Symphony
Compose a of
Colour
2010 $UNDAS 3T 7 (WY 7EST &LAMBOROUGH /NTARIO s 4EL s &AX s WWW CONNONNURSERIES COM s EMAIL MAIL CONNONNURSERIES COM 2  HORTICULTURE REVIEW - SEPTEMBER 15, 2010
Chapter events
For more chapter event listings, visit www.horttrades.com. September 16 Golden Horseshoe Chapter Annual Chicken Roast Grand River Brick and Stone, Stoney Creek Mark your calendars for the annual chicken roast, which starts at 5:30 p.m. This exciting event is for employers and their employees, spouses, guests and prospective members. Admission is $10 per adult and children 13 and over, children under 13 eat free. Contact Helen Hassard at 1-800-265-5656, ext 354, or helen@landscapeontario.com. September 21 Durham Chapter’s Fall Barbecue Kobes Nurseries, Bowmanville Join the Durham Chapter for its 3rd annual Suppliers Night Barbecue. Kobes Nurseries is located at 4765 Old Scugog Rd. For more information contact Helen Hassard at hhassard@landscapeontario.com.
September 22 Build a Bid workshop for snow managers RA Centre 2451 Riverside Drive The Build a Bid workshop is coming to Ottawa. Delivered through SIMA, this full-day program will help put together and sell snow and ice proposals. Build a Bid will take place from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and includes lunch. Cost for members is $250, and non-members $350. For more information, contact Martha Walsh at mwalsh@landscapeontario.com. October 12 London Chapter meeting Lamplighter Inn, Royal Palm Room, 591 Wellington Rd. S., London Join the chapter at 7 p.m. for an open forum meeting on salt management. Be prepared for the upcoming winter season. Social hour is from 6 to 7 p.m. There is no charge for this meeting. For more information, contact Wendy Harry at wharry@landscapeontario.com.
LO and industry events
For more Landscape Ontario and industry event listings, visit www.horttrades.com. September 16 - September 17 Landscape Industry Certified testing Kemptville College, Ottawa Written Landscape Industry Certified tests will take place at Kemptville College on Sept. 16, starting at 1 p.m. The following day, the CLT practical exterior tests begin at 8 a.m., also at the college. To access more information, or to register for the program, go to http://bit.ly/industrycertification.
October 4 Awards of Excellence deadline The deadline for the 2010 Awards of Excellence Construction, Maintenance, Design and Interior Plantscaping Program is Oct. 4 at 4 p.m. To register and/or submit entries, go to www.loawards.com.
September 16 Healthy and Sustainable Tree Production Workshop Vineland Research and Innovation Centre Presentations and interactive sessions will take place at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, Rittenhouse Building. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost is $30, and includes lunch and materials. For more information, or to register, contact Kathryn Goodish at 905-562-0320, ext. 777, or email kathryn. goodish@vinelandontario.ca. September 16 Artistry with bulbs — A lecture by Jacqueline van der Kloet Toronto Botanical Garden, 777 Lawrence Ave. East Dutch landscape designer Jacqueline van der Kloet will inspire Canadian landscapers. This is a special member-only event! Proceeds will benefit the Toronto Botanical Garden. Continental breakfast is at 8:15 a.m., and the lecture is from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Tickets are $15. Register online at www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca. September 23 Sports Turf Association annual field day Hespler Beehive Hall, 640 Ellis Rd.,West, Cambridge Topics at the Sports Turf Association’s field day include Best Management Practices for Optimizing Athletic Field Playing Conditions, Root Zone Selection and Management for Athletic Fields, Putting IPM Into Action and a look at some of the new pesticide products on the market. www.sportsturfassociation.com. September 30 - October 1 Landscape Industry Certified testing Landscape Ontario home office, Milton Written tests in Landscape Industry Certified will take place on July 8, starting at 1 p.m. The following day, the CLT/CHT practical exterior/retail tests begin at 8 a.m. To register for the program, http://bit.ly/industrycertification. HORTICULTURE REVIEW - SEPTEMBER 15, 2010 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
E-mail suffix for all staff members: @landscapeontario.com Executive director Tony DiGiovanni CHT, ext. 304, tonydigiovanni@ Executive assistant Kathleen Pugliese, ext. 309, kpugliese@
President
President: Mark Williams Board rep: Garry Moore
Past president
Garden Centre
Controller Joe Sabatino, ext. 310, jsabatino@
Grounds Management
Administrative assistant Jane Leworthy, ext. 301, jleworthy@
Tom Intven, tintven@ Robert Adams, robertadams@ First vice-president
Tim Kearney CLP, tkearney@
Chair: Michael Van Dongen Board rep: Bob McCannell, bmccannell@
Second vice-president
Chair: Mike DeBoer, CHT Board rep: Brian Marsh
Secretary/treasurer
Growers
Phil Charal, pcharal@ Jacki Hart CLP
Provincial Board Durham Chapter
President: Greg Scarlett Board rep: Mark Humphries, mhumphries@
Chairs: Mark Ostrowski Board rep: Dave Braun
Interior Plantscapes
Chair and board rep: Stephen Schell CHTI
Irrigation
Manager, education, and labour development, Sally Harvey CLT, CLP, ext. 315, sharvey@
Education, labour, and certification project coordinator Rachel Burt, ext. 326, rachelb@ Seminar and safety group coordinator Kathy McLean, ext. 306, kathym@ Membership coordinator, Helen Hassard, ext. 354, hhassard@ Chapter coordinator, Georgian Lakelands Chapter Heather Williams, ext. 370, hwilliams@
Chair: Chris Le Conte Board rep: Steve Macartney CIT, smacartney@
Chapter coordinator, London Chapter Wendy Harry, 519-488-0818, wharry@
President: Michael LaPorte CHTC Board rep: Warren Patterson
Landscape Contractors
Chapter coordinator, Ottawa Chapter Martha Walsh, ext. 368, mwalsh@
Golden Horseshoe Chapter
Lawn Care
Manager, information technology Ian Service, 416-848-7555, iservice@
Georgian Lakelands Chapter
President: Tim Cruickshanks, tcruickshanks@ Board rep: Walter Hasselman
London Chapter
President: Tim Cradduck, tcradduck@ Board rep: Peter Vanderley CLP
Ottawa Chapter
President: Sarah Johnston Board rep: Bruce Morton CLP, CIT
Toronto Chapter
President: Fiona Penn Zieba Board rep: Ryan Heath CLP
Upper Canada Chapter
President: Diana Cassidy-Bush CLP Board rep: Paul Doornbos CHTM, CLP
Waterloo Chapter President: Rob Tester Board rep: David Wright
Chair and board rep: Peter Guinane Chair: Steve Tschanz Board rep: Alan White, awhite@
Landscape Design
Chair: Tony Lombardi CLD Board rep: Beth Edney CLD, bedney@
Lighting
Manager, Pesticide Industry Council Tom Somerville, tsomerville@ Nursery technical analyst Francesco Pacelli, ext. 377, fpacelli@ Executive director Ontario Parks Association Paul Ronan, ext. 349, pronan@
Chair and Board rep: John Higo
Director of events and trade shows Gilles Bouchard, ext. 323, gbouchard@
Snow and Ice Management
Trade show manager Paul Day CDE, ext. 339, paulday@
Chair: Ed Hewis Board rep: Gerald Boot CLP, geraldboot@
Members at Large Gregg Salivan Bruce Warren
CNLA Board Rep
Gerald Boot CLP, geraldboot@
Horticulture Review 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 2010, 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).
For subscription and address changes, please e-mail subscriptions@landscapeontario.com
4 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - SEPTEMBER 15, 2010
Trade show coordinator Linda Nodello, ext. 353, lnodello@ Director of public relations Denis Flanagan CLD, ext. 303, dflanagan@ Publisher Lee Ann Knudsen CLP, ext. 314, lak@ Editorial director Sarah Willis, ext. 313, sarahw@ Editor Allan Dennis, ext. 320, aldennis@ Web editor Robert Ellidge, ext. 312, rob@
The Voice of Landscape Ontario
September 15, 2010 • Volume 28, No. 9
Trade show manager Lorraine Ivanoff, ext. 366, lpi@
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
Art director Melissa Steep, 647-723-5447, msteep@ Graphic designer Mike Wasilewski, ext. 343, mikew@ Sales manager, publications Steve Moyer, ext. 316, stevemoyer@ Communications assistant Angela Lindsay, ext. 305, alindsay@
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Native plants, and two ideals of beauty By Tom Intven LO president
A
t the July Board meeting, we voted unanimously to institute a new award in honour of one of our recently deceased forefathers, Horst Dickert. Horst, especially in his later years, was an avid proponent of native plants in the landscape. The Horst Dickert Award will recognize the best use of native plant material in the landscape. The use of natives in the landscape is Tom Intven a complex issue, the roots of which (no pun intended) go way back in history. On the commercial side, in today’s market natives dominate over non-natives, as they have been pushed by municipalities, conservation authorities and development planners in the last 10 years or so. Tender calls predominantly list native species as requirements. It is generally perceived that natives are more disease resistant and better adapted to our climate and soil types. There is also the threat of the non-natives becoming invasive and dominating the native population, as is the case with Norway maple, which casts such dense shade that it adversely affects the establishment of native seedlings. Natives also vulnerable It should be noted that, contrary to popular belief, natives are just as vulnerable to disease, when overplanted, as non-natives. Rick Vanderkruk, president of Connon Nurseries NVK, says the widespread overplanting of Viburnum trilobum (highbush cranberry) in the past 20 years has had devastating results on the commercial landscape when viburnum beetle recently appeared and virtually wiped them out in a few summers. This case is also a result of limited availability of diverse native species. There are other issues with native plants, like seed source to ensure biotypical hardiness, and cultivars. The issue of cultivars of natives is difficult to figure out for the environmental purists. How do they fit in? Cultivars are frowned upon, because they are hybrids that are asexually propagated. There is some toler-
ance from the extremists south of the border. In the U.S., there is a new branded program called ‘American Beauties’ started by Steve Castorani, promoting the planting of native shrubs in the residential landscape. They have partnered with the World Wildlife Fund, contributing a portion of sales to their cause in exchange for their endorsement. The WWF has accepted cultivars of native plants into the program to allow for more foliage and flower appeal in the line-up. On the residential side, served by the garden centres, natives have not had any significant uptake to date. It’s still all about colour and visual appeal. Natives tend to fare poorly in the WOW category. Roots in religion The philosophical conflict over natives (and natural landscapes) vs. highly cultivated hybrids (and highly manicured landscapes) has its roots in religious history. In the twelfth century, St. Francis of Assisi founded the philosophical basis for appreciation of nature and the naturalistic movement. He saw God’s love expressed through all creatures, the forest and the beauty of natural landscapes. The patron saint of the environment (and animals) believed that nature praised God most when it was left untouched where all living things could live in their natural state of harmony. Modern supporters of the environmental movement have seized upon St. Francis’s precepts, suggesting that the most pleasing created landscapes are those which emulate natural landscapes (and ecosystems). In the early sixth century, conditions were ripe for St. Benedict to establish the principles that glorified work and the control of nature to glorify God. St. Benedict, the founder of Western monastic life, carved the first monasteries from the swamps and mountains in the Roman countryside. He proposed regular working hours for all men, not just slaves, saying that the greatest disciplinary force for human nature is work; idleness is its ruin. His monks cleared swamps and briar patches, creating gardens that were tended daily. Benedict believed that mankind praised God most when he worked. Proponents of St. Benedict’s philosophy of work and life value highly cultivated and tended gardens more than natural landscapes, because they represent the fruits of man’s labour. They feel that it is the action of
working to enhance and beautify nature that praises God. These two philosophies of landscapes and landscaping continually challenge each other in our industry today. There are strong proponents of each in our industry and in our client base, no matter within which sector we operate. While the environmental movement is claiming small victories on several fronts, I propose that the silent majority still appreciates a highly tended garden featuring cultivated hybrids that have heightened colour and appeal. Greenhouse, garden centre and nursery sales also verify this. I believe, as St. Benedict did, that our preference for these types of landscapes comes from our appreciation of the work that has gone into them. That being said, I still love to look at and appreciate the natural beauty of the Canadian landscape. Tom Intven may be reached at 519-631-1008, or tintven@landscapeontario.com.
HORTICULTURE REVIEW - SEPTEMBER 15, 2010 5
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
State of the economy – part two Tony DiGiovanni CHTR LO executive director
L
ast month I reported on the state of the economy survey which was sent out to members in the Garden Centre Sector Group. This month we include the rest of the sectors. Reporting on survey details takes a lot of space and analysis. It is better to give you direct access to this information. You can analyze it based on your own perspective and unique requirements. Please enter the following links Tony DiGiovanni to your web browser. Landscape construction — http://bit.ly/landscapeconstruction General notes: A total of 75 per cent of the members report a good year, although their margins are down. Job values are lower. The survey
shows that 70 per cent are optimistic about the future. The same percentage of members made no extra concessions to customers, based on the economy. A perennial concern is pricing. There are many contractors working for what they term little money. Landscape Maintenance — http://bit.ly/landscapemaintenance General notes: The survey revealed that 78 per cent of maintenance contractors report a good year, while 80 per cent are optimistic about the future. A total of 40 per cent made pricing concessions to their clients. This perhaps reflects greater competition, or insecurity on the part of the maintenance contractors. Pricing is a huge issue for the sector. Irrigation — http://bit.ly/LOirrigation General notes: After the last two years of wet weather, it is not surprising to see that the irrigation sector is up. Only 10 per cent said that they were down from last year. A total of 80 per cent of respondents reported increased margins. What a difference the weather makes. The vast majority are satisfied with the year, so far. Nursery — http://bit.ly/LOnursery General notes: For 68 per cent of those who answered the survey, sales are down this year. What is interesting about this survey is that more plants were sold, yet sales were down. This speaks to the perennial issue of over-production in the sector. The majority said they would reduce their production for next year. A total of 67 per cent reported reduced profits, with 33 per cent believing next year will be the same and they feel that next year will be worse. The other third of the respondents marked they are optimistic about next year’s sales. Lawn care — http://bit.ly/lolawncare General notes: This sector was the hardest hit, because of the pesticide ban. Only 10 per cent report increased sales. The rest have experienced declines, with 35 per cent down by as much as 10 per cent of their business, while five per cent have had very serious declines up to 50 per cent over last year. Some reported up to a 70 per cent decline in weed control revenues. A huge 89 per cent of the sector has experienced a decline in margins. Even with this serious setback, it was interesting to note that 65 per cent of those who responded to the survey indicated they were moderately satisfied or satisfied with their year so far.
6 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - SEPTEMBER 15, 2010
Interior landscaping — http://bit.ly/LOinterior General notes: Only four companies responded to the interior landscape survey, so these comments are not statistically relevant, however, they still may be helpful. Two companies said they experienced significant growth and that margins have not been eroded. All of them indicated they are satisfied with the way the year has gone. A couple of companies are concerned about the negative effect of the HST, but most are optimistic about the future. Garden centre — http://bit.ly/LOgardencentre The full report can be found in last month’s Horticulture Review or at the link above. And, now for something completely different I am frequently inspired by the contribution ethic within our membership. In many respects the association is like a church or family. One of the most common motivations for member activity is the desire to make a positive difference and to leave a legacy of benefit. President Tom Intven refers to this as the ‘LO gene.’ I think of it as the LO disease, because it spreads and infects a lot of members. Recently I received an email from Mark Cullen, highlighting once more the legacy ethic of many of our members. Mark asked what I thought of his whacky idea. Mark is offering a wonderful life-changing opportunity for a select group of young people (under 30) to discuss and learn about the future of farm, garden and environmental communications in Canada. He is looking for 10 future leaders, broadcasters and communicators. This think-tank will meet in Unionville on Saturday mornings, from 9 to 11 a.m., once per month for six months, beginning in September. Participants will explore the future of mass communications, as it relates to the farm, environment and home garden. They will also stretch and extend the imagination to help shape the future of our industry. This will be an amazing opportunity for 10 young people. If you know anyone who might be interested, please contact Brenda Hensley bhensley@markschoice.com at 905-655-0820 for more information. Tony DiGiovanni may be reached at tonydigiovanni@landscapeontario.com.
PROFESSIONAL AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Qualified, trusted and recognized By Sally Harvey CLT, CLP Education and Labour Development Department
J
uly was a busy month! Certification testing was held on July 8 and 9, while days prior were spent preparing for the test by our truly dedicated committee: Adam Bonin CHTM of Garden Wizard, Don Chase CLD of Seferian Design Group, Brian Cocks CHTM of Brian Cocks Nursery and Landscaping, Carl De Boer CHTC of Whispering Pines Nursery, Jeff Gilberds CLP, CHTM of Clintar Sally Harvey Groundskeeping, Leon Hordyk of Moonshadow Lighting, LO president Tom Intven of Canadale Nurseries, Kennedy Johnston CHTM of Peter Knippel Nursery, Chris Le Conte of Smart Water Systems, Jeff Lowartz CHTM of Heritage Green Landscape Contractors, Mike Lunau CHTC of Eden Garden Works, Mike McGrath CHTM of Heritage Green, Terry Nicholson CHTM of Clintar Groundskeeping, John O’Leary CHTM
of Clintar Groundskeeping, Frank Selles CHTC of Framar Landscape and Maintenance Contractors, James Smith of Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture, Steve Tschanz of Turf Management Systems, Phillip Van Alstyne CHTI, Joel Beatson CLP of Canadian Nursery Landscape Association, and LO staff members Tony DiGiovanni CHTR, Sally Harvey and Rachel Cerelli. The weather brought near-record temperatures combined with humidity, and then the practical test day delivered a welcome but rather inconvenient rainfall. The industry worked hard to make this test a success yet again. Thanks go out to the committee, volunteers, candidates and sponsors! The following candidates stepped up to prove their competence this year by achieving their respective certification. July 8 and 9: Scott Ranney CIT, Mark Abbey CIT, Chris Diacur CLT-T, Chris Downey
CLT-H, Nick Fratoni CLT-T, Ryan Heath CLT-H, Mark Mastantuono CLT-H, Eli McDonald CLT-OHS, Damen Merrylees CLT-O, Steve Ribbink CLT-H, and Scott Scherrer CLT-H. Jan. 14 at Congress trade show: Jared Bell CIT, Arthem De Guzman CIT and Chris Ray CIT. Feb. 17 at Green Trade: Vito Muro CIT. Mar. 18 at Canada Blooms: Mike Brown CIT, Jennifer Portsmouth CIT, Andrew Snelgrove CIT and Brent Tripp CLP. Apr. 9 at Landscape Ontario home office: John Hewson CLP, Jeff Rowan CLP, Paul Barker CIT, Mark Broome CIT, Dawn Dinesen CIT, Trevor Donaldson CIT, Rob Forbes CIT, Mansour Ghardi CIT, Josh Moes CIT, Kyle Murphy CIT, Matteo Ottaviano CIT, Steve Prankie CIT, Norm Vincent CIT, Chris Wedekind CIT, Josh Willms CIT, Wael Yassin CIT, Scott Young CIT, Rino Cacciotti CIT and Chris Little CIT. In August, your staff members, Rachel Cerelli and I, attended the national certification meetings in P.E.I. I can tell you that certification is growing at a healthy rate across Canada. We attribute this growth to a number of activities: • Progressive employers are increasing their investment in training to sustain a stable and professional work force. • An increase in tender packages that require certified people on staff. • Dedicated employees who want to prove their competence through certification. • Secondary school students participating in the Specialist High Skills Major Landscape Horticulture program, are challenging certification and continuing on the journey. • Post secondary students are beginning to challenge the test with the program now offered as an integrated part of the curriculum. • Apprenticeship students are encouraged to become Landscape Industry Certified. • Increase in consumer awareness and the expectation of certified contractors undertaking their projects. • The strong partnership with PLANET in the U.S. in delivering the Landscape Industry Certification that is recognized across North America. “Get Certified!”
Ontario One-Call: Dig safe! Please remember to call before you dig, whether you are excavating for a construction project, or even planting a tree. According to the Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance, the green industry has the highest number of NO-CALL events. This means that the excavator causing an event did NOT have locates. For the green industry, this has hovered around the 70 per cent mark since 2005. However, in 2009, this total decreased to 62 per cent. This is a significant decrease in NO-CALL events for the green industry. This is good news, but as always, there is room for improvement. No-call events/damages result in severe fines to the contractor. Avoiding these fines are simple: call 1-800-400-2255 or go to www.on1call.com. Sally Harvey may be contacted at sharvey@landscapeontario.com.
A RCHITECTURALLY D ESIGNED
GARDEN BUILDINGS
GAZEBOS AND S HELTERS
Tel.: (905) 563-8133 • Fax: (905) 563-7526 Visit us at: www.limestonetrail.com
HORTICULTURE REVIEW - SEPTEMBER 15, 2010 7
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Promote, Promote, Promote By Denis Flanagan CLD Director of public relations
M
any of you may be familiar with the following fable. It reflects what happens when we cut back or fail to promote our businesses. That is something many fall into, mostly through fear. During these days of continual bombardment with doom and gloom about the economy, it might be a good time to re-visit the famous story of the hot dog vendor. Denis Flanagan
The Hotdog Vendor A man lived by the side of the road, where he sold hot dogs. He was hard of hearing, so he had no radio, and he had trouble with his eyes, so he had no newspaper. But he sold good hot dogs. He put up a sign on the highway, telling
everyone how good his hot dogs tasted. He would stand by the side of the road and cry, “Buy a hot dog, mister!” And people bought. The hot dog vendor soon increased his meat and bun order, and he bought a bigger stove to take care of his trade. His son arrived home from college to help him. But then something happened. His son said, “Father, haven’t you been listening to the radio? There’s a big Depression on. The international situation is terrible, and the domestic situation is even worse.” Whereupon the father thought, “Well, my son has gone to college. He listens to the radio and reads the newspaper, so he ought to know.” So, the father cut down on the bun order, took down his advertising sign, and no longer bothered to stand on the highway to sell hot dogs. His hot dog sales fell almost overnight. “You were right, son, we are certainly in the middle of a Great Depression.” Promotion Promotion is more important than ever in this very competitive market, but it does not have
to be in the form of traditional, but sometimes costly, methods of advertising. Being savvy about media opportunities can go a long way to promoting your company. We subscribe to a news clipping service every month to keep track of members in the news. Each month we see our members highlighted in newspaper and magazine stories. For instance, in July, Arvils Lukss of Landscapes by Lucin was featured in Reno & Decor magazine in regards to creating a beautiful front entrance. And, the Bloor West Town Crier featured Adam Gracey of D.A. Gracey and Associates. These are just two examples of how the news media needs and uses our experts to help create information articles. The bottom line is that investing some time in keeping your company in the headlines and promoting your marketing advantage with the Landscape Ontario/ Green for Life brand, it will keep you one step ahead of the competition and hopefully provide some cash flow to buy hot dogs for a staff barbecue. Please contact me if you need some help, or content for media stories from our communications team, dflanagan@landscapeontario.com.
Growers to tour Niagara region The LO Growers Group annual tour on Sept. 14 will head to the Niagara region for a day of visiting some great nurseries and fellowship. Stops include Connon Nurseries CBV Holdings, Blue Sky Nursery, J.C. Bakker & Sons, Mori Nurseries, Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. Cost is $65 per person, which includes breakfast, snacks, lunch and supper. Bus pick-up locations are from Milton, departing at 6:55 a.m. at south-west corner of James Snow Parkway and Steeles Avenue (401 to the south, Steeles to the north entrance off of Steeles Avenue), or Connon Nurseries CBK Holdings on Robson Road Farm in Waterdown, at around 8 a.m. To register, contact Kathleen Pugliese at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 309.
8 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - SEPTEMBER 15, 2010
SYSTEMS FOR SUCCESS
Six steps to create a snow budget for year-round profit By Mark Bradley
In this month’s article, Dan and Bill discuss creating a year-round budget for snow operations.
D
an spent years doing snow and ice control. He believed snow was profitable, but some of his equipment sat idle during the summer. What was that costing him? Were his snow operations as profitable as he thought? Was he making any summer profit, or just covering costs? To find these answers, Dan started to build a budget for his snow and ice season, but he had several quesMark Bradley tions. Dan met Bill to discuss the issue. “I don’t need you to convince me that I need a snow budget,” Dan began, “but I do need help putting together my snow budget. I’m not sure how to separate my snow and ice budget from the rest of my company. Some expenses, like rent, are carried by the entire business, not just snow.” Bill nodded, “Follow me and we’ll work through building your snow and ice budget together one step at a time… Step one: sales “I start my budgets with a sales forecast. Look at three- to five-year historical sales, and go back a few years. Snow is unpredictable, so a three to five year average will help build accurate projections. You also need to find annual snowfall data. Historical snowfall data is on the Internet.” Environment Canada: http://climate. weatheroffice.gc.ca/climate_normals/index_e. html, or The Weather Network: http://www. theweathernetwork.com/statistics/. Step two: field labour budget “With a completed sales forecast, it’s easier to determine field labour expenses. Forecast field labour costs, only for snow operations. Make labour costing simpler by looking at historical snow and ice labour as a percentage of annual sales. If you know that, historically labour costs are 25 per cent of sales, it’s easier to forecast future labour costs.”
Step three: equipment budget “Next, forecast your snow equipment costs. This budget isn’t going to include all of your equipment; it’s only going to be the equipment you use in your snow and ice operations. Some people budget all their equipment as overhead. This is OK if all your jobs use roughly the same equipment. For most accurate pricing, budget your equipment separately and put equipment costs directly into each bid. “Start with the expected costs of fuel, insurance, repairs. Use accounting data from previous years to determine how much of your fuel costs are incurred from Nov. 15 through Mar. 15, and do the same for your repairs. Use this information, as well as any changes in your fleet, to help build your equipment expense forecasts. “Next, plan your ownership costs. Budget your lease/loan expenses. If you own your equipment, budget to cover purchase costs. Your owned equipment is not free – you paid for it! If you want to run a profitable business, the costs of owned equipment must be paid by your customers, not your company. “Next, assign these ownership costs to your snow budget. If you use trucks in snow and in summer, book one-third of annual ownership costs to your snow budget and the rest to your summer budget. If you have equipment that only works in the winter, book 100 per cent of its costs to your snow budget, even if you pay those costs all year round. Step four: material budget “Your materials budget needs to forecast your expenses for salt and de-icing materials. Look at your historical numbers. Divide each year’s previous material costs by your previous sales to find the material ratio. Knowing previous spending ratios helps build better forecasts. Step five: subcontracting budget “Many contractors sub-contract a lot of snow work. Review your new sales goals, and labour budget, then forecast your snow and ice subcontracting costs. Step six: overhead budget “Here’s the tricky part, Dan, splitting overhead. You might split your overhead costs by time (one-third of overhead costs to snow) or by revenue (if snow revenue is 20 per cent of your sales, then assign that percentage of your overhead costs to your snow budget). Both methods are better than nothing, but I don’t find either one
particularly accurate. “Sit down and review each overhead account specifically. Assign each overhead expense to your divisions (snow, construction, maintenance) using a percentage. I assign 80 per cent of my advertising to construction, because that’s where we spend our advertising dollars. On the other hand, I assign 100 per cent of my bonding expenses to snow and ice, because we only tender snow work. With rent, I split that across all divisions based on the length of the season: 33 per cent to snow and ice, 67 per cent to my summer divisions. With this method, we get an accurate picture of exactly how much overhead each division needs to recover. “And that’s it, Dan. Subtract your expense and overhead budgets from your sales budget to ensure you are profitable. Go back and revise your plan until you’re planning the profit you want. That’s your goal – to build a plan to achieve a fair profit. “Once profitable, use your budget to calculate your snow and ice pricing. Calculate overhead markups, specifically for your snow and ice division. Now take the costs of your labour, equipment, materials, and subs, and add your snow overhead and profit markups to price jobs accurately and profitably. “As you add sales revenues, your overhead markups typically drop, meaning you can price more aggressively. With large bids or tenders, plan your best price before you bid by adding the potential sales (and expenses) to a budget. Calculate new markups and prices. When bidding large jobs, you can often reduce prices without reducing profit, since overhead spending won’t change whether you win or lose the work. A budget can help calculate your most competitive rates for large contracts, before you even win them.” Dan was putting it all together now, “And of course, I can see myself making better decisions specifically for snow. I’ll know when to use subs, when I can afford to purchase equipment, and which equipment is worth buying vs. renting. I feel like I’m in control again. Thanks again, Bill.” Check out Landscape Management Network’s free snow and ice budget training videos on YouTube at: www.youtube.com/ lmnvideo. Mark Bradley is the president of The Beach Gardener and Landscape Management Network, www.landscapemanagementnetwork.com.
HORTICULTURE REVIEW - SEPTEMBER 15, 2010 9
HORT PROTECT
The oral health of Canadians By W. Michael Thomas, CFP, CLU, CH.F.C., R.F.P.
A
national survey was recently conducted by Statistics Canada with data collected for the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS). This information was gathered from about 6,000 people in 15 communities, who were randomly selected across Canada between March 2007 and February 2009. This information provides an important update to the last clinically measured national survey of oral health from 1972. In the initial phase, CHMS collected information using interviews related to nutrition, smoking habits, alcohol use, medical history, oral health, current health status, demographic and socio-economic characteristics. The second phase included more direct measurements, such as blood pressure, height, weight, blood and urine samples, clinical oral examination and physical fitness. Some sample findings from the oral health component of the CHMS include:
• Dental insurance prevalence: 62 per cent of Canadians have private dental insurance; six per cent have public (governmentfunded) insurance, and 32 per cent have no dental insurance. • Almost three-quarters of Canadians saw a dentist in the previous nine months compared with almost 50 per cent in the last national survey in 1972. • Annual visit rate for check-ups or treatment is greatly influenced by income (85 per cent higher income vs. 58 per cent lower income) and insurance (84 per cent privately insured vs. 56 per cent not insured). • A total of 36 per cent of non-insured people avoid visiting a dental professional within the last year because of costs vs. nine per cent for people privately insured. • An estimated 4.15 million working days for adults are lost annually due to dental visits or dental sick days. • Prevalence of decay on permanent teeth in children 6-11 years old has fallen from 74
per cent in the 1972 survey to less than 25 per cent. • Rate of toothless adults has fallen from 24 per cent in 1972 to six per cent. • About 0.8 per cent of adult Canadians have one or more implants and about 17 per cent have one or more dentures or bridges. • Deeper periodontal pockets are more prevalent as age increases. About 8.9 per cent of Canadians have one or more periodontal pockets that are 5 mm or more deep. (Pocket dept of 4 or 5 mm is considered moderate disease, while pocket depth of 6 mm or more is considered severe disease). • Oral conditions are strongly associated with smoking. Dental examiners found that 49 per cent of current smokers have some sort of treatment need identified compared to 30 per cent of those who have never smoked. • A total of 27 per cent of Canadians with private insurance require treatment (mostly restorations 15 per cent). • The survey found that 73 per cent of Canadians brush twice a day, and 28 per cent floss five or more times per week Future analysis The results of this survey may be used by researchers with future analysis to investigate the association of oral health with major health concerns such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease and exposure to environmental contaminants. The importance of good oral health has been a popular topic for quite some time and Canadians are listening, as they spent about $12.8 billion or about $360 per capita on professional dental care. These costs have increased faster than other conditions, such as mental health and cardiovascular disease. If you have any questions, contact Michael Thomas at the Investment Guild, 1-800-459-8990, info@hortprotect.com. W. Michael Thomas is a partner with Investment Guild, endorsed provider of the HortProtect Group Insurance Program, and is a director of Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation.
10 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - SEPTEMBER 15, 2010
Trial gardens show off best of the new plants Thousands of people driving the 401 west, near Milton, have seen from afar the beauty of the trial gardens on the grounds of Landscape Ontario. For two days in August, both members of the horticultural industry and the public had a chance to see those gardens up close. Displaying the newest in plant material, the Aug. 20 open house welcomed approximately 80 members of the horticultural industry who took advantage of the opportunity to view the gardens containing some of the latest plants. A co-operative effort among LO, the University of Guelph and the Ontario Parks Association, the open house on Friday saw visitors at the LO home office in Milton, while the afternoon featured the gardens at the University of Guelph. The following day, members of the public were invited to tour the LO gardens. The event was also part of the Milton Community in Bloom Garden Tour. Over 130 people came out to see the trial gardens on Saturday. Following opening remarks by LO’s executive director Tony DiGiovanni and trial garden manager Rodger Tschanz of the University of Guelph, attendees were treated to thought-provoking talks from Keith Osborne of Gro-Bark and Jack Legg from Agri-Food Laboratories on the subjects of soil amendments and soil nutrition. Tours of the trial gardens followed the speaker program. The LO gardens are split into a number of areas. Calibrachoas, Rieger begonias, New Guinea impatiens, lobelia and coleus were planted adjacent to the LO building. New hostas and other shade-loving perennials and annuals were planted in the boulevard garden at the entrance of the association’s home office property. The main trial site, in the big garden between the LO building and the 401, contains examples of perennials planted in 2008, 2009 and 2010, as well as annuals that should be on the shelves of garden centres next year. An area in this garden also has some unusual vegetables. One of the plants that continues to attract attention in the perennial beds, is Rudbeckia maxima — a six-foot tall rudbeckia. In another section of the main trial beds is a large area planted with bedding plants from the Vineland pack trial. These plants were grown and evaluated as greenhouse bedding plants at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. Once the greenhouse evaluation was finished, they were planted in the garden and containers at Milton, Guelph and Vineland. A selection of these same plants can also be found on display in a trial area at the Royal Botanical Gardens.
Proven Winners and Goldsmith Seeds both had display beds at this year’s LO trial. The PW bed highlighted the company’s old standbys, alongside new introductions such as Mercardonia Gold Dust. In contrast, the Goldsmith bed was planted with only nine cultivars, showing their effectiveness in mass planting. Vegetables for small urban gardens was the theme once again of the trial’s vegetable area. Red Velvet okra showed its potential as both an ornamental and food source. The winter squash, Marina di Chioggia, although not a compact-growing plant, produced mounds of bloom and some very unique looking knobby fruits. Visitors on both days had the opportunity to vote for their favourite plant. On Friday, the top choice among professionals was the Raspberry Blast petunia. It received seven votes, with the next closest, Sunrise Rose lantana, receiving five The annual trial gardens open house drew both industry and votes. The public didn’t agree, vot- consumers to view what will be on the shelves next year. ing for Angelonia Angelmist Purple Stripe as the top plant, while Cleome Sparkler Blooms of Bressingham, Dummen, Floranova, was a close second and the unusual coloured George Sant Greenhouses, Goldsmith Seeds, Petunia Pretty Much Picasso and Rudbeckia Jelitto Seeds, Myers Industries Lawn and Garden maxima tied for third. Group, Ontario Seed Company, PanAmerican Special appreciation goes to Keith Osborne Seed, Proven Winners, Seeds of Change, Sun of Gro-Bark for his support of this year’s trial Gro Horticulture, Suntory and Syngenta. Much appreciation goes to the followgarden. He also secured sponsorships for the industry event, gave a talk on soil nutrition and ing companies for sponsorship of the Trial manned the information booth at the public Garden Open House: Gro-Bark (Ontario), A.M.A. Plastics, Goldsmith Seeds, Agri-Food open house. Thank you to the following companies that Laboratories, Agrium Advanced Technologies, ensured the awareness and growth of the industry Fafard et Freres, KAM’s Growers Supply, by donating plant material and supplies for the Landsource Organix, Perlite Canada and open house: American Takii, Ball Horticulture, Plant Products.
HORTICULTURE REVIEW - SEPTEMBER 15, 2010 11
Expo ready to open windows to the world The trade show department staff members at Landscape Ontario have had a full slate of activity over the past year, building a new look,
Networking is one of he biggest attractions to Expo 2010.
gathering a great line-up of speakers, ensuring a variety of innovative plants and much more. It’s all in preparation for Landscape Ontario’s Expo 2010. “We don’t just tell you how to run your business successfully, we partner with the best vendors, the most innovative associations, the top landscape designers and floral artists and show you how to look your best and sell more,” says Lorraine Ivanoff, show manager. When Expo 2010, Window to the World, opens from Oct. 19 and 20, visitors will experience an extraordinary event. Merchandise display ideas, recent floral and plant introductions, innovative products and best practice tips from retail experts are what visitors can expect to take away for their customers. “Expo offers more than a chance to meet like-minded people,” said Ivanoff. “Each year through our blossoming partnerships with the Canadian Academy of Floral Art, Communities in Bloom – Ontario, Flowers Canada
(Ontario), Master Gardeners and the Niagara Economic Development Corporation, we seek opportunities to share our excitement about horticulture and floriculture. In sharing, we increase awareness through a wide variety of special interest groups and associations. Through partnerships we all prosper.” “From its inception, our goal for Expo has been to create a retail-focused trade show for the ornamental horticulture sector and transform it into Canada’s best fall show for the floral and garden industry,” said Tony DiGiovanni, executive director of Landscape Ontario. “The fall show is another opportunity to promote the economic value and growth potential for the green industry.” Visitors to Expo 2010 will meet vendors from Canada, the U.S. and beyond. Among returning exhibitors, after several years of absence, is the Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA), a non-profit association dedicated to helping growers from Florida, Tennessee and other southern states, bring high-value horticulture and floriculture products to Canada. Other returning exhibitors who recognize Expo’s place in the floral industry
Palace Perennials
Proudly growing fine perennials in Wyoming, Ontario for over 22 years • • • •
Over 1200+ varieties of perennials Many unique and hard to find varieties Available in 9 cm, 15 cm and 2 gal. pots Great fern and ornamental grass section, plus tropical vines, hardy vines and clematis • Herbs in 9 cm pots, waterplants with large picture tags • Ornamental grasses in 50 cells for growing on (and contract growing) Phone: 866-843-0438 (sales) or 519-542-8353 Fax: 519-542-1079
Robert Schuijt (on the road sales): 519-827-0853 Catalogue at www.sipkensnurseries.com 12 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - SEPTEMBER 15, 2010
are Hofland’s, Highland Evergreen, United Floral Distributors and Westbrook Floral. This year, Turf Revolution is co-sponsoring the Green for Life stage with Landscape Ontario, where master gardeners and plant scientists will discuss the latest trends and provide tips to help your customers cope with ever-changing garden challenges. “Education-based science and technical support takes the fear out of lawn care maintenance for professionals and knowledgeable gardening consumers,” said Tammy Lawrence, president, Turf Revolution. “We want to build a legacy that helps customers create a sustainable environment. Sponsoring the Green for Life stage is a positive step towards giving retailers the education and product knowledge they can use to create awareness and educate their own customers.” “As change moves us quickly into a new decade, I think that Expo, coupled with a full-day Garden Centre Symposium, is great value and an excellent draw for people in our industry,” says Perry Grobe of Grobe Nursery and Garden Centre, Breslau. “The presentations from international retail experts, like Eve Tigwell and Judy Sharpton, offer garden centre owners a lot of progressive and readily usable ideas and ways that will help them grow in areas not previously explored. Since this is the best time to buy for the spring of 2011, they will have plenty of products to see and purchase from the 275 vendors at Expo 2010. What more could you ask for to help your business grow forward?” Visit www.loexpo.ca to select the symposia you want to attend. Register yourself and your employees. Support industry suppliers by coming out to Expo, Oct. 19 and 20.
Expo provides a one-stop place to find all the latest trends and introductions in the floral world.
HORTICULTURE REVIEW - SEPTEMBER 15, 2010 13
MEMBERSHIP
Golf events provide fun and generous donations By Helen Hassard
T
he Upper Canada golf tournament on July 16 was great fun, resulting in proceeds going towards the local apprenticeship program. We can all feel proud of our day on the links, even if you’re not proud of your scorecard. The players enjoyed a hot and sunny day, followed by a huge steak dinner and prizes. The Toronto Chapter golf tournament was held the Helen Hassard following week, and also raised a great deal of funds for selected charities, the Sick Kids Foundation and Haiti Fund. The generosity didn’t stop there, as the winners of the Poker Run (Tombro Trucking) donated its winnings back to the charities. The organizing committee asked golfers to select their favourite charity from a list, and money
that would normally pay for gifts went towards these worthy causes. Learning about Prosperity Partners In addition to golf tournaments, gearing up for winter Chapter meetings and preparing for membership renewal packages, I recently attended the Building your Prosperity seminar, the starting block for The Prosperity Partners program. The six hours I spent learning about building a better business were extremely valuable to me, as I found most of what was taught translated beyond running your own business. When I applied the principles to myself, it helped me to better understand my own goals, strengths and weakness. Learning how to view yourself and your business objectively is an excellent tool for improvement. I also found the day’s seminar very inspiring, as my fellow students were all extremely eager to learn and improve their businesses. I have faith that each one of them will see improvements in their business, if they
Winkelmolen Nursery Ltd. For Bareroot and Container Grown Trees
• Native • Shade • Ornamental
148 Lynden Road, P.O. Box 190 Lynden, Ontario L0R 1T0 Tel: 519-647-3912 Fax: 519-647-3720
www.winkelmolen.com 14 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - SEPTEMBER 15, 2010
remember what they learned and keep that enthusiasm going strong. Don’t forget that we have a series of fun fall events coming up soon. Golden Horseshoe and Georgian Lakelands will both host respective chicken roasts on Sept. 16, and Toronto, in partnership with the Toronto Botanical Gardens, is hosting Artistry with Bulbs on Sept. 16, as well. On Sept. 22 Durham is hosting the fall barbecue and supplier night, and on Oct. 15, LO members will enjoy the Argos against the Ti-Cats football game; you can purchase tickets and register online at www.horttrades.com. Generous sponsors Thank you to our generous sponsors for supporting the Upper Canada golf tournament: A and B Precast Manufacturing, Connon Nurseries/CBV Holdings, Fresh Landscaping and Garden Solutions, HortProtect, Oaks Concrete, Richvale York – Oaks and Willowlee Sod Farms. A big thank you to our generous sponsors for supporting the Toronto golf tournament: Al Miley and Associates, Al 4 Recycling, Beaver Valley Stone, Bluestone Landscaping, Boekestyn Greenhouses, Brookdale Treeland Nurseries, Bruce Wilson Landscaping, Caledon Treeland, Commander Industries, Contrans Group, Cornerstone, DEL Equipment, Douglas Wood Large Tree Services, Draganjac Pressman Chartered Accountants, Dufferin Aggregates, Envirobond, Fernview Construction, Firstbrook, Cassie and Anderson, Freemont Landscaping, Future Road Solutions, G and L Group, Glen Echo Nurseries, Golfers Green, Gro-Bark, Hanson Hardscapes, Harmony Printing, Hartwell Irrigation and Technical Services, Hermanns Contracting, Hillen Nursery, HortProtect, Humber Nurseries, Investors Group, Juergen Partridge Ltd., Lawn Barber, LNR Alarms, Maple Farm Supply, New Roads National Leasing, North Star Landscaping, Phazer Electric, Pioneer Flower Farms, Remax – Al Spizirri, Sheridan Nurseries, Sinclair-Cockburn Financial, Sora Contractors, Southland Insurance, Sycamore Landscape, Targa Landscaping and Construction, Techniseal, TFP Media, Tombro Trucking, Toronto Congress Centre, TradeWinds International Sales, Unilock, Vander Hoeven Greenhouses and Zander Sod.
Chapter News Two LO chapters enjoy ball tournaments The 2010 LO baseball season included two tournaments, with Waterloo Chapter holding its event on Aug. 22 at the Bloomingdale ball fields, while the Toronto Chapter enjoyed a day on the diamonds on Aug. 15 in Richmond Hill. Waterloo members had a fantastic day with plenty of baseball, ball hockey and barbecued treats. Overall, the day felt more like a big family picnic than a competitive day on the field. The Waterloo team members all earned their lunch by helping prepare food on the barbecue and shuck corn on the cob. The tournament wrapped up with some exciting games between Moser Landscape Group and TNT Property Maintenance. Two games were required, as TNT went into the final undefeated, and could only be eliminated after being beaten twice by Moser. Helmut Zgraja from the Waterloo Chapter Board, said, “Thanks to all volunteers, espe-
cially the Testers (Rob, Linda and family) with all the help cooking and serving.” The Waterloo tournament has been a fixture within the Waterloo Chapter for many years. Based on the comments by the players, the event will be around for some time to come. Toronto ball tournament Toronto Chapter hosted its annual tournament with ten teams competing for the coveted first place trophy. In the end the team from Arbordale Landscaping/Moonstruck Landscape Lighting was victorious, leaving Stonemen’s Valley and Sheridan Nurseries in second and third place, respectively. Shannon Kroon, a player on Stonemen’s Valley, had this to say about the tournament, “It was a great day, and a good time for employees to get together outside of work and get to know each other.”
Blake Yensen of Moser Landscape Group takes a mighty swing to help his squad win the Waterloo tournament.
Overall the tournament was a huge success and those teams that didn’t win a prize, still enjoyed a great day and fantastic barbecue lunch.
HORTICULTURE REVIEW - SEPTEMBER 15, 2010 15
Hillen Nursery Inc Botanical Name
Qty. 1 Gal Qty. 2 Gal Qty. 3 Gal Botanical Name Avail. Price Avail. Price Avail. Price
VINES Ampelopsis glandulosa Elegans 285 8.00 Aristolochia durior 14 6.00 157 Campsis radicans 86 8.00 Campsis radicans Balboa Sunset 61 8.00 Celastrus orbiculatus Hercules 258 8.00 Celastrus scandens Diana 213 8.00 Hydrangea anomala petiolaris 280 6.00 407 8.00 Lonicera japonica Halliana 138 8.00 Lonicera per. Belgica Select 63 8.00 Lonicera per. Serotina 108 8.00 Parthenocissus quinq. Engelmannii 72 6.00 Parthenocissus quinquefolia 165 6.00 Parthenocissus tricus. Veitchii 1,000 6.00 Polygonum aubertii 1,000 6.00 EVERGREENS Azalea Northern Lights 225 Buxus Faulkner 330 Buxus microphylla 264 5.00 382 Buxus X Green Gem 1,000 5.20 1,000 Buxus X Green Mound 1,000 5.00 1,000 Buxus X Green Mountain 1,000 5.00 361 Buxus X Green Velvet 1,000 5.20 1,000 Chamaecyparis pisifera Filifera 45 5.00 180 Chamaecyparis pisifera Filifera Aurea 293 5.00 Cotoneaster dammeri Coral Beauty 1,000 5.00 Cotoneaster dammeri Major 462 7.00 Cotoneaster microphyllus 178 5.00 45 Cotoneaster salicifolius Repens 1,000 7.00 Euonymus fortunei `Emerald ‘n Gold` 1,000 7.00 Euonymus fortunei Canadale Gold 305 5.00 1,000 7.00 Euonymus fortunei Coloratus 944 5.00 Euonymus fortunei Emerald Gaiety 1,000 7.00 Euonymus fortunei Emerald Gaiety BL 240 7.00 Euonymus fortunei Emerald ‘n Gold 195 5.00 Euonymus fortunei Goldtip 903 7.00 Euonymus fortunei Sarcoxie 277 7.00 Euonymus fortunei Sunrise 672 7.00 Euonymus fortunei Surespot 1,000 7.00 Euonymus fortunei Vegetus 258 7.00 Ilex X meserveae Blue Prince 970 5.00 Ilex X meserveae Blue Princess 1,000 5.00 703 Juniperus chinensis Gold Coast 104 5.00 399 Juniperus chinensis Gold Star 121 5.00 380 Juniperus chinensis Mint Julep 608 5.00 479 Juniperus chinensis Pfitz. Compacta 208 Juniperus chinensis San Jose 45 5.00 Juniperus communis Green Carpet 48 5.00 587 Juniperus conferta Blue Pacific 505 5.00 374 Juniperus horizontalis Andorra Compacta 1,000 5.00 1,000 Juniperus horizontalis Bar Harbor 158 5.00 258 Juniperus horizontalis Blue Prince 40 5.00 255 Juniperus horizontalis Icee Blue 396 6.00 1,000 Juniperus horizontalis Turquoise Spreader 407 Juniperus horizontalis Yukon Belle 122 5.00 983 Juniperus media Armstrongii 142 5.00 250 Juniperus procumbens nana 304 5.00 316 Juniperus sabina 307 Juniperus sabina Buffalo 165 5.00 261 Juniperus sabina Calgary Carpet 307 5.00 Juniperus squamata Blue Carpet 120 5.00 336 Juniperus squamata Blue Star 6 5.00 495 Juniperus virginiana Grey Owl 207 5.00 245 Larix laricina 382 7.00 Metasequoia glyptostroboides 307 7.00 Microbiota decussata 1,000 5.00 350 Picea abies Nidiformis 204
16 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - SEPTEMBER 15, 2010
11.00
13.50 11.00 11.00 11.20 11.00 11.00 11.20 11.00
Qty. 1 Gal Qty. 2 Gal Qty. 3 Gal Avail. Price Avail. Price Avail. Price
Picea glauca 1,000 7.00 Picea glauca Conica 249 Picea pungens glauca 636 7.00 Picea pungens glauca StJuan 696 7.00 Picea pungens Globosa 842 Pinus mugo var. mugo 1,000 Pinus strobus 10 5.00 1,000 Taxus cuspidata Aurescens 265 5.00 208 Taxus cuspidata nana 400 5.00 Taxus X media Densiformis 558 5.00 Taxus X media Hicksii 751 5.00 59 Taxus X media Hillii 158 5.00 1,000 Taxus X media Wardii 1,000 5.00 14 Thuja occidentalis 1,000 Thuja occidentalis Brabant 237 5.00 Thuja occidentalis Brandon 98 5.00 188 Thuja occidentalis Hetz’s Midget 121 5.00 151 Thuja occidentalis Little Giant 570 5.00 38 Thuja occidentalis Nigra 1,000 5.00 1,000 Thuja occidentalis Smaragd 1,000 5.00 1,000 Thuja occidentalis Wintergreen 582 5.00 522 Thuja plicata Spring Grove 54 5.00 324 Tsuga canadensis 1,000 5.00 60 7.00 1,000 Tsuga canadensis Jeddeloh 133 Yucca fil. Aureomarginata 198 Yucca filamentosa 229 7.00 56
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 13.50 11.00 11.00
DECIDUOUS SHRUBS 9.00
11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 13.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00
Acanthopanax sieboldianus 734 7.00 Acer ginnala 419 7.00 Acer rubrum 642 7.00 Acer saccharinum 700 7.00 Acer saccharum 427 7.00 Alnus rugosa 637 7.00 Amelanchier canadensis 1,000 7.00 11 Amelanchier laevis 176 7.00 Aronia mel. Autumn Magic 342 7.00 Aronia melanocarpa 667 7.00 Aronia X prunifolia Viking 253 7.00 Berberis thunbergii Concorde 192 6.00 98 9.50 7 Berberis thunbergii Rose Glow 495 6.00 375 Berberis thunbergii Royal Burgundy 350 Berberis thunbergii Royal Cloak 184 6.00 Betula papyrifera 401 7.00 Buddleia davidii Black Knight 442 7.00 Buddleia davidii Ellen’s Blue 404 7.00 Buddleia davidii Ile de France 583 7.00 Buddleia davidii Nanho Purple 476 7.00 Buddleia davidii Petite Plum 660 7.00 Buddleia davidii Pink Delight 443 7.00 Buddleia davidii Purple Prince 918 7.00 Buddleia davidii Royal Red 351 7.00 Buddleia davidii White Profusion 332 7.00 Caryopteris clandonensis Dark Knight 213 7.00 Caryopteris clandonensis Grand Blue 281 7.35 Cephalanthus occidentalis 299 7.00 Cercidiphyllum japonicum 247 7.00 Cercis canadensis 633 7.00 Chaenomeles speciosa Nivalis 262 7.00 Chaenomeles speciosa Rubra 692 7.00 Chaenomeles speciosa Texas Scarlet 668 7.00 Clethra alnifolia Paniculatum 310 7.00 Clethra alnifolia Pink Spire 467 7.00 Cornus alba Elegantissima 1,000 7.00 Cornus alba Gouchaultii 283 7.00 Cornus alba Ivory Halo 1,000 7.45 Cornus alba Red Gnome 340 7.00 Cornus alternifolia 258 7.00 Cornus amomum 680 7.00
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c. Botanical Name
Many More Cultivars and sizes available Qty. 1 Gal Qty. 2 Gal Qty. 3 Gal Botanical Name Avail. Price Avail. Price Avail. Price
Cornus racemosa 1,000 7.00 Cornus stolonifera (sericea) 721 7.00 Cornus stolonifera Bud’s Yellow 298 7.00 Cornus stolonifera Kelseyi 1,000 7.00 Corylus avellana Contorta 237 15.00 Cotinus coggygria purpurea 217 Cotoneaster acutifolius 628 7.00 Cotoneaster apiculatus 360 7.00 Cotoneaster horizontalis 359 7.00 Cotoneaster preacox Boer 1,000 7.00 Deutzia crenata Nikko 599 7.00 Deutzia gracilis 605 7.00 Deutzia gracilis Duncan 115 7.00 Deutzia X Strawberry Field 175 7.00 Diervilla lonicera 537 7.00 Euonymus alatus Compactus 1,000 5.00 1,000 Forsythia Kumson 493 7.00 Forsythia X inter. Northern Gold 1,000 7.00 Forsythia X intermedia Goldtide 318 7.00 Forsythia X intermedia Lynwood 627 7.00 Genista tinctoria Royal Gold 209 7.00 Hibiscus syriacus Diana 218 5.00 278 Hibiscus syriacus Lavender Chiffon 241 5.60 Hibiscus syriacus Marina 145 5.00 Hibiscus syriacus Woodbridge 468 5.00 4 Hydrangea arborescens Annabelle 1,000 7.00 Hydrangea macr. Bouquet Rose 276 7.00 Hydrangea paniculata Kyushu 472 7.00 Hydrangea paniculata Limelight 281 7.60 Hydrangea paniculata Little Lamb 529 7.60 Hydrangea paniculata Pinky Winky 571 7.60 Hydrangea paniculata Tardiva 263 7.00 Hydrangea quercifolia PeeWee 284 Hydrangea serrata Bluebird 268 7.00 Ilex verticillata Jim Dandy 410 7.00 Ilex verticillata Afterglow 1,000 7.00 Ilex verticillata Southern Gentleman 469 7.00 Ilex verticillata Winterred 267 7.00 Kerria japonica Pleniflora 296 7.00 Kolkwitzia amabilis Pink Cloud 1,000 7.00 Ligustrum jap. Aureomarginata 193 7.00 Ligustrum ovalufolium 298 Liriodendron tulipefera 378 8.50 Lonicera tatarica Arnold Red 395 7.00 Lonicera xylosteum Clavey’s Dwarf 592 7.00 Lonicera xylosteum Emerald Mound 956 7.00 Lonicera xylosteum Miniglobe 746 7.00 Magnolia stellata Royal Star 269 Magnolia X Butterfly 238 Magnolia X loebneri Leonard Messel 365 Magnolia x Susan 287 Philadelphus coronarius Aureus 475 7.00 Philadelphus Innocence 795 7.00 Philadelphus Minn.Snowflake Dwarf 459 7.00 Philadelphus X virginalis 695 7.00 Physocarpus opulifolius 547 7.00 Physocarpus opulifolius Diabolo 1,000 7.60 Physocarpus opulifolius nanus 304 7.00 Physocarpus opulifolius Seward 613 7.85 Populus tremuloides 675 7.00 Potentilla fruticosa Abbottswood 276 7.00 Potentilla fruticosa Coronation Triumph 1,000 7.00 Potentilla fruticosa Dakota Sunrise 1,000 7.00 Potentilla fruticosa Gold Drop 307 7.00 Potentilla fruticosa Goldfinger 518 7.00 Potentilla fruticosa Goldstar 1,000 7.00 Potentilla fruticosa McKay’s White 459 7.00 Potentilla fruticosa Tangerine 637 7.00 Prunus cistena 1,000 5.00 1,000 7.00
8.00
9.00
8.00 8.00
14.00
11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00
Qty. 1 Gal Qty. 2 Gal Qty. 3 Gal Avail. Price Avail. Price Avail. Price
Prunus virginiana 560 7.00 Quercus bicolor 523 7.00 Quercus macrocarpa 235 7.00 Quercus palustris 262 7.00 Quercus robur Fastigiata 1,000 9.00 Rhus aromatica Low Grow 1,000 7.00 Rhus typhina 1,000 7.00 Rhus typhina Tigers Eye 108 10.50 624 Rosa Henry Kelsey 394 7.00 Rosa Bonica 1,000 7.00 Rosa Carolina 1,000 7.00 Rosa J P Connell 543 7.00 Rosa palustris 277 7.00 Rosa rubrifolia 314 7.00 Rosa rugosa 1,000 7.00 Rosa rugosa Hansa 381 7.00 Rosa rugosa Morden Blush 405 7.00 Rosa x Champlain 288 7.00 Rubus odoratus 491 7.00 Salix discolor 1,000 7.00 Salix eriocephala 1,000 7.00 Salix exigua 1,000 7.00 Salix gracilis Purpurea Nana 1,000 7.00 Sambucus canadensis 559 7.00 Sambucus canadensis Aurea 723 7.00 Sambucus pubens 600 7.00 Sorbaria aitchisonii 340 7.00 Sorbaria sorbifolia 1,000 7.00 Sorbaria sorbifolia Sem 560 7.00 22 Spiraea alba 1,000 7.00 Spiraea arguta 472 7.00 Spiraea bumalda Gold Mound 1,000 7.00 Spiraea japonica Anthony Waterer 1,000 7.00 Spiraea japonica Crispa 1,000 7.00 Spiraea japonica Dakota Goldcharm 631 7.00 Spiraea japonica Darts Red 262 7.00 Spiraea japonica Flaming Mound 1,000 7.00 Spiraea japonica Froebelii 1,000 7.00 Spiraea japonica Genpei 324 Spiraea japonica Goldflame 1,000 7.00 Spiraea japonica Little Princess 1,000 7.00 Spiraea japonica Shirobana 589 7.00 Spiraea japonica White Gold 281 7.00 Spiraea nipponica Snowmound 520 7.00 Spiraea vanhouttei 1,000 7.00 Stephanandra incisa Crispa 478 7.00 Symphoricarpos albus 1,000 7.00 Symphoricarpos chenaultii Hancock 323 7.00 Syringa meyeri Palibin 269 7.00 Syringa patula Miss Kim 320 7.00 394 Syringa Tinkerbelle 900 7.50 Syringa vulgaris Primrose 245 7.00 Tilia cordata 350 7.00 Viburnum lentago 302 7.00 Viburnum opulus Roseum 313 7.00 20 Viburnum plicatum Mariesii 332 1 Viburnum trilobum 1,000 7.00 Weigela florida Alexandra 503 7.60 Weigela florida Bristol Ruby 367 7.00 Weigela florida Elvira 225 7.60 Weigela florida French Lace 391 7.60 Weigela florida Java Red 305 7.00 Weigela florida Minuet 391 7.00 Weigela florida Nana Variegata 716 7.00 Weigela florida Polka 625 7.00 Weigela florida Purpurea Nana 1,000 7.00 Weigela florida Red Prince 415 7.00 Weigela florida Rumba 626 7.00 Weigela florida Tango 321 7.00
12.50
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8.00
8.00
RR 2, Mount Brydges, ON N0L 1W0 Tel: 519-264-9057 • Fax: 519-264-1337 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - SEPTEMBER 15, 2010 17
WSIB announces changes to re-entry program The WSIB is making significant changes to its labour market re-entry (LMR) program. This year, the WSIB is integrating its LMR and return to work (RTW) programs into the new Work Reintegration Program. This is an in-house service managed directly by WSIB staff. In a statement by the WSIB, “The intention is to make greater use of Ontario’s public education system to provide injured workers with relevant, practical skills that will help them return to work either with the accident employer or in the open job market. The new program will focus on helping employers retain and retrain their injured workers.” The key goals of the program are to: • Maintain the employment relationship
between the worker and accident employer, where possible. • Reintegrate injured workers into decent, safe and sustainable jobs by providing workers with marketable skills and valid credentials. • Provide injured workers with effective and meaningful input and choice regarding training goals. • Ensure workers are fairly compensated for their loss of earnings. WSIB staff will start managing Work Reintegration referrals starting in November of this year. New training and education services are expected to be in place by early 2011.
LO Safety Groups preparing for 2011 The 2011 Safety Groups Program is set to begin a new season. The program offers member firms an opportunity to promote health and safety in the workplace. The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) administers the program. Member firms may receive, along with improved safety
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records, financial benefits in the form of rebates from the WSIB. Those firms that have taken part in the program give it high approval ratings. For more information, and to download a 2011 Safety Group application form, go to http://bit.ly/safetygroup.
Demand for Fiesta outweighs early supply Cam Wilson, chief technical officer of Neudorff North America, told Horticulture Review that demand from lawn care professionals for Fiesta this year far outweighed the forecasts. “We apologize to anyone who did not have the opportunity to use Fiesta this spring and summer. Supplies for fall 2010 application of Fiesta are good,” said Wilson. “We continue to research ways of improving Fiesta’s activity on lawn weeds and our aim is to lower the overall rates,” he said. “With 2010 almost behind us and with a better understanding of the volumes, planning for the 2011 season has started.” The company says that early-order programs and production improvements through fall 2010 will ensure a continuous supply early in 2011 and throughout next season. “We do not expect any Fiesta shortages for next season in anticipation of the Ontario demand and other provincial pesticide bans,” says Wilson. Wilson says that in some cases a follow-up application of Fiesta has been necessary for large or hard-to-kill weeds. “The low end of the label rates are being applied, I believe. Results at Guelph Turfgrass Institute are looking favourable.” Wilson is one of the speakers at the 2011 IPM Symposium on Jan. 10 at Toronto Congress Centre.
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Foundation announces 2010 scholarship winners The Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation (OHTF) has announced its list of 2010 scholarship recipients. The Foundation administers an endowment fund to support scholarships and research for the horticulture industry. The scholarships, which total over $20,000, go to both secondary and postsecondary students. In the postsecondary category, the recipients of $1,000 scholarships are: Marcel Bombardier, St. Clair College; Laura Caddy and Luke Serbina, both of Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture; Sarah Gregory and Becky Smith, both of Fanshawe College; Ethan Langerak and Henry Sikkema, both of Niagara College; Shawn MacMillan, Algonquin College; Sean May, University of Guelph; Krista Palmer, Seneca College; Robyn Read, Algonquin College. The Horticulturist Scholarship for $500 went to Dennis Watt, Seneca, while Ty Baynton, Fanshawe College received the Tony DiGiovanni Scholarship for $1,000, and Tyler Garrard, also of Fanshawe College, received the Casey van Maris Scholarship for $1,000. High school scholarships for $1,000 went to Sharla Bernard, Alqonquin College; Vicki Kennedy, Fanshawe; Mathew Lachcik, Humber College; Thomas Messore and Melissa Spearing, both Niagara Parks; and Brianne Prentice, Ryerson University. The high school apprenticeship scholarship for $1,000 went to Jakeob Daoust, Humber. Legacy campaign The Foundation has also contributed thousands
of dollars over the years to research programs. In 2009, alone, the Foundation provided a total of $51,519.51 to help fund research to assist the future of the industry. A new program to help continue the Foundation’s good works is the legacy campaign introduced at this year’s Growers’ Auction by Brian Cocks CHT. He pledged $100,000 from his estate towards the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation (OHTF). At the time, he said, “I want to show members I am very seri-
ous about this program.” Cocks says that for most LO members, leaving $10,000 in their will is peanuts. “The tax considerations alone make it worthwhile. Each contribution will receive a receipt for tax purposes.” Forms are available at the LO home office, or by contacting Brian Cocks, at 905-643-1978, or e-mail brian@briancocks.com. You may also contact John Wright, chair of the Foundation, at 519-581-2942, or john@wright.on.ca.
Exciting changes announced for 2011 IPM symposium A new format and a new energy are promised at the 2011 IPM Symposium. Over the past few years, the symposium has been a road show. In 2011, it will be a one-time event, scheduled for Jan. 10 at the Toronto Congress Centre in the Cohen Ballroom. Great speakers An impressive program includes dynamic speakers Cam Wilson, chief technical officer of Neudorff North America, the manufacturer of Fiesta, Ministry of Environment officials speaking on the pesticide issues, Dr. Michael Brownridge of Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, Pam Charbonneau of OMAFRA,
Roger Funk, The Davey Tree Expert, and David Shetlar, professor of Urban Landscape Entomology at Ohio State University, who will speak about bees and bugs. Since 1965 For the first time in the history of the IPM Symposium, lunch and a reception are included in the program. Landscape Ontario’s Integrated Pest Management Symposium has been a unique and respected event since 1965. For more information, contact watch for www.horttrrades.com and Horticulture Review.
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Cities across province fight emerald ash borer The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of the emerald ash borer (EAB) in two new areas in Ontario. In late July, Brampton was confirmed to have the pest, while in mid-August, EAB was found in the Waterloo area. The infested trees in Brampton are located in the Wood and North Park Street area. There have been numerous finds of this pest in Ontario and one location in Quebec, but the CFIA says it will continue to work with partners and stakeholders towards the goal of slowing the insects’ spread. The CFIA confirmed that emerald EAB was found in the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, in the Highway 401 and Fountain Street area, and in the County of Oxford, along Highway 401 near Oxford County Road 3. The key challenge in limiting the spread of this beetle is to get people to stop moving potentially infested ash materials such as logs, branches, nursery stock, wood chips and firewood of all species to noninfested locations. Communities in battle against EAB A number of communities are also waging war against the major pest. In anticipation of EAB hitting the area, the Region of Waterloo conducted a street tree inventory in 2009, identifying 4,522 ash trees along residential streets. It was estimated that the cost to remove and replant ash trees along in the municipality will be $4.75-million over ten years. The $4.75-million does not include any costs for EAB in the municipality’s park system, including active parkland and natural areas. Oakville’s Community Services Committee
(CSC) heard news of the potential devastation that emerald ash borer will have on that community if more aggressive measures are not taken. Chris Mark, director of Oakville’s Parks and Open Space department, is quoted as saying, “Timing is critical as 2010 has been deemed the tipping point with EAB populations poised to enter a significant growth phase. With new technological advances, we (Oakville) helped develop, we have the potential to lead the municipal effort in detection and management of EAB.” The CSC approved $447,000 to finance the EAB Work Plan that involves increased lobbying efforts of government financial support for the management of EAB, lobby the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) to encourage full registration of TreeAzin and
increased lobbying efforts to the Canadian Forest Service, Ministry of Natural Resources, and Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to encourage investigation and funding of alternative treatment/tools and options for EAB management. Both Oakville and Burlington are applying TreeAzin to street and park ash trees, and launched an EAB trapping project. Oakville has also ceased planting ash trees. According to news reports, Oakville claims it is the first municipality in Canada to complete an early warning detection project. The munici-
20 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - SEPTEMBER 15, 2010
pal staff report that the plan has great promise for EAB management, because it detects the increase in insect populations several years earlier than the current CFIA method. Meanwhile, the City of London claims it has lost the battle to stop the emerald ash borer. City officials are reported to claim there are no funds to replace all the thousands of ash trees expected to die from the infestation. London’s urban forester Ivan Listar is quoted as saying that monitoring programs run by the CFIA have pulled out of London because the infestation has spread across the city. London spent $640,000 to fight the infestation, which included removing and chipping the diseased trees, injecting the most valuable trees to stave off the infestation and planting 1,485 new trees in ash-dominant neighbourhoods. Reports say the money is gone and the city’s requests for more financial help from senior governments have been refused. London estimates it would cost $10-million to remove and replace about 10,000 ash trees in city parks and boulevards. A recent tree count study completed by the city showed ash made up about 10 per cent of city’s tree population of 4.4 million. In Ottawa, where the pest was detected in 2008, city officials there say all of the 75,000 ash trees on city-owned property will probably be cut down within the next decade. Back in May, the city sponsored Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week. The city plans to plant 100,000 new trees. Additional information is available on the CFIA web site at www.inspection.gc.ca/pests or by calling 1-866-463-6017.
NEW MEMBERS Durham Nick’s Nature Landscaping Nicholas Verkuyl 1703 Scugog St Port Perry, ON L9L 1K3 Tel: 905-424-0478 Membership Type: Active
Toronto Dome Shelter Systems div. of Western Tarpaulin & Co. Matthew Bell 51 Belfield Rd Toronto, ON M9W 1G6 Tel: 416-614-9167 x240 Membership Type: Associate
Georgian Lakelands Coulson Bros. Scow Service Donna Coulson 1467 Butter & Egg Rd Milford Bay, ON P0B 1E0 Tel: 705-764-1672 Membership Type: Associate
Wacker Neuson Ltd Charmaine Greer 160 Admiral Blvd Mississauga, ON L5T 2N6 Tel: 905-795-0508 Membership Type: Associate
Golden Horseshoe Bobcat of Brantford Hendrik Scholten 585 Oak Park Rd Brantford, ON N3T 3L8 Tel: 519-752-7900 Membership Type: Chapter Associate Fence Armor Alvaro Martins 10 - 484 Plains Rd E Burlington, ON L7T 3E1 Tel: 905-331-3702 Membership Type: Associate
Waterloo Lahman Precast Mike De jong 3630 Hessen Strasse, RR 1 St. Clements, ON N0B 2M0 Tel: 519-699-4501 Membership Type: Associate Li’l Acres Lawn and Garden Care Grace Henderson 280 Woolwich St S, PO Box 176 Breslau, ON N0B 1M0 Tel: 519-648-9731 Membership Type: Active
Flagpave Inc Jim Peckham,CLP 4342 D’Arcy Cres Niagara Falls, ON L2E 5S9 Tel: 905-658-5582 Membership Type: Associate London St. Williams Nursery & Ecology Centre Dallas Campbell 885 Hwy 24, PO Box 150 St. Williams, ON N0E 1P0 Tel: 519-586-9116 Membership Type: Associate Ottawa Bradley’s Insurance Raymond Shannon 1469 Stittsville Main St, PO Box 1234 Stittsville, ON K2S 1B3 Tel: 613-836-2473 Membership Type: Associate Melanie Trepanier Ottawa, ON Membership Type: Horticultural
HORTICULTURE REVIEW - SEPTEMBER 15, 2010 21
LO STAFF PROFILE
Wendy Harry CHT
London Chapter coordinator What is your job description at LO? I work part time with the London Chapter board as a satellite chapter coordinator, assisting with planning and implementing chapter events, seminars, meetings, branding, member concerns and questions and home office initiatives. What is your background before coming to LO, and when did you begin work at LO? I returned to school for a career change from administration and being a stay-at-home mom of three boys. I graduated from the horticulture program at Fanshawe College in 2006. During my last year of school, I was the LO student chapter president. I was invited to attend LO board meetings, where I was able to learn a great deal about the association and heard of an employment opportunity as a chapter coordinator. I applied for the position, and was hired in May 2006. I also worked at Canadale Nurseries for three years during my time at school, where I enjoyed testing my knowledge and assisting customers, as well as displaying my creativity by creating container pots and merchandise displays. When not at work, where can you be found? In the summer, I spend many tranquil moments
in my garden, taking day trips, visiting with friends, or spending time with my family enjoying the outdoors. In the winter, I tend to hibernate, catch-up on reading and take a trip or two out of country to satiate my travel bug. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a police detective, like Cagney and Lacey. I was Cagney, of course. What inspires you during your time at LO? Getting to know the members and offering my assistance to help them utilize their membership to its fullest potential. There is such a range of skills, knowledge and passion within the membership. While everyone has different needs, the goals are the same, which by being members of LO they can achieve those goals. Members are busy people, and if I can make things easier for them I will, by keeping them informed of important current events, being a local contact for questions or concerns, meeting them face to face and connecting members with members. There are a lot of members whom I have not met, and I hope that they will attend at least one of our chapter meetings this year to see what a great networking and educational opportunity these meetings provide. Please join us! Name your all-time favourite movie, musical group and TV show. This movie has stuck with me from a young age, and is not very well known — it’s called The Seven Faces of Dr. Lao, featuring Tony
22 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - SEPTEMBER 15, 2010
Curtis and Barbara Eden. I have a wide taste in music and most times I couldn’t tell you what musical group sings what song, but I do tend to listen to smoothjazz.com a lot. As for TV, when I have time, it’s House and Two and a Half Men. I believe, to date, that three staff member profiles rate this show the top. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? I would love to backpack in Europe, starting with Italy. I also sponsor a boy in Indonesia, through World Vision, and would like to visit his village some day. Tell us one thing about you that few of your colleagues know about you. I also work full-time as a horticulturist/ stewardship coordinator for a gated golf course community in London, where I supervise a team of five, maintaining 230plus residential gardens. As a steward, I help maintain our Audubon status, which is the implementation of responsible management of land, water, wildlife and natural resources to maintain a healthy and functional ecosystem. http://auduboninternational.org/ index.html. I would like to add a question: What is your most enjoyable experience with LO so far? Attending Congress and the Tailgate party, where you get education, interaction with other members and staff, one stop shopping. It’s a great social networking opportunity, all in one spot.
OMAFRA NURSERY AND LANDSCAPE REPORT
How is your water quality? By Jen Llewellyn OMAFRA nursery crops specialist
A
s we passed through the latter part of August, it was difficult not to wonder where all those summer rains went? Although precipitation patterns were been hitand-miss, several regions in south-western and south-central Ontario received an incredible amount of rain through regular intervals, since early June. My lawn didn’t start to go dormant until late August, and I didn’t water it at all. Along with the frequent rains, came very high relative humidity. And yes, it’s been hot. Stinking hot. The number of days that saw temperatures reach or exceed 29.5oC up until mid-August, makes my head spin: 22 days for Toronto (Pearson), 22 for Hamilton, 18 for London and 38 for Windsor. Lay off fertilizer It’s a good idea to lay off the fertilizer applications when it’s this dry, especially in the field and landscape. Also, field-grown woody perennials shouldn’t receive nitrogen this late in the summer. The plant’s system needs to switch from active vegetative growth to preparing for leaf senescence and acclimation for winter dormancy. Another opportunity for nitrogen application is when leaf senescence begins, in early autumn. Lower water volumes in late summer often mean high sediment, soluble salts and bicarbonates in irrigation water sources. Salt levels, including sodium, chloride and sulphates (Na, Cl, SO4), can have a negative impact on plant health if they reach certain thresholds (See table). High salts are becoming more of a problem in irrigation water sources close to roads (road salt), or areas that have been recently developed for residential or commercial purposes. Make sure you test your irrigation water for a full complement of salts. It is also paramount to test for the level of bicarbonates (HCO3). Although pH is helpful to know, it is really the concentration of bicarbonates that gives the truest indication of the water’s alkalinity. You also need to know the level of bicarbonates if you are considering the treatment of your irrigation water with an acidifying agent. High levels of bicarbonates in irrigation water could lead to high pH levels in the water, container media and soil. And that could lead to problems. Since pH significantly influences the availability of nutrients, an alkaline pH (pH > 7) may provide scenarios where iron, manganese
and zinc change to forms that are Water *Acceptable *Acceptable analysis range for most range for most unavailable to the plant. We often property container herbaceous perennials/ see symptoms of iron and mangawoody crops greenhouse crops nese deficiencies where soil and/or pH 5.0 - 7.0 5.0 – 7.0 ground water pH is high. EC (soluble salts) < 1.75 mmho/cm < 1.0 mmho/cm This is a great time of year < 150 ppm < 120 ppm to test irrigation water sources for Calcium carbonates quality and appropriateness for Bicarbonates < 150-200 ppm < 150-200 ppm their use on ornamentals. A water Sodium (Na) < 70 ppm < 60 ppm test at the driest part of the season Chloride (Cl) < 140 ppm < 100 ppm will give you a worst-case sceSulphur (S) < 30 ppm < 30 ppm nario. Take a 500 ml sample near, Sulphates (SO4) < 200 ppm < 200 ppm or at the intake line and refrigerate Boron (B) < 0.8 ppm < 0.5 the sample until it is received at the lab. Refer to the chart at right when (*These ranges are a general guideline. Ornamentals vary trying to interpret results of your greatly in sensitivity to salts and water chemical properties.) irrigation water test. Remember, the smaller the container volume, the lower the soils). During leaf emergence and before leaves threshold for salts and bicarbonates in irrigation harden off, interveinal chlorosis can be partially corrected with applications of chelated iron and water. In container production, regular overhead manganese. Chelation is a form of the nutrient that is irrigation has been necessary to keep crops going through the high daytime temperatures. relatively resistant to high pH water and is availRemember, the root zone temperature in con- able for plant uptake. Chelated iron and mangatainers is much higher than the air temperatures, nese can be applied as a 1) foliar in small droplet especially in smaller pot sizes (one gallon and sizes in early morning or 2) root zone drench. smaller). Irrigation water is cooling the plants in The earlier you try to correct it, the faster you addition to replenishing the soil solution. Where will see a response. Where you noticed problems irrigation water is high in bicarbonates, you will with interveinal chlorosis and high bicarbonalso see high pH values (often pH>7.5). Iron and ate irrigation water this year, consider remedial manganese deficiency can be quite common in applications of chelated iron and manganese in these scenarios and are especially prevalent in May/June next year. Some fertilizers, chelated nutrients and container production. Symptoms of iron/manganese deficiency pesticides can be inactivated by high bicarbonate appear as chlorotic (yellow) leaves with green water. Growers will often use acidified water to veins, something we call ‘interveinal chlorosis.’ carry out nutrient and pesticide applications. In container production, iron and managanese are most commonly the nutrients that are deficient. Jennifer Llewellyn may be reached at Quite often manganese is the nutrient that is defi- 519-824-4120, ext. 52671, or by email cient (iron is quite common in southern Ontario jennifer.llewellyn@ontario.ca.
HORTICULTURE REVIEW - SEPTEMBER 15, 2010 23
LEGAL ISSUES
A case study:
When simple problems become significant By Robert Kennaley McLauchlin & Associates
C
onsider the following hypothetical situation: A contractor is retained to erect a box-shaped building for an owner on lands that are now part of a subdivision. The developer of the subdivision previously performed the site works for the lands, which were recently purchased by the present owner. As part of those site works (and is the case with many a subdivision project), the lands Rob Kennaley had been brought to the proper elevation and compaction through a ‘cut and fill’ job: organic materials (supposedly) were stripped away down to suitable subsoils, and engineered fill was brought in and compacted to fill voids and low areas. Fill can be engineered in the sense that its quality and characteristics, including moisture content, are approved by a geotechnical, or civil engineer. They also approve its placement and compaction, generally through what is known as ‘proctor density’ analysis. The building is designed with no basement, to be supported by foundations and piers with a slab on grade. As the lands have already been prepared for construction purposes by the developer, only minimal excavation is anticipated. The contractor is only asked to price the excavation for the foundations and piers. Beyond that, the contractor is requested to include in his tender form a unit price for additional excavation. The number submitted by the excavator is higher than one would expect, on a unit rate basis, for the full-depth bulk excavation of a building footprint. The owner does not object, as he anticipates that only minimal additional excavation might be needed. This is taken into account in selecting a bidder on the bid-price for the contract. Unfortunately (you see where this is going), when the contractor commenced excavation for footings and piers, it was determined that the underlying materials were not suitable to support the structure, and that, indeed, a fulldepth excavation and replacement of engineered fill would be required.
A CCDC 2 1994 contract was in place. The contract documents were not as clear as they could be about whether the unit price set out in the tender form should apply to the change. The owner’s view was that it would not, and he accordingly issued a Change Directive under the contract, directing the contractor to perform the required earthworks and requesting that the contractor provide proposed pricing in relation to that change. The contractor balked and suggested the proposed price would be the only, and previously-agreed-upon price on the tender form. The owner’s view was that the tender form unit price was intended to cover smaller, localized excavation extras, citing he was not bound to accept it. The CCDC 2 standard form allows the owner to insist that the contractor commence work on a change, notwithstanding that an agreement on price has not been reached. The owner must ensure that he has followed the contract, through Change Directives and Notices under the dispute settling mechanism sections of the contract. Subtrade off site The contractor submitted his proposal for pricing and started the Change Directive work. The owner started tracking quantities and there was some back and forth in relation to pricing, although no Change Order (which would confirm the amount to be paid for the work) was issued. Eventually, the contractor’s work on the removal began to slow down and, ultimately, the contractor’s excavation subtrade walked off site. Having received no payment for the work done to date, the subtrade was concerned that he might not get paid. The subtrade’s position was that, while the contractor might be required to do the work while the pricing issue was worked out, that was not a requirement of his subcontract. The project then ground to a halt. There are, of course, lots of issues here. First, the underlying dispute is over how much the contractor should be paid for the extra. Given the confusion over the tender and contract documents, this may not be an easy question to answer. Reference will have to be made to all of the contract’s provisions, including the priorities clause, establishing which clause governs over others in the event of a conflict. This is another example of how important it is to make sure the tender and contract documents are as
24 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - SEPTEMBER 15, 2010
clear as possible. In the short run, however, the owner’s immediate concern is how do we get the contractor back to work? The contract does allow the owner to insist that the contractor perform the change in the work, before an agreement on price is settled. If the contractor does not, under this form of contract the owner can declare the contractor in default and on five days notice terminate the contract and/or take over the work. This, however, does not solve the owner’s problems with respect to delay. Also, the owner should be concerned that it will always cost more to bring in a completion contractor than it will for the original contractor to complete the work. In addition, the owner should be concerned that, if the matter proceeds to litigation, costs will incur, and no party is ever made whole in that regard. The contractor faces a further dilemma. In a way, he is caught between a rock and a hard place. While his contract requires him to keep working, he did not insist that his subcontract with the excavator incorporate the terms of his contract with the owner. In this circumstance, the contractor is learning the hard way how important it is to ensure that his subcontractors are working under the same terms and conditions as he is, so that there is no gap in that regard. The best solution to this type of problem is to settle the dispute as quickly as possible, without litigation. Often, the parties agree to a payment by the owner of a certain amount, which will be paid through to the subcontractor and credited as against the Change Directive work. In this way, hopefully, the project continues while the parties work out their problems. The worst-case scenario involves the contractor and subcontractor digging in their heels such that the owner has no choice but to terminate. The lawyers get involved and everyone goes to trial in four to seven years. Robert Kennaley practices construction law in Toronto and Simcoe. He speaks and writes on construction law issues and can be reached for comment at 416-368-2522, or at kennaley@ mclauchlin.ca. This material is for information purposes and not intended to provide legal advice in relation to any particular fact situation. Readers with concerns about any particular circumstance are encouraged to seek independent legal advice in that regard.
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PROSPERITY PARTNERS
Managing consistent effort in your business By Jacki Hart CLP Prosperity Partners program manager
T
he Prosperity Partners program offers peer-based training to help business owners and managers map a route to a better business balance. One of the most common areas of business challenges, which emerge during our seminars, revolve around the people in your business. Many business owners struggle with recruiting, effective training, efficient execution of work, consisJacki Hart tent effort, results and morale, to name a few. One of the main reasons I believe this happens is that most companies lack a clearly communicated founding principle. This includes the non-negotiable core values of the business. When your business operates only from the foundation consisting of your passion, experience and knowledge, everyone who works in your day-to-day operation lacks a basic set of guiding principles from which they can determine acceptable and unacceptable behaviour, effort and results. Your staff can’t read your mind, nor can they follow your intuitive thinking. Core values However, when your business operates from a clearly defined and communicated set of core values — which reflect your passion and vision — you can unlock the potential for enormous improvement in the consistency and effectiveness of your staff. Here’s an example: This morning, I overheard a weekly meeting at Water’s Edge Landscaping between our lead crew hands and their supervisor. The discussion was prompted by the waning effort of a university student who is in her last week of work with us for the season. I paraphrase the following, but essentially, here’s how the discussion unfolded: Lead Hand ‘A’: “This student has been lagging behind and copping attitude all week. I can’t be bothered to deal with her, because it’s her last few days. My concern this morning is that with the project we are working on today, I need her full effort in order to come in on budget.” Supervisor: “Is there a reason why you believe this student has the permission to collect
the same pay for the week and in exchange provide us with significantly less of her and a lowered productivity?” Lead Hand ‘A’: “Well, when you put it that way, no. She doesn’t have that permission. I just don’t want conflict on my crew, when we have so much work to complete.” Supervisor: “OK, step back. Our company core values are competence, adaptability, respect and excellence. We use these to guide us every day in everything we do. Help me to understand how either of you are following the guiding principles for work at Water’s Edge: the student by choosing her own pace, and you, by allowing her to.” Lead Hand ‘A’: “Well, it doesn’t. So how do I use CARE (Competence, Adaptability, Respect and Excellence) to change this situation?” Supervisor: “Start a frank discussion with the student before you leave here this morning and it can unfold something like this: ‘In the past couple of days, I’ve noticed that you have chosen to change your pace, and are not as wiling to do your work tasks, as you have been all summer long. The work we do every day hasn’t changed, nor has the budget, so help me to understand why you are choosing to work less while expecting to be paid the same?’ ” Lead Hand ‘A’: “What if she tells me it’s her last few days and she doesn’t care?” Supervisor: “That’s easy – remind her that she’s making a choice, and that her choice does not reflect competence, respect or excellence, and that she was hired on the agreement that she would work consistently with our core values. If she chooses to give herself the permission to ignore them, there is a consequence to that choice. You then make it clear that your choice is to stand by our core values, and ask her for her decision. She does not have your permission to undermine the effectiveness, or morale of the rest of the crew, so she will have to rethink and choose to work as diligently up until her last minute, or shorten her term with us. Working with a poor attitude, slow pace and lack of attention to detail is simply not acceptable.” Lead Hand ‘B’: “I have her on my crew tomorrow and the day after, so if you want to have that conversation with her now, I will help you. I also don’t want someone working with me who will lag behind and distract me all day by needing to be prodded or corrected. I don’t have the energy to waste on that kind of behaviour either.” Supervisor: “Thanks for stepping up and helping with what’s going to be a brief, yet uncomfortable conversation. I want both of
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you keep in mind the example I used last week: Remember when one of our solid crew members was short tempered and lagging on the site where we were all working together? Remember that I took him aside, told him that his behaviour was not reflecting CARE, and used examples of how it was not aligned? I told him he had a choice: ‘either step back in alignment with the company values, or be sent home.’ He was single handedly disrupting the flow of work and morale (fun) of the entire team. After speaking to him, he apologized, and was Mr. Helpful for the rest of the day. Are the two of you OK with doing the same with the student?” The lead hands both agreed that by using CARE it would be a brief, frank discussion, in which neither lead hand was concerned with the student’s reaction or potential emotional outburst. They were very clear on their purpose, and the desired outcome. Standards unlock potential By having a clear set of attitudinal and behavioural standards which is clearly communicated in your business, it can unlock the potential for everyone on your team to hold each other accountable to productivity, morale, respect and fairness. In this instance, these clearly defined values provide a navigation tool for staff to map out how they are going to get along, collaborate and be fair to each other. Without a clearly defined way to navigate the intricacies and inconsistencies of the human factor in your business, you will be left babysitting, firing, or simply paying consistently for inconsistent effort. There are many Prosperity Partners companies in Landscape Ontario that have taken this behavioural navigation tool and run with it. The core values of every company are as different as each owner. In the Prosperity Partners online template library, we have posted a ‘core values chart’ to use as a guide in order to figure this out. In the Build Your Prosperity seminar, we work as a group to help you define these guiding principles and to chart a course on how to use it. Please write to us and share your stories of how this tool either has, or is enticing you to improve the consistency of effort and results in your business. We’d love to hear from you. The next Prosperity Partners’ seminars are: Milton, Oct. 21, London, Oct. 26, and Milton, Nov. 18. Jacki Hart may be reached at prosperity@landscapeontario.com.
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HORTICULTURE REVIEW - SEPTEMBER 15, 2010 27
CLASSIFIED ADS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
LABOUR MARKET
SELL YOUR MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS Established landscape company interested in buying small or medium-sized landscape company with interior or exterior maintenance contracts. Please fax info to (416) 757-3845
ONTARIO LANDSCAPING LIMITED Experienced landscape labourers required to perform manual work. To assist in cultivating, digging and planting of trees. Labourer hourly rate $15.00. Also required driver – class A licence, Z certificate and mobile crane operator 0-8. Driver hourly rate $17.50. Seasonal employment starting April 1/10 to Nov 30/10. Job Site Keswick, Ont. Fax resume to (905) 898-0360 or call (905) 898-6856
Horticulturist I am a graduate of The Niagara Parks School of Horticulture, seeking employment in the Oakville/Burlington/Toronto Area. I have extensive supervisory experience in high end property maintenance including Residential/ Commercial/Golf Course. Please contact Tom at 289-259-0638 or tspies@cogeco.ca.
NURSERY STOCK DIG YOUR OWN TREES Colorado blue and green, 10-14ft. Balsam, fraser and silver fir, 10-12 ft. Red oak, 2-4 inches Black walnut, 4-5 inches Airport road location north of Hwy. 9 Please call (519) 941-8046 Hofland Gardens Ornamental Grasses, Perennials, Groundcovers Tel: 905-355-3392 E-mail: hoflandgardens@phc.igs.net GROUND COVERS UNLIMITED Your Ontario source for ornamental and native ground covers. Call, fax, or write for the 2010 Catalogue and planting guide. GROUND COVERS UNLIMITED 1045 Porter Road, P.O. Box 190 Bethany, ON L0A 1A0 Tel: (705) 277-3005 Fax: (705) 277-9213
Attention Future Broadcasters and Writers!
I am looking for 10 motivated and creative young people (30 years and under) to meet, discuss and learn about the future of Farm, Garden and Environmental communications in Canada. Individuals interested in meeting in Unionville once per month for 6 months:
EQUIPMENT BOWIE HYDROMULCHERS (New and Used) FLEXTERRA FGM HYDROBLANKETS BFM F4 NETTLESS ECB MULCH IT P.O. Box 100, Putnam, ON N0L 2B0 Tel: (519) 425-0342 • Fax: (519) 425-4195 www.mulchit.on.ca
FINN Hydroseeders & Bark Blowers New and Used • Flex Guard FRM • Soil Guard BFM • Erosion Control Blanket Seed & Fertilizer Toll free: (888) 298-9911 Fax: (905) 761-7959 www.fibramulch.com
SEEKING PLANTING CREW POSITION Experienced landscape crew member able to help out with planting installations and getting the right spacing and placement. Good driving record. Trained and experienced in horticulture and landscape design. Located in downtown Toronto. Please contact Heather at 416-768-2311 or heatherspeakman@sympatico.ca
SERVICES AND SUPPLIES TREE TRANSPLANTING Transplanting trees up to 9” truck diameter with 10,000 lb. rootball. 44”, 80” & 90” spades to move trees with and can basket up to 90” 100 acres of trees to choose from. BOTANIX OXFORD INSTA-SHADE RR # 2, Burgessville ON N0J 1C0 Tel: (519) 424-2180 • Fax: (519) 424-2420 Toll Free: 1-800-387-0246 Contact Jan Veldhuizen E-mail: jan@oxfordinstashade.com www.oxfordinstashade.com
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING INFORMATION
All classified ads must be pre-paid by VISA or Mastercard. Rates: $45.20 (HST included) per column inch Min. order $45.20. 15% discount on ads run for entire calendar year. Box Numbers: Additional $10.Confidentiality ensured. Deadlines: 20th day of the month (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 ad to Robert at classifieds@ landscapeontario.com or fax to (905) 875-0183. Online advertising: Website only ads posted for 30 days and are limited to 325 words. Cost is $45.20 (HST included).
a. Will explore the future of mass communications as it relates to the farm, environment and home garden in Canada b. to think/stretch and extend our imagination ‘outside of the box’: to help shape the future of the industry. This is a chance for a few individuals to create a ‘think tank’ on the subject of mass communications in Canada as it relates to the farm, garden and the environment. Cost? No cost, just commitment. And enthusiasm. Bring a positive attitude. For details and an application form please go to www.bhensley@ markschoice.com or call (905) 655-0820. Mark Cullen www.markcullen.com
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AD INDEX COMPANY PAGE PHONE WEBSITE ACO Systems Ltd.................................................6........... 877-226-4255.....................................www.acocan.ca Agrium..................................................................31.......... 800-461-6471.....................................www.prohort.ca Braun Nursery Ltd................................................5........... 800-246-6984......................... www.braungroup.com Caledon Hills Perennials......................................6........... 905-473-1145......... www.caledonhillsperennials.com Connon Nurseries/NVK Holdings Inc....................2........... 905-628-0112.................. www.connonnurseries.com Dutchmaster........................................................32.......... 905-683-8211......... www.dutchmasternurseries.com G & L Group (Draglam Salt)............................15, 22....... 416-798-7050......................... www.draglamsalt.com Gro-Bark..............................................................29.......... 888-476-2275............................... www.gro-bark.com Hillen Nursery Inc.............................................16-17.......519-264-9057 Hort Protect (CNLA) ...........................................19.......... 888-446-3499............................www.hortprotect.com Landscape Safety ..............................................29.......... 877-482-2323...................www.landscapesafety.com Legends Landscape Supply Inc.........................10.......... 905-336-3369....................... www.landscapestore.ca Limestone Trail Company Ltd..............................7........... 905-563-8133........................www.limestonetrail.com M Putzer Nursery................................................30.......... 800-337-3363....................putzernursery@primus.ca Mankar Distributing Inc........................................8........... 647-309-7826.................................... www.mankar.ca Newroads National Leasing................................29.......... 416-587-1021................. www.newroadsleasing.com Nisco National Leasing.......................................18.......... 888-634-9559...............lcatalano@niscocanada.com Nursery Sod Growers Assoc. of Ontario.............3........... 519-265-6742................................... www.nsgao.com R.M. Adams Trucking Ltd (Adams Landscape Supply)...........................12.......... 519-774-0151 .........www.adamslandscapesupply.ca Shaw Bros. Ltd....................................................15.......... 877-625-9677.................................www.shawbros.ca Sipkens Nurseries Ltd.........................................12.......... 866-843-0438................. www.sipkensnurseries.com Stam Nurseries....................................................21.......... 519-424-3350.................... www.stamsnurseries.com Stonemen’s Valley Inc.........................................20.......... 905-841-8400..................www.stonemensvalley.com Uxbridge Nurseries Ltd.......................................23.......... 905-655-3379................www.uxbridgenurseries.com Winkelmolen Nursery Ltd....................................14.......... 519-647-3912.........................www.winkelmolen.com Zander Sod Co Ltd..............................................12.......... 877-727-2100............................www.zandersod.com
HORTICULTURE REVIEW - SEPTEMBER 15, 2010 29
We have it all! Those taking part in the tour of parks and conservation areas see firsthand the damage caused by invasive plants.
Group sees invasive plants compete with natives
Trees: Caliper, Bare Root, B&B, Wire Basket, Container Grown Shrubs: Container Grown Broadleafs: Container Grown Evergreens: Field Grown, Container Grown Perennials Grasses, Vines, Ferns
...and more!
M. PUTZER HORNBY NURSERY LTD Growing today for a greener tomorrow 7314 Sixth Line, Hornby, Ontario L0P 1E0
Phone: 905-878-7226 s 1-800-377-3363 Fax: 905-878-8737
Quality • Service • Selection 30 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - SEPTEMBER 15, 2010
In the spring of 2009, members of the horticulture industry and the conservation community came together to discuss shared concerns and take cooperative action to manage invasive plants and protect native vegetation. This group of people with diverse, yet overlapping, experiences, interests and concerns came to be known as the Horticulture Outreach Collaborative. Earlier this year, the group officially became a committee of the Ontario Invasive Plant Council. The collaborative hosted a free tour in late July, entitled, Garden Plants in Natural Areas, Parks and Ravines. Visiting native plant areas, members saw first-hand the damage caused by invasive plants. They also heard about methods to manage the effect of the plants, and to connect and network with others in the horticulture community. The tour visited Rattray Marsh in Mississauga, where Vinca minor (periwinkle) had crept over 300 feet from a neighbouring backyard into the conservation area. The marsh is also experiencing invasions of Tartarian honeysuckle, Norway maple, black alder, rough manna grass, English ivy and privet. At High Park, almost the same plants had spread into the natural areas: Tartarian honeysuckle, Norway maple, multiflora rosa, Asiatic bittersweet, euonymous, goutweed and periwinkle. It was felt that those infestations were likely caused from seeds dropped by birds, or carried by wind and water, from nearby gardens. A theory among some in attendance was that suppliers may substitute one cultivar for another of the same species, thinking it renders the same growing results, when it may not. These sites demonstrated how certain garden plants move into natural areas, and compete with regionally-significant native plant communities. Discussions were lively, and much was learned by all. At the conclusion of the tour, it seemed a consensus was reached that some non-native plants might be useful in location-specific ways. It was also felt that a proper education program on the use of native and non-native plants would be helpful to reduce this kind of problem in the future. Groups participating included Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation, Credit River Conservation Authority, Ontario Invasive Plant Council, commercial plant propagators/growers, and OMAFRA staff. The collaborative consists of representatives from conservation authorities, government bodies, not-for-profit organizations, trade associations, businesses and academia. Founding and supporting members include Credit Valley Conservation (CVC), Landscape Ontario, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Ontario Invasive Plant Council (OIPC), Ontario Streams, Sheridan Nurseries, and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). To see the website, go to www.ontarioinvasiveplants.ca.
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