Bringing all sectors of the green industry under one roof
NOVEMBER 20TH - 21ST
RED DEER, AB
ADVANCING THE PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY
MANAGING EDITOR Joel Beatson
CONTENT & EDITING Kyla Hardon LAYOUT KWL Design
Landscape Alberta Green for Life is a professional publication for the landscape trade in Alberta.
Editorial and Advertising
Landscape Alberta 18051 107 Avenue NW Edmonton, AB T5S 1K3 P: 780-489-1991 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. Material may not be reprinted from this magazine without the consent of Landscape Alberta.
October 15 – 18, 2024 CANADIAN URBAN FOREST CONFERENCE (CUFC) 2024 Winnipeg, MB https://treecanada.ca/ research-engagement/ canadian-urban-forest-conference/
October 17 – 20, 2024 COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM SYMPOSIUM & AWARDS Charlottetown, PEI https://www.communitiesinbloom.ca/ symposium-awards/
November 19, 2024
LANDSCAPE ALBERTA NURSERY PRODUCERS AUCTION Red Deer Resort & Casino, Red Deer, AB https://www.greenindustryshow.com/ ?page_id=53
November 20-21, 2024 GREEN INDUSTRY SHOW & CONFERENCE Westerner Park, Red Deer, AB www.greenindustryshow.com
January 7-9, 2025 LO CONGRESS Toronto, ON https://www.locongress.com/
GISC 2024
JOIN US IN RED DEER ON NOVEMBER 20-21, 2024!
Our dedicated staff and volunteers are thrilled to present an exceptional lineup of industry experts, engaging sessions, and valuable insights. This year’s event also features the largest industry trade show on the Prairies, promising a wealth of opportunities and discoveries.
Get ready to hear from an impressive roster of speakers who will offer fresh perspectives and actionable strategies. They will challenge you to refine your business approach and expand your vision for the future of our industry. Topics include innovative tips for business growth, disease and pest management, leveraging AI and technology, snow and ice business practices, empowering diversity, tree protection, new plants and so much more!
Whether you’re seeking inspiration for attracting new clients, energizing your team, or enhancing your industry impact, this event is designed to provide the tools and knowledge you need for greater success.
We look forward to seeing you there!
GET SOCIAL
Use #GISC2024 to share and see pictures and posts about our event. Follow Landscape Alberta on social media for the latest updates. Facebook: @landscapealberta Instagram: @landscapealberta
DATES & TIMES
NOVEMBER 20-21, 2024 Westerner Park, Red Deer, AB CONFERENCE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2024 7:55 AM – 12:25 PM
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2024 7:55 AM – 12:25 PM TRADE SHOW
WEDNESDAY 10:30 - 4:30PM
THURSDAY 10:30 - 3:30PM
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
JEFF MCMANUS: GROW: GIVING YOURSELF
PERMISSION TO BE GREAT!
RAYNE GIBSON: PASSION IS NOT LEADERSHIP
2024 GISC REGISTRATION FEES
2024 CONFERENCE FULL SCHEDULE
PRE-CONFERENCE EVENTS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2024
8:30 am - 9:00 am
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Lookout Room - Registration and Coffee
NEXTRA CONSULTING PEER GROUP
CANCELLED
9:30 am - 10:00 am Frontier Room - Registration and Coffee
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
AGGA DAY OF DISCOVERY
*Lunch included for both events
2024 CONFERENCE FULL SCHEDULE
CONFERENCE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2024
7:30 - 7:55 am Registration and Continental Breakfast Room Frontier Room
7:55 am - 8:55 am G.R.O.W: GIVING YOURSELF PERMISSION TO BE GREAT! Jeff McManus TRACK LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE PEOPLE & PROFITS
9:05 am - 10:05 am
10:15 am - 11:15 am
Dutch Elm Disease Threat to Alberta Trees
Ken Fry Growing Diversity: Empowering Women in Green Spaces Carla Bailey Award Winning Projects: Selection, Submission, Reward John van Roessel & Maria Galdon
Soil HealthComprehensive Testing to Inform Soil Management Decisions
Jason Henry From Labourer to Manager: Cultivating Tomorrow's Leaders Grant Harrison
AI in the Green Industry: Leverage Technology to Save Time and Make Money Rayne Gibson
Keeping up with the Jones’: Post Covid Genetics Felicia Vandervelde
Seeing Your Garden Centre Through International Eyes Ashleigh Munro and Jill Van Duyvendyk
10:30 am - 4:30 pm GREEN INDUSTRY SHOW - STOCKMENS PAVILION
11:25 am - 12:25 pm Advances in Turf Research
Jason Pick It's Not About the Pay Cheque
Jeff McManus Mini Forest Plantings: A Unique Opportunity to Improve Urban Forest Canopy Jason Henry Garden Center Design Considerations Rayne Gibson
9:05 am - 10:05 am Tools & Tech to Drive Efficiency
Christopher Thacker
10:15 am - 11:15 am Stability Through the SUB Program
Carla Bailey
Killer Growth: Avoid Simple Mistakes When Growing Your Company
Peter Guinane Tree Protection During Construction and Picking the Right Tree For Your Location
Servant Leadership: How to Effectively Lead and Inspire a High Achieving Team
Peter Guinane
Jeff McManus Aphids in the Greenhouse: Identification and Management Ken Fry
Emerald Ash Borer in Vancouver: Update and Lessons Learned Troy Kimoto
Breeding for Garden Centres: The Story of How New Plants Get to Market Anik Graves
10:30 am - 4:30 pm GREEN INDUSTRY SHOW - STOCKMENS PAVILION
11:25 am - 12:25 pm
PANEL: Eliminating Winners & Losers in Contracts
Brandon Comstock & Chris Hinton
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
EARN CREDITS
Speed Round: 60 Ideas For Making Your Company a Place Where People Want to Work
Brad Parker & Grant Harrison Tree Breeding, Trials and Prairie Nursery Innovations
Wilbert Ronald Harnessing Precision LED Lighting Technologies to Impact Plant
Growth and Development
Dr. Glen Uhrig
SOD GROWER’S MEETING Lookout Room
Many sessions qualify for educational credits for renewing industry designations and certifications including Landscape Industry Certified designations, Alberta Environment’s Pesticide applicator/dispenser license renewal, ISA Continuing Education Units, and others. Information highlighting which sessions will earn credits are listed in the session descriptions and updates will be posted on our website, www.greenindustryshow.com, as they are approved.
HortProtect – People Corporation & Marsh Canada 910
Inline Nurseries (2010) Inc 1019
J.C. Bakker & Sons Ltd. 1104
Jack Holt Tree Spade Manufacturing 1224
Jeffries Nurseries Ltd. 925
Joe Johnson Equipment 1042
Jolly Farmer 1117
JT Equipment 936
Kalco Nurseries Ltd. 919
Kato’s Nursery (2007) Ltd. 1230
Kehoe Equipment Ltd./Alggin Metal Industries 935
Know More Hazard 1026
Lakeshore Tree Farms Ltd. 1214
Landscape Alberta 906 Landscape Horticulture Certification Pgm 906 LED Smart Inc 915
Linnaea Nurseries Limited 1225 Manderley Turf Products Inc. 1121 Meridian Young Plants 1209
College 1125 Pachamama Patios 1503 Paridon Horticultural Ltd. 912 Parkland Nursery & Landscape Services Ltd. 1024 Paul Boers 1217 Performance Seed 1305 Plant Products - a member of Biobest Group 1110 Polar Industrial Services Ltd. 932 Professional Gardener Co. Ltd., The 1219 Purple Springs Nursery Inc. 1324
Root Rescue Environmental Products 1216
Sester Farms Inc. 1309 Simon Bos Nurseries Ltd 1020
Siteone Landscape Supply 914
Stokes Seeds Limited 907
TerraLink Horticulture Inc. 1502 TG Nursery and Sons Ltd. 1206 The HC Company 917 The Toro Company 1035 THRYV 1036 Top Spray 1114 TreeTime.ca 1006 Trojan Industries 1506 Van Noort Bulb Company 1314
West Coast Seeds 1028
Westcan Greenhouses Ltd. 1205
GISC 2024 SESSIONS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2024
Frontier Room
Education Champion Sponsor
7:55 AM
KEYNOTE: G.R.O.W: GIVING YOURSELF PERMISSION TO BE GREAT!
Jeff McManus
Based on his book, Growing Weeders into Leaders , this motivational keynote presentation is based on Jeff’s G.R.O.W. theory that explores G reat Teams, R aising Results, O ffense Scores and W inners Win. In this session, Jeff will discuss ways to invest and grow employees and leaders
in any organization, which is key to long-term success.
9:05 AM
DUTCH ELM DISEASE THREAT TO ALBERTA TREES
Ken Fry
Dutch Elm Disease has been established in Central and Eastern Canada for many years and has caused millions in losses over this time. Alberta has been fortunate to have had only two minor infections in the past. However, recent expansion in Saskatchewan and a recent detection in the B.C. Interior increase the risk of this disease arriving in Alberta. We will examine the life history and damage of the disease and its vectors, and review what we can do to detect it and what we need to do if we do find it.
10:15 AM
SOIL HEALTHCOMPREHENSIVE TESTING TO INFORM SOIL MANAGEMENT DECISIONS
Jason Henry Soils are the foundation of our urban forestry dreams. Understanding the physical, biological, chemical and hydrological properties of your soils is fundamental to the success of any urban forestry project. Here, Vineland will provide an overview of what we think urban foresters need to know about their soils to improve successful
tree establishment and survival. Drawing on years of experience conducting research across the urban tree value chain, Vineland will highlight a series of key performance indicators that can be used to support more informed decision making as it relates to the management and maintenance of soil in urban settings.
11:25 AM
ADVANCES IN TURF RESEARCH
Jason Pick
Explore the latest breakthroughs in turfgrass science with our in-depth presentation on recent advancements from the Alberta Turfgrass Research Foundation. This session is designed for turf care professionals seeking to stay at the forefront of industry knowledge.
Key topics include:
• Optimizing fertility for robust turf growth
• Effective herbicide use for weed management
• Inno vative water conservation strategies
• Selecting the best turf species for your needs
• Advanced diagnostic techniques for turf disease identification
We will present summarized research data from 2021-2024, providing evidence-based management strategies, and tips for successful overwintering, tailored specifically for Western Canada.
9:05 AM
GROWING DIVERSITY: EMPOWERING WOMEN IN GREEN SPACES
Carla Bailey
Elevate your landscaping or horticulture business by embracing diversity and innovation through the empowerment of women in the industry. This compelling presentation is designed for business owners and senior managers seeking to unlock the full potential of their teams and drive forward their companies with fresh perspectives and enhanced creativity. Discover the transformative power of gender diversity in fostering a more dynamic, innovative, and profitable business environment.
10:15 AM FROM LABOURER TO MANAGER: CULTIVATING TOMORROW’S LEADERS
Grant Harrison
As managers, many of us have experienced the disappointment of investing in employees who initially showed promise but did not meet our expectations. However, it’s important
to remember that most of us in this industry began as entry-level workers and were given responsibilities that allowed us to grow and eventually step into management roles.
This session is designed to equip your management team with the tools and systems necessary to identify and develop promising employees who are ready to take on more responsibilities. Additionally, it will provide details on how to foster a culture that promotes employee growth and development. This seminar will help you invest in the next generation and cultivate the future leaders of our industry.
11:25 AM
IT’S NOT ABOUT THE PAYCHECK
Jeff McManus
Of course the paycheck is important, but breaking through to passion and purpose only happens when we rethink conventional business wisdom. But how do you re-train yourself, your organization, to think differently?
How do you foster an environment where it’s safe to do it, where purpose and passion can thrive without destroying your business? How do the world’s most clever companies manage to not only endure change but encourage it, harnessing it to climb to new heights? How do chickens cook and universities stay alive in the face of market shifts and competitive challenges? What can established businesses learn from their
“HOW DO YOU FOSTER AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE IT’S SAFE TO DO IT, WHERE PURPOSE AND PASSION CAN THRIVE WITHOUT DESTROYING YOUR BUSINESS?“
own people about purpose? What can we learn about ourselves by talking about leaders we’ve seen or know who display the 4 most admired leadership qualities? And how can developing landscape weeders into strong, individual team members help an organization grow their purpose or passion?
In this clever and engaging session, Jeff debunks myths about success, shares unforgettable stories and research, and rouses an audience up, preparing them to actively consider their own passion and purpose. How you think about success will never be the same. Leave this session knowing how to:
• Inspire leadership in each team member while creating an environment that encourages purposeful thinking;
• Unleash the power of creative and innovative processes and procedures that can cultivate a passion for new ideas;
• Leverage your unique framework for breakthrough buy-in from your team.
Education Champion Sponsor
9:05 AM
AWARD WINNING PROJECTS: SELECTION, SUBMISSION, REWARD
John van Roessel & Maria Galdon
Unlock the Secrets of Award-Winning Projects: Insights from Judges and Past Winners. Discover how to select the perfect project for submission, create compelling submissions, and avoid common pitfalls. Dive into real-world case studies of successful designs, builds, and maintenance. Plus, explore the tangible benefits of winning awards, from marketing advantages to team morale. Join us for an illuminating session!
10:15 AM
AI IN THE GREEN INDUSTRY: LEVERAGE TECHNOLOGY TO SAVE TIME AND MAKE MONEY
Rayne Gibson
In a rapidly evolving world, embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a choice, but a strategic advantage for nursery owners and managers. Join us to explore how AI can supercharge your sales and sharpen your skills in the nursery business. This session is designed
to provide actionable insights, inspiring you to reimagine your data utilization.
As you step into the AI-powered future of the nursery industry, remember that the integration of AI isn’t just about data –it’s about reimagining possibilities. Embrace the potential of AI to revolutionize your sales, refine your skills, and lead your nursery into a prosperous tomorrow. Start your journey by implementing even one AI-driven strategy discussed and witness the transformation it brings to your business.
11:25 AM
MINI FOREST PLANTINGS: A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO IMPROVE URBAN FOREST CANOPY
Jason Henry
Miyawaki Forests, also known and Mini or Tiny Forests, are small-scale, densely planted urban forests that focus on planting native trees and shrubs in small urban areas. This method emphasizes the improvement of the soil health prior to planting, and then focuses on densely planted, diverse, locally adapted forest species to mimic the design of complex native forest ecosystems. These small forests, typically the size of a tennis court (200m2), have many environmental and social benefits that include but are not limited to carbon sequestration, improved tree growth, increased biodiversity by providing necessary habitat for wildlife and expand green spaces. In this session you will learn about Mini Forests and the
unique opportunity they possess to improve your urban forest canopy.
Lookout Room
9:05 AM
KEEPING UP WITH THE JONES’: POST COVID GENETICS
Felicia Vandervelde
Join Felicia as she speaks about plants new to the market and how they will perform in the Prairies! She will discuss top performers from a wide array of international breeders. Don’t miss out on hearing about the who’s who? Or what’s what? of the plant world.
10:15 AM
GARDEN CENTRE DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Rayne Gibson
Join us for an insightful and engaging session on optimizing the design and layout of your garden center to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. This workshop will provide you with practical strategies to improve traffic flow, product displays, and overall functionality of your nursery or garden center.
11:25 AM
SEEING YOUR GARDEN CENTRE THROUGH INTERNATIONAL EYES
Ashleigh Munro & Jill Van Duyvendyk
Join two champions of the Prairie garden centre world on a journey through the
International Garden Centre Association’s annual tour. Ashleigh and Jill will share their top picks from this year’s garden centre tour in Quebec, including innovative ideas, what worked, what didn’t, and what they would change if they had only $10,000 to spend at each stop. This session promises to inspire with the freshest ideas from the garden retailing world.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2024
Frontier Room
Education Sponsor
7:55 AM
PASSION IS NOT LEADERSHIP
Rayne Gibson
In this thought-provoking keynote, we will debunk the myth and delve into the intricate layers that truly define exceptional leadership.
Embark on a Paradigm-Shift Journey: Discover the power of passion as a driving force but go beyond the surface to explore why it’s not the sole ingredient for effective leadership.
Illuminate the Pitfalls: Explore the limitations of passion-driven leadership and learn from real-world examples where passion alone fell short in the face of leadership challenges.
Unlock the Components of True Leadership: Dive deep into the essential qualities of successful leaders, from emotional intelligence to strategic vision and team collaboration.
Nurture Your Leadership Growth: Walk away with practical insights and actionable strategies to develop and enhance your leadership skills, ensuring you are equipped to lead with purpose and impact.
Ignite Your Leadership Potential: This keynote isn’t just a speech; it’s a call to action! Be inspired to transcend the passion paradigm and embrace the multifaceted dimensions of true leadership.
9:05 AM
TOOLS & TECH TO DRIVE EFFICIENCY
Christopher Thacker
With changing weather patterns, higher costs and the constant drive to do more with less, utilizing tools and technology that can drive efficiency is essential. This session will look at tools like site cameras, liquids and more that can be used to save money, labor and time.
This session brought to you in
10:15 AM
STABILITY THROUGH THE SUB PROGRAM
Carla Bailey
In this session, we will explore the significance of Supplemental Unemployment Benefits (SUB) programs in the context of today’s ever-evolving workforce. We will delve into the mechanics of SUB programs, their benefits for both employers and employees, and their pivotal role in mitigating the impacts of economic uncertainty. Through real-world case studies, we will examine how SUB programs have been successfully leveraged to bolster workforce stability and enhance employer-employee relationships.
11:25 AM
PANEL: ELIMINATING WINNERS & LOSERS IN CONTRACTS
Brandon Comstock, Chris Hinton
With most snow and ice contract models, there is almost always a perceived winner and loser. Therefore, contractors and their clients are positioned at opposite ends of
the success spectrum. Instead, implementing contract structures and terms that even the playing field can ensure everyone wins (or at least comes away satisfied).
10:15 AM
SERVANT LEADERSHIP: HOW TO EFFECTIVELY LEAD AND INSPIRE A HIGH ACHIEVING TEAM
This session brought to you in
Trailblazer I Education Champion Sponsor
9:05 AM
KILLER GROWTH: AVOID SIMPLE MISTAKES WHEN GROWING YOUR COMPANY
Peter Guinane
‘Killer Growth,’ a lecture dissecting the delicate balance in landscaping company expansion. Explore the fine line between strategic growth and potential pitfalls, shedding light on the critical consequences of premature expansion. Understand why timing and thoughtful planning are essential to ensure sustained success in the landscaping industry.
Peter Guinane
Unlock the power of Servant Leadership in this lecture on guiding high-achieving landscape professionals. Discover the importance of leading with humility and empathy, fostering a culture of collaboration and motivation. Explore why servant leadership is the key to unlocking the full potential of your team, creating a harmonious and high-performance work environment in the dynamic landscape industry.
11:25 AM
SPEED ROUND: 60 IDEAS FOR MAKING YOUR COMPANY A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE WANT TO WORK
Brad Parker & Grant Harrison
Join Brad and Grant for this fast-paced discussion about things you can do to make yourself an employer of choice with the 50 best ideas in 50 minutes to attract and retain talent to your small business.
Trailblazer II
Education Champion Sponsor
9:05 AM
TREE BREEDING, TRIALS AND PRAIRIE NURSERY INNOVATIONS
Wilbert
Ronald
The past 50 years have seen major new diseases and pests come to western Canada. These include Dutch elm disease (DED), black knot of cherries (BKC), bronze leaf disease of aspens (BLD) and Emerald ash borer (EAB). Prairie tree growers are searching for new trees to diversify tree production; however this search has not been easy in the cold prairie zones. Tree improvement research will be discussed in a wide range of species. Nursery innovations for prairie growers and garden centres will be discussed that could add to your productivity and profitability.
10:15 AM
EMERALD ASH BORER IN VANCOUVER: UPDATE AND LESSONS LEARNED
Troy Kimoto
Troy has been working in Vancouver once EAB was identified. He will discuss the EAB interception in 2023 that triggered branch sampling this spring of 2024. Troy will also discuss how the City of Vancouver is approaching the EAB infested area and give a few recommendations about EAB surveillance.
The recent finding of EAB in City of Vancouver is a great concern for Alberta since the number of ash trees growing
in Alberta municipalities can reach as high as 40% of the urban forest. EAB is a highly invasive species and is catastrophically destructive to all ash trees in North America which have little or no natural resistance to the EAB attacks. In 2017, EAB was confirmed in Winnipeg. This was a huge jump from CFIA quarantined areas in Ontario and Quebec.
11:25 AM
TREE PROTECTION DURING CONSTRUCTION AND PICKING THE RIGHT TREE FOR YOUR LOCATION
Jeff McManus
Proper trees add value to a landscape while incorrect trees take away value. Across the board, people are very quick to plant any tree versus planting the right tree. In this session, participants will be guided through the factors to consider when picking the tree and the location, including climate, soil type, and space constraints. In addition, Jeff will cover the fundamental principles of protecting trees during construction. He will explore the common threats to trees on construction sites and introduce basic strategies and guidelines for effective tree protection. Takeaways:
1. Key factors to consider when selecting a tree species for a specific location.
2. S trategies for ensuring the longterm health and growth of newly planted trees.
3. Understanding the common threats to trees during construction.
4. Basic strategies for protecting trees on construction sites.
Lookout Room Education Trailblazer Sponsor
9:05 AM
APHIDS IN THE GREENHOUSE: IDENTIFICATION AND MANAGEMENT
Ken Fry
Aphids are a common pest of vegetables and ornamentals. We will examine the different species of aphids, their habits, what damage they do and how to manage them. There are many different species of aphid so it is important to determine which species you have to optimize detection and in deciding which management tools are best to use.
10:15 AM
BREEDING FOR GARDEN CENTRES: THE STORY OF HOW NEW PLANTS GET TO MARKET Anik Graves
Every plant you pick up at your local garden centre has a story, and has
come a surprisingly long way to end up in your garden. From the breeders who create beautiful new varieties, to suppliers, to the vast amount of trials and testing each plant undergoes, it is no easy task to bring new perennials to market.
This session is sponsored by
11:25 AM
HARNESSING PRECISION LED LIGHTING TECHNOLOGIES TO IMPACT PLANT GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Dr. Glen Uhrig
Light is essential to plant growth and development. It is required to drive CO2 assimilation from the atmosphere into the building blocks of life required by plants, while also being a key trigger for important plant responses such as shade avoidance, developmental programs and seed / fruit production. In countries such as Canada, horticulture is an important component of the food production landscape. An important component of horticultural food production is the application of artificial light to facilitate plant growth.
Light technologies typically deployed in horticultural plant growth include high-pressure sodium, metal halide or fluorescent lights which are both energetically and economically expensive,
in addition to being technologically limited (e.g. producing excess light and heat). Modern light emitting diode (LED) technologies however, represent an exciting, more cost effective and precise lighting alternative.
Therefore, implementation of precision LED light technologies for increased horticulture output represents a timely opportunity given the increasing unpredictability of weather and climate. Using a fully programmable LED light system, we have generated a multi-faceted understanding of how plants respond to different LED-lighting regimens, with our findings demonstrating a clear utility for precision LED technologies in effectively advancing horticultural crop growth into a new paradigm.
Showcase your creativity and be recognized for your expertise! Entry forms and guides are available online at www.landscape-alberta.com. The Landscape Awards program is only open to active members of Landscape Alberta and Landscape Saskatchewan.
Locally grown sod Bulk aggregates, soil, mulches and gravel
Landscape
EXHIBITOR LISTINGS
1015
A.M.A. Horticulture Inc.
Connie Bradt-Monsma 2011 Spinks Drive Kingsville, ON N9Y 2E5
A.M.A. Horticulture is a solutions-driven supplier helping growers discover custom, innovative solutions for their success for over 40 years. We specialize in: Ellepots by A.M.A.; growing containers; growing media; seeding equipment; hydroponic supplies; berry supplies; Al’s Flower Pouch; the Root Smart propagation tray; and more.
Annelida Soil Solutions, North America’s largest indoor worm farm, based in Nisku, Alberta, transforms organic waste into premium worm castings, liquid extracts, and natural granular fertilizers. Our eco-friendly products enhance soil health and support sustainable agriculture. Discover more at Annelida Soil Solutions.
Since 1927, we have offered garden centres, greenhouses, nurseries, and landscape professionals an essential range of cold hardy/container grown trees, shrubs, fruits, evergreens, perennials, and more! Our weekly delivery service is available from April to October.
1010
Aurora Peat Products
Norita Von Grad 13704 170 ST NW EDMONTON, AB T5V 1T2 Phone: (780) 203-8364 norita.von.grad@aurorapeat.com www.aurorapeat.ca
Aurora Peat Products ULC. We are a Peat Moss manufacturer and production facility in Edmonton, Alberta. Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss APP-3.8cft & 55cft bales Procision Advantage Professional Blend -PROADV 3.8cft & 55cft bales Procision Classic Professional Blend -PROCLA 3.8cft & 55cft bales.
Ball Seed, North America’s leading wholesale horticultural distributor, combines extensive experience, innovative thinking and world-class customer service to ensure that professional growers have the best products, most efficient tools and dynamic growing solutions.
1321
Balzac Rentals Inc
Steve Richardson 102 - 39026 RR 275
Red Deer County, AB T4S 2A9
Phone: (403) 347-7211
s.richardson@bg-rd.com www.bluegrassnursery.com
Balzac Rental serves two locations Balzac and Red Deer. We provide rental equipment for the landscape industry and are a proud dealer of both Echo and Mikita power tools.
1027
Blue Grass Greenhouses-Red Deer (a division of Blue Grass Sod Ltd.)
Kevin Milaney Unit 102
39026 Rge Rd 275
Red Deer County, AB T4S 2A9
Phone: (403) 347-7211
k.milaney@bg-rd.com www.bluegrassnursery.com
Central Alberta wholesale grower of rooted cuttings and retail ready annuals, planters, proven winners, tropicals, herbs, vegetables, hanging baskets and more. Delivery on a temperature controlled truck to your door!
1025
Blue Grass Sod Farms & Nursery
Steve Richardson Unit 102
39026 Rge Rd 275
Red Deer County, AB T4S 2A9
Phone: (403) 347-7211
s.richardson@bg-rd.com www.bluegrassnursery.com
Blue Grass Sod Farms, Nursery & Garden Centre is one of central Alberta’s largest suppliers of prairie hardy caliper trees and sod. We are a third generation family business servicing the industry since 1970. With over 2500 acres of sod and 200 acres of trees, we are truly the “one stop shop” for all your landscape supplies.
Container-grown, hardy, quality nursery stock. Specializing in shrubs, native plants, roses, evergreens, pot-in-pot trees, vines, perennials and grasses. Supplying garden centres, nurseries, landscapers and municipalities. Easy on-line ordering, availability, product information, resources and much more at www.bronandsons.co.
EXHIBITOR LISTINGS
1315
BW GLOBAL Structures Inc.
Rajan Kumar 29020 Fraser Highway Abbotsford, BC V4X 1G8
Phone: (604) 856-1303
TF: (877) 856-1303
rajan@bw-global.com www.bw-global.com
For over 43 years, BW GLOBAL has been Western Canada’s most-trusted & largest Greenhouse design, manufacture, and construction company - supplying top-quality, high yield, damage-resistant Greenhouses of every size and type, for every grower and budget. Best-in-class structure warranty. See us for structures, parts, coverings, and systems.
929
BWI-ACME Enterprises Ltd.
Quinn Cook 3110 80th Avenue Southeast Calgary, AB T2C 1J3
BWI-Acme is a leading supplier and manufacturer for the landscape and nursery industry, offering a wide range of products including wire baskets, burlap bags, bulk bags, landscape fabrics, geotextiles, and more! Our local manufacturing solutions allow us to provide quick service for a variety of sewn products, such as custom tarps, covers and bags.
1005
Bylands Nurseries Ltd.
Kelvin Thomas 1600 Byland Road West Kelowna, BC V1Z 1H6 Phone: (250) 769-4466 kelvint@bylands.com www.bylands.com
Bylands Nurseries offers one of the most complete mixes of prairie hardy container and bareroot material in North America. We grow quality trees, branded shrubs, shrubs, evergreens, fruit trees, small fruit, vines, roses, perennials and succulents. 2011 Canadian and International Grower of the Year.
906
Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA)
Nicole Xavier / Lauryn Smith 7856 Fifth Line South Milton, ON L9T 2X8
The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) is a national federation representing the landscape horticulture industry in Canada. It advocates for industry professionals and offers services, resources, and programs to support their growth and development. Members can access CNLA programs and benefits by joining their provincial association, which provides them with a direct connection to the national network and all its resources.
Growing ‘Prairie Hardy’ caliper trees, potted trees and shrubs on 310 acres, along with 14,400 sq. ft. of greenhouse for perennials and grass production. Main nursery is located 5 minutes south of Edmonton: 24309 Twp. Rd. 510 (Beaumont).
The City of Edmonton produces high-quality compost rich in organic matter, excellent for improving soils, enriching planting mixes, and stimulating plant growth. It can be used in landscaping and gardening, turf, top dressing and tree and shrub planting. It meets CCME standards for unrestricted use. For details, visit edmonton.ca/compostsales
1009
City of Edmonton Urban Forestry
Melissa Campbell Westwood Central Yard 12304 107 Street Edmonton, AB T5G 2S7
Phone: (780) 554-3317 melissa.campbell@edmonton.ca http://www.edmonton.ca/urbanforestry Edmonton’s trees provide many environmental, social and economic benefits. The City of Edmonton understands the importance of these assets and works to maintain and grow the urban forest. Proper management is crucial for continuous growth and improvement of the urban forest. Learn more about the different types of tree assets in Edmonton and more!
1204
Coaldale Nurseries Ltd
David Kuperus Kuperus Box 1267
Coaldale, AB T1M 1N1
Phone: (403) 382-5499 info@coaldalenurseries.ca www.coaldalenurseries.ca Caliper trees, Colorado spruce, Montgomery spruce and fruit trees.
DeCloet Greenhouse Manufacturing Ltd. is a leader in the design and manufacture of high quality greenhouses. DeCloet Greenhouses are used by production growers, nurseries, and retail centers across North America. We also provide installations, heating products, ventilation systems, benches and complete after sale service.
We are customer focused, value teamwork, and are passionate about results. During the spring, we grow over 100 items and collaborate with expert growers to offer complete solutions. While our company has evolved, we remain committed to our roots as growers, with our success measured by growing the best quality plants possible.
We are pleased to be the Canadian partner in the “Alliance For Low Input Sustainable Turf”, offering sustainable varieties with reduced inputs, heat tolerance, and decreased water use.
Nature-based, organic fertilizer you can finally feel good about. Discover the effort-less path to vibrant, nutrient-rich soil with Doug’s organic slow-release fertilizer pellets. A natural, sustainable, and regenerative way to nourish your garden.
1109
Dümmen Orange
Diane Surette
250 South High Street Suite 650 Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (630) 212-1276
d.surette@dummenorange.com www.dummenorange.com
Our mission at Dümmen Orange is two-fold — to spark inspiration among people with our flowers and contribute to creating a better, more sustainable, and beautiful world in doing so. As a global breeder and propagator of ornamental flowers and plants, we offer to the world an impressive portfolio of cut flowers, pot plants, bedding plants, and perennials to growers, wholesalers, and retailers around the world.
Manufacturer of the very best in nursery equipment including the Dutchman Tree Spade. Also specializing in tree planters, tree stakers, truck spades, stabilizers, rootball grapplers and tree tyers.
1304
Dutrion North America
Wayne Kemerink 223077 HWY 611
Ferintosh, AB T0B1M0 Phone: (780) 361-2114 wayne@dutrion.net https://dutrion.com/ Dutrion is the one-stop shop for your water purification needs.
Water is key to a high Return On Investment, visit us and ask our experts how we can get you set up today!
1031
Eagle Lake Landscape Supply
Kyle Redfern 285177 Frontier Road SE Calgary, AB T1X0N2
Eagle Lake Professional Landscape Supply provides top quality landscaping supplies for your project. As Calgary’s exclusive supplier of BigYellowBag® we deliver sod, soil, mulch, and more directly to your doorstep. We are proud to offer high quality landscape supplies that transform your space into a paradise.
1231
Eagle Lake Nurseries Ltd.
Anita Heuver PO Box 2340 Strathmore, AB T1P 1K3 Phone: (403) 934-3670 anita@eaglelakenurseries.com www.eaglelakenurseries.com
Local grower of caliper trees, potted trees, shrubs, evergreens, and perennials. Wholesale supplier to residential landscapers, landscape contractors, garden centres and municipalities. Since 1970....Quality and Service you can depend on.
ESRS is a native plant nursery specializing in wholesale supply of native plants (including: plugs, live stakes, rooted stakes, potted plants and floating Islands) We carry over 250 species in our seed inventory, professional Agrologists and Biologists available for consultation on projects through our sister company Tannas Conservation Services.
Grower of ornamental shrubs, grasses, ground cover and perennials in 1 gal & 4” pots. EVL can supply you with a complete selection of plants for every season.
Express Seed Company provides the fastest connection to a worldwide network of breeders and suppliers of greenhouse inputs. ThinkPlants™ is a cooperative marketing platform which represents a dedicated team, including plant breeders and horticultural experts, seamlessly connected to a supply chain.
1310
EXT.tech
Tom Murphy
421 Richmond Road, Suite 201 Ottawa, ON K2A 4H1
Phone: (613) 854-4918 tom@ext.tech www.ext.tech
EXT mobilizes your landscaping business. Simplify operations, boost profits, save time and money. Replace aging software with a modern, mobile first alternative. Features include AI job routing, customer management, secure communications with real-time chat, KPI’s, time tracking and service automation. Easy setup and a user-friendly app. Visit us to learn more!
Specimen caliper deciduous and coniferous trees; pot-in-pot trees; container shrubs - deciduous and coniferous; perennials. Delivery service to site within AB, SK and BC. “Clean Plant” certified. We are located just east of Calgary on Range Road 284, 1/2 km north of Glenmore Trail.
Backed by Finning service, the next generation of Cat machines can handle all your residential and landscaping needs. A full line of skid steers, mini excavators and work tools built Cat tough, supported by Finning. Call 1-888-finning for details.
Flowers Canada Growers Inc. (FCG) is the Canadian trade association representing floriculture greenhouse growers and industry partners across Canada. In raising buyers’ awareness of Canadian products and services, FCG produces The Canadian Greenhouse Growers’ Directory and Buyers’ Guide and associate website theflowerdirectory.com. Visit booth 1119 for a free copy.
905
Green Harvest Ltd.
Russ Spence 107, 18 Highland Park Way NE Airdrie, AB T4A 0R1
Green Harvest Ltd. is an Alberta based, family owned soil and fertilizer producer plus an importer of a select range of Home and Garden products including Ecograss artificial turf. We offer independent dealers exclusive brands of soil and fertilizers under our Green Harvest and Groundskeepers Pride brands.
1041
Greenworks Tools Canada
Kenneth Kwok 67 Toll Rd
East Gwillimbury, ON L9N 1H2
Phone: (416) 859-9878
kkwok@greenworkstools.com www.greenworkstools.ca
For over 20 years, Greenworks® Commercial has been at the forefront of innovation in the landscaping industry. Progress is our main objective, right from the very inception of our business we’ve been pushing the boundaries of what electrified landscaping products can achieve. Constant improvement in motion—that’s Greenworks Commercial.
1318
Ground Keepers Friend Basket Solutions Inc.
David Poffenroth 49011 Range Road 54 Brazeau County AB T0C 0W0
We are your trusted supplier for premium quality wire baskets, burlap and other nursery supplies. We are committed to quality, efficiency and excellent service.
Our focus is on the production of thermoforming carry pots and trays, inserts and flats, plug trays and injection molded hanging baskets, decorative pots and some other greenhouse items.
GrowTronics is a comprehensive line of premium quality LED grow lighting systems designed for both professional and hobby growers. At GrowTronics, we work with our clients individual horticultural LED lighting needs to create spectrums that maximize growth, flavour and nutrients.
1018
HEMPALTA
Brittany McKell
EXHIBITOR LISTINGS
1560 Hastings Crescent Calgary, AB T2G 4E1
Phone: (587) 226-3894
TF: (877) 622-3354
hemp@hempalta.com www.hempalta.com
HEMPALTA offers a range of premium hemp-based garden products designed to improve soil health and boost plant growth naturally. Our products, like hemp biochar and premium hemp mulch, enhance moisture retention, increase nutrient content, and promote sustainable gardening practices, making them perfect for healthier, thriving gardens.
Full Selection of young plants and custom grown finished product. Root & Sell for Selecta First Class and Dummen Orange. Western Canadian distributor for “Nature’s Source Plant food”, 930
HJS Wholesale Ltd.
Terry Folkers
330 Transport Road Winnipeg, Sunnyside, MB R5R 0J5
Phone: (204) 668-8360
TF: (866) 742-5457
terry@hjswholesale.com www.hjswholesale.com
HJS Wholesale Ltd provides your complete greenhouse, production, and nursery needs along with unique and timeless decorative products at competitive prices. Take advantage of our Premier and Sungro soilless mix programs and contact our sales team for complete product lists and receive your quote today.
910
HortProtect – People Corporation & Marsh
Canada c/o CNLA
Nicole Xavier 7856 Fifth Line South Milton, ON L9T 2X8
HortProtect offers a comprehensive insurance plan tailored specifically for the landscape horticulture industry. It provides unique coverage and discounted pricing options for Health & Life insurance as well as Property & Liability insurance. HortProtect is proudly endorsed by the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association and Landscape Alberta as their national insurance program.
Field Level Hazard Assessment made easy. Know More Hazard was conceived and developed by contractors for contractors. This app enables you to easily and simply complete FLHAs and Vehicle inspections on the spot. We fully customize it to your company. Managers see these assessments in real time. No more paper, no more frustration, Know More Hazard
1224
Jack Holt Tree Spade Manufacturing
Mark Andrews 23013 Township Road 504 Leduc County, AB T0B 3M1 Phone: (780) 446-0414 jackholttreespades@gmail.com www.landscape-alberta.com
Original Equipment Manufacturer of Jack Holt Tree Spades. Custom built for skid steers, loaders, and truck mounts. We manufacture a wide range of equipment to assist in all your tree planting/transplanting requirements. Made and serviced in Central Alberta.
Offering a broad selection of prairie-hardy field and container grown nursery stock; as well as a wide range of perennials, seedlings, and bare root tree liners. Discover our Northern Garden Collection and Northern Garden Introductions.
1042
Joe Johnson Equipment
Mark Milligan 12274 44 St SE Calgary, Alberta T2Z 4A2 Phone: (403) 355-3414 TF: (800) 263-1262 mmilligan@jjei.com www.jjei.com
Joe Johnson Equipment (JJE) is Canada’s largest and one of North America’s leading infrastructure-maintenance equipment suppliers. JJE proudly serves municipalities, contractors, haulers and industrial companies in Canada and the U.S.
1117
Jolly Farmer Products
Brenda Lee Leech 56 Crabbe Road Northampton, NB E7N 1R6 Phone: (506) 325-3850 Brenda.leech@jollyfarmer.com www.jollyfarmer.com
Jolly Farmer operates a 13-acre greenhouse, selling our plants directly, not through the broker network. Our vast selection of more than 3000 varieties of young plants ship nationwide, in the US and Canada. We grow annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, and more. Low minimums and small ordering increments are ideal for small and medium growers.
EXHIBITOR LISTINGS
936
JT Equipment
Matt Cox 9479 Endeavor Dr SE Calgary, AB T3S0A1 Phone: (403) 850-3686 mattc@jtequip.ca www.jtequipcorp.com
At JT Equipment we take immense pride in being a leading heavy equipment solutions provider. As a locally owned and operated business, our dedicated team of professional tradesmen and experienced business personnel work tirelessly to ensure smooth operations and maximum efficiency.
919
Kalco Nurseries Ltd
Kal Jhaj 4129 Spiers Road Kelowna, BC V1W 4B5 Kal@kalco.ca
250-404-4141
Kalco Nurseries, based in Kelowna, BC, is a wholesale tree nursery specializing in prairie-hardy trees. They supply high-quality trees to clients across Western Canada and the United States.
1230
Kato’s Nursery (2007) Ltd.
Michael Kato 29435 Downes Road Abbotsford, BC V4X 1S3 Phone: (604) 856-2470 sales@katosnursery.com www.katosnursery.com
Prairie hardy quality plants. Small fruits, deciduous shrubs, roses, vines, perennials, ground covers and conifers. Weekly delivery.
935
Kehoe Equipment Ltd./Alggin Metal Industries
Dave Ross 5545 - 97 Street NW Edmonton, AB T6E 3H8 Phone: (780) 420-0040 TF: (877) 420-0040 info@kel-hvac.com www.kel-hvac.com
Modine Gas-Oil-Electric-hydronic unit heaters, high & low intensity infrared radiant heaters and high efficiency condensing gas unit heaters.
1026
Know More Hazard
Trevor Hall 47010 RPO Creekside Calgary, AB T3P 0B9 Phone: (403) 888-2137 info@knowmorehazard.com https://knowmorehazard.com/ Your Field Level Hazard Assessment made easy. Know More Hazard was conceived and developed by contractors for contractors. This app enables you to easily and simply complete FLHAs and Vehicle inspections on the spot. We fully customize it to your company. Managers see these assessments in real time. No more paper, no more frustration, Know More Hazard.
Family owned business for 85+ years. Wholesale nursery supplying nursery products to the Canadian Prairies. 250 acres of caliper shade and conifer trees; container trees & shrubs, rooted cuttings, and seedlings. We specialize in native plants grown from seed and cuttings collected in zones 1 & 2. Site location: 810 Valley Road, Saskatoon.
906
Landscape Alberta
Marnie Main 18051 - 107 Avenue NW Edmonton, T5S 1K3
Member-driven Association supporting and promoting all sectors of the landscape horticulture industry in Alberta. Workshops and conferences, publications, government advocacy, member discount programs, industry Certification program, networking, support for industry research and much more; host of the Green Industry Show & Conference.
906
Landscape Horticulture Certification Program (LHCP)
Nicole Xavier / Lauryn Smith
7856 Fifth Line
Milton, ON L9T 2X8
Phone: (905) 875-1399
TF: (888) 446-3499
certification@cnla.ca www.cnlagetcertified.ca
The Landscape Horticulture Certification Program (LHCP) helps promote and maintain high nursery and landscape horticulture operations standards. LHCP-certified members are recognized for their skills and competence across Canada. With online testing, certification is now more convenient than ever. Advance your landscape horticulture career—Get Certified, Get Hired!
915
LED Smart Inc.
18905 32 Avenue Surrey, BC V3Z 1A7 Phone: (604) 385-1236
TF: (800) 457-0416
sales@grow3light.com www.grow3light.com
A Canadian designer and manufacturer of GROW3 LED grow light systems, HydroLynx and SmarTune controls. GROW3 is an innovative system with complete spectrum control, color ratio adjustability, dimming, scheduling features, for all types and sizes of greenhouses and CEA. Wireless mesh network controls via the free SmarTune APP. Introducing HydroLynx, smart irrigation – come see us for info.
Manderley Turf Products has been helping landscape professionals green up their communities for over 60 years. With a focus on sustainability, we offer premium quality products and industry leading services for results that you can be proud of.
1209
Meridian Young Plants
Alyson Kee 8647 Guide Meridian Road Lynden, WA 98264
Meridian Young Plants is the liner division of JRT Nurseries. Our Lynden, WA location features over 70 acres of greenhouse production and another 80 acres of container growing area. This farm is supported by two state of the art tissue culture labs producing ornamental shrubs, small fruits, grasses and perennials.
Neudorff is the inventor and manufacturer of effective environmentally friendly plant protection products for landscapes, greenhouse and field production. Protect valuable ornamental, fruit, vegetable and nursery crops with peace of mind using Neudorff plant protection products.
Nextra Consulting exists to help landscape business owners make their businesses stronger, leaner and more profitable. We provide the framework and coaching you need to increase your profit and grow your business.
Leading distributor of popular horticultural products, including ProHort water soluble & controlled release fertilizers, Natures Source liquid & Sustane organic fertilizers, Premier PRO-MIX & peat, pest controls, greenhouse and nursery pots, poly films and Hermadix shade coating as well as soil, water and tissue testing.
1125
Olds College
Tyler Grant 4500 - 50 Street Olds, AB T4H 1R6 Phone: (403) 556-8288 tgrant@oldscollege.ca www.oldscollege.ca
Olds College offers programs in Arboriculture, Horticulture and Turfgrass Management. Please contact us for more information about our programs.
1503
Pachamama Patios
Elizabeth Bolanos 30 Vold Close Red Deer, AB T4R 0G4 Phone: (403) 506-1035 contact@pachamamadecor.com https://www.pachamamadecor.com/
Transform your greenhouse with Pachamama’s wholesale artisanal treasures. We offer metal, resin decor, biodegradable plastic, and clay flower pots, all fair trade and crafted with care. Enjoy competitive pricing, personalized service, and exclusive, soulful designs that elevate any garden space across Canada.
Paridon offers an unsurpassed selection of the highest quality perennials, annuals and succulents for your business. Our offerings include Proven Winners, retail-ready succulents, tillandsia and water plants. We also have a popular retail ready Christmas program.
500 acres of caliper trees; tree liners, shrubs, perennials and a large selection of pot and pot trees. Parkland Nursery has a specialized fleet of trucks and equipment as well as an installation crew. We are also one of the Canadian distributor for Treegator - the original watering bag.
1217
Paul Boers Manufacturing
Rudy Ouwersloot
3500 South Service Road Vineland, ON L0R2E0 Phone: (905) 933-6052
Rudy@PaulBoers.com https://paulboers.com/
Our manufacturing facility designs & manufactures a wide range of commercial production greenhouses and systems for all types of greenhouse production: Gutter Connect, Freestanding, Coldframe greenhouses and growing benches. We offer irrigation, environmental controls, shading systems, greenhouse coverings, LED lights, and heating and more!
We are an Alberta owned and operated seed company proud of both our heritage and past as well as our commitment to providing high quality turf and revegetation seed sourced from our supply arrangement with world leading seed providers from around the world.
For more than 80 years, Plant Products – A member of Biobest Group has been a full-service supplier of fertilizer, pest control products, seeds, and other innovative consumable goods to the greenhouse, turf, nursery and specialty horticulture industries in Canada and the USA. Plant Products has locations in Langley, BC, Laval, QC, Ancaster, ON, Canton, MI, and Leamington, ON (head office).
Polar Industrial Services Ltd. is an Edmonton based, family owned and operated business that offers equipment sales, parts and service. Offering a variety of products ranging from skid steers, excavators, loaders and dumpers, to compaction, generators, engines, compressors and more.
1219
Professional Gardener Co. Ltd., The Brittany Pierson 915 - 23 Avenue SE Calgary, AB T2G 1P1
Western Canada’s premier supplier to the landscape, nursery and greenhouse trade since 1927. Experienced industry professionals at your service.
1324
Purple Springs Nursery Inc.
Joe Klassen
4516 Hullcar Road
Armstrong, BC V4Y 0L9
Phone: (250) 546-8156
TF: ( 877) 289-3813
jk@psnursery.com www.psnursery.com
Wholesale growers of cold hardy wire basketed trees and 15 gallon container trees. Grown over 150 acres. Specializing in shade and ornamental trees.
1216
Root Rescue Environmental Products
Bob Reeves PO Box 864
Waterdown, ON L0R 2H0
Phone: (416) 995-9050
bob@rootrescue.com www.rootrescue.com
The natural advantage! Root Rescue puts life back into the soil; restoring and nurturing the natural beneficial soil organisms that plants rely on to find water and nutrients. The mycorrhizal soil fungi in Root Rescue go to work immediately helping your plants thrive in their natural environment for life.
1309
Sester Farms Inc.
Sam Doak
33205 SE Oxbow Drive
Gresham, OR 97080
Phone: (503) 663-4844
TF: (800) 832-4487
sam@sesterfarms.com www.sesterfarms.com
Wholesale grower of hardy container shade trees, shrubs, and evergreens — providing a well-rounded mix for retail garden centers. We also supply root-pruned, potted conifer liners and deciduous bareroot for container and field production, as well as a full selection of 1QT greenhouse liners and rooted cuttings.
Grower of field grown caliper trees, serving the prairies. Simon Bos Nurseries has been in business for over 25 years. We understand the industry and the challenges we face as well! Our goal is to provide quality product and service.
914
SiteOne Landscape Supply
Nelson Dechant 9421 - 48th Street SE Calgary, AB T2C 2R1 Phone: (403) 236-0102 ndechant@siteone.com https://www.siteone.ca/
With the largest wholesale selection of landscaping products and a team with unsurpassed expertise, SiteOne® Landscape Supply has everything residential and commercial professionals need to grow and succeed.
STOPDED administers and delivers the Provincial DED Prevention Program in Alberta and supports CFIA’s efforts to prevent the emerald ash borer (EAB). Funded by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, Landscape Alberta and Landscape Alberta Nursery Producers. In 2024 an isolated case of 4 DED infected elm trees was found in Edmonton. All trees were removed, additional surveillance was done. Alberta is still DED and EAB free.
EXHIBITOR LISTINGS
1116
Solutions by CB
Carla Bailey
988 Oxford St W
London, ON N6H 1V4
Phone: (519) 872-0263
solutionsbycb@gmail.com
Solutions by CB is a boutique HR firm specializing in helping small to mid-sized companies attract and retain staff by leveraging government programs, like Supplemental Unemployment Benefits and grants. We streamline program acquisition to enhance recruitment, training, and retention efforts.
Southern Irrigation offers a comprehensive line of products for agriculture, landscape & turf, greenhouse, nursery, mining, municipal and wastewater applications. We also supply small agriculture implements for planting, transplanting and harvesting. We are located in Lethbridge (403-394-0042) and Red Deer (403-346-0043).
We supply Eco-Friendly Ice Melt. No tracking after melting. Safer for grass and plant safe for pets. Higher melting performance. The least corrosive among the ice melt market. Less concrete breakage.
1014
Stewart Brothers Nurseries Ltd.
Kal Jhaj
4129 Spiers Road
Kelowna, BC V1W 4B5 Phone: (250) 764-2121 kal.jhaj@stewartnurseries.com www.stewartnurseries.com
Stewart Brothers Nurseries is a family owned and operated business celebrating 111 years of service. We provide and deliver a wide variety of prairie-hardy deciduous and coniferous trees at various stages of growth and development from which to choose. We are committed to you and to the deep roots of your community.
Pleased to be your source for commercial vegetable seed as well as vegetative liners, plugs and cuttings. Proudly 100% Canadian owned since 1934.
1502
TerraLink Horticulture Inc.
Simon Loewen
464 Riverside Road
Abbotsford, BC V2S 7M1
Phone: (604) 316-4859
TF: (800) 661-4559
simon.loewen@tlhort.com www.tlhort.com
TerraLink Horticulture, a wholly Canadian-owned private enterprise, has been serving Western Canada’s horticultural industry for over five decades. We provide comprehensive solutions for professional greenhouse operations, floriculture, nurseries, landscaping businesses, garden centers, municipalities, and parks.
EXHIBITOR LISTINGS
1206
TG Nursery and Sons Ltd.
Keith Wildeboer
24483 - 36 Avenue
Langley Township, BC V2Z 1J2
Phone: (603) 856-2140
keith@tgnurseryandsons.com
https://www.tgnurseryandsons.com/
Wholesale nursery specializing in retail ready Garden Centre quality ornamental plants. Growing for over 40 years in the lush Fraser Valley allows us to offer a broad selection of plants to clients all over Western Canada.
The HC Companies is a proud culmination of many legacy brands and continues to transform the horticultural industry through bold leadership, innovative manufacturing, and a comprehensive portfolio of products ideal for greenhouse, nursery, cannabis, retail, and commercial markets.
1035
The Toro Company
Robert Harris
Red Deer, AB Phone: (403) 872-7921 robert.harris@toro.com www.toro.com
The Toro Company is a leading worldwide provider of innovative solutions for the outdoor environment including turf and landscape maintenance, snow and ice management, underground utility construction, rental and specialty construction, and irrigation and outdoor lighting solutions.
1036
THRYV
Wyatt Mann
1053 10 Street SW, Unit 2201 Calgary AB T2R 1S6
Phone: (587) 718-9733 wyatt.mann@thryv.com https://www.thryv.ca/business-center End-to-end client experience platform built for small businesses.
Top Spray manufactures a variety of premium organic mulches such as Foothills Premium Mulch and Montane Garden Mulch, both of which are ORMI certified. Our services include blower truck mulch applications and bulk deliveries, erosion control, hydroseeding, ecoblanket applications and grinding services.
1006
TreeTime.ca
Kaylyn Doerksen-Schryver 260 - 2121 Premier Way
Sherwood Park, AB T8H 0B8
Phone: (780) 305-4450
TF: (844) 873-3700
kaylyn@treetime.ca www.treetime.ca
TreeTime.ca specializes in selling 1 and 2 year old hardy tree and shrub seedlings. We provide both native and landscape species that are packaged and shipped out of our cold storage warehouse every spring with competitive prices.
1506
Trojan Industries
Jesse Nelson
4900 - 54th Avenue S.E. Calgary, AB T2C 2Y8
Phone: (403) 269-6525
jnelson@trojanind.ca www.trojanindustries.com
Trojan is one of Western Canada’s top suppliers of quality pre-fabricated and custom iron products. Trojan Industries has worked for decades with engineers, architects, landscape planners, developers and municipalities to provide innovative quality products and services to our customers. We take pride in working with and providing exceptional value to our customers in a variety of industries.
1314
Van Noort Bulb Company
Sam Van Noort
22264 No Hwy 1
Langley, BC V2Y 2K6
Phone: (604) 888-6555
TF: (888) 826-6667
sam@vannoortbulb.com www.vannoortbulb.com
Family owned Canadian company supplying horticulture products since 1928. Specializing in wholesale and retail packaged perennials, shrubs, vines, small fruits, roses and bulbs for spring and fall to growers, garden centers, landscapers and cities.
West Coast Seeds carries over 1,100 varieties of vegetable, fruit, herb, flower as well as sprouting seeds, microgreens and wildflower seeds. West Coast Seeds specializes in short season, cool weather varieties. We believe in supplying our customers with the freshest, fattest seed available, with the highest germination rate possible.
1205
Westcan Greenhouses Ltd.
Roberto Boada 2527 - 210 Street
Langley, BC V2Z 2A9
Phone: (604) 530-9298
office@westcangrhs.com
Westcan Greenhouses, founded in 1981, provides high-quality liners to growers across Canada and the US. We offer a diverse selection of plants year-round, including shrubs, ferns, grasses, perennials, and more. Our commitment to excellence means we listen to your unique requirements and customize our products to meet your needs!
Industry and Association News
Changes to TFW Programs
Announced – What you need to know
August 26, 2024 – the Government of Canada announced a series of upcoming changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) programs to be rolled out in the coming months. Below is a summary of all recently announced changes as well as other communications from ESDC.
All Streams
- P rocessing fee will be increasing. No specific amount has been mentioned, but all signs point to a hefty increase since the fee has been stable since 2014. We are asking for processing timeline guarantees (including faster processing) to justify the fee increase.
Low Wage stream
- Removal to process low wage LMIAs in metro areas with higher than 6% unemployment. Exemptions for non-seasonal, food specific agricultural jobs, construction and healthcare.
- 10% cap is back for low wage stream. Same exemptions as above apply.
- M aximum duration of employment for low wage position decreased to 1 year from 2 years.
CFIA Confirms first case of Dutch Elm Disease in Edmonton
September 3, 2024 – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency announced that on August 27, 2024, it confirmed the presence of Dutch elm disease, Ophiostoma novo-ulmi (Brasier), also referred to as “DED”, in the City of Edmonton.
The public trees have been removed and disposed of in accordance with CFIA’s regulations along with several nearby trees that had early symptoms. A private tree has also been removed and disposed of in accordance with DED protocols.
Landscape Alberta asked for more information about the site specifics. All trees were under 25 cm DBH and planted in 2021, suggesting the most likely source to be firewood or other movement of Elm material to the area. The location is an established residential neighborhood, (Killarney – 127 Avenue between 97 and 82 Streets) with no proximity to nursery production in the area.
We applaud the City of Edmonton for taking swift and conclusive action to help protect both our urban forests and the nursery industry. Much like the positive case in Lethbridge in August of 2020, we hope that swift action combined with enhanced monitoring will allow the area to be declared DED free soon.
The general goal is to reduce the number of TFWs to pre-pandemic levels. The low wage changes are to take place by September 26, 2024.
Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program / Agricultural stream
- I ntroduction of open work permits (workers may switch to different employers with open LMIAs in the same industry.)
- Updated housing requirements (mostly unproblematic for the Prairies).
- A new program is being developed that will be based on the SAWP structure. New Foreign Labour Program for Agriculture and Fish Processing. Landscape will not be included in this program.
- Ag Stream will now be responsible for housing, aligning with SAWP. Information will be made available in the coming weeks as it is in the consultation process now.
- Wages will be mandated to match the Canada Job Bank as the prevailing wage.
Landscape Alberta / Saskatchewan as part of the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association continue to work with government officials on both everyday issues and the long-term stability of the program. With a federal election approximately one year away the focus is to protect primary agriculture with access to the seasonal streams, changes to the low wage and high wage are likely inevitable unless MPs and candidates hear from constituents how important these programs are to supporting local business and Canadian jobs.
Landscape Alberta continues to support groups like the Society to Prevent Dutch Elm Disease (StopDED) to ensure we remain official Dutch Elm Disease free. This also includes ongoing research into DED resistance varieties of elm along with species that can be suitable diversity options in future plantings.
This positive find is unfortunate but highlights the efficacy of the procedures and policies in place to rapidly respond in this scenario. It also highlights the importance of proper of having pests and diseases named under the Agricultural Pest Act as it provides tools for municipalities to react so quickly to preserve both an industry and our environment.
A reminder to all that Elm pruning should only take place between October and March each year.
Signs to watch for include:
• From the latter half of June to the middle of July, the leaves on one or more branches may wilt, droop and curl. The leaves then turn brown and usually remain on the tree.
• If the tree is infected later in the summer, the leaves will droop, turn yellow and drop prematurely. Late season infections are easily confused with normal seasonal changes.
• Brown staining in the sapwood can be seen by removing the bark of infected twigs.
• B eetle emergence holes, the size of the diameter of a pencil lead, and/or sawdust on the bark, indicate burrowing beetles.
Industry and Association News
GM discounts are on the rise!
GM has announced higher discounts for the 2025 model discounts for members of CNLA / Landscape Alberta / Saskatchewan.
A 2025 GM 1500 series has discounts up to $11,500 and the 2500/3500 series are up to $6000.
Concessions for 2025 also include new discounts on the following EV models; Equinox, Blazer, Cadillac, Lyriq Silverado and the new Brightdrop ZEVO 4000 & 600.
GM has also added discounts on the Brightdrop EV delivery vehicles on the remaining 2024 models.
For more information, please contact CNLA at 1 (888)-446-3499/ memberservices@cnla-acpp.ca to discuss the process for obtaining authorization to present to your vehicle dealer or leasing agent.
2024 Landscape Awards Package Now Available
Showcase your expertise and creativity... Download the Landscape Awards Entry Package with all the information you will need for this year’s awards below.
All active members get their first entry free! If you have never entered before we hope this helps you take your first step into the awards program. Or if you have entered in a while, what a great time to ge t involved again.
Benefits for Members Across the Country
Wacker Neuson: 5% off MSRP on select Wacker Neuson products. Administration fees apply.
LHCP: Members receive discounted rates on training manuals and exam registration for landscape industry certified designations. Visit www.cnlagetcertified.ca for more information. Get Certified. Get Hired.
G reenius: Members receive a FREE 2-month license of Greenius Training Software, Unlimited users for 2 months and Unlimited training courses + FREE custom implementation.
Equinox: Members will be eligible for a discount, plus an additional 2.5% CNLA partnership discount.
FCA Canada Inc. - Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/RAM: Save on select new and unused Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles. Administration fees apply.
Makita: Purchase select Outdoor Power Equipment Products from an Authorized Makita Dealer in Canada, verify your membership, and redeem for Free Tools and Accessories.
CNLA and Jackery Announce New Member Discount offering
Jackery, a global top-selling solar generator brand, is thrilled to announce its new national partnership with the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA). This exciting collaboration aims to provide CNLA members exclusive discounts on select products.
CNLA members can take advantage of these exclusive offers by logging into their member portal at www.cnla. ca/login. Once logged in, members will find a variety of discounts on top-rated Jackery products designed to enhance personal and professional power needs. Full details of the discounts are available upon login.
“Partnering with Jackery allows us to offer our members access to top-quality portable power solutions that can help them stay efficient and sustainable in their work,” said Kevin Nauss, CLHM, Chair of Member Services for CNLA. “We are thrilled to bring this exclusive opportunity to our members, enabling them to benefit from innovative technology that aligns with our green values.”
CNLA members are encouraged to contact the member services department at memberservices@ cnla-acpp.ca to learn more about this partnership and its benefits. The dedicated team will gladly assist with any inquiries and provide additional information about the program. For more information on Jackery and their products and services, please visit: www.cnla.ca/savings/jackery
About Jackery
Jackery is a leading global solar generator brand, with more than 3 million units sold worldwide between 2018 and 2022. Jackery offers an array of portable power supply solutions, including solar generators, portable power stations, and solar panels.
Merchant 1 Payments: Members benefit from preferred pricing, no setup fees, rates guaranteed never to increase and much more! Get a FREE terminal!
Travelodge: Save 16% to 20% off stays at Travelodge Canada.
Are you a member of the Landscape Alberta? Are you taking advantage of your Member Benefits? We offer discounted pricing on vehicles & equipment, industry training, financial services & much more! To access the Member Benefits portal, scan here. If you don’t have a log-in please reach out to memberservices@cnla-acpp.ca to request one.
Lessons and Reflections from IGCA
BY JILL UMPHERVILLE
If you’re anything like me—balancing the chaos of running a garden center and life—you know the juggle is real. Between managing the business, shuttling kids to school, dealing with extracurriculars, and somehow managing to keep everyone fed, a business trip can feel like a stretch. But when the International Garden Centre Congress rolls around—especially when Canada is hosting—it’s time to dust off those shoes and dive in! These trips aren’t just about the getaway; they’re vital for staying ahead of trends, growing your business, and connecting with others who “get it.”
I’ve learned the key to successfully getting away is all in the preparation. One of the biggest lessons from my years of juggling it all is that running a business isn’t about doing everything yourself. It’s about building a team that can handle things while you’re gone—or, better yet, while you take on bigger things! I’ve had to ask myself, “Who can take charge of this?” If the answer is no one, then it’s time to train someone. Yeah, I know—cue the guilt. But let me tell you, empowering your team not only lifts the weight off your shoulders but also builds respect. And, trust me, it’s worth every bit of that initial effort when you realize the business doesn’t skip a beat.
Now, back to the IGCA—this is all about networking! If you’re a natural multitasker like me, now’s the time to put
that skill to use. Walking into a room full of new people can feel intimidating but think of it like you’re chatting with another parent at a soccer game. Ask about their business, their struggles, and their wins. We garden center folks all face similar challenges—whether it’s supply chain issues, seasonal staffing, or predicting customer trends—so there’s plenty to bond over. And the conversations get deeper when you connect beyond just business. What tools do they use to lighten the load? How do they balance work and life? It’s candid chats like these where you’ll be reminded, you’re not alone in the grind.
Finding inspiration on this trip? Oh, that was a breeze. Honestly, you don’t even have to search for it. From the moment we arrived in Quebec City, I was struck by the city’s historical charm. It made me think, “How am I preserving the history of my garden center?” Then, as we strolled through streets filled with eye-popping succulent displays and landscape designs, I started envisioning ways to bring that “wow” factor back to my store. Every garden center we visited greeted us with staff who radiated pride in their work. It was a reminder of just how lucky we are to be in an industry that people love to work in—where creativity thrives, and it truly feels like family.
And the food—oh, the food! Every meal was a mini event. I left with fresh ideas for hosting gatherings at my garden center, because let’s face it: food brings people together. Whether it’s a beautifully laid-out spread in the greenhouse or snacks at an event, it’s all about creating experiences that resonate.
Even after the trip, the connections kept on coming. Sure, I handed out a few old-school business cards (because people still ask for them!), but what really stuck was the WhatsApp group we started on the bus. To this day, we’re still sharing ideas and tips—from AI, to fun snapshots of what’s happening at each other’s
“We garden center folks all face similar challenges—whether it’s supply chain issues, seasonal staffing, or predicting customer trends—so there’s plenty to bond over.”
“In short, the IGCA wasn’t just another conference, and it wasn’t just an excuse to see a new place. It was an opportunity to grow my network, stay on top of industry trends, and fine-tune my operations.”
stores. And don’t forget to follow everyone on social media! It’s the easiest way to stay connected and spark future collaborations.
When I got home, the value of the trip didn’t stop. The energy I brought back was contagious. I shared photos and ideas with my team, and we immediately started brainstorming ways to bring those ideas to life. Yes, there were piles of emails and orders waiting for me, but taking a couple of hours to sit down with some good takeout and hash out a plan with my team? That’s where
the magic happens. The inspiration from the trip began transforming into real action.
In short, the IGCA wasn’t just another conference, and it wasn’t just an excuse to see a new place. It was an opportunity to grow my network, stay on top of industry trends, and fine-tune my operations. Most of all, it was a chance to recharge and feel proud of what we’re already doing well. So, if you ever get the chance to go on a business trip like this, don’t hesitate. Embrace it, soak in every moment, and come back ready to take your business to the next level!
Growing Diversity: Empowering Women in Green Spaces
BY CARLA BAILEY | SOLUTIONS BY CB
The landscaping and horticulture industries are evolving, and diversity is becoming a key driver of this change. Traditionally male-dominated, these sectors are seeing more women step into critical roles, bringing fresh perspectives and collaborative energy to the table. Embracing gender diversity is not only the right thing to do but also a smart business strategy that boosts creativity, enhances problem-solving, and fosters growth.
In Canada, gender diversity in the trades remains a challenge. According to We Build a Dream, only 4% of women are employed in trades, including landscaping and horticulture. Yet, we know that diverse teams are consistently more innovative and productive. For businesses aiming to stay competitive and sustainable, promoting gender diversity is an essential step toward unlocking untapped potential.
The Landscape Trades 2023 State of the Industry report highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion for the future of landscaping businesses. It stresses that companies prioritizing gender diversity are more resilient and better equipped to meet industry challenges like economic uncertainty, environmental changes, and labor shortages. Women bring unique strengths to green spaces, often offering creative solutions and leadership that help businesses thrive in an evolving marketplace.
Organizations like Landscape Alberta are recognizing the need for diversity, encouraging companies to build a more inclusive workforce. However, women in the industry often face barriers such as limited access to growth opportunities and misconceptions about their capabilities. Overcoming these challenges requires targeted support through mentorship and leadership development programs.
Throughout my career, I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact that empowering women can have on businesses. When women are given the space and resources to lead, they bring innovative solutions to the table and foster a culture of collaboration. Teams with diverse perspectives make better decisions, adapt more effectively to change, and are better prepared to address complex issues—whether it’s navigating environmental regulations or solving labor shortages.
Growing Diversity: Empowering Women in Green Spaces
One of the clearest benefits of embracing gender diversity is attracting and retaining top talent. Women are looking for opportunities where they can grow and contribute meaningfully, and businesses that foster an inclusive culture are more likely to build loyal, engaged teams. Research from We Build a Dream found that inclusive companies are 1.7 times more likely to become industry leaders, highlighting the competitive advantage diversity brings.
“Looking
Creating an inclusive workplace doesn’t happen by accident. It takes deliberate action. Businesses that prioritize diversity through mentorship programs and equitable hiring practices set the foundation for a stronger future. Gender diversity, especially in green spaces, opens doors for more women to contribute their skills—whether on the ground, in strategic decision-making roles, or as team leaders. To foster this inclusive environment, businesses should
also focus on building open and supportive workplace cultures. Inclusive companies see higher employee satisfaction and retention, as well as a greater sense of purpose. When women are empowered to step into leadership roles, they help cultivate teams that are not only stronger but also more adaptable and innovative.
a major factor in shaping that future.”
Looking ahead, the next decade will be critical for the landscaping industry, and gender diversity will be a major factor in shaping that future. Companies that embrace diversity now— through mentorship, leadership development, and inclusive hiring—are positioning themselves to lead the industry into the future.
If you’re wondering what you can do to start incorporating diversity and inclusion into your business, here are two practical steps you can take over the next six months:
1. Establish a Mentorship Program
Start a mentorship program that pairs female employees with more experienced mentors. This isn’t about reinventing the wheel; it’s about creating opportunities for growth and leadership. Even small teams can benefit from regular check-ins, coaching, and skill-building sessions that encourage women to grow into leadership roles. A mentorship program can help foster a sense of belonging and support, which is essential for employee retention and satisfaction.
2. Revamp Your Hiring Practices
Look at your hiring practices through an inclusive lens. Consider rewriting job descriptions to appeal to a broader range of candidates, and make sure your recruitment process is free from unconscious bias. Offering flexible work arrangements can also attract a more diverse pool of applicants, especially women who are balancing work and home life. Training your leadership and hiring managers on these practices can make a huge difference, ensuring that you’re not just attracting diverse talent but also setting them up for success from day one.
By taking these steps, your business can begin to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment, one where women can thrive. Empowering women in green spaces isn’t just about leveling the playing field—it’s about tapping into the strengths and creativity that diverse teams bring to the industry. The landscape industry’s future is diverse, and the businesses that embrace this shift will be the ones leading the way.
Dimensions: 10-15” w x 12-15” h Hardiness: zone 3-9
This stunning Allium is a new, blue, improvement over the classic Allium Millenium everyone knows and loves. Cobalt Millenium’s blue foliage holds well through the growing season and complements the purple blooms well. Exceptionally floriferous, Cobalt Millenium blooms for months and the flowers hold for extended garden interest into the autumn.
Echinacea purpurea Prairie Blaze™ series
Breeder: Syngenta Flowers
Marketer: ThinkPlants®
Product Form: Seed
Exposure: Full Sun
Dimensions: 6-8” w x 14-16” h Hardiness: zone 3-9
The first open-pollinated seed Echinacea available in novelty colours. Prairie Blaze™ is a follow up series to Syngenta’s original Prairie Splendor™ Echinacea series. While Prairie Splendor™ have a range of traditional pink and white hued Coneflowers, Prairie Blaze™ mixed it up with bright novelty colours such as Vintage Lime, with pink and green bicolor blooms, and Orange Sunset, with warm ombre shades of red, orange, and yellow to create a beautiful sunset glow in the garden.
Prairie Blaze™ has been optimized for mass production with compact habits, great germination, and first year flowering. It also matches Prairie Splendor™ varieties in habit and timing, so mix and match to suit your program!
Heliopsis hybrid Punto Rosso / Sole d’Arancia / Sole Giatto
Breeder: Kientzler Young Plants
Marketer: ThinkPlants® Product Form: URC
Exposure: Full Sun – Part Sun
Dimensions: 16-20” w x 18-24” h
Hardiness: zone 3-8
A truly compact collection of Heliopsis. Where most Heliopsis on the market grow up to 2 meters tall (6 feet), Kientzler’s Heliopsis mature to a compact garden height of only 60cm (2 feet)! Dark green foliage contrasts well with their long-lasting, bright blooms, and they are even deer resistant!
Punto Rosso has beautiful yellow-orange flowers with red centers.
Sole d’Arancia
If you are looking for something ultra-compact, look to Sole Giatto. Highly floriferous with semi-double golden-yellow blooms on a compact habit make it perfect for finishing in smaller containers.
Hosta Green Patriot
Supplier: Unex Inc.
Marketer: ThinkPlants®
Product Form: Bareroot
Exposure: Shade – Part Sun
Dimensions: 18” w x h
Hardiness: zone 3-9
A new variegated green on green Hosta. Green Patriot has the same great clumping habit and heat tolerance of it’s predescesor Hosta Patriot, but with beautiful green on green variegation. Quick to grow and perfect for any shade garden.
Phlox subulata
GoldiPhlox™ series
Breeder: Syngenta Flowers
Marketer: ThinkPlants®
Product Form: URC
Exposure: Full Sun
Dimensions: 12-14” w x 3-6” h
Vernalization: Required
Hardiness: zone 3-9
Phlox subulata is a key perennial for any early spring program, and the GoldiPhlox™ series brings a much needed upgrade to this perennial workhorse. GoldiPhlox™ is a wellmatched, uniform series with all the core colours you need including Rose, White, Light Pink, Pink Imp., Lavender Eye, and Cherry.
Ideally suited for small to medium-sized containers, GoldiPhlox™ branches well to fill the pot and blooms across the entire plant for a bright carpet of blooms.
Hosta Sorbet
Supplier: Unex Inc.
Marketer: ThinkPlants®
Product Form: Bareroot
Exposure: Shade – Part Sun
Dimensions: 15” w x 24” h
Hardiness: zone 3-9
A truly interesting new Hosta, Sorbet is a variegated sport of Hosta ‘Gooseberry Sundae’. This stunning Hosta features rhubarb-red stems on an upright, vase-shaped habit and variegated green leaves with white margins. Purple bicolour flowers bloom in late-summer for extended garden interest. Slug resistant and fast growing, this vigorous grower is sure to be a new favourite.
Phlox subulata Phlox Trot™ Pink
Breeder: Syngenta Flowers
Marketer: ThinkPlants®
Product Form: URC
Exposure: Full Sun
Dimensions: 14-18” w x 4-6” h
Vernalization: Required
Hardiness: zone 3-9
If you are looking for something that stands out from the usual Phlox subulata, turn to Phlox Trot! Phlox Trot has the largest flowers of any Phlox subulata in a beautiful light pink tone perfect for spring sales. Increased vigor compared to traditional Phlox subulata makes Phlox Trot ideal for medium to large containers. Blooms early and can be produced side by side with other varieties, such as GoldiPhlox™.
New Zone 3 Hardy Perennials
Hydrangea paniculata
BloomChampion® Fresh White PP31237
Producer: Creekside Greenhosues
Marketer: ThinkPlants®
Product Form: Pre-finished Liner
Exposure: Sun – Part Sun
Dimensions: 30-36” x 28-30” h
Hardiness: zone 3-9
Every garden needs a Hydrangea, but only the paniculata types are hardy in the Prairies.
BloomChampion® Fresh White is a naturally compact hydrangea paniculata that boasts up to 3 months of continuous blooms. These crisp white flowers mature to pink through the summer and into the fall, sometimes closing out the autumn with beautiful red tones to match the maples in your yard.
BloomChampion® Hydrangeas are known for strong stems and firm flowers, making them excellent additions to the garden for year-long interest. Fresh White also makes a stunning patio container for sun or shade.
“A truly interesting new Hosta, Sorbet is a variegated sport of Hosta ‘Gooseberry Sundae’. This stunning Hosta features rhubarb-red stems on an upright, vase-shaped habit and variegated green leaves with white margins.”
Courage to Lead
BY JEFF MCMANUS
A young mom, Sheila, took her only little girl to her first day of school. Her young daughter, naturally nervous, became scared and frightened at the thought of her mom leaving her. She cried and clung tightly to her mom’s leg. Leaving her daughter at school that first day took courage from them both. But Sheila remembered the things she had done in her own life that were scary … that she didn’t want to do … but in the end, were worth it. Things like going off to college and being on her own for the first time in her life or applying for that first big job.
The next day, this wise Mom, was prepared for her daughter’s fear and as her daughter began to cry, she removed one of her earrings, a lion, the universal symbol of courage. She
kneeled beside her daughter and showed her the familiar lion jewelry piece. She explained to her daughter that the lion was courageous and would always remind her to be brave. The encouraging words allowed her daughter to stop crying, stand up straight and walk into the school.
“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fearnot absence of fear.” ~Mark Twain
The daughter carried the lion with her as she joined the high school debate team, went to college, and faced down opponents to become a national debate champion. She wore it a few days ago as Sheila w atched her daughter walk down the aisle toward her new husband and a new life venture. The new bride presented her mother with a lion necklace as a reminder t hat they both can be courageous in the face of the difficult, scary, and unknown.
Courage to Lead
As leaders, encouraging others to face down fears, to take chances, and become great is just as scary for us as it is for those we encourage. And sometimes we all need a reminder from someone we love and respect to let us know we can do it.
A Desire to Lead
“A weak leader likes to tell us how many people work for them. A great leader is humbled to tell us how many people they work for.” ~Simon
Sinek
What is the heart of leadership? Ask ten leaders and you will likely get ten different answers because every leader is different; no two teams will need the same level of leadership.
We find the heart of leadership in our core belief about how we lead others. For me, I try to put my focus on serving others. It puts me in a position to focus more on helping others be successful people not just correcting them in the job they’re doing.
As a leader, I cannot rely on my title or position to lead others. I work hard each day to earn the respect and trust of my team. My title gives me authority and responsibility, but I earn respect by my actions.
How do you know when someone needs encouragement on the team? The answer, “they are breathing.” So often we are so focused on the quality, the production, or the efficiency that we lose sight of the team members creating the results. It is easier for me to default to what needs repair, rather than encouraging others. I must address the issues, yes, but I must be intentional about seeing the good and giving them a bit of “love,” some encouragement for what is right. It goes a long way.
“You can get everything in life you want, if you will help others get what they want.” ~Zig Ziglar
See Jeff McManus in person at the 2024 Green Industry Show & Conference in Red Deer, November 20-21, 2024. Full details at www.greenindustryshow.com.
CNLA attends International Horticulture Exposition in China’s ‘Park City’
BY ANTHONY O’NEILL
The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) was invited by Chengdu Radio and Television to the International Horticultural Producers Association’s (AIPH) approved Category B International Horticultural Expo in Chengdu, China. This event aimed to promote Chengdu’s horticultural industry to the world and saw
participation from professionals and media groups from eight countries.
The Expo’s main venue, covering 128 hectares, highlights Sichuan’s heritage, culture, and landscape, emphasizing the theme “The Park City.” Chengdu, known as a Park City, integrates nature into urban development, aiming to place residents within nature. This innovative model features green spaces, like vine-covered highway pillars, reducing urban noise and pollution while enhancing aesthetics.
CNLA attends International Horticulture Exposition in China’s ‘Park City’
The Expo, open until the end of October, showcases both indoor and outdoor venues, celebrating arts, culture, technological and scientific advancements in horticulture, health, and wellbeing. It offers an array of activities, including gardening techniques, educational and career opportunities, and events geared towards children.
Visitors can explore multiple design disciplines, experiencing a blend of tradition and innovation. The Expo challenges conventional urban development ideas, with designs evoking familiarity and wonder.
A satellite venue in Pidu, a historic district in Chengdu, features a 3000-year history of flower cultivation dating back to the Qin and Han dynasties. Pidu is renowned for its bonsai and national orchids. The district dedicates over 770 hectares to flower and tree seedling production, boasting over 1000 varieties. Visitors to Pidu can explore the Flower Cube, showcasing stunning floral arrangements from around the world. This venue immerses visitors in the region’s rich horticultural heritage.
Known globally for its pandas and bamboo forests, Chengdu has now cemented its legacy in horticulture and gardening through this International Exposition. The Expo underscores China’s commitment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), highlighting the importance of bringing nature closer to citizens.
The Expo features architectural designs inspired by plants and flower petals, blending function and form. This approach emphasizes that creating livable environments requires integrating history, culture, heritage, beauty, design, architecture, and infrastructure.
Visitors to the Expo will have a memorable experience with the combination of exceptional hospitality and a peaceful environment filled with greenery, floral arrangements and colours. It was an honour for the CNLA to see and to help promote the Chengdu Expo. This event offers a unique opportunity to explore ancient bonsai, tranquil gardens, and exceptional cuisine, all while being warmly welcomed by the hosts. The Expo is a testament to Chengdu’s dedication to horticulture and offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. On behalf of the CNLA and our gracious hosts in Chengdu, I encourage everyone to visit this top-class International Horticultural Exposition in one of the world’s most beautiful regions.
To see snapshot of the beauty of Chengdu for yourself, here are a few videos highlighting the experience of this one-of-a-kind park city:
Anthony O’Neill in May at the International Horticulture Exposition in China’s ‘Park City’ in Chengdu, which runs till October.
Chengdu, known as a Park City, integrates nature into urban development, aiming to place residents within nature. One great example is how their highway undersides and pillars are covered in vines.
The Xingcheng Garden pavilion offers a captivating, revitalizing experience.
Addressing the 10 Common Myths in Arboriculture
BY MIKE LEUNG, ISA CERTIFIED ARBORIST
Trees are a fundamental element of any landscape, providing more than just beauty—they contribute to the environment and the ecosystem in significant ways. Yet, while our understanding of tree care has advanced considerably, modern arboriculture is still a relatively young science. Much of what we know today stems from the pioneering research of Dr. Alex Shigo in the mid-20th century. Despite these advances, certain myths about tree care persist, leading to ideas that may harm trees rather than help them.
1. Tree Roots Damage Foundation
It’s a common belief among homeowners and surveyors that trees planted too close to a house can damage the foundation. However, while tree trunks directly touching the foundation should be avoided, the likelihood of tree roots causing direct damage to a foundation is quite low. According to chartered building surveyor McLean (2009), direct damage is typically limited to peripheral structures like porches and garages, which have shallow foundations.
More commonly, tree roots can cause indirect damage. One way this occurs is through drainage failures, leading to excessive soil saturation. Another concern is soil shrinkage, particularly in clay-rich soils, which occurs when tree roots extract water from the soil. Species like Poplars and Willows, which are known for their high-water uptake, are more likely to cause foundation issues due to this soil shrinkage.
Interestingly, removing mature trees that are close to a house might not always be the best solution. McLean (2009) provides an example where the removal of a group of trees situated eight meters from a building led to destabilization, ultimately resulting in the building’s demolition—a costly outcome paid for by insurance.
Practical Guidelines:
• Trees rarely cause direct damage to foundations.
• Choose tree species with lower water demands when planting near the foundation.
• Be aware that soil shrinkage can lead to foundation issues.
• Consult an arborist before planting or removing trees near a foundation to assess potential risks.
2. All Mulch Is Good for Trees
Organic mulches, such as tree bark or wood chips, offer significant benefits to trees. They suppress weeds, improve soil structure, provide essential nutrients, and help regulate soil temperature, protecting roots from the extremes of both summer and winter. However, not all mulches are beneficial. Inorganic mulches, like aggregates and geotextiles (landscape fabrics), may do more harm than good. While they can suppress weeds, studies have shown that they can increase soil temperatures (Skroch et al., 1992), adding stress to trees during hot weather. Moreover, inorganic mulches do not contribute nutrients to the soil or improve its properties.
Even when using organic mulch, proper application is key. According to ANSI A300 (Part 6), mulch should be kept at least 4 inches away from the trunk to avoid creating a favorable environment for pests and diseases, which can increase the risk of infection.
Practical Guidelines:
• Use organic mulch within the tree’s crown dripline.
• Apply a 4-inch thick layer of organic mulch around the trunk.
• Avoid piling mulch directly against the trunk.
Addressing the 10 Common Myths in Arboriculture
3. Trees Heal Their Wounds
A common misconception is that trees heal in the way humans do. However, trees do not heal or repair damaged tissues. Any injury, damage, or pruning wound remains with the tree for its entire life. Instead of healing, trees respond by compartmentalizing the damaged area, a process known as Compartmentalization of Decay in Trees (CODIT), a concept developed by Dr. Alex Shigo.
Dr. Shigo identified four types of walls, known as Wall 1 through Wall 4, that trees use to compartmentalize damage:
• Walls 1-3: These form quickly after an injury and act to block pathogens in three dimensions, limiting the spread of decay.
• Wall 4: As the tree continues to grow, it develops callus tissue that eventually encloses the wound, forming Wall 4. Although this response is slower, Wall 4 is the most effective barrier against infection.
This defense mechanism is not unique to trees; all woody plants, including shrubs, utilize CODIT to manage wounds and infections.
However, the tree’s defense system can sometimes become a problem. For example, Dutch Elm Disease (DED) is lethal to elms because the tree, in an attempt to block the fungus, seals off its own vascular tissue. Preventative measures like the fungicide Arbotect, which acts similarly to a vaccine, can be injected into elms to help manage this issue, though it is not a cure-all.
Photo Credit: ISA –Trees Are Good
Photo Credit: ISA –Trees Are Good
Addressing the 10 Common Myths in Arboriculture
Practical Guidelines:
• Only create wounds on a tree when absolutely necessary.
• Smaller wounds are preferable to larger ones, as they are easier for the tree to compartmentalize.
4. Tree Topping Is Beneficial
Tree topping is a harmful practice that can significantly increase the long-term costs of tree maintenance for homeowners. Far from being beneficial, topping can cause serious damage to the tree, leading to decay, structural weakness, and even death.
Proper pruning should be done just above the branch bark ridge (BBR) or branch collar, the area near the crotch where the tree naturally forms a protective barrier through compartmentalization. When pruning is done outside of this critical zone, the tree’s ability to compartmentalize the wound is compromised, making it more susceptible to disease. Over time, the wound may begin to rot and decay, potentially leading to the tree’s decline or death, depending on the size of the wound and the species of the tree.
Topping also encourages the growth of weakly attached sprouts around the wound area. These sprouts grow rapidly but are poorly anchored, making them prone to breaking off as they increase in size. This creates a significant hazard, as large branches can fall from the top of the tree, posing risks to people and property below.
Practical Guidelines:
• Avoid topping trees; it weakens the tree and increases maintenance costs.
• Select the right tree for the right location from the start to avoid the need for drastic pruning.
• Pruning at proper location helps to protect the tree.
• If necessary, consider removing the entire tree and replacing it with a new one that is better suited to the space.
5. Wound Dressing Protects Trees
In the past, much like how people once applied crystal violet or merbromin to
wounds—practices now abandoned due to their harmful effects—tree wound dressing was commonly used. However, modern arboriculture has moved away from this practice, recognizing that wound dressings often do more harm than good.
In a landmark 1983 article, Dr. Alex Shigo and Shortle reviewed multiple studies showing that wound dressings do not prevent decay and offer little to no benefit in wound closure. This has become a widely accepted understanding in arboriculture today.
While there is some evidence (Camilli et al., 2007) that wound dressings might be beneficial for puncture wounds, there is no proof that they help prevent pest or disease when used after proper pruning. The best approach to protect tree from pruning is through proper pruning techniques rather than relying on wound dressings.
“Proper pruning should be done just above the branch bark ridge (BBR) or branch collar, the area near the crotch where the tree naturally forms a protective barrier through compartmentalization.”
buried root collar can suffocate the tree, resulting in stunted growth and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Practical Guidelines:
• Plant the root collar at or slightly above ground level to ensure proper oxygen flow to the roots.
• Avoid piling soil or mulch against the trunk to prevent root collar burial.
7. Staking Is Always Necessary for New Trees
Staking is often considered essential for newly planted trees, but it’s not always required. Overly tight tree ties can cause the tree to become dependent on external support, preventing it from developing the strength to stand on its own. For a tree to grow strong and stable, it needs to be able to sway naturally, which encourages the development of reaction wood that helps the tree stabilize itself.
When staking is necessary, it’s important to use flexible and soft materials for the tree ties. These materials should allow the tree to move slightly in the wind, promoting trunk movement and increasing taper through a process known as thigmomorphogenesis (ANSI A300 Part 6).
Proper staking supports the tree while still allowing for natural movement, which is crucial for healthy development.
Stakes and ties should be removed by the end of the maintenance period, typically within 1 to 3 years, to ensure that the tree does not become reliant on the support.
Practical Guidelines:
• Focus on performing proper pruning techniques to minimize wounds.
6. Tree Roots Grow Deep
It’s a common misconception that tree roots grow deep into the soil. In reality, most roots spread out within the top 8 inches, where water, oxygen, and nutrients are most abundant. This shallow root system allows the tree to efficiently access the resources it needs to thrive.
Planting a tree with its root collar—the area where the trunk transitions to roots— too deep can lead to serious issues. A
Practical Guidelines:
• Not all trees require staking; assess each tree’s needs individually.
• Use flexible and soft tree ties to avoid damaging the trunk and to allow natural movement.
• Remove stakes and ties by the end of the maintenance period (1 to 3 years) to encourage independent growth.
8. Crown Pruning Is Needed After Root Pruning
A common misconception is that pruning the crown of a tree is necessary when its roots are pruned. In reality, the best way to
Addressing the 10 Common Myths in Arboriculture
compensate for root loss is through proper watering, not crown pruning.
The tips of the branches in the tree crown release a plant hormone called Auxin (Indole-3-acetic acid), which plays a crucial role in stimulating root development. When branches are removed, the production of Auxin decreases, which can slow down root growth. Therefore, rather than pruning the crown, focus on providing the tree with extra water to help it recover from root loss.
When pruning roots, it’s important to use sharp tools to make clean cuts and to cover the pruned roots with a moist cloth to prevent them from drying out. If the crown appears too heavy for the tree to support after root pruning, consider installing temporary external support to stabilize the tree until it recovers.
Practical Guidelines:
• Avoid pruning the tree crown to compensate for root loss; instead, focus on proper watering.
• Provide additional water to support the tree’s recovery from root loss.
• I f necessary, install temporary external support to help the tree maintain stability.
9.The Root System Mirrors the Tree’s Crown
A common misconception is that the root system of a tree mirrors the shape and size of its crown. In reality, the roots often extend far beyond the crown’s dripline. For decurrent trees like elms and cottonwoods, roots can spread up to 1.5- 2x of the width of the crown. In excurrent trees, such as columnar aspens, the roots can extend up to 1-2 times of the height of the tree. However, neither crown spread nor tree height reliably predict the extent of the root system. Research by Day et al. (2010) has shown that trunk diameter is a better indicator of root spread than either crown width or height. This highlights the importance of considering the entire tree when assessing root systems, rather than relying on the visible portions above ground.
While the dripline is a useful guideline for watering, it should not be used as a definitive measure of where the root system ends. When excavation or construction
is planned near a tree, it’s crucial to keep digging as far away from the tree as possible to avoid damaging the extensive root system. Tree also responds directly to root damage. For instance, bur oak tolerate only minimal root damage.
Practical Guidelines:
• Use trunk diameter, rather than crown size, as a better indicator of root spread.
• When conducting excavation near a tree, maintain as much distance as possible from the tree to protect its root system.
“When pruning roots, it’s important to use sharp tools to make clean cuts and to cover the pruned roots with a moist cloth to prevent them from drying out.”
10.Trees Only Need Watering in Summer
While it’s true that trees need water during the growing season from spring through fall, watering is not just a summer activity. In spring, watering is often unnecessary as snowmelt typically saturates the ground. Summer, especially in hot and dry Alberta conditions, is when trees require the most water to thrive.
However, fall watering is essential, particularly for evergreens like spruce and pine. Unlike deciduous trees, evergreens don’t go into complete dormancy during winter unless temperatures drop significantly below freezing. Even in sub-zero conditions, evergreens continue to lose water through transpiration, especially on sunny, south-facing exposures and during strong winds. By watering evergreens in the fall, you help them store enough water in their foliage and roots to endure the winter, reducing the risk of browning.
A fun fact: Evergreens protect themselves in winter by producing solutes like sugars and amino acids in their leaves, lowering the freezing point of their cells—much like how road salt prevents ice formation or how sugar in ice cream lowers the freezing point, preventing ice crystals. Fertilizing evergreens in the fall with a low-nitrogen formula can enhance photosynthesis, helping the tree produce more sugars to store for winter and supporting root development.
Practical Guidelines:
• Water trees as needed throughout spring, summer, and fall.
• Ensure evergreens are well-watered in the fall, starting when deciduous trees begin to shed leaves and before the ground freezes.
• A pply fertilizer with the correct formula and timing to support winter survival.
• Protect evergreens from the harsh winter sun by using canvas, burlap, or slatted screens on the south and west sides if necessary.
As landscape and tree professionals we all have a role to play in educating the public through our everyday interactions. Hopefully we add some of these myth busting facts to our repertoire as we continue to make our cities and towns greener places to live and work.
Literatures:
1. ANSI A300 (Part 6), Planting and Transplanting, American National Standards Institute, Inc. 2012, P. 29
Camilli K., Appel D.N and Watson W.T., 2007, Studies on Pruning Cuts and Wound Dressing for Oak Wilt Control, Arboriculture & Urvan Forestry (2007) 33(2): 132-139
2.Shigo. A and Shortle W.C., 1983, Wound Dressings: Results of Studies Over 13 Years , Journal of Arboriculture (1983) 9 (12), 217 -329
3. Skroch W.A., Powell M.A., Bilderback T.E., Henry P.H., 1992, Mulches: Durability, Aesthetic Value, Weed Control, and Temperature, Journal of Environmental Horticulture (1992) 10 (1): 43–45.
4.McLean S. 2009, Tree Root Damage to Domestic Property: A Building Surveyor’s Perspective, Arboricultural Journal, 32(4), 243-252
5 Ways to Grow Your Leadership Credibility Credibility: the quality or power of inspiring belief
BY JEFF MCMANUS
All humans have a hardwired survival instinct and how we determine who or what to trust is basic survival. When we take on a leadership role, we earn credibility over time. Actions speak louder than words; people are influenced by what you do, not just what you say.
Here are five ways to grow your credibility with your team:
1. Lead by example. You can’t get around this one. Model what you want more of.
2. Be honest. Don’t make promises in front of your team you can’t, or won’t, follow up on. The only thing worse than making NO promises, is to make them and then break them. Be the honest authentic you, always. It helps build the connection with your team.
3. Grow and display competency. As a leader, make it a practice to listen, learn and lean into whatever it is you’re doing. If you take over a new responsibility and you are not familiar with it, learn it. When I took on the airport operations, I immediately went to the state conference for airport operators and began learning the process. I asked lots of questions.
4. Be consistent. Recently I experienced a leader who had a solid positive disposition…when things were going well…but once the pressure was on and his people needed him, he changed and began to lie, get angry and exaggerate. It was sad to see. He lost all credibility and respect and his ability to move ahead in the future.
5. Be transparent. When you share and fill in the communication gaps, there is little need for people to fill in the missing information – usually with incorrect information. Get it right the first time and every time after that. You build trust as people understand they can believe you.
“Credibility is a leader’s currency. With it, he or she is solvent; without it, he or she is bankrupt.”
~John C. Maxwell
See Jeff McManus in person at the 2024 Green Industry Show & Conference in Red Deer, November 20-21, 2024. Full details at www.greenindustryshow.com.
