Green for Life Magazine, Spring 2021

SPRING 2021 VOL. 9, NO. 2

A LANDSCAPE ALBERTA MEMBER PUBLICATION

2020 Landscape Awards The Pandemic – View after one year

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GREEN FOR LIFE SPRING 2021 • 2

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SPRING 2021 VOL. 9, NO. 2

CONTENTS

04

ADVANCING THE PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY

Industry and Association News

MANAGING EDITOR Joel Beatson CONTENT & EDITING Kyla Hardon LAYOUT Kris Locke Landscape Alberta Green for Life is a professional publication for the landscape trade in Alberta.

08

The Pandemic – View after one year

Editorial and Advertising Landscape Alberta 18051 107 Avenue NW Edmonton, AB T5S 1K3 P: 780-489-1991 F: 780-444-2152 admin@landscape-alberta.com Landscape Alberta does not assume responsibility for and does not endorse the contents of any advertisements herein. All representations or warranties made are those of the advertiser and not the publication. Views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Landscape Alberta or its members.

10

2020 Landscape Awards

Material may not be reprinted from this magazine without the consent of Landscape Alberta.

ISSN No: 1929-7114 (print) ISSN N0: 1929-7122 (online) Landscape Alberta Board of Directors Brian Gibson, Green Drop Lawns Ltd., Chair Ken Ruddock, ULS Maintenance & Landscaping Inc. Cody Brown, Tree to Tree Nurseries Ltd. Jeff Oudyk, CSLA, AALA, JLG, Land Tec Landscape Contractors Ltd., Vice Chair John van Roessel, CLM, CLT, JVR Landscape (2006) Inc., Treasurer Matthew Chausse, Seasonal Impact Laura Watson, Finning Canada Adam Jansen, The Jansen Group Landscape Alberta Staff Joel Beatson, CAE, CLM,­­ CEO joel.beatson@landscape-alberta.com Marnie Main, Member Services Director member.services@landscape-alberta.com

Visionscapes Landscape, Oasis on the Bluff

Valerie Stobbe, Trade Show Coordinator valerie.stobbe@landscape-alberta.com Kyla Hardon, Communications Coordinator kyla.hardon@landscape-alberta.com Lisa Warner, Events & Relationship Coordinator lisa.warner@landscape-alberta.com Cheryl Teo, Bookkeeper accounting@landscape-alberta.com

20

Anxiety – It’s a ‘Thing’…Still.

On the Cover Visionscapes Landscape, 2020 Landscape Alberta Award of Excellence Winner for Residential Landscape Design, Lotus Garden Follow Our Social Media Instagram: @landscapealberta Twitter: @landscapeab

22

A Look Back at Our Association

Facebook: @landscapealberta

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Industry and Association News Participation in health and safety for small business – less than 20 workers An employer who has 5-19 full or part time workers, and work that is expected to last 90 days or more, must designate a HS representative.

Alberta Health and Safety COMMITTEE (HSC) Requirements for over 20 workers and or with multiple work sites must have a HS Committee.

Mandatory health and safety committee and representative training Approved training providers can be found on https://ohs-pubstore.labour.alberta.ca/li042 To register for courses, please select the training agency of your choice, from the list of Alberta Government approved trainers provided.

The garden is where Hope is Growing What is the Hope is Growing campaign?

To plant gardens of hope for 2021, featuring the colour of peace, yellow. Across the country, the goal is to create front yards, boulevards and playgrounds brimming with yellow flowers, foliage, fruit and vegetables. Everyone can take part by planting a Hope Garden and sharing it on social media with the hashtag #hopeisgrowing.

Look for Hope is Growing signage and displays at participating Garden Centres this spring!

Just as Canadians took up gardening in record numbers during the pandemic, we expect to see a yellow-washed repeat in 2021. After all, the garden is where Hope is Growing...

We’re just getting started - stay tuned for more! https://hopeisgrowing.ca/

Are you Health and Safety compliant?

Work site health and safety requirements (https://www.alberta.ca/work-site-health-safetycommittees.aspx#toc-0) have changed in the last year. Employers are required to have a Health and Safety committee (HSC) and representative (HS representative) to address health and safety concerns in the workplace. In Alberta, employers who are legally required to have an OHS program must meet minimum legislated program requirements.

For more information on requirements for businesses under 20 employees and over 20 employees, or if you require training . . . .

Do I need a health and safety program?

New Savings Programs for Members Parkland Fuels Parkland offers a complete range of fuel products and services to businesses of every size - locally, rurally and remotely.

Members will be eligible for a 3.1 cent per litre discount on retail fuel purchases. On cardlock-fuel and bulk-fuel purchases, members are eligible for 1 cent per litre discount.

CNLA membership confirmation will be required prior to account setup – contact memberservices@cnla-acpp.ca.

To find out more about what Parkland has to offer contact CNLA@Parkland.ca.

Equinox Environmental Products The official supplier of planters and waste management containers. Equinox is offering all CNLA/ Provincial Associations members discounts on purchases. Members in good standing will be eligible for a 10 % MRSP discount - plus a 2.5% CNLA partnership discount.

To find out more or to view the complete line of products, visit at www.desertplanters.com or www.eqnx.biz. A CNLA membership confirmation letter will be required prior to purchase, contact memberservices@cnla-acpp.ca.

Updated COVID-19 Protocols for Retail Businesses Beginning April 7, 2021 the Alberta Government has announced reduced capacity for all retail operations, including Garden Centres and Greenhouses to 15% of fire code capacity. Make sure to subscribe to Landscape Alberta’s Clippings (email newsletter) or visit the COVID-19 resource page at www.landscape-alberta.com or https://www.alberta.ca/biz-connect.aspx

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5 Growers of Quality Nursery Stock:

Specimen Caliper Trees Pot-in-Pot Trees Specimen Evergreens Container Evergreens Container Shrubs Perennials Located 5 kms east of Strathmore, AB on Range Road 245

From a patch of prairie pasture to a vibrant, progressive industry leader, Eagle Lake Nurseries is proud of its success over the past 50 years. This success has been made possible due to the dedication of our founders, staff, customers and suppliers. We look forward to celebrating this milestone with all of you throughout 2020.

403-934-3670

1-866-805-5007 info@eaglelakenurseries.com eaglelakenurseries.com

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Calgary Office : 403-263-4200

Peter Krebs (Sales Manager) : 587-434-6638 Rob Veno (Northern AB) : 780-910-8402 David Schramm (Central AB) : 403-934-1276

Serving the Growing Community Since 1927

Along with the best quality of baskets available, we offer a full line of burlap, poly-cord strapping, & flagging tape.

Tom Wright (Saskatchewan) : 306-921-7615

We at The Professional Gardener® have you completely covered from bud tip to root tip!

The Professional Gardener®’s vast array of sizes ensure the perfect fit for all your needs.

We heavily stock all popular sizes ranging from 18” baskets right up to 70” baskets as well as appropriate liners. We not only carry the very popular forms but also the type A -25° cone baskets.

Foli-Gard® Anti-Desiccant

Convenient Location Exceptional Service

sales@foothillsnurseries.com

403.203.3338

COMMITTED TO CUSTOMER SUCCESS. EVERGREENS | SHRUBS | PERENNIALS | FRUIT | GRASSES | ORNAMENTAL

PLANTING A

BIG TREE MAKES A

BIG

IMPACT

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Ask about our HERITAGE TREES INSTANT NATURAL BEAUTY INCREASED PROPERTY VALUE IMPROVED PRIVACY URBAN CANOPY EXPANDED CARBON STORAGE REDUCED WIND & EROSION

WWW.FOOTHILLSNURSERIES.COM

Industry and Association News

Certification Exam Registration Discount The Landscape Horticulture Certification Program provides proof of competence for nursery and landscape horticulture professionals and guarantees that you operate according to industry standards. Take advantage

Humboldt Urban Garden – Help needed

of a limited-time CNLA member discount to register for the certified landscape horticulturist technician and manager exams. To register, download your forms below.

Rather than pay $400 to register for one CLHT module and $325 to register for the CLHM exams, CNLA members will now pay $300 and $225 respectively. https://cnlagetcertified.ca/registration/

memorial for lives lost in the Humboldt Bronco’s tragedy.

It has been three years since the tragic day that impacted the small town of Humboldt with ripples across Canada and the world. Later this spring the build of the community garden at the Humboldt Regional Hospital will begin.

Landscape Alberta & Landscape Saskatchewan have partnered with the City of Humboldt, the Humboldt Hospital Foundation, Communities in Bloom and Scotts Canada to build a “Healing Garden” at the Humboldt Regional Hospital. This garden will not only serve as a place of relaxation and tranquility for those receiving treatment and care at the hospital, but as a

Construction of the Healing Garden project is planned to begin Spring 2021. We currently working on the project coordination and timeline for the different construction phases and events. Cash Donations are being accepted through the Green Cities Foundation or you can sign up to volunteer time or materials. https://www.landscape-alberta. com/healing-garden-project-in-humboldt/ or visit the QR code.

We thank you so much for consideration and generosity. Working together as an industry we can all give a little and make a huge difference!

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The Pandemic – View after one year

BY JOEL BEATSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

We are now a full year into the global pandemic (COVID-19) and it has been interesting to say the least. Spring 2020 started late and that was surely a blessing. The association made significant impact ensuring that the horticulture sector was deemed essential, helped members navigate health inspections, secured PPE for members when supplies were scarce, and generally acted as an information clearing house for industry.

In my almost twenty years working for the horticulture industry across Canada there has never been a time when the association was more relevant or when the case for why to be a member was ever clearer.

The Landscape Alberta team did a fantastic job pivoting the Green Industry Show & Conference to a virtual format. While it can never replace the face-to-face connections, the traditional event offers it was a top-notch experience. Benchmarking with our peers across North America really offer perspective on the quality and attendance we are able to achieve. Small but mighty Alberta does it again!

The Landscape Alberta office has adapted well to work from home as the new normal. It was a struggle to balance work and home life when they became so intertwined. As frustrating as it was working with my two very active boys at home (age 6 & 3) it was a blessing to be able to spend more time with them and my wife.

“2020 was perhaps the best commercial we could have had for Landscape Alberta.”

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The Pandemic – View after one year It was also amazing to me how our industry responded.

Every conversation was about gratitude of being able to operate and about how to protect employees and customers. Combined with the massive demand for your products and services many companies had record setting years. 2021 looks to bring continued prosperity for our industry. The Hope is Growing campaign in partnership with Communities in Bloom aims to help continue the public swell of gardening support across the country. The Canadian Garden Council has our support in their effort to make 2022 the Year of the Garden in Canada. Along with the 2 Billion Tree program we have are at the peak of promoting the amazing value our industry brings to the homes and lives of Canadians.

2020 was perhaps the best commercial we could have had for Landscape Alberta. I need every members help to bring a peer in to the fold for us to continue to serve industry.

The talented, professional, and passionate people you know that aren’t members need a nudge from you to join. Spread the word on the good the association does and get them to sign up.

320 acres of Alberta-grown Caliper Trees, Evergreens, Shrubs, and Perennials Phone: (780) 929-8102 Fax: (780) 929-8107 Toll Free: (866) 490-2647 Box 3060, Beaumont, AB T4X 1K8 info@cheyennetree.ca www.cheyennetree.ca

Visit us at the Green Industry Show Booth #421

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2020 LANDSCAPE AWARDS

E

ach year, we see beautiful, welldesigned landscapes that truly showcase the best this industry has to offer. This year, stemming from 29 entries, there were 12 winners in the Merit category and 10 winners in the Excellence category. We congratulate 2020’s winners: Anew View Landscape Construction, CLS Landscape Supply, Foothills Landscaping 2000 Ltd., Jenron Creative Landscapes, JVR Landscape (2006) Inc., Modern Earth Landscaping, Planta Landscape Inc., The Jansen Group Ltd., Visionscapes, and Wilco Contractors SW Inc..

We would like to thank this year’s volunteer judges for taking their assignment seriously and giving so generously of their time and expertise: Adam Jansen, John van Roessel, Jeff Sawatzky, Christian Houle, Maria Galdon, Andrew MacDonald, Jeff Campbell, Andrew Heighton, and Mark Janzen.

We would also like to give a special thank you to Expocrete, an Oldcastle company, Manderley Turf Products Inc., Eagle Lake Professional Landscape Supply for being prize sponsors for the 2020 Landscape Awards.

THE LANDSCAPE AWARDS PROGRAM The Landscape Awards reflect the association’s commitment to creating and preserving the beauty of the urban landscape. The program is also designed to reward independent landscape contracting professionals who execute top quality landscape projects.

The Landscape Awards program has four main objectives: 1. Encourage landscape contractors to be the best in their field 2. Provide a marketing opportunity to those companies that receive an award 3. Encourage a company’s employees to aspire to excellence 4. Provide an opportunity to compete in the National Awards of Landscape Excellence Members can enter projects into nine different categories covering construction, maintenance and design.

Each entry is evaluated using a set of criteria; the submissions are not judged against each other. There are two award levels: a Merit Award goes to an entry that earns 70-84 points, and an Excellence Award goes to an entry earning 85 or more points. Entries that achieve Excellence status are eligible to be selected for the National Awards of Landscape Excellence, a Canada-wide program developed by the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association.

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PLANTA LANDSCAPE INC. Ulmer Residential Landscape Construction $50-$100K

FOOTHILLS LANDSCAPING 2000 LTD. Devon Tower Maintenance Commercial Maintenance

EXCELLENCE

2020 LANDSCAPE AWARDS

VISIONSCAPES LANDSCAPE Lotus Garden Residential Landscape Design

JVR LANDSCAPE (2006) INC. Broadfoot-Wildwood Residence Residential Maintenance

EXCELLENCE 2020 LANDSCAPE AWARDS

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SPONSORED BY MANDERLEY, EAGLE LAKE PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPING SUPPLY, EXPOCRETE

GREEN FOR LIFE SPRING 2021 • 13 JENRON CREATIVE LANDSCAPES Mahogany Lake Residential Landscape Construction $50-$100K

MERIT

PLANTA LANDSCAPE INC. Verma Residential Landscape Design

2020 LANDSCAPE AWARDS FOOTHILLS LANDSCAPING 2000 LTD. Kingswood Cabinet Commercial Landscape Construction $100-$500K

FOOTHILLS LANDSCAPING 2000 LTD. Oliver Trutina’s Residence Residential Landscape Construction over $100K

CLS LANDSCAPE SUPPLY 62 Watermark Residential Landscape Construction $50-$100K

MERIT 2020 LANDSCAPE AWARDS

SPONSORED BY MANDERLEY, EAGLE LAKE PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPING SUPPLY, EXPOCRETE

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CLS LANDSCAPE SUPPLY 2 Watermark Residential Landscape Construction over $100K

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MODERN EARTH LANDSCAPING LTD. Nelson Residence Residential Landscape Design

VISIONSCAPES LANDSCAPE Contemporary Charm Residential Landscape Construction over $100K

EXCELLENCE

2020 LANDSCAPE AWARDS

VISIONSCAPES LANDSCAPE Poolside Renovation by Hotel Arts Commercial Landscape Construction over $500K

PLANTA LANDSCAPE INC. Ross Residential Landscape Design

EXCELLENCE 2020 LANDSCAPE AWARDS

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SPONSORED BY MANDERLEY, EAGLE LAKE PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPING SUPPLY, EXPOCRETE

GREEN FOR LIFE SPRING 2021 • 17 WILCO CONTRACTORS SW INC. Belmont Phase 1 MR Commercial Landscape Construction over $500K

MERIT

MODERN EARTH LANDSCAPING LTD. Marando Residence Residential Landscape Construction $50-$100K

2020 LANDSCAPE AWARDS MODERN EARTH LANDSCAPING LTD. Kyshk Residence Residential Landscape Design

THE JANSEN GROUP LTD. Birch Cove Residential Landscape Construction over $100K

ANEW VIEW LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION LTD. Hickey Residence Residential Landscape Construction $50-$100K

MERIT 2020 LANDSCAPE AWARDS

SPONSORED BY MANDERLEY, EAGLE LAKE PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPING SUPPLY, EXPOCRETE

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FOOTHILLS LANDSCAPING 2000 LTD. Devon Tower Landscape Expansion Commercial Landscape Construction $100-$500K

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VISIONSCAPES LANDSCAPE Oasis on the Bluff Residential Landscape Construction over $100K

VISIONSCAPES LANDSCAPE Mountain Serenity in the Heart of the City Residential Construction Feature

EXCELLENCE

2020 LANDSCAPE AWARDS

Anxiety – It’s a ‘Thing’…Still.

BY JACKI HART, CONSULTING BY HART

Last month, I met with a group of 20 employers – and talked about the sources of anxiety within their businesses. We spent well over an hour discussing strategies to recognize, manage and mitigate anxiety and stress.

While the Covid-19 Pandemic has created increased incidence of anxiety for many – whether at work or at home, there remains a shocking number of employees, managers and owners in our midst who are either silently or openly struggling with anxiety – either with or without Covid in the mix.

Anxiety appears in many forms with your team members and here are some challenges we discussed:

1. New employees who don’t show up for their first day, or shortly there-after If this is a challenge in your company, then take a step back and look at what their experience has been since they were hired… what information have they been given in advance, what have you or others in your company done to make them feel welcome? Have you tried to make them feel at ease? Do they know in advance what to expect and how to properly prepare for day one? Is there someone for them to check in with if they’re nervous? Is there someone to encourage them? Did someone move them through day one with an eye on the new

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candidates’ level of stress or anxiety/ nervousness? An absence of special attention to these factors can lead to great potential candidates being de-railed before they’ve given the job a chance.

2. A lack of ‘orientation’ to the company or meeting people before day-one due to Covid and virtual interviewing – which leads to high anxiety on day one (and beyond).

One participant brought up this great observation: ”It’s tough to walk into your first day of a job, having been hired without ever meeting anyone in person, or having seen the ‘layout’ of your workplace”.

Anxiety – It’s a ‘Thing’…Still.

Consider taking the time with a new candidate in advance of day one and ask them what they’d like to know. Make sure that they know in advance who to look for when they arrive, where to park or which bus will bring them to the closest stop.

What landmark should they look for? Ask what would make them comfortable on their first day? What are they nervous of? If they’ve never worked on a crew outdoors before, talk to them about what type of kit to bring their lunch/snacks in, and how much they should bring, what to wear, how to be prepared and who to ask for when they arrive.

3. Whether a new employee or one who’s in a new role, they don’t know what they don’t know. It’s up to you to anticipate and be one step ahead of their sources of stress.

with his own expectations for members on his team who work hard to manage their levels of anxiety. Recognizing chronic anxiety and being open about strategies to help staff who wrestle with it daily is both effective and builds trust.

5. Be vulnerable. Let the team know that you’re doing your best to help make their work and workplace as pleasant as you can, and that you might not have all the answers.

Be open to their ideas.

Even employers have times of the season and situations that arise which cause them anxiety also! A mother/son business ownership team brought up this great point… that “we too get anxious – especially if the team is short staffed and the roster is full”. They feel really anxious and frustrated when they are pushing

“It’s easy for new and returning staff to quickly become overwhelmed” said another attendee. The results you’ll see are varied and may include poor attendance and low retention. It’s hard to recover from feeling overwhelmed when the days are long. Feeling stressed everyday can lead quickly to overwhelm. One of the youngest entrepreneurs in the group offered this great comment: “we all have to balance our output of energy with recovery time”. Talk to staff who seem to be showing signs of being overwhelmed and check in with them…. Are they looking after themselves after work? Are there ways you can help them move more smoothly through the day with less stress? How do they recharge their batteries?

4. There are many amongst us who struggle with chronic anxiety. There are ways each workplace can adjust to accommodate this challenge with empathy.

Chronic anxiety is immobilizing. Another participant talked with the group about his experience as an employer to make space, both in his team’s set up and

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extra work on everyone just to keep caught up with the client demand. They share their anxiety openly with the team, and feel they get support in return.

As a seasoned ‘multi-generation’ workshop facilitator, many in my audiences have heard me repeatedly say “Anxiety is the Millennial Curse”. I firmly believe when each employer and team recognizes that the statistics show there is someone in their midst (of any age) struggling with anxiety – the conversations can change, the culture become more supportive and responsive – with better outcomes for everyone.

Take a breath and please start the conversation about anxiety with your team.

I believe that you might be a bit surprised, and glad that you did.

Thank you for reading! Until next time. www.consultingbyhart.com

A Look Back at Our Association

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GREEN FOR LIFE SPRING 2021 • 22

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KUBOTA KNOWS LANDSCAPING.

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Best of all, we offer competitive commercial financing and support from our Canada-wide dealer network, to maximize productivity and reduce downtime.

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