Horticulture Review - April 2011

2 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - APRIL 15, 2011

Landscape Ontario and industry events

For more Landscape Ontario and industry event listings, visit www.horttrades.com.

April 20 Beautiful Edible Garden Centennial Hall, Central Library, 2331 New Street, Burlington Hear about the latest in sustainable horticulture and incorporating edible plants into your landscape with LO member Sean James, Fern Ridge Landscaping. Presented in partnership by Burlington Sustainable Development Committee and the Burlington Public Library, the program is scheduled to take place between 7 and 9 p.m. To register, or for more information, call 905-639-3611.

Growing today for a greener tomorrow

April 26 - April 27 Soils and Urban Trees Conference Toronto Botanical Garden A great line-up of professionals is coming to the Toronto Botanical Garden on April 26 and 27 for a comprehensive study of soils and urban trees. The Soils and Urban Trees Conference features leading experts, William Bryant Logan, Paul Stamets, Olaf Ribeiro, Peter Wild and James Urban, discussing ideal soil structure and biology. International Society of Arboriculture Continuing Educations Units (CEUs) are available for attending this event. To register, go to www.ufis.ca/soil.php.

April 28 Skilled Trades and Career Fair Pembroke Memorial Centre, 393 Pembroke Street West, Pembroke The Options 2011 Skilled Trades and Career Fair is looking for exhibitors to participate in a one-day free event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., where more than 4,000 high school students and community members will be seeking information about the skilled trades. As part of this event, more than 200 high school seniors will be competing in 13 Skilled Trades Competitions.

For more information contact Michelle Lariviere-Ranger, Options 2011 Coordiator, larivim@algonquincollege.com, or 613-735-4308, ext. 6.

July 14 Growers Research Auction Blue Sky Nursery, Beamsville Join the Growers Group for its annual fundraiser. All landscape trades welcome. Bid on top quality plant material at below wholesale prices while helping raise funds for industry research and scholarships. Bring your trailer! There will also be live judging of the LO Growers Awards of Excellence entries.

All industry donations will be accepted for auction: such as plant material, related hard goods, etc. Contact Kristen McIntyre at auction@landscapeontario.com or 1-800-265-5656, ext. 321, or Kathleen Pugliese at kpugliese@landscapeontario.com ext. 309.

On the cover: 4,700 kalanchoes from Balfour Greenhouses stopped crowds at LO’s Canada Blooms garden.

Trees: Caliper, Bare Root, B&B, Wire Basket, Container Grown Shrubs: Container Grown Broadleafs: Container Grown Evergreens: Field Grown, Container Grown Perennials, Grasses, Vines, Ferns

We have it all!

M. PUTZER HORNBY NURSERY LTD 7314 Sixth Line, Hornby, Ontario L0P 1E0

Phone: 905-878-7226 s 1-800-377-3363 Fax: 905-878-8737

Quality • Service • Selection HORTICULTURE REVIEW - APRIL 15, 2011 3

Landscape Ontario staff LO staff members are committed to member service. Please call with your questions or concerns.

Tel: (905) 875-1805 or 1-800-265-5656 Fax: (905) 875-3942 Web: www.horttrades.com

Landscape Ontario’s mandate is to be the leader in representing, promoting and fostering a favourable environment for the advancement of the horticultural industry in Ontario.

Suffix for all e-mail addresses below: @landscapeontario.com

Executive Board

Windsor Chapter

President

President: Mark Williams Board rep: Garry Moore

Past president

Garden Centre

Tom Intven, tintven@ Robert Adams, robertadams@ First vice-president

Tim Kearney CLP, tkearney@

E-mail suffix for all staff members: @landscapeontario.com Executive director Tony DiGiovanni CHTR, ext. 304, tonydigiovanni@ Executive assistant Kathleen Pugliese, ext. 309, kpugliese@ Controller Joe Sabatino, ext. 310, jsabatino@

Chair: Michael Van Dongen Board rep: Bob McCannell, bmccannell@

Manager, education, and labour development, Sally Harvey CLT, CLP, ext. 315, sharvey@

Grounds Management

Administrative assistant Jane Leworthy, ext. 301, jleworthy@

Second vice-president

Chair: Mike DeBoer, CLT Board rep: Brian Marsh

Secretary/treasurer

Growers

Provincial Board

Interior Plantscapes

Membership coordinator, Helen Hassard, ext. 354, hhassard@

Irrigation

Chapter coordinator, Georgian Lakelands Chapter Lexi Dearborn, ext. 317, ldearborn@

Phil Charal, pcharal@ Dave Braun

Durham Chapter

President: Greg Scarlett CLT Board rep: Mark Humphries, mhumphries@

Georgian Lakelands Chapter

Chairs: Mark Ostrowski Board rep: Gerwin Bouman Chair and board rep: Stephen Schell CLT Chair: Chris Le Conte Board rep: Steve Macartney CIT, CLT

Education, labour, and certification project coordinator Rachel Cerelli, ext. 326, rachelc@ Seminar and safety group coordinator Kathy McLean, ext. 306, kathym@

Chapter coordinator, Ottawa Chapter Martha Walsh, ext. 368, mwalsh@

President: Michael LaPorte CLT Board rep: Warren Patterson

Landscape Contractors Chair and board rep: Peter Guinane

Golden Horseshoe Chapter

Manager, information technology Ian Service, 416-848-7555, iservice@

Lawn Care

Manager, Pesticide Industry Council Tom Somerville, tsomerville@

President: Fiore Zenone Board rep: Brian Cocks CLT

London Chapter

President: Grant Harrison CLT Board rep: Peter Vanderley CLP

Ottawa Chapter

President: Sarah Johnston Board rep: Bruce Morton CLP, CIT

Toronto Chapter

President: Lindsay Drake Nightingale Board rep: Ryan Heath CLP, CLT

Upper Canada Chapter President: Dan Clost CHTR Board rep: Paul Doornbos CLT, CLP

Waterloo Chapter

President: Rob Tester Board rep: David Wright CLP

Chair: Steve Tschanz Board rep: Alan White, awhite@

Landscape Design Chair: Tony Lombardi CLD Board rep: Paul Brydges

Lighting

Trade show manager Paul Day CDE, ext. 339, paulday@ Trade show manager Lorraine Ivanoff, ext. 366, lpi@

Snow and Ice Management

Trade show coordinator Linda Nodello, ext. 353, lnodello@

Chair: John Fulford Board rep: Gerald Boot CLP, geraldboot@

Members at Large Gregg Salivan Bruce Warren

CNLA Board Rep

Gerald Boot CLP, geraldboot@

April 15, 2011 • Volume 29, No. 4 Views expressed in Horticulture Review are those of the writer concerned. Horticulture Review and Landscape Ontario assume no responsibility for the validity or correctness of any opinions or references made by the author. Copyright 2010, reproduction or the use of whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited. Published 12x per year. Rates and deadlines are available on request. Subscription price: $43.51 per year (HST included).

Conference and events coordinator, Kristen McIntyre CLT, ext. 321, kristen@ Director of public relations Denis Flanagan CLD, ext. 303, dflanagan@ Publisher Lee Ann Knudsen CLP, ext. 314, lak@ Editorial director Sarah Willis, ext. 313, sarahw@ Editor Allan Dennis, ext. 320, aldennis@ Web editor Robert Ellidge, ext. 312, rob@ Art director Melissa Steep, 647-723-5447, msteep@

The Voice of Landscape Ontario

4 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - APRIL 15, 2011

Director of events and trade shows Gilles Bouchard, ext. 323, gbouchard@

Chair and Board rep: John Higo

Horticulture Review

For subscription and address changes, please e-mail subscriptions@landscapeontario.com

Executive director Ontario Parks Association Paul Ronan, ext. 349, pronan@

ISSN 0823-8472 Publications Mail Agreement No. PM40013519 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses To: Circulation Department Horticulture Review 7856 Fifth Line South Milton, ON L9T 2X8

Graphic designer Mike Wasilewski, ext. 343, mikew@ Sales manager, publications Steve Moyer, ext. 316, stevemoyer@ Communications assistant Angela Lindsay, ext. 305, alindsay@

Landscape Ontario garden welcomes 90,000 to Canada Blooms LO member volunteers achieved the wow factor and then some, with this year’s Green for Life Garden at Canada Blooms, held for the second consecutive year at the Direct Energy Centre.

Over 90,000 visitors were welcomed from Mar. 16 to 20 into the country’s largest flower and garden show, with the LO garden as the first impression to the event. And impressive it was.

The 10,000-square foot area involved all sector groups in the project. From waterfalls to green roofs to a huge wall of flowers, the site was one of the most photographed areas in the festival.

This year’s show contained 24 feature gardens, many demonstrating the new green and sustainable theme, while still showing off the beauty that professional members of Landscape Ontario can create. Marketplace was also its usually busy place, as many were checking out a huge array of products all under one roof.

The Green for Life Celebrity Stage featured a number of attractions, ranging from celebrity flower arranging to garden experts Mark Cullen, Denis Flanagan, Charlie Dobbin, Marjorie Mason, Paul Zammitt, Frank Ferragine and Jim Hole.

Garden communicator award Denis Flanagan, LO’s public relations director, presented LO’s Garden Communicator Award for 2011.The special presentation was held in conjunction with Garden Writers’ Association annual meeting on Mar. 19. This special honour is given to a writer or broadcaster who consistently promotes the world of horticulture through his or her efforts in communication. This year’s recipient Donna Dawson was awarded for her important and insightful communications with the gardening public. Her i-can-garden.com website has helped to raise awareness for the therapeutic, tourism, recreational, economic, environmental, social, and spiritual benefits of landscapes, gardens, green space and plants.

Bienenstock Natural Playground was a big attraction to the children visiting Canada Blooms. The award-winning garden encouraged the kids to enjoy the exhibit, encouraging them to become future gardeners.

paving units, landscape lighting, wood, sand, composted mulch and plants.

The event provides an opportunity for students to measure themselves against established standards and compete in Skills Canada – Ontario in May. New products showcase Canada Blooms New Product Showcase demonstrated the newest gardening products on the market. The display was located in the popular marketplace which was a busy place throughout the festival.

After the show, over 1,000 flowers were donated to the Senior Citizens of Toronto. The City of Toronto, Canada Blooms and Procter’s Cartage partnered to distribute over 1,000 spring blooms and shrubs to seniors living at Castleview Wychwood Towers, a long-term care facility.

Canada Blooms also donated trees to the City of Toronto.

In addition, Canada Blooms and Landscape Ontario, in partnership with Peace, Love and Landscaping, raised over $12,000 for the Canadian Red Cross Tsunami Fund.

Because they care…

For the past three years Tim Kearney has sacrificed time and energy to lead volunteers building the LO garden at Canada Blooms. Each year, the garden was even more grand than the year before. For Tim it began as an opportunity to show the public what amazing work LO members can render. We’ll let Tim explain:

By Tim Kearney CLP

This is why dozens of people would spend 18-hour days of their own time to benefit us all, and then return after four hours’ sleep to do it all over again.

Because they care. This is why our members from across the province came together to create one impressive garden. Three years ago it echoed loud and clear, “We are concerned that we have no presence!”

Because they care. This is why companies both large and small understood that without everyone chipping in, we could not provide the public with the best impression.

Because they care. This is why I am so impressed by the knowledge of our members and their leadership skills. Do the people who do this day-in and day-out get the respect they deserve? Or, is it taken for granted?

So I come to you to say we went to the end of our capabilities, and without this talented, dedicated group we could not have achieved what some said was the best yet.

Complex, cutting-edge designs demand this. Our industry deserves this. The public loves this.

I stood at the entrance on opening day to observe the reaction of people as they entered the hall for the first time. Some called it shock and awe. You bet it was.

These people are our heroes. They are one- and two-person companies. They are 30-plus person companies. They are the St. Clair College kids who must have thought that they were thrown to the lions when chaos had settled in. They are people who came from four hours Continued on page 6>

Students put Skills on display Teams from six Ontario schools demonstrated their skills at Skills Canada - Ontario’s 2011 Landscaping Contest. The event required students to create a garden from an established set of criteria. Each team was required to use materials such as landscape rocks, precast wall and HORTICULTURE REVIEW - APRIL 15, 2011 5

Because they care...continued away and stayed the whole time: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and then back on the following Sunday until the wee hours of the morning...because they care.

Always a smile, always a hug, yes a few tears, and the odd high five… they cared. You could see it at the preview party on opening night.

It expressed a high level of pride and caring.

They say that when all else around you seems hopeless, “Go into the garden and it will heal you.” A little bit of us cried when we saw the devastation in Japan. In an instant they said they cared.

A community for mutual benefit and improvement has been used to describe our association. I dare you not to add a “caring” community for mutual benefit and improvement.

Because they care. We must not take them for granted. But like so many before us, more will come...because they care.

George Bernard Shaw once wrote, “Gardening is the only unquestionably useful job.”

On behalf of our community, I extend our sincere thanks to all our heroes.

LO volunteers create amazing garden at Canada Blooms The following list contains the names of those volunteers about who Tim Kearney writes. They are what made Landscape Ontario’s Green for Life garden something that will not soon be forgotten. If we have left out a name of a deserving volunteer, contact the magazine, so that we may ensure the name is published in the next edition of Horticulture Review.

Humber College: Harry Chang, Collette Bacchus, Melanie Beacham, Amanda Bishop-Ashe, Sri Chandrakanth, Janet Cuff, Dana DeKuyper, Merita Dinaj, Yverine Dongmo, Nina Gronland, Peggy PEI Hong/Yang, Iku Hiroaka, Maria Lanaverde, Faith Mahi, Jacki McFarlane, Jenny Mei, Suzie Michaels, Tracy Qui, Angelina Targatt, Elizabeth Tuntevski, Laura VanRooy, Jess Woods; Ambius: Phil VanAlstyne; Moonstruck Landscape Lighting: Andrew Arsenault, Carl Hastings, Bob Tubby CLP, Mauro Vesia, Lee Franchino, Scott Young, Scott Boere, Stefan Koechlin, Murray Macken; Armstrong Landscaping: Ian Armstrong, Aj White; Balfour Greenhouses: Sandy Harrison, Gord Sherwood; Bellaire Landscape: Bob Bellaire, Mike Bellaire, Olivia Bellaire, Rob Musson, Chris Power; Boot’s Landscaping & Maintenance: Gerald Boot CLP, John Boot CLT, CIT, Gregory Bouwman, Collin Brasz, Paul Brasz, Kirby Brock CIT, Christiaan Dannrath, Ryan Haluska CLT, CIT Brian Streight, Jack VandeRee CLT, Victor Velastegui, Michelle White; Designed By Shannon: Shannon Martin; Burl-Oak Landscaping: Lou’ay Sulaiman; Milton District High School: Shayla Supo, Mitch Wiesner; Christine’s Touch Gardening: Christine Moffit; Christopher J Clayton Landscape: Eric Louie, Chris Clayton; Connon Nurseries, NVK Holdings: Brent Vanderkruk, Mark Vanderkruk, Dave Vandermulen; Cypress Hill Design and Build: Richard Portelance; Teamscape. ca: Beth Edney CLD; Dr. Landscape: Stephen Coffin, Terrance Coffin, Anthony Lombardi CLP, CLD, B.A., Daniel Pirrie; Double Tree Landscaping: Tico Chavez, Greivin Chavez; Blair McKergow; Dry Stone Guild of Canada: Sean Donnelly, Isaac Kirwin, Dean McLellan, Reid Snow; Earth Art Landscapes: Pat Elo CLT, Kris Flindall, Jeremy Graham, Brian Marsh, Ken Marsh, Ian Rootham, Kurtis Vesby; Environmental Design Landscaping Contractors: Glenn Bridge, Jacob Torenvliet, Mark Torenvliet, Nicholas Torenvliet, Nick Torenvliet, Shannon Vanderkruk; Garden Creations of Ottawa: Dianna Dawson CLT, Ryan Kearney CLT, Tim Kearney CLP, Tyler Kearney, Paul Kelly, Tim O’Brien

6 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - APRIL 15, 2011

CLT; Gardens in the City: Chaz Morenz; Gelderman Landscaping: Jason Felker CLT, Harry Gelderman, Shawn Lefebvre, GreenDesign Landscaping: Kassie Harvey, Rick Harvey CLT, CLP; GreenScape. ca: Mykola Kachmar, Jim Nisumann; Hofstetter Landscaping: Rick Hofstetter; J Garfield Thompson Landscape: Peter Patterson, James Thompson OALA; Kobes Nursery: Norm Mills; Leaside Landscaping: Jorge Capiro, Chris Mace; Living Landscapes: Kim Goodwin; M. Putzer Hornby Nursery: John Cordingly, Richard Laurie; Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School: Robert Russo, Joshua Crowe, Dennis DeJong, Anthony DiFranco, Mitchell D’Souza, Michael Gagne, Tim Hand, Michael Louasi, Allan Nason, Tammy Nason, Samuel Oldsfield, Nick Olshewski, Mike Palermo, Kostas Paliulis, Ursula Russo, Jacob Trevena, David Webssies; Outside Professional Services: Mark Chidlow, Al King, Dan McLean, Mike O’Connor; Pete Vanderley’s Lawn Maintenance and Landscape Services: Mark Lambley, Peter Vanderley CLP, Eric Wright; Picture Perfect Landscaping Quinte: Elaine Bouma, Neil Bouma; Ryan Heath Professional Landscaping: Ryan Heath CLT, CLP; Salivan Landscape: Gregg Salivan; Seferian Design Group: Jeff Bonnett, Meredith Plant BLA, Haig Seferian CLD, OALA, ASLA, BLA, Sally Taylor; Shademaster Landscaping: Barry Hordyk, Joel Hordyk, Leon Hordyk, Mark Hordyk, Richard Kuizenga, Aaron VanBerckel, Alex Verdonk, Clarence Visser, Oscar Werkmen; St. Clair College: Camilla Ackroyd, Margaret Baker, Kevin Boggs, Don Clark, Elyse Davenport, Patricia Gadoury, Sonya C. Lovino, Jared Myer, Ana Natyshak, Jason Power, Brad Small, Donald Tellier CLT, Nathan Vickery; Sycamore Landscape: Chris Bird, Scott Bird, Jason Gaw; The Beach Gardener: Francois Dussealt, Ryan Owen; The Cultivated Garden: Barbara Rosensweig, Barb Welburn, Rayne Wildwood; The Escarpment Company: Mark Fisher; Thornbusch Landscaping Company: Paul Doornbos CLT, CLP; Turf Care Products Canada: John Higo, Raymond Josephian, Tammy Stawnyczy; Water’s Edge Landscaping: Heather Chavuson; Wright Lawn Care Service: John Wright; Yards Unlimited Landscaping: Sundaura Alford CLD; Yorkshire Garden Services: Lindsay Drake Nightingale; Sherry Ing, Kelly Lance, Connie Teplitsky.

Project Manager: Tim Kearney CLP Operations Manager: Tony Lombardi B.A. CLP CLD Lead Landscape Designer: Haig Seferian OALA ASLA BLA, Senior Landscape Designer: Meredith Plant BLA, Water Feature: James Thompson OALA and Paul Doornbos CLP CLT Plant Acquisitions: Lindsay Drake Nightingale Hardscape: Ryan Heath CLP CLT

Team leaders

Bellaire Landscape, Boot’s Landscaping and Maintenance, Burl-Oak Landscaping, Christopher J Clayton, Christine’s Touch Gardening, Cypress Hill Design and Build, Double Tree Landscaping, Dr. Landscape, Dry Stone Guild of Canada, Earth Art Landscapes, Environmental Design Landscape Contractors, Garden Creations of Ottawa, Gardens in the City, Gelderman Landscaping, Green Design Landscaping, Greenscape Watering Systems, Humber College, J Garfield Thompson Landscape, Landskeep Horticultural Services, Living Landscapes, Moon Shadow Lighting, Moonstruck Landscape Lighting, Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School, Outside Professional Services, Pete Vanderley’s Lawn Maintenance and Landscape Services, Picture Perfect Landscaping Quinte, RJ Electrical Services, Rural Roots Landscaping, Ryan Heath Professional Landscaping, Salivan Landscape, Seferian Design Group, Shademaster Landscaping, St. Clair College, Sycamore Landscape, Teamscape, The Beach Gardener, The Cultivated Garden, The Escarpment Company, Thornbusch Landscaping Company, Turf Systems, Water’s Edge Landscaping, Yards Unlimited, Yorkshire Garden Services.

A special thanks to our suppliers:

Balfour Greenhouses, Brad Vanderwoude Sod Farms, Caledon Hills Perennials, Camilla House, Canadale Nurseries, Caradoc Green Roofs (LiveRoof Ontario),Connon Nurseries NVK Holdings, Dodd’s Greenhouses, Filtrexx Canada, Gro-Bark (Ontario), Jill Jensen Botanical Specialist, Lechuza, LiveRoof Ontario, Nursery Sod Grower Association of Ontario, Orchard Park Growers, PAO Associates, Permacon Group, Pick Ontario, Planet Pals, Ravensbergen and Sons, Redbud Supply, Spring Valley Gardens, Sunrise Greenhouses, Tradewinds International, Turf Care Products Canada, University of Guelph Trial Gardens, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, Water Arts, Wierenga Greenhouses.

Industry focus at Blooms Two special events on Thurs., Mar. 17, highlighted Canada’s green industry.

LO’s Landscape Contractor sector group staged another successful afternoon lecture, pairing a landscape architect with a landscape contractor. Mark Hartley of Mark Hartley Landscape Architects shared thoughts and photos from his career, with a special emphasis on residential design. He enjoys working with contractors, and believes that LAs and contractors can create better projects by working together.

The contractor side was represented by Mark Bradley of The Beach Gardener. Bradley’s featured projects ranged from a 19 ft.-wide Toronto lot to a majestic Aurora installation requiring 1,200 mature trees. He advises contractors to take advantage of perspective drawings to close sales.

The Contractors group thanks lecture sponsors Beaver Valley Stone, Dufferin Aggregates, Eloquip, Gro-Bark and Unilock.

During cocktail hour the green industry mingled at the show’s stage, followed by feature garden awards presentations. See page eight for a complete list of winners. Officials participat-

Jeff Olsen, Canada Blooms co-chair, presents the Sheridan Nurseries Award for outstanding garden to Joe Morello of Premier Landscaping, builder, and Judith Wright, landscape architect who designed the Ben Heppner garden.

ing included LO president Tom Intven, Canada Blooms co-chair Jeff Olsen and show manager Gerry Ginsberg, as well as LO executive director Tony DiGiovanni.

Lindsay Drake Nightingale of LO’s Toronto Chapter presented a cheque for $22,261 to the

Starlight Children’s Foundation at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children, representing the chapter’s plans to install a rooftop garden.

Thanks go to Industry Night event sponsor HUB International Sinclair Cockburn.

Palace Perennials

Proudly growing fine perennials in Wyoming, Ontario for over 22 years • • • •

Over 1200+ varieties of perennials Many unique and hard to find varieties Available in 9 cm, 15 cm and 2 gal. pots Great fern and ornamental grass section, plus tropical vines, hardy vines and clematis • Herbs in 9 cm pots, waterplants with large picture tags • Ornamental grasses in 50 cells for growing on (and contract growing) Phone: 866-843-0438 (sales) or 519-542-8353 Fax: 519-542-1079

Robert Schuijt (on the road sales): 519-827-0853 Catalogue at www.sipkensnurseries.com HORTICULTURE REVIEW - APRIL 15, 2011 7

Canada Blooms garden award winners Sheridan Nurseries Award for outstanding garden, small size Premier Landscaping & Design S.G. Ulbright Award for outstanding garden, medium size Humber College Gordon A. MacEachern Award for outstanding garden, large size Parklane Nurseries Outstanding Interpretation of the Show Theme, presented by Mark Cullen Toronto Botanical Garden and the ROM Outstanding Use of Innovative Elements presented by Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, Elite Environments Outstanding Representation of Sponsor Message, presented by Hub Sinclair-Cockburn, Miyabi for the Canadian Cancer Society Most Imaginative Garden Design, presented by The Home Depot, Premier Landscaping & Design Best Use of Bulbs, presented by TradeWinds International Sales, Sander Design Outstanding Educational Garden (for students) Seneca College, King Campus Outstanding Use of Trees City of Toronto Outstanding Use of Interior Plants, presented by Brookdale Treeland Nurseries Aden Earthworks Outstanding Use of Annuals and/or Perennials Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association Outstanding Use of Water Parklane Nurseries

Humber College

Outstanding Use of Natural Stone, presented by Beaver Valley Stone D.A. Gracey & Associates Outstanding Use of Pre-Cast Pavers Humber College Outstanding Use of Structures Peace, Love and Landscaping Outstanding Use of Walkways, presented by Permacon Group Landscapes by Lucin Outstanding Outdoor Living Space, presented by Permacon Group Allweather Landscape for The Home Depot Outstanding Outdoor Entertainment Area Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds The Garden Club of Toronto Award for Best Overall Use of Colour Miyabi for the Canadian Cancer Society The W.E. Bridgeman Award for Best Overall Use of Hard Landscape Elements D.A. Gracey & Associates The Humber Nurseries Award for Best Overall Use of Plant Material Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association The Leslie L. Solty Memorial Award for Best Overall Creativity in Garden Design Jardins de Métis for Reford Gardens The Landscape Ontario Award for Best Overall Quality of Workmanship Parklane Nurseries The Canada Blooms Judges’ Choice Award for Best Overall Garden Parklane Nurseries Universal Access Award Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds Certified Landscape Designer Award Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association Evergreen Brick Works SEED Award Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds JUNO Rocks Gardens – Peoples Choice Premier Landscaping & Design Peoples Choice Award Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds Feature garden judges Alissa North, Alistair Johnston, Arthur Skolnik, Caroline deVries, Jeff McMann, Martin Wade, Paul Dowsett, Sue Clarke, Tom Sparling, Victoria Taylor, and convener Liz Klose.

Universal Access judges Al Reeves, Heather Willis, Kelly MacDonald Recorders Christine Kennedy, Rose Marie Wodchis, and convener Lorene Bodiam Evergreen Brick Works judges Debby Morton, Heidi Campbell, Frank Ferragine, Lorraine Johnson, Mike Pilato, Tamara Robbins Griffith, convener Anthony Westenberg.

8 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - APRIL 15, 2011

Setting the record straight on Canada Blooms and National Home Show Editor’s note: Canada Blooms show manager Gerry Ginsberg announced plans to co-locate the festival with the National Home Show in 2012.

Tony DiGiovanni CHTR LO executive director

I

t is very important to realize that we are not selling Canada Blooms to the Home Show, nor are we partnering with a for-profit show.

This must be made very clear. The shows will remain separate. They are simply locating in the same venue and same date.

Each show will advertise its own event, issue its own tickets and have its own entrances.

However, the Canada Blooms ticket will allow visitors to enter into the Home Show, and the Home Show ticket will allow visitors into Canada Blooms.

The original vision for Canada Blooms was a charitable, community-based, world-class event that showcased the very best in horticulture and floriculture. Proceeds then and now are used for legacy garden projects. It is not a business and cannot operate as one. It must be able to mobilize and benefit communities and generations. It must infect all visitors with a desire to contribute to their community and environment.

It must reflect the core values of community stewardship, volunteer participation, contribution, celebration, education and pursuit of excellence.

We wanted to unify the professional and amateur horticultural communities by bringing together all those who had a passion and enthusiasm for gardens, flowers, plants and green space in a grand celebration meant to create an unforgettable impression on visitors. We strive to reach out and stir each visitor’s emotion. Our sincere desire to fulfill this goal is behind our motivation to negotiate a co-location arrangement with the home show. The proposed relationship will enhance both events.

Here are the five main reasons we are colocating with the National Home Show: 1. Locating Canada Blooms and the National Home Show in one location will make it one of the largest events in North America.

The size, scope and added attendance will generate enough energy and resources to enhance and improve the gardens and floral displays. We will also generate enough revenue to contribute to community-related horticultural projects, thus fulfilling our legacy mandate.

2. The co-location agreement will allow each organization to focus on its respective strengths. Canada Blooms will be able to focus on education, gardens, floral arts and community building/contribution. The Home Show will focus on the marketplace, business aspects and logistics. This will allow Canada Blooms staff to focus on the festival part of our event. They will have much more time to go after sponsors, develop grant proposals, liaise with bus tour companies, and develop creative partnerships with other cultural events.

3. The co-location arrangement will give Canada Blooms the opportunity to raise awareness for the societal benefits of horticulture and floriculture to an entirely different audience. The demographic profile for Canada Blooms is 75 per cent women, 35 to 55. The audience for the Home Show is younger, first-time homeowners with more males comprising its demographic. This complementary mix will benefit both shows.

4. The co-location will allow Canada Blooms to revert to a “garden and floral” presentation area. All non-related exhibitors will be directed to the National Home Show.

5. Co-location is good for visitors and exhibitors. Visitors will be able to get into both events with one ticket. Exhibitors will generate more revenue because of increased attendance.

Landscape Ontario supports the relationship between Canada Blooms and the Home Show because it will accelerate the vision to produce a world-class garden and floral festival that contributes to the community. I still remember Kathy Dembroski’s comment before the birth of Canada Blooms. She wanted Canada Blooms to be a gift to the community. We do too.

The following questions and answers will add further clarity: Will the Canada Blooms brand be diluted?

No. The Canada Blooms brand will be strengthened. The quality of the gardens and floral displays will improve. There will be a separate entrance, separate marketing and separate tickets. The integrity of Canada Blooms as a worldclass, non-profit festival will be maintained and enhanced. The vision and core values will remain the same.

Will Canada Blooms be moving to a ten-day show?

Yes. The original vision of Canada Blooms was for a ten-day show. This was copied from the Philadelphia Flower and Garden Show. This length of time presents logistical issues with respect to the flowering plants and volunteer forces, however, Philadelphia has been operating for over 100 years as a ten-day show. We will learn from their experience. A ten-day show also has many benefits. The increased exposure will allow many more people to benefit. We are also looking at strategies to accommodate those exhibitors who may not be able to run ten days, so five-day options are being looked at.

Are you concerned that Canada Blooms will be perceived as a for-profit home show?

With this co-location arrangement, the business aspects of the show will disappear. We will look much more like the festival that we truly are.

What do you hope to achieve with this co-location?

We hope to strengthen Canada Blooms so that we can focus on spreading our message of “societal benefit.” Currently, the majority of people plant gardens for aesthetic reasons. However, those of us in the nursery and landscape industry know that plants, gardens and green infrastructure improve quality of life in many other ways. Living green infrastructure provides economic, environmental, lifestyle, therapeutic, recreational, spiritual, tourism, health and community benefits. Canada Blooms can help the public become more aware of the benefits of green space.

What about logistics of building gardens and setting up floral displays?

It will certainly be a challenge to build gardens at the same time that the National Home Show is building the Dream Home. However, with proper planning and more time added to the build, we should be able to simplify the process.

In addition, Canada Blooms will locate in Hall A, which is slightly larger than the current Hall B. There are also dedicated loading docks in Hall A. Tony DiGiovanni may be reached at tonydigiovanni@landscapeontario.com.

HORTICULTURE REVIEW - APRIL 15, 2011 9

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Time to go back to basic communication

By Tom Intven LO president

L

et’s think for a moment about the technological advances in communication in the last 10 years, and how astounding they have been. It’s profound how those advances have influenced our lives: cell phones, blackberries, GPS units, laptops, iPods, iPhones, email, Skype, Facebook, blogs…the list goes on.

While these tools have changed the way we communicate and the amount of time we Tom Intven dedicate to it, not all the changes have been for the better.

From an association perspective, good communication among our members, staff, chapters, sectors, committees and partners is essential While it might appear that new technologies have made communication easier, they have introduced several barriers that need to be identified and addressed in order to keep our association healthy and focused.

Information overload In this technological world, we are bombarded with information from all fronts. It’s difficult to keep up with it all; to read it all, absorb it, prioritize it, and respond and to include all the right parties in your correspondence.

We assume too much One negative effect that the technological age has had on all of us is that we have come to assume too much from our communications. When we send an email, or post something on our web-

site, or even check to see if someone has opened our email or attachment, we assume that 1. they have read it, 2. they have absorbed it and 3. why haven’t they responded yet?

We often assume that electronic or written communication is as effective as verbal, or even face-to-face communication. Nothing is further from the truth. We are human beings who absorb information best when someone talks to us in person, and we are able to respond in kind. Let’s not forget that experts tell us that the majority of information is communicated in face-to-face meetings by non-verbal means such as body language, posture, intonation, facial expression, and eye contact.

Another common assumption is that other parties are on the same page as we are and able to absorb the same information that we bring to the table, because after all, the email with attachments was sent out. Nothing could be further from the truth.

We are too busy to absorb it all We are all trying to keep up with the challenges of the new economy in our businesses. Most of us have busy family and community lives that demand more and more of our time. Yet, in our harried lives, we are expected to find the time to read and respond to our emails, our telephone calls, spend time on Facebook to get caught up, as well as stay current on what is going on in every aspect of our personal and professional lives. It is physically impossible to do! At some point in time, communication breakdown is bound to happen.

For Landscape Ontario, it is essential that our lines of communication among our multifaceted components are effective. By effective, I mean that accurate, appropriate and expected information is disseminated on a timely basis to

the correct parties. That information is absorbed and prioritized, and feedback is received within a reasonable time frame, ultimately putting all parties on the same page.

In order to maintain those lines of communication, I believe we need to return to some fundamental principles: • First, we need to try to slow down and focus on what is most important. In a world of information overload, it is easy to get side-tracked on issues that do not speak to our core values. We are all strapped for time. Let’s make sure that we utilize it to the fullest and focus our energy on what is most important.

• Prioritizing information, both when communicating and when receiving communications, is paramount. Let’s only send out what is important, let’s focus on the positive, and leave the negative behind.

• We must all remember that communication is a two-way street! The corollary of this is that we have a responsibility to, not just communicate our thoughts, but to actively pursue a response. When we fail to be responded to, we are tempted to make assumptions that very often are way off base.

It is only when we receive a response that our communication is complete and that we can achieve consensus.

• We must never make assumptions. So many times when communication breakdown occurs, it is because the wrong assumptions are made. Let’s make sure our facts are correct, before we move on.

• Let’s keep all the right people informed on a regular basis.

It is time that, as an association, we get back to the basics of face-to-face communication. In my presidency, what has become increasing clear to me is that nothing is as effective as face-toface communication. As human beings, I believe we need and crave it in order to fulfill ourselves.

The important pieces that define our association need to be communicated in person in order to be effective. Good old-fashioned face-to-face communication is time consuming and takes more effort on our part, but it is so important to do in order to ensure the long term success of Landscape Ontario.

Tom Intven may be reached at 519-631-1008, or tintven@landscapeontario.com.

10 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - APRIL 15, 2011

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Our association is about building community Tony DiGiovanni CHTR LO executive director

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s the years go by, it becomes clear to me that Landscape Ontario is way more than an advocacy group for the horticulture industry. Yes, our job is to grow a prosperous, professional, ethical, recognized, valued and trusted industry. But, it is more about community, friendships, service, duty and contribution.

Associations are almost like churches.

Tony DiGiovanni The huge motivation that energizes so many of you is not just about financial benefit. Instead, it is more about legacy. It is about making a positive difference. It is about expressing your passion and enthusiasm. It is about building community.

I am very fortunate to be in a position to witness and be inspired by this phenomenon almost every day. Here are a few examples from the Canada Blooms experience.

Mark Cullen is the volunteer marketing chair for Canada Blooms. When the budget was not enough, Mark used his own funds to purchase expensive advertisements.

Tim Kearney was the energizer behind the 9,000 sq. ft. Landscape Ontario garden. He and many others spent thousands of hours working together for a common goal of showcasing the talent, creativity, competency, professionalism and camaraderie of our industry. He composed the following words that were displayed at the entrance of the garden.

“Like a carefully crafted musical composition, a garden has all the elements needed to create a masterpiece.

“A dream, an idea, initial attempts, changes, and then finally, many rehearsals with more changes, leads to a dream becoming reality for all to enjoy.

“The Green for Life garden by members of Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association is a choreographed culmination of hundreds of volunteers and dozens of companies from across Ontario. All led by composer Haig Seferian and the Seferian Design Group and carefully orchestrated by Maestro Tony Lombardi of Dr. Landscape.

“On the surface you enjoy all the wonderful

elements that sing to you in harmony but knowing the efforts of many and the desire to please make the meaning more relevant.”

I tried to add his name to the sign. He vehemently refused, insisting that his reward was in the collaboration and community building.

The contributions of so many others were heroic. Members endured the dust, diesel, long hours and hard work to reap the inherent rewards of working together for a common goal. There are so many people to thank. They are mentioned elsewhere in the magazine, but special recognition must go to the team leaders: James Garfield Thompson; Paul Doornbos CLP, CLT; Barry Hordyk; Richard Kuizenga; Chris Power; Reid Snow; Dean McLellan; Bob Tubby CLP; Karl Hastings; Steve Macartney CIT, CLT; Bruce Morton CLP, CIT; Gord Sherwood; Lindsay Drake Nightingale; Fabiola Prins; Ryan Heath CLP, CLT; Brian Marsh; Kevin Foster; David Turnbull CHTR (and family); Paul Degroot; Beth Edney CLD;,

Mark, Case, Rick and Brent Vanderkruk; Nick Torenvliet (and the Environmental Design Team); Paul Offierski; Mark Vandenbussche and many others who deserve a great deal of recognition. Please forgive me if I missed you. Your contribution ethic is contagious and inspiring.

The Canada Blooms experience is one example of what LO president Tom Intven calls the Landscape Ontario Gene. Tom is another one of those role models who is infecting our industry with goodwill. Our amazing staff members are also infected. They all go beyond expectations.

Landscape Ontario is one of the most vibrant and active horticultural associations in the world. It is easy to see why. We are very fortunate to have hundreds of members who are infected with the desire to make a positive difference.

Tony DiGiovanni may be reached at tonydigiovanni@landscapeontario.com.

HORTICULTURE REVIEW - APRIL 15, 2011 11

PROFESSIONAL AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Important to remember annual safety processes

By Sally Harvey CLT, CLP Education and Labour Development Department

A

s the new season approaches, remember to undertake the annual workplace orientation process for all workers. In general, the process will include workplace orientation and training on tool use and storage and equipment operation, vehicles, and workplace and safety systems that will ensure a safe workforce and due diligence.

To qualify certifications renewal, there must be a minimum of one qualiSally Harvey fied first aid person for each crew. Check each certification to verify and comply with renewal requirements. All staff must receive WHMIS training on an annual basis.

If you have not already done so, make sure all drivers abstracts have been updated and verified and are done so throughout the season on a regular basis. It is up to the employer to make sure that a driver is licensed. If not, the employer’s CVOR record is jeopardized. MTO recommends that a driver’s abstract is reviewed monthly for those designated to be on the road.

Employers must include the company policy in the employee handbook that puts the onus on the driver to notify the employer of any infractions or change in license status within 24 hours of a change in a driver’s status between abstract submissions. This will help the employer manage CVOR records progressively and maintain a better record.

All new, young and returning workers should undergo orientation annually to ensure

that all safety policies and processes are consistently communicated, trained and implemented in the workplace. A new worker is considered as any employee who has been employed in the present job description for less than six months, even if they have been with you for many years.

As soon as a promotion or new position has been assumed by a long time or new employee, they are considered a ‘new worker’ and therefore required to complete orientation to the new work and environment.

On a recent visit to one of our leading employers, they told me that in their minds it is easier to treat every employee as a new or young worker, as they felt that their employees had been involved in either snow removal or were laid off over the winter months. This progressive company invests significant orientation and training in all of its team members and gains positive results both within their work culture and in regards to fewer loss time injuries.

Young workers are those between the ages of 14 and 24. New and young workers are once again the focus of Ministry of Labour (MOL) inspections for 2011. MOL has notified us that heightened enforcement blitzes will occur between May and August this year with zero tolerance. That means that you may have MOL inspectors appear at your shop, or job sites and who will focus on interviewing new and young workers. The inspector’s goal is to ensure that the proper orientation and training have occurred before an employee undertakes any revenue-producing work. For more information and to find resources go to: www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/ atwork/youngworkers.php.

Violence and harassment assessment Don’t forget to review the violence and harass-

www.uxbridgenurseries.com

“We keep on growing”

Uxbridge Nurseries

P.O.BOX 400, UXBRIDGE, ONTARIO L9P 1M8

905.655.3379 FAX: 905.655.8544 1.877.655.3379 sales@uxbridgenurseries.com

12 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - APRIL 15, 2011

For more information and to register as a candidate for Landscape Industry Certification Tests (CLP, CLD, CHT, CLT) go to: www.horttrades.com/ landscape-industry-certified.

To register as a Landscape Industry Certification judge go to: www.landscapeontario.com/attach/1301418780.

Judges_Application_2011.pdf.

Gain re-certification points that are required to renew your designation. For more information go to: • http://bit.ly/gt56k4 • http://bit.ly/erud9F ment assessment that you developed and established for the first time last year, based on the new Bill 168 legislation that came into law on June 15, 2010. The change to Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) is intended to strengthen protection for workers from workplace violence and address workplace harassment. The legislation defines an employer’s duties, and it applies to all workplaces covered by the OHSA. As with any safety policy, the standard and process will change as your business changes. Make sure you reassess the risks with your staff and then ensure that the policy and processes align with the actual risk exposure.

For tools and resources to ensure compliance, go to www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/sawo/ pubs/fs_workplaceviolence.php.

Firms should employ processes to ensure continuous improvement from year to year and during the busy season, when it comes to safety and training. Make sure to engage the staff to measure and determine opportunities for improvement. Then act on those changes. When staff witness that employers care about their safety, it speaks volumes and generates loyalty and commitment.

Please note that the above recommendations represent only a reminder to orient and train workers. This in no way constitutes all that is required to be completely compliant. This will vary from workplace to workplace.

Sally Harvey may be contacted at sharvey@ landscapeontario.com.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

If only all challenges were this much fun Denis Flanagan CLD Director of public relations

D

uring 2011 there will be a real focus on tree planting programs, with a new bill being passed that officially recognizes National Tree Planting Day. It’s a move to increase awareness for Arbor Week and many other initiatives.

So, it seemed fitting that we celebrated tree planting at our largest consumer show, Canada Blooms.

In partnership with Communities in Bloom Denis Flanagan - Ontario and the Ministry of Natural Resources, we organized an event on the main stage on Mar. 18. Many partners made the event a great success.

Natural Resources Minister Linda Jeffrey announced her Plant Local Tree Challenge to encourage native tree planting across Ontario.

This was followed by the minister announcing tree planting tips as boys from the 7th Milton Scout Troop came on stage and planted tree seedlings. “In my job I see first-hand how planting trees helps us build a better Ontario,” she said.

We then invited some special guests to join in the celebration. Lee Rozon from CiB Ontario organized over 18 mayors, from communities such as Aurora, Lincoln, Tillsonburg, Lake of Bays and Ingersoll, to appear on stage for a fun competition. They were grouped into four teams, representing northern, western, eastern and southern Ontario. A team leader was chosen, and while blindfolded he or she had to plant tree seedlings into pots of compost with hollered instructions from the rest of their team.

Apart from a few seedlings being planted upside down and compost spilled down the front of many of the elected officials, everyone had a great time and really got into the spirit of the cause. Several hundred attendees in the audience enthusiastically rallied behind their favourite team. As a reward, audience members were all given a seedling to take home.

The event concluded with all the mayors and Minister Jeffrey gathering at the Landscape Ontario Green for Life Garden for more photo opportunities and a glass of punch. Minister Jeffrey thanked all the participants for the day’s efforts and encouraged everyone to go back to

Boy scouts helped Ontario-community mayors plant tree seedlings.

their respective communities and promote local tree planting.

I would like to recognize Minister Linda Jeffrey and the MNR staff, Lee Rozon, executive director of CiB Ontario. Mark Cullen, the MC for the event. Sommerville Seedlings, for the donation of seedlings; Compost Council of Canada.

Sheridan Nurseries for the donation of pots.

Lorraine Ivanoff, the Scout organizer and stage manager; and Ian Service and Rob Ellidge for their photography.

Denis Flanagan is LO’s public relations director and chair of Communities in Bloom — Ontario. He may be contacted at dflanagan@ landscapeontario.com.

Winkelmolen Nursery Ltd. For Bareroot and Container Grown Trees

• Native • Shade • Ornamental

148 Lynden Road, P.O. Box 190 Lynden, Ontario L0R 1T0 Tel: 519-647-3912 Fax: 519-647-3720

www.winkelmolen.com HORTICULTURE REVIEW - APRIL 15, 2011 13

PROSPERITY PARNERS

Well-planned quote is a key to success

By Jacki Hart CLP Prosperity Partners program manager

A

n accurate, well planned quote is a winwin for you and your customer.

One of the Prosperity Partners pillars for business is Sales Success. One of the most common questions I am asked, when teaching seminars to service providing entrepreneurs, is, “How do I estimate labour accurately when quoting?”

Sales Success depends on accurate, profitable and competitive Jacki Hart quotes. Easier said than done, right? Think again. It’s not rocket science, but it requires a systematic and tailored process.

If the answer to the popular ‘how do I quote on labour?’ question was simple, it wouldn’t be the number one thing on the minds of many own-

ers and estimators. If you ask J. Paul Lamarche (www.jplbiz.ca), Mark Bradley (landscapemanagementnetwork.com), or others who reside in the same circle of success, they will tell you that productive and efficient crews are the key part of successful quoting. You need to build a history of how they perform various types of work.

In my landscaping business, there have always been two key fundamental components to successful sales and comfortable profit: 1.

Working from a comprehensive set of budgets.

This factors in return on investment, sub trade costs, overhead, labour burden and profit, and 2. Patterns of performance and productivity, combined with knowing your true labour breakeven rate; your employees’ hourly rates, labour burden (which includes employer’s portions of EI, CPP, EHT, WSIB, etc.), windshield or down time, bonuses and/or benefits. These factors are crucial to creating a successful quote.

And, that’s success for both the company, and the customer.

If you have never completed work of the scope on which you are quoting, you are stab-

bing in the dark, and playing a game of chance to create a labour cost for the quote. Similarly, creating production or square foot rates is dangerous territory. It can lead to disastrous results when weather, accessibility, unforeseen delays, etc., occur.

This is why it’s important to stick to scope of work in which you have experience, knowledge and intuition. You need to build a history how long it takes your workers to produce a certain amount and type of work, and under what circumstances.

Below is this month’s Prosperity Primer, to get you started on thinking smarter about what goes on behind the scenes to successfully sell your company’s product or service.

What promises did you quietly make yourself last year to improve the way your company performs?

Improving your Sales Success To improve the Sales Success of this company, the most important thing to change is _____________________.

The consequences of NOT making the effort to change this are _______________.

The result of this change will be _____________________________.

The resources I need to use are _____________________________.

I am going to contact/access/read this resource

by April ___, 2011.

When I have done this, here’s what I anticipate will be different and improved: _________________________.

The Prosperity Partners program and staff are here to help you on a continuous journey of business improvement. Check out www. horttrades.com/prosperity to learn about the many resources available to you through this unique and effective program.

As the frost melts out of the ground, and the season gallops ahead, please make sure you carve out time EVERY DAY to pause, step back, and reflect on what went well, what needs to be tweaked, celebrate your successes (with your team!) and take those less successful moments as an opportunity to learn and improve.

I wish you the best possible start to your season this month.

Jacki Hart can be reached via email at prosperity@landscapeontario.com.

14 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - APRIL 15, 2011

SYSTEMS FOR SUCCESS

Right systems let you spend less time working

By Mark Bradley

The saga of Dan and his landscape company, Danscaping, began on the pages of Horticulture Review in January of 2010. The columns illustrate some of the problems that Dan is struggling with while running his company. We also introduced Bill, Dan’s long-time friend and mentor, who after carefully listening to Dan’s account of the problems, agreed to help him fix his business.

A

fter his last meeting with Bill, Dan returned to work with his mind set to jumpstart the spring hiring process. Dan started right away. He sent out job advertisements and when resumes started streaming in, he weeded out the wrong applicants with his new hiring process. After meeting with the final applicants who made it through to an interview, Dan selected a few to take part in a three-week working interview.

In March, his new Mark Bradley hires are busy going through training, learning the ins and outs of Danscaping, which brings Dan to his next step: systems planning. Now that Dan has set himself up with the right people, he needs to take what’s in his head and ensure his people are executing accordingly, on their own and without Dan holding their hands. Dan understands that systems free-up owners, so that they can grow their business and get the most out of their people. What he didn’t understand was how to step away and start working ON rather than IN his business.

When he mentioned this to Bill over a phone conversation one evening, Bill assured Dan that he once faced the same problem.

“Systems and processes are critical because they enable individuals to communicate in complex and changing environments using the same expectations so that predictable, repeatable results can occur. Without processes, everyone would do what and when they want, using their own methods. At the end of the day, what you have is total chaos.”

Says Bill, “I like to look at it this way: all fire trucks are set up exactly the same and there’s a reason for it! Each firefighter knows where everything is located. They put everything back exactly the same way and maintain it to the highest standard. When staff is transferred to

other fire stations no further training is required, because all the processes are identical. There is only one way of doing things. And thank goodness, because when someone’s house is on fire, the firefighter is not wasting time running back to the shop because they forgot the hose!”

To maximize your profit and productivity this year, work toward implementing three critical systems: Job planning Job planners take the information from the estimator’s head and put it into the hands of your crews. This is critical for profitable jobs. How can you expect your crews to come in on time, on budget, if they don’t understand completely how the estimator saw the job?

For design build projects, foremen need to know, at minimum: • Estimated man hours • Equipment included (this has a significant factor on the hours) • Materials estimated – quantities, colours, measurements, etc.

For maintenance projects, foremen need to know, at minimum: • The route to job site • Site maps/service instructions • Hours estimated per site A simple binder for every job/route that includes designs or site maps, job specifications, copies of locates, blank timesheets and maps to the jobsite should be produced for every job or route. With the right information, your foreman can manage more work themselves. Less questions, less problems, and less waste will not only make their jobs easier, but it will free you to work more on your business.

Foremen should also conduct daily meetings with their crews to discuss daily goals, order of operations, requirements, and problems/questions. To download a daily meeting agenda for your crews, go to www.landscapemanagementnetwork.com/samples.

Job costing Job costing is the landscaping equivalent of keeping score. If you’re not tracking actual hours and materials, then you’re just playing around. For you or your employees to take success seriously, you must have a job costing system. I recommend using your accounting software. All the information you need to track job costs must be entered

into accounting. Job hours need to be entered for payroll, and material costs entered for vendor bill tracking. It’s a matter of ensuring these costs are not just entered into accounting, but they’re also billed to the correct jobs. If necessary, change your systems to suit your accounting software.

It’s easier than trying to find software that fits your system.

Organization systems Make a spot for everything. Label the spots.

Organize your shops, truck and trailers just like the fire truck. When everything has its place, it’s easy to train new people, harder to forget, or lose tools and equipment, and you know when it’s time to re-stock inventoried parts and materials.

Every year, hundreds of man hours are lost by working around poorly organized shops, trailers, and work areas.

Implement these systems and you’ll find parts of your business start to run themselves.

Systems development is an ongoing and continuous process.

“I’m always reluctant to delegate,” Dan says. “I constantly think no one else will be able to get the work done according to my high standard, or worse, I think the work won’t get done at all.”

Bill nods, “I get the fear of the unknown.

But your fear is likely a self-fulfilling prophecy. Without systems, they won’t achieve to your standards, because they don’t know them.

The only way to grow your business and your own career is by handing out higher levels of responsibility to your employees. After all, you need to start letting others help you work on your business.”

“Makes sense,” Dan notes, “But how do I make sure my employees take their responsibility seriously?”

“Once the systems are in place, you hold people accountable. All problems can likely be blamed on one of two things: no system, or people who don’t follow the system. When you get your systems in place, then you only have people problems. Hold your people accountable to your systems. Good employees will thrive, and bad employees will suffer. You’ll know who your best assets are.”

Mark Bradley is president of The Beach Gardener and the Landscape Management Network. For more information, check out the website at www.landscapemanagementnetwork.com.

HORTICULTURE REVIEW - APRIL 15, 2011 15

Hillen Nursery Inc Botanical Name

Qty. 1 Gal Qty. 2 Gal Qty. 3 Gal Botanical Name Avail. Price Avail. Price Avail. Price

VINES Ampelopsis glandulosa Elegans 240 8.00 Aristolochia durior 114 Campsis radicans Balboa Sunset 214 8.00 Celastrus orbiculatus Diana 152 8.00 Celastrus orbiculatus Hercules 216 8.00 Hedera helix Thorndale 200 6.00 Hydrangea anomala petiolaris 268 8.00 Parthenocissus quinq. Engelmannii 995 8.00 Parthenocissus quinquefolia 320 6.00 Parthenocissus tricus. Veitchii 1,000 6.00 Polygonum aubertii 863 6.00 Vitis riparia 195 8.00 Wisteria macrostachya Blue Moon. 100

EVERGREENS Azalea Northern Lights 210 Azalea Orchid Lights 250 Buxus Faulkner 100 5.00 330 Buxus microphylla 49 5.00 524 Buxus X Green Gem 259 5.20 515 Buxus X Green Mound 955 5.00 1,000 Buxus X Green Mountain 545 5.00 101 Buxus X Green Velvet 1,000 5.20 1,000 Chamaecyparis pisifera Aurea Sungold 80 5.00 222 Chamaecyparis pisifera Filifera 190 5.00 175 Chamaecyparis pisifera Filifera Aurea 80 5.00 270 Cotoneaster adpressus Compactus 16 5.00 Cotoneaster dammeri Coral Beauty 1,000 5.00 183 7.00 Cotoneaster dammeri Major 205 7.00 Cotoneaster microphyllus 168 5.00 45 Cotoneaster salicifolius Repens 1,000 7.00 Euonymus fortunei Canadale Gold 295 5.00 23 7.00 Euonymus fortunei Coloratus 249 5.00 Euonymus fortunei Emerald Gaiety 1,000 7.00 Euonymus fortunei Emerald ‘n Gold 150 5.00 Euonymus fortunei Goldtip 712 7.00 Euonymus fortunei Sunrise 299 7.00 Euonymus fortunei Surespot 174 7.00 Euonymus fortunei Vegetus 197 7.00 Ilex X meserveae Blue Prince 926 5.00 335 Ilex X meserveae Blue Princess 991 5.00 632 Juniperus chinensis Gold Coast 186 Juniperus chinensis Gold Star 386 5.00 355 Juniperus chinensis Mint Julep 390 5.00 255 Juniperus chinensis Pfitz. Compacta 300 5.00 63 Juniperus chinensis San Jose 250 5.00 137 Juniperus communis Green Carpet 451 Juniperus communis Repanda 260 5.00 Juniperus conferta Blue Pacific 240 5.00 282 Juniperus horizontalis 100 5.00 Juniperus horizontalis Andorra Compacta 986 5.00 422 Juniperus horizontalis Bar Harbor 190 5.00 55 Juniperus horizontalis Blue Prince 166 Juniperus horizontalis Icee Blue 321 6.00 991 Juniperus horizontalis Lime Glow 170 6.50 Juniperus horizontalis Turquoise Spreader 200 5.00 307 Juniperus horizontalis Wiltonii 416 5.00 Juniperus horizontalis Yukon Belle 400 5.00 938 Juniperus media Armstrongii 142 5.00 250 Juniperus procumbens nana 160 5.00 242 Juniperus sabina 200 5.00 184 Juniperus sabina Buffalo 228 Juniperus squamata Blue Carpet 150 5.00 272 Juniperus squamata Blue Star 282 Juniperus virginiana Grey Owl 100 5.00 212 Larix laricina 205 7.00

16 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - APRIL 15, 2011

11.00

12.25

13.50 13.50 11.00 11.00 11.20 11.00 11.00 11.20 11.00 11.00 11.00

9.00

11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 13.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00

Qty. 1 Gal Qty. 2 Gal Qty. 3 Gal Avail. Price Avail. Price Avail. Price

Metasequoia glyptostroboides 267 7.00 Microbiota decussata 719 5.00 Picea glauca 431 7.00 Picea pungens glauca 552 7.00 Picea pungens glauca StJuan 692 7.00 Picea pungens Globosa 430 Pinus mugo var. mugo 1,000 Pinus strobus 1,000 Taxus X media Densiformis 335 5.00 Taxus X media Hicksii 566 5.00 1,000 Taxus X media Wardii 680 5.00 Thuja occidentalis 222 Thuja occidentalis Brandon 98 5.00 200 Thuja occidentalis Little Giant 325 5.00 70 Thuja occidentalis Nigra 990 5.00 1,000 Thuja occidentalis Smaragd 1,000 5.00 258 Thuja occidentalis Wintergreen 438 5.00 449 Thuja plicata Spring Grove 54 5.00 525 Tsuga canadensis 1,000 5.00 10 7.00 1,000

22.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00

DECIDUOUS SHRUBS Acanthopanax sieboldianus 734 7.00 Acer ginnala 179 7.00 Acer rubrum 834 7.00 Acer saccharinum 604 7.00 Acer saccharum 422 7.00 Alnus rugosa 658 7.00 Amelanchier alnifolia 470 7.00 Amelanchier canadensis 1,000 7.00 Aronia mel. Autumn Magic 222 7.00 Aronia melanocarpa 602 7.00 Aronia X prunifolia Viking 253 7.00 Berberis thunbergii Rose Glow 375 6.00 392 Berberis thunbergii Royal Burgundy 340 Buddleia davidii Black Knight 380 7.00 Buddleia davidii Ellen’s Blue 402 7.00 Buddleia davidii Ile de France 583 7.00 Buddleia davidii Nanho Purple 466 7.00 Buddleia davidii Petite Plum 628 7.00 Buddleia davidii Pink Delight 416 7.00 Buddleia davidii Purple Prince 908 7.00 Buddleia davidii Royal Red 345 7.00 Buddleia davidii White Profusion 300 7.00 Caryopteris clandonensis Grand Blue 271 7.35 Cephalanthus occidentalis 267 7.00 Cercidiphyllum japonicum 197 7.00 Cercis canadensis 580 7.00 Chaenomeles speciosa Nivalis 387 7.00 Chaenomeles speciosa Rubra 657 7.00 Chaenomeles speciosa Texas Scarlet 593 7.00 Chaenomeles sup.Crimson and Gold 211 7.00 Clethra alnifolia Paniculatum 295 7.00 Clethra alnifolia Pink Spire 394 7.00 Cornus alba Elegantissima 1,000 7.00 Cornus alba Gouchaultii 226 7.00 Cornus alba Ivory Halo 849 7.45 Cornus alba Red Gnome 201 7.00 Cornus sanguinea Midwinter Fire 203 7.00 Cornus stolonifera Kelseyi 1,000 7.00 Corylus americana 197 7.00 Corylus avellana Contorta 186 15.00 Cotoneaster acutifolius 560 7.00 Cotoneaster apiculatus 335 7.00 Cotoneaster preacox Boer 1,000 7.00 Deutzia crenata Nikko 769 7.00 Deutzia gracilis 435 7.00 Deutzia X Strawberry Field 155 7.00 Diervilla lonicera 240 7.00 Euonymus alatus Compactus 1,000 5.00 134 8.00

13.50 13.50

c.

Botanical Name

Many More Cultivars and sizes available Qty. 1 Gal Qty. 2 Gal Qty. 3 Gal Botanical Name Avail. Price Avail. Price Avail. Price

Fagus sylvatica Purpurea 2 7.00 127 Forsythia Kumson 464 7.00 Forsythia ovata Ottawa 490 7.00 Forsythia X inter. Northern Gold 1,000 7.00 Forsythia X intermedia Lynwood 664 7.00 Genista tinctoria Royal Gold 201 7.00 Hamamelis virginiana 207 7.00 Hibiscus syriacus Diana 208 5.00 241 Hibiscus syriacus Lavender Chiffon 224 5.60 Hibiscus syriacus Marina 110 5.00 Hibiscus syriacus White Chiffon 190 5.60 150 Hibiscus syriacus Woodbridge 461 5.00 9 Hydrangea arborescens Annabelle 1,000 7.00 Hydrangea arborescens Dardom 108 7.60 Hydrangea macr. Bouquet Rose 274 7.00 Hydrangea macr. Penny Mac 255 7.30 Hydrangea paniculata Kyushu 472 7.00 Hydrangea paniculata Little Lamb 249 7.60 Hydrangea paniculata Magical Fire 15 8.50 44 Hydrangea paniculata Pinky Winky 341 7.60 Hydrangea paniculata Tardiva 253 7.00 Hydrangea paniculata Unique 100 7.00 Hydrangea quercifolia PeeWee 168 Hydrangea serrata Bluebird 248 7.00 Ilex verticillata Jim Dandy 170 7.00 Ilex verticillata Afterglow Female 1,000 7.00 Ilex verticillata Southern Gentleman 335 7.00 Ilex verticillata Winterred 143 7.00 Itea virginica Henry’s Garnet 276 7.00 Kerria japonica Pleniflora 160 7.00 Kolkwitzia amabilis Pink Cloud 1,000 7.00 Ligustrum jap. Aureomarginata 193 7.00 Ligustrum ovalufolium 260 7.00 Ligustrum vulgare 286 7.00 Liriodendron tulipefera 268 8.50 Lonicera tatarica Arnold Red 347 7.00 Lonicera xylosteum Clavey’s Dwarf 227 7.00 Lonicera xylosteum Emerald Mound 822 7.00 Lonicera xylosteum Miniglobe 741 7.00 Magnolia stellata Royal Star 164 Magnolia X loebneri Leonard Messel 275 Magnolia x Susan 146 Philadelphus coronarius Aureus 168 7.00 Philadelphus Innocence 732 7.00 Philadelphus Minn.Snowflake Dwarf 154 7.00 Philadelphus Minnesota Snowflake 459 7.00 Philadelphus X Natchez 154 7.00 Philadelphus X virginalis 527 7.00 Physocarpus opulifolius 941 7.00 Physocarpus opulifolius Diabolo 1,000 7.60 1,000 Populus tremuloides 576 7.00 Potentilla fruticosa Coronation Triumph 1,000 7.00 Potentilla fruticosa Dakota Sunrise 1,000 7.00 Potentilla fruticosa Gold Drop 307 7.00 Potentilla fruticosa Goldstar 1,000 7.00 Potentilla fruticosa Mango Tango 273 7.00 Potentilla fruticosa McKay’s White 287 7.00 Potentilla fruticosa Tangerine 401 7.00 Prunus cistena 1,000 5.00 1,000 7.00 Prunus virginiana 300 7.00 Quercus alba 141 7.00 Quercus bicolor 483 7.00 Quercus macrocarpa 260 7.00 48 Quercus palustris 132 7.00 Quercus robur Fastigiata 1,000 9.00 Rhus typhina 1,000 7.00 Rhus typhina Tiger Eyes 454 Rosa Henry Kelsey 376 7.00 Rosa Bonica 1,000 7.00

8.00

8.00 8.60 8.00

9.50

14.00

11.00 11.00 11.00

8.60

8.00

12.50

Qty. 1 Gal Qty. 2 Gal Qty. 3 Gal Avail. Price Avail. Price Avail. Price

Rosa Carolina Rosa J P Connell Rosa palustris Rosa rugosa Rosa rugosa Morden Blush Rosa x Champlain Rosa x George Vancouver Rosa x Morden Amorette Rubus odoratus Salix discolor Salix eriocephala Salix exigua Salix gracilis Purpurea Nana Sambucus canadensis Aurea Sambucus nigra Black Lace Sambucus pubens Sorbaria aitchisonii Sorbaria sorbifolia Sem Spiraea alba Spiraea arguta Spiraea betulifolia Tor Spiraea bumalda Gold Mound Spiraea japonica Anthony Waterer Spiraea japonica Crispa Spiraea japonica Dakota Goldcharm Spiraea japonica Darts Red Spiraea japonica Flaming Mound Spiraea japonica Froebelii Spiraea japonica Golden Princess Spiraea japonica Goldflame Spiraea japonica Little Princess Spiraea japonica Magic Carpet Spiraea japonica Shirobana (Genpei) Spiraea japonica White Gold Spiraea nipponica Snowmound Spiraea vanhouttei Stephanandra incisa Crispa Symphoricarpos albus Symphoricarpos chenaultii Hancock Syringa Tinkerbelle Syringa vulgaris Beauty of Moscow Syringa vulgaris Primrose Syringa vulgaris Sensation Syringa X prestoniae Minuet Tamarix pentandra Tilia cordata Viburnum dentatum Chicago Lustre Viburnum nudum Winterthur Viburnum opulus Roseum Viburnum plic. Summer Snowflake Viburnum plicatum Mariesii Viburnum plicatum Shasta Viburnum trilobum Viburnum trilobum Bailey Compact Weigela florida Alexandra Weigela florida Bristol Ruby Weigela florida French Lace Weigela florida Java Red Weigela florida Minor Black Weigela florida Minuet Weigela florida Nana Variegata Weigela florida Polka Weigela florida Purpurea Nana Weigela florida Red Prince Weigela florida Rubidor Weigela florida Rumba Weigela florida Tango Weigela florida Variegata Weigela florida Victoria

1,000 395 150 1,000 221 399 324 152 240 1,000 1,000 1,000 969 1,000 95 271 340 238 1,000 282 235 1,000 1,000 1,000 631 106 645 1,000 343 1,000 1,000 1,000 363 278 336 538 315 1,000 690 650 117 170 15 165 100 345 495 100 137 147 272 190 263 230 243 263 279 295 95 212 421 615 1,000 330 30 385 277 103 170

7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 9.50 30 7.00 7.00 7.00 22 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.25 7.00 324 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.50 7.00 7.00 7.00 107 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 9 7.00 10.00 10.00 7.00 7.00 7.60 7.00 7.60 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00

11.50 8.00

8.00

8.00

8.00

RR 2, Mount Brydges, ON N0L 1W0 Tel: 519-264-9057 • Fax: 519-264-1337 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - APRIL 15, 2011 17

THE UNDERGROUND WORLD

Landscape sector reduces utility hits Common Ground Alliance (ORCGA) from its damage Year Agriculture Fencing Irrigation Landscaping Total he landscape sector regisprevention report, known as 2010 0 353 3 360 716 tered an amazing statistic, DIRT (Damage Information by going from 542 hits in Reporting Tool).

2009 2 365 5 542 914 2009 all the way down to 360 in As you can see, landscap2008 0 339 3 393 735 2010. That’s an amazing 34 per ing hits have been steadily 2007 1 422 3 386 812 cent decline in 2010, compared to increasing annually from what was a record high in 2009.

2005. In 2009 our hits went up 2006 11 366 3 317 697 This is a tremendous turnaround 38 per cent from the previous 2005 62 406 0 195 663 and a solid improvement for year. Now this year you have 76 2251 17 2193 4537 our industry. Keep up the great Total reduced our hit damage by 34 work! per cent, which is a remarkable • It is the right thing to do for your safety due turnaround. Let’s keep that trend going, as we Why is it important? diligence. start our 2011 season.

One can list several key reasons why it is very

important for the landscape industry, Landscape Key time is right now Elements of improvement Ontario members and every landscape firm to We all know that April, May and June are key In working closely with ORCGA, it’s easy to see keep reducing our underground hits. Some of months in our industry, a time when we are the that we need to keep talking about underground the main reasons include: most active and busy. These are the months damage prevention and the need to always get • Each underground hit has the potential to that can make or break our industry in respect locates and excavate safely. Specific actions kill or injure employees. to our underground hit reduction plan. And that each landscape firm can take to assist in • Damage repair is expensive, averaging so, these are the months on which we need to our underground hit reduction plan are: $4,000 per hit. focus. We must take our time, plan our work, • Always obtain locates before starting to • Underground damage prevention is your get the required locates and take care when we dig. personal responsibility. excavate. Spring safety meetings should cover • Get set up with Alternative Locate • Government inspection authorities are all the important aspects of this subject.

Agreements (ALAs) with your local beginning to have a more positive attitude utilities. towards our industry.

Statistics improving • Give sufficient locate request time for the • Our industry image is at stake with Above are the latest statistics, which have locate company to do its work. underground stakeholders. been prepared by the Ontario Regional • Forecast and prioritize your locate requests for the season to the locate company • At all industry meetings, remind company owners or managers of their responsibilities to obtain locates.

By Terry Murphy CLP

Green Industry Utility Hits

T

Riverbend Farms (Ontario) Ltd.

1980-2011

Award winning evergreens and broadleaf evergreens

51240 John Wise Line Aylmer, ON N5H 2R5

O

u

us rB

iness is

Growing!

Flowering shrubs Perennials Phone (519) 765-2130 Fax (519) 765-3171 E-mail riverbendfarms@amtelecom.net

18 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - APRIL 15, 2011

Our level of professionalism dictates that we make every effort possible to eliminate underground hits. It’s a matter of due diligence.

Please continue to talk about this subject at meetings, Chapter events, board meetings, or one-on-one. Our target goal continues to be a reduction in our landscape industry hits by over 50 per cent in the next two to three years, down from the high of 542 hits in 2009. We can do it! Our target goal for 2013 is 270 hits. Let’s make it happen.

Clip and save this series of articles on the underground industry for your company safety training sessions.

Terry Murphy may be contacted at tvmurphy@ca.inter.net.

MEMBERSHIP

Busy season ahead with barbecues and sports

By Helen Hassard Membership coordinator

S

pring has finally arrived, and I for one can’t wait to dig out my flip-flops. I’m sure most LO members have just one thing on their minds as we watch the mercury rise, and it doesn’t include golf, baseball and barbecues.

But do remember, as you gear-up for the busy season, to take some time later on in order to balance that work with a few hours of play. Here is the Helen Hassard exciting line-up later in the summer that our dedicated volunteers and chapter staff have put together: July Upper Canada Golf Tournament: Fri., July 15

at Briar Fox Golf Club in Marysville.

Toronto Chapter Golf Tournament: The chapter will once again host its annual golf tournament. Details will be posted shortly at www.horttrades.com/chapter/toronto.

August Toronto Baseball Tournament: Sun., Aug. 14 at Richmond Greens Sports Centre and Park.

Golden Horseshoe Golf Tournament: Wed., Aug. 17 at Willow Valley Golf Course.

Durham Chapter’s 5th Annual Barbecue: Thurs., Aug. 25 at T. Arnts Loam Supply, from 3 – 7 p.m.

Annual Waterloo Baseball Tournament: The chapter will once again run the popular baseball tournament. Details will be posted shortly at www.horttrades.com/chapter/ waterloo.

Ottawa Golf Tournament: The chapter will announce details about its annual golf tournament shortly. Go to www.horttrades. com/chapter/ottawa for more information.

September: Golden Horseshoe Chicken Roast: Thurs., Sept. 15.

Georgian Lakelands Golf tournament: Fri., Sept. 23 at the Valley Course.

London Golf tournament: Fri., Sept. 9 at Pine Knot Golf Course.

Windsor Golf tournament: Sat., Sept. 10. The tournament location will be determined shortly and posted at www.horttrades.com/ chapter/windsor.

For more information about any of these events please go to www.horttrades.com/ comingevents. All events have a range of sponsorship options available, so contact me at 1-800265-5656, ext. 354, or helen@landscapeontario. com to be connected with the social event planning committees for each chapter.

Chapter events are always looking for volunteers so if you want to be where the action is, but you’re not overly sporty, get in touch with me at the email or phone number above.

Stam Nurseries

Quality shade trees and evergreens Custom digging available 593836 Hwy. 59, RR #2 Burgessville, ON N0J 1C0 P. 519 424 3350 F. 519 456 1659

info@stamnurseries.com HORTICULTURE REVIEW - APRIL 15, 2011 19

Chapter News Upper Canada Chapter helps launch college’s first horticulture apprenticeship program

First-ever Loyalist College horticulture apprentices.

Fourteen registered Horticultural Technician apprentices are now attending the first-ever in-class apprenticeship training opportunity at Loyalist College in Belleville.

Back in the fall of 2005, a small seed was planted when a representative of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities spoke to members of Upper Canada Chapter. Since that time the Chapter worked towards creat-

ing a horticultural apprenticeship program at Loyalist College. In January of 2011, the Chapter celebrated the launch of the program.

Dan Clost CHTR, president of the Upper Canada Chapter, said a great deal of time, spent at meetings, networking, emails, telephone calls and thousands of kilometres in highway time, by volunteers ensured the reality of the apprenticeship program.

Some of the volunteers included Diana Cassidy-Bush CLP, Paul Doornbos CLT, CLP, Pam McCormick, Sian Pritchard, Terry Childs, Serena Hubbs, Neil Bouma, Stephen Poole and Clost. “This does not include the member firms that have apprentices,” says Clost.

Clost is also nursery manager of Connon Nurseries in Bayside, where in-class training takes place featuring both theory and practical classes. The apprentices will return to their employers for the busy spring season to continue their on-the-job apprenticeship training. Horticultural Technician Apprenticeship requires several years of on-the-job training and two levels of in-class training to qualify apprentices to challenge the certification examination. The Horticultural Technician Certificate of Qualification is a Red Seal certification.

“This project was a collaborative effort by the college, local members of Landscape Ontario and MTCU, demonstrating a community response to a local need,” says Tom Malloy, Dean of Skills Training, Architecture, Building Sciences, Access, and Continuing Education at Loyalist College.

Serving the landscape industry for nearly 50 years

4765 Old Scugog Road, Bowmanville, Ontario T: 905-263-8814 F: 905-263-4431 E: sales@kobesnurseries.com

www.kobesnurseries.com 20 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - APRIL 15, 2011

Keeping your chapter connected Preparation ensures Georgian Lakelands Chapter meeting attracts over 100 attendees

By Michael LaPorte CLT Georgian Lakelands Chapter president

Georgian Lakelands Chapter held its annual MTO meeting on Wed., Mar. 23 at Innisbrook Golf and Country Club. A total of 91 people attended, representing 31 member companies and 10 non-member companies; this despite terrible driving conditions all day. It was exciting to see everyone involved in the event.

The Chapter sponsors were introduced and meeting sponsor John Renault from Myke gave a short product review. Nick Solty, Chapter past-president, then took the podium and conducted the general election. The members have used this meeting for election time, as it traditionally produces the greatest attendance.

Once the Chapter duties were out of the way, Hank Dubee, Ministry of Transportation, was introduced. As always, he provided an informative presentation. He explained the rules and regulations that apply to landscapers, such as CVOR, ‘A’-licensing, safety requirements of vehicles and trailers, as well as load security. Once he provided all the information, a series of photographs demonstrated why we need all these rules.

Preparation began months before to ensure that attendance at this meeting remained high.

The date and location were chosen months in advance. The speaker was notified, and a month ago it was confirmed. Advertising began in January at Congress, where the Chapter board, along with supportive volunteers promoted the Chapter and all of the events at our Georgian Lakelands booth.

Chapter coordinator Lexi Dearborn took over from there. With help from home office, the meeting information was posted online at our chapter page on the Horttrades site. We also posted the event on our Georgian Lakelands Chapter Facebook page and sent inventions to all our friends through the site. Lexi decided to create the value we needed to have people register for the event. The board agreed, and we began distributing the registration form. Each company who registered was then contacted and thanked for becoming involved.

Nearly 100 people attended Georgian Lakelands’ popular MTO meeting.

As a volunteer, we often view success by the number of engaged people at our events.

Lexi organized everyone as they arrived. All our board members performed duties to make the experience memorable for everyone. And, the nearly 100 engaged people in attendance

got involved in the presentation by asking great questions and sharing their experiences with everyone else. It was truly energizing to watch everyone participate at the event.

Congratulations to everyone involved.

HORTICULTURE REVIEW - APRIL 15, 2011 21

Growers brainstorm a path to prosperity A group of 60 LO growers attended a think tank at the Milton office in January to investigate ways to improve the sector’s prosperity.

How to promote the value of, and stimulate demand, for Ontario-grown plants, and the best way to coordinate supply with demand, were also discussed.

There have been many negative points of pressure on the Ontario growers, not the least of which was the slowdown in building construction in Canada, due to depressed economy. The recession south of the border has had a big impact as struggling U.S. growers have been dumping cheap plant material in our market. With the high minimum wage in Ontario, growers who have already cut costs to the bone can’t match the cheaper U.S. prices.

Action plan LO president Tom Intven introduced the six panel members, who each presented their ideas on the subject, then a discussion took place on the presented solutions, followed by the drafting of an action plan.

Speaking from a U.S. perspective, Debbie

Lonnee, manager of planning and administration at Bailey Nurseries in Minnesota, said the last few years have been really tough for nurseries. Bailey’s has had a decrease in sales in each of the last three years. She spoke about the nursery’s four-point plan to turn things around, including focusing on sales, marketing, keeping a better eye on production and sourcing new genetics.

Marketing opportunities Mark Ostrowski, owner of Laurel Forest Farm at Orangeville, looked at the problem from a marketing viewpoint. Ostrowski has a marketing degree and works as a management consultant in the ag industry. He shared some of information culled from the Canadian Ornamental Horticultural Alliance Deloitte report, Impact of Ornamental Horticulture on the Economy. “Growers should take a look at the opportunities for growth in this report (link) and develop or target their products accordingly,” said Ostrowski. He also talked about developing marketing strategies for business development.

22 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - APRIL 15, 2011

Karl Stensson, president of Sheridan Nurseries, Georgetown, expressed frustration with the poor perceived value of nursery stock, and cited prices of some staple items he grows that have remained the same, or increased only marginally in the past 10 years. “Most input costs have increased, but growers aren’t reflecting the resulting increase in wholesale prices they charge,” he said. Stensson suggested that growers form a collective buying group for supplies, and create a website where surplus product can be posted for other growers to source, to prevent product dumping.

Bill Mori, of Mori Nurseries, Niagaraon-the-Lake, suggested that LO invest in creating a television show that would educate the public, and get them excited about plants and garden design. This would increase confidence and help build the garden community – particularly younger gardeners, and benefit all sectors of the green industry.

Green projects Harry Worsley of Uxbridge Nurseries in Brooklin believes the environment is the ticket to getting out of this slower economy — investing in green infrastructure projects like highway planting with the MTO. “LO and growers should communicate at least once a year with other landscape contractors and architects, focusing on site selection, varieties, planting depths, earth balls, structure, utilities.” he suggested. “Bring up the value and price of plants and increase survivability of plants in municipal setting.”

John Chisholm with SB Partners, an accounting firm in Burlington, said it’s time to get back to fundamentals when the industry is competing under pressure. He works with others in the agriculture community and coaches his clients to have three plans, A B and C. “Some of the biggest problems clients have is not recognizing when it’s time to change plans.

Discounting is not a long term strategy – it is a short term reaction. Develop a proactive strategy to respond to someone else’s short term strategy,” said Chisholm.

LO executive director, Tony DiGiovanni moderated an ideas session, which resulted in 21 action items to help growers develop opportunities for growth and improve their prosperity. The action plan can be found at www. horttrades.com/sector/growers.

LO STAFF PROFILE

Kristen McIntyre CHT

Conference and event coordinator What is your job description at LO? I coordinate the Awards of Excellence programs and ceremonies, and manage the Congress and Expo conferences and symposia, including annual sector symposia and special events, such as the Growers Research Auction. I also provide support to the public relations department and Canada Blooms. In the past, I have served as LO’s membership coordinator, as well as the chapter coordinator.

What is your background before coming to LO, and when did you begin work at LO? I have been at Landscape Ontario for so long, it’s hard to remember life before it.

Eleven years ago I was owner and operator of a small garden design company, with a background in business and tourism. The focus of my business was residential and small scale commercial. My niche in the market involved planting plans and annual design. It’s a very long story how I came to stay at Landscape Ontario, but basically it started when I met Denis Flanagan, LO’s director of public relations, and it all spiralled from there. For a number of years, I worked at LO during the day, and ran my business at night and on weekends. Eventually I decided that this is where I want to be, though I still get a little twitchy every spring!

When not at work, where can you be found?

With my family. I met my husband when I was 18 and we have been together ever since.

(Don’t attempt the math!) My daughter is 3 ½ and my son is a whopping 15 months. I don’t know where the time goes, but I try and freeze it whenever possible and enjoy every moment with them that I can afford.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

The Queen of England (or the fairies). And I meant it too. I think my family would agree we’re all glad that it didn’t work out.

What inspires you during your time at LO? This is home. Horticulture is a part of me.

The community here, both the staff and members, are like family. It’s often a gigantic

dysfunctional one, but family nonetheless. The passion that drives them also drives me.

Name your all-time favourite movie, musical group and TV show.

Sadly, my favourite would have to be any movie or TV shows that I have the rare opportunity to watch from start to finish (aside from Backyardigans). Bless the DVR. Music – well, even though Itsy Bitsy Spider is on perpetual loop, I like to rock out to Hot Potato or Wiggle Your Toes every now and then.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A few years ago I would have answered – back to Italy! But these days, honestly – my own backyard....for an entire week in early June, with a mix of sun and cloud, a light

breeze and a perfect 25 degrees; with no interruptions. Just me, lots of shiny tools, soil mix and a whole mess of bedding plants.

That would be fabulous.

Tell us one thing about you that few of your colleagues know about you.

If I gave away my secrets, what fun would that be? Imagination is a gift.

In memoriam Agnes Rickli

Co-owner of New Style Gardening Limited in Hamilton, Agnes Rickli, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wed., Mar. 2. She is survived by her husband Walter, sons Ron, Walt and grandchildren. An active part of the family business for over 50 years, Rickli proudly managed the greenhouse division, enriching the lives of all she touched. A celebration of her life was held on Mar. 19.

HORTICULTURE REVIEW - APRIL 15, 2011 23

Members deal with tough issue of increasing gas prices Gasoline prices at the pump are expected to continue to rise, but by how much is the tough question. With prices spiking to $1.20 per litre by late March, some experts predict it could reach much higher this summer.

What steps can members of Landscape Ontario take in order to be proactive in dealing with the unpredictability of fuel costs for the coming season? Horticulture Review asked some of our members how they cope when gas prices jump.

Peter Guinane, CEO of Toronto’s Oriole Landscaping, says, “Our experience at Oriole indicates we will face two fronts with higher fuel costs. In addition to the direct cost for our fleet, many of our suppliers have a fuel surcharge they instituted back in 2007 or 2008. Materials end up costing more than we allowed in our estimates, often completed six months earlier. That being said, I am not overly concerned for our bottom line.”

He went on to include a list of fuel expenses as a percentage of sales for the last four years. “This is probably low for the industry, especially compared to a maintenance business, but even if fuel is a much higher percentage of sales, an increase of 10 per cent at the pumps will not reduce your bottom line by much,” stated Guinane.

“If fuel averages are close to $1.25 for the entire summer, our fuel will consume closer to 1.4 per cent of sales in 2011,” says Guinane. He lists the fuel expense as a percentage of sales for the last four years, as well as his budget for this year: 2007, 1.04%; 2008, 1.34%; 2009, 1.21%; 2010, 1.06%; 2011, 1.28%.

“The key is to have a good budget to start the year. Don’t bank on healthy sales or everything going perfectly. If you allow for some unforeseen circumstances in costs and labour expense, you should be able to maintain your profit margin through a volatile market,” says Guinane.

Paul Doornbos CLP, CLT, who owns Thornbusch Landscaping of Lansdowne, began a discussion on Landscape Ontario’s LinkedIn web discussion group. He asked, “What steps is everyone taking to be proactive in dealing with the unpredictability of rising fuel costs for the coming season?”

Mark Humphries, owner of Humphries Landscape Services, responded, “Many years ago we added a fuel surcharge line to all our stationery. It is always there in front of the customer, even if the amount is 0 (or we make it a negotiation tool).” He went on to explain that with the notice it is always allows his company flexibility against the rise and fall of gas prices. “It is not a complete surprise to the client, and (as they feel the pain in their own wallet), they are more likely to understand.”

Terry Childs, owner of Nature’s Way Landscaping, Gananoque, said, “My prices are based on $1.50 per litre, so we will have a little room to play with if the price goes up.”

In answer to the question that he generated, Paul Doornbos wrote, “Two years ago when oil spiked in cost per barrel we added the line to all our maintenance contracts that if fuel went above $1.30 a litre for a period of 10 consecutive days, that a fuel surcharge of one per cent of the total value of the contract would be applied to their next bill; we never removed that line and will continue with it this year.”

One member wrote that a hedging strategy is an easy-to-use method and works for more than just fuel. He explained that a less sophisticated way is to buy a basket of stocks like the larger producer and extracting companies stocks themselves, Imperial Oil and Suncor which tend to have much larger profits during spikes in the price of oil, as their processing costs usually remain quite static.

Peter Scholtens of Verbinnen’s Nursery in Dundas agreed, saying, “I have an acquain-

60 Month Average Retail Price Chart

24 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - APRIL 15, 2011

tance in the biz in the U.S. who invests in oil as a hedge against price increases. When prices go up, the investments do better and compensate for the increase in his business expenses. The more closely you can invest in the commodity itself, the better the hedging.” He cautioned that the tax implications of any decisions are an important part of the process. “I know that, for registered core investment income, it is taxed at a far higher rate than business income, so that definitely has an impact.”

Robert Kennaley, who formerly wrote a legal advice column in Horticulture Review, and now appears in Landscape Trades, wrote in his April column, “The contractor will assume the risk of materials availability or price changes in his contract. The contractor is required to anticipate and include for all of his costs of performing the work he prices.” He goes on to explain that if the contractor is being paid monthly by way of a unit price, for example, the contract might provide that the unit price will increase by a certain amount or percentage during any month in which the gas price in the vicinity of the place of work exceeds a certain threshold per-litre cost.

Keep vehicles in good condition “We have always tried to keep our travel time to projects to a minimum, more for labour cost savings than fuel. High fuel costs may make that strategy more appropriate for all contractors,” says Peter Guinane. “Our Green for Life message will be reinforced by our actions if we can reduce the volume of fuel consumed by our industry as a whole.

There is the option of saving on gasoline usage: keep vehicles tuned, tires properly inflated, change run-and-gun driving habits, unnecessary idling, keep spark plugs up to date, check tire alignment.

Joe Salemi, member services manager at Canadian Nursery Landscape Association, added, “Let’s not forget the discounts available through Esso and Petro-Canada via your membership with Landscape Ontario/CNLA. That’s 2.9 cents per litre off at the pump at all Esso retail locations, and 2.4 cents per litre off at all PetroCanada retail locations.”

John Hofmeister, the former president of Shell Oil, expects price hikes to continue until November 2012. He bases his forecast on higher demand for gasoline worldwide, especially in Asia. Of course political unrest in the Middle East, natural disasters and economic uncertainty puts the accuracy of such forecasts in the questionable section. But then, only taxes and death are absolutes.

The grand opening of the Kooy Brothers’ impressive new home on Mar. 25 was truly a family affair. Family members and staff joined City of Toronto Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti to officially cut the ribbon to open the 50,000-sq. ft. building. In centre is company president Bill Kooy about to snip the ribbon. Kooy refected how the business began with repairing lawnmowers in their parents’ garage at Jane and Finch. Kooy and his brother Harry now operate one of Canada’s largest providers of landscaping, snow plow, and construction equipment. The business employs 38 people, including 14 family members. Ross Wallace, president of Kubota Canada told those present that Kooy Bros. is his company’s flagship store.

Vineland unveils expansion plans Vineland Research and Innovation Centre has announced plans for a new 25,000-sq. ft. centre that will include state-of-the-art research laboratories, a business convergence centre and meeting and conference facilities to support sustainable food and flowers innovations in Canada.

Vineland is hoping for a groundbreaking ceremony on construction ‘sometime’ this summer, and is now working to secure $12.5 million in donor funds, to match the provincial government investment.

The announcement was made at Canada Blooms. Said Donald Ziraldo, chairman of Vineland's board of directors, “In 2007 the provincial and federal governments saw real value in what industry was proposing at Vineland: a new research and innovation mandate for Canadian horticulture that would make us leaders, not laggards, on the world stage. Today, we have the team of researchers and the industry and government partners to make it happen. The timing is right to make the world-class facility Jack Diamond and his colleagues at Diamond + Schmitt Architects designed into a reality.”

A RCHITECTURALLY D ESIGNED

GARDEN BUILDINGS

GAZEBOS AND S HELTERS

 Tel.: (905) 563-8133 • Fax: (905) 563-7526 Visit us at: www.limestonetrail.com

HORTICULTURE REVIEW - APRIL 15, 2011 25

OMAFRA TURF REPORT

Research done on dairy by-product to control weeds

By Pam Charbonneau OMAFRA Turf Specialist

F

ollowing the cosmetic pesticides ban, a couple of new products have come to the marketplace for broadleaf weed control in turf.

Last year I reported on my research with the iron chelate-based product Fiesta. The following article discusses research conducted on another new broadleaf herbicide for turf under the name, Organo-sol.

What is Organo-sol?

It is a product developed by Lacto Pro-Tech, a Quebec company which commercializes products made from dairy ingredients. It is a division of the cheese manufacturing company Saputo.

Organo-sol is manufactured from fermented dairy ingredients. Active ingredients are citric and lactic acid (produced by lactic acid bacteria). As you can imagine, based on these ingredients, the product itself smells like a mixture of orange juice and sour milk.

It is labelled for the control of bird’s foot trefoil, black medick, clover and wood sorrel in established lawns. The product is applied as a mixture of 25 per cent Organo-Sol, three per cent surfactant and 72 per cent water, applied at a rate of 200 mL per m2. The surfactants on the label include XA Oil Concentrate, Kornoil Concentrate and Assist. The application needs to be repeated every 14 days for a total of five applications.

Research trial A research trial was conducted following the label rate and timing directions. Treatments were applied in 2010 on May 26, June 7, June 21, July 5 and July 19. A different surfactant mixing process, other than what was suggested on the Lacto-Pro Tech label, substituted LI700 from United Agri-Products. The research site was an area of established turf (a mixture of Kentucky bluegrass and turf-type perennial ryegrass infested with dandelions, black medick, clover, narrow-leaved plantain and other lawn weeds). Turf was maintained as a lowmaintenance turf with weekly mowing at 6 cm, no supplemental irrigation and fertilized once a year with 0.5 kg N/100m2.

Treatments were untreated control, using Organo-sol at the label rate and Par III (a herbicide consisting of 2,4 D, mecoprop and

Par III Organo-sol Control weedy check

Figure 1. Effect of Organo-sol on dandelions

Par III Organo-sol Control weedy check

Figure 2. Effect of Organo-sol on clover

dicamba), also applied at label rate. Each treatment was replicated four times in 2 x 2 m plots in a randomized complete block design.

The percentage of coverage of each weed species (dandelion, black medick, narrowleaved plantain, broadleaf plantain, bird’s foot trefoil, clover and mouse-eared chickweed) was recorded in each plot on June 11, June 17, June 30, July 15, July 29 and Aug. 13. Four randomized point quadrants, measuring 60 cm x 60 cm, with 25 points in each quadrant (points 10 cm apart), for a total of 100 points in each plot, were used to record estimated percentage of broadleaf weed cover of the each of

26 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - APRIL 15, 2011

the weed species at each assessment date.

All measurements were analysed by the appropriate statistical process. The only broadleaf weed species that were in high enough numbers to observe significant differences were clover, dandelion and black medick and total weeds, and only these will be reported here.

Results Visual observations made several hours after treatment showed phytotoxicity to the grass and weed leaves, turning them light brown to yellow. The grass phytotoxicity lasted for

University of Guelph researching green roof plants

Par III Organo-sol Control weedy check

Figure 3. Effect of Organo-sol on black medick

Par III Organo-sol Control weedy check

Figure 4. Effect of Organo-sol on broadleaf weeds.

roughly one week after treatment.

Organo-sol gave poor control of dandelions (Figure 1), but this is known, and dandelions are not listed on the Organo-sol label.

Organo-sol did give good control of clover (Figure 2), black medick (Figure 3) and total broadleaf weeds (Figure 4). Organo-sol gave the same level of control for clover and black medick as Par III, reducing the clover by roughly 70 per cent. Overall, the total weeds were reduced by Organo-sol by 66 per cent, but the reduction was not as great as the reduction in total weeds with Par III, which was a 95 per cent over the untreated area.

Organo-sol, when applied according to the label, with the addition of the surfactant LI700, did provide significant control for clover, black medick and total broadleaf weeds in this study. Though not reported here, a trial including Organo-sol was conducted by

Cynthia Siva for her Master’s research project, using the surfactant Assist and the efficacy is much lower than with LI700. Organo-sol was phytotoxic to turf and the phytotoxicity one week after treatment. It is unclear whether this level of damage will be acceptable in the marketplace. In addition, the smell of the product is unpleasant and may also have a bearing on how well it is accepted in the marketplace. The need for five applications in a season for efficacy may also be a deterrent to the adoption of this new product by the lawn care market.

At the time of writing this article, Organo-sol has received registration from the PMRA, but it has yet to be classified in Ontario by the Ontario Pesticide Advisory Committee.

Pam Charbonneau may be contacted at 519-824-4120, ext. 52597, or by e-mail at pamela.charbonneau@ontario.ca.

Based on the rapidly increasing number of green roof installations, and an increased demand for quality green roof plants, growing substrates and production systems, the University of Guelph has announced the creation of a research program.

The Guelph Green Roof Research project was initiated to support the needs, especially biological, of the rapidly-developing green roof industry in northern climates.

The research group consists of plant biologists, soil scientists and horticulturists. Its mission is to conduct scientific research to provide the green roof industry with updated and reliable information in the following areas: • Plant species and combinations suitable for green roof installation • Green roof plant production technologies (e.g. growing substrates, irrigation, fertilization, growing systems) • Green roof plant installation and maintenance technologies [e.g. growing substrates, irrigation, fertilization, pest (e.g. pathogen and weeds), and other stresses (e.g. drought) management Researchers will test various species under Ontario rooftop conditions, using mat and tray growing systems.

They will monitor plant-to-plant interactions in different combinations to determine compatibilities. Plants will also be analyzed to determine their suitability for different green roof growing systems.

Landscape Ontario is a partner in the program. To access the research website, go to www.ces.uoguelph.ca/ greenroof/index.shtml.

HORTICULTURE REVIEW - APRIL 15, 2011 27

CLASSIFIED ADS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

NURSERY STOCK

SERVICES AND SUPPLIES

MAINTENANCE FOREPERSON Alpine Sodding & Landscaping in Bolton is seeking a seasonal Landscape Maintenance Foreperson. Applicants should have a minimum of 5 years experience, a valid ‘G’ class driver’s licence with experience towing a trailer is mandatory, although a valid ‘DZ’ class licence would be preferred.

FIRST NATURE NURSERY LTD Wholesale supplier of native evergreens White Pine......... 80-200cm.......500+ White Spruce..... 80-150cm.......2000+ White Cedar...... 80-250cm.......4000+ Blue Spruce....... 125-175cm.....1000+ Hemlock............ 100-175cm.....150+ Potted, B&B and wire baskets available.

Call (519) 647-0716 or (905) 973-3605 or wayne@firstnaturenursery.com

TREE TRANSPLANTING Transplanting trees up to 9” truck diameter with 10,000 lb. rootball. 44”, 80” & 90” spades to move trees with and can basket up to 90” 100 acres of trees to choose from.

BOTANIX OXFORD INSTA-SHADE RR # 2, Burgessville ON N0J 1C0 Tel: (519) 424-2180 • Fax: (519) 424-2420 Toll Free: 1-800-387-0246 Contact Jan Veldhuizen Email: jan@oxfordinstashade.com www.oxfordinstashade.com

The successful applicant will be responsible for the daily activities of a landscape maintenance crew (3-5 people).

Hofland Gardens Ornamental Grasses, Perennials, Ground cover Tel: 905-355-3392 E-mail: hoflandgardens@phc.igs.net

Please send resume to paul@aslgroup.ca or fax to (905) 951-9311 POSITIONS NOW AVAILABLE Pusateri’s Home & Garden Centre is a vibrant environment looking for inspirational minds with a polished and refined hand. Seeking knowledgable garden attendants with a strong background in the maintenance and selling of fresh nursery goods and horticultural products.

Positions now open for: Garden Centre Manager Garden Centre Associate Full time + benefits package. Professional experience necessary.

Email your resume to info@pusateris.com and indicate the position you are applying for in the subject line of the email.

Pusateri’s Fine Foods & Catering Only the finest will do.

We are looking for you.

KAMARAH TREE FARMS Quality Wholesaler of Specimen Trees SPRING CLEARANCE Sugar Maples.............. 50mm....................$90 Shingle Oak................. 50-70mm..............$80 Ornamental Pear......... 50-60mm..............$80 Serviceberry................ 50-60mm..............$90 Honeylocust................. 50-60mm..............$70 Ivory Silk Lilac............. 50-60mm..............$80 Linden.......................... 50-60mm..............$80 Blue Spruce................. 150-175cm............$95 Serbian Spruce............ 150-175cm............$80 White Cedar................ 250cm...................$70 Black Cedar................. 175-225cm............$60 (London) Lakeside, ON Ph (519) 349-2617 Fax (519) 349-2686 Email: kamarah2@msn.com

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING INFORMATION

All classified ads must be pre-paid by VISA or Mastercard. Rates: $45.20 (HST included) per column inch Min. order $45.20. 15% discount on ads run for entire calendar year. Box Numbers: Additional $10. Confidentiality ensured. Deadlines: 20th day of the month prior to issue date. (eg: June issue deadline is May 20th).

January deadline is Dec. 1. Space is limited to a first come, first served basis. To advertise: E-mail your name, phone number and ad to Robert at classifieds@landscapeontario. com or fax to (905) 875-0183. Online advertising: Website only ads are available for $45.20 (HST included).

Website ads are posted for 30 days and are limited to 325 words.

View these ads and more online at:

www.horttrades.com/ classifieds 28 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - APRIL 15, 2011

FIRST NATURE NURSERY LTD Wholesale supplier of native branches Looking for Willow, Dogwood, or Poplar stems?

We supply native cuts from 1ft-10ft.

Live stakes, fascines, wattlings and fencing.

Native and ornamental species available.

Call (519) 647-0716 or (905) 973-3605 or wayne@firstnaturenursery.com LARGE TREE MOVING AND SALES 115 inch and 90 inch tree spades available for hire. Largest truck mount machine in Ontario.

Call Burkraft Services (905) 689-1269

EQUIPMENT

DIG YOUR OWN TREES Colorado blue and green, 10-14ft.

Balsam, fraser and silver fir, 10-12 ft.

Red oak, 2-4 inches Black walnut, 4-5 inches Airport road location north of Hwy. 9 Please call (519) 941-8046

FINN Hydroseeders & Bark Blowers New and Used: • Flex Guard FRM • Soil Guard BFM • Erosion Control Blanket Seed & Fertilizer Toll free: (888) 761-1101 Fax: (905) 761-7959 www.fibramulch.com

PERENNIALS Large assortment of perennials, ground covers and native plants.

Price - Variety list available.

FRANK SCHENK PERENNIALS 663 River Road (Belfountain), Caledon, ON L7K 0E5 Tel: (519) 927-5415 Fax: (519) 927-9084

2010 Turfmaker 800 Flattop (holds 950gal) Assume lease @ $677.94 + HST. Skid mount, 30hp Kohler Engine (electric start) pump with hard plated case and plates with SS drive gear, rubber idler, sidewinder gun assembly, 65 gallon clear water flush. Hose reel, 200’ hose, 3 nozzles, shut off valve.

Call Ken (705) 848-3107

Get INSPIRED, Get CONNECTED

Changes expected in workplace health and safety laws The Ontario government is proposing amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act. The province says the amendments are in response to recommendations provided by the Expert Panel on Occupational Health and Safety.

Some of those recommendations include: • Establish the Ministry of Labour as the lead for accident prevention, transferring it from the WSIB. • Appoint a new chief prevention officer to coordinate and align the prevention system.

• Create a new prevention council, with representatives from labour, employers, and safety experts, to advise the chief prevention officer and the minister.

The proposed amendments would also give the Minister of Labour oversight of the province’s health and safety associations. The minister would also oversee the education, training and promotion of workplace health and safety.

The 10-person advisory panel was chaired

by Tony Dean, a professor at the University of Toronto’s School of Public Policy and Governance. The released 80-page report contains 46 recommendations for change to Ontario’s

health and safety system.

The recommendations target such issues as the internal responsibility system, the underground economy, reprisals, enforcement of OHS in Ontario and the creation of a new prevention organization.

Mandatory training A significant focus of several expert advisory panel recommendations is on mandatory health and safety training. It is recommended that the Ministry of Labour develop and require employers to deliver a standard health and safety awareness program to all workers. Training is to be received upon entering the workplace, prior to exposure to any workplace hazards.

Consultation on the content of basic mandatory health and safety training would occur among stakeholders, and take into account the needs of small business, and language and literacy challenges present in the diverse workforce of Ontario. The advisory panel recommends that this be made free of charge to workers and employers. Where an employer has already established an equivalent program of basic entry level training, this would be grandfathered.

Mandatory free health and safety awareness training is also recommended for each supervisor responsible for frontline workers.

No date has been set as to when the province will deal with the recommendation in the legislature.

To find more on the report go the ministry’s website at www.labour.gov.on.ca.

2011-2012 MOL provincial blitzes schedule New and young worker — May and August; home builders/low rise construction — May; gravel pits and quarries — July; access equipment (ladders, suspended stages, elevated Work platforms) — August; personal protective equipment — October.

For more information on the ministry’s blitzes, go to www.labour.gov. on.ca.

AD INDEX COMPANY

PAGE

PHONE

WEBSITE

Aco Systems Ltd.................................................10.......... 877-226-4255.................................... www.acocan.ca Agrium...................................................................2........... 800-461-6471.................................... www.prohort.ca Braun Nursery Limited........................................25.......... 800-246-6984......................... www.braungroup.com Cerka Industries Ltd............................................23.......... 877-876-3344....................................... www.cerka.ca Dutchmaster Nurseries Ltd.................................32.......... 905-683-8211......... www.dutchmasternurseries.com Earthco (G&L Group).........................................31.......... 416-798-4749......................... www.earthcosoils.com Estate Lighting Supply Ltd..................................11.......... 905-874-1022...........................www.estatelighting.ca Gro-Bark (ONT) Ltd.............................................30.......... 905-846-1515............................... www. gro-bark.com Ground Covers Unlimited...................................22.......... 705-277-3005... groundscoversunlimited@gmail.com Helmutz Landscape & Interlock..........................21.......... 519-888-9536................................ www.helmutz.com Hillen Nursery Inc.............................................16-17.......519-264-9057 Kobes Nurseries Inc............................................20.......... 905-263-8814.................... www.kobesnurseries.com Landscape Safety ...............................................7........... 877-482-2323...................www.landscapesafety.com Legends Landscape Supply Inc.........................14.......... 905-336-3369....................... www.landscapestore.ca Limestone Trail Company Ltd.............................25.......... 905-563-8133........................www.limestonetrail.com M Putzer Nursery.................................................3........... 905-878-7226....................putzernursery@primus.ca Newroads National Leasing................................29.......... 416-587-1021................. www.newroadsleasing.com Potters Road Nursery Inc....................................5........... 519-688-0437.............. www.pottersroadnursery.com Riverbend Farms (Ontario) Ltd...........................18.......... 519-765-2130......... riverbendfarms@amtelecom.net Sheehan’s Truck Centre Ltd...............................19.......... 800-254-2859 ................... info@sheehanstruck.com Sipkens Nurseries Ltd..........................................7........... 866-843-0438................. www.sipkensnurseries.com Stam Nurseries....................................................19.......... 519-424-3350.................... www.stamsnurseries.com Uxbridge Nurseries Ltd.......................................12.......... 905-655-3379................www.uxbridgenurseries.com Winkelmolen Nursery Ltd....................................13.......... 519-647-3912.........................www.winkelmolen.com Zander Sod Co Ltd...............................................8........... 877-727-2100............................www.zandersod.com

HORTICULTURE REVIEW - APRIL 15, 2011 29

Saugeen horticulture students tell their story Editor’s note: Horticulture Ontario Secondary Teachers Association (HOSTA) member Keith Day sent the following article to Horticulture Review. Written by his students enrolled in his school’s Green Industry Program, it reveals their thoughts on the program.

By Sabreea Ahmed co-written/edited by Brianne Maas

At Saugeen District Secondary School in Port Elgin, students enrolled in the horticulture course are gaining experience they will remember for a lifetime. The students can be found caring for amaryllis bulbs, planting Polemonium seeds, transplanting Dark Eyes fuchsias, Swing Time fuchsias and Baby Tut grass, or learning about various propagation techniques and plant maintenance.

In May, the students will sell all of the plants that they have cared for during the semester to the Bruce County community through local stores, the Chippewa golf Saugeen students work on their horticulture project course, Bruce Power, and Canadian Tire. assignment requires the students to plant a bulb and record the growth in The class began the second semester with a gift from the teacher: a log book until the end of the course. It is definitely worth it, because an amaryllis bulb. However, this isn’t only a gift, it is an assignment. The in the end, the class will have beautiful flowers that are pink, white, or red and one to two feet tall.

The amaryllis is a colourful plant that can be given as a gift to others once smaller bulbs start growing on the main bulb. They are also perfect for holidays such as Valentine’s Day and Christmas. Horticulture period four student Brianne Maas told me, “This project presents students with an enjoyable opportunity to grow their own plants and also to demonstrate a certain sense of responsibility in doing so.”

Later in the course, elementary students in junior and senior kindergarten will visit the horticulture classes. The high school students will teach them about seeding and transplanting plants, which the proud elementary students will take home at the end of the day to show their parents. This will allow the older students to gain some experience working with others in a positive and productive environment.

During the annual greenhouse sale, there will be a variety of herbs, vegetables, annuals, perennials, ornamental grasses, houseplants, tropicals, hanging baskets, decorative planters and many plants from Proven Winners. In addition, a number of native plants will be sold. These include big bluestem, compass plant, cup plant and coneflowers. These plants are ideal for the Bruce County area, because they can withstand the climate and weather in this area, so they will be able to survive and Soil experts know grow to their full potential. that the problem with most soils is that they just aren’t porous One plant that is particularly interesting is the compass plant. The enough. Roots need air, water and drainage. Unlike top soil or leaves of the plant will always point north and south, never staying in triple mix, Gro-Max™ provides one position. the right balance in a complete blend that will endure.

Finally, field trips will be made to local residence so the students can carry out landscaping projects for their customers.

For more information you can visit the SDSS greenhouse website: www.saugeengreenhouse.com, or contact us at 519-832-2091.

Georgetown (905) 846 • 1515

30 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - APRIL 15, 2011

NEW MEMBERS Durham Aaron Galbraith Landscaping Aaron Galbraith 3282 Country Rd 21 PO Box 1192, Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0 Tel: 705-286-0632 Membership Type: Interim Golden Horseshoe Aura Landscaping Scott Duff 18 Court St, St. Catharines, ON L2R 4R4 Tel: 905-228-3733 Membership Type: Active Boisvert Landscape Maintenance Claude Boisvert 7030 Airport Rd, RR 2, Mount Hope, ON L0R 1W0 Tel: 905-679-6644 Membership Type: Active London David S Ross Pump Service Ltd David Ross 51464 Pressey Line, Springfield, ON N0L 2J0 Tel: 519-773-9615 Membership Type: Associate Leaf Garden Design Adam Allison 511 Wellington St, PO Box 106, Petrolia, ON N0N 1R0 Tel: 519-330-9271 Membership Type: Interim TSC - Country Pro Services Peter Hunter 1950 Oxford St E, London, ON N5V 2Z8 Tel: 519-457-5925 Membership Type: Associate Ottawa National Capital Irrigation Systems Craig De Schneider 28 Lytle, Ottawa, ON K2R 1E5 Tel: 613-282-9384 Membership Type: Active

Rossi Quality Services Inc. Gino Rossi 8216 Mayfield Road, Caledon, ON L7E 0W2 Tel: 416-748-0570 Membership Type: Active

Toronto Alternative Grounds Landscaping Inc Michael Dimitriadis 32 Sharon Blvd, Sharon, ON L0G 1V0 Tel: 416-505-6510 Membership Type: Active

Seasonal Services 2000 Inc. Ed Greenfield 11 Pioneer Dr, Erin, ON N0B 1T0 Tel: 519-833-2727 Membership Type: Active

Danico Landscaping Inc. Loreto Spalvieri 9 Shangrila Terrace PO Box 348, Bolton, ON L7E 5T3 Tel: 905-857-0455 Membership Type: Active

James Brydges Thornhill, ON Membership Type: Horticultural

Get it Done Enterprises Ltd. Matthew Jefferies 26 Ramblewood Dr, Toronto, ON M1C 3E1 Tel: 647-299-3663 Membership Type: Active

Sarah Mior Brampton, ON Membership Type: Horticultural Upper Canada Signature Landscape Concepts Brent Tripp CLP 54 Waddingham Rd, Marysville, ON K0K 2N0 Tel: 613-243-8445 Membership Type: Interim

Interlock Landscape Construction Steve Mercer 27 - 80 Carlauren Dr, Woodbridge, ON L4L 7Z5 Tel: 905-86-8361 Membership Type: Active MTF Services Ltd Mark Failes PO Box 372, Campbellville, ON L0P 1B0 Tel: 905-691-6440 Membership Type: Active

Waterloo Orchid Gardenscapes Scott Durst 43 Kortright Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G 4M6 Tel: 519-577-8244 Membership Type: Active

Neighbourhood Landscaping Inc. Darko Trifunovic 30 Titan Rd Unit 7, Etobicoke, ON M8Z 5Y2 Tel: 647-989-0953 Membership Type: Active

Ross Yantzi’s Pavestone Plus Ltd. Ross Yantzi 3699 Perth Road 107, Tavistock, ON N0B 2R0 Tel: 519-655-2298 Membership Type: Active

Redmond Hearth Donna Smith 5605 Timberlea Blvd, Mississauga, ON L4W 2S4 Tel: 905-602-4588 Membership Type: Associate

Windsor SKZ Landscaping John Skuza 854 Grand Marais Rd W, Windsor, ON N9E 1C4 Tel: 519-250-1664 Membership Type: Active

Rembrandt Landscaping Linda Dauphinee 3316 Lower Base Line, Milton, ON L9T 2X5 Tel: 905-876-1259 Membership Type: Active

Committed to Helping

Gardeners & Landscapers

GROW

call us at 416.789.4749

earthcosoils.com

HORTICULTURE REVIEW - APRIL 15, 2011 31

32 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - APRIL 15, 2011