Jul/Aug Green for Life 2015

A Landscape Alberta Nursery Trades Association member publication

Alberta Landscape Gardener Apprentices Win Gold at Skills Canada It’s All About Teamwork

July/August 2015 Vol. 3, No. 4

ONE TOUGH MUDDER. THE NEW DEERE 319E.

Tough site conditions are no match for the new 319E. Featuring superior flotation and handling on wet job sites, the 319E delivers performance and productivity like never before. Other improvements include optimized boom design providing improved bucket breakout performance throughout the lift path, more reach at truck bed height, and more lift height to the hinge pin. Auxiliary hydraulic lines have been rerouted for better protection and new courtesy lighting stays on for up to a 90-seconds after the operator exits the machine. And best of all, it’s backed by Brandt – the best trained and most committed after sales support team in the business. That’s Powerful Value. Delivered.

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Advancing the professional landscape industry.

MANAGING EDITOR | Joel Beatson LAYOUT & PRODUCTION | Kyla McKechnie EDITOR | Marnie Main ADVERTISING | Erynn Watson

Landscape Alberta Green for Life is a professional publication for the landscape trade in Alberta.

Editorial and Advertising Landscape Alberta 200, 10331 - 178 Street NW Edmonton, AB T5S 1R5 P: 780-489-1991 F: 780-444-2152 admin@landscape-alberta.com

Landscape Alberta does not assume responsibility for and does not endorse the contents of any advertisements herein. All representations or warranties made are those of the advertiser and not the publication. Views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Landscape Alberta or its members.

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

ISSN No: 1929-7114 (print) ISSN N0: 1929-7122 (online)

September 9 & 10, 2015 CanWest Hort Show Tradex Exhibition Centre, Abbotsford, BC www.canwesthortshow.com September 30 - October 3, 2015 Communities in Bloom 2015 National Symposium Kamloops, BC www.communitiesinbloom.ca

October 7 & 8, 2015 Canadian Greenhouse Conference Scotiabank Convention Ctr, Niagara Falls, ON www.canadiangreenhouseconference.com November 16 - 18, 2015 HortEast Conference & Trade Show Moncton Coliseum Complex, Moncton, NB www.horteast.ns.ca November 19 & 20, 2015 Green Industry Show & Conference BMO Centre, Calgary, AB www.greenindustryshow.com

Landscape Alberta Board of Directors Chris Brown, CLP, JLG, CSO, CRS Brown Landscape Services Ltd., Chair Brian Gibson, Green Drop Lawns Ltd., Vice Chair

Steve Wheatcroft, B. Comm, ULS Maintenance & Landscaping Inc. Cody Brown, Tree to Tree Nurseries Ltd.

Jeff Oudyk, CSLA, AALA, JLG, Land Tec Landscape Contractors Ltd. Jordan Voogd, JLG, Sunstar Nurseries Ltd.

John van Roessel, CLP, CLT, JVR Landscape (2006) Inc. Anita Heuver, JLG, Eagle Lake Nurseries Ltd. Landscape Alberta Staff Joel Beatson, CAE, CLP, Executive Director joel.beatson@landscape-alberta.com

Marnie Main, Member Services Director member.services@landscape-alberta.com Erynn Watson, Member Services Assistant erynn.watson@landscape-alberta.com Valerie Stobbe, Trade Show Coordinator valerie.stobbe@landscape-alberta.com Kyla McKechnie, Communications admin@landscape-alberta.com

Cheryl Teo, Bookkeeper accounting@landscape-alberta.com

On the Cover Jeff Oostlander and Joshua Van Hierden, Skills Canada National Competition Landscape Gardener Gold Medal Winners, Saskatoon, SK Alberta Landscape Gardener Apprentices Win Gold at Skills Canada, Page 4 It’s All About Teamwork, Page 7

Follow us on Twitter @landscapeab Green for Life July/August 2015 I 3

Industry and Association News...

Alberta Landscape Gardener Apprentices win Gold at Skills Canada Team Alberta took first place with Jeff Oostlander and Joshua Van Hierden winning Gold at the Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) held at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon on May 28 & 29, 2015.

competition for students and apprentices. More than 500 young Canadians from across the country competed in over 40 skilled trade and technology contest areas. The competition is the driving factor in attracting attendance of youth ranging from grades four to twelve from the host community. This gives organizations like Landscape Alberta the opportunity to talk to youth about careers in our industry.

Truly, the Skills competition is in the business of growing the future of skilled trades.

Landscape Alberta’s own Kyla McKechnie also took home a gold medal for excellence in organization of the competition areas. Thank you Kyla for your great work!

Over the two-day event, the landscape gardener teams built a project that included a perimeter retaining wall, a pre-cast patio, fence, bench, free standing pillar planter and plant material, all within twelve hours. The Alberta team, from Lethbridge, competed against teams from three other provinces with Manitoba taking home the Silver medal and Quebec taking home Bronze. Jeff and Joshua both recently completed their 4th year of the apprenticeship program and will earn their journeyman status.

Skills Canada is a national, multi-trade and technology

4 I Green for Life July/August 2015

New Vehicle Discount Program for Members!

The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) and FCA Canada Inc. (Chrysler) have partnered to offer members across Canada an exciting new member savings program! This competitive discount program will be available to members starting June 1 and will provide cash discounts off the price of Dodge, Ram and Jeep vehicles. With almost 450 dealers across Canada, this relationship will be extremely beneficial to the membership.

How it works: • Members are encouraged to inform the authorized dealer that they are a member of the CNLA and they are entitled to a CNLA Member Purchasing Discount.

• Members are to contact the CNLA Member Services Team at 1.888.446.3499 or memberservices@ cnla-acpp.ca for more information regarding specific discount amounts and to request a Member Confirmation Letter, which authorized dealers will require to apply the appropriate discount.

•

From June 1st to September 30th, FCA Canada will pay the $100 administration fee on behalf of the member. Starting on October 1, 2015 CNLA members will be required to pay the $100 + HST administration fee.

Arbor Day Celebrations Calgary: On May 7th, Calgary held its Arbor Day celebration at Grant MacEwan School, where students, teachers, parents and guests were in attendance. The event kicked off with a presentation in the school gym to celebrate Arbor Day, followed by a trip out into the sunshine to plant the ceremonial tree, a 15-foot specimen spruce generously donated by 5-Star Trees. We would like to thank the supportive Landscape Alberta members who made this Arbor Day special: Gerard Fournier of For Trees Company for dedicating his time to help make this annual event possible, and 5-Star Trees for supplying the tree and moving equipment.

Edmonton: On May 8th the City of Edmonton held their annual Arbor Day Celebration at Gold Bar Park. Over 600 Grade One students from across the city came for a day of fun as they learned about the importance of trees in their community.

Davey Tree volunteered their expertise and equipment, and Landscape Alberta staff were on hand to assist their colleagues from the City of Edmonton. Students had the opportunity to ride in bucket trucks, slide down a zip-line and plant native seedlings in the park. In addition to the seedlings planted onsite, each student was given one to plant at home. Approximately 15,000 seedlings were handed out across Edmonton for planting this year.

“Showing these children at a young age the importance of trees allows the students to learn the value in protecting and maintaining them in our growing city,” says Councillor Mike Nickel. “Arbor Day is a fantastic opportunity for children to discover Edmonton’s urban forest and all it has to offer.”

Nursery Producers Educational Bus Tour A one-day nursery bus tour has been planned for July 17, 2015 in Kelowna, BC. The tour will include stops at Bylands Nurseries Ltd., Stewart Brothers Nurseries and Quails Gate Winery.

The cost of the tour is $125.00 (+ GST) per person, plus the cost of flights/accommodation. For more information, visit www. lanurserytour2015.eventbrite.ca or contact Kyla at the Landscape Alberta office at 1-800-378-3198, or email kyla.mckechnie@ landscape-alberta.com.

Green for Life July/August 2015 I 5

New Legal Expense Insurance Program through Group Bid Protect As small business owners, we all hope that we'll never have to pursue legal action, whether as claimants or defendants.

But things happen in the course of doing business and Landscape Alberta wants to help members secure legal expense insurance, an essential tool for avoiding the expense and difficulty that often come with taking legal action.

Therefore, we are now offering legal expense insurance to all of our members through Group Bid Protect, an innovative group-purchase system to keep costs down through collective buying. The more Association members who purchase legal expense insurance through Group Bid Protect, the lower the price becomes for everyone. The cost of legal expense insurance through Group Bid Protect is much lower than the retail cost, and becomes lower still as more members use this benefit.

If you would like to learn more about legal expense insurance via Group Bid Protect, please visit www.groupbidprotect.com to secure your legal expense insurance policy.

Landscape Industry Certified Exam Event – our volunteers are the best!

Landscape Alberta hosted a very successful Landscape Industry Certified exam event on March 24 & 25, 2015 at the Olds College Landscape Pavilion. Thirty-one candidates challenged the exam this year and we congratulate all participants for their hard work.

Landscape Alberta staff members send a hearty thanks to each volunteer who gave their time and expertise to the tasks at hand: planning, calling, judging, timekeeping, emailing, digging, driving, arm-twisting and so much more. We extend a special thank you to our facility host, Olds College, and the unwavering support of Jack Berggren in the Landscape Pavilion. This event would not be possible without the support of many industry suppliers who provide material, equipment and staff for this annual event.

Give the Gift of Gardening Canadians now have the perfect gift option for garden lovers across the country, the Garden Centres Canada gift card! It can be purchased online and redeemed at participating garden centres across Canada.

The Garden Centres Canada gift card uses a mobile gifting process that allows the card to be sent directly to the recipient's smart phone or email address. When purchasing a gift card, you can choose the date you want it to be sent and include a personal message. The gift card can be used at numerous garden centres around the country, allowing the recipient the flexibility to choose where they want to shop.

This summer, give the gift of gardening to your family and friends! For a list of participating garden centres, or to send a gift card, visit www.gardengiftcard.ca.

Enter the 2015 Landscape Awards Showcase your expertise and creativity… the early bird

6 I Green for Life July/August 2015

deadline for this year’s Landscape Awards is October 23, 2015.

Start taking your pictures today!

Email Kyla at kyla.mckechnie@landscape-alberta.com for a copy of the Awards entry package.

“We use the awards to build trust with our customers. Having a team of six designers means lots of different styles of designing are available to a potential client. The awards help them make a choice to ideally match themselves to the right fit for them.

In the end we can say we work with a team of award winning designers and this sets us apart.” - Cara Bedford, Head of Marketing Salisbury Landscaping 2015 Landscape Award Sponsors

Canada Blooms Contest for Garden Centres Over 450 retail garden centres will have the opportunity to promote a contest to their customers this summer– a trip for two to visit Canada Blooms, March 11 - 20, 2016 at the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto.

From July 1 to October 31, your garden centre will have the opportunity to take part in the Canada Blooms contest, which sends one lucky winner to Canada Blooms on VIA Rail and includes three nights at the InterContinental Hotel in Toronto.

Each garden centre also receives two tickets to give away in-store.

Canada Blooms will promote all participating garden centres on their site; another great way to showcase your store to gardening enthusiasts! This free opportunity is for GCC members only. Contact Claudia at the CNLA office for more information or to sign up: claudia@cnla-acpp.ca or 1-888446-3499 ext. 8635.

Alberta Minimum Wage Likely to Rise The newly formed NDP Government of Alberta campaigned on a promise to raise the minimum wage from the current $10.20 per hour to $15.00 per hour by 2018. Landscape Alberta is currently engaged in consultations with the Minister of Job, Skills, Training & Labour, Lori Sigurdson, on the impacts to our industry. Landscape Alberta sees the rapid change in minimum wage having an inflationary impact on wages that are currently above minimum wage, but will be less so or below under the new system. For our nursery producers this increase in costs could lead to an imbalance in interprovincial and international trade. More details will be communicated to members when available.

New Alberta Landscape Industry Infographic Available Landscape Alberta will be using this information piece when speaking with industry representatives and government officials. Members can find a copy of this infographic enclosed in this issue of Green for Life magazine.

It’s All About Teamwork

By Jacki Hart

Hang on to your hats. Here we all go… boldly into the 2015 green industry season with hopes, budgets, goals and a team to make it all happen.

One of the hottest topics whenever I get into a room of business owners (whether green industry or not), is the challenge of engaging your employees.

Job flexibility and lifestyle management: Our Gen-Y and Millennials really want balance. Gone are the days of workaholics (other than the boss). They perceive their real life to not be at work.

Recognition and attention: Employees want credit where credit is due. They want feedback. They want to earn respect. They want encouragement, mentoring and the

Growers of Quality Nursery Stock:

My husband and I were talking about fresh approaches to a trending challenge. He and his management team sat down last month to create a list of what they believe the employees in their company want the most.

The list follows:

Specimen Caliper Trees Pot-in-Pot Trees Specimen Evergreens Container Evergreens Container Shrubs Perennials

Purpose: Employees want to know the purpose of what they do, and they want to be able to make a valued difference in achieving or accomplishing that purpose.

Goals and objectives: Employees want measurable targets that are clearly communicated. They want these defined, both for the overall company and for themselves, in terms of performance expectations.

403 - 934 - 3670

Responsibility: Employees want to be trusted that they can do their job well and the training to do so - they want to be proud of their accomplishments, whether it’s daily or by the project.

alit

Count On Can

Autonomy and input: They want the ability to make valued contributions. They want to be able to achieve productivity metrics using their own unique “order of operation” if it’s potentially labour or effort saving – but achieving the same end result and cost.

Fax: 403 - 934 - 3626 wholesale@eaglelakenurseries.com eaglelakenurseries.com

S i n c e 70 … Q u 19

Training and educational opportunities: Employees need to expand their knowledge and advance their career path - and want the company to chart the course for them. Off season/winter courses might include not only technical skills training, but complementary skills such as supervisory, creative or even hobby interest courses.

1 - 866 - 805 - 5007

y & Service You

Located 5 kms east of Strathmore, AB on Range Road 245 Green for Life July/August 2015 I 7

tools to succeed.

Freedom to innovate: Today’s employees don’t want to hear, “This is the way we’ve always done it here, so you need to do it our way.” They want to understand the desired outcome, and then have the opportunity to contribute to the plan and process. They want open-minded management who will listen to their input, and allow a bit more creativity.

Fair compensation: This might include measurable goals to achieve benefits, bonuses or perks. They want to know where the glass ceiling is and what they need to know/do in order to move to the next level.

And they want to know how much they can make given every range of skill set, qualification and contribution.

No bad apples: They want the jerks fired.

Quickly. Without drama. Bye-bye. Go work somewhere else. Eliminate erosion of team spirit, collaboration and the need to take sides. If this doesn’t happen, they lose respect for the boss.

Sound familiar? If not, perhaps you’re not listening, especially to the silence, body language and signals that indicate employees have quit long before they leave.

If you compare this list to Geoffrey James’ 10 Things Employees Want More Than a Raise, which is a great summary of company culture trends, it’s a mirror image. You can search Geoffrey’s list at inc.com. The cool thing is, the ten items my husband and his team came up with are what’s happening in an established member company here in Ontario. It’s “ear to the ground” on current trends in employee culture.

In my opinion, as long as one of the top five challenges business entrepreneurs face remains around staffing and attitudes, employers need to start paying attention to what they can’t hear or see as much as what they can. This requires being observant, patient, listening carefully and checking your ego at the gate. I honestly believe that the days of 50 and 60 hour work weeks are fading fast, and as employers, those of us who’ve not yet reinvented our company culture, had better start working on it.

Reprinted with permission from Landscape Ontario Green for Life, April 2015 .

8 I Green for Life July/August 2015

Sunnyside Greenhouse Ltd. was established in 1918 by Bob McCullough and was named for the Calgary community in which it was located. In 1930, Mr. McCullough employed Jens Jensen and Neils Hansen after they had emigrated from Denmark, and in 1953 Jensen gained sole ownership.

industry association gives your business more clout when dealing with political issues.

Sunnyside was transplanted to Bowness and a private residence and greenhouses were constructed on the new land. The whole Jensen family worked together to establish the business in the new location while continuing to supply wholesale accounts.

Grant remembers when they used to pot bareroot stock in whale hide containers - now they bring in material already potted, in bud stage, complete with informative tags including photos and care instructions. He noted that they used to sell more caliper-sized trees, but now that yards are relatively smaller, preferred plant size has reduced, too.

How have you seen the industry change over the years?

Sunnyside grew a wide variety of crops, including potted and bedding plants, cut flowers, and hot house tomatoes. Their great success supplying small grocery stores and florists required additional land for growth, so in 1965, a 3.5 acre site was purchased in the Calgary community of Bowness.

Grant: Where to start…

• the evolution of plants; wider selection and hardier varieties • improved production through technology • more efficient and smart ways of doing business • reduced pesticide use

In 1966, business shifted from wholesale to retail, as most customers came to shop at the newly developed greenhouses. Sunnyside shifted their focus to spring crops, rather than hot house tomatoes and Christmas crops. These changes, as well as the introduction of new product lines, contributed to the transition from a farming business to a gardening retail environment.

Over the years, they have adapted to changes in the market.

The business has expanded to include Christmas items, pet supplies, and outdoor pottery and furniture – all to meet the demands of consumers. Grant has been travelling since he was 23 years old, to places like China and Vietnam, looking for merchandise to feature in the store.

From 1978 to 1990, Sunnyside underwent massive renovation and expansion. The addition of bulk bins, a pet store, and an office, as well as the reconstruction of the original greenhouses contributed to the company's further success, allowing for year-round operation. A parcel of land was purchased to house a warehouse in Cochrane, and in 1991 Sunnyside began importing international products from China, Vietnam, Germany, and Holland.

The company continues to thrive under the ownership of the Jensen family. They pride themselves on bringing new ideas and products to the marketplace. Currently, Sunnyside employs 40 staff year-round and over 200 staff during the busy spring season.

Grant Jensen, the grandson of Jens, spoke with Landscape Alberta about the company’s involvement with the association. Sunnyside joined Landscape Alberta about 40 years ago when his parents ran the business, and he remembers going to meetings with his parents when he was younger. They participated in the association to learn and share ideas with fellow members - they always believed it was good business to support the industry as a whole, and to align their company brand with the association brand.

Grant finds value in the many member benefits that the association offers. He also thinks that being part of an

Sunnyside’s website has become a very valuable tool that they rely on heavily, both for staff use and consumer use.

There are over 100 brochures on the website, an online data bank, newsletters, etc., and they have plans to introduce online ordering of bins for landscape supplies like mulch.

Have you experienced challenges in the labour market?

Grant: Fortunately, finding workers to make our business hum has not really been a difficulty for Sunnyside - we thrive Green for Life July/August 2015 I 9

on students who return year after year. We promote the seasonality of the jobs and try to attract employees by participating in job fairs and using online job boards. We also have a good structure of managers and supervisors who work at keeping strong relationships with the seasonal employees so they return each year while still in school.

typically high school students start as courtesy clerks, helping customers to their cars; university students move on to customer service, and so on.

Sunnyside in the Community Grant is proud to say that Sunnyside has always had a role in the success of the community, including support for local groups, schools and churches. On their website, they feature a donation request form that groups can fill out with all the details of their request – Sunnyside has staff members responsible for replying to all of the website requests and queries, including donations.

Trends Grant: Plants are a beautiful thing. There are so many new varieties out there that are hardier, brighter, better quality and with bigger blooms. Technology has really advanced how we grow, but to me a pansy is still a pansy. Plants are just becoming better versions of themselves.

Sunnyside also relies heavily on word of mouth for hiring – Grant says they get calls from people who worked for them years ago, asking if there are opportunities for their kids to work at Sunnyside. They offer a clear employment structure that offers different levels that employees can strive for –

10 I Green for Life July/August 2015

Challenges Grant: I have been doing this since I was 5 years old. There are changes every day; you have to learn every day, grow every day and be ready to get your stock out fast. We work hard all year round for four super busy weeks; you have to know what the customer is looking for and think on your feet or you’ll miss out completely.

Landscape Alberta thanks Grant Jensen for providing the Sunnyside story at such a busy time of year!

Just Say No

By Jim Paluch

Have you ever been in a relationship that was going nowhere or in a direction you were not happy with? Have you ever become tied to a hobby or activity that was taking too much time; yet, you just couldn't make yourself break free of the commitment? Have you found yourself wondering why you and your company spend so much time catering to a certain type of client that drains the energy and time of everyone who deals with them and leaves you scratching your heads wondering, "Why...?"

When the answers to those questions are clearly positive, then we know it is best to stick with that offering and find ways to make it even better. When the honest evaluation leaves us wondering or convinced that our action is not taking us in the right direction, the decision to change course is energizing and liberating.

As an entrepreneur, I am subject to the challenge of seeing great opportunities, and like many of you, might say yes when a better answer might be a definitive "no" right from the start. Even in the times where some great project or opportunity might seem right in line with our focus and goals, it's possible to be wading in up to our knees only to realize it would be better to stop and get out of this pool. When the experience is draining, not exhilarating, and every step forward entails two steps back, the chances of the effort expended being justified in the financial and emotional rewards are slim.

Most of us have been in a variety of personal and business situations where it became glaringly obvious that the best next step was to "just say no." Others are not so obvious, but at some point the "writing is on the wall" and taking a stand to change direction is far more courageous than going forward.

At a recent event, we heard a company owner explain the importance of "firing" customers that do not fit the company profile of the people they should serve. Nice theory you might say, but we cannot refuse anything that even looks like revenue these days.

Ah, but does that bit of business fit with the direction of the company's goals, the expertise of your staff, the ratio of time invested to dollars earned? Sacrificing what we know is best for the company in return for a quick dollar can have longer lasting effects than the short-term benefits. As a company, the JP Horizons team regularly asks, "Does this fit our vision of Energizing A Zillion People?" Is it worth the time invested?"

"What is the value we provide to our clients and what is the true value to this company?"

Green for Life July/August 2015 I 11

The same thoughts can apply to personal relationships that bring out the worst rather than the best in those involved or activities that distract us from being the person we really want to be at the end of the day. Saying no to something does not need to signify we are quitting or giving up, but rather choosing to do something else that is more productive and in line with where we want to go and who we want to be.

New Members

Reprinted with permission from Jim Paluch. If you want to learn more about the power of PEOPLE SOLUTIONS THAT DRIVE BUSINESS PERFORMANCE, contact: JP Horizons Inc., 8119 Auburn Road, Painesville, OH 44077. Phone: (440) 352-8211. Fax: (800) 715-8326.

E-mail: jim@jphorizons.com. Web site: www.jphorizons.com

Big Man Landscaping Inc. Nick Bencsik 35 Silverbrook Dr. NW Calgary, AB T3B 3H1 Tel: (403) 714-3576 info@bigmanlandscaping.com www.bigmanlandscaping.com

When your gut is screaming “No, this doesn't work,” then look at the facts, trust what you feel and let it guide you to the next right "YES."

Foothills Nurseries

Welcome to our

1895355 Alberta Inc. Anand Pandarinath 14308 – 59 Avenue Edmonton, AB T6H 1G8 Tel: (780) 405-4140 anandp1@me.com

County of Warner Jamie Meeks Box 90 Warner, AB T0K 2L0 Tel: (403) 642-2255 Fax: (403) 642-2256 jmeeks@warnercounty.ca www.warnercounty.ca

Hedgeco Environmental Management Ltd. Arron St. Louis Box 6883 Drayton Valley, AB T7A 1S2 Tel: (780) 214-0977 Fax: (780) 542-6559 arron@hedgecomulching.com www.hedgecomulching.com Heninger Landscaping Inc. Jason Heninger 2424 – 91 Avenue SE Calgary, AB T2C 5H2 Tel: (403) 453-1466 admin@heningerlandscaping.com www.heningerlandscaping.com Recycling Council of Alberta Christina Seidel Box 23 Bluffton, AB T0C 0M0 Tel: (403) 843-6563 Fax: (403) 843-5156 info@recycle.ab.ca www.recycle.ab.ca

12 I Green for Life July/August 2015

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Certified Landscape Designer: Design Credential Boost Confidence and Builds Business

By Sarah Willis

It’s been a 20-year journey, but the Certified Landscape Designer (CLD) designation is gradually gaining momentum.

The process to become certified has recently been updated, but the requirements have stayed the same. To become a Certified Landscape Designer, the candidate must have a minimum of seven years of combined education and practice, write an exam and submit three projects for a portfolio review.

Haig Seferian CLD, OALA, of the Seferian Design Group in Burlington, Ont., is credited with being the driving force in developing this unique certification vehicle. Seferian recognized there was a cohort of qualified landscape designers graduating from college, and proposed creating the CLD designation to give recognition and a vehicle for networking and communication.

Don Chase CLD of Hamilton, Ont., explains that this designation has its roots in Landscape Ontario’s Landscape Design Sector Group committee, but was taken under the CNLA umbrella in 2005 and made available to designers across Canada. Two years ago, the National Landscape Design committee undertook a three-step strategy to update the CLD process. Chase is quick to note that the requirements have remained unchanged; the committee worked to make the certification navigation process easier.

“The lack of a design manual was always seen as a stumbling block,” he says. “Candidates were offered a reading list of references, but that didn’t work.” So, the committee created a comprehensive design manual with an accompanying CD, to help candidates prepare for the exam and portfolio review.

Step two was to revise the exam, which was completed by the committee this summer, and step three was to tighten up the portfolio review process. “The original portfolio review was too broad, so we made it more specific, and made it easier for the judges to comment on each portfolio, so candidates understand where they need to focus more effort. In addition, the checklist candidates follow to prepare for the portfolio review has been rewritten to give clear expectations for the review.”

Requirements specify three projects must be submitted for portfolio reviews. Chase advises CLD candidates to submit one project first, before attempting to put together the other two.

“One of the benefits of becoming a CLD is the informal mentoring process that occurs through the process. CLD candidates get matched up with an already Certified Landscape Designer in their area, who is available to help answer questions.” Veteran designers deem it a privilege to share their experience with their younger colleagues.

Jen Cuddie, of Oriole Landscaping in Toronto, is working on her CLD designation, and her portfolio review was the first one completed under the new marking matrix. “I didn’t come to the process from the traditional direction of post-secondary education,” she says, explaining she initially worked in construction and took landscape design courses at night school. “Going to school and working in the industry was so valuable. I was able to experience in real life the examples we went over in class.”

Cuddie says the new portfolio review checklist was invaluable in preparing her three projects for review by the judges. She recommends certification for the boost in confidence that the credentials provide. “Confidence is such an important element in being able to sell projects. You need to get someone to trust your work, and if you can’t sell the work, you can’t build the project.”

Audrie VanderWerf CLD, of GardenWorks Landscape Design, Greater Vancouver, B.C., says “I often get asked by potential clients if I am certified. This is more and more important to people as they continue to be educated about hiring tradespeople. The first time that I was able to say “Yes” made the process worth it.

“In order to retain my certification, I must prove annually that I am keeping abreast of landscaping news, views and how-to’s by way of teaching or learning at seminars and courses. So I love this ‘benefit’ of educating myself and having that experience contribute to my recertification. As a CLD I also often participate in certification decisions and meetings.”

Green for Life July/August 2015 I 15

Ron Koudys CLD, OALA, of Ron Koudys Landscape Architects, London, Ont., says the CLD designation offers benefits on many different levels, first echoing Cuddie’s note about confidence. “Being a Certified Landscape Designer means the industry has reviewed your work and you’ve met a standard.

This accreditation sets you apart from hobbyists or poorly qualified persons, and builds credibility in the client’s mind. It’s early days, but we are starting to see clients asking for CLD credentials.”

VanderWerf advises that designers take the test and do the portfolio for at least their own self-analysis. “The trophy is the CLD designation! You will attain esteem, confidence and a greater client base. You will help with public awareness of the industry. And you will have a great portfolio to show prospective clients. It’s a natural next step in your career.”

Landscape designers interested in pursuing certification can find more information at www.canadanursery.com or contact Colin Vince at colin@cnla-acpp.ca.

Reprinted with permission by Landscape Trades.

For All Your Insurance Needs

Written Testing Opportunities

CNLA and the provincial associations have teamed up to offer you more opportunities to challenge the written sections of all the certification exams. Whether you are interested in the technician, lawn care, retail horticulturist, designer or manager modules, you have more dates to choose from to get yourself one step closer to certification.

We know that summer is busy and the dates we originally set aside may not work with your schedule. If you are a technician who doesn’t want to challenge both the written and practical portions of the exam at the same time, or if you are a prospective Certified Landscape Manager who doesn’t want to challenge all seven modules of your written test at the same time, then this is the option for you.

Landscape Alberta has written test opportunities on the last Wednesday of each month. If you would like to learn more or schedule an exam, feel free to email certification@cnla-acpp.ca or call Colin Vince at 1-888446-3499 ext. 8625.

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Member Bulletin RE: 2015 City of Edmonton Landscape Standards

Landscape Alberta is pleased to provide our members with access to the following documents related to the 2015 Landscape Standards for the City of Edmonton. For the first time, Landscape Alberta was asked to sit as a member of the Standards Review committee along with members from several City departments, as well as members of UDI and representatives from consulting firms.

I would like to thank Jeff Oudyk from Land Tec Landscape Contractors for being the official Landscape Alberta representative at the six different meetings that took place over eight weeks this spring. Jeff’s professionalism and knowledge were key in achieving constructive dialog between all stakeholders. Angella Vertzaya, Senior Project Manager with the City, did a great job coordinating the meetings and dealing with the large volume of feedback generated from stakeholders.

As you review the change log, you may notice not every issue was addressed during this year’s update. Many items required more research and discussion than time allowed and were deferred to the fall meetings. The standards review will be an ongoing process and Landscape Alberta will continue to organize and represent industry points of view.

The City of Edmonton has released three different documents that you can view by following the links below.

1) A memo regarding the new landscape standards rollout (http://bit.ly/1GtfzGy); 2) A log of all changes made from the previous version (http://bit.ly/1Tc4Ci4), and finally; 3) the complete new landscape standard (http://bit.ly/1IvRjDd).

Changes Landscape Alberta members should pay special attention to include: • Removal of tree stakes after the third growing season.

• Changes to excavation procedures for work done within 1.0m of any underground cables.

• Additional clause regarding inspection of trenched tree pits prior to completion.

• Plants with circling roots that cannot be straightened without affecting the structural roots system will be rejected.

All trees must be securely rooted by FAC. • Addition of list of minor tree deficiencies (via memo) that will expedite CCC approvals.

• New clause requiring all trees planted in centre medians to be in continuous mulched beds.

• Update to maintenance period to clarify twelve months from issuance of CCC. Extensions can be added at FAC if on sites with more than 40 trees, 10% have been or are require replacement within the current year. For sites with less than 40 trees the rate is increased to 25%.

• Trees above 75mm caliper and up to 90 mm will require a twenty four month warranty period, except when site conditions are enhanced, e.g. continuous root trench.

• Minimum sizes for trees has been reduced to 50mm from 60mm.

• Many changes relating to the landscape architecture that may take several years to filter down to LA members.

As the season progresses, Landscape Alberta will once again look to members for areas that require attention, with specific focus on the practical implementation of the new standards and any issues that may arise. I encourage all members to engage in open, respectful communication. Remember, we are all interested in seeing healthy trees and better green spaces. Please call or email me with any questions or comments. Joel.beatson@landscape-alberta.com or 780-489-1991.

Best regards,

Joel Beatson, CAE, CLP Executive Director Green for Life July/August 2015 I 17

Gerard Fournier and Mike Haberl Jr.

L-R: Lee Krahn, Vic Krahn, Gloria Beck, Sheryl Wotherspoon, Dwayne Beck and Bill Janzen.

L-R: Colette Russell Houle, Joseph Supino, Wade Hartwell

A look back at our association

L-R: Butch Pollock, unknown

CNTA Summer Tour, Toronto 1993

L-R: Hans Bron and Ron Oudyk

Arnold Heuver, Doug Eglow, George Matthews, Doug Keller 18 I Green for Life July/August 2015

The people in these photos have been identified to the best of our ability. If we have made an error or if you are able to identify someone in a photo, please email admin@landscape-alberta.com, so we can update our records.

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