CNLA Newsbrief October 2011

Garden Centre Inspection Program for 2012

Landscape Industry Executive Program

Recertification Season is here!

Green Industry News September-October 2011 Vol. 20 Issue 6

What’s inside: • Bylands Nurseries wins International Grower of the Year Gold Rose • Germany to host 2012 IGCA Congress • SK Landscape Horticulturist Apprenticeship Focus Group • German Growers visit Canadian nurseries

Celebrating

National Tree Day Canada’s landscape horticulture industry embraced National Tree Day whole-heartedly, with over 90 members participating and planting over 150 trees.

Several members donated and planted more than one tree at each school and in some instances, donated up to 10 trees. The Hon. Royal Galipeau’s intent for National Tree Day was to pay homage to and learn about the history and legacy of trees in Canada. CNLA members went above and beyond the intended spirit.

CNLA members set out to teach students how to plant and care for a tree and help them understand the environmental benefits that trees offer. For many students, it was their first exposure to seeing a tree being planted. This was especially the case at Bennetto Public School in Hamilton, ON located in the

Pictured above, the grade 5-6 class of Mrs. Banovsky, St. Anne’s elementary school in Sarnia participated in planting the Autumn Blaze Maple, as they learned the many benefits of trees from crew members of DeGroot’s Nurseries.

continued on page 2

CNLA Newsbrief

September-October 2011

EXECUTIVE BOARD:

President Past President First Vice President Second Vice President Treasurer

sponsored by:

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Bill Stensson - ON Cary van Zanten - BC Christine LeVatte, CLP - NS Rene Thiebaud, CLP - ON Bruce Hunter, CLT, CLD, CLP - BC

Clintar Landscape Management Hamilton crew planted a tree at Bennetto Public School.

DIRECTORS:

LNS Representative

LOHTA Representative

Insurance Chair

BCLNA Representative

HR Chair

Environment Chair

Research Chair

Government Relations

AQPP Representative

Planning & Government

NAPPO Chair

LNB Representative

Member Services Chair Garden Centre Canada Chair

Certification Chair

Landscape Canada Chair

LANTA Representative

LM Representative

Growers Canada Chair

LNL Representative

SNLA Representative

Robin Godfrey - NS Gerald Boot, CLP - ON Michael Kato - BC Harold Deenen, CLP - ON Bill Hardy, CLP - BC Michel Touchette - MB Michael Murray - NL Pierre Lavallée - QC Bruce McTavish - BC Darrell Nameth, CLP - NB Anthony O’Neill - NL Cable Baker, CLT, CLP - BC Phil Paxton, CLT, CLP - AB Owen Vanstone - MB Doreen Layman - NL Aaron Krahn - SK

STAFF:

Executive Director Victor Santacruz, CAE, CLP victor@canadanursery.com Member Services Manager Joseph Salemi, CAE joseph@canadanursery.com Professional and Business Joel Beatson, CAE, CLP

Development Manager joel@canadanursery.com Manager of Provincial Relations Rebecca Doutre, CAE rebecca@canadanursery.com

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

Retail Priorities Manager Renata Triveri renata@canadanursery.com

Certification Services Julia Ricottone, EPt julia@canadanursery.com Minor Use/IPM Co-ordinator Peter Isaacson, B.Sc., MPM peter@canadanursery.com Provincial Relations Co-ordinator Christine Finn memberservices @canadanursery.com Communications Co-ordinator Kim Burton kim@canadanursery.com

Executive Assistant Cheryl Gall cheryl@canadanursery.com

Administrative Assistant Barbara Blackadar barbara@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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city’s north end and considered a high-risk school. Clintar Landscape Management Hamilton chose this school specifically because they knew that very few community groups have reached out to this particular school. Clintar’s Rod Pring brought a very enthusiastic crew who took their time explaining the steps of planting the ornamental pear tree. They explained that it needs special care and that it would grow as they grow and that the students present would be the special caretakers for the tree. For the majority of the students, it was their first exposure to the landscape horticulture industry with many asking very interesting questions.

While this year’s event was a great success, we believe next year we will have over 1,000 trees donated and planted on National Tree Day. It was the cohesive partnership between Landscape Ontario, CNLA and the other provincial landscape horticulture industry associations that kept the momentum going for this initiative. Thank you to everyone involved from the planning and development stages to the dedicated members that took time out of their day to give back to the community. This is the embodiment of being Green for Life!

Landscape New Brunswick and its members co-ordinate a great effort!

Landscape New Brunswick helped to co-ordinate approximately 40 tree plantings around the province on the inaugural National Tree Day. With just over 100 trees planted by members of the provincial landscape associations across Canada, a significant percentage were planted at schools in NB. Landscape New Brunswick and their members set a standard this year and encourages all members of CNLA to match thier efforts next year. Landscape

companies generously donated their trees, their time, and their expertise to ensure that the “Green for Life” message is delivered to local schools. This will help raise the profile of the industry so that people, in particular our youth, will regard Landscape Horticulture as a career choice. Here are some of the comments from the schools that took part in National Tree Day plantings across New Brunswick.

“We had a wonderful day to celebrate trees at our school. Clintar Landscape Management did a fantastic job of preparing a perfect place to plant the three blue spruce, two ninebark, and two hostas in a bed on our playground. Brian Winchester shared many interesting tree facts with the students at our school assembly and then all the classes surrounded the bed to watch the planting of the trees and shrubs. ” - Janet Miller, Principal, Quispamsis Elementary School.

“It went very well at RPS! Scholten Landscaping did a fabulous job with the instruction aspect and the tree looks wonderful.”

- Catherine Chiasson, Principal, Rothesay Park School.

“Things were just great at Hampton High School. Dan was great at giving out information as we went along in the planting process. We planted a lovely red maple which will be very showy on our front lawn.

Thank you for asking us to participate in your worthwhile initiative.” -Stephanie Tomilson, Hampton High School “The children thoroughly enjoyed the short presentation about planting the tree and because they were involved in the planting, they learned some facts about trees, but

Scholten’s Landscape Ltd. planted the tree at Rothesay Park School.

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

September-October 2011

sponsored by:

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Coleman Landscape and Tree Services, NB took part in tree plantings at both Hampton Elementary (shown here) and at Hampton High.

Urban Landscaping, NB held their tree planting at Kennebecasis Valley High School Canada Nursery

also are now going to be responsible for this life of this tree (watering and keeping it safe from harm). This is the ‘root’ of citizenship in our community and the presentation taught students much about caring for our community and the environment.

Thanks again. We will all smile when we see this tree turn a beautiful red each Fall as we return to school!!” - Nicole MacNeill, Hampton Elementary school

Ready to Blow Plow Haul Spread

“We had a great day. Bob is a wonderful resource of knowledge. We had students from all three levels represented, Elementary, Middle School and High School.” - Ewen Cameron, Petitcodiac Regional School Here is a list of companies that participated and the schools that they visited: - Coleman Landscape and Tree Services: Hampton High - Coleman Landscape and Tree Services: Hampton Elementary - Corn Hill Nursery Ltd.: Petitcodiac Regional School - Sanders Gardens Landscaping & Design: Touchstone Community School - Brunswick Nurseries Ltd.: Fairvale Elementary School - Clintar Landscape Management - Saint John: Quispamisis Elementary School - Ernie’s Landscaping Ltd.: MacDonalds Consolodated School - Gould’s Gardens & Design: Bayview Elementary School - Landscapes and Gardens: Harbour View High - Scholten’s Landscape Ltd.: Rothesay Park School - Shades of Green: River Valley MS - Urban Landscaping: Kennebecasis Valley High School - Lasting Image Landscaping Ltd: Sussex Elementary School

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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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CNLA Newsbrief

September-October 2011

sponsored by:

ASSOCIATION NEWS The crew at Sheridan Nurseries, ON promised they would come back to check that the newly planted tree was thriving.

LO members make their association proud

Sheridan Nurseries had much success with their tree planting events, where many students were excited and enthusiastic to help.

One of the students was overheard saying, “No one do anything to this tree, I’m going to protect the environment.” The Sheridan Nurseries crew assured the students that they would come back in the fall to make sure the tree was thriving.

Hank Deenen Landscaping, a member of Landscape Ontario, took part in National Tree Day to help educate youth about the environmental benefits of trees. The enthusiasm from both the crew members and the students participating in the tree planting event was evident in their smiles and willingness to pitch in!

The Grounds Guys™ also participated in the dedication of Gooseberry Forest for the International Year of the Forest.

“Eco Clubs” at the schools and The GroundsGuys™ will be making a donation to these clubs, in addition to the tree, so that new t-shirts can be purchased for their student participants. Montgomery Village’s Eco Club was well-branded in green eco t-shirts and helped out at the tree planting event in Orangeville.

The crew from Neighbourhood Landscaping enjoyed the interaction with the students.

Students finish the tree planting as the crew from Hank Deenen Landscaping, ON ensure the job is done correctly.

“Everything went really well for the National Tree Day planting at Humber Valley Junior School” said Darko Trifunovic and his crew from Neighbourhood Landscaping Inc., ON. “We spent over an hour with the kids and went through a lot of questions (smart group of kids). All of us had a lot of fun and would definitely do it again next year!”

The GroundsGuys™ led plantings at schools in Orangeville, ON and Maple, ON.

The GroundsGuys™ are making this a cornerstone of their annual environmental activities, with the next events taking place on Earth Day, April 22, 2012. Scott Bryk, Director of Environmental Sustainability Sunshine Brands™, The GroundsGuys™ and The SprinklerGuys™ said, “It was a lot of fun and a ‘success’ for us. I hope it was for everyone as well.”

The GroundsGuys™ planted trees in both Orangeville and Aurora and participated in the dedication of a new forest in Orangeville in support of the declaration of the International Year of the Forest.

Native trees were planted at Princess Elizabeth Public School and Montgomery Village Public School in Orangeville, ON and at Saint Raphael the Archangel in Maple, ON. Both events were attended by students, teachers and the principals. There are

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Landscape Newfoundland and Labrador’s National Tree Day event Daisy Design and Bowering Ponds & Gardens designed and built an outdoor classroom earlier this year to prepare for National Tree Day.

School children from Newfoundland gather in front of the tree that they helped to plant.

DeGroots Nurseries planted two Autumn Blaze Maple trees at a YMCA to take the place of dead ash trees. The trees were planted with the assistance of co-op students from a local high school.

On September 21st, the crews from both these companies gathered with local school children to plant a tree at the outdoor classroom. Each step of the planting process was explained to the children, along with teaching them about the importance of trees.

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

September-October 2011

sponsored by:

INDUSTRY NEWS

Germany to host next IGCA Congress When it comes to study-travel, the International Garden Centre Association (IGCA) Congress is garden retailing’s best known, and most diverse event. The weeklong, all-inclusive program guides retailers on a professional development and cultural tour to a different country each year, stopping at some of the world’s very best garden centres. Those who attend continue to underline the importance of taking advantage of this international learning opportunity.

The Italian hosts were very gracious.

The congress had a family feel, which translated to the family-run garden centres where we were warmly greeted.

highways, used to help reduce traffic noise and pollution levels.” 170 delegates from 14 countries reported on common challenges such as competition, weather, economic downturns, changing consumer habits, and skilled labour shortages.

The IGCA Congress 2012 will tour garden centres in and around Bonn, Germany from August 26 to 31. Visit igcc2012.org for more information. A reduced-fare “Junior” tour will be offered to help young people grow in the industry, and an optional post-

tour to Cologne’s “spoga+gafa” trade show has been added. To view photos from the IGCA Congress in Italy, visit www.igcacongress2011.com/pictures.html.

Valerie Stensson, Vice President, Marketing & Purchasing at Sheridan Nurseries, rarely misses an event; “For the past 15 years, I have had the opportunity to attend the IGCA congress, visiting various locations throughout the world, and meeting industry leaders from the U.K., Australia, South Africa, France, Switzerland, Japan and Germany, to name a few. The benefits of attending this conference far outweigh the costs or the time away from our own business. The congress provides an unparalleled view of the garden centre industry, while you network and build relationships with your international peers, discover new products and merchandising techniques, and enjoy another part of the world. It is an event not to be missed,” said Stensson.

The Stenssons were among the 27 Canadians (pictured above) who gathered in Bolzano, Italy for IGCA Congress 2011. The whirlwind week included visits to garden centres, production nurseries, botanical gardens, parks, and historic sites throughout the South Tyrol and Lake Garda regions. The excursion emphasized Italy’s healthy sales of bedding plants for balcony planters and container gardens, attention to detail in displays (including colour blocking, use of texture, and natural accessories like wood and stone), and fresh cut flower offerings.

Said CNLA’s Rebecca Doutre, who provides administrative support to IGCA, “When walking along the streets in South Tyrol, you could see that horticulture was a valuable part of everyday life in Italy. Homes and streets were decorated with beautiful flower baskets and planters, and there were many parks and green spaces for their residents to enjoy. Green walls were also prevalent along

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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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CNLA Newsbrief

September-October 2011

sponsored by:

INDUSTRY NEWS Government of Canada Invests in Ornamental Horticulture Sector

Jacques Gourde, Member of Parliament has announced, on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Gerry Ritz, $457,000 in funding for the Canadian Ornamental Horticulture Alliance (COHA) to do a major economic and environmental impact study of the industry. COHA, the national voice of Canada’s largest sector in horticulture, is made up of three broad-based organizations: the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association, the Fédération interdisciplinaire de l’horticulture ornementale du Québec, and Flowers Canada Growers.

The aim of the project, known as Canadian Ornamental Horticulture’s Green Solution for Growing the Sector, will be to develop a national promotional plan inspired by the comments and impressions of consumers and their concerns about lifestyle, environmental practices and health. The results of the project will be disseminated to horticultural organizations and businesses across Canada. By identifying the variables that have the greatest impact on our industry, horticulturalists will be able to develop a model of production costs and good environmental practices.

“The financial assistance provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada will enable us to develop a business plan to increase our market shares and devise a Canada-wide communication and marketing plan that will keep the Alliance competitive,” said COHA Vice-President Paul Jensen.

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Canada shines on the international stage

Bylands Nurseries takes home the Gold Rose

Bylands Nurseries of Kelowna, BC was awarded the International Grower of the Year’s prestigious Gold Rose award. The presentation was made at the Annual Congress of the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), held September 27, 2011 in Xi’an, China. On hand to accept the award were John and Maria Byland, and their two children, Mike and Melanie.

Owen Vanstone, chair of Growers’ Canada, is pleased to announce the presentation of the prestigious Gold Rose award to Bylands Nurseries at the third annual International Grower of the Year Award. The announcement was made at the Annual Congress of the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), held September 27, 2011 in Xi’an, China.

A total of six nominees were received for this year’s program. As in Canada, these growers were winners of their national awards of excellence competition. The silver rose was awarded to Majestic Trees of the United Kingdom, and The Green Innovator of The Netherlands was the recipient of the bronze rose.

CNLA 333

BILL REID

“It was a great honour to receive this award, especially as this is the first year for Canada’s participation,” said John Byland.

“I wish to acknowledge the foresight of Owen Vanstone in bringing this program to Canada, and the support of the CNLA

in making the national Grower of the Year Award possible.”

“On behalf of all the members of CNLA, I extend sincere congratulations to Bylands Nurseries,” said CNLA president Bill Stensson. “This is great news for our industry and will help to support our efforts both in Ottawa and at the international level as well.”

This prestigious international competition is financially supported by AIPH and FloraCulture International (magazine).

Groof we the Year r

Entry Dead line: N ov. 30 , 2011

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

September-October 2011

landscape industry

certified

sponsored by:

Certification Corner

It’s recertification season

Stay busy this winter

Reminders have been sent out in the mail to those who are now completing their first two-year recertification cycle. The deadline for submitting your forms is December 31, 2011. You will need to submit 24 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), plus a recertification fee of $75 (plus HST). The process seems daunting, but it can be simplified if you take note of these points: • Any educational event outside of your provincial association needs to go through a pre-approval process before you submit them on your form. You can request pre-approval via email, at any time throughout the year.

• No documentation is required at the time of submission. A number of people will be audited each year. At that time you will be required to present proof of attendance/completion.

• The main rule of thumb is that your CEUs must relate to your certification, or your job.

• If you keep track of your CEUs as they occur, it will be much easier to fill out your recertification form when your deadline comes. Keep a file handy with agendas and brochures from the sessions you attend, taking note of the length of instruction time.

Summer is coming to a close, which means the snow season is approaching. For some, this isn’t a time of the year they look forward to, but you should be excited about it. Why? It is the perfect opportunity to brush up on your skills, by attending seminars and trade shows. For those who are already certified, this will help you earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) toward recertification.

Remember, we are now working on a 2-year schedule. Anyone who recertified last December still has one more year. If you are unsure if your deadline is this year, please contact the CNLA office. Also, be sure to let us know if your contact information has changed so that you will receive your reminders before your deadline passes.

Recently Certified

If you are not certified yet, it is a great time of the year to prepare for Landscape Industry Certified exams. Spend some time this winter reading through a training manual, or attending workshops specifically geared toward the topics on the exam you intend to take. Written exams are offered across the country in the winter season, and practical testing is not far behind with some provinces starting in the early spring.

If you are interested in preparing for a Landscape Industry Certified exam, manuals are available for the Technician, Retail Horticulturist, and Manager specialties. Contact your provincial association about seminars and workshops that are available.

Are you tracking your CEUs? Keep track of your Continuing Education Units (CEUs) throughout the year, to ease you through the process when you are due to recertify.

Steven Alexander, CLT John Baxter, CLT Michael Bellingham, CLT Derek Bradfield, CLT James Brydges, CLT Evanne Casson, CLT Adele Courville, CLD Brandon Fleury, CLT Rob Gelineau, CLT Martin Ince, CLT Jay Ladell, CLT Dan Lanthier, CLT Todd Lynch, CLT Ryan O’Reilly, CLT Joe Pereira, CLT Ricky Samyn, CLT Richard Schives, CLT John Spanninga, CLT Dave Vickers, CLT Richard Vos, CLT

ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON

*as of September 30, 2011

In Memory

On August 22, 2011, Steve Lastiwka passed away. In 1967 Steve pursued his passion and started Steve’s Landscape Service. Steve loved trees and landscaping, and actively promoted the Green Industry as president for both the Alberta and Canadian Nursery Trades Associations. His enthusiastic promotion of the horticulture industry garnered him the title of Mr. Green Survival. He was instrumental in having Edmonton named as Canada’s first Green Survival City in 1975.

Steve lived a wonderful and full life and did not want grief over his passing.

Instead he wanted us to celebrate the time we had together. His last request was for all his friends to plant a tree in his memory.

Register to attend HortEast today!

November 21-23, 2011 — Moncton, NB

www.horteast.ns.ca

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

September-October 2011

sponsored by:

Garden Centres Corner Garden Centre Inspection Program Did you miss out on the 2011 Garden Centre Inspection Tour? CNLA is looking ahead to the 2012 tour. In order to provide the best possible pricing, while sharing travel costs, a minimum of 20 garden retailers must take part.

The Garden Centre Inspection Program, developed in the United Kingdom, is designed to offer a critical, third-party look at all aspects of your garden centre’s operations.

The result is a step-by-step work plan for making improvements that immediately add to your business’ bottom-line.

When asked about the experience, Sharon Lyons of Lyons Garden Centre and Landscaping Ltd., Kamloops, BC said, “Eve Tigwell was very thorough and accomplished so much in the allotted time. She gave us a very detailed consult, which was very informative, constructive and positive. We thoroughly enjoyed Eve and cannot thank her enough for the experience — she gave us many ideas for improvement and growth.”

Expressions of interest are vital to this program moving ahead in 2012! Contact Renata if you are interested in taking part at renata@canadanursery.com. No payment is required until the new year.

PMRA to tighten control of neembased products In a letter to Peter Isaacson, the CNLA’s IPM/Minor Use Coordinator, the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) underscored intents to tighten the control of neem-based products on the market.

While neem oil has been sold as a natural pesticide in the U.S. and other countries for several years, it has not been registered as a pesticide in Canada and cannot be sold as such. Instead, garden and plant products containing neem oil have been marketed as “leaf shine” formulas in this country.

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Explains Martin Tomkin, Director General, Compliance, Lab Services, and Regional Operations, the PMRA “requires that all neembased products manufactured, imported, sold, promoted, and/or used in Canada for direct or indirect pest control purposes must be registered under the Pest Control Products Act (PCPA). This includes all products that contain neem oil and/or the active ingredient azadirachtin (e.g. leaf shine products).” Tomkin goes on to say that after December 31, 2012, the PMRA will begin to take appropriate enforcement measures relating to the importation, distribution, sale or advertising for sale, of unregistered neem-based products.

There are, at present, a variety of neembased products available to Canadian consumers. The products affected by this crackdown may include Safer’s Brand Neem Oil, and Grotek Nature’s Neem Oil; it is unclear if products containing “neem cake” will also be subject to PMRA review.

Retailers and suppliers with concerns about the restriction of neem-based leaf shine products from the market, or about CNLA’s work to assist in the registration of new products, may contact Peter Isaacson at peter@canadanursery.com.

Specific regulatory queries should be directed to Mr. Shawn Fancy, PMRA Section Head, Compliance Operations at telephone 613-736-3555 or Shawn.Fancy@hc-sc.gc.ca.

Information necessary for pesticide manufacturers, registrants, new pesticide applications, renewals, and incident reporting can be obtained by calling the pesticide call-line at 1-800-267-6315.

Vision 2020: exclusive CNLA offer!

Garden and perishable retailing guru John Stanley (John Stanley Associates) and Trevor Cochrane of the Strategic Edge, have together created the first industry “white paper” for the garden centre sector.

The publication, which includes contributions from UK consultant Malcolm Scott, is a 123-page e-report that reviews trends and market forces that are predicted to colour the coming decade, uncovers op-

portunities, and explains the shift required in order for garden retailers to succeed in the new paradigm. It highlights business strategies, marketing, merchandising, and above all, how to be profitable and prosperous in this new era of garden retailing.

The report also includes a priority action plan to help garden retailers get from where they are to where they need to be.

While designed for garden retailers, this publication is an essential tool for suppliers and growers in the industry who need to know how to contribute to and benefit from the new face of garden retail.

A series of Master Classes will be offered in 2012 throughout Canada in order to workshop the ideas and actions addressed in the white paper, and apply them to your own business. Watch for details of those classes coming soon.

The White Paper, entitled Vision 2020, normally sells for $1999. CNLA has negotiated an exclusive offer for members. Place your order for this e-report through CNLA and pay just $399. To place your order, contact renata@canadanursery.com.

Brian Minter re-appointed as Chancellor of the University of Fraser Valley

A recipient of the Order of Canada, the Spirit of Enterprise award, and the BC Small Business Excellence award, Dr. Brian Minter has been reappointed to a second threeyear term as chancellor of the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV). Minter is a horticulturist, entrepreneur, writer, radio and television personality and owner of Minter Gardens — a 27-acre destination garden centre in Chilliwack, BC. As chancellor, Minter serves as the ceremonial head of the university, presiding over convocation, conferring UFV credentials and acting as ambassador for UFV at major events both on and off campus. “We are indebted to Brian for his commitment and support, and extremely fortunate to have three more years of such exemplary service,” said UFV president Mark Evered. “I’m both honoured and humbled to have been given the opportunity to serve a second term as chancellor,” said Minter.

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

September-October 2011

sponsored by:

Landscapers Corner Landscape Industry Executive Program – another LIEP forward in 2012!

LIEP is the Landscape Industry Executive Program - a professional business management program developed specifically for executives, managers, and owner-operators in the landscape, nursery, retail garden centre sectors. LIEP is a collaborative effort between the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association and the George Morris Centre, an independent think tank, providing industry decision-makers with critical information and analysis on issues affecting the Canadian agri-products sector.

Why take the LIEP?

If you spend too much time putting out “fires” running the day to day activities in your business to take the time to work on your strategic business plan; if you are taking over a business or creating a new sideline in your existing business and need help creating a business plan; or if you have been thinking about your succession plan but not sure where to start, then you will find value in the LIEP. It is an investment in you and your business.

Key Learning features: • Strategic Planning: Vision, Mission and Strategic Intents • Succession Planning: Business Structure and Tax Considerations, Family and Personnel Dynamics • Operations Planning: Financial Management, Strategic Human Resource Management, Marketing and Differentiation, Risk Management and Governance • Information Systems Management: Monitoring and Reporting Mechanisms, and Operation Control Strategy

Why the George Morris Centre?

The George Morris Centre (www.georgemorris.org) is a leader in the agriculture sector for executive professional development. The George Morris Centre knows the foundation of our industry. Combined with their management training expertise and the collaboration with CNLA on industry trends — it is the ideal merger to deliver a stellar experiential program to fill the existing gap in our human resources development training offerings to membership.

For more information contact: Karen Bilton, Education Coordinator, George Morris

Centre, phone: 519-822-3929 ext. 205 email: karen@georgemorris.org

By Liz Klose BSc. Agr, CLP

November 2, 2011 and responses will be anonymous and kept confidential.

Landscape Horticulturist ECLA releases Apprenticeship focus group Green Cities report With the establishment of Landscape Horticulturist as a designated Red Seal trade, a Steering Committee lead by Norm Altrogge and committee members: Nigel Bowles, Dean Frey, Scott Nolin, Leslie Cornell, Aaron Krahn and CNLA staff, began to investigate establishing a Landscape Horticulturist Apprenticeship Program in Saskatchewan. This lead to the Focus Group meeting, featuring passionate presentations by all stakeholders and interactive group discussions on possibilities, challenges and solutions in developing an apprenticeship program in Saskatchewan. Kurtis Langton, Apprentice with Cornell Design and Landscaping, summed it up in his presentation: “Saskatchewan’s economy is on the steady incline. With this growth comes the development of green spaces that will need knowledgeable, educated people doing things right and giving proper advice to those who seek it. Nobody should be able to just get a half-ton, a wheelbarrow and shovel and call themselves a landscape professional. That designation comes with standards and training. There would be more apprentices in our trade with local training in Saskatchewan.”

The success of this development lies in the hands of the SK industry…are you willing to mentor an apprentice in your business? Stay tuned for updates on this groundbreaking development! Thank you to our champion SNLA volunteers and affiliated organizations for their efforts in getting the Landscape Horticulturist apprenticeship growing in SK!

Sustainable Sites Initiative – Fall update

The Sustainable Sites Initiative, known as SITES™ is working with the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), which manages the certification and credentialing programs for U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating Systems™.

The collaborative effort of SITES with GBCI is to determine the feasibility and value of SITES professional credentialing and project certification. They invite CNLA members involved in landscape design, development and maintenance practices to take their survey at http://www.sustainablesites. org/. The survey will be kept open through

The European Landscape Contractors Association (ELCA) recently hosted a Research Workshop “Green City Europe — for a better life in European cities”. “The ELCA supports sustainable urban development, which is based upon available resources, climate protection and health targets…. It is necessary to ensure the cooperation of architects, urban planners, natural scientists, and representatives of the public health sector, those making political decisions and artists, who finally represent all European regions,” stated ELCA President Emmanuel Money. “The scientists from all over Europe have shaped this workshop with their contributions on Green and Health, Green and Particulate Matter, Green and Urban Climate as well Biodiversity in Cities.”

The research report is available on the ELCA website at: http://www.elca.info/service/ downloads.aspx?id=8855&forced=true.

It is a plethora of green cities and research initiatives Europe-wide and provides inspiration for what we do and can do here in Canada — a ‘must read’!

“Green Cities in Canada is a priority for CNLA’s Environment Committee. The data from the ELCA is a wealth of information that will help guide us in developing a national Green Cities program for Canada,” said Bill Hardy, CLP, CNLA Environment Chair.

“This type of documented research further validates the significance of the green industry and especially the landscape sector.

The LCC will continue to work in collaboration with the Environment Committee in their Green Cities initiatives,” said Phil Paxton, CLT, CLP and Landscape Canada Committee (LCC) Chair.

“This compilation of horticulture and related health benefit research will further advance the objectives of the Agriculture and AgriFood Canada’s Horticulture Value Chain Round Table’s ‘Horticulture for Health’ initiatives,” said Victor Santacruz, CLP, CNLA Executive Director and member of the HVCRT Horticulture for Health Committee.

Klosing Comments

“Sometimes we need to take a step back so that we can all take a giant (or another!) leap forward.”

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

September-October 2011

sponsored by:

Growers Corner

By rita weerdenburg

CNLA posts response to USDA’s NAPPRA ruling The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association continues to work closely with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to better understand the impacts that the USDA’s new Not Authorized Pending Pest Risk Assessment (NAPPRA) regulation will have on import and export trade between Canada and the US. Official comments were directed to the USDA through their regulatory website.

CFIA have requested clarification on a number of issues, including: - the pest status of individual countries of origin - the need to clarify regulatory hierarchy, (i.e. between the NAPPRA ruling and other Federal Orders) - exemptions for specific host plants - exemptions for specific origins - specific quarantine pest/host plant questions and comments CNLA have formally requested further clarification around the issue of country of origin and especially the definition of “from” as related to the country of origin. Further clarification was also requested on: - the criteria that will be used to add plants to the NAPPRA list - prioritization of risk assessment, the type of information that will be required for the PRA process and what actions, if any can be taken by industry to facilitate the process - timelines for completion of PRA’s

Hands up! As a memento of their trip to Vineland, visiting delegates were presented with a pair of the now famous (at least to us) Canada mitts. Here, they pose for a photos under the also famous (at least to Vineland) wing nut tree.

Canadian nurseries play host to visitors from Germany It was an ambitious itinerary for even the most seasoned of travelers. In late September and early October, a group of 26 nursery people from Germany travelled throughout BC and Ontario for a firsthand look at Canadian nurseries and their production practices. Beginning in Calgary and travelling by bus to Kelowna, the first nursery stops of the tour were at AgriForest Bio-Technologies and Bylands Nurseries. The next stop was Chiliwack with visits to Cannor Nurseries, Inline Nurseries and Qualitree Nurseries. The trip to BC was rounded out by visits to PRT Hybrid Nurseries, Piroche Plants, and Tree Seed Centre.

The Ontario segment of the trip was off to a great start with a meet-and-greet event at Vineland Station, co-hosted by CNLA, Landscape Ontario, and Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. Besides a tour of some of the research projects currently underway at Vineland, the group were able to meet with some of their Ontario nursery

The deadline to post comments was September 26, 2011. As of the writing of this article, there have been no formal responses received by either CFIA or CNLA.

Delegates were particularly interested in the Greening the Highways project. Here in the Cravo greenhouse structure built specifically for this project, nursery research technician Lynne Sage explains the objectives of the program while Dr. Losing takes notes in preparation for translation to the group.

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Research technician Francesco Pacelli describes the design of the Green Roof project to Dr. Losing, while Vineland’s Dr. Conev and visiting delegates look on.

colleagues. Presentations on the current state of the industry in both Canada and Germany revealed that growers in both countries are dealing with almost identical challenges.

Ontario nurseries graciously offering to host this delegation included JC Bakker Nurseries, Mori Nurseries and Willowbrook Nurseries in the Niagara area, and then it was on to Connon NVK Nurseries, Winkelmolen Nurseries and Pieper Nurseries. With the intent of heading north for a glimpse of Ontario’s famous fall colours, the group made their way to Somerville Nurseries and Bradford Greenhouses before a visit to Algonquin Park. The wide-ranging tour was concluded with visits to Dutchmaster Nureries, Uxbridge Nurseries, Brookdale Treeland Nurseries and Sheridan Nurseries.

CNLA provided assistance to the tour group, which was organized by Dr. Heinrich Loesing, director of Versuchs- und Beratungsring für Baumschulen (VUB) a membership-supported nursery research and consulting organization. A tour is organized to a different country each year.

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

September-October 2011

sponsored by:

Coin de producteurs

rita weerdenburg par

ACPP répond au règlement NAAARP du ministère de l’agriculture des Etats-Unis (USDA) L’Association canadienne des pépiniéristes et des paysagistes continu à travailler de pair avec l’Agence canadienne d’inspection des aliments pour mieux comprendre l’impact sur les échanges commerciaux entre le Canada et les E.-U. du règlement Matériels végétaux non-autorisés en attente d’analyse des risques phytosanitaires ou NAAARP. Les commentaires officiels ont été envoyés directement au ministère de l’agriculture américain par l’intermédiaire du site web du règlement.

L’ACIA a demandé des éclaircissements sur un nombre de points dont : - le statut des ravageurs par pays d’origine - la clarification de la hiérarchie réglementaire (par exemple entre le règlement NAAARP et les autres ordres fédéraux) - exemptions pour des plantes porteuses spécifiques - exemptions pour des origines spécifiques - questions et commentaires sur les ravageurs/plantes porteuses en quarantaine L’ACPP a demandé officiellement des éclaircissements supplémentaires sur la question du pays d’origine et spécialement en ce qui a trait à la définition de “en provenance de” relativement au pays d’origine. Des éclaircissements supplémentaires ont aussi été demandé pour : - les critères dont on se servira pour ajouter des plantes à la liste NAAARP - comment se fera la priorité de l’évaluation du risque, le genre d’informations requises pour le processus d’évaluation du risque et quelles actions peuvent être prises par l’industrie pour faciliter le processus, s’il y a lieu - échéancier pour compléter l’évaluation du risque Le 26 septembre 2011 était la date limite pour envoyer des commentaires. Jusqu’au moment de la rédaction de cet article, l’ACIA et l’ACPP n’avaient reçu aucune réponse officielle à leurs questions.

Haut les mains! Les visiteurs reçoivent une paire des fameuses (pour nous) mitaines canadiennes en souvenir de leur voyage à Vineland. Ici, ils prennent la pose pour une photo sous le fameux (pour Vineland) pterocarya.

Visiteurs allemands dans des pépinières canadiennes Même un voyageur expérimenté aurait trouvé cet itinéraire ambitieux : à la fin septembre et au début d’octobre, un groupe de 26 pépiniéristes allemands ont voyagé à travers la CB et l’Ontario pour voir de près des pépinières canadiennes et leurs techniques de production. Les voyageurs sont arrivés à Calgary et se sont rendus en autobus à Kelowna où la tournée a commencé avec un arrêt à AgriForest Bio-Technologies et un autre à Bylands Nurseries. L’arrêt suivant fut Chiliwack avec des visites à Cannor Nurseries, Inline Nurseries et Qualitree Nurseries.

Le séjour en CB s’est terminé avec des tours de PRT Hybrid Nurseries, Piroche Plants et de Tree Seed Centre.

La portion du voyage en Ontario a débuté avec une réception de bienvenue à la Station Vineland présidée conjointement par l’ACPP, Landscape Ontario et le centre de recherche et d’innovation. En plus d’un aperçu de quelques projets de recherche en cours à Vineland, le groupe a eu la chance de rencontrer leurs collègues pépiniéristes

Les délégués étaient très intéressés par le projet de verdissement des autoroutes. Ici dans la structure de la serre Cravo construite spécialement pour ce projet, Lynne Sage, technicienne de recherche en pépinière explique les objectifs du programme pendant que le Dr. Losing prend des notes avant de traduire les détails pour le groupe.

Le technicien de recherche Francesco Pacelli décrit la conception du projet du toit vert au Dr. Losing, pendant que le Dr. Conev de Vineland et les délégués écoutent avec intérêt.

ontariens. Des présentations sur l’état actuel de l’industrie au Canada et en Allemagne ont révélé que les producteurs de ces deux pays font face à des défis semblables.

Les pépinières ontariennes suivantes ont gentiment accepté d’ouvrir leurs portes aux délégués : JC Bakker Nurseries, Mori Nurseries et Willowbrook Nurseries dans la région du Niagara, suivi de Connon NVK Nurseries, Winkelmolen Nurseries et de Pieper Nurseries. Le groupe s’est ensuite dirigé vers le nord de la province avec l’intention de profiter des couleurs automnales et a visité Somerville Nurseries et Bradford Greenhouses avant de se rendre au parc national Algonquin. Cette grande visite s’est conclue avec le tour de Dutchmaster Nurseries, Uxbridge Nurseries, Brookdale Treeland Nurseries et Sheridan Nurseries.

L’ACPP a assisté la visite du groupe organisée par Dr. Heinrich Loesing, directeur de Versuchs- und Beratungsringfür Baumschulen (VUB), une organisation conseil et de recherche en production qui reçoit l’appui financier de ses membres. Une visite dans un pays différent prend place chaque année.

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

11

CNLA Newsbrief

September-October 2011

sponsored by:

Certification testing

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British Columbia October 21-22, 2011 CLT, CLD, CLP Langley, BC November 18-19, 2011 CLT (Softscape Installation only) Victoria, BC Ontario October 24-25, 2011 CLT, CLD, CLP Milton, ON November 5, 2011 CLT, CLD, CLP London, ON Atlantic Region November 4-5, 2011 CLT, CLD, CLP Truro, NS November 21, 2011 CLT (written only), CLD, CLP Moncton, NB

Industry events October 19-20, 2011: Expo 2011, Toronto, ON: North Building, Toronto Congress Centre www.loexpo.ca October 26-29, 2011: Communities in Bloom 2011 National Symposium on Parks and Grounds and Awards Ceremonies, Quebec City, QC www.communitiesinbloom.ca November 7-8th, 2011: Atlantic Green Forum, St. Johns, NL: Holiday Inn www.landscapenl.org November 17-18, 2011: Green Industry Show & Conference, Edmonton, AB www.Greenindustryshow.com November 21-23, 2011: HortEast Conference and Trade Show, Moncton, NB: Moncton Coliseum Complex www.horteast.ns.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