of daily paperwork, while also eliminating time-fraud and the need for GPS devices installed in vehicles l Crews can use the Internet to locate products, training, specifications etc. l Construction measurement and conversion apps reduce layout and construction mistakes l Our foremen assume more responsibility to communicate with vendors, customers and each other.

Without these advantages, our company would lose hundreds of hours a year in lost productivity, waste, delays and mistakes.

There’s not a shadow of doubt in my mind that our smart phones are as indispensable for daily operations as our pickup trucks.

The question in my mind is not, “Are they worth it?” but instead, “How can I reduce the risks and costs associated with the devices?”

One of the easiest ways to reduce risks associated with smart phones is to ask your employees to bring their devices to work.

Instead of fearing the potential distractions of personal devices, embrace them. Many companies offer a monthly stipend to employees who are required to carry a device.

The smart phone is the property of the employee, and the employer contributes some amount to the employee’s phone plan to compensate for the use of the device. When employees bring their own devices, you can eliminate many of the major risks and costs associated with the device.

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Benefits to your company Employees take better care of devices. If the device is theirs, you know they’re going to take better care of it. If they don’t take care of their phone, the cost of repair or replacement isn’t coming out of your pocket.

Phone plan costs are reduced. By contributing to the cost of the employee’s monthly plan, the company can save significant dollars.

No contracts. When employees provide their own phones, companies avoid expensive contracts that are difficult to get out of without significant penalty.

Data overage costs. The costs of exceeding data limits, either accidentally or intentionally, are not charged to the company.

Things get done outside normal working hours. Everyone deserves time off and family time, but there will always be scenarios where you need to ask a quick question or pass on some critical information. Employees are more likely to get and react to that information when it’s on their device.

Easy security in termination or quit scenarios. If you play it smart, your data can be

kept very secure even when it’s in the cloud.

We use Google Apps for work to manage our email. When someone leaves TBG, we can instantly lock them out directly from the office. This same lockout will immediately terminate their access to our project files, picture drives, emails, etc.

Employee benefits Employee phone plan costs are reduced.

Most people now either already own, or would like to own, a smart phone. When their employer is contributing to the cost of their plan, employees benefit by having a more affordable monthly payment.

Employees only carry one device. Many employees already carry their own devices and don’t want the hassle of carrying two.

Increased professionalism. Jobs that require and compensate for a smart device are perceived as more respectable, more professional occupations.

The last, and sometimes the biggest, hurdle is the idea productivity will plummet if employees are given access to the distractions

What we say to customers

of their smart phone. The fact is, it probably won’t change your productivity at all. If your foreman is constantly on Facebook with friends, their partner or family; that same foreman, with a flip phone, would be making a lot of personal phone calls. Without any phone at all, that same foreman is probably breaking for too long, taking the long way to jobs, stopping too long for food/drinks/etc.

Character is who you are when no one is watching. If you’re worried about devices interfering with the foreman’s work ethic, you’ve got the wrong foreman. If you’ve got to keep your crews under your thumb to get any work done, the phone is not problem — LT the staff and the culture is.

Mark Bradley is president of TBG Landscape and the Landcape Management Network (LMN) based in Ontario.

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legalmatters

Structure contracts to prevent collection woes

BY ROBERT KENNALEY

Many contractors,

subcontractors and suppliers address debt collection only when amounts are long overdue and owing under a contract. Yet thinking about debt collection from the first stages of a project can better assist them to get paid in the event that issues arise down the line. In the next series of articles, we will discuss these issues.

Contractors, subcontractors and suppliers should consider debt collection issues when they negotiate or bid for their contracts and subcontracts. As discussed in a prior article, you should first make sure you know who you are contracting with. Is it a corporation, a partnership or an individual?

If you are only provided with a business name (with no corporate identifier, such as Ltd., Limited, Corp. or Corporation) you might be dealing with any one of the above.

Confirm the landowner Make sure you get the full name of the individual signing the contract, and his or her position with the corporation or partnership, if applicable. You might also (in the residential context in particular) make sure

24 | OCTOBER 2015 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

that the person you are contracting with owns the land you will be working on. (If you are dealing with a husband and wife on a residential job, both should sign the contract. This is because, in many circumstances, only one member of the happy couple owns the land!). In some circumstances you may also wish to make the agreement conditional upon a satisfactory credit investigation of your potential client(s).

In negotiating contracts, also ensure that payment schedules, dates and amounts are clear and acceptable. If you wish to charge interest on accounts owing, the rate should be set out and fixed at an actual annual rate, as clauses that set out daily or monthly rates may be unenforceable. If you are going to employ subcontractors of your own, you should dovetail the payment schedules, for obvious reasons.

Also, if possible, avoid “pay-when-paid” and “pay-if-paid” clauses when contracting to perform work for others. As an example, these clauses provide that the general contractor need not pay you for your work until he has been paid for your work by the owner.

These clauses may also apply to the relationship between subcontractors. Depending on the circumstances, these clauses may, or may not, be enforceable. Regardless, where the person above you in the pyramid relies on such a clause, he will take the position that you cannot stop work or terminate the contract for non-payment. If you cannot avoid these clauses, you might try to limit their impact by requiring a term that allows you to at least stop work if you have not been paid. Also, you might pass the same clause on to your own subcontractors, so that you will only have to pay your subcontractors once you have been paid.

Protection for subcontractors If you are a subcontractor, you may also want to require, as a term of your subcontract, that your subcontract will be “certified complete” if such a process is provided for under the provisions of applicable construction lien legislation. When a subcontract is so certified under legislation, the time within which you may preserve a claim for lien in relation to your work will begin to expire

and, upon the expiry of applicable period, you will be entitled to the construction lien holdback which has been retained from you, so long as no lien claims have been made in relation to your work.

Without subcontract completion certification under such legislation, subcontractors will generally be required (under lien legislation in provinces other than Quebec) to wait until all liens which might arise in relation to the holdback have expired or been resolved.

Where available, subcontract certification will not generally occur unless the contractor has required it as a term of the Prime Contract. Contractors do this where they believe it will be difficult to retain subcontractors unless they can provide for the early release of holdback. As a subcontractor, you might consider requiring, if possible, subcontract completion certification.

Where you are bidding a contract that has been put out to tender you won’t have the luxury of negotiating its terms. (This

is because you are putting a price on the terms and conditions which have been put out to tender. As discussed in other articles, your bid will generally be rejected as ‘noncompliant’ where you make a counter-offer on the terms). If you cannot negotiate the terms, you should at least understand the risks associated with the job, and price it accordingly. If you have concerns about the application or meaning of the contract’s terms, you should consider raising a question (as opposed to a counter-offer, qualification or clarification) with the consultant during the tender period. (We will address the difficulties associated with the problem consultant in a later article).

Where it is a tender situation, subcontractors should be careful to understand all the terms by which they will be bound. The terms of the Prime Contract may be incorporated into your subcontract, for example, pay-when-paid clauses and other provisions affecting payment will be relied on by the

person who hires you, even if it is not expressly written in the subcontract document you have signed. Again, if the terms of the Prime Contract are incorporated into your subcontract, you should consider including them in the subcontracts you enter into with the subcontractors beneath you in the conLT struction pyramid.

Robert Kennaley is a former landscape design/build contractor and an Honorary Member of Landscape Ontario who now practices construction law in Toronto. He can be reached at 416-368-2522 or at kennaley@mclauchlin.ca.

This material is for information purposes and is not intended to provide legal advice.

Readers who have concerns about any particular circumstance are encouraged to seek independent legal advice in that regard.

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sustainablelandscaping

Designing landscapes to slow water

BY SEAN JAMES

This isn’t going to be a cup-osunshine column, but the cloud does have a silver lining. In terms of housing development, we’re doing terrible, short-sighted things that can’t be undone. We’re putting houses too close together on too-small lots.

We’re not taking nature and the cycle of rain into account. We’re destroying base flow — the way water flows into and through the ground to keep waterways flowing in times of drought, cleaning it in the process — which is affecting biodiversity and the economy (in terms of money spent in tourism and fishing which can, surprisingly, run into the millions).

Most importantly, we’re setting ourselves up for millions of dollars in damage when big rains happen. Lawsuits will happen. Precious memories will be lost. And it will all repeat. We need to change the way we build cities by leaving room for rain handling, and also for gardening and growing our own food. This will also reduce the heat island effect and allow us to plant more, larger trees which sequester carbon and cool the neighbourhood and the globe.

So, push your politicians and engineers to change building standards for future developments.

What can we do with what’s already been

built? LID (Low Impact Development), also becoming known as rainscaping, is a collection of options for holding and infiltrating water on a property. There are many tools in the rainscape toolbox. The simplest and most ornamental are rain gardens, which are simply shallow depressions into which downspouts are guided. They’re planted with species tolerant of both flooding and drought. Great options include sparkleberry, sneezeweed, blue flag iris, dogwoods, some willows and many types of sedge.

Bioretention cells are engineered rain gardens and use more complicated, calculated methods — special 90 per cent sand/10 per cent soil mixes, underdrains and more, depending on the type of native soil. Rainfall amounts are carefully calculated and, since they’re often near roadways, plants are chosen for salt tolerance as well as flood tolerance.

Infiltration trenches are like French drains, but wider and deeper and, like all types of LID elements, should be kept six to nine feet from building foundations. Before filling the excavation with three-quarter-inch clear gravel, line the inside with geotextile to prevent the surrounding soil from polluting the gravel. Leave enough fabric to cover the top as well, and then cover with at least six in. of topsoil. Run downspouts from the house into the cell, taking care to make sure the cell is large enough to hold local rain events and allow for overflow during prolonged heavy rain.

Permeable paving, stormwater ponds, rain barrels and man-made wetlands are other types of LID, as is xeriscaping, since it means less water use and less saturation of the soil, allowing for better absorption of rainfall.

It’s always good to get to know experts.

We work closely with a water resources engineering firm, Aquifor Beech in Mississauga, Ont. I asked Chris Denich M.Sc., A lovely permeable patio in Oakville, Ont. Even in heavy clay, rainscapes can be effective!

26 | OCTOBER 2015 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

P.Eng for the most common mistake landscapers make when installing LID features.

He replied, “Not without exception or lack of effort, the most common mistake of the landscape industry when constructing LID features is not educating themselves on the function and design principles of infiltration-based stormwater controls/LIDs. “The three-hour online course on the Design of Infiltration Practices: LID Technical Training offered through Toronto Region Conservation Authority’s Sustainable Technology Evaluation Program (STEP) is a perfect way for landscapers and designers to increase their understanding and potentially open up new markets in LID and stormwater management construction and maintenance.”

Other than changing the way urban land is developed, holding and infiltrating water on your property and your customers’ properties will do great good for the environment, take stress off our aging infrastructure and help prevent flooding and property loss. Put your money where your mouth is — Fern Ridge Landscaping uses all of the above methods, except bioretention cells. It does make a difference. A rainscape project we did in Toronto prevented flood damage to a house when all the houses around it flooded.

Never think that you’re JUST a landscaper. The little differences we make every day can change the world. Making sure that there is some rainscape element in each of your landscape installations can help protect whole neighbourhoods, and help improve LT your bottom line at the same time.

Sean James is owner of an Ontario-based environmentally-conscious landscape design/build/maintenance company, an eco-consultant and a popular speaker.

designersnotebook

Project Management, Part I

BY AUDRIANA VANDERWERF CLD

My friend Bert’s neighbour hired a very reputable swimming pool retailer to put in a large oasis. Digging began in May and was set to be done three weeks later. Bert watched, at first with interest, then with tentative amusement and finally in horror as September approached, and they weren’t even close to finishing. Initially the pool didn’t fit within regulation of property lines, so resizing it was the first hold up. As soon as it was in, the interlock surround, plus patio, were installed.

But wait! The clients would like a gazebo (who forgot about that?), and where will the pump house go? Wanting a poured concrete footing for these buildings, the owner had the landscaper redo the brickwork repeatedly!

These are only the problems that were obvious to our onlooker. Imagine the other errors being made. And, although this scenario included a pool, haven’t we all heard similar stories with large decks, ponds, etc.?

Running an installation according to plan, on time and within budget is the epitome of Project Management (PM) in our business, and it can be very costly to not give it its due diligence and respect. Bert’s neighbour failed all three.

First though, let’s assume your company is qualified to do the install. Taking on a project that is outside your company’s skill territory is not beneficial to anyone, unless your client is aware you’re doing on-the-jobtraining. If it’s already ‘your’ job (you did the design or got the contract), and there are pieces to it that are better handled by experts, subcontracting to qualified specialists ensures optimum results. Selecting a sub is as important as anyone you hire: look for licences, insurance and certifications. Paperwork aside, ensure you know their work, their work ethic, and their limitations too.

A contractor from B.C., who prefers to remain anonymous, says, “I once hired a sub who did an excellent job on a project’s irrigation. He said he does anything, so I hired him to take care of the sod on another job.” The contractor admits to thinking sod and irrigation must go hand-in-hand but,

“When I checked on his progress in the afternoon, what a mess. Nothing was being done well. I asked them to leave immediately, and to stick to what they know. It was a tough, embarrassing lesson for me.”

According to plan Their plan: When you arrive at the client’s for the contract signing, three things should be in your folder: l A complete and final landscape design.

Proceeding without one is very risky (bonus points if you get the clients to sign the design). l A detailed contract outlining tasks and timelines. This may include sub tasks, and ‘worst-case scenarios’ — “if this happens it will take this much longer.” l Work change orders. These are minicontracts for add-ons or changes to the original contracts developed during the job. If clients change their minds, the work change order should ease your pain. It brings to their attention that what they’re asking for will take time and money to alter. They need to sign it. Of course WCOs are also used when unearthing unforeseen problems while working.

Your plan: Project Outline There are various methods of working out the schematics for the project, but the goal is the same: list all the tasks, in order, large or small. Adjacent to that will be who’s responsible for each task, if they are subs or crew, the time it will take and the start day. You’ll also list materials needed at each step and delivery lead times.

Having this clearly in front of you allows you to plan and organize people, deliveries and other resources. You identify all adjacencies to these tasks (before we start this task is there anything that needs to be done?) and even give you foresight about future needs.

For example, if you are lining up multiple projects, you may save money on expensive deliveries by organizing the truck to come once with two different drops.

On time Many a smooth-talking contractor will promise short timelines to get the project.

Often clients will become disappointed or distressed by the delays, not refer them and perhaps fire them. It’s the honest, knowledgeable closers who will win over the savvy customer by explaining the daily progress and sticking to it. The schematic you wrote out for yourself is logistically sensible, so follow it. If a delay occurs due to the client, ensure they sign a work change order. Any and all delays should be communicated to the owners as they come up.

Within budget The contract was signed with mutual understanding that your company can perform the job as stated for that set amount of money (or “Time and Materials” if you do business that way). Just as with the time budget, the dollar budget needs to be meticulous for a win-win outcome. When a dilemma arises that demands additional funds, discuss the issue with the client. Find out the priority, and where they may prefer to save, like switching to a less costly stone or fixture, or downsizing the plants. My favourite outcome: the client will pay the extra. Don’t ‘give’ the extra for free. Clients can be quick to recognize freebies and may question your quote. Furthermore, you will lose money.

A common denominator is communication. Be present when the client returns from work to show your progress and answer questions. Have them sign any design changes and work change orders. With the right people in the right roles, all projects are ‘dream jobs’ LT and errors are drastically minimized.

Audriana VanderWerf CLD of Essence Design in Barrie, Ont., has worked as a landscape designer and management skills trainer both overseas and in Canada.

OCTOBER 2015 | LANDSCAPE TRADES |

27

industrynews Landscape Alberta’s Green Industry Conference comes to Calgary Landscape Alberta brings its Green Industry Conference to Calgary this November. Reacting to popular demand, the show, which has been hosted in Edmonton since 1990, is taking to the road. On November 19 and 20, attendees can take part in over 20 educational opportunities for every sector of the ornamental horticulture industry.

Conference session highlights include author and water management expert, Brad Lancaster, with two sessions including Principles, Practices and Tips for Water Harvesting; and author and renowned SketchUp designer, Daniel Tal, with sessions on Rendering Future Tech and Landscape Design and 3D Terrain Modeling. This year’s conference focuses on the need for discussion about the changing urban environment and the challenges of operating a business in

today’s world. Annual favourites, such as Dr. Ken Fry and Dr. Mohyuddin Mirza, will be joined by experts from across North America who will inspire visitors, invigorate professionals and motivate newcomers.

The conference is open to anyone in the green industry. Landscape Alberta members receive preferred pricing on conference registration. In addition to educational opportunities, all conference attendees have access to the Green Industry Show. With over 230 booths, the largest green industry show in Western Canada is an annual must-see. For more information on the Green Industry Show and Conference and to view the full conference program, please visit greenindustryshow.com.

John Deere Landscapes becomes SiteOne Landscape Supply John Deere Landscapes has unveiled its new name and logo as SiteOne Landscape Supply, effective October 19. The new brand represents the next step for SiteOne as an independent company after its acquisition by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice in December 2013.

The extensive rebranding effort began shortly after the purchase. The extensive 18-month branding process, which included gathering input from associates, suppliers, customers and key stakeholders. The brand roll-out will be completed by December. SiteOne has over 460 locations in the U.S. and Canada.

Ball acquires Conard-Pyle Ball Horticultural Company is pleased to announce the purchase of Conard-Pyle, a centuryold plant development company, which brought the Knock Out® family of roses to market.

Conard-Pyle specializes in the genetics and sales of proprietary roses, perennials and woody plants, and is headquartered in West Grove, Pa. Among the acquired assets of the sale are Conard-Pyle’s in-house breeding division NovaFlora and its intellectual properties, which have been held by the Star Roses and Plants brand, as 28 | OCTOBER 2015 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

28 | OCTOBER 2015 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

The Green Industry Conference combines both education and networking with members of the green industry.

well as the distribution, production and administration facilities of its wholesale division.

The intent is for Conard-Pyle to operate as a division of Ball, retaining Conard-Pyle’s staff, name and facilities. Ball plans to integrate its Ball Ornamentals division’s strength in woody ornamentals and sales into Conard-Pyle in the coming year.

All-America Selections begins herbaceous perennial trials All-America Selections (AAS) has teamed up with the Perennial Plant Association (PPA) to launch an Herbaceous Perennial Trial.

The perennial trial will follow many of the

basics of the recently-launched AAS Vegetative Ornamental trial. Entries accepted will be herbaceous perennials propagated from seed, cutting, tissue culture or bare root. A seed entry can be trialed against a vegetative or TC comparison and vice versa. Entries will be trialed next to comparisons.

The primary difference with the AAS Herbaceous Perennial trial is that it will be a threewinter trial, allowing AAS judges to measure and record winter survivability and subsequent growing season performance. Other AAS trial entries will continue to be trialed over one growing season. Breeders who wish to have their herbaceous perennials tested for first-season performance can continue to use the one-season trial. All other herbaceous perennials would be placed in the three-year perennial trial.

All-America Selections is the only independent North American trialing organization that trials new varieties and grants branded awards to the best performers. Perennial Plant Association (PPA) is a trade association composed of growers, retailers, educators, landscape designers and contractors that are professionally involved in the herbaceous perennial industry.

Gaia College offers Advanced Diploma in Urban Permaculture Gaia College now offers an Advanced Diploma in Urban Permaculture that will give students an understanding of the concepts and skills to make sustainable living a reality. This unique combination of courses teaches some of the most leading edge science in the fields of ecological and social design.

Permaculture Design is one of the most exciting new concepts for creating a sustainable future that has come around in a long time.

Among the courses offered are Living Green Infrastructure, Rainwater Harvesting and Management, Growing Food, and Business Skills for Land Care Professionals. Upon completion of five core courses and one elective, students earn the Gaia College Advanced Diploma in Urban Permaculture.

Gaia College is based in North Cowichan, B.C. and offers both online and classroom courses in locations across the country. For more information, go to gaiacollege.ca.

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cnlanews Productive summer meetings for CNLA board In August, the CNLA Board of Directors held its semi-annual meetings in Winnipeg, Man. Over three days, board members and provincial staff attend committee meetings and the official board meeting, where they set the direction for CNLA. As an association run by and for its members, the staff at CNLA rely on the outcomes of these meetings to ensure that the national association is serving its members, the provincial associations, effectively.

Highlights included approval of a new Member Savings program with St. John Ambulance.

Members will receive an eight per cent discount off the cost of Emergency and Standard First Aid courses. If a company has 10 or more people who need to take the class, St. John Ambulance will send an instructor to that location.

Another point of interest is that the CNLA and the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) have reached an agreement with the B.C. Nursery and Landscape Association and B.C. Society of Landscape Architects to create a Canadian Landscape Standard, based on the existing B.C. Landscape Standard. Our vision is to have the Canadian Landscape Standard sit on the desk of every industry professional. It would include regional variations as supplementary sections, and maintain the high level of detail, authenticity and accuracy already established with the B.C. Landscape Standard. A joint national steering committee made up of CNLA and CSLA members will oversee the creation of the standard, with support from regional committees.

Garden Centres Canada has received funding to develop an online benchmarking program that will enable garden centres to track sales over time. This program will provide garden centres with regular reports that will help identify trends and make comparisons month by month, and year over year. It will also let garden centres see aggregate information regionally and nationally.

It is a top priority to make this a simple process for garden centres, because the more participants, the better the data. All member garden centres are encouraged to start thinking about how they can take advantage of this program.

Green City Conference 2016 Remember to register for the 2016 Green City Conference and Tours taking place in Vancouver next March. Learn about the importance of ur30 | OCTOBER 2015 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

ban green infrastructure by visiting some of the greenest spots in Vancouver, B.C. — which is set to be the greenest city by 2020. Hear from local and international speakers on a variety of topics.

The conference will kick off with a welcome from Mike Harcourt, former Mayor of Vancouver and current Chair of the Advisory Board for the University of British Columbia’s Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability. Discover the history behind this fascinating city and its journey to becoming green. Communities are the key to long-term prosperity. Harcourt’s presentation will outline the importance of building communities with long-term vision, with consideration to the environment, economic, social and cultural impact.

Daniel Roehr, Associate Professor in the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture at UBC, is a registered Landscape Architect in both British Columbia and Germany. He is also a horticulturist and a gardener. His seminar will look at the need for alternative approaches to urban green infrastructure design. It will offer insight to design living roofs in combination with groundlevel storm water control measures to effectively mitigate storm water in cities.

Register to hear these speakers and more at www.cnla-acpp.ca/greencity!

National award winners announced Winners of the National Awards of Landscape Excellence were announced at the 12th annual gala ceremony in Winnipeg, Man., held in August. Seven awards that showcased excellence in the landscape, garden centre and nursery sectors of the industry were given out to members across the country. As well, three Green for Life Awards were given to outstanding businesses and individuals who demonstrate the green for life values in their communities.

Larry Dyck, scientist at the Morden Research Station in Manitoba received an Award of Excellence for his work on rose breeding. And Vic Krahn, owner of Lakeshore Tree Farms in Saskatoon, Sask., and President of the International Association of Horticultural Producers, received the CNLA President’s Award for his years of dedication to and vision for the association.

Sheridan Nurseries in Etobicoke, Ont., won the Garden Centre of the Year Award for the company’s commitment to growing teams, gardens, sales, environment, gardeners, technology and connections within the retail sector.

Dutchmaster Nurseries in Brougham, Ont., was honoured as Grower of the Year. Its winning entry will be submitted to the International Grower of the Year Award competition, hosted by the International Association of Horticulture Producers in Essen, Germany next year.

The Green for Life Community Award was presented to ParaSpace Landscaping in Langley, B.C. for the company’s work with the Langley Hospital. CN’s EcoConnexions From the Ground Up program received the inaugural Green for Life Industry Award. Michel Touchette of Jeffries Nurseries in Portage la Prairie, Man. won the first-ever Green for Life Distinction Award for his years of volunteer service and leadership in the industry.

The Manitoba Nursery and Landscape Association hosted the event in conjunction with its provincial Awards of Landscape Excellence.

It was an excellent evening with members, staff, volunteers and other distinguished guests gathered to celebrate the best in the industry.

The National Awards of Landscape Excellence recognize companies and individuals that represent the best of the best in landscape horticulture. These companies raise the bar for industry, demonstrating what it means to be a true professional. Congratulations to all of the winners who truly represent the high caliber of work and expertise the public has come to expect from this industry.

Certification contest extended Good news! The #whyigotcertified social media contest has been extended until the end of the year! Individuals or companies have the opportunity to win $500 in cash by simply submitting a video. Explain why you chose to become Landscape Industry Certified or, why you are on the road to getting your certification; make it the most original and you could win. If you are on the way to achieving the Technician, Manager, Designer or Retail Horticulturist designation, you qualify. The contest will end at the end of the year and the winner will be announced shortly afterward. Your video may be used as a promotional tool on our website, making it another great way to get your name or company’s name out there.

Get your smart phone out and get creative! LT The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association is the federation of Canada’s provincial horticultural trade associations.

Visit cnla-accp.ca for more information.

ontarioupdate Landscape Trades devotes space in each issue to provincial association news. This issue features an update from Landscape Ontario.

It has been a busy year for Landscape Ontario members and staff. Current President Dave Braun, of Braun Nursery in Mount Hope, is governing under the theme Partners in Success.

The association has nine chapters across the province as well as 10 industry sector groups, so there are plenty of opportunities for partnerships within the association family.

WSIP program LO has partnered with the Regions of Peel and York to develop a Water Smart Irrigation Professional (WSIP) program. This program provides select irrigation companies with enhanced training and knowledge in order to provide ‘water smart’ irrigation system efficiency and maintenance services to clients. The program builds on concepts taught in the Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor program. Companies that complete the WSIP program are recognized by Peel and York regions as Approved Contractors.

It is hoped that other municipalities and regions will adopt this model going forward.

Peers learning from Peers Engaged association members know the greatest value they get from membership is the networking and mentoring available through meetings and educational events offered by

their association. At Congress in January, LO took this one step further and launched its first formal Peer to Peer network. The network is based on sharing and contribution between LO members, and is targeted toward business owners and upper management. Facilitated by Jacki Hart and Tim Kearney, Peer to Peer sharing takes place informally throughout the year on the group’s LinkedIn page and several times a year in face to face meetups.

Engaging and supporting students Currently, the biggest challenge for most members across the country is finding qualified labour. In Ontario, LO is taking a multi-pronged approach to solving the labour shortage. Ongoing efforts continue to promote horticulture as a viable career option to secondary and postsecondary students. LO has partnered with MicroSkills to offer career training to vulnerable women, which has led many to employment.

Keeping apprenticeship in the minds of both employers and employees is a priority as well.

The Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation (OHTF) is the scholarship and research arm of LO. Thanks to the generosity of industry donors, this year alone $26,000 in scholarships were awarded through the Mark Cullen Scholarship Program, and scholarships totaling $38,500 from the OHTF will help students enrolled in horticultural programs in Ontario.

The Come Alive Outside Design Challenge was a new initiative for LO last year. A partner-

ship with the Come Alive Outside movement created by Jim Paluch engaged students of all ages in first imagining, and then creating, outdoor learning spaces. The Come Alive Outside Design Challenge aims to connect children with nature, and attract young people to meaningful careers in the green industries. Post-secondary horticulture and design students teamed up with high school students, who then partnered with elementary schools to design outdoor classrooms. All the submissions were inspiringly creative and the winning team was the partnership between Ryerson University and the Ursula Franklin Academy who will build their outdoor classroom with the help of industry partners.

Fresh new fall event: Thrive ’15 Landscape Ontario’s trade shows, Congress and Garden Expo, help raise funds to support many association initiatives. In the past few years, a number of pressures on Garden Expo have led to its reinvention and relocation. This year, the show moved from late October dates to September 16-17, and relocated to the Ancaster Fair Grounds, a venue that provides indoor and outdoor exhibit space. The Trade Show team at LO created a new mashup of fall events, calling it Thrive ’15, and included Garden Expo, the Industry Auction, Snowposium and the annual Golden Horseshoe Chapter Chicken Roast, providing a wealth of opportunity to do business, learn, network and enjoy some social time with friends and colleagues. LT

WE HAVE OVER 30,000 TON IN STOCK AUTHORIZED DEALER

OCTOBER 2015 | LANDSCAPE TRADES |

31

newproducts Utility vehicle Bobcat Company has two new hydrostatic-drive utility vehicle models, the 3600 and 3650.

Hydrostatic drive is ideal for tasks that require repetitive back and forth movements, such as hauling, mowing, sweeping and snow removal. Operators can drive forward or reverse by pressing their toe or heel to the travel pedal. The vehicles can drive forward to a maximum top speed of 48 kph (30 mph). The 3650 offers the ability to operate front-mounted power-take-off (PTO) and non-PTO attachments.

Bobcat Company www.bobcat.com

Cordless blower With close to 480 CFM and 120 MPH air speed, Makita claims its new blower will rival many gas-powered blowers. Based on Makita’s battery platform, the blower uses two 18-volt batteries in series to obtain 36 volts. The blower has six-stage air volume/velocity settings by dial with variable speed control by trigger. Other features include a telescoping nozzle and dual battery gauges giving the operator the state of charge at a glance.

Makita www.makita.ca

Spreader for utility vehicles Boss Snowplow introduces its new VBX 3000 Hopper Spreader designed for UTV-type vehicles. The new spreader has a .38-cubic yard capacity with a load capacity of 1,000 lbs. (including the weight of the spreader and material). An auger drive system ensures a steady flow of sand or salt at all times. The VBX 3000 Hopper Spreader offers a spreading width of four to 20 feet. A standard, heavy-duty vinyl tarp with bungie tie downs is included to ensure materials stay dry.

Boss Snowplow www.bossplow.com

Debris and brush sweeper The new sweep action material bucket (SAMB) from Worksaver is ideal for cleaning large properties and construction sites. The SAMB can collect demolition debris, brush or small rocks with one tool, offering time and cost savings. The front grapple operates in a sweeping action to pull debris or brush into the unit. The grapple design retains the debris, allowing operators to handle uneven-sized material. Bolt-on side plates can be removed to reveal cutouts to handle loads of varying sizes. Two models are available in 72-in. or 84-in. widths.

Worksaver www.worksaver.com 32 | OCTOBER 2015 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

32 | OCTOBER 2015 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

comingevents October 5-8, CitiesAlive, 13th Annual Green Roof and Wall Conference, New York Marriott, New York, N.Y. www.citiesalive.org

November 23-25, HortEast Conference and Trade Show, Moncton Coliseum Complex, Moncton, N.B. www.horteast.com

January 11-15, CGSA/WCTA Canadian International Turfgrass Conference and Trade Show, Toronto, Ont. www.golfsupers.com

October 7-8, Canadian Greenhouse Conference, Scotiabank Convention Centre, Niagara Falls, Ont. www.canadiangreenhouseconference.com

December 2-4, New England Grows, Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Boston, Mass. www.newenglandgrows.org

January 12-14, Congress 2016, Toronto Congress Centre, Toronto, Ont. www.locongress.com

2016

October 21-23, Green Industry and Equipment Expo + Hardscape Expo, Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, Ky. www.gie-expo.com

January 6-8, The Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show, Baltimore Convention Center, Md. www.mants.com

January 13-15, Northern Green Expo, Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, Minn. www.northerngreenexpo.org

October 28-30, Expo-FIHOQ, Place Bonaventure, Montreal, Que. www.expofihoq.com

January 6-8, Indiana Green Expo, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, Ind. www.indianagreenexpo.com

November 19-20, Green Industry Show and Conference, BMO Centre, Calgary, Alta. www.greenindustryshow.com

January 11-13, CENTS 2016, Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, Ohio www.centsmarketplace.com

January 18-20, Your Next Level, Hyatt Pier 66, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. www.yournextlevel.org January 19-22, Sports Turf Managers Association 27th Annual Conference and Exhibition, San Diego, Calif. www.stma.org LT

classifieds BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 3 Guelph-Area Business Opportunities!

TURN-KEY GARDEN CENTRE FOR SALE: on 9 acres of owned land, with on-site luxury home for owner/manager. Established in 1988; market leader in the Guelph area; profitable with potential to become much more so in the years ahead. A true once in a lifetime opportunity for the right buyer!

NATURAL STONE Sales and Construction: well-established, excellent reputation and located just minutes east of Guelph. Sale includes business and property. Seller is willing to train the buyer and assist in the transition to new ownership. Tremendous opportunity for significant growth - built on word-of-mouth, no advertising to-date.

LOST HORIZONS PERENNIALS NURSERY: Renowned throughout Southern Ontario and beyond as THE go-to source for rare perennials - over 3,000 varieties in-stock.

5.53 acres including 2.5 acre public display gardens and upgraded heritage residence.

Original owner will assist in the transition.

For details on any of these great business opportunities, go to prosper.ca or phone Steve Dawkins, Sales Representative with REMAX Real Estate Centre Inc, Brokerage Toll Free: 1-855-95-REMAX

SERVICES AND SUPPLIES

EQUIPMENT

ONTARIO’S LARGEST LANDSCAPE LIGHTING SUPPLIER 190 Bovaird Dr. W. Unit 53-55 Brampton, ON, L7A 1A2 Tel: 905-874-1022 • Fax: 905-874-0095 www.estatelighting.ca

FINN Hydroseeders & Bark Blowers New and Used • Flex Guard FRM • Soil Guard BFM • Erosion Control Blanket Seed & Fertilizer Prefilled and Unfilled Filter Sock Toll free: (888) 298-9911 • Fax: (905) 761-7959 www.fibramulch.com

View these ads and more online at landscapetrades.com

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING INFORMATION:

All classified ads must be pre-paid by credit card. Rates: $62.15 (includes HST) per column inch (approx. 25 words). Minimum charge $62.15. Deadline: 10th day of the month prior to issue date. January deadline is Nov. 15. Space is limited to a first-come, first-served basis. Paid ads are also posted to the website for the same month they appear in the printed magazine. To advertise: E-mail your name, phone number and ad to Robert at classifieds@landscapeontario.com.

Online advertising also available. Minimum cost is $67.80 HST included for association members and $90.40 HST included for non-members, up to 325 words. If over 325 words, an additional $20.00 fee applies. For more ads and full details, visit www.landscapetrades.com/classifieds.

OCTOBER 2015 | LANDSCAPE TRADES |

33

where to find it COMPANY

PHONE

EMAIL

WEBSITE

A.M.A. Plastics Ltd 24

PAGE

800-338-1136

ama@amaplas.com

www.amaplas.com

Allstone Quarry Products Inc. 31

905-939-8491

info@allstonequarry.com

www.allstonequarry.com

Arborjet Inc. 28

781-935-9070

ajinfo@arborjet.com

www.arborjet.com

Atlas Polar Company Ltd 25

888-799-4422

info@atlaspolar.com

www.atlaspolar.com

Beaver Valley Stone Ltd 22

416-222-2424

info@beavervalleystone.com

www.beavervalleystone.com

Bobcat Company 9

infocenter@bobcat.com

www.bobcat.com

Fibertop 20

905-203-0816

sales@fibertop.ca

www.fibertop.ca

Ford Motor Company of Canada Ltd 13

905-845-2511

www.ford.ca

Gravely 35

800-472-8359

www.gravely.com

Husqvarna Canada Corp 19

800-HUSKY62

www.husqvarna.ca

Hustler Turf Equipment 32

800-395-4757

sales@hustlerturf.com

www.hustlerturf.com

Landscape Management Network 10,11

888-347-9864

info@landscapemanagementnetwork.com

www.landscapemanagementnetwork.com

Oaks Concrete Products by Brampton Brick 2

800-709-OAKS

info@oakspavers.com

www.oakspavers.com

Permacon Group Inc 36

800-463-9278

www.permacon.ca

PRO Landscape by Drafix Software 23

800-231-8574

sales@prolandscape.com

www.prolandscape.com

Proven Winners Color Choice 15

800-633-8859

sales@springmeadownursery.com

www.provenwinners-shrubs.com

Stihl Limited 5

519-681-3000

info.canada@stihl.ca

www.stihl.ca

Thames Valley Brick & Building Products 34

905-637-6997

info@thamesvalleybrick.com

www.thamesvalleybrick.com

Unilock Limited 17

800-UNILOCK

georgetown@unilock.com

www.unilock.com

Zander Sod Co Ltd 29

877-727-2100

info@zandersod.com

www.zandersod.com

INTERNATIONAL GREEN CITY CONFERENCE, MEETINGS AND TOURS

info@ariens.com

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