CNLA Newsbrief - December 2009

CNLA Newsbrief

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November-December 2009

Green Industry News!

November-December 2009

Vol. 18 Issue 8

Landscape Industry Certified

Rebranding certification to create more value Starting in 2010 the face of certification will be changing across North America. All certifications will be brought under one umbrella, Landscape Industry Certified. This is a large step forward in better aligning the certifications to meet the needs of the industry and improving recognition of certified employees.

The questions that leaders of industry from both sides of the border were most challenged with was “how to create critical mass for certification?” and “how to simplify marketing to the public?”. With an ever growing number of certification programs the number of designations cluttering the space following a person’s name was beginning to rival the insurance industry and confusing the public – the same public that are our customers. With so many technical specialties and the growing number of people with multiple certifications it would become more and more important to present the message of certification in a concise manner.

The critical mass issue is something that has been struggled with since the inception of certification. The numbers of people certified is growing, faster then ever. Employers are starting to see the benefits in performance efficiency and safety with certified staff. Gradually more and more tendered projects are specifying a certification status in employees fulfilling the job requirements. Critical mass is starting to build. The time to make the change

Look Inside:

Celebrating Jane Stock Success for HortEast Trade Show Atlantic Green Forum overview

Landscape Ontario’s Garden and Floral Expo Recertification changes Garden Centres Priorities Set

Book your Garden Cente Inspection for 2010 International Trade with China for Growers CNLA Taking a Lead Role with Industry Standards

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@canadanursery.com | www.canadanursery.com

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November-December 2009

Industry News Executive Board:

to streamline and reduce certification confusion has come, and the result – Landscape Industry Certified brand is born.

Cary van Zanten - BC President

Michael Murray - NL Past President

Bill Stensson - ON First Vice President

Christine LeVatte, CLP - NS Second Vice President

Rene Thiebaud, CLP - ON Treasurer

Directors:

Harold Deenen, CLP - ON Human Resources Chair

Phil Paxton, CHT, CLP - AB LANTA Representative

Terry Nicholson, CHT - ON National Certification Chair

Bill Hardy, CLP - BC Environment Chair

Bruce Hunter, CHT, CLD, CLP - BC Landscape Canada Chair

Vic Krahn, CHT - SK

Government Liaison Chair, SNLA Representative, COHA Chair

Gerald Boot, CLP - ON

LOHTA Representative, Insurance Chair

Jeff Morton - NS

LNSHTA Representative

Paul Jensen - QC AQPP Representative

Bruce McTavish - BC NAPPO Chair

Anthony O’Neill - NL

Garden Centres Canada Chair, LNL Representative

Owen Vanstone - MB

LM Representative, Growers Canada Chair

Darrell Nameth, CLP - NB

Member Services Chair, LNBHTA Representative

Michael Kato - BC BCLNA Representative

Staff: Victor Santacruz, CAE, CLP Lydia Couture-Comtois Executive Director victor@canadanursery.com

Executive Assistant lydia@canadanursery.com

Joseph Salemi, CAE

Julia Ricottone, CEPIT

Joel Beatson, CAE, CLP

Peter Isaacson, B.Sc., MPM

Member Services Manager joseph@canadanursery.com Professional & Business Development Manager joel@canadanursery.com

Rebecca Wetselaar

Certification Services julia@canadanursery.com

Minor Use/IPM Co-ordinator peter@canadanursery.com

Agnes Zawartka, CLP

Member Services Co-ordinator Manager of Provincial Relations agnes@canadanursery.com rebecca@canadanursery.com

Kim Burton

Rita Weerdenburg

Communications Co-ordinator kim@canadanursery.com

Growers Manager rita@canadanursery.com

Liz Klose, B.Sc., (Agr), CLP Landscape Priorities Manager liz@canadanursery.com

Patricia Polo

Provincial Relations Co-ordinator patricia@canadanursery.com

Printed on recycled paper using vegetable based inks by: Harmony Printing, 50 Woodbine Downs Boulevard, Toronto, ON M9W 5R2

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By combining as many as ten certifications into a single brand the goal of even more recognition, public awareness and critical mass will be achieved that much sooner.

This is also why we chose the words we did, “Landscape Industry Certified” has a direct meaning that stands on its own by using everyday words most commonly associated with our industry. By also simplifying the specialty groups into three main branches we also build a knowledge ladder: Technician, Designer, and Manager that clearly identifies core competencies.

This change in brand also unifies the message between the US and Canada giving greater marketing power and increasing the mobility value to certified people. By having the certification recognized across more then 60 states and provinces the co-branding opportuni-

ties that exist between stakeholders and the various partners are endless. This co-branding will be key to establishing the brand within industry and even more importantly to the end consumer. With every email that is sent, every invoice or brochure mailed, and every vehicle on the road, the Landscape Industry Certified brand will grow in value to those who support the program. CNLA and PLANET will focus on giving certified people and their employers the tools they need to help promote their Landscape Industry Certified status.

Change is never an easy thing, but this well thought out one prepares certification for it’s next stage of growth. Landscape Industry Certified will lead to many more employees seeking certification designations and more customers asking, “Are you Landscape Industry Certified?”

For more information please visit www.landscapeindustrycertified.org or call the CNLA office at 1-888-446-3499.

Association News Celebration Of The Life Of Jane Stock When you are sorrowful look into your heart and you shall see that you are weeping for that which has been your delight~ Kahlil Gibran Jane was an intelligent, elegant woman with an infectious passion for all things family and industry.

It is so easy to celebrate Jane’s life. There is so much to celebrate. Her sphere of influence went far beyond the BCLNA association and our industry. Jane was bigger than life – she was a force! Often to be reckoned with; in the kindest, gentlest way. Jane was dear to everyone. The horticulture industry has had a great loss. But the woman whose loss we mourn has left a great, multi-faceted legacy.

Jane grew the BCLNA association into what it is today; she took an organization with a

good heart and strong volunteers and turned it into a strong, professional association. Jane brought logic and good old common sense to complex discussions on complex issues.

She had a fantastic attitude and a genuine friendliness and concern for - well, everything. Her work ethic was phenomenal. No idea or task seemed too large. We are all familiar with her personal and professional credo, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!”

Jane included people. She had the ability to draw people together – she knew who needed to be at the table for any particular issue, and she was always sure that they felt included, encouraged and heard. She insisted on it. And she was right. She was patient with the process. Being ever determined, and having her eyes and brain firmly

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@canadanursery.com | www.canadanursery.com

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Association News focused on the big picture, Jane could place people with opposing opinions and interests in the same room and get them to work together and accomplish the task at hand.

She was exceptionally frugal when it came to spending the association’s money, and had an uncanny ability to find money on trees.

Not our member’s trees – other trees.

Jane had a very special relationship with the staff at BCLNA - a wonderful balance of nurturing and reciprocal respect and affection. Jane had vision, and encouraged and motivated her staff and association to work harder for the bigger good. BCLNA will continue to be inspired by her care and attention; her level headedness; her thoughtfulness; her stoic nature; and her refusal to see anything but the good – in anything, or anyone, at any time. The closest she would ever come to a negative sentiment is “well, I don’t LOVE that”. This is her legacy.

At the surprise party the BCLNA held in honour of Jane’s 10th anniversary with the association – Jane was delighted and surprised to see that so many were there to honour her. When it was her turn to speak, Jane said that her goal was to make a difference in this life. We all know she did. Thank you Jane.

Visitors to the 2009 HortEast Trade Show found the over 100 booths and speaker program the best in the event`s history.

of HortEast. The trade show featured over 100 booths.

A big thanks to all of our event sponsors, including our Platinum Event Sponsor – Shaw Brick. Special thanks to Kevin Nauss with Price Landscaping Services in Lutes Mountain, NB, for chairing the 2009 organizing committee, as well as to all of our other committee volunteers who worked tirelessly to pull off an incredible event.

Mark the date for the 2010 HortEast Trade Show and Conference, November 22-24th, 2010 at the Cunard Centre in Halifax, NS, and visit www.horteast.ns.ca for more show details.

THEY’RE READY WHEN YOU ARE.

Another Successful HortEast Conference and Trade Show The 2009 HortEast Trade Show, in November, was an extremely successful event particularly with the move from a bi-annual to an annual show. The committee was very pleased with the turnout and participation at HortEast this year. This was the second year that HortEast has run with a new committee structure, with representation from Landscape New Brunswick, Landscape Nova Scotia, and Landscape Newfoundland and Labrador staff and volunteers, and staff support from the CNLA office.

The 2009 show was held at the Moncton Coliseum Complex, and delegates and exhibitors all commented on the convenient and central location of the venue. The show featured an excellent line-up of speakers, from across Canada, the US, and even Switzerland. Delegates commented that this was the best speaker program in the history

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Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@canadanursery.com | www.canadanursery.com

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Association News Inaugural Atlantic Green Forum a Huge Success!

Garden & Floral Expo generates exciting buzz

Don Barry, Chair, Green Forum Planning committee LNL members who didn’t attend the Green Forum on November 9 and 10th, 2009 missed a truly wonderful event. There was a great turnout of almost 80 people from a wide range of backgrounds and professions, from across the province, Included in those attending were elected municipal councillors and municipal staff, architects, academics and representatives of non-profit organizations. We were also joined by three representatives of Landscape Nova Scotia and a representative from Landscape New Brunswick. Minister Charlene Johnson brought greetings from government and highlighted the many common interests between our industry and her department. Deputy Mayor Shannie Duff brought greetings from the City of St. John’s and went on to welcome our input and advice on municipal planning, environmental issues and especially the many conerns regarding a sustainable water supply.

We were fortunate to attract a rare combination of local, regional, national and international keynote speakers, including Shane Mahoney from the Department of Environment and Conservation. Mahoney gave a passionate presentation about the historical interactions between the people of this place and our natural landscapes, and explored the question of landscape sustainability as the measure of a people and as a metric of a place. Wilf Nicholls spoke about the many threats of Invasive Species, and Fred Hann challenged us as industry leaders to meet the “roller-coaster ride of environmental, social and economic changes in the coming decade”. Sue Sirrs from Nova Scotia described how living walls and green roofs have captured the imaginations of people around the world. Sirrs and Gerhard Weiland later spoke about LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) in Atlantic

Landscape Ontario’s 10th annual Garden and Floral Expo, held in October 2009, generated a noticeable buzz over the two-day event. From high quality booth displays to new products, a garden centre symposium, education seminars, floral displays and more, this year’s edition provided attendees with great excitement.

“We worked to create a unique and modern show that provided a real buzz for both attendees and our exhibitors,” said show manager Paul Day. The New Products Showcase featured over 150 of the latest additions to the garden and floral world.

Green for Life Award

Canada and presented a brief introduction to the Sustainable Sites Initiative. Daniel Roehr from British Columbia talked about storm water management and presented an introduction to green skins research, including green roofs, green facades, rain gardens and bioswales. Attendees had plenty of time to ask questions and to engage with our speakers in the discussion periods. The Forum was a great success and has contributed to the profile of our association, as well as the wider industry, while we grapple with how best to sustain and maintain our urban environments.

As Chair of the Planning committee, I want to thank my colleagues Anthony O’Neill, Chris Swyers and Jeanette French. From the outset, their cooperation and support was invaluable. Finally we owe a great debt to Rebecca Wetselaar and Patricia Polo from the CNLA office, who as usual, worked tirelessly day after day to make this event their top priority.

A new addition to the show this year was the Green for Life Award. It was created to promote, recognize and reward environmentally responsible retailers and growers in the horticulture and floriculture industries. Winners were drawn from the retailers and growers who completed the Environmental Scorecard developed by Landscape Ontario. The winners of the inaugural Green for Life Award were announced at the 10th anniversary Garden Party. Burns Water Gardens from Baltimore, Ont. and Green Thumb Garden Centre from Nepean were the award recipients of the Retail Garden Centre category. In the grower category, West Kootenay Plants, Winlaw, B.C., took the prize.

“These winners are great examples of the positive shift in the industry toward better environmental stewardship, said Nathan Helder, chair of the Green for Life Awards Judging Committee. “What we liked seeing was that the companies were working on or will work on making even more improvements. All of the companies clearly demonstrated what it means to be environmentally responsible in their industry and will hopefully set the standard for others to follow.”

Dual degree programme brings Indian horticultural students to Canada A recent Memorandum of Understanding between the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) the top ranked agricultural university in India, and the Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC) has laid the foundation for a new dual degree programme that will allow Indian students the chance to study environmental horticulture in

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Canada. According to Brian Crouse, manager of student recruitment and awards at NSAC, students will have to complete five semesters at TNAU and then three semesters at NSAC in order to obtain certificates from both universities.

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@canadanursery.com | www.canadanursery.com

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Certification Corner Have you recertified yet?

Recently Certified

Anyone who obtained their certification in 2008 or earlier is due to recertify by January 1, 2010. Recertification involves upgrading your education and keeping current in the industry and is required to maintain an active certified status.

This year, CNLA is transitioning into a two-year recertification process that will help our certification programs meet or exceed the certification industry’s best practices. You will need a total of 12 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to recertify. This new system is being introduced for 2010, and will take full effect on your next recertification date, January 1, 2012.

Maintaining an active certified status will now cost $78.75 every 2 years. This is a slight increase, but less frequent payments are required.

Remember that your education is not limited to what is offered by your provincial association. All other events will require pre-approval from the CNLA office. To request pre-approval, send us information about the host, dates, learning outcomes and subject matter to see if it will qualify.

What has changed?

1 hour of education = 1 CEU........................ was 4 hours of education = 1 CEU 1 hour of service = 0.5 CEU..................... was 4 hours of service = 1 CEU A total of 12 CEUs is required by January 1, 2010...........was a range of 2 to 4 CEUs The fee of $78.75 (including GST) is for 2 years ..............was $26.75 per year You do not need to submit any documentation with your form (no change) If you feel you do not meet the requirements for this year, or have any questions, please contact Julia Ricottone at the CNLA office, 1-888-446-3499, ext. 8615, julia@canadanursery.com

Gary Abdee, CHT Bryce Anderson, CHT, CLP Michelle Barker, CHT Simon Barnes, CHT Joe Bidermann, CLD Robyn Boniface, CHT Joseph Brejeski, CHT Betty Cunnin, CHT, CLP Carlie Deenen, CHT, CLP Frank Deenen, CHT, CLP Andrew Donaldson, CHT Matthew Dressing, CHT Jennifer Haldane, CHT Kip Hanson, CHT Diane Hill, CHT Darryl Hummel, CHT Mark Hutten, CHT Laura Karr, CHT Christopher Kern, CHT Theresa King, CHT Paul Kulcheski, CHT Scott MacInnes, CHT Jim Matthews, CHT Scott McDonald, CHT Lucas Michielsen, CHT Jessica Milligan, CLP Chad Moore, CHT David Muzylowski, CHT Matt O’Leary, CHT Steve Plummer, CHT Jay Robinson, CHT Peter Solti, CHT, CLP Robert Turner, CHT Jonathan Vanderpol, CHT Shane Warren, CHT David Weir, CHT Adam Wood, CHT Robert Young, CHT

ON BC BC ON NS BC ON BC ON ON ON ON ON BC ON ON ON NL ON BC BC ON ON ON ON QC ON BC ON ON ON ON BC BC ON BC BC BC

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Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des PĂŠpiniĂŠristes et des Paysagistes 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@canadanursery.com | www.canadanursery.com

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Garden Centres Corner Priorities focused on the future

By Anthony O’Neill Chair Garden Centres Canada Garden Centres Canada (GCC) completed its strategic plans with participation from across the country. As planned, we established a priority list, which gives us direction and focus for moving ahead.

The top six priorities that came out of our session were: 1 Recycling of plastic containers and alternatives 2 Training and resources for staff 3 Garden Centre Inspections 4 Improve Member Communications 5 Week of Gardening in Our Schools 6 Political Action A couple of new initiatives being looked into, with great potential, are the ‘Week of Gardening in our Schools’ and ‘Digital Advertising Services’.

The Week of Gardening in our Schools project has wide reaching implications for our future understanding and interaction with our earth’s environment. Education is a key component to the success of any industry.

GCC has established great plans and ideas for its members, focusing on six key priorities.

With this program, we ensure our children know where food comes from and understand our connections to the earth.

The concept is to partner with government departments to create an understanding that our industry, through our Garden Centres, can help deliver the agricultural/horticultural message to school children. With this understanding, we can then partner with provincial departments of education acoss Canada to have a week each year when schools have the option of visiting a GCC garden centre and have an education session. An officially recognized curriculum would be developed for a week of agriculturally-focused education. Many of our garden centres already have school visits, but a coordinated curriculum plan across the country is lacking. France has developed this program and it has grown immensely since its inception in 2000, growing to 60,000 elementary school students participating in 2009.

The Digital Advertising Service makes use of digital screens located at various points throughout your garden centre, providing a multitude of messages to your consumers, at extremely low or no costs at all. Service providers facilitate the messaging, while you maintain control within your retail garden centre. Countless possibilities here!

As you can see, there is lots to do. If you have ideas on how GCC can make a difference on a national scope, please share them with us.

Also if anyone would like to be involved in any of the current projects in progress, we would love to have you on board. Have fun organizing for next year!

Are you looking to increase your sales in 2010?

2009 Garden Centre Inspection Program participants say: “… I would recommend the inspection program to everyone.

It’s just the right thing to do…”

For two weeks in June and July, 2009, Garden Centres Canada (GCC) commissioned Eve Tigwell to carry out garden centre inspections in Canada. Eve has over 20 years experience as a retail consultant, specializing in garden centres around the world, and has carried out inspections in the UK, Germany and Denmark for many years.

A total of 18 pilot garden centre inspections were carried out this summer, (3 in NS, 3 in ON, 2 in MB, 3 in SK, 4 in AB, and 3 in BC). The inspections involved a consultant (Eve Tigwell, UK) on-site for three to four hours at each centre examining every part of the garden centre and awarding scores and taking photographs. Following the inspection, Eve sat down with the owners and in some cases their staff to do a short consultation session. A follow up report was

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Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@canadanursery.com | www.canadanursery.com

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sent to each garden centre, which included a CD with pictures of the centre to review, along with the suggestions put forward in the report.

Due to the popularity of the 2009 program, GCC is launching the inspection program in the Summer of 2010, and bookings have already started coming in! If you are looking to increase your sales this summer, take part in this program. You will have an experienced and world-renowned independent consultant from the UK visiting your garden centre to carry out the inspection, followed by an in-person consultation with each of the centres’ management team to identify and discuss areas for improvement. A report, including grading in many areas of the operation, will follow each site visit. Some of the areas of operations being evaluated include: front entrance, accessibility, parking lot, customer service, safety, checkout area, garden care, outdoor/indoor living, bedding and patio plants, hardy plants, growing media, outdoor ornamentation, website, and many more.

Here are some comments from participants in the inspections from last summer: GardenWorks, BC “…The process was valuable – We have already taken action on a number of points raised by the inspection – to the delight of guests to our stores. We are confident that paying attention to the detailed points raised through the inspection will positively impact our overall profitability as a company.”

Swan Lake Nurseryland, BC “….If one is planning on expanding, renovating or making any changes make sure that you have a plan that has been reviewed many times so that you feel very comfortable and know that the moves are the right ones. In regards to our image and signage, the inspection showed us the importance of this silent salesman. We will be incorporating a very aggressive signage program over this winter to have it ready for the Spring. I would recommend the inspection program to everyone. It’s just the right thing to do. To get an independent review by an professional from within the industry is worth much more than any money you many spend on anything else”.

The final report, based on the inspections of the 18 pilot garden centres, showed that the overall highest score for our garden centres across Canada was achieved in the ‘people’ category. The lowest scores were for safety, design of the website, as well as accessibility of the garden centre under the ‘approach and car park’ category.

November-December 2009

in Japanese garden art and garden construction, and who want to attain knowledge and experience in a concise manner and in a short time. The seminar is through the cooperative group efforts of the European Landscape Contractors Association (ELCA), Kosugi Zohen Co.Ltd., and the Landscape Design and Landscape Construction Office of Tokyo, Japan (www.kosugi-zohen.co.jp)

The garden centre inspection program will help raise the industry standards and will provide benchmarks for garden centres to become better businesses. Looking at the UK industry, there is no doubt that Canadian retailers have great opportunities to grow, with the use of strong management tools and practices.

International Seminar on Creating a Japanese Garden

For more information, please contact the ELCA-Office: Mrs. Edda Burckhardt E-Mail: e.burckhardt@elca.info Phone +49-224-7707-20) or the organizer's office, Managing Director: Andreas Hamacher E-Mail: hamacher@kosugi-zohen.co.jp Phone +81-80-3154-0040

The intensive and practice-orientated international seminar on garden art and garden construction in Japan, which will take place from February 14-26, 2010 in Atami, Japan. The 2-week seminar, held in English, is intended for all persons interested

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Welcome, CNLA members.

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Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes Vertis QCA 1300 19th Street, Suite 200 East Moline, IL 61244

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7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@canadanursery.com | www.canadanursery.com

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November-December 2009

Growers Corner As part of a two-year market study, CNLA’s current AgriMarketing project called for a trade mission to China.

This trip coincided with the 7th China Flower Show in Beijing, held September 26 to October 5, 2009.

7th China Flower Show

This floricultural extravaganza is held once every four years just outside The City of Beijing. Billed as a trade show, the event was open to the public for the duration of the exhibit and no doubt the organizers met their expectations with over one million attendees. Although dominated by non-commercial exhibits, overall the show did have some good commercial exhibits, including one from BCbased Piroche Plants.

Beijing Green Eden Agricultural Science Academy

The primary focus of this company is to provide various organizations, including the City of Beijing, with advice and consulting services, as well as technology transfer related to Beijing’s very significant urban forestry initiatives. The market for nursery stock was identified by Beijing Green Eden as falling into four distinct categories; including governments for highway and greening projects, real estate development, landscape contractors for private landscape development projects and retail garden centres.

Through both privately- and governmentmanaged operations, there is a significant amount of tree and shrub production in the Beijing area, with finished product primarily designated for Beijng’s greening initiatives.

The CNLA trade mission was warmly greeted upon its arrival in Beijing and was able to enjoy the China Flower Show.

For example, the Highway Act calls for a buffer of 50 to 100 meters of greenbelt on both sides of all major roadways, and according to Green Eden president Zhu Li, there is currently insufficient supply of caliper trees in China to meet this demand. A visit to a caliper tree nursery reveals that nursery production in China is unsophisticated in comparison to North American tree production. With access to huge amounts of affordable labour and the government’s desire to provide employment opportunities, manual labour is used for planting and harvesting. However, quality tends to be sacrificed for certain other cost-savings. For example, trees are planted too close together to allow for proper crown development and are harvested with small root balls to save on transportation costs.

maintained. The colour provided by annual plantings was especially bright as Beijing prepared to celebrate their 60th anniversary as the People’s Republic of China. The staff have responsibility for planting and maintaining the city’s 1400 sq kms of urban area devoted to green space and urban forests.

The Parks and Forestry Sector also includes a Carbon Administration section, responsible for setting government policy on regulations, standards and research to combat global warming through the use of horticulture. Beijing is continually on the lookout for international cooperative projects that will result in expertise and support of solutions to the many challenges faced by the international city in preserving and enhancing their degraded environment.

Beijing Parks and Forestry Department of International Cooperation

BPF operates several nurseries in the Beijing area; some large production nurseries, intended to provide the city with their nursery stock requirements, and other smaller quasiresearch locations. Here, new varieties and production techniques, etc. are tested. It is the intent that some of these research nurseries will become teaching sites as well, so that the BPF can improve the nursery management skills of their workers.

Even a casual visit to Beijing reveals the extent of the city’s commitment to greening. Roadsides throughout the city are flanked with extensive tree buffers, and the downtown cores are well landscaped and

Beijing Municipal Research Nursery

Cary van Zanten (above) along with the other trade mission delegates from CNLA and China visited the Beijing Municipal Research Nursery.

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Our meeting with the Beijing Parks and Forestry Department was followed by a visit to a nearby combination research/production nursery. Several varieties of poplar are being grown and tested here, along with smaller quantities of items such as Malus and several types of Pinus. There are some turf grass trials being conducted at this site as well. The nursery is run by 10 full time employees, and casual labour is hired on an as-needed basis in the spring months.

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@canadanursery.com | www.canadanursery.com

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November-December 2009

Coin de producteurs Pour faire suite à l’étude de marché menée il y a deux ans, une mission commerciale en Chine a été incluse dans le projet actuel AgriMarketing. Ce voyage a coïncidé avec la 7ième Exposition Florale à Beijing, qui s’est tenue du 26 septembre au 5 octobre 2009.

7ième Exposition Florale chinoise

Cette foire horticole a lieu à tous les quatre ans tout près de la ville de Beijing. Bien que ce soit un salon commercial, cet évènement est offert au public lorsque les exposants sont en place et il n’y a aucun doute que le comité organisateur a réussi à rencontrer les attentes de plus de un million de visiteurs.

Bien que l’exposition était dominée par des kiosques non-commerciaux, on y retrouvait néanmoins quelques très bons exposants commerciaux, dont un basé en Colombie Britannique, Pioche Plants.

L’Académie des sciences de l’agriculture Green Eden de Beijing

L’objectif premier de cette compagnie est de fournir des opinions et de conseiller différentes organisations, dont la ville de Beijing, ainsi que d’effectuer le transfert technologique requis pour les très importantes initiatives de foresterie urbaine de Beijing.

Par l’entremise d’exploitations privées et gouvernementales, il y a une production importante d’arbres et arbustes dans la région de Beijing, avec des produits finis destinés principalement aux initiatives de verdissement de Beijing. Par exemple, la loi sur les autoroutes exige une zone tampon de verdure de 50 à 100 mètres sur les deux côtés des artères principales. Selon le président de Green Eden, Zhu Li, il y a un manque de fournisseurs d’arbres de calibre pour rencontrer cette demande. Lors d’une visite à une pépinière d’arbres de calibre,

À son arrivée à Beijing, la mission commerciale de l’Association Canadienne des Pépinières et des Paysagistes a reçu une bienvenue chaleureuse et a eu le plaisir de voir l’Exposition de Fleurs.

on remarque que la production chinoise est rudimentaire comparé à une production d’arbres en Amérique du Nord. On se sert d’ouvriers pour planter à l’extérieur et pour la récolte, étant donné que la main-d’œuvre est nombreuse et peu coûteuse et que le gouvernement désire créer des emplois. En même temps, on tend à sacrifier la qualité de la production pour faire d’autres économies. Par exemple, les arbres sont plantés trop près les uns des autres pour permettre un développement adéquat du collet et sont récoltés avec de petites mottes de terre pour réduire les coûts de transport.

Le Green Eden de Beijing a identifié quatre secteurs particuliers pour le marché des produits de pépinières, soit le gouvernement pour les projets d’autoroutes et autres projets de verdissement, le côté construction du marché immobilier, les entrepreneurs paysagistes pour le côté privé et les centre jardins au détail.

Services des parcs et forêts de Beijing Coopération internationale

Même une visite non-formelle de Beijing révèle l’étendue de l’engagement de la ville face au verdissement. Les abords des routes partout dans la ville sont bordés de zones tampons importantes composées d’arbres et le centre-ville est bien aménagé et entretenu. L’apport de

couleur par le biais des plantes annuelles était particulièrement prononcé en 2009, alors que la capitale se préparait à célébrer le 60ième anniversaire de la République Populaire de Chine.

Le personnel est responsable de la plantation et de l’entretien des 1400 mètres carrés d’espaces verts et de forêts urbaines de la ville. Le service des parcs et forêts urbaines comprend aussi une section en charge du Carbone, dont la responsabilité est de décider des politiques gouvernementales sur les règlements, les normes et la recherche pour combattre le réchauffement planétaire par l’entremise de l’horticulture.

Beijing recherche continuellement l’occasion de prendre part à des projets de coopération internationale qui lui permette de développer son expertise et de trouver de l’appui pour solutionner les nombreux défis auxquels elle fait face dans son désir de sauvegarder et améliorer son environnement dégradé.

SPFB exploite plusieurs pépinières dans la région de Beijing. Certaines sont des opérations de grande production qui fournissent une partie des produits requis par la ville. D’autres sont plus petites, presque des pépinières expérimentales. C’est ici que l’on met à l’épreuve les nouvelles variétés et les nouvelles techniques de production. On a l’intention de se servir de ces pépinières expérimentales comme sites de formation dans le futur, lorsque que SPFB commencera à améliorer les habilités de gestion de ses employés.

Pépinière expérimentale municipale de Beijing

Cary Van Zanten (ci-dessus) avec d’autres délégats de la mission commerciale de l’Association Canadienne des Pépinières et des Paysagistes et de la Chine ont visité la Pépinière Municipale de Recherche de Beijing.

Après notre rencontre avec le Service des parcs et forêts de Beijing, nous avons visité une pépinière où l’on fait de la recherche et de la production. On y cultive et on met à l’épreuve plusieurs variétés de peupliers, ainsi que de plus petites quantités d’items comme Malus et plusieurs genres de Pinus. De plus, on mène plusieurs tests sur les graminées pour pelouses à ce site. Il y a 10 employés à temps plein et on embauche du personnel temporaire selon le besoin au printemps.

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@canadanursery.com | www.canadanursery.com

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CNLA Newsbrief

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November-December 2009

Landscapers Corner

By Liz Klose BSc. Agr, CLP

How the Sustainable Sites Initiative and LEED will be integrated “United States Green Building Council (USGBC) recognizes that there is a need within LEED® to improve the site components and supports the Sustainable Sites Initiative. The USGBC is participating in the Initiative and anticipates incorporating the Sustainable Sites Initiative Guidelines and Performance Benchmarks into future iterations of LEED®.”, stated Joanna Frye, Project Coordinator and Researcher, Sustainable Sites Initiative, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Austin, Texas. It is hopeful that Canada will follow the same path.

CNLA has been invited to provide input into the SSI presentations at two Canadian conferences, where Melanie Sifton, Technical Advisor for SSI, will be speaking on this topic. Melanie is also Director, Humber Arboretum, Humber Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning, Toronto, Ontario.

CNLA presents at National Specifications Workshop With industry standards as one of our association’s main priorities, CNLA was invited to participate in the National Masters Specifications (NMS) Regional Specifiers Workshop (RSW) by Michel Theauvette, Manager, NMS Secretariat with the Real Property Program Branch, Public Works and Government Services Branch, Canada (PWGSC), held in Gatineau, Tuesday November 17, 2009.

Background on NMS

(as excerpted from the NMS Interim October 2009 Report) The National Master Specification (NMS) is the most comprehensive master specification in Canada, serving as an easy-to-use framework for writing construction project specifications for use by both the public and private sectors. It is a reference document containing approximately 750 master specifications in both English and French. Each section is designed to be edited from the original master, to produce a project-specific document. It is intended for use by the federal government, public organizations and the private sector in the preparation of construction and renovation contract documents.

“The NMS Regional Specification Writers group provides the vehicle and supports the efforts for achieving the objectives of the

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NMS Secretariat in managing, maintaining and promoting the NMS”, explained Theauvetter. “The workshops provide valuable feedback from our senior specification writers from each of the six PWGSC Regions, Department of National Defense (DND/ DCAE) and specification writers representing the private sector.”

Workshop participants included: Michel Theauvette, Manager, National Specifications; PWGSC specification writers and representatives from the Department of National Defence (DND), who are funding partners of NMS; Marta Mulkins, LA, NMS Departmental Landscape Architect; Brian Colgan, RSW, LEED A.P., President Construction Specifications Canada (CSC),Sheila Brown, LEED AP, Practice Director, STANTEC Sustainable Design Solutions and Executive Board Member of the Canada Green Building Council’s (CaGBC) LEED Technical Advisory Group; and an invitation to Ed Veldkamp, OALA, CSLA, LEED AP, Senior Landscape Architect, MMM Group Limited from Ottawa, was extend to join CNLA as an accompanying guest.

Christene LeVatte, CLP, Certified Horticulturist, Landscape Designer and Consultant, 2nd Vice President CNLA, and Liz Klose, Landscape Priorities Manager, presented

the background of CNLA, related Landscape Canada Committee priorities and focused on current issues and considerations for revision, with respect to landscape-specific sections in the NMS, and with the intent to more accurately incorporate best practices, current technologies and innovations. It is our obligation, as professionals, practitioners and related proponents, to channel our knowledge and expertise to make revolutionary changes from the current status to the preferred level of accuracy and relevant detail.

The presentation was favourably received and resulted in the NMS Manager pledging 40 landscape-specific sections of the NMS would receive attention from invited consultants and industry advisors, including CNLA and CSLA. Those passionate and grounded in the NMS recognize that upgrades in the landscape sector-specific categories will revolutionize the NMS, resulting in an up-to-date, validated document that will better prepare and guide users in due diligence in present policies and new strategies, in adapting measures concurrent with the merging LEED and Sustainable Sites Initiatives, in the promotion and communication of the end product, and to assist and encourage users and stakeholders to look beyond the tried and true traditions. CNLA will be engaged stakeholders in this process.

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@canadanursery.com | www.canadanursery.com

CNLA Newsbrief

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NOC Code Update NOC Code 8612, Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance Labourer was recently updated and validated by industry members.

The National Occupational Classification (NOC) was developed in collaboration with Statistics Canada and is the nationally accepted reference on occupations in Canada.

It organizes over 30,000 job titles into 520 occupational group descriptions. It is used daily by thousands of people to compile, analyze and communicate information about occupations, and to understand the jobs found throughout Canada’s labour market.

It is used to collect and organize occupational statistics and to provide labour market information. It gives statisticians, labour market analysts, career counsellors, employers and individual job seekers a consistent way to collect data and describe and understand the nature of work.

NOC Code 8256 Supervisors, Landscape and Horticulture is complete in draft and will be the next code to complete in the new year.

Council Of Europe Symposium Focuses On “Green Cities” Initiatives (as excerpted from ELCA press release. For more information, see: www.elca.info/service/ downloads.aspx?id=8026) In October 2009, the “Fourth Conference of European Landscape” was held at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, with more than 400 European experts. ELCA-President, Antoine Berger, stated the European Landscape Contractors Association (ELCA) supports establishing environmentally sustainable development in the landscape planning and landscape gardening industries according to the initiative that was founded

by Plant Publicity Holland (PPH) of the Netherlands in 2002. Recently the initiative reformed itself in Germany as the nonprofit foundation “Die Grüne Stadt“. Antoine Berger emphasized that the ELCA will also campaign among its 21 member countries, as well as the associated member countries

November-December 2009

USA, Canada, Japan and China, to support the initiative to promote more public and private green spaces in towns and municipalities.

Five ELCA member countries signed agreements to foster closer cooperation between the countries and to share ideas and information concerning the promotion of “Green City” philosophy: “De Groene Stad“ in the Netherlands, “Die Grüne Stadt“ in Germany, “Green City“ in Great Britain, “Cité Verte“ in France and “Green City“ in Italy. This cooperative will ensure results are shared to benefit all member countries.

Klosing Comments Preliminary discussions are underway with the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT) www.cctt.ca to investigate accreditation of Landscape Horticulture post secondary programs. CCTT is the national advocate on issues such as panCanadian standards, national and international mobility, and national accreditation of technology programs. More good things are growing for 2010 for the landscape sector!

Cheers to all!

Hints for the Perfect Paper Whites

by Wendy Station Narcissus (Paper Whites) are so popular in the late fall and early winter months!

Unfortunately, I’ve found over the years that the final results can be disappointing.

By the time the blooms are visible, the whole thing is so tall, it falls over.

A recent piece titled Pickling Your Paperwhites by Cornell University’s William B. Miller holds the key to answering this problem. By adding a small amount of alcohol each time you water, the plant’s height is stunted dramatically…with no negative impact on the flower’s blooms. In fact, they bloomed profusely; the flowers were much fuller and rich in appearance compared to the samples grown in the traditional manner.

No support sticks needed!

The shallow containers and pebbles (or decorative glass pieces) were purchased at a dollar store. Each bulb is nestled in so that half (or more) of the bulb remains visible. When watering, the liquid should just touch the roots of each bulb… the bulbs should not sit in the liquid. I used gin… one ounce (two tablespoons) of gin in a 1 cup measuring cup, then fill with water (7 ounces). Apparently, all types of hard liquor work in a similar fashion. (Wine, champagne and/or beer do not work due to their high sugar content.)

Enjoy!

Reference: Pickling your Paperwhites, William B Miller, Cornell University www.hort.cornell.edu/department/faculty/wmiller/bulb/ Pickling_your_Paperwhites.pdf

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@canadanursery.com | www.canadanursery.com

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CNLA Newsbrief

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November-December 2009

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Industry events January 11, 2010: Landscape Ontario Congress - Landscape Designer Conference, Toronto, Ontario

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January 12-14, 2010 Landscape Ontario’s Congress 2010, Toronto, ON www.locongress.com January 25-27, 2010, 2010 CENTS Show, Columbus, OH, www.onla.org/cents February 3-5, 2010, New England Grows!, Boston Exhibition & Convention Center, Boston, MA, www.negrows.org February 17-19, 2010: Sustainable Horticulture Symposium, Royal Botanic Gardens, Hamilton, Ontario, www.rgb.ca

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Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@canadanursery.com | www.canadanursery.com