Horticulture Review - September 2011

Horticulture The Voice of Landscape Ontario

Review

September 15, 2011

Trial gardens:

Showy promotion

PM 40013519

Home office display draws trade and public visitors Page 30

Labour survey: Page 18 • Pesticide survey: Page 20 • Highway greening: Page 31

2  HORTICULTURE REVIEW - September 15, 2011

1155 Dundas St. W. (Hwy. #5), West Flamborough, Ontario 7HO á )D[ www.connonnurseries.com email: mail@connonnurseries.com

Landscape Ontario and industry events

For more Landscape Ontario and industry event listings, visit www.horttrades.com.

September 28 Learn about organic horticulture Humber College, Toronto Whether you are a professional or just learning, this course will provide the knowledge needed to become a better gardener. The science and practice of organic horticulture will be introduced, along with the concepts of landscape management. For more information, email ceappliedtech@humber.ca, or phone 416-675-5094.

September 30 - October 1 Landscape Industry Certified Exam St. Clair College St. Clair College and The Windsor Chapter are hosting the first annual Landscape Industry Certified Test for the Windsor Chapter. There is space for 18 industry professionals to test the exam, along with the students from the College. For more information on the exam, to sponsor the event or to volunteer as a judge visit horttrades.com/clt, or contact Rachel Cerelli at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 326, email rachel@landscapeontario.com.

October 4 – 7 Greenbuild Conference and Expo Metro Toronto Convention Centre For the first time ever, Greenbuild International Conference and Expo will hold its annual convention outside the U.S. The latest innovations in green building will be on display. To find out more about the conference and exhibition go to www.greenbuildexpo.org.

Chapter events

For more chapter event listings, visit www.horttrades.com.

Expo moves to new building this year.

October 19 - 20 Expo 2011 Toronto Congress Centre, North Building Lots of great changes are happening at Expo 2011. This year the show will move 100 yards to the new North Building at the Toronto Congress Centre. Visit www.loexpo.ca for more information.

October 24 - October 25 Landscape Industry Certified test Landscape Ontario, 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton By successfully completing Landscape Industry Certified designations, you prove your competence in the industry to yourself, your employer and customers! For more information, go to www.horttrades.com/landscapeindustry-certified.

October 24 - October 25 Tree risk assessment course Cawthra Estate, 1507 Cawthra Rd., Mississauga Urban Forest Innovative Solutions is hosting a tree risk assessment course again this fall.

Instructor Dr. Julian Dunster will lead a twoday event. Course attendance and successful completion of the written exam earns participating certified arborists and registered professional foresters the PNW-ISA Certified Tree Risk Assessor qualification. This is a limited course with room for 17 attendees. For more info, go to www.ufis.ca/trace.php.

November 9 Building Your Prosperity Landscape Ontario, 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton Landscape Ontario has created this introductory seminar to get business owners started on the road to success. To see more information on the program, go to www.horttrades.com/ prosperity-partnership-initiative.

September 23 Georgian Lakelands Golf Tournament Horseshoe Resort, Valley Course, Barrie Enjoy an afternoon of golf on the links and support the chapter. Golf day fees ($130 per golfer) include greens fees for 18 holes of golf, shared power cart, use of practice facilities (including range balls), barbecue lunch, and dinner buffet with grilled cowboy steaks and golf tournament prizes. Registration and lunch start at 11:30 a.m. with shotgun start at 1 p.m. To register, or for more information, call Lexi Dearborn at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 317, or lexi@landscapeontario.com.

HORTICULTURE REVIEW - September 15, 2011  3

Landscape Ontario staff LO staff members are committed to member service. Please call with your questions or concerns.

Tel: (905) 875-1805 or 1-800-265-5656 Fax: (905) 875-3942 Web: www.horttrades.com

Landscape Ontario’s mandate is to be the leader in representing, promoting and fostering a favourable environment for the advancement of the horticultural industry in Ontario.

Suffix for all e-mail addresses below: @landscapeontario.com

Executive Board

Windsor Chapter

President

President: Mark Williams Board rep: Garry Moore

Past president

Garden Centre

Tom Intven, tintven@ Robert Adams, robertadams@ First vice-president

Tim Kearney CLP, tkearney@

Chair: Michael Van Dongen Board rep: Bob McCannell, bmccannell@

Grounds Management

E-mail suffix for all staff members: @landscapeontario.com Executive director Tony DiGiovanni CHTR, ext. 304, tonydigiovanni@ Executive assistant Kathleen Pugliese, ext. 309, kpugliese@ Controller Joe Sabatino, ext. 310, jsabatino@ Manager, education, labour development and membership Sally Harvey CLT, CLP, ext. 315, sharvey@

Second vice-president

Chair: John Hewson CLP Board rep: Brian Marsh

Administrative assistant Jane Leworthy, ext. 301, jleworthy@

Secretary/treasurer

Growers

Education, labour, and certification project coordinator Rachel Cerelli, ext. 326, rachelc@

Phil Charal, pcharal@ Dave Braun

Provincial Board Durham Chapter

President: Greg Scarlett CLT Board rep: Mark Humphries, mhumphries@

Georgian Lakelands Chapter

Chairs: Mark Ostrowski Board rep: Gerwin Bouman

Interior Plantscapes

Seminar and safety group coordinator Kathy McLean, ext. 306, kathym@

Chair and board rep: Stephen Schell CLT

Membership coordinator, Helen Hassard, ext. 354, hhassard@

Irrigation

Georgian Lakelands Chapter coordinator Lexi Dearborn, ext. 317, ldearborn@

Chair: John Lamberink CIT Board rep: Steve Macartney CIT

London Chapter coordinator Carla Bailey, ext. 356, cbailey@

President: Michael LaPorte CLT Board rep: Warren Patterson

Landscape Contractors Chair and board rep: Peter Guinane

Ottawa Chapter coordinator Martha Walsh, ext. 368, mwalsh@

Golden Horseshoe Chapter

Lawn Care

Manager, information technology Ian Service, 416-848-7555, iservice@

President: Fiore Zenone Board rep: Brian Cocks CLT

London Chapter

President: Grant Harrison CLT Board rep: Peter Vanderley CLP

Ottawa Chapter

President: Sarah Johnston Board rep: Bruce Morton CLP, CIT

Toronto Chapter

President: Lindsay Drake Nightingale Board rep: Ryan Heath CLP, CLT

Upper Canada Chapter President: Dan Clost CHTR Board rep: Paul Doornbos CLT, CLP

Waterloo Chapter

President: Rob Tester Board rep: David Wright CLP

Chair: Steve Tschanz Board rep: Alan White, awhite@

Landscape Design Chair: Tony Lombardi CLD Board rep: Paul Brydges

Lighting

Manager, Pesticide Industry Council Tom Somerville, tsomerville@ Executive director Ontario Parks Association Paul Ronan, ext. 349, pronan@ Trade show manager Paul Day CDE, ext. 339, paulday@

Chair and Board rep: John Higo

Trade show manager Lorraine Ivanoff, ext. 366, lpi@

Snow and Ice Management

Trade show coordinator Linda Nodello, ext. 353, lnodello@

Chair: John Fulford Board rep: Gerald Boot CLP, geraldboot@

Members at Large Gregg Salivan Bruce Warren

CNLA Board Rep

Gerald Boot CLP, geraldboot@

For subscription and address changes, please e-mail subscriptions@landscapeontario.com

4 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - September 15, 2011

Editorial director Sarah Willis, ext. 313, sarahw@ Editor Allan Dennis, ext. 320, aldennis@

Art director Melissa Steep, 647-723-5447, msteep@

The Voice of Landscape Ontario

Views expressed in Horticulture Review are those of the writer concerned. Horticulture Review and Landscape Ontario assume no responsibility for the validity or correctness of any opinions or references made by the author. Copyright 2011, reproduction or the use of whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited. Published 12x per year. Rates and deadlines are available on request. Subscription price: $43.51 per year (HST included).

Director of public relations Denis Flanagan CLD, ext. 303, dflanagan@ Publisher Lee Ann Knudsen CLP, ext. 314, lak@

Web editor Robert Ellidge, ext. 312, rob@

Horticulture Review September 15, 2011 • Volume 29, No. 9

Conference and events coordinator, Kristen McIntyre CLT, ext. 321, kristen@

ISSN 0823-8472 Publications Mail Agreement No. PM40013519 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses To: Circulation Department Horticulture Review 7856 Fifth Line South Milton, ON L9T 2X8

Graphic designer Mike Wasilewski, ext. 343, mikew@ Sales manager, publications Steve Moyer, ext. 316, stevemoyer@ Communications assistant Shawna Barrett, ext. 305, skbarrett@

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Fall is the time for renewal

By Tom Intven LO president

T

he crisp morning air of September signals the coming of fall. It’s a time of renewal and fresh starts. The kids are back to school after the summer hiatus, and we hopefully get a chance to catch our breath, look back at spring and summer and review how things went. It’s a time to start new initiatives, and renew our commitments to personal and professional activities.

On the personal Tom Intven level, you may be looking at going back to the gym, starting that diet you have been thinking about, signing up for a course, or getting back to your service club.

Renewal and fresh starts mean behaviour change. While rooted in the best of intentions, behaviour change is often more difficult to achieve than we would like to admit. Therapists tell us that it takes at least three months of cognitive effort and monitoring to change behaviour.

Many people give up before that time period because they don’t see results quickly enough, or they see results and then slip back into their former bad habits.

On a professional level, fall is a good time to review company performance and change things around to reflect trends. Perhaps you are looking at trying new systems in your business.

Now is a good time to test the waters before the winter. Remember, it takes at least three months of cognitive effort and monitoring to change behaviour. This includes not just your own behaviour, but that of your employees.

From your industry’s perspective, it’s a time when the LO chapter meetings begin again and we start to go to more LO events. We are not unlike most birds, which have more time in the fall for socialization. After successfully raising their young, they start to form flocks before migrating south.

At Landscape Ontario, fall is also a time of renewal. Last November the board started its strategic plan review. Efforts continue to move our association in the right direction by having an up-to-date strategic plan from which we all can work. It’s also a time for elections at the chapter level and the provincial level. New boards bring new energy and new enthusiasm

going forward. We hope and trust that this will continue.

I encourage you all to take the opportunity that fall presents to reflect upon your relationship with Landscape Ontario and renew your commitment to the common cause of improving our industry. I suggest that it means only a slight behaviour or attitude change. I implore you to consider a trial period of three months of giving back to your association in whatever way your schedule will allow. Come out to your chapter or sector meetings, get involved in events or a committee. Plan to attend Expo and Congress.

Sign up for that course you have always wanted to take. Get involved.

Become engaged with Landscape Ontario.

Monitor and measure your efforts as well as your rewards and successes. I am convinced that your efforts will be repaid in many ways that easily offset your investment of time.

Tom Intven may be reached at 519-631-1008, or tintven@landscapeontario.com.

New ag equipment guide from MTO The Ministry of Transportation has developed a guide to provide general information and clarification for the laws that apply to farm equipment, and select provisions that apply to farm trucks.

This guide, entitled Farm Guide: Farm Equipment on Highways, is intended to help the farming community understand the legal obligations under the law.

This new resource replaces the Safety Movement of Agriculture Equipment on the Roadway manual, published in 2002.

The guide may be found online at, www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/ pubs/farm-guide/.

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Promoting your company and the industry at the same time Tony DiGiovanni CHTR LO executive director

O

ne of the jobs of Landscape Ontario is to promote the economic, environmental, social, therapeutic, aesthetic, recreational and legacy benefits of plants, gardens, landscapes and green infrastructure.

Our industry and our members provide so much public benefit that it is sometimes difficult to focus and communicate. However, it is important to understand that the association is simply a symbol of the collective membership.

The association is really a collection of individuals. Therefore, by extension, the job of individual members is to also promote the societal benefits of our occupation. Here are some tools to help you (and us) tell our amazing story to the public.

Tony DiGiovanni landscapeontario.com and Green for Life logo The logo is designed to identify you as a professional who enhances the quality of life for your customers through your greening activity. I am still surprised how many members don’t use our logo as a co-brand. It will

Soil experts know that the problem with most soils is that they just aren’t porous enough. Roots need air, water and drainage. Unlike top soil or triple mix, Gro-Max™ provides the right balance in a complete blend that will endure.

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6 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - September 15, 2011

help you communicate your benefits. It will also help the industry communicate our collective benefit. Please use it. Put the decal on your trucks, equipment, office, website, business cards, and any other place that the public can see it. Call Jane at 1-800-265-5656 to order your material. There is no cost.

Canada Blooms There is no better way to communicate the benefits of our industry and the creativity and competency of our individual members than by building a garden at Canada Blooms. This year we are co-locating with the National Home Show, making it the largest indoor event in North America. Canada Blooms is designed to showcase the very best in horticulture, landscaping and garden making. You can spend thousands of dollars paying for advertising space and your message will only last a short time. Or, you can build a garden at Canada Blooms and create an emotional impression that will last a lifetime. The best part is that free space and thousands of dollars of support are available for a select group of landscape professionals. Are you interested in space? Give me a call at 1-800-265 5656, ext. 304. Do it soon, as space is limited.

National Tree Day For the very first time, Canada has an official National Tree Day — Sept.

21. MPP Royal Galipeau, Member of Parliament from the Ottawa area, managed to get a Private Member’s Bill passed (during a minority government). Take advantage of this day. Encourage your clients to plant a tree to commemorate National Tree Day. Make an appointment with your local school and arrange to plant a tree. This day is tailor-made for our industry. The website for National Tree Day is http://bit.ly/oQzcrZ. Go to www.canadanursery.com/nationaltreeday for a complete kit designed to help you make the most of the day.

Smart about Salt The Smart about Salt Accreditation Program (www:smartaboutsalt.com) is gaining momentum and acceptance by municipalities, building owners and managers. Our endorsed insurance program also offers a premium discount to Smart about Salt-accredited contractors. The program communicates your professionalism and knowledge about snow operations. It also reflects your stewardship ethic. Some municipalities will be making it mandatory for all snow management contractors to become Smart about Salt accredited.

These four programs can set you apart. They can give you a competitive edge. I urge you to participate.

Let’s promote our great industry together.

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

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HORTICULTURE REVIEW - September 15, 2011  7

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Public wowed at trial gardens open house Denis Flanagan CLD Director of public relations

T

he partnership between Landscape Ontario and University of Guelph to develop the trial gardens on your Milton site has developed into a real success story.

Following the well-attended industry day on Fri., Aug. 12, we opened the gates to the general public on Sat. Over 200 garden enthusiasts stopped by to view the new varieties of perennials and annuals.

Denis Flanagan We made a point of surveying the attendees to determine the effectiveness of our advertising. We found that people came as a result of either seeing the advertisement in The Oakville Beaver, or Milton Champion, from reading the article in the Canada Blooms newsletter, or listening to 740 AM zoomer radio, when I hosted the garden show for the vacationing Charlie Dobbin.

The trial garden open house had visitors from as far away as Picton, Buffalo and other locales in New York State. It was especially nice to see people from Sarnia make the trip, such as Jeff Boarscher, manager with De Groots Nurseries, with Adelle Richards, host of The Garden Show on CHOK Radio, along with horticulturalist Leann Crawford.

Over 200 visitors took advantage of the trial gardens open house.

On site, we had the Milton Horticultural Society, the local chapter of Master Gardeners of Ontario and trial garden manager Rodger Tschanz from the University of Guelph, who answered questions about the garden and the many new introductions featured within.

Many people helped make the day a success, but as with all projects it takes a champion to pull it all together. A big thank-you goes to LO staffer Kathleen Pugliesi who was superb, as usual, looking after all the details. She managed

at the same time to make sure she spent quality time with her family by bringing her daughter Michelle to help out at the event.

Not only are the trial gardens a great way to showcase the new varieties being introduced to the industry, but also another vehicle to promote Landscape Ontario, our members and our website to the consumer.

Denis Flanagan may be contacted at dflanagan@landscapeontario.com.

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PROFESSIONAL AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Aim of workshops is to improve human resources

By Sally Harvey CLT, CLP Education, Labour Development and Membership Department

A

s I write this article (third week of August), we have completed three of four solutions-based workshops in Ottawa (Algonquin College), Toronto (Humber College) and London (Fanshawe College).

We plan to host the final workshop in Northern Ontario, in Thunder Bay early in September.

At the workshops, attendees were focused on: • Identifying solutions Sally Harvey to issues and barriers to skilled labour development, as identified in the labour issues survey report.

• Providing input on an effective employer human resources tool kit to be prepared

by Landscape Ontario, to better equip employers with recruitment and retention strategies.

• Providing input on the priority components of a sector-wide human resource capacity plan to gain an industry-wide competitive advantage.

• Providing input on the type of marketing program that will entice employers and their employees to participate in skilled labour development opportunities that include apprenticeship, certification and skill development training.

• Providing feedback on which communication channels are preferred to receive and access information.

• Identifying any challenges or barriers in the past, regarding accessing information of this type from Landscape Ontario.

made available online to all industry members and partners in January of 2012. If you wish to be involved at this level, please watch for the invitation in your inbox this September.

Labour Market Partnership Project Entitled, ‘Identifying Labour Issues and Challenges in the Landscape Horticulture Industry,’ this Employment Ontario project is funded by the Ontario Government.

The survey report was released in early August and can be found at www.horttrades. com/labour-resources (see story on page 18).

Look for the survey heading. I draw your attention to pages 1 to 4, where you will find the executive summary, and pages 78 to 80, where the key observations are identified.

Apprenticeship training season A reminder to register employees for the Horticulture Technician Apprenticeship training programs.

Dates range from November 2011 to January 2012. Each delivery institution has a unique program start date. Make sure you register today with the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities (MTCU) to ensure you secure your seat, and to get a head start on the workplace training standard sign-off book. The MTCU registration process takes time, thus the sense of urgency. The 12-week, in-class learning segments for the Horticulture Apprenticeship program Level 1 and Level 2 are available at the following colleges/ locations: University of Guelph, Kemptville College, Fanshawe College, Humber College, Loyalist College and Mohawk College.

For more information on the Horticulture Technician Apprenticeship program go to www.

horttrades.com/apprenticeship, where you will find the pre-registration form. Complete the form and fax in immediately to the MTCU office in your region as directed on the form to get the process started.

Making apprenticeship work for you Making plans for your firm’s apprenticeship program is an important factor for success. The following is a list of simple best practices that you should consider to ensure success as an apprenticeship employer.

• Prepare your staff (apprentices and trainers) • Welcome apprentices and make them feel valued • Envision a career path, not just a job • Plan training with the trainer and apprentice • Gradually give the apprentice less supervision and more responsibility once competency is achieved • Respect and commit to the need for classroom instruction • Keep accurate records For a detailed, step-by-step guide, check out CAF-FCA’s Employer Toolkit, http://bit.ly/ n5elXC. Register your employees for apprenticeship training without delay, where they will learn primarily by doing and gain the opportunity to achieve their Red Seal certification. As the industry continues to grow, we must plan to ensure that we have a skilled workforce to support and sustain the expected growth that is projected for our businesses and the industry.

Sally Harvey may be contacted at sharvey@landscapeontario.com.

Workshop attendees were focussed, productive and provided concrete information that will certainly assist our project’s human resources consultant and marketing consultant with the next steps, which include the development and communication of the employer HR toolkit and the HR capacity plan.

Once the toolkit and capacity plan are developed, we will invite a focus group to Landscape Ontario this autumn to review and provide feedback The final toolkit and capacity plan will be HORTICULTURE REVIEW - September 15, 2011 9

THE UNDERGROUND WORLD

Minimize costs if you strike an underground utility

By Terry Murphy CLP

I

f you have the misfortune to strike an underground utility, it will probably cost you some money. The cost could vary between two or three thousand dollars, or nothing if you’re lucky.

Based on some of the actual cases which I have been involved with over the last 18 months, here are some tips that may help you minimize these costs, if you do hit a utility.

Immediate notification: You must call 911 and the appropriate utility immediately, so that all necessary safety emergency precautions are can be taken. Record the details of the accident in writing. This should help in any future legal proceedings. These could possibly take place with one to two years from the date the accident took place. Don’t put off obtaining and recording all the pertinent details now.

Complete reporting: We need to treat a utility strike just like a regular health and safety accident. Complete an accident investigation report with all associated details and due diligence.

Make sure you have all the details, including

photographs, maps or drawings and witnesses, in addition to your workers’ comments. When repair costs of a mishap are invoiced from the Technical Standards and Safety Authority and the utility and the numbers are in dispute, the case may go to court. Since you will probably not remember all the details, protect yourself by getting photos of the site; locate markings, digging area, etc., at the time of the accident. Having a picture of the actual utility pipe location, conduit and ground conditions may help your defence.

Ground conditions and depth: Normally gas lines are 12 to 18 inches deep, depending on where they are installed. One contractor I know had a strike, because the gas line was only six inches deep. The gas utility understands these issues (ground shifting, frost, weather, etc.) and may negotiate its invoiced costs. If you don’t have a photo proving the line depth, it’s difficult to defend an event that happened two years ago.

If it is addressed immediately and the invoice is negotiated at the time of the strike, your costs will be lower than discussing it two years after the event.

10 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - September 15, 2011

Incorrect locates: Sometimes the actual utility locate markings are wrong. If this is the case, you need to ensure that you have a photo, drawing, or witness to prove it. The information also needs to immediately be communicated in writing to the utility. In this case, your costs should be waived. But, you must be able to prove that the locates were actually incorrect.

No locates: If you dig without locates, which happens about 50 per cent of the time, you are wasting your time trying to get the invoices waived. It is your responsibility, and the law, to get locates.

Generally in an accident, the faster you obtain medical attention, the lower the medical costs and the quicker the cure. The same is true with a utility hit. The faster you act, the lower your costs. Acting immediately with all the appropriate documentation (accident report, site drawings, photos, etc.) will go a long way to minimize your costs to repair a damaged utility line.

Contact Terry Murphy at tvmurphy@ca.inter. net with your comments or questions.

SYSTEMS FOR SUCCESS

Profitable projects – the devil’s in the details

By Mark Bradley

T

his series of articles, published in Horticulture Review for the past two years, follows Dan, a struggling landscape contractor, and his long-time friend and mentor Bill, who this month instructs Dan in design and specifications phase that will make or break a project.

Many little problems at Danscaping were starting to take care of themselves. The yard was better organized.

Mark Bradley Trucks and trailers were neat. Crews came to jobs prepared. He still had lots of room to improve his profit, but Dan had more and more time to focus on his business.

Recently, a lot of his time went into managing the Russell job, which was Dan’s biggest project of the year. It was twice the size of any other project, with lots of pressure to do well.

Falling behind A month into the job, Danscaping was behind schedule by a week. Work was taking much longer than estimated. Dan was pushing the crew, but each day they fell a little further behind.

Bill drove by the site one morning to say hello. It didn’t take long to start talking about the Russell job. “I’ve got 1,600 man-hours bid on this job, and we’re already over 800 hours into it, and well short of half done. These guys have got to pick up the speed — they’re behind — but I’m short on ideas on how to get them to move faster.”

Bill glanced quickly at the estimate Dan had slid through his window while he surveyed the site. Then he looked at Dan. “Maybe it’s not your guys.”

“What do you mean?” asked Dan “Let’s talk, but later,” said Bill. “Get to work.” He flashed a quick grin and drove off.

When they met for coffee the next morning, Bill had Dan’s estimate in front of him. He’d drawn up a list of questions, and one by one he grilled Dan on the job.

“Who was responsible for the permits? Did they have to erect tree protection? Could the excavated fill be relocated on site, or did it have to be hauled away? Could the fill be stockpiled onsite during construction? Where are the materials being staged? How much room did they have?”

The Russells were tearing down an old house and re-building a new one. Other trades were onsite, and Bill pulled out another checklist, “Was power available onsite? When were the house stonemasons due to finish? Were any of the other trades behind schedule? Was the access to the backyard agreed upon, and would it remain open for the complete duration of the project? Who is responsible for cleaning up the mess left on the grounds by other trades?”

Job delayed Dan’s answers told the story. The Russell job’s start date was delayed because of a permit miscommunication. That was a big mistake, because the conservation authority insisted some of the smaller trees remain. This required changes to the design, and tree protection measures. Dan had to go back to the Russells for more money, and although they ultimately agreed, Dan barely got what it cost him in labour.

The house stonemasons were way behind schedule. They were slated to finish before Dan started, but Dan was four weeks into the job and they were still working. Dan’s crews were constantly working around the masons, wasting hours moving work areas and staging and restaging materials. Even worse, they’ve pulled the same equipment in and out of the job three times because areas weren’t ready. Dan had over 50 man-hours invested in mobilization costs alone — none of which were built into the estimate.

There was a mistake in the grades on the drawing, which wasn’t discovered until Dan’s foreman set the grades for his work. The builder got involved, the Russells got involved, and getting a resolution meant more delays and more lost time.

And then there were the materials. The Russells had selected the colour of paver out of a catalogue that Dan provided. When the stone arrived, the Russells flatly rejected it. Dan was faced with handing them a change order, but he was walking on thin ice. The Russells were already stressed over the budget on both their house and now their landscape. But they were one step ahead of Dan. During the design phase, and in their contract, Dan stated that he would provide samples of the material to be installed.

Since the Russells agreed so quickly on the catalogue choice, Dan didn’t bother with the sample.

Now he faced a costly delay, and more shipping and restocking charges.

Bill didn’t finish his list of questions. He slid the rest of them across the table for Dan to

review, explaining, “Going over budget means I ask myself two questions: Did the bid cover all time and costs required to fulfill the contract, and is the crew following the plan, working at the expected production rates?

“Problems on your projects often start before your job is ever estimated. In our hurry to land the sale, and meet the customer’s schedule, we rush through the design and selling process.

We don’t ask enough questions and we shy away from pricing too many contingencies, so we don’t scare off a potential client. You’re watching the results play out before your eyes — nothing but problems. Problems for you, because you’re over-budget and under-profit. Problems for your clients, because you’re missing deadlines, and asking for more money. Problems for your crews, because plans are disrupted with daily obstacles, and at the other end, you’re pushing them to hit unrealistic deadlines. Nobody’s happy.”

“I know you’re right,” said Dan, “but how do you build in these factors without scaring off the client? If I ask the right questions and price the job correctly, most clients kick me out the door and go with the guy up the street who didn’t ask any questions and gave them the lower price.

How am I going to win any work?”

Bill nodded as he took the bill for breakfast. “Why would you want to win work where you stand a good chance of not making any money? That’s what’s unfolding at the Russell job. It’s your biggest project of the year, and if you keep falling behind at this pace, you’ll be lucky to break even.

Profitable projects “Profitable projects start with managed expectations. Build a repeatable process that walks both you and the client through a set of questions and potential issues to avoid problems and create clear expectations. You don’t have to build every problem into your price, just make sure your client is clear what is and isn’t included.

Should another contractor come along with a lower price, invite your client to have the other contractor price your bid, with your specifications. The other contractor is likely ignoring the potential problems now. Explain your process clearly to your client, and you should have no troubles winning work from clients that you want to work for.”

Mark Bradley is the president of The Beach Gardener and the Landscape Management Network.

HORTICULTURE REVIEW - September 15, 2011 11

VOLUNTEER PROFILE

Steve Macartney CIC, CLIA

Co-owner of Raintree Irrigation and Outdoor Systems of Hamilton, represents LO’s Irrigation Sector Group on the board of directors, and member of LO Branding Committee This issue features Steve Macartney, who has been a volunteer at LO since 2004.

He has been designing, installing and servicing irrigation systems since 1991.

He is a Certified Irrigation Technician and also an AWWA Certified Backflow Device Tester.

What inspired you to join Landscape Ontario?

My uncle (who started the company) always took me to LO meetings and social events, so we have been a member since I can remember.

He joined LO to be part of the landscape industry, cultivate contacts and to keep abreast of the latest industry technology and current events.

Where do you volunteer within the association?

I sit on the Irrigation Sector board as vice chair. I am also the provincial representative for the Irrigation Sector.

Do you have a favourite memory during your volunteer experience?

My favourite memory is when I was judging the CLT. It was a positive experience to watch the new students figure out irrigation problems. Some knew exactly what to do, while some others had a “problem solving” way of figuring out what to do (if you know what I mean). But all the students came away excited and enthused about our sector and the problems we in the industry face every day.

12 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - September 15, 2011

What benefit do you receive from volunteering?

One huge benefit is meeting new contacts within the green industry. It is amazing how much knowledge can be found in this industry.

What suggestions do you have to improve the association?

The leadership of LO is always promoting “the improvement of members” via business education, employee training and other programs. I like to see the continuation of these programs and the advancement of the industry.

Do you perform other volunteer work outside of Landscape Ontario?

I volunteer in the winter and I am also a hockey coach of two teams and help out with another team.

MEMBERSHIP

Discounts, promotion and more with LO membership

By Helen Hassard Membership coordinator

I

t’s that time of year again, when Landscape Ontario renewal invoices are starting to arrive, and you’re asking yourself what value you receive from being a member of LO. With any luck, you’re beginning to wrap up a profitable season. Maybe you allowed some time to relax and network at one of our many chapter golf tournaments, baseball events or barbecues.

Just in case you didn’t have time to take part in the aforementioned events, I thought I would help remind you why you joined the association in the first place, or maybe point out the cost saving benefits to improve this year’s bottom line.

Keep in mind that not all benefits apply to every membership type, so if you’re not sure what you are entitled to go online to www.horttrades. com/membership/categories.php, or contact me directly at helen@landscapeontario.com.

Endorsed supplier discounts Taking advantage of supplier discounts will as much as pay you to belong to Landscape Ontario.

As an example, your membership qualifies you for savings of up to $11,000 on any General Motors lease or purchase. And when you purchase the gas for that vehicle, you save nearly three cents per litre. These are just some of the savings through your LO membership.

Through a partnership, LO and CNLA have worked out deals for our members that offer a wide range of companies such as Telus, RBC, Petro-Canada, Mark’s Work Warehouse, etc. The full list of endorsed suppliers and the discount you receive may be found at www.horttrades. com/membership-services---tools---financial.

As a member you save around $80 per seminar. Also, if your company is a member of LO, then all of your employees are automatically members as well and can use the discounts.

Seminars run in the winter months. To find out more about the many education opportunities through your LO membership, go online to www. horttrades.com/seminars/.

Chapter meetings and events All nine of our chapters have at least five meetings a year and a number of special events. These events offer you an opportunity to network with peers in the industry and learn something new.

Most meetings are free and all employees are welcome to attend.

All active members of LO are recognized in the online LO directory and gain access to our logo and free marketing materials.

Active member companies are listed on www. landscapeontario.com. Associate member companies are listed at www.horttrades.com/ membership/associate.php.

You receive a discount per square foot

on your booth at Congress, Expo and Green Trade Expo.

Advertising benefits Members receive a discount on advertising in both LO publications, Landscape Trades and Horticulture Review. The magazines reach thousands of industry professionals. To obtain a rate card, visit our website www.horttrades.com and look under shows, media and awards.

Finding a meeting venue or training facility in the GTA is not an easy task and can cost your company big-time. The Landscape Ontario home office, just off the 401 in Milton, welcomes its members to utilize the space for their business needs. There are numerous meetings, seminars and events held at home office each year, so booking well in advance is important.

Remember that easy payment of membership dues can be paid online at www. horttrades.com/dues/.

Helen Hassard may be contacted at helen@landscapeontario.com.

NEW MEMBERS Georgian Lakelands Elaine Pepin 200 McIntryre St E PO Box 360, North Bay, ON P1B 8H8 Tel: 705-472-3932 x2602 Membership Type: Horticultural

Toronto Angelo’s Snow Removal Angelo Angellotti 43 Trailview Lane, Bolton, ON L7E 2W1 Tel: 905-951-6639 Membership Type: Active

Deck Masters Of Canada David Bartnik 4735 8th Line, RR 1, Beeton, ON L0G 1A0 Tel: 416-881-3325 Membership Type: Associate

Diamond Systems Inc Don Graff 39 Hale Rd, Brampton, ON L6W 3J9 Tel: 905-796-0640 Membership Type: Associate

Lewis Motor Sales Inc. Jason Griffith 76 Mapleview Dr W, Barrie, ON L4N 9H6 Tel: 705-726-3026 x252 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Elephants Wrecking Ltd. Horacio Goncalves 203 Westmoreland Ave, Toronto, ON M6H 3A1 Tel: 416-533-7560 Membership Type: Associate

London Great Lakes New Holland Inc. Mark Dawson 5458 Line 34 PO Box 939, Mitchell, ON N0K 1N0 Tel: 519-348-8467 Membership Type: Associate

Neudorff North America Cam Wilson 11 - 6782 Veyaness, Saanichton, BC V8M 2C2 Tel: 250-652-5888 Membership Type: Associate SW Stoneworks Scott Waldner 13970 Humber Station Rd, Bolton, ON L7E 0Y4 Tel: 905-951-3560 Membership Type: Associate

HORTICULTURE REVIEW - September 15, 2011 13

Chapter News Windsor Chapter members make young girl’s dream come to life Members of the Windsor Chapter have dug in their pockets and the earth to create a dream backyard for 11-year-old Olivia Klingbile.

When complete, the backyard will have a swing, bicycle track, outdoor chalkboards, a painting station and raised planters, so Olivia may pursue her love of gardening from her chair.

At only six days old, Olivia required heart surgery to correct a con- Landscapers create Olivia’s backyard dream. genital heart defect. Complications led to another heart surgery at five weeks old, at which funds. She said she is determined to give Olivia time she suffered a stroke while in recovery. With her dream backyard and has been contacting the right side of her body partially paralyzed, local contractors, asking them to donate anything Olivia now relies on a wheelchair and walker to they can. move around, with the help of her family.

Anyone who would like to make donations Through the Sunshine Foundation, Olivia can call Hunter at 519-734-0444, ext. 100. drew a map of her dream backyard, with an “We’re trying to basically give her a park accessible swing surrounded by a bike circuit. in her own backyard that’s fully accessible so Sasha Hunter CLD, a landscape designer she can enjoy it with her friends,” said Kathy at Garlatti Landscaping of LaSalle, designed the Leblanc, national media and communications backyard based on Olivia’s drawings. She and the manager of the Sunshine Foundation. “This is company donated labour and material, while the a very special dream for Olivia and I think it’s Sunshine Foundation provided a grant of $6,000. going to make a big difference in her feeling like Company owner Dan Garlatti is past president of she’s just another one of the kids.” the Windsor Chapter.

Olivia’s custom-made bike provides her Hunter said some of the accessible equip- with a sense of independence. Once the concrete ment ran in the thousands, leaving them short of track was framed on Aug. 18 and 19, and the

14 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - September 15, 2011

frames were removed, Olivia did a couple of laps to try it out.

“The project is really coming along.

The accessible swing is in, excavation started and the gravel was installed,” said Hunter. She noted that the art easels are in, “and look fantastic!” The chalkboards are going up shortly. By early September the fencing, planters and landscaping should be installed. “Then the soft surface just needs to be poured in place,” said Hunter.

In an article published in the Windsor Star, Olivia is quoted, “I can get around without anyone helping me. It’s freedom.”

Hunter said there are a number of people to be thanked. She listed Nino Papa from Santerra Stonecraft for helping make things happen (“he got us a great deal from Santarossa J and Sons on the concrete.”); Joe Savone and Sons (framed and finish the concrete track); Frank Dupuis Landscaping and Trucking for donating the gravel for the track; Chuck Pronger of Water Gardens Unlimited for donating materials to the project; Fab-Tech made parallel bars and donated them to the garden, and the City of Chatham donated highway signs to be turned into outdoor chalkboards and posts.

The Windsor Star article may be accessed online at http://bit.ly/o5YH1S.

Challenge and strategy meeting for garden centres “Most garden centre members I talk with report one of the most challenging seasons in memory, mostly because of the weather, but also due to the economy and demographic shifts,” says LO’s executive director Tony DiGiovanni. “In times like these, it is most important to face challenges together.”

A special meeting is scheduled for Sept. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., for garden centre owners. Sponsored by Landscape Ontario’s Garden Centre Sector Group, the meeting will take place at the Milton home office. Renowned business growth specialist Judith Guido will facilitate the session. Guido spent many years assisting businesses of all sizes improve and grow their business. “She is one of the best business consultants in the green industry and comes highly recommended,” says DiGiovanni.

This members-only interactive session, including lunch, will be completely underwritten by LO’s Garden Centre Sector Group. “In tough times it is important for the association to invest in the members who have supported us for years,” says DiGiovanni.

Topics will include the importance of branding, an overview of what consumers want

and important trends in retail. Guido will also facilitate a discussion on the collective actions required to create an environment where business will thrive.

There is space for only 100 people at this free meeting. Please email your confirmation to tonydigiovanni@landscapeontario.com as soon as possible, so we can order food.

Ottawa hosts certification evaluations The latest opportunity to obtain Landscape Industry Certification took place Aug. 11 and 12 in Ottawa, where 17 candidates participated at the University of Guelph’s Kemptville College.

The testing process had 15 industry professionals fill the roles of judges. “We have been running this test for several years now, and have many returning judges who are experienced and knowledgeable. This has resulted in a very successful event,” says Kennedy Johnston CLT, test chair in the Ottawa area.

The results for the day have yet to come in. The judges remarked that the candidates were very well prepared. “I am sure many did very well. It was also encouraging to hear that some of our judges and candidates feel very passionately about the program, and will join

with me on the certification committee in Ottawa,” said Johnston.

Sponsors able to make this test date happen include Platinum: Stihl, Clintar; Gold: Snap Edge, Echo; Silver: Permacon, Greely Sand and Gravel, Garden Creations; In-kind: Manderly Sod, Greenscape, Geo-Synthetic Systems, Peter Knippel Nursery, Ritchie Feed and Seed, Battlefield, Stihl, Echo, Vanden Bussche Irrigation and Walker Mowers (Barretto).

Those interested in challenging future Landscape Industry Certified exams should go to horttrades.com/landscape-industrycertified. For more information on joining the certification committee or to help operate the program in your area, contact Rachel Cerelli at rachel@landscapeontario.com.

HORTICULTURE REVIEW - September 15, 2011 15

Botanical Name

Qty. 1 Gal Qty. 2 Gal Qty. 3 Gal Avail. Price Avail. Price Avail. Price

VINES Ampelopsis glandulosa Elegans 432 8.00 Campsis radicans Balboa Sunset 475 8.00 Campsis radicans ‘Flamenco’ 180 8.00 Celastrus orbiculatus Diana 210 8.00 Celastrus orbiculatus Hercules 278 8.00 Celastrus scandens 235 8.00 Hedera helix Baltica 514 6.00 Hydrangea anomala petiolaris 167 6.00 Lonicera x Mandarin 168 8.00 Lonicera brownii Dropmore Scarlet 210 8.00 Lonicera heckrottii Goldflame 200 8.00 Lonicera japonica Halls Prolific - new 270 Parthenocissus quinq. Engelmannii 222 6.00 890 8.00 Parthenocissus quinquefolia 1,000 6.00 Parthenocissus tricus. Veitchii 983 6.00 Polygonum aubertii 1,000 6.00

EVERGREENS

Azalea Golden Lights 273 Azalea Mandarin Lights 258 Azalea Northern Lights 200 Azalea Orchid Lights 469 Buxus Faulkner 246 5.00 945 Buxus microphylla 156 5.00 232 Buxus X Green Gem 950 5.20 439 Buxus X Green Mound 1,000 5.00 112 Buxus X Green Mountain 652 5.00 1,000 Buxus X Green Velvet 1,000 5.20 1,000 Chamaecyparis pisifera Filifera 172 5.00 284 Chamaecyparis pisifera Filifera Aurea 155 Cotoneaster dammeri Coral Beauty 1,000 5.00 502 7.00 Cotoneaster dammeri Major 147 7.00 Cotoneaster salicifolius Repens 726 7.00 Euonymus fortunei `Emerald n Gold` 1,000 7.00 Euonymus fortunei Canadale Gold 730 7.00 Euonymus fortunei E.T. 112 7.00 Euonymus fortunei Emerald Gaiety 1,000 5.00 621 7.00 Euonymus fortunei Goldtip 328 7.00 Euonymus fortunei Surespot 190 7.00 Euonymus fortunei Vegetus 138 7.00 Ilex X meserveae Blue Princess 840 5.00 733 Juniperus chinensis Gold Coast 160 5.00 218 Juniperus chinensis Gold Star 310 5.00 360 Juniperus chinensis Mint Julep 400 5.00 320 Juniperus chinensis Pauls Gold 78 5.00 84 Juniperus chinensis Pfitz. Compacta 215 5.00 240 Juniperus chinensis San Jose 41 5.00 112 Juniperus communis Repanda 386 5.00 114 Juniperus conferta Blue Pacific 550 5.00 200 Juniperus horizontalis Andorra Compacta 297 5.00 57 Juniperus horizontalis Bar Harbor 39 5.00 133 Juniperus horizontalis Blue Prince 84 5.00 136 Juniperus horizontalis Icee Blue 989 6.00 821 Juniperus horizontalis Lime Glow 205 6.50 117 Juniperus horizontalis Prince of Wales 419 5.00 Juniperus horizontalis Wiltonii 445 5.00 150 Juniperus horizontalis Yukon Belle 355 5.00 1,000 Juniperus media Armstrongii 122 5.00 163 Juniperus sabina 276 5.00 333 Juniperus sabina Calgary Carpet 131 5.00 Juniperus sabina Skandia 150 5.00 114 Juniperus squamata Blue Carpet 96 5.00 288 Juniperus squamata Blue Star 407 Picea abies 379 7.00 150

16 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - September 15, 2011

13.50 13.50 13.50 13.50 11.00 11.00 11.20 11.00 11.00 11.20 11.00 11.00

11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 13.00 11.50 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00

Botanical Name

Qty. 1 Gal Qty. 2 Gal Qty. 3 Gal Avail. Price Avail. Price Avail. Price

Picea abies Nidiformis 108 Picea glauca 32 7.00 300 Picea glauca Conica 622 Picea omorika 211 7.00 Picea pungens Globosa 40 5.00 274 Pinus mugo var. mugo 1,000 Pinus strobus 276 Rhodondendron Northern Starburst 113 Taxus cuspidata Aurescens 91 5.00 52 Taxus cuspidata nana 56 5.00 275 Taxus X media Densiformis 1,000 5.00 6 Taxus X media Hicksii 1,000 5.00 902 Taxus X media Hillii 630 5.00 730 Taxus X media Wardii 648 5.00 144 Thuja occidentalis 254 Thuja occidentalis Brandon 27 5.00 180 Thuja occidentalis Golden Globe 108 5.00 35 Thuja occidentalis Nigra 313 5.00 917 Thuja occidentalis Smaragd 161 5.00 1,000 Thuja occidentalis Wintergreen 832 Thuja plicata Spring Grove 480 Tsuga canadensis 206 5.00 240

11.00 11.00 11.00 22.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00

DECIDUOUS SHRUBS Acanthopanax sieboldianus 387 7.00 Acer ginnala 292 7.00 30 Acer rubrum 807 7.00 Acer saccharinum 120 7.00 Acer saccharum 232 7.00 Acer tartaricum Bailey Compact 108 7.00 Alnus glutinosa 195 7.00 Amelanchier alnifolia 658 7.00 Amelanchier canadensis 653 7.00 Aronia mel. Autumn Magic 404 7.00 Aronia X prunifolia Viking 266 7.00 Berberis thunbergii Rose Glow 270 6.00 299 9.50 253 Berberis thunbergii Royal Burgundy 235 Berberis thunbergii Royal Cloak 601 6.00 85 9.50 Berberis x Emerald Carousel 237 9.50 Buddleia davidii Black Knight 290 7.00 Buddleia davidii Dartmoor 112 7.00 Buddleia davidii Ellens Blue 450 7.00 Buddleia davidii Ile de France 704 7.00 Buddleia davidii Nanho Purple 337 7.00 Buddleia davidii Petite Plum 400 7.00 Buddleia davidii Pink Delight 470 7.00 Buddleia davidii Purple Prince 783 7.00 Buddleia davidii Royal Red 336 7.00 Buddleia davidii White Profusion 140 7.00 Callicarpa japonica Issai 120 Caryopteris clandonensis Dark Knight 256 7.00 Caryopteris clandonensis Grand Blue 417 7.35 Caryopteris clandonensis Worchester Gold 174 7.00 Cercis canadensis 460 7.00 Chaenomeles speciosa Nivalis 492 7.00 Chaenomeles speciosa Rubra 982 7.00 Chaenomeles speciosa Texas Scarlet 648 7.00 Chaenomeles sup.Crimson and Gold 243 7.00 Chaenomeles sup.Pink Lady 144 7.00 Clethra alnifolia Pink Spire 640 7.00 Cornus alba Elegantissima 549 7.00 Cornus alba Ivory Halo 146 7.45 Cornus alba Red Gnome 160 7.00 Cornus alternifolia 766 7.00 Cornus amomum 1,000 7.00

8.00

13.50 13.50

8.00

Many More Cultivars and sizes available

Botanical Name

Qty. 1 Gal Qty. 2 Gal Qty. 3 Gal Avail. Price Avail. Price Avail. Price

Cornus stolonifera Kelseyi 574 7.00 Corylus americana 134 7.00 Cotinus coggygria Royal Purple 377 Cotoneaster apiculatus 256 7.00 Cotoneaster horizontalis 342 7.00 Cotoneaster preacox Boer 1,000 7.00 Deutzia crenata Nikko 823 7.00 Deutzia gracilis 560 7.00 Deutzia gracilis Duncan 126 7.00 Euonymus alatus 255 5.00 1,000 8.00 Euonymus alatus Compactus 1,000 5.00 383 Fagus sylvatica Purpurea 533 7.00 Forsythia Kumson 477 7.00 Forsythia ovata Ottawa 940 7.00 Forsythia X inter. Northern Gold 1,000 7.00 Forsythia X intermedia Lynwood 420 7.00 Genista tinctoria Royal Gold 319 7.00 Gymnocladus dioica 24 7.00 180 Hibiscus syriacus Aphrodite 319 5.00 Hibiscus syriacus Collie Mullins 152 5.00 24 Hibiscus syriacus Diana 450 5.00 344 Hibiscus syriacus Minerva 144 5.00 Hibiscus syriacus White Chiffon 72 5.60 127 Hibiscus syriacus Woodbridge 390 5.00 Hydrangea macr. Bouquet Rose 200 7.00 Hydrangea paniculata Kyushu 192 7.00 Hydrangea paniculata Pinky Winky 418 7.60 Hydrangea paniculata Tardiva 348 7.00 Hydrangea serrata Bluebird 440 7.00 Ilex verticillata Afterglow 1,000 7.00 Ilex verticillata Southern Gentleman 508 7.00 Itea virginica Henrys Garnet 193 7.00 Kolkwitzia amabilis Pink Cloud 821 7.00 Ligustrum ovalufolium 288 7.00 Ligustrum vulgaris 723 7.00 Liriodendron tulipefera 144 8.50 Lonicera tatarica 231 7.00 Lonicera tatarica Arnold Red 1,000 7.00 Lonicera xylosteum Claveys Dwarf 156 7.00 Lonicera xylosteum Emerald Mound 1,000 7.00 Lonicera xylosteum Miniglobe 555 7.00 Magnolia stellata Royal Star 157 Magnolia X loebneri Leonard Messel 336 Philadelphus coronarius Aureus 437 7.00 Philadelphus Innocence 866 7.00 Philadelphus Minn.Snowflake Dwarf 364 7.00 Philadelphus Minnesota Snowflake 560 7.00 Philadelphus Natchez 238 7.00 Philadelphus X virginalis 295 7.00 Physocarpus opulifolius 1,000 7.00 Physocarpus opulifolius Diabolo 1,000 7.60 600 Physocarpus opulifolius Seward 987 7.85 Populus tremuloides 158 7.00 Potentilla fruticosa Coronation Triumph 140 7.00 Potentilla fruticosa Dakota Sunrise 793 7.00 Potentilla fruticosa Gold Drop 944 7.00 Potentilla fruticosa Goldfinger 158 7.00 Potentilla fruticosa Goldstar 283 7.00 Potentilla fruticosa Mango Tango 552 7.00 Potentilla fruticosa McKays White 338 7.00 Potentilla fruticosa Tangerine 188 7.00 Prunus cistena 359 5.00 1,000 7.00 23 Prunus incisa Kojou-no-mai 155 7.00 Quercus bicolor 297 7.00 Quercus palustris 192 7.00 Quercus robur Fastigiata 633 9.00

8.00

9.00

8.00 8.00 8.60

11.00 11.00

8.60

8.00

Botanical Name

Qty. 1 Gal Qty. 2 Gal Qty. 3 Gal Avail. Price Avail. Price Avail. Price

Rhus aromatica 156 7.00 Rhus aromatica Low Grow 556 7.00 Rhus typhina 1,000 7.00 Rhus typhina Tiger Eyes 15 10.50 294 Ribes alpinum 1,000 7.00 Ribes aureum 127 7.00 Rosa Henry Kelsey 168 7.00 Rosa Bonica 615 7.00 Rosa Carolina 595 7.00 Rosa J P Connell 143 7.00 Rosa John Cabot 345 7.00 Rosa rugosa Hansa 638 7.00 Rosa rugosa Morden Blush 121 7.00 Rosa x Champlain 251 7.00 Rosa x George Vancouver 170 7.00 Rosa x The Fairy 382 7.00 Salix bebbiana 450 7.00 Salix caprea 1,000 7.00 Salix discolor 721 7.00 Salix eriocephala 454 7.00 Salix exigua 1,000 7.00 Salix gracilis Purpurea Nana 1,000 7.00 Sambucus canadensis Aurea 1,000 7.00 Sambucus pubens 224 7.00 Sorbaria aitchisonii 495 7.00 Sorbaria sorbifolia 1,000 7.00 Sorbaria sorbifolia Sem 1,000 7.00 298 Spiraea alba 840 7.00 Spiraea arguta 201 7.00 Spiraea betulifolia Tor 250 7.00 Spiraea bumalda Gold Mound 1,000 7.00 Spiraea japonica Anthony Waterer 770 7.00 Spiraea japonica Crispa 933 7.00 Spiraea japonica Dakota Goldcharm 511 7.00 Spiraea japonica Froebelii 1,000 7.00 Spiraea japonica Golden Princess 693 7.00 Spiraea japonica Goldflame 1,000 7.00 Spiraea japonica Little Princess 1,000 7.00 Spiraea japonica Magic Carpet 1,000 7.25 Spiraea japonica Shirobana (Genpei) 427 7.00 211 Spiraea japonica White Gold 486 7.00 Spiraea nipponica Snowmound 276 7.00 Spiraea vanhouttei 447 7.00 Spriaea vanhouttei Golden Fountain 1,000 Stephanandra incisa Crispa 1,000 7.00 Symphoricarpos albus 1,000 7.00 Syringa meyeri Palibin 1,000 7.00 Syringa patula Miss Kim 1,000 7.00 Syringa vulgaris 436 7.00 Syringa vulgaris Beauty of Moscow 106 7.00 70 Syringa vulgaris Primrose 188 7.00 Syringa X prestoniae Minuet 150 7.00 Viburnum dentatum 328 7.00 Viburnum dentatum Chicago Lustre 642 7.00 Viburnum nudum Winterthur 122 7.00 Viburnum opulus Nanum 252 7.00 Viburnum plicatum Mariesii 260 10.00 Viburnum plicatum Shasta 176 10.00 Viburnum trilobum 161 7.00 Viburnum trilobum Bailey Compact 744 7.00 Weigela florida Alexandra 203 7.60 Weigela florida Bristol Ruby 255 7.00 Weigela florida French Lace 355 7.60 Weigela florida Nana Variegata 627 7.00 Weigela florida Rumba 546 7.00 Weigela florida Victoria 212 7.00

12.50

8.00

8.00

9.00

8.00

HORTICULTURE REVIEW - September 15, 2011 17 RR 2, Mount Brydges, ON N0L 1W0 • Tel: 519-264-9057 • Fax: 519-264-1337

Partnership works to resolve industry’s labour issues One of the most thorough surveys of labour issues and challenges facing the landscape horticulture industry was produced this summer.

The stakeholder survey, prepared for Landscape Ontario by the George Morris Centre in Guelph, was funded by the Ontario government.

“As stated by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities a strong and modern skilled trades sector is vital to Ontario’s economic prosperity,” says LO’s Education, Labour Development and Membership Department manager Sally Harvey.

Distinct surveys were developed for each stakeholder group, which included employers, employees, students/youth and educators.

Responses to many of the questions showed little variance among the groups surveyed. However, employees tended to be more negative in their comments about training opportunities, than other groups.

Conducted online, a total of 359 owners and managers answered the survey questions, while 151 employees took part, along with 26 youth and 58 educators.

A number of key areas were named as the overall objectives of the project. One of these is determining specific issues and identifying the barriers towards skilled labour availability and expansion in the landscape horticulture industry.

Other objectives include increasing knowledge and awareness of trade specific skills development opportunities in Ontario, identifying the barriers for apprenticeship, certification training and skills, and providing a foundation for the development of human resources capacity plan specifically for the horticulture industry.

The project will also develop and circulate an

employer human resources toolkit to improve recruitment and retention practices.

Each group surveyed indicated that there was a lack awareness of programs and courses available in the industry. Surprisingly, the exception was students currently enrolled in landscape horticulture programs.

All groups suggested better advertising is needed to make employers, workers and potential students aware of training opportunities. All groups surveyed indicated interest in a single point of data, such as an online database, to provide information on all training opportunities.

Those working in the industry also indicated a need for increased communication between employees and employers on the training opportunities available.

Wages a factor When asked about the shortage of skilled labour in the landscape horticulture industry, the most common factor mentioned was wages. It was often noted that both actual wages, and perceived low wages prevented youth from choosing careers in the industry.

Responses to potential access barriers varied among the groups, but generally location and other costs were considered the greatest barriers that prevented training. Employers generally felt that the time of year and location were the greatest barriers. Employees indicted indirect costs of training such as transportation and loss of income as the greatest barriers, with time of year as the second more important. Students responded strongly that location was the greatest barrier. And educators felt that lack of awareness of programs and discouragement from parents and guidance counselors were the most

18 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - September 15, 2011

important barriers.

Curricula varied widely from program to program, which creates a significant difference in skill sets acquired by new graduates. Specific skills’ training was identified by each group as generally lacking and there were frequent requests for advanced training for experienced workers in the industry.

Overwhelmingly employers, employees, students and educators see a need for more business and management training. This is particularly important given that most employees and students in the industry plan to own and manage their own business.

Many respondents noted that Landscape Ontario does a good job of informing the sector about opportunities. Others mentioned that they stay on top of this by reading various trade publications, such as Horticulture Review, and participating in industry trade shows.

Some suggested making membership in LO mandatory, therefore all companies would receive information regarding training. Another suggestion was to establish an employee membership group. LO could contact employees directly through mail-outs or emails.

To review the entire survey results, go to www.horttrades.com/labour-resources, look for the Labour Market Partnership survey.

Following publication of the survey results, Landscape Ontario, in partnership with Humber College and the Ontario Parks Association, conducted a series of Ontario Labour Market Partnership (LMP) workshops around the the province. It is expected that the final employer toolkit and a capacity plan will be made available online to all industry members and partners by January of 2012.

HORTICULTURE REVIEW - September 15, 2011 19

Two years after pesticide ban, surveys show public and professional frustration Two surveys, one conducted with Ontario homeowners and the other of professional landscapers, show that two years after the ban on pesticides in Ontario both groups are expressing concern.

When the ban was enacted on April 22, 2009, lawn care professionals warned that negative impacts would begin to surface in a few years over the lack of effective tools to control weeds and insects.

CropLife Canada sponsored the surveys this past spring. It is a trade association representing the manufacturers, developers and distributors of plant science technologies, including pesticides. CropLife hired Blacksheep Strategy to carry out the surveys.

“Almost half of Ontario homeowners would like to see the current pesticide ban eliminated or relaxed, so they’re able to use products to protect their lawns and gardens from pest infestations,” says Pierre Petelle, executive director, regulatory affairs and nonagricultural uses, for CropLife Canada.

Petelle attended a meeting of LO’s Lawn Care sector group on Aug. 17. At that meeting, Petelle told the members that 234 landscapers took part in the survey of professionals.

Landscape Ontario assisted CropLife by distributing the information about the poll to its members.

Sales lower “Sixty-three per cent of landscapers surveyed said they are against Ontario’s pesticide ban,” says Petelle. Additionally, almost half of those landscapers polled said their sales in 2010 are lower than in 2008 and 71 per cent of lawn care companies polled said their customers were less satisfied in 2010 than in 2008, before the ban was in place.

another province or from the United States,” Petelle said.

Pierre Petelle

Respondents to the landscaper survey also said they had been asked by clients to use products that are now banned and they’ve had customers apply banned products themselves.

The Ontario homeowner survey backs up the finding, revealing that by their own admission, Ontarians are willfully breaking the law by using pesticides that have been banned on their lawns and gardens.

This is backed up in a 1,100-word article that appeared in the Aug. 22 edition of the Toronto Sun, ‘Ontario shoppers escape pesticide ban in U.S.’ The article is available online at http://bit.ly/nKKjXC. Using banned products “Thirty per cent of homeowners are using pesticides left over from before the ban was put in place, and close to one-quarter of homeowners are either developing their own mixtures or bringing pesticides in from

20 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - September 15, 2011

From five trucks to one “Contrary to what some in the media are saying, the ban has certainly not been good for business. In fact, two-thirds of Ontario landscaping and lawn care companies indicate that the ban has had a somewhat or significantly negative impact on their business and led to unsatisfied customers,” says Petelle.

One member at the LO meeting stated he had five trucks before the pesticide ban and now is down to one. “I’m not alone in being hurt by the ban,” said the member.

“Over half of homeowners feel that if Health Canada has approved the banned pesticides, they should be allowed to use them,” says Petelle. “This helps demonstrate that Ontarians understand that the provincial pesticide ban completely contradicts what the expert scientists at Health Canada say and they feel such duplicative oversight is really quite unnecessary.”

More weeds and insects Petelle says the polling demonstrates that Ontarians believe the pesticide ban has resulted in more weeds and insects in lawns and gardens and homeowners feel they no longer have the tools they need to control these pests.

“More than two-thirds of homeowners who responded said they have more weeds in their lawns since the ban came into effect and feel they no longer have effective products to deal with the pest problems they’re facing,” says Petelle. “Homeowners are overwhelmingly calling for more effective products to protect their properties.”

Before the pesticide ban in Ontario, satisfaction levels for the products people had available to them were extremely high.

But now, 78 per cent of people surveyed said they feel there is definitely a need for more effective weed control products and 66 per cent feel there is a need for more effective insect control products.

The provincial pesticide ban in Ontario prevents Ontarians from using most federally registered products to protect their properties from pest infestations.

CropLife says that polling results aren’t available online, but expects more detailed results of the polling will be released in the near future

Communities see high costs as EAB spreads Throughout this summer, reports continue to show the emerald ash borer (EAB) is spreading its way across North America.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed the latest findings of the pest in the United Counties of Prescott and Russell, near Wendover, just south of Ottawa.

In August, EAB was confirmed in 24 Ontario counties, and in three areas in the province of Quebec, which followed an earlier report that the pest was found in the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville in Ontario.

Toronto to replace 860,000 trees The City of Toronto says it will replace 860,000 ash trees with other species. The city’s manager of urban forest renewal, Beth McEwen, was quoted, “The damage is now becoming quite apparent. The trees that are dying are quite obvious.”

Kitchener announced it will spend $4.7 million over 10 years on its ash tree management plan and the City of Burlington estimates it will spend $10 million over a decade.

Toronto is looking at a $1.2 million just this year to handle its ash tree strategy.

Toronto is using injections of TreeAzin.

It was estimated that 200 locations across Toronto received the pesticide. Metal tags are attached to the trees marked for treatment.

McEwen stated that, “Eighty to 95 per cent of the trees are projected to die between 2015 and 2017.”

York Region has placed about 250 insect traps in ash trees across southern portion of the region. The prism traps are placed one per square kilometre. The traps have adhesive on the outside surface with a chemical on the inside to attract EAB. Burlington has more than 8,000 ash trees on city streets and in active park areas. The city is also treating ash trees with TreeAzin.

Council budgeted $11 million over the next 10 years to address the issue.

The City of Guelph’s ash trees are being infested by the invasive species. City experts say that within the next five years, unless something is found, there will be very few if any ash trees alive in the city. Ironically, many of the city’s white and green ash trees were planted to replace of the elm trees that were killed from Dutch elm disease.

The Ministry of Natural Resources estimates that it will cost up to $1,000 to remove a dead tree.

In the Town of Oakville there are approx-

imately 180,000 ash trees. That municipality’s forestry services says nearly 80 per cent of the town’s treatable ash tree canopy is located on private property.

Last year, the town was the first in Canada to map all its private ash tree locations. The map of the Town’s ash ash trees can be found at www.oakville.ca/eab.htm.

Oakville is advising residents that there

are two options for owners of ash trees: removal or treatment by a certified arborist.

Toronto councillors Shelley Carroll and Paul Ainslie want city officials to help homeowners find arborists who are qualified to evaluate, treat and remove ash trees. They have requested a report on the feasibility of providing industry training sessions and publicizing a list of participating arborists.

Interiorscape group prepares strategic plan The Interiorscape Industry Coalition (IIC) is on its way to develop its first strategic plan.

The coalition, chaired by LO’s Education, Labour Development and Membership Department manager Sally Harvey CLT, CLP, is a joint U.S. and Canadian endeavour.

The process began this summer with a daylong session led by Dr. Bernie Erven, Ohio State University professor and founder of Erven HR Services. The session reviewed the IIC’s current mission statement, followed by a SWOT (Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, Threats) analysis. Five primary objectives were determined: develop a communications plan for the IIC, including a comprehensive social media strategy; identify and assess research needs; collaborate to develop a worldwide unified voice;

create one place for interior membership and deliver a relevant certification program.

“The IIC now has a solid and cohesive direction that will guide the coalition for the next two to three years. The plan is under development and includes the goal to achieve five primary objectives that align with the new vision. I am confident that the plan will drive the industry forward with partners sharing common goals and the opportunity for collaboration across North America and potentially the world,” said Harvey.

Harvey says that the IIC members are energized and enthusiastic about the new direction and goals. The IIC expects to meet again in the next few months to establish an action plan for execution of its new goals and objectives.

HORTICULTURE REVIEW - September 15, 2011 21

Learn and grow at Expo 2011 For the past few years and through the efforts of Landscape Ontario’s volunteer show committee members and staff, Expo 2011 has strengthened its position as Canada’s leading show for the garden and floral industry.

Now entering a second decade of success, Expo on Oct. 19 and 20 this year, is housed in the brand new, state-of-the-art Toronto Congress Centre.

Professional development In collaboration with numerous industry associations and organizations, the show provides learning opportunities and professional development. Many of the conferences focus on those with a passion for gardening, floral design, retail and other green initiatives.

Kristen McIntyre, Lorrie Baird who has taken on a new role as conference and event coordinator, says, “Every business owner and retail employee can benefit from furthering their knowledge base and keeping current in their chosen profession.”

There are some Dr. Casey Sclar

exciting opportunities to boost your retail professionalism. Best of all, they are reasonably priced, so that you can’t afford to leave your team at the store or office.

Here’s a rundown on what is being offered: Taking a Good Garden and Making it GREAT with Karl Stensson of Sheridan Nurseries. Hosted by the Garden Centre Sector Group on Wed., Oct. 19 at Visitors to Expo 2011 will find the products their customers want.

Window Display. Retail designers will create 7:30 a.m. window displays for all four seasons. Suzy Living Walls at Longwood Gardens presented Caiger of Ada’s Flowers will coordinate the

by Dr. Casey Sclar and Lorrie Baird, demonstrations on Wed., Oct. 19, at 11:30 Longwood Gardens, on Wed., Oct. 19 at 1 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., and again on Thurs. at p.m., hosted by Landscape Ontario’s Interior 11:30 a.m.

Plantscape Sector Group.

Are You Hooked-Up? is a technology seminar, Award ceremonies open to everyone and hosted by Flowers Everyone in the industry is invited to the awards Canada (Retail). Ryan Freeman of Strider ceremonies taking place during Expo. Landscape Search Marketing is the speaker on Wed., Ontario’s Awards of Excellence Ceremony Oct. 19 at 4 p.m. for Garden Centre and Grower programs is The landscape designers will host the breakfast scheduled for Oct. 19, at 8 a.m. The Canadian session, Close More Business and Have Academy of Floral Art’s (CAFA) Induction Happy Clients, with Rory Sheehan of Ceremony is also on Oct. 19, starting at 6:30 Positive Strategies. It will start at 8 a.m. on p.m., while Communities in Bloom — Ontario’s Thurs., Oct. 20. luncheon and provincial awards are set for Oct. Plus, there will be live interactive 20, at 1 p.m. demonstrations, Create Excitement with Your The LO sector groups and partners have put together an outstanding lineup for Expo. Start your Expo experience with a fabulous keynote breakfast and awards event, hit the trade show floor, soak up some useful information on technology applications for your business and then network and schmooze at the welcome reception. And that’s all just the first day.

On day two, enjoy a delicious breakfast with a dynamic sales presentation, followed by a stroll on the show floor, learn to create four seasons of exciting window displays, watch Communities in Bloom award winners take a bow, or do some more networking on the show floor.

Conferences and special events are all ticketed and individually priced. Admission to Expo 2011 is free with a VIP Pass available from exhibiting vendors. General admission is $10 for Landscape Ontario and Flowers Canada members and $15 for non-members until Oct. 7. After that date, prices increase to $15 for Landscape Ontario members, or $20 for non-members. Visit www.loexpo.ca for details or to register for the Expo 2011 education program.

22 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - September 15, 2011

“The show provides an important platform for networking and the exchange of ideas. ” — Beth Edney, Designs by the Yard Inc. Toronto, Ont.

connections

Possibilities start with Canada’s 39th International Horticultural Lawn & Garden Trade Show & Conference

January 10 - 12th, 2012 Toronto Congress Centre Toronto ON, Canada

To exhibit or attend

Call: 1-800-265-5656 ext. 339 Email: showinfo@locongress.com

locongress.com A N I N I T I AT I V E O F

F E AT U R I N G

S U P PO RT E D B Y

Scan this code with your mobile device to visit locongress.com HORTICULTURE REVIEW - September 15, 2011 23

LO welcomes Bailey and Barrett Landscape Ontario welcomes two new staff members, Carla Bailey, London Chapter coordinator, and Shawna Barrett, communications assistant.

Chapter members. Everyone has been very supportive and I look forward to helping London become an even stronger Chapter,” says Carla.

Carla Bailey attended Fanshawe College, graduating in 2007 from the Hotel Management program. She worked in the hotel industry for seven years, starting as a waitress/banquet server, then moving up the ranks to become a front office manager.

From here, she booked a flight to Ireland, travelling by herself for two weeks around the Emerald Isle. Upon returning to London, Ont., she Carla Bailey accepted a position at the Staybridge Suites. “After seven years in the hotel industry, there was still much to learn, however, I needed a change in my life.”

During that time, she coached a girls’ under-16 soccer team that placed within the top three each year she volunteered. “I watch soccer more than any other sport, with Chelsea FC and England being my teams of choice. That being said, once the snow comes, hockey is a close second. I can almost admit to being a Leafs fan — though not without a slight wince,” says Carla.

She admits travel is her biggest indulgence, having taken solo trips to Scotland, France, England, Ireland, Cuba and Boston within the last few years. “I traveled to Los Angeles this past spring with some friends, and had a blast.

“I’m having a great time meeting the London

Shawna Barrett is filling a position that became open due to Angela Lindsay’s maternity leave.

Shawna graduated from Sheridan College in 1998 with a B.A. diploma. She currently attends Shawna Barrett Sheridan on a parttime schedule, working towards earning her PSW (Personal Support Worker) Certification.

Over the past 13 years, Shawna has worked

mainly in customer service roles, as well as driving a school bus for six months in 2009.

Shawna says she enjoys reading when she has a spare moment, and spending time with her husband Hugo, son Jamie and family Shih Tzu dog, Abby. Current favourite TV shows include Breaking Bad, Boardwalk Empire, Hell’s Kitchen, Hoarders, “and believe it or not, Antiques Roadshow. Also, I could still spend an entire afternoon watching Friends or Three’s Company reruns,” says Shawna.

“I would like to seamlessly fill Angela’s shoes while she is away; bring a friendly, positive attitude with me to work each day and hopefully leave here next year with great memories and a new understanding of the landscape industry, as seen through LO’s eyes,” she says.

Golf season is winding down for the LO Chapters, with only the Georgian Lakelands tournament remaining, Sept. 23. In photo, a scene from this year’s Toronto Chapter Golf Tournament.

24 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - September 15, 2011

Trial garden open house shows off latest plants Anyone wanting to see the latest plants that will hit the marketplace next year, needed to be at this year’s Landscape Ontario and University of Guelph trial garden open house.

The annual event was divided into two days at the LO home office in Milton, with the industry members in attendance on Aug. 12, and the gardens open to the public on Aug. 13.

There were approximately 80 industry members in attendance. Ontario Parks Association members were onsite, along with municipal representatives from Kitchener, St. Thomas, Whitby, Markham, Oakville, Toronto, Regional of Peel, St. Marys, Wasaga Beach and Pickering. There were also guests from the Compost Council of Canada and Garden Writers’ Association.

A presentation took place on the research into microbial soil additives, of interest to those planting both herbaceous and woody plants.

This was followed by tours of the annual and perennial trial gardens. These were moderated by committee members Rodger Tschanz of the University of Guelph and Keith Osbourne of Gro-Bark (Ontario).

Guest speakers Guest speakers were Youbin Zheng from the University of Guelph and Case Vanderkruk from Connon/NVK Holdings.

Zheng gave a great talk regarding the differences between soil and soil-less products and examples on how both are best used. He discussed amending soil with organics and the microbial life, which is part of the root zone environment.

The role of oxygen to the roots and how it diffuses through the soil was discussed. A review took place on the essential use of water for plants and how we must get better with this resource.

Case Vanderkruk discussed growing plants and the huge role water has in the nursery and for life in general. He had some great statistics on the ratio of fresh water to salt water, saying one tablespoon of freshwater in a five litre jug equals the ratio on the planet. He also reviewed proper planting techniques, and why site preparation is key to plant survival. Those in attendance were given a behind-the-scenes look at NVK’s nursery and the composting endeavours there.

Personal tour Rodger Tschanz provided the group with a personal tour of each section of the gardens, explaining the reason and goals of the trial gardens. A question and answer period followed the tour.

Participants were invited to stay for a light lunch sponsored by Gro-Bark (Ontario). After lunch, the group was invited to attend the open house at

A few members took advantage of the opportunity to see plants first-hand that will be on the market next year.

the University of Guelph.

“I found taking part in the open house was a worthwhile exercise,” said Judith Humphries, CLD, of A Garden for All Seasons in Mississauga.

She explained that the open house provided her with some insight into some new perennials and annuals. “I found by attending the open house, there were people present who were able to answer my questions. For the bit of time I took to attend the open house, it was worth it.”

On Saturday, the trial gardens were opened to the public. A special ask-the-expert tent had members of the Halton Master Gardeners answering questions. Milton Horticultural Society members were also on hand to promote the group and its events.

Approximately 200 visitors viewed the garden from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Most visitors were from the Oakville, Milton, Burlington and Mississauga areas, and from as far away as the Sarnia area and New York State.

Both days, visitors were given coloured flags to place beside their choice of best perennial, annual and combo. “The combo concept is a relatively new idea in the bedding plant industry, where cuttings of three different species or cultivars are rooted in one liner. By growing together from day one, this propagation method gives growers an instant mixed container that has a thoroughly unique appearance,” explains Tschanz.

Special appreciation went to the volunteers at the public event: Halton Master Gardeners, Milton Horticulture Society, Rodger Tschanz, Denis Flanagan, public relations director at Landscape Ontario, Michelle Pugliese of Gelderman Landscaping, Kathleen Pugliese, executive assistant, Landscape Ontario.

Thanks also go to the suppliers of the plant material: American Takii, Balfour Greenhouses, Ball Horticulture, Blooms of Bressingham, Dummen, Floranova, George Sant Greenhouses, Goldsmith Seeds, Jelitto Seeds, Ontario Seed

Company, PanAmerican Seed, Proven Winners, Seeds of Change, Suntory and Syngenta.

Sponsors of the event include Ellepots by A.M.A., Syngenta, Gro-Bark (Ontario), Plant Products/Nursery Supplies, Agrium Advanced Technologies, KAM’s Growers Supply, Perlite Canada, and Premier Horticulture.

The program continued in the afternoon at the Guelph Trial Garden at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute.

Blogger Sarah Battersby of Fiesta Farms Garden Centre posted comments on the open house under a headline, ‘A Valuable Garden Resource: Landscape Ontario.’ You can read the blog by going to http://bit.ly/ojiCJC.

Visitors vote for favourite plants The favourites among those voting on industry day: • Petunia Sweetunia Black Satin by Dummen • Zinnia Uproar Rose by Goldsmith • Mecardonia GoldDust by Proven Winners • Agastache Bolero by Jelitto • Confetti Liner Water Colours by Dummen Results of the voting by those taking part on the public day: • Petunia Sweetunia Black Satin • Zinnia Uproar Rose • Zinnia Zowie Yellow Flame by Goldsmith • Cyperus King Tut by Proven Winners • Pennisetum Graceful Grasses Vertigo

by Proven Winners • Zinnia Queen Red Lime by Benary

HORTICULTURE REVIEW - September 15, 2011 25

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Conservative leader visits LO member

Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak, joined by Ontario PC Candidate for Richmond Hill Vic Gupta, visited Gerald Boot of Boots Landscaping and Maintenance, as part of the election campaign, to announce that an Ontario PC government will deliver change to eliminate red tape to help small businesses create jobs. More information on the visit can be viewed online at http://bit.ly/nQHGPF.

Sod in a parking lot

Jim Paluch, of JP Horizons, a U.S.-based consulting group, created a new program, Come Alive Outside. The program’s premise is to encourage outdoor activity. LO member Scott Wentworth, and his team from Scott Wentworth Landscape Group, launched the program’s first project outside the U.S. Wentworth approached his community council in Picton and received 100 per cent positive feedback to lay 6,400 feet of sod in the town’s most popular parking lot, to provide four hours of activities and games for children of all ages.

Kids and adults walked barefoot in the parking lot’s “green space,” or played hopscotch, twirled a hula-hoop or dove under the multi-colored parachute. To see a presentation on the program by Wentworth, go to http://bit.ly/pkXFVy.

Member assists former Caribbean home

Fred Prescod CLT, a member of LO’s Interior Plantscapes Sector Group, presented a cheque to the disaster management program in the Caribbean country, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Through the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College Division of Arts and Sciences, the program is assisting to repair damage done by flood waters in Georgetown.

The local paper referred to Prescod as the “brother of legendary musician Pat Prescod.” He hosted an indoor regatta in Toronto, collecting proceeds to help the flood problem and establish a small library for students.

Company’s unique look draws attention

The Envirobond team of Mississauga made news in the hometown paper over its unique manner of marketing its product. Dressing in lime green polo shirts with lime green, yellow and white argyle pants and shorts, the Envirobond team members stand out when they man trade show booths.

Mike Riehm, founder and owner of Envirobond, launched the clothing line two years ago at Landscape Ontario’s Congress. In the article, Riehm is quoted, “Now, every year people go to Landscape Ontario to see what we’ll do next. We get people that know us just from the clothing.” Riehm says he’s working on a new set of clothes for the 2012 show. The online article can be found at http://bit.ly/oYE0iK.

School’s anniversary receives lots of press

The 75th anniversary of the Niagara School of Horticulture has received much press. One of the many articles written over the summer was by Sherman Zavitz, official historian for the City of Niagara Falls. His article in the Welland Tribune takes readers back to 1936, when the school was founded under the name Niagara Parks Commission Training School for Apprentice Gardeners. To read the article, go to http://bit.ly/rh5z5D. 26 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - September 15, 2011

LO STAFF PROFILE

Ian Service

Infomation technology manager What is your job description at LO? I’m Landscape Ontario’s Information Technology Manager.

I’m responsible to keep the network and web sites humming along, as well as continued development of our all-knowing database.

What is your background before coming to LO, and when did you begin work at LO? I’ve been at LO since I was 16 years old, when I started working part-time on the web sites and some special web projects during the summers. I’ve always needed to know how things work, or how to make things work. That craving forced me to get into programming on the web. I’ve been online since before there was much of a world wide web, so I’ve grown with the technology and now with web-based services taking charge of most people’s day-to-day life, I’m building tools to make life easy and convenient that are accessible around the world.

When not at work, where can you be found?

Often, I can be found running around Guelph. Something about the sedentary lifestyle of IT professionals pushed me into running to stay in shape, and then it turned into an obsession. I’ve now completed four full marathons, including one in Dublin, Ireland. If all goes as planned this year, I’ll do my fifth. I’ve entered the ballot to run the London 2012 marathon, so hopefully I’ll travel to England next April to compete in that one as well. When I’m not running around the globe, I’m running around the house after my 10-month old son, who has just started to walk.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A fire truck! Actually, I wanted to be like my dad. He was a senior research engineer

at what was once Hydro Ontario. He definitely helped my love of computers and technology by bringing home cool stuff to tinker with, like the sewing machine-sized “portable computer” that once came to the cottage with us. I will never understand how he debugged code which was printed on paper.

I’m pretty sure that if you asked him, he’d tell you that the apple didn’t fall too far.

What inspires you during your time at LO? The team at LO is awesome to work with and always coming up with great new ideas and challenges for me to create into smooth and streamlined processes to make their work more efficient, so they can concentrate on advancing the industry.

Name your all-time favourite movie, musical group and TV show.

Since I can only pick one of each, it’s difficult because there are many close seconds. Favourite movie would have to be Back to the Future, musical group is Weezer and TV show I’d have to say The IT Crowd (look it up, you won’t regret it).

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I’ve always wanted to go to France. This past spring, I did just that with the whole family. Germany sounds cool too, but I think the next “dream” trip will be Switzerland for some world-class skiing.

Tell us one thing about you that few of your colleagues know about you.

I’m not sure there is much that they don’t know about me. Perhaps, since it’s the green industry, I can admit that I have an extremely difficult time keeping plants alive. I can program your cell phone to ring when someone calls your office number, but if you need me to keep a weeping fig alive, we’re all doomed.

Read

Horticulture Review

ONLINE!

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HORTICULTURE REVIEW - September 15, 2011 27

CLASSIFIED ADS NURSERY STOCK Hofland Gardens Ornamental Grasses, Perennials, Ground cover Tel: 905-355-3392 E-mail: hoflandgardens@phc.igs.net Scenic Grove Nursery Linden ‘Glenleven’ 50-70mm Linden ‘Greenspire’ 50-70mm Lynden, Ontario Email: marty@scenicgrove.com Fax: 905-648-6395

EQUIPMENT

FINN Hydroseeders & Bark Blowers New and Used: • Flex Guard FRM • Soil Guard BFM • Erosion Control Blanket Seed & Fertilizer Toll free: 855-761-6649 Fax: 905-761-7959 www.fibramulch.com

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Bareroot Operations Supervisor Ferguson Forest Centre in Kemptville is looking for a full time Bareroot Operations Supervisor.

Applicants should have a minimum of a valid “G” class drivers licence, proficiency in the use of a variety of farm and nursery equipment and good supervisory skills.

The successful applicant will be responsible for the supervision of all staff involved and the operations required to produce bareroot stock and cuttings. This is a hands on position under the direction of the Chief Operating Officer.

People management skill and good work attitude are of primary importance.

Please send resume to ffc@storm.ca or fax to 613-258-0207 attn: Ed Patchell

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING INFORMATION All classified ads must be pre-paid by VISA or Mastercard.

Rates: $50.85 (HST included) per column inch Min. order $45.20. 15% discount on ads run for entire calendar year.

Box Numbers: Additional $10. Confidentiality ensured.

This year let us remind ourselves that our earth is the source and root of all life, including our own. We care for the environment by growing shrubs, evergreens and trees. Please take a moment to consider how our actions can help preserve our planet for future generations.

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Deadlines: 20th day of the month prior to issue date. (eg: June issue deadline is May 20th). January deadline is Dec. 1. Space is limited to a first come, first served basis.

To advertise: E-mail your name, phone number and ad to Robert at classifieds@landscapeontario.com or fax to (905) 875-0183.

Online advertising: Website only ads are available for $67.80 (HST included). Website ads are posted for 30 days and are limited to 325 words.

View ads online at www.horttrades.com/classifieds

AD INDEX COMPANY PAGE PHONE WEBSITE ACO Systems Ltd.................................................3........... 877-226-4255.................................... www.acocan.ca Agrium..................................................................31.......... 855-228-2828.................................... www.prohort.ca B.P. Landscaping.................................................29...........905-840-1111............. bplandscaping@sympatica.ca Braun Nursery Limited........................................15.......... 800-246-6984......................... www.braungroup.com Caledon Hills Perennials.....................................13.......... 905-473-1145......... www.caledonhillsperennials.com Connon Nurseries/CBV Holdings Inc..................7........... 888-775-2687................................... www.connon.ca Connon Nurseries/NVK Holdings Inc..................2........... 905-628-0112.................. www.connonnurseries.com Delta Truck Equipment........................................10.......... 519-648-2119............ www.deltatruckequipment.com Draglam Salt (G&L Group).................................5........... 416-798-7050......................... www.draglamsalt.com Dutchmaster Nurseries Ltd.................................32.......... 905-683-8211......... www.dutchmasternurseries.com Gro-Bark (ONT) Ltd..............................................6........... 905-846-1515................................www.gro-bark.com Helmutz Landscape and Interlock......................22.......... 519-888-9536.................................www.helmutz.com Hillen Nursery Inc.............................................16-17.......519-264-9057 Kobes Nurseries Inc . .........................................24.......... 905-263-8814.................... www.kobesnurseries.com Legends Landscape Supply Inc.........................12.......... 905-336-3369....................... www.landscapestore.ca Limestone Trail Company Ltd.............................12.......... 905-563-8133........................www.limestonetrail.com M Putzer Nursery................................................28.......... 905-878-7226....................putzernursery@primus.ca Newroads National Leasing................................27.......... 416-587-1021................. www.newroadsleasing.com Nisco National Leasing.......................................14.......... 888-634-9559........................ www.niscocanada.com Oakville Dodge Chrysler......................................8........... 289-644-2250... fmackenzie@lockwoodchrystler.com Potters Road Nursery Inc....................................9........... 519-688-0437.............. www.pottersroadnursery.com Riverbend Farms (Ontario) Ltd...........................21.......... 519-765-2130......... riverbendfarms@amtelecom.net Sipkens Nurseries Ltd.........................................18.......... 866-843-0438................. www.sipkensnurseries.com Stam Nurseries....................................................26.......... 519-424-3350.................... www.stamsnurseries.com Uxbridge Nurseries Ltd.......................................20.......... 905-655-3379................www.uxbridgenurseries.com Winkelmolen Nursery Ltd....................................15.......... 519-647-3912.........................www.winkelmolen.com

Custom-fabricated steel planters

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‡ Irrigation and lighting conduits are built in ‡ Perfect for high-design projects, including municipal settings

First come, first served!

Contact Rob Ellidge, 647-722-5645, rob@landscapeontario.com

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CELEBRATING 30 YEARS "0 ,ANDSCAPING ,TD s $IXIE 2D #ALEDON /N , # , s HORTICULTURE REVIEW - September 15, 2011  29

Trees show good survival rate at highway planting sites Just over one year ago, two sections along on the busiest highway in North America received a green make-over.

A recent visit to the sites, where over 7,000 trees were planted last year, saw a survival rate from 70 to 90 per cent.

Ralph Mahler, roadside vegetation management coordinator with the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), said he was pleased with the survival rates among the varied species of trees. He accompanied LO executive director Tony DiGiovanni on the tour. Both men expressed surprise at the survival rates, but also at the vigorous growth of some of the trees.

The two sites are the intersections of the 401 and 427, near Pearson Airport, and 401 and Allen Expressway at Yorkdale Mall. Yorkdale features two sites; one a west-facing incline, and the other east.

The survival rate at the 427 site was around 80 per cent, despite an area of high water during spring and rainy periods. Surprisingly, a number of locusts planted there had tremendous growth, while oak showed better survival rates at this site than the Yorkdale site. This was true in reverse

Looking over the plantings at the Yorkdale site.

order for Norway maples that did well at the Yorkdale site, but poorly at the 427 site. Overall the Yorkdale site showed a 30 per cent loss on one section, while only 10 per cent on the other.

The project began in September 2009, when the Minister of Transportation at the time, Jim Bradley, announced at an open house held at Vineland that $1-million was being allocated to the project. Planting began in the late spring of 2010.

The partnership includes Landscape Ontario, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre and

the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.

About 2,000 trees were grown at Vineland, as well as Braun, Willowbrook and Sheridan Nurseries. Trees chosen for the project were those resistant to winter highway salt and summer dry spells.

It is hoped that those varieties that show durability can be produced by Ontario nurseries to carry on further highway greening. A complete inspection is scheduled next year to evaluate the program.

Proven Winners open house attracts growers and nursery operators

Sobkowich shows off at open house.

By Kristen McIntyre CHT Conference and event coordinator

An open house at Ed Sobkowich Greenhouses in Grimsby on July 26 attracted almost 200 visitors.

The event gave customers (grower/nursery operations) and sales representatives a chance to see the Proven Winners (PW) line-up in its entirety,

what’s new and improved, and an opportunity to freely evaluate the plant material.

Sobkowich grows PW annuals and perennials. Annuals make up approximately 95 per cent of production. More than 300 varieties, including 80 combination planters, are on display in the trial garden area. They are all grown in 14-inch patio pots displayed at the same height on stands, and

30 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - September 15, 2011

grown under the same conditions — so you can really compare the differences between varieties.

Ed Sobkowich, speaking of his business this year, said, “We certainly had a late start, but we finished off alright. Our branding helped us remain stable across our customer base.” When asked about the branding and what makes it a success, he responded, “Proven Winners branding is resonating with the consumer. They (consumers) know it represents quality, and we know that it is working, so one of our current initiatives is to get landscape or grounds contractors to buy into the four-inch pot solution for annuals. We want them to see the landscape potential.”

When asked which plant was his favourite, Sobkowich laughed, “I can’t pick just one — I like them all! But Supertunia Vista Bubblegum and Vista Fuschia are consistent performers in the ground, as is Raspberry Blast. Our big sellers are the Supertunias, Superbells and calibrachoas.” He went on to list Yellow Chiffon and new Grape Punch Superbells as great performers, along with Bordeaux and Plum Supertunias.

“Sangria Charm Supertunia is another consistent performer,” he said.

HORTICULTURE REVIEW - September 15, 2011 31

Dutchmaster

N NU UR RS SE ER R II E ES S L LT TD D ..

We We make make your your day day easier easier

Specialists in caliper trees.

Specialists in caliper trees.

Vast selection of container plants.

Vast selection of container plants.

Various nursery supplies for sale.

Various nursery supplies for sale.

40 years of industry experience.

40 years of industry experience.

Growing with our customers in mind.

Growing with our customers in mind.

All of your nursery needs in one place.

All of your nursery needs in one place.

T : 905 683 8211 T : 905 683 8211 F : 905 683 3734 F : 905 683 3734 E : sales@dutchmasternurseries.com E : sales@dutchmasternurseries.com 3735 Sideline 16, 3735 Sideline 16, Brougham, ON, Canada Brougham, ON, Canada L0H 1A0 L0H 1A0 32  HORTICULTURE REVIEW - September 15, 2011 www.dutchmasternurseries.com www.dutchmasternurseries.com