Landscape Trades - December 2023-January 2024

LANDSCAPE GENERATIONAL TRENDS | LANDSCAPE ONTARIO CONGRESS | BUILDING HEALTHY SOIL

TRADES

STATE OF THE

INDUSTRY

CANADA’S PREMIER HORTICULTURAL TRADE PUBLICATION

DEC 2023-JAN 2024

BOOTH #1414

OAKSPAVERS.COM | 1.800.709.OAKS (6257) |

VISIT US AT CONGRESS!

STATE OF THE INDUSTRY | CONGRESS

22 28

10

36

44

FEATURES 10

STATE OF THE INDUSTRY

Trends and insights from our annual reader survey about the year that was and the year ahead.

BY KALI PEARSON

22 TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR FUTURE

Everything you need to plan a great 2024 at the Landscape Ontario Congress trade show and conference.

BY JULIA HARMSWORTH

28 SOIL THAT SUSTAINS

How the industry can embrace healthy practices to protect the earth and boost profitability.

BY GILLES LAPOINTE, PHD

36 CHANGING WITH THE TIMES

Landscaping trends — and the opportunities that come with them — differ from one generation to the next.

BY KARINA SINCLAIR

44 LIFE IS BETTER OUTSIDE

Starting every project with “why” can be the key to staff motivation and client satisfaction.

PODCAST ADAPTATION BY KARINA SINCLAIR

TRADES

DEC 2023 | JAN 2024 VOL. 45, NO. 6

LANDSCAPETRADES.COM COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Kali Pearson

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Mike Wasilewski

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Robert Ellidge

MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST

Karina Sinclair

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Greg Sumsion

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Liz Lant

COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

Angela Lindsay

DIGITAL MARKETING SPECIALIST

Charlotte Guena STAFF WRITER

Julia Harmsworth ACCOUNTANT

Joe Sabatino STAFF CONTACT INFO AT LANDSCAPETRADES.COM/CONTACT

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Gerald Boot CLM, Lindsay Drake Nightingale, Jeremy Feenstra, Mark Fisher, Hank Gelderman CHT, Nick Winkelmolen Landscape Trades is published by Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 comments@landscapetrades.com www.landscapetrades.com

Landscape Trades is published six times a year: February, March, May, August, October and December.

STATE OF THE INDUSTRY | CONGRESS

LANDSCAPE

6 COLUMNS 6 GREEN PENCIL

Our resolution is to help your business — and the landscape and horticultural industry — thrive.

BY KALI PEARSON

46 GROWING YOUR BUSINESS

Resolve to do business better in 2024 with a few simple ideas and key insights.

BY GRANT HARRISON

50 INTERNET OF NATURE

How emerging technology can influence landscape design to promote human health.

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BY DR. NADINA GALLE

Copyright 2023. All rights are reserved.

Material may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. Landscape Trades assumes no responsibility for, and does not endorse the contents of, any advertisements herein.

All representations or warranties made are those of the advertiser and not the publication. Views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the association or its members, but are those of the writer concerned.

BY PAUL BRYDGES

ISSN 0225-6398 PUBLICATIONS MAIL SALES AGREEMENT 40013519 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT LANDSCAPE TRADES MAGAZINE 7856 FIFTH LINE SOUTH, MILTON, ON L9T 2X8 CANADA

54 DESIGNERS CORNER

The design sector can help mitigate climate change through careful planning.

DEPARTMENTS 58 72 80 89 90

NEWSSCAPE CNLA NEWS NEW PRODUCTS ADVERTISERS AND EVENTS MENTOR MOMENT - Heather MacRae

PLEASE RECYCLE YOUR MAGAZINE AND POLY BAG.

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Intuitive controls and lightweight build for easy handling without the hassle of gas *On turbo mode and three 8.0Ah batteries. Up to 80 minutes runtime without turbo mode and three 8.0Ah batteries.

SNAP & SHARE CONTEST Visit us at Landscape Ontario Congress for a chance to win a DPB-5800T of your own!

JANUARY 9-11 BOOTH 1808

GREENPENCIL

Make 2024 your best year yet

BY KALI PEARSON AS WE CLOSE OUT 2023, we’re taking

stock of what we have accomplished this year — and what we hope to achieve in the year ahead. As editor of Landscape Trades, my New Year’s resolution is to make sure that every issue we produce informs and inspires, moving the needle for our readers — and the industry as a whole.

Your feedback from our third annual State of the Industry survey indicates there’s a lot to build on as we continue to elevate public perception of the trades — and lots to look forward to when it comes to making a real and positive impact within our communities and for the climate.

Of course there are also lots of challenges ahead as professionals continue to feel the pressure from a slowing economy and sky-high prices caused by inflation and rising insurance premiums. Flip to page 10 to read what your peers had to say about the year ahead (spoiler alert: they have excellent ideas on navigating some of the key challenges we’re all facing).

A huge thank you to all who took time to participate.

As our survey demonstrates, landscape and horticulture professionals are leaning in more than ever on how they can help mitigate climate change — and if you are looking for inspiration on how to do more on that front, this is the issue for you. Check out Dr. Gilles Lapointe’s article on soil rehabilitation on page 28, Dr. Nadina Galle’s column on digital apps that help quantify the benefits of getting out in

6 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

green spaces on page 50 and flip to page 72 for some of the exciting initiatives ahead from the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association.

Landscape and horticulture professionals are also getting creative about finding great opportunities that fit with the evolving needs of their clients. While age is but a number, understanding key demographic trends can help identify new areas to explore. Check out Karina Sinclair’s article on generational trends (page 36) for more on that. Columnist Grant Harrison also has some excellent guidance for taking care of your business in the year ahead on page 46.

Last, but definitely not least, check out Julia Harmsworth’s feature (page 22) on getting the most out of Landscape Ontario Congress — a three-day trade show and conference considered to be one of the very best in North America. If you haven’t been, it’s a great way to shop, source, connect and learn to set you up for a fantastic 2024. If you have been… well, you already know all this, and we look forward to seeing you there. We’ll be on the show floor at booth #2412 so please drop by and say hello!

Just use promo code LT2024 at LOcongress.com for FREE admission to the trade show, on us.

Happy New Year!

K Pearson

We’d love to hear your feedback, story ideas and thoughts for future issues.

Reach out to editor@landscapetrades.com (or stop by our booth at Congress) and let’s chat!

DECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024 | 7

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THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING Imagine a trailer that automatically charges all your battery powered equipment day in and day out. Greenworks Commercial is proud to introduce as an industry first: the OptimusMC Mobile Power Station. The unique and groundbreaking 20ft enclosed trailer offers a powerful built in 20 kWh onboard battery to charge your equipment at any time. Equipped with 3 Optimus Zero Turn chargers and 18 temperature controlled charger ports for Greenworks Commercial handheld batteries, you can charge your entire product portfolio onboard. No more stops at the gas station. No more anxiety about running out of power on the job site

8 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

YOUR ALL-IN-ONE MOBILE CHARGING STATION

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Learn more about Greenworks Commercial and the OptimusZ™ family of zero turn mowers at Landscape Ontario Congress, January 9-11, 2024.

Visit us at booth 1266.

DECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024 | 9

SUCCEEDING IN THE YEAR AHEAD IS GOING TO TAKE CREATIVITY, DETERMINATION AND GRIT. THE GOOD NEWS? LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONALS HAVE ALL OF THESE TRAITS IN SPADES.

A BRAVE NEW WORLD

10 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

2023 STATE OF THE INDUSTRY REPORT

BY KALI PEARSON

A

s we head into 2024, one thing is for sure: landscape and horticulture professionals are facing a challenging and uncertain year. The surge of COVID-19 spending is over, high inflation has elevated the cost of everything from fuel to philodendrons, and for many, finding great employees feels tougher than ever.

But even with all that in mind, the majority of respondents to our annual State of the Industry survey remain optimistic. They are coming up with creative solutions to find skilled workers, drum up business and keep costs under control. They are excited about what’s next for their businesses — and the

profession as a whole — as the trades continue to gain credibility, and landscape and horticultural professionals become leaders in addressing and mitigating issues caused by climate change.

For the third year running, Landscape Trades reached out to readers from coast to coast to get a pulse on the challenges and opportunities for the year ahead, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took time to share their perspectives, experiences and thoughts. With that in mind, we invite you to grab a coffee, settle down and dig into the State of the Industry, directly from the best source of information: you and your peers. continued >

DECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024 | 11

WHAT WERE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOUR BUSINESS FACED IN 2023?

RECRUITING/RETAINING STAFF

57.8% SOURCING MATERIALS OR EQUIPMENT

16.5% SALES (LACK OF CUSTOMER DEMAND)

20.3%

LOWER PRICED COMPETITORS

30.2% LEGISLATIVE/REGULATORY BURDEN INFLATION: RISING PRICES FOR MATERIALS, FUEL OR EQUIP.

14.3% 61.6%

INFLATION: RISING STAFF WAGES

44.1% I DID NOT EXPERIENCE ANY CHALLENGES THIS YEAR

5.1%

VEHICLE AND/OR EQUIPMENT THEFT

6.0% OTHER

6.3%

12 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

"

While every landscape pro has their own unique challenges, we saw that inflation is affecting the majority of business owners. Many respondents cited upward pressure on the cost of materials, fuel, equipment and labour as their biggest challenge. Recruiting and retaining staff came in second place, with well over half saying it was a top challenge in 2023. The high cost of taxes, insurance and time lags due to supply chain issues also continued to be an issue for many.

A correctional year after the boom of COVID-19 made it somewhat unpredictable.

Increasing prices and wages are being passed through to the clients who are feeling prices rise as well. People are becoming a bit more price sensitive with the talks of recession, but labour rates continue to climb.

I'm currently trying to plan for paying my core staff the living wage for Ontario while working through the seasonality issue and figuring out how to raise my charge out pricing to make it happen.

Definitely recruitment to the industry. The inflation coupled with rising staff wages have cut into profits.

We have tried to raise our prices but due to the economy/inflation, customers have been cutting back.

"

The shift to sustainability is seen as a key driver in improving public perception of the landscape trades. Professionals also pointed toward the impact and opportunity of getting kids involved in gardening and working on community-based projects. And those are just a few examples of the many opportunities to be unlocked.

"

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE BIGGEST AREAS OF OPPORTUNITY FOR IMPROVING PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF THE LANDSCAPE AND HORTICULTURAL PROFESSION?

Getting kids interested in horticulture at a young age.

Also getting parents on board with the viability of horticulture as a real profession and promoting it through high schools and middle schools as part of the curriculum.

Teaching clients how to produce some food at home. Demonstrating that landscapes can be ornamental and productive.

Marketing to the public advising the difference between landscape professionals and ‘Chuck with a truck.’

Education, training, reliability, quality of work, customer service, etc. are valued.

24.1%

51.7%

58.1%

50.5%

54.0%

5.7%

HELPING CONSUMERS KEEP THEIR PROPERTIES SAFE FROM FLOOD AND FIRE

FOCUS ON CREATING LANDSCAPES THAT FOSTER BIODIVERSITY

EDUCATING THE PUBLIC ON HOW PLANTS/ LANDSCAPES CAN PRODUCE CLEAN AIR

PROJECTING A MORE PROFESSIONAL IMAGE WITH SALES AND MARKETING

PARTNERING WITH COMMUNITIES ON GREEN INITIATIVES

OTHER

Respondents overwhelmingly said addressing climate change is one of the top opportunities for landscape and horticulture pros — specifically, mitigating urban heat islands and leveraging the role of plants in creating cleaner air. But as we heard in the comments, there are many other exciting opportunities ahead for those wanting to make a difference.

"

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE BIGGEST AREAS OF OPPORTUNITY FOR THE LANDSCAPE/HORTICULTURE INDUSTRY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD?

"

The ability to create a backyard oasis for homeowners.

More people are choosing to stay closer to home and the ability to create their own escape right in the backyard is appealing to younger homeowners.

PLANTS/LANDSCAPES ABILITY TO PRODUCE CLEAN AIR

58.7%

49.8% ENHANCING BIODIVERSITY

I think that people underestimate the feeling of working outside with nature, and how it helps with mental health.

Using landscaping to provide and support health and community benefits for communities, marginalized peoples and residents. Playing a part in reclaiming land for celebration of Indigenous and First Nations peoples.

"

"We provide beauty. This world needs more of that."

PLANTS/LANDSCAPES ABILITY TO MITIGATE THE URBAN HEAT ISLAND EFFECT

CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION/ADAPTATION OTHER

64.1%

53.7% 13.3% continued >

DECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024 | 13

TRENDS

5

TO WATCH FOR 2024

(ACCORDING TO YOU!)

With insurance premiums rising and inflation increasing the cost of everything from labour to equipment, to plant material and fuel, an overwhelming 83.3 per cent of respondents said they raised their prices in 2023. And over 80 per cent expect they will be doing the same in 2024. But it’s not just increased costs informing the decision to raise prices; it’s also a drive to elevate the value of the work being done and invest in the future with training, tools and new technology.

DID YOUR BUSINESS INCREASE ITS PRICES IN 2023?

YES 83.3%

GREEN TECHNOLOGY AND AUTOMATION “Robotic mowers will become a much bigger asset as labour costs continue to rise. Battery-powered equipment in fleets means less engine repairs and more battery maintenance.”

NO 16.7%

BUILDING COMMUNITY “Better practices. Fair wages. Healthy workplaces.”

“Pop-up gardening in underprivileged communities.”

CLIMATE-SAVVY LANDSCAPES “The need for drought tolerant plants with the new climate trend of summer (and winter) droughts.

Rethinking what plants will do well with new temperatures and drought.”

DO YOU EXPECT TO INCREASE PRICES IN 2024?

YES 80.4%

“Awareness of fire hazards and, of course, native plants."

MADE IN THE SHADE “Low maintenance installs and entertainment spaces vs. garden spaces.”

“Shade structures and faster growing plants to provide shade and privacy."

UNIQUE AND RETRO DESIGNS “All that is old is new again. I see landscape design going back to English cottage gardens, textured stone, natural-feeling poolscapes, away from clean sleek lines to homey and warm.”

“Clients are incorporating their own personal style into their landscapes rather than copying what their neighbours are doing.”

"

"Outdoor spaces and really making a connection from inside the house to the exterior."

NO 19.6%

We are constantly researching and reviewing what we believe the market can bear and adjust accordingly.

Had to get better control of our numbers. Invested in estimating/budgeting software (LMN) which helps significantly.

I did raise my rates this year due to an increase in gas prices and all supplies, really. I don’t think I raised them enough so I may have to next year as well.

We are a Living Wage Employer, and our prices need to reflect that.

"

continued >

14 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

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Platinum Natural Stone specializes in providing high quality Armour Stone for landscaping, retaining walls and shoreline construction projects.

Platinum offers a variety of products including: Armour Stone, Flagstone, Weathered Cap Rock, Natural and Saw Cut Steps and Skidded Armour.

Platinum is open year round for all your Armour Stone needs. Rain, snow or shine!

1950 PETERBOROUGH COUNTY RD 36, BUCKHORN, ON (HWY 36 & HWY 507)

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P L AT I N U M N AT U R A L S T O N E . C O M

DECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024 | 15

SOME

NOT AT ALL

Difficulty sourcing new equipment that would be ready when I needed it. Long wait for parts to ship, which had equipment sitting for weeks that should have been in use.

Most material suppliers are caught up.

Equipment companies are out to lunch, extremely bad supply, very greedy in the costing dept. Trucks are almost 40K+ more than just three years ago, heavy equipment is over 15-20 per cent over-priced. These items alone are killing us.

DO YOU BELIEVE LANDSCAPING IS BECOMING A MORE DESIRABLE CAREER PATH? Landscapers are passionate about what they do — and the majority of respondents think there’s reason to believe it’s becoming a more desirable career option for the next generation.

People are becoming more and more aware of the impact of plants and thoughtfully designed green spaces on our planet and communities, and that’s great news for the profession.

That said, many cited the long hours and physical demands as reasons why some might shy away from a career in the trades (or choose not to stick around for long). There’s also lots of room for improvement to get more people into the business — from better pay to benefits that fit a more diverse workforce — to drive those numbers higher and higher.

58.6% YES

35.0% NO

6.4% OTHER

3.2% A LOT

Some quality materials have been impacted by climate, flood and fire in other parts of Canada or the U.S. and even Europe, making the planning or garden design and seasonal arrangements more challenging.

The material shortages experienced post-pandemic have leveled out.

However, sourcing equipment and vehicles have continued to be a challenge for many companies.

"

Data shows that equipment and material shortages are improving.

That said, almost half of respondents reported they are still experiencing issues with availability as well as inflated prices.

47.7% 49.0%

"

DID YOUR COMPANY EXPERIENCE EQUIPMENT OR MATERIAL SHORTAGES IN 2023?

"

If you’re an owner, you face many challenges including staffing, high wages, high cost of materials, lack of inventory of parts and high operating costs like insurance. But if you’re an employee, there are so many aspects to landscaping, you can’t lose in whatever path you take.

All commercial properties must have professional landscape designs and installation in order to get building permits.

Also homeowners want beautiful and functional yards. Working in the landscape industry is very rewarding, so more people will want to join this career path.

I joined the industry just over five years ago and felt it was still a boy’s club.

Since then I’ve seen an increased number of women entering the trade. The industry has become more accepting of female employees and therefore more inviting for females to consider.

"

continued >

16 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

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BOBCAT OF GREY BRUCE

DECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024 | 17

Bobcat ® and the Bobcat logo are registered trademarks of Bobcat Company in the United States and various other countries.

Bobcat ®, the Bobcat logo and the colors of the Bobcat machine are registered trademarks of Bobcat Company in the United States and various other countries. ©2023 Bobcat Company. All rights reserved. ©2022 Bobcat Company. All rights reserved.

DID YOUR COMPANY EXPERIENCE LABOUR SHORTAGES IN 2023?

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2024, WHAT DO YOU EXPECT TO BE YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGES? Inflation also tops the list of challenges for the year ahead. At the same time, many anticipate business may slow down due to lower demand post-pandemic and competition from cut-rate competitors. Rising insurance costs, unpredictable weather patterns and a continued labour shortage are also anticipated to be major challenges for 2024.

The labour shortage is real and no one is immune. While it’s proving difficult to address, readers were able to share more about the wider context — as well as concrete ideas on how to improve the situation.

"

We did a lot of networking, hired students more than normal and started campaigns at the end of July to replace the students as they went back to college and university. When we hired new people we kept the students on until they had to leave for school. This showed that we care about our people.

60.0% 51.1% 50.5% 32.1%

INFLATION: HIGHER EQUIPMENT, FEUL OR MATERIAL COSTS

SALES (LACK OF CUSTOMER DEMAND)

I'm a big proponent of education in this field and have found enthusiastic team members who are enrolled in the Apprenticeship and GROW programs through Landscape Ontario. I think I'm on the right path in really supporting growth this way and letting new employees know what's available and that I will help with their education in any way I can.

"

"

RECRUITING / RETAINING STAFF

LOWER PRICED COMPETITORS

32.1% 14.6% 14.0%

Utilized a new apprentice hiring program that amassed and provided a pre-screened list of applicants to hire one first-year apprentice.

Consistent refinement of job description and strategic use of short, three to five day ad bursts on the big job boards. Judicious use of temporary labour, first day realistic review with supervisor on each worker; when a good fit is found the provider is notified that the same worker should return the next day.

Bad management is most often the problem. Not the employees.

I have a lineup of folks wanting to work for me. We take minimal dedicated breaks but more random ones as needed. And we have a great time!

INFLATION: HIGHER STAFF WAGES

SOURCING MATERIALS OR EQUIPMENT

LEGISLATIVE / REGULATRY BURDEN

7.9%

2.9%

I DO NOT FORSEE ANY MAJOR CHALLENGES

OTHER

I do not see the labour shortage changing anytime soon, although the apprenticeship programs look promising.

Weather related. Manitoba weather spring 2023 was insanely hot very early; hoping not to have that same spike in 2024.

32.5%

52.1%

15.4%

NOT AT ALL

SOME

A LOT

The confidence felt in the recent past has disappeared.

We now face a more unknown future and business does not like uncertainty. In turn, that uncertainty means running a more conservative business model, with less investment and less risk-taking in general. continued >

18 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

"

Here for Y ou w it h

E x p e r t l y Gro w n Pe re n n i a l L i ne r s A photo of a plug liner barely begins to summarize the hours of attention given to that plug’s success; the trials to decide on tray size, the careful evaluation of water, heat, and fertilizer requirements, and the diligent oversight of growers scouting for pests and daily needs. All of this so we can offer a consistent product rooted in customer success..

TM

Premium Perennials. Rewarding Results. www.WaltersGardens.com

DECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024 | 19

29.9%

YES

It has good momentum and will continue.

Rich people are still spending.

27.3%

NO

UNSURE

HOW WOULD YOU RATE YOUR BUSINESS’S FINANCIAL PICTURE IN 2023?

6.1% POOR

MODERATE

46.8%

41.3% STRONG

RECORD YEAR

2.3%

3.5%

OTHER

HOW OPTIMISTIC DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE OVERALL OUTLOOK OF THE LANDSCAPE AND HORTICULTURAL PROFESSION? 30%

20%

10%

NOT AT ALL

20 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

I do believe that people want knowledgeable landscape maintenance workers and know what is needed in the ground and gardens.

I believe it’s a growing and transforming industry with lots to be discovered. We’re just getting started.

DO YOU PLAN TO PURCHASE NEW EQUIPMENT IN 2024?

42.8%

"

While it’s certainly not all sunshine and roses, the majority of respondents feel optimistic about the overall outlook for the year ahead. Many owners are continuing to invest in what they see as a bright future through staff, equipment and evolving business models.

VERY OPTIMISTIC

Momentum from previous 'boom' years will continue to power the industry but in a more moderate fashion. Expansion and growth requires a confident economy where people and businesses know that good results are attainable without excessive downside.

The industry has made great strides over the decades I have been involved in it, but we still have a ways to go. We really need consistency. Even the simple things, like branding trucks, trailers, proper regulated uniforms and Red Seal trades, need to be offered in non-winter months as well as the winter months. Our industry does not all stop working in the winter.

"

MEET THE BEST OF THE BEST The Shrubs of the Year enjoy an extra-bright spotlight throughout the year in the form of special print and digital promotion tailored specifically for landscapers and homeowners alike. Now’s the time to incorporate these varieties into your designs so you can capitalize on increased demand.

FIZZY MIZZY Itea

®

OSO EASY PEASY Rosa

LET’S DANCE SKY VIEW Hydrangea

®

®

WINE & SPIRITS Weigela

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EVERYTHING YOU NEED

TO PLAN FOR A SUCCESSFUL 2024

BY JULIA HARMSWORTH Everyone wants to start the new year off on the right foot, and there’s no better way to do that than by attending the Landscape Ontario Congress trade show and conference. Held Jan. 9-11 at Toronto Congress Centre, it has everything you need under one roof to get you well on your way

to having your best year ever. With a wide range of special events and show features, Congress is a fun, interactive event that thousands of landscape and horticulture professionals look forward to each year.

Here’s how Congress can help you plan ahead and take charge of your future: continued >

DECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024 | 23

SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT

SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT

Nathan Helder

Kevin Battistoni

ECONOMIC PREDICTIONS FOR 2024 AND HOW TO RESPOND

DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT, DIGITAL INFLUENCE AND WORLD OF THE “NOW” CUSTOMER

Southbrook Consulting

Hunter Industries

“In light of the looming recession there are huge opportunities on the horizon.

Are you prepared?”

Nathan Helder is the thirdgeneration owner and CEO of Gelderman Landscape Services and has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Guelph.

Helder took his passion for finance, human resources and business development to create Southbrook Consulting in 2014, which provides customized management solutions for business owners.

Helder has the insight and knowledge to prepare you for the economic future of 2024. Catch his talk 9:3010:30 a.m. on Jan. 9.

NEW PRODUCTS

The Congress trade show features hundreds of exhibitors from across North America, displaying products ranging from electric equipment to backyard living products, to grower and plant innovation. Whatever you’re looking for, Congress has your 2024 shopping covered. Year after year, attendees say one of the top reasons they attend Congress is to see new products that can enable them to work more efficiently and more productively. You can get tickets to the trade show on us by using the Landscape Trades VIP code, LT2024, at LOcongress.com Flip to page 80 for an in-depth look at some of the most exciting new products that will be showcased at Congress.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Make your 2024 self the best you yet by taking advantage of the many learning opportunities available at Congress. Leaders across Landscape Ontario’s sector groups will discuss the latest trends, issues and training on the LIVE Stage for each of the three trade show days. All the sessions are free with your trade show pass.

Landscape Ontario’s Peer to Peer Network is hosting their annual kick-off event on Jan. 9 at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto Airport. Designed for business owners and upper managers, this year’s workshop, titled Linking Leaders: Building Resilience Under Stress, will help you motivate a strong team and be the best leader you can be. The cost to attend is $225 for an LO member or $295 for a non-member, and includes lunch and an end-of-day reception.

The Congress Conference Jan. 9-11 is your opportunity to deep-dive into self-improvement with a range of inspiring and informative topics, including business optimization, climate change mitigation, digital marketing and team management.

Sessions are held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. daily, giving you the afternoon to explore the trade show. See the sidebars for more about the speakers.

Tickets to the Congress Conference are $225 for a Landscape Ontario member, $275 for a non-member and $40 for a student or educator. continued >

24 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

“What does your digital footprint look like today?

Are you easy to do business with in the ‘NOW’ economy?

The company that kills you will look nothing like you.”

Kevin Battistoni is the National Customer Experience Manager for Hunter Industries, which manufactures irrigation and outdoor lighting products.

He has seen a rebirth in technology-driven products and services entering the green industry, and helps businesses leverage those technologies to grow their profits.

Battistoni will review the recipe for a successful online and social media presence in our increasingly digital world. Catch his talk 11 a.m.-12 p.m. on Jan. 9.

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SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT Danée Marie Lambourne Eden Projects

PROJECT MANAGEMENT FOR THE DESIGN/ BUILD: LEVERAGING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE UNKNOWNS! “An overview of design integrity management, project management and the art of leaning into your construction trades.”

Danée Marie Lambourne is the owner of Eden Landscapes and Eden Projects Ltd., focusing on design and build management. She is a business expert in marketing, branding, user experience, portfolio management and finance, and has infused this expertise into her work in horticulture design.

Lambourne will give you the fresh design management perspective you need going into 2024. Catch her talk 9:30-10 a.m. on Jan. 10.

AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE CEREMONY

This year’s Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence ceremony on Jan. 9 at the Delta Hotels Toronto Airport will give you the creative jolt you need heading into 2024. Featuring stunning photography of winning projects spanning seven landscape and horticulture categories, the awards ceremony showcases the master skill, creativity and vision of Landscape Ontario members.

It’s a celebration of all our profession has to offer, including some inspiring stories of longstanding volunteers and individuals who have devoted entire careers for the benefit of all.

Tickets to the ceremony sell out every year. The cost is $100 per person or a table of 10 for $900. Get your gears turning and energize your team to set the bar even higher.

NETWORKING

Talk to anyone about Congress and they’ll rave about the many networking opportunities. Congress is an annual homecoming for those in the landscape and horticulture profession and while a lot of business transactions take place within the walls of the Toronto Congress Centre, countless conversations can also be heard about families, vacations and what the future may hold.

Congress is all about community building. Whether you connect with new or existing clients or suppliers, or strengthen an existing relationship with a colleague, Congress’ atmosphere just makes people want to share, connect and recharge. People are our ultimate resource, so make sure you start the year off on the right foot by building your business and social network through the many opportunities available at Congress.

So now that you’ve got the new products, the new you, the knowledge and the inspiration, you’ll have everything you need to plan for the best possible year ahead, thanks to attending Landscape Ontario’s Congress.

LT For full details and registration, visit LOcongress.com.

Included in your trade show pass, the LIVE Stage offers free learning opportunities for all attendees to refresh their knowledge and pick up new skills. It features experienced industry professionals passionate about educating their peers on a variety of topics.

Learn about Landscape Ontario’s impact and initiatives from Joe Salemi, Landscape Ontario executive director. Terry Childs of the Contractors Sector Group will take you back to basics and the Landscape Designers Group will teach you all about the storytelling power of landscape design. Scott Sim of the Landscape Lighting Sector Group will share the Landscape Lighting Tool Kit and the Snow and Ice Sector Group will share an update on their government relations work to create a level playing field for snow and ice management.

Find the full LIVE Stage schedule at LOcongress.com.

26 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT Vince Borgdorff WPE Landscape Equipment

THE TRUE COST OF EQUIPMENT “When we step back and assess the original price of our landscape/construction equipment, along with maintenance and repairs, life cycle and depreciation, not to mention down time, the numbers can be astounding.”

Vince Borgdorff has taught small engine courses at Mohawk College and equipment maintenance courses at Landscape Ontario. He strives to bring professionalism to the landscape construction industry, believing that when one does better, we all do better.

Borgdorff will teach you about ways to save on equipment amidst the increasing cost of doing business. Catch his talk 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Jan. 11.

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THAT SUSTAINS EMBRACING HEALTHY PRACTICES TO PROTECT THE EARTH AND BOOST PROFITABILITY

T

BY GILLES LAPOINTE, PHD

hese days everybody talks about sustainability, but do we really know what that crucial term means? As an agriculture and horticulture research scientist, it’s amazing to see so many people want to take part in this conversation. Many companies and associations have been born of it and universities are even developing degree programs to train the next generation. But just because everyone is talking about it doesn’t mean we’re getting it right. It’s a field of work that requires excellent planning and knowledge — whether working in agriculture or the nursery sector — especially when it comes to promoting healthy and sustainable soil. Focusing on soil health is also good for

28 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

the future of your business — after all, the goal is producing healthy plants for sale year after year.

Canada’s agriculture sector contributes about 10 per cent of our total greenhouse gas emissions, which may seem like a lot — especially considering this figure doesn’t include fossil fuel or fertilizer production. But we will not reach current emissions targets of a 40 to 45 per cent decrease by 2030 and net zero by 2050 through reforming agricultural practices alone. We need to look at ourselves in the landscape and horticultural sector as well. We need to stop being afraid of change and instead be inventive and jump right in. When it comes to promoting soil health, the equation is clear: SOIL HEALTH = PLANT HEALTH = INCREASED PROFITABILITY SOIL DISTURBANCE + CHEMICALS = POOR SOIL HEALTH

Getting to the healthy side of this equation is tough because it requires changes in how we approach and manage our businesses. I recently had a discussion on sustainability with an old friend of mine who is a researcher at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. While my friend works in public sector research and I work in the private sector, we’ve both reached the same conclusion: we won’t get to the 2030 nor 2050 deadlines the way we’re going. In order to solve soil health and become sustainable, we need to change in a bigger way. This is part of “regenerative agriculture,” which proclaims that it takes time for changes to happen. With 2030 only six years away, the time for change is now!

The nursery sector is our secret weapon

The nursery sector has the capacity to sequester carbon like no other type of agriculture — making it the underdog that will help us reach our goals. Coupled with the landscaping industry, it’s a match made in heaven.

For this to work, however, we need to get organized. Our practices need to change: for example, by decreasing soil disturbance, increasing crop diversity, composting on site and decreasing the use of synthetic products. We have all the information we need at hand, from scientific data to farmers’ practices in various settings. But often, even well-meaning business owners simply do not know how to apply the change-related information correctly.

New approach by planting trees with a diverse selection of cover crops.

Collaboration is crucial

Let’s take a look at two existing models of how the agricultural and nursery sectors can work together: Ontario and Quebec. Ontario has some of the largest nurseries in Canada, but there’s a lack of deep synergy between nurseries and agriculture. We have a number of great organizations like Landscape Ontario, the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association and the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, but very few research programs are conducted with nurseries alongside the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). Quebec offers a more integrated model.

In the 1990s, Quebec re-organized its agricultural system and created the Quebec Institute for the Development of Ornamental Horticulture (IQDHO), a private non-profit organization resulting from a partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Quebec (MAPAQ) and Québec Vert. Quebec also has a very strong association for agronomists (Ordre des lgronomes du Québec), and even the Réseau végétal Québec, which bridges

Field of newly planted young trees with no soil health approach and complete erosion.

DECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024 | 29

fertilizers, seeds and phytoprotection. All of this collaboration really works! I love to speak with the folks out there because they’re so much more advanced than us in Ontario when it comes to soil health approaches and the dynamics and synergy between nurseries.

IQDHO has over 25 agronomists strictly working on the ground with nurseries. Every year, they carry out applied research in nurseries and the results are shared at a threeday conference. I believe we need something like this in the rest of the country.

Quebec farmers are also the most fun to watch and read about in group chats on Facebook and in person at their annual conference (Colloque IQDHO), because they try so many different techniques and their soil health grows.

Basically the nursery owners in Quebec work together through their association with conferences, workshop days and ongoing joint research. I believe Ontario is lagging, and nurseries deserve so much more.

No matter where you live, we’re all trying to do the same thing: produce healthy plants and sell them. This is best accomplished through soil health. That’s where everything happens. Soil sequesters lots of carbon, but we need to give it the carbon to stock: compost, roots, stop tillage, etc. This carbon feeds the microbes needed to interact with plant roots.

We also need to decrease soil disturbance, as it exposes the carbon, degrades it, lowers the organic matter and kills microbes. Let's think about fallow fields post–tree harvest, for example. We should use heavy compost at least once, and seed a super diverse cover crop (no sorghum monoculture please!), then refrain from plowing the fields prior to planting the next crop of trees. If we do disturb the soil, we need to quickly repair it. I know this technique is effective because I’ve done it. However, the technique needs to be applied consistently; if you do it once then quickly revert to your old ways, you end up doubling your costs — maybe even tripling them. Along with that, you increase your emissions. Not sustainable, right?

Capturing bad carbon in a big way

Non-sustainable techniques used: the soil is now a slurry type, no structure, with erosion and no life in the soil.

30 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

The best machinery on earth is photosynthesis. It happens naturally all on its own. It does two things for us: takes the carbon from the air and stores it inside the plant. In other words, it lowers greenhouse gasses and sequesters carbon.

Now, let's revisit my claim that the nursery sector is the underdog that will help us reach our goal. While all photosynthesis is productive for carbon capture, trees are the most helpful because of their size and longevity. They clean the air and store carbon in their trunk and roots.

Nurseries produce trees, sell them and keep producing more trees. Landscape companies select and plant the trees. Let’s say a nursery sells 10,000 five-year-old caliper

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trees (grown on eight acres). The nursery replaces these trees with new ones to be sold in the future, furthering the cycle. To get scientific, let’s run some numbers: 20,000 trees sequester: 10,000 lbs. (new nursery trees) + 51,500 lbs. (five y/o trees sold) + 97,200 lbs. (cover crops) = 158,700 lbs. of CO2. If in the second year 10,000 more trees are sold, bought and planted, we end up with: 10,000 lbs. + 51,500 lbs. + 69,800 lbs. + 97,200 lbs. = 228,500 lbs. of CO2.

When we compare this with standard agriculture — for example wheat, which can sequester 80,000 lbs. of CO2/8 acres — we can easily see the potential of growing trees. They can help our planet, help governments reach targets… and help us all.

How we reach 2030 and 2050 targets

Reaching the targets is imperative and moving slowly toward optimal soil health is not enough. We need to modify management and maintenance with a plan that keeps profitability in mind. We also need to understand what it is we’re trying to accomplish. The end product for both the nursery sector and the landscaping industry as a whole is a healthy, strong and thriving plant. Profitability for both is a must — so we must keep the economics of soil health in our minds.

The key element for companies to remember is that sustainability = profitability. We must ask ourselves the right questions. What can I do to decrease my use of synthetic fertilizer? Can I decrease the use of costly herbicides by planting cover crops instead? Once you’ve paid for the seeds and seeding costs, you’re done. With cover crops

in place, there’s less need for hoeing — meaning less machine and labour costs. And with healthier soil comes healthier plants, which have monetary value.

Plan during winter

In winter, things slow down a little. We have more time to look at our waste management practices and re-route resources to create a composting zone on nursery grounds for the coming season, if possible. If we lack composting inputs, we can work with landscaping companies to obtain their greens. If we can afford it and need to, we can buy quality compost.

But just know this will never be as good as making your own. Regardless of which you choose to use, remember it must be real compost, so if you’re purchasing it, ensure you obtain test results first. And let’s not get cocky here: everyone who creates compost needs knowledge and practice. It’s also important to test your end product if you’re creating it yourself.

If composting is done improperly, we’ll end up spreading unknown components often classified as toxic by a Solvita Test.

This pile of organics will have weed seeds that will have survived the process. It’s also a well-known scientific fact that when composting is not done properly with the right moisture and the right temperature and air circulation, you end up producing more greenhouse gasses.

Diversity is key

Reaching our targets will also require landscape companies to use a wider selection of plants. We need more cover

Composting isn’t difficult, but we need to follow guidelines and recipes for the inputs to compost.

32 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

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crop diversity for our nurseries. An increase in plant diversity is the only way we’ll make it all the way to increasing soil health. And while minimalist landscape designs are trendy, pavers do not sequester carbon — and the plants used in such designs often have shorter life spans. Remember that a plant’s roots synergistically interact with soil microbes to exchange nutrients.

The more diverse the plantings, the more microbes there are in the soil and the more the exchanges increase. Plants are also known to exchange nutrients between each other (I recommend you read Finding the Mother Tree by Suzanne Simard for more on that). On top of having a high sustainability impact, diverse landscapes sequester more carbon, are cooler for the owner in the summer and live longer.

Talking about plant diversity is also essential for nursery owners looking for groundcover. For example, some nurseries have told me, “I love white clover and this is what I use.” But this requires some decision making for management: the timing for seeding clover is critical and often doesn’t work for nurseries involved

in planting trees and then digging them up in spring and fall. White clover is really slow at growing and too often the weeds take over when planted alone. Planting as a “monoculture” goes against environmental sustainability. But did you know that when planted with some grass species, white clover will increase its nitrogen production in order to help the neighbouring plants?

You could instead mix clover with several other species growing faster and over time it will take; the companion plants will protect it during its establishment against weeds and more.

Plants are so cool and we need to work with them better. In your fallow fields, for example, include a percentage of clover with your sorghum and you won’t need to use synthetic fertilizer after the first cut.

When a landscaping company increases plant density and diversity, the landscape needs less watering, less maintenance and less “food.” It is self-sufficient for a longer period of time, as fewer diseases appear and it becomes less weedy. Don’t only limit your choice of plants by look: consider their functionality. In 2021, I observed a deep

drought in some areas of nursery grounds in Ontario. When the cover crops had not been managed properly and grasses grew primarily, these sections of land were yellow. The grasses went dormant during the drought, and the trees around them also suffered and shut down. On sections of land where the proportion of clover and grasses were appropriate, the cover crop grew slower, of course, but remained green, lush, cooler on the ground and moist. The trees in these sections looked healthier too.

There is so much knowledge out there and I say, let's use it! I’ll finish with a quote from the Canadian rancher Don Campbell: “If you want to make small changes, change the way you do things. If you want to make major changes, change LT the way you see things.”

Dr. Gilles Lapointe is a specialist on sustainability, cover crops, management change and soil health. He leads and manages applied research projects on farms helping them reach sustainability. He works primarily with tree nurseries and in standard agriculture through Oasis Ontario.

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TIMES CHANGING WITH THE

HOW LANDSCAPING TRENDS DIFFER FROM ONE GENERATION TO THE NEXT

B

BY KARINA SINCLAIR

aby boomers. Millennials. Gen-Z: These demographic labels get thrown around a lot. They define the span of years in which people were born and you’ll find avid nature lovers and gardening enthusiasts in all. But from one generation to the next, people may have very different perspectives, budgets and priorities. Understanding this can help green professionals promote the right services and materials to the right target market, and foster a love of landscapes from the twenty-something homeowning hopeful to the downsizing retiree.

Experts in the landscape contractor, turf management, grower and garden centre sectors have observed distinctly different habits and trends between baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1965) and millennials (born 1981-1996 and also known as generation Y). These two generations are the most populous and have the most spending power. Gen-X (born between 1966 and 1980) is also a key generation, but it’s a much smaller cohort that bridges the differences between their parents’ and childrens’ generations.

Because of their distinct generational characteristics, preferences and current life stages, these cohorts have different priorities. If you’re selling supplies or services, identifying these differences may provide an opportunity to diversify and expand to meet their needs.

HOMEOWNERSHIP

Many baby boomers have had decades of wealth accumulation and with this, have had the benefit of upscaling their homes over the years. This generation of more than eight million Canadians is now at or reaching retirement and most will be considered senior citizens within this decade.

According to Statistics Canada, Canadians 85 years and older have the highest homeownership rates, and you’ll most often find them residing in suburbs or rural areas. Canadians are also living longer;

celebrating a 100th birthday isn’t so rare anymore. Where better to host a centenarian birthday party with all the great-great-grandkids than in a beautiful, accessible backyard?

“Boomers are still entertaining at home and they still want that space to be well received and curated,” said Valerie Kristjanson, marketing and media manager at Ontario-based Connon Nurseries.

Kristjanson has been in the landscape and horticulture profession for over 30 years and has noticed the purchasing habits of her longtime customers are still going strong. “Lifestyle plays a big part of it. If they're travelling a ton then it probably changes how much they’re investing in their landscape itself, but I feel like the outdoor living and entertainment factor is still huge. Plants really play a big part of that for them.”

Other seniors may be downsizing but still want to retain a relationship with greenery, Kristjanson notes. “You see them trying to incorporate that plant life back into their space, whether it's a planter or herbs on the balcony or a potted plant on the windowsill.”

The recent surge of borrowing costs has handcuffed younger generations, pushing the dream of buying a house (with even a postage-stamp sized property) further down the road for many. As a result, millennials are more likely to rent a condo or apartment.

The 2021 Canadian Housing Survey reported the growth in renter households (+21.5 per cent) is more than double that in owner households (+8.4 per cent).

SMALL SCALE LANDSCAPING

Do these younger Canadians have any interest in landscaping and plants? Kristjanson says absolutely. “Our demographic used to really sit in the 45 to 65 range. Even 50 and up. But during and after the pandemic, we really saw that stretch to age 25. Gen-Xers, gen-Y and gen-Z (born between 1998 and 2012), they're all there now,” she said. continued > DECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024 | 37

“Boomers are still entertaining at home and they still want that space to be well received and curated.

Plants really play a big part of that.” said Valerie Kristjanson, Connon Nurseries.

“We saw university students in late August and September showing up, sometimes with their parents, sometimes with friends, and grabbing a plant or two for their dorm space.”

This early appreciation for green is a hopeful sign that landscaping will be a priority for the next wave of homeowners.

Since it’s becoming increasingly more expensive to get into the housing market, Kristjanson wonders if we might be more likely to see multigenerational living. “Maybe that’s what will keep it alive for these people because if your parents or grandparents garden, you might garden alongside them,” she offers. Even in tighter spaces, Kristjanson thinks people will still make room for green. “If housing stays the way it is right now, you hope that everybody will still want to have a house plant or two. The positive benefits of plants on mental health and well-being will still play a role. It'll just be the scale in which that changes.”

Art Vanden Enden, a horticultural advisor with over 44 years of experience in the garden centre sector, says his 30-something daughter manages to indulge her green thumb while living in a townhouse. “She gets great joy out of container gardening, whereas the generation before that was more about in-ground gardening,” said Vanden Enden.

“Eventually, when these folks get their own piece of property, I think they're going to be excited about being able to garden and bringing nature into their property naturally.”

Since it’s taking longer to save up for a down payment on a house, it might take a few years after a home purchase before millennials

38 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

can afford to look for landscaping services.

“Sometimes first-time homeowners, they're limited on budget,” says landscape architect María del Sol Galdón. “So landscaping is the last thing to get completed.” Del Sol Galdón has also observed that young families with children tend to focus on play space, like an open lawn or room for a trampoline. These clients might appreciate phased designs that ease them into landscaping and mature with their family’s changing needs.

DIY VS DIFM

Right now, millennials may be more inclined to tackle landscape projects by themselves, but as they get older, this will likely change.

StatsCan’s population projection suggests millennials will become the largest generation in the country by 2029, outnumbering baby boomers. That’s approximately 8,616,900 adults who will eventually (fingers crossed) purchase a home with some property and be financially stable enough to shift from DIY to Do It For Me (DIFM).

Vanden Enden says boomers used to be more interested in DIY. “When I started working as a landscape designer, there was an expectation that you did these things yourself,” he said. “Eventually people recognized how valuable their time was and how much easier it was to have somebody do it for them without having to worry about failing.”

Now retired, Vanden Enden cites himself as an example. “The first time I built patios and decks, I did them myself. But after 20 years when they needed to be replaced, I chose

to have them done professionally. I was personally more experienced the second time around, but I did not want to do it. I wanted to have a lot of say in what it was going to look like, yeah, but I didn't want to sacrifice my few days off [by being] away from my family doing something like that either.”

Del Sol Galdón has noticed the same trend.

Her design/build company, Planta Landscape in Calgary, Alta., specializes in high-end projects, often for clients who are closer to retirement age and are planning their dream house. “Usually budget is not a concern, especially if they're building a brand new custom home. They're going to spend five to 10 million dollars on the home, so spending 500,000, a million even, on landscaping is not a concern. They want it done 100 per cent.

They don't want hassle.”

Retirees are also more inclined to invest in lawn care and maintenance services. Dr. Sara Stricker, communications and outreach coordinator for Guelph Turfgrass Institute, points to a United States Consumers’ Landscaping Expenditures study that reveals the higher the median household income, the more likely an owner will spend money on lawn care — especially when owners are 55 years and older. This trend has remained steady over the last decade.

Sometimes, the desire to hire isn’t motivated by saving time or money, but rather a sense of community. “Older clients might say, ‘I don’t want to shovel my driveway so we’re going to heat trace it. I don’t care how much it costs,’” said del Sol Galdón. “Whereas the younger generation, when they can afford it, might say ‘I’d rather pay somebody to do it because I’m helping out the economy.’”

ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE AWARENESS

The award-winning landscape architect acknowledges there’s a wide spectrum of opinions through the age ranges, but observed that her younger clients are more interested in preserving old materials even if the budget allows for new. “They’ll say, ‘We have these pavers, can we do something cool with them?’

If there’s no way of reusing the materials, the younger generation is willing to post them online in case someone else could make use of them. They’re all about the climate and environmental preservation where possible.”

While younger generations may seem more in tune with biodiversity and climate change, Dr. Stricker feels older demographics care

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The garden-to-table trend is on the rise. Inflation and the pandemic are partially responsible for this, but people of all ages find joy in pulling fresh food from the soil to feed their body and soul. Landscape designers can delight clients by thoughtfully incorporating these functional spaces within an ornamental landscape. Valerie Kristjanson says Connon Nurseries has expanded their selection of herbs, fruits and vegetables due to customer demand and suggests this could be a niche worth specializing in as millennials and younger generations eventually become homeowners. “They've been embracing this ideology along the way. When they go to landscape their property, it's going to be an important factor for them. They're not going to just give up on that.”

about these issues too. “Millennials have been brought up being told that the Earth is burning and it’s all our fault, but baby boomers are the original ‘flower children.’”

Kristjanson has also noticed that boomers and millennials share many environmental concerns, such as whether a plant will play nicely in their landscape, but each approach it from different perspectives.

“For example, some of our older customers would say, ’Is this going to spread really far?’ Whereas somebody in their 30s or 40s would ask, ‘Is this invasive?’ They're saying the same things; they just have different language and terms associated with it.”

Vanden Enden agrees — and says concerns about the environment present an opportunity for landscape professionals to make a difference for clients and climate. “The industry is shifting towards healthier biodiversity. And it's not happening fast enough for some people. There are people who are so passionate about it that they get frustrated. We need to put people on a path where their gardening journey is fun.”

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Garden centres will continue to be a source of discovery and education for all ages, so providing no-fail options that suit new plant parents choosing greenery for their first apartment could help set them up as repeat customers for life.

“Our indoor houseplant selection has increased to meet a surging demand,” said Kristjanson. “The benefits of plants indoors and out is being recognized by the changing demographic and this is welcomed and embraced by our teams.” Art Vanden Enden added, “That whole trend of rare and exotic plant collecting hooked a whole generation on gardening and I see houseplant gardening as a gateway to bigger gardens.”

FUTURE-MINDED FUNCTION

Dr. Sara Stricker from Guelph Turfgrass Institute senses a shift in aesthetics. “I would predict that the landscaping future will focus on local/green/ethical/functional green spaces as opposed to ornamental,” she said. This may be due to millennials now at the young family stage of life, who value playgrounds, play spaces and having access to nature within urban centres. There’s also better appreciation for the effect green spaces have on mental and physical well-being. See Nadina Galle’s column on page 50 to learn more.

NATURALIZATION AND WILDSCAPING

Dr. Stricker also points to a University of Guelph study that examined non-traditional lawns in Kingston, Ont. The study revealed a positive trend toward embracing lawn alternatives, such as messy wildscaping, even in upscale enclave neighbourhoods.

Landscapers with a strong understanding of native plants could help support pollinator habitats by designing and maintaining naturalized gardens that fit the locale.

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Trending annuals have moved away from traditional bedding plants, such as impatiens and petunias. Kristjanson has observed that if a plant lover starts with indoor houseplants, that look will likely be mimicked outdoors. “The annuals that we see growing in trend are foliage plants, leafy stuff like really big, vibrant elephant ears and ornamental grasses that'll give them big plumes. High impact stuff. That's the move from the indoors to outdoors.”

40 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

Vanden Enden has noticed another trend in younger customers: the expectation of a well performing plant is getting higher. “Some people are more accepting that plants look different at different times of the year.

But now we also have a huge generation of people for whom gardening is not an activity but a thing,” Vanden Enden said.

This could affect garden centres and nurseries, as customers expect warranties and the option to swap out a languishing plant for a fresh one. “Sometimes people don't account for their own actions on what happens,” Vanden Enden said. “There are people who just think plants are possessions. It's much less about the journey of the plant as it is to enjoy it when it's in bloom and then be done with it.”

This sense of instant gratification can be an opportunity. “We used to sell the majority of our tulips and daffodils in the fall as bulbs, but now people buy these in the spring as forced potted plants and enjoy them indoors or plant them directly outdoors. They don't want to plant it in the fall and wait till the spring,” Vanden Enden said. “I don't think that's a bad thing for our industry because not everybody's going to be a gardener. So what can we provide them that makes them happy?”

THE DIGITAL AGE

Vanden Enden feels hopeful about the more diverse, up-and-coming generation of plant parents. “There are a lot of younger people who are really interested in plants and soil biology. There are more highly educated consumers now than there were 30 years ago,” he explained.

In the past, customers would turn to landscapers and garden centre staff for selection and plant care advice. Perhaps they’d attend an in-store workshop or pick up a pamphlet. Now, customers are more likely to look online for information and inspiration. Kristjanson recalled, for example, a sudden spike of interest in succulents a few years ago sparked by social media influencers.

“Succulents were all over the place and our [boomer] parents likely never had succulents other than a jade plant, so it definitely broke out of the box,” Kristjanson said. Once influencers felt they had covered succulents, they began looking for other plants to get excited about.

This trend led to breeders introducing cultivars with new colours and foliage, as well as old favourites, like spider plants and philodendrons. ”I think it started as ‘Let's be different from what our parents may have

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had.’ Then it circled back to ‘We've covered succulents. What else is out there?’ So nostalgia probably does play a big part of it, and I think vintage will always have a role in every generation.”

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One trend that’s very heartening for green trade professionals is an improved appreciation for their skills and knowledge. “I think there's a greater need and respect for what we do now as an industry compared to 30 or 40 years ago. We're being seen as experts and caregivers of plants and nature. That's really exciting because people who are interested in landscaping will see it now as a more viable career path,” Vanden Enden said.

“It's on us as educators who are training the next landscape architects who are going to be working with the next generation of clients,” del Sol Galdón said. “When I teach [at the University of Calgary], I always tell my students if you want to be good at what you do, you have to be passionate about it. Go out and dig the garden. Smell the roots. Prune a tree. Really get your hands dirty and get immersed in it.”

Del Sol Galdón finds that having employees from different generations, including former students, brings in lots of fresh knowledge and helps her team keep up with trends. As a registered landscape architect, she also finds there’s more respect for her profession from other sectors than there used to be.

“We work with a lot of architects and builders and they bring us into the project right away. That's changed a lot.” Del Sol Galdón added 10 years ago, landscapers wouldn’t have been brought in until the house was already built and then only to add some grass and a few trees.

“Now more value is given to our profession as landscape architects and landscapers. It's something that's new for our profession.”

BRINGING ALL AGES TOGETHER

Landscape and horticulture professionals in all sectors can continue to promote the value of green spaces, plants, sustainability and biodiversity for all ages. As the large millennial cohort comes into greater income growth and homeownership, landscape professionals will have even more opportunities to design, install and maintain green spaces for this maturing generation.

And the next generation won’t be far behind. Wise landscape professionals will look to the future to imagine the most meaningful (and lucrative) services they might provide to gen-Z, the alpha generation (born between 2013 and 2021) and beyond, to foster the love of green, from the simple potted spider plant to the upscale estate and everything in between.

Championing public and collaborative green spaces are opportunities for landscapers to instill a broader love and appreciation of plants across all generations. “I think about our own community garden — it runs the gamut of demographics,” Kristjanson said.

“There are older retirees who don't have the space but still want to garden. There are young families who maybe aren't in their forever home right now and in a townhome and they're there gardening with their kids. It’s kind of cyclical; this person has been gardening this entire time and now has a different space to do it, and this person is starting their journey in the space that this person's finishing in.”

In the end, perhaps what matters most isn’t the differences between generations, but cultivating shared landscapes that bring them together.

LT

DECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024 | 43

Life is better OUTSIDE INTERVIEW WITH SCOTT WENTWORTH

BY KARINA SINCLAIR

SCOTT WENTWORTH, owner and

president of Wentworth Landscapes, starts every new project by asking “why?” And the answer is usually “Life is better outside!”

Wentworth says his team is driven to craft green spaces that set the scene for people to build memories, celebrate milestones and reconnect with the great outdoors.

Wentworth Landscapes has won numerous awards for their service and quality constructions, including Employer of Choice, and the coveted Dunington-Grubb and Don Salivan Awards through Landscape Ontario’s Awards of Excellence program. With offices in Picton and Kingston, Ont., Wentworth employs a full time staff of 60 people, which expands to about 100 people during the peak season. With landscape architects, designers and craftspeople on the roster, they provide a full range of services, including landscape design, build, maintenance, and swimming pool installation, as well as building construction and renovation.

In all these endeavours, Wentworth aims to beckon clients and communities back outside with purposeful and welcoming spaces, while fostering this sense of deeper purpose in the craftspeople who create them. Wentworth recently joined the Landscape Ontario podcast to talk about building a great company culture and how landscapers can make a meaningful difference to the health and happiness of others.

Wentworth Landscapes has a reputation for having an amazing company culture. How do you infuse your mission and values into everything your team does?

We have a very comprehensive onboarding process of going through the company and introducing people. I think the real secret sauce is our team start-up meeting. That's getting all 100 people in the same room at the same time. We also do this throughout the year with celebration events to mark the goals we've achieved over the course of the year. And then our wrap-up meeting in December; it’s a bit of a show-and-tell meeting where we have slideshows of projects in process and people can say, 44 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

“yes, that's what we were working on,” because very few of us get to see all of the projects.

So then new members of our company get to see the company in its entirety. Part of the process, as well, is that we really work together on establishing our goals, and what are the actions that are going to achieve those goals.

Then we track them to be able to see our progress.

You helped found the nonprofit organization Come Alive Outside in 2015. What prompted this initiative and what do you hope to accomplish?

We were working alongside Jim Paluch and Bob Coulter from JP Horizons, landscape consultants who work throughout North America. Jim had come to me with this idea of the landscape profession having a stewardship position in being able to get kids, families and communities back outside, engaging with nature and living healthier lifestyles, and that becoming part of the mandate of this profession.

The point that struck home for me was a report from the New England Journal of Medicine that reported [that] because of the health issues related to the sedentary lifestyles of this next generation coming up, it's expected their lifespans may be shortened by as much as five years. And thinking on that in [terms of] what can we do as a company, as members of our team, as members of our community and this profession. What can we do to reconnect people with nature, even if it's nature in their own backyards, if it's getting active outside, if it's learning with their hands in the soil, growing something they can eat?

These are all some of the original principles of Come Alive Outside. So we've expanded [on] that rationale as part of our mission statement within our company. We view what we do, especially on a residential scale, as not just building a deck, as not just laying sod or planting trees. What we're doing is creating outdoor living areas for our clients, areas for their kids to explore the garden, see pollinators and butterflies in action, as it were, and get first-hand knowledge of that.

The other piece of this, when we consider climate change, [is that] this current generation of children and students has a greater academic knowledge of the environment and climate change issues than any generation before them.

It must be very exciting and inspiring to be a green steward, helping people reconnect with nature and find their way to green spaces.

It absolutely is. And I think coming to work in the same profession after 42 years, there are still things like this that are tremendously energizing. And I really, really hope that everybody has the time in this very busy year and profession to lift their heads up and see these opportunities where we can be making significant contributions with our teams to our communities in these ways.

That looks different for every company in every region, every town, village and city. But they’re there. We just need to grab a hold of them. And I think it's a great point for being excited and energized by what we do.

You've been a member of Landscape Ontario for a long time. How do you see the LO community being able to support that mission?

I think it's trying to create a little bit of space around us to be able to look for where those opportunities are. It's easier in some ways being in a small town, in a small community, to have these opportunities, to have the relationships, to know where to go. But I'm convinced they are everywhere. We just need that to lift our heads up and see where they are.

This is a very, very generous and giving profession.

Landscape Ontario members give their time, give their wallets, give their interest. And I think having a focus on and a confidence in having these conversations and how meaningful these things can be to our communities is the message that I would like to further along: be confident in knowing that we do amazing things.

And I think it puts us in a position to be leaders going forward in looking at issues such as reconciliation, the environment and climate change, and energizing the generation to come with something that's very meaningful to LT devote their lives toward.

THE

PODCAST This interview was adapted from an episode of the Landscape Ontario podcast, published Sept. 19, 2023.

To listen to the podcast, visit landscapeontario.com/podcast, or search for it on your favourite podcast app.

DECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024 | 45

GROWINGYOURBUSINESS

Money, Money, Money

HOW TO THRIVE IN THE NEW POST-PANDEMIC REALITY

BY GRANT HARRISON EVEN AS THE PANDEMIC FADES

into the distance, we’re still seeing the impact it had on the landscape industry. Many landscapers experienced record sales due to people being forced to stay home. But it was inevitable that this boom in backyard landscaping projects would eventually come to an end as restrictions eased and people resumed normal activities.

The COVID-19 spike in the industry has resulted in both positive and negative outcomes. On the positive side, unemployment rates have remained low, at less than five per cent. On the flipside, it has resulted in a shortage of skilled labour, making it challenging for business owners to meet demand. There has also been a considerable increase in wages due to this shortage.

The industry faced supply chain issues over the course of the pandemic, resulting in delays and difficulties in obtaining materials and equipment. These increases continue to put financial strain on businesses. And as the resale value of used equipment and vehicles has reached an all-time high, we’ve

also seen the disappearance or suspension of manufacturers’ incentive programs.

Despite the significant increase in the cost of equipment, contractors are still purchasing.

On the other hand, there has been a slow down in design/build work, as consumers are more cautious due to higher interest rates. This has led many contractors to close their business, either because they are tired, financially unstable, or unwilling to face the uncertain future. The increase in costs and decrease in sales has pinched profit margins, adding further strain to business owners.

Mental health also remains a major concern for owners and staff, as the pressures and challenges of the landscape industry can take a toll on individuals.

The combination of all of these factors has created a mixed situation, with lots of opportunities for growth — as well as challenges to overcome.

Planning for the next 12 months

After doing my research, the conclusion I came to is that there is no firm consensus on what

is going to happen in 2024. Some say interest rates will fall in the first quarter of 2024, for example, but there are many predictions, like a rise in unemployment, that have not materialized.

Light at the end of the tunnel

There’s some good news: while there is currently a shortage of skilled workers, we’re seeing better resumes and stronger candidates applying for work. There are still equipment and supply chain issues, but we’re seeing more vehicle and equipment stock on dealer lots and some incentives returning.

As we plan for next year, it’s important to remain adaptable and monitor the everchanging economic landscape in order to respond effectively. But there are certain strategies we can implement to help set us up for greater success amid these uncertain times.

First, in terms of sales, we must shift our focus toward selling work rather than simply taking orders for work. In the last few years, there has been so much work that we haven’t had to put much effort into selling it. Clients

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right now) to complete the project.

When it comes to operations, it’s recommended to double down on your company’s niche market rather than serving too many sector groups, as this can lead to a loss of focus, efficiency and effectiveness.

Increasing your company’s emphasis on recurring revenue streams, such as annual maintenance and snow contracts, can contribute to the stability and profitability of the business. Efficiency should always be prioritized to improve the bottom-line profit.

were happy to get on our schedule and pay whatever was quoted, rather than do much comparison shopping. That’s not the case anymore, so we’re going to have to put more effort into sales. Consider hiring a dedicated salesperson who can concentrate on sales and increasing revenue. When going after business, it’s also important to recognize that larger design/build projects still have a strong demand in the market. This is generally because that clientele is not relying on borrowed money (which is more expensive

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Tightening up overhead expenses to match revenue is crucial. Focusing on 12-month maintenance and snow contracts is a great way to guarantee recurring revenue and provide stability. Creating a budget with different scenarios can help you prepare for various outcomes. For example, if you only hit half of your projected revenue, what action needs to be taken? Sell some equipment?

Lay off staff? It’s important to have a plan in place in case budget numbers are not attained. These are tough conversations, but essential ones.

We recommend monitoring and managing cash flow on a weekly basis, which can help you be agile in your decision-making. An easy way to manage cash flow is to keep a close eye on accounts receivable, invoice on a weekly basis and deal with overdue accounts promptly. Properly attending to the small details is crucial to managing the overall financial health of the business.

Investing in workers is a key step to weathering the uncertainty. This can involve training programs, skills development and providing additional support to enhance your employees’ capabilities.

Looking into hiring temporary foreign workers may also be a viable solution to address labour shortages or skill gaps. It’s also critically important that you communicate with your staff, who may have their own concerns about the stability of their employment and the future. Ensuring they feel safe and secure in their employment can foster a more positive and productive work environment, as well as boost retention.

As a business owner, it’s crucial to prioritize mental and physical health during these uncertain times. Running a business has become more difficult than ever before, and seeking guidance from a mentor, joining a peer group or reaching out to an industry leader for help can be invaluable in navigating the upcoming economic cycle.

LT

GRANT HARRISON

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INTERNETOFNATURE

NatureDose: A game-changer for well-being research How this emerging technology can influence landscape design for better health

BY DR. NADINA GALLE IN MY PREVIOUS COLUMN, we discussed NatureScore, an app that employs machine learning to evaluate the health benefits of nature exposure in specific locations. This data is already in use by numerous governmental and non-profit organizations to identify areas in need of more green spaces.

However, merely having nature nearby may not be sufficient. So, the question arises: how can we actively encourage people to venture outdoors and enjoy the health and well-being advantages of nature?

Fitbit for nature

Before Fitbit came onto the scene, the concept of hitting 10,000 steps a day wasn't on most people’s radar. Even today, some doctors debate whether that number is scientifically sound or just a clever marketing gimmick. But one thing is clear: more steps mean better health.

Not all steps are created equal though. There’s been a surge of research showing that spending time

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in natural settings can be uniquely beneficial for our well-being.

In 2019, a study published in Nature found that people who spend at least 120 minutes in nature every week are significantly more likely to report good health and higher psychological well-being compared to those who don't venture into nature. The amazing thing is that it doesn't matter if you get those 120 minutes all at once or in shorter outings.

We know spending time in nature is beneficial regardless of age, background or health status, but until now there hasn't been a convenient way to measure or motivate nature exposure. Here’s where the NatureDose app comes into play. Built on NatureScore data, the app tracks not just how much time you spend indoors versus outdoors, but also how much time you're exposed to nature.

It might seem counterintuitive to use technology to encourage outdoor activity, but like the Fitbit, this app can be a stepping stone or a way to build a new habit.

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NatureDose in adolescent well-being research

Like many adolescents, Ashton, a 13-year-old skateboard enthusiast in Eugene, Ore., found that being in nature helped clear his mind and reduce stress.

This anecdotal evidence was the basis for a research study conducted at the University of Oregon using NatureDose to investigate the impact of nature exposure on adolescents' stress levels, health and behaviour.

By measuring a user’s time in nature and considering elements such as tree canopy, bodies of water, air quality and noise pollution, the app provides detailed and individualized data about adolescents' time spent in nature.

Previous research has linked time in nature to various health benefits, but this study stands out for its meticulous data collection and focus on the unique vulnerability of adolescence — a period marked by many physical and emotional transitions that can affect health and well-being.

The implications of this research are profound. Previous studies have shown that time spent in nature can enhance physical and mental health while reducing stress, but this study promises to deliver objective, individualized data.

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The results, expected in early 2024, could offer pediatricians and healthcare experts concrete evidence to recommend increased time in nature for adolescents.

This research could also influence urban planning and community design, emphasizing the importance of parks and outdoor spaces in fostering a healthier, less stressful environment for young people. And that is where landscape professionals come in.

What this means for landscape professionals

In recent years, our perception of nature has undergone a remarkable shift. It's no longer solely about preserving the environment; we now recognize its pivotal role in personal and community well-being. This paradigm shift offers an intriguing avenue for landscape professionals to capitalize on.

NatureDose not only monitors users' indoor and outdoor activities, but assesses the quality of their interactions with the natural environment. Crucially, this is not a one-size-fits-all measurement, as different outdoor settings offer varying levels of well-being benefits.

For example, a leisurely stroll in a suburban neighbourhood may accumulate partial credits, while a visit to a vibrant park earns full, minute-by-minute credits.

Now, you might be wondering why this level of tracking is significant. It matters because it allows you to comprehend how different outdoor setting can affect overall well-being and potentially modify behaviours. It's not just about spending time outdoors; it's about optimizing exposure to natural environments for maximum well-being benefits.

For landscape professionals, this is where the excitement begins.

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In the near future, envision incorporating real-world data from apps like NatureDose to make informed design decisions, ensuring your projects aren't merely visually appealing but also promote health. You could even tailor your designs to cater to individual well-being needs, offering unique and personalized outdoor spaces that distinguish you in the market and boost client satisfaction.

With NatureDose's minute-by-minute tracking, you can identify which natural elements have the most substantial impact, allowing you to create spaces that genuinely foster health. You can even provide consultation services that utilize well-being assessment apps, enabling you to evaluate and enhance existing outdoor spaces for health benefits and offer valuable recommendations for modifications or additions, adding extra value to your services. Further, considering the landscape's health impacts creates a new economic model that further supports investment in natural areas.

In the coming years, landscape professionals will have the opportunity to take outdoor design to an entirely new dimension. It goes beyond mere aesthetics; it involves crafting spaces that foster improved health and overall well-being.

LT DR. NADINA GALLE spotlights Internet of Nature (IoN) technologies and practitioners making a difference in how we can optimize soil health, manage urban forests, create livable cities and everything in between.

To learn more about the IoN and to catch episodes of the Internet of Nature Podcast, visit: nadinagalle.com.

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DESIGNERSCORNER

Intelligent design How the design sector can help mitigate climate change through careful planning

BY PAUL BRYDGES THE VALUE OF PLANNING and design is becoming more and more evident as landscape designs become more complex — and we work not just to beautify, but to mitigate climate change.

There are very few projects, however seemingly simple, that do not have a rule or regulation and bylaw attached.

The critical value of a designer is not necessarily knowing the exact rules for any given region, but the awareness they bring that rules exist, and their ability to find them early in the process.

This is where the idea of leveraging designers’ knowledge and skills really starts to take shape. Designers have influence: as the government reaches out to trade associations for help in supporting climate change initiatives, designers have more opportunity than ever to affect how

54 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

rules and regulations are created and implemented.

Many municipalities are also working through bylaw changes and asking for professionals' input. Tree protection bylaws are one example of where we can help create a practical bylaw that reflects the requirements of the site and the client, while continuing to protect one of our most valuable resources: our urban tree canopy.

When hiring designers, most clients already know what kind of look they’re trying to achieve. Images on the internet of projects from across the globe influence what people think is best for their project. But more often than not, this is where the client's knowledge about a landscape and landscape design ends.

As designers, this is where our real opportunity to influence the effects of a project on our clients and the

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community begins: at the grassroots level. For example, managing water on site is mandatory in most municipalities. How this is handled can be creative, unique and practical. Choosing locallysourced materials and encouraging the use of permeable surfaces is another area where designers can make a great impact in a small space. Plant selection is one more way knowledgeable designers can bring value to a project.

In her last article in Landscape Trades, Christene LeVatte, vicechair of the National Landscape Designer Sub-Committee (NLDSC), discussed the work being done by that committee to create a standardized method for designers to weigh their projects and ensure environmental sustainability. This could look very different for each project and involve different elements, but it is critical to create a basic standard that applies to each one.

This should include: • C ategorizing the landscape components to be considered.

Grading and drainage, hard surface considerations and plant material selection are a few examples of these categories.

• C reating an informative flow chart to help decision making for both designer and client. The client should be made aware of environmental considerations and options regarding material selection from both a cost perspective and an environmental cost or credit perspective. Many clients are simply unaware of the costs associated with their choice of materials and how those choices can offset a project's carbon footprint.

• E nsuring the process is consistent with the Canadian Landscape Standard (CLS). As the second edition of the CLS goes through final review, it will reflect the latest work the NLDSC has put into this valuable resource for all designers.

Another tool the committee is excited about is the Clean Air Calculator — a web-based application developed in partnership with the University of Guelph, the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association and the Green Cities Foundation using ArcGIS Software provided by the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI).

The Clean Air Calculator helps connect plants to people, businesses, schools and municipalities, and to visualize the positive impact of plants on the environment. This easy-to-use mapping tool demonstrates how the relationship between a landscape (based on its makeup of turf, trees or shrubs) and its surface area creates a measurable environmental impact.

As the NLDSC continues to discuss these initiatives, we invite your comments and suggestions. If you haven’t added your name to our national list to receive updates from the committee, we want to hear from you. Just send a quick email to Anne Kadwell, CNLA landscape and retail sector specialist, at akadwell@ canadanursery.com.

LT

PAUL BRYDGES

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DECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024 | 57

NEWSSCAPE WHIMSICAL WINNERS OF THE 2023 AAS DISPLAY GARDEN LANDSCAPE DESIGN CHALLENGE

The AAS Display Garden at Mississippi State University’s South Miss. Branch Experiment Station.

All-America Selections (AAS) is pleased to announce the winners of their 2023 Landscape Design Challenge. This year’s theme of “A Whimsical Garden” was, in the beginning, one that created some cautious interest and more than one online search to see what could be done with such an unusual theme.

But the AAS Display Gardens came through again in a big way.

The AAS Display Gardens were tasked with using their AAS winning flowers and plants in and around the theme. Each garden staff member came up with a wide variety of ways to showcase their own garden’s whimsy in and among their AAS Winners.

For the challenge, AAS provided the gardeners with recent AAS Winner seeds and plants along with variety markers that, for the first time, included a QR code that sent users to the AAS webpage to learn more about that variety.

The gardens could also incorporate older AAS Winners into

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their designs to illustrate the theme. Gardeners were encouraged to generate publicity and hold events to share the story of AAS and its winners.

AAS recognizes and thanks the contest judges who are industry experts in the field of horticulture and landscaping: • H elen Battersby, garden writer/speaker and GardenComm director, international region • R on Cramer, retired, Sakata Ornamentals and AAS former president • B arbara Wise, sales and marketing manager, Crescent Garden AAS is proud to announce the following winning gardens from the 2023 Design Challenge:

CATEGORY I: UNDER 10,000 VISITORS PER YEAR FIRST PLACE WINNER Mississippi State University, South Mississippi Branch Experiment Station, Poplarville, Miss.

SECOND PLACE WINNER (A THREE-WAY TIE) Montpelier Kids Garden, Montpelier, Ohio Weston Garden Center, Weston, Mo. Lee College Horticulture Program, Huntsville, Texas THIRD PLACE WINNER Master Gardener Association of Tippecanoe County Display Garden, Lafayette, Ind. HONORABLE MENTION WINNERS William Dam Seeds, Dundas, Ont. Cornell Cooperative Extension Oneida County, Parker F. Scripture Botanical Gardens, Oriskany, N.Y. Cutler Botanic Garden, Binghamton, N.Y. Pima County Master Gardener Demonstration Garden, Tucson, Ariz.

Virginia Western Community College, Community Arboretum, Roanoke, Va. Hendricks County Master Gardeners Demonstration Garden, Avon, Ind. Harmony Demonstration Garden, Porterfield, Wis. West Coast Seeds, Delta, B.C.

CATEGORY II: 10,001 – 100,000 VISITORS PER YEAR FIRST PLACE WINNER Noelridge Park Gardens, Cedar Rapids, Iowa SECOND PLACE WINNER Tulsa Garden Center & Teaching Garden at Woodward Park, Tulsa, Okla.

THIRD PLACE WINNER Purdue Extension-Marion County Demonstration Garden, Indianapolis, Ind. HONORABLE MENTION Horticultural Art Society Demonstration Garden, Colorado Springs, Colo.

CATEGORY III: OVER 100,000 VISITORS PER YEAR FIRST PLACE WINNER Toledo Botanical Garden Metropark, Toledo, Ohio SECOND PLACE WINNER Green Bay Botanic Garden, Green Bay, Wis. THIRD PLACE WINNER Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown, N.J. HONORABLE MENTION Cantigny Park & Gardens, Wheaton, Ill. Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point, Lehi, Utah Boerner Botanical Gardens, Milwaukee, Wis. A complete collection of photos of all contest entrants can be found on the AAS website at all-americaselections.org/landscapedesign-contest-winners/.

DECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024 | 59

NEWSSCAPE FORESTS ONTARIO TO PLANT OVER 31 MILLION TREES AS PART OF CANADA’S 2 BILLION TREES PROGRAM Photo credit: Natural Resources Canada

Pictured (left to right): The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, minister of energy and natural resources; Member of Parliament Adam van Koeverden, parliamentary secretary to the minister of environment and climate change and to the minister of sport and physical activity; and Jess Kaknevicius, CEO, Forests Ontario.

In an effort to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change, encourage biodiversity, enhance wildlife habitat and support green job creation, Forests Ontario/Forest Recovery Canada has signed an agreement with Natural

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Resources Canada’s 2 Billion Trees (2BT) program to plant 31 million trees across the country by March 31, 2031.

Jess Kaknevicius, CEO of Forests Ontario, and the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson,

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NEWSSCAPE of Canada will cover 50 per cent of project costs through the 2BT program and Forests Ontario will work with corporate partners and donors across the country to contribute to the balance of project costs.

“This is a generational opportunity for organizations and individuals across the country to show their environmental leadership,” Kaknevicius said. “We have the support of the Government of Canada and now we need corporate partners and donors to stand with our planting partners, conservation authorities, Indigenous community partners, municipalities and community groups, and play a vital role in the fight against biodiversity loss and climate change.”

The success of a planting project this size is possible thanks to Forests Ontario’s comprehensive network of experts who collect high-quality seed, grow the seedlings with trusted nurseries, work with local planting partners and manage survival assessments to improve climate resilience

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and biodiversity in our natural environments — goals that directly align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

In a press release, Minister Wilkinson said, “Forests Ontario’s efforts to plant more than 31 million trees across the country will benefit communities and create good jobs. Collaborative partnerships like the one between Canada and Forests Ontario are producing important results for Canadians and ensuring that the right tree is planted in the right place for the right reasons.”

This announcement builds on the original 2BT program agreement between the Government of Canada and Forests Ontario in November 2022. Over the past 20 years,

Forests Ontario has been responsible for planting more than 43 million trees on over 8,000 project sites across Canada — creating approximately 20,500 hectares of new forests.

“Nature is our greatest ally in fighting climate change. Planting more trees is a nature-based climate solution that helps reduce the risk of flooding and wildfires, cleans our air and water, supports biodiversity and sequesters carbon emissions,” the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, minister of environment and climate change, said. “It’s also one of our best tools to build thriving, livable cities in Ontario and across Canada.”

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NEWSSCAPE FOUR SEASONS JOINS DAVEY CANADA Davey Tree Expert Co. is pleased to announce the addition of Four Seasons of Stouffville, Ont. to its family of brands.

Four Seasons has provided residential and commercial tree care services to the Greater Toronto area since its founding in 1983. Its team of 11 employees will all be staying on as part of Davey Canada’s new Toronto Northeast Residential/Commercial services office.

“The Four Seasons’ team is excited about this new opportunity with Davey Tree so that we can continue to provide the quality service our clients are used to along with Davey’s additional support systems,” said Kenneth Lund, co-owner of Four Seasons. “Davey’s strong commitment to client satisfaction and safety culture aligns perfectly with Four Seasons’ mission, so I’m looking forward to our teams’ collaboration from here on out.”

“Davey has a proven history as an industry leader since its founding in 1880, so I’m excited to witness what our team can learn from the wealth of knowledge and experience the Davey teams can offer,” said Deborah Lund, co-owner of Four Seasons.

“One of the biggest pieces I’m looking forward to is Davey’s industry-leading research and diagnostic laboratory, the Davey Institute, which will be a huge benefit to the work we perform for our clients.”

Mike Nash, vice president and general manager, residential operations, Davey Canada, said, “The entire Four Seasons’ team exemplifies Davey’s values, which is why we are looking forward to expanding its talents within the Davey family. The Four Seasons’ employees will also now have the opportunity to expand their talents through our extensive training and educational resources, as well as become employee owners of the company.”

The Davey Tree Expert Company provides research-driven tree services, grounds maintenance and environmental solutions for residential, utility, commercial and environmental partners across North America. Having operated in Canada for almost 100 years, Davey is dedicated to creating and delivering sustainable solutions and is one of North America’s largest employee-owned companies.

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NEWSSCAPE

TERRA NOVA RELEASES COLOURS OF THE YEAR Terra Nova Nurseries has introduced their Terra Nova Colours of the Year plant list for 2024. Developed collaboratively by its breeding and marketing teams, this curated list comprises 25 companion plants matched with five paint colours, predicted to be most popular across North America for the year.

These colour forecasts originate from leading paint

brands that conduct annual colour studies and focus groups. The selected brands include HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams’ Persimmon, C2’s Thermal, Behr’s Cracked Pepper, Glidden’s Limitless, and Dutch Boy’s Ironside.

The Terra Nova plant varieties were specifically chosen for their representation of various colour

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NEWSSCAPE attributes, such as flower or bloom colour, foliage colour, accents in leaf textures and overall hues and tones.

“The colours announced for 2024 showcase the balance of moody and uplifting colour trends we’ve seen since the pandemic,” said Chuck Pavlich, director of new product development at Terra Nova Nurseries.

“Terra Nova’s colour coordinated plant list embraces these corresponding and contrasting tones to provide further opportunities for applying and enjoying them in landscape, garden and patio settings.”

PERSIMMON

HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams

Geum Tempo ‘Orange’

The red-orange blooms with pastel undertones of HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams' Persimmon evokes lively and energetic feelings. The terracotta and peach hues of Persimmon harmonize seamlessly with Terra Nova's Heuchera Northern Exposure 'Amber,' which shares similar earthy yet cheerful tones in its textured foliage. Among the complementary plants for Persimmon, Terra Nova recommends Geum Tempo 'Orange,' Heucherella 'Buttered Rum,' Heuchera 'Paprika,' Echinacea Supreme 'Cantaloupe,' Heuchera 'Creme Brule,' Begonia Cocoa 'Enchanted Sunrise' and Heuchera 'Changeling.' continued >

DECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024 | 67

NEWSSCAPE THERMAL

C2

C2's Thermal presents a delicate yet vibrant baby blue, reminiscent of a clear blue sky day. This water- and airinspired shade elicits the same soothing sensations found in Terra Nova's Lithodora 'Crystal Blue' and Brunnera 'Alexandria,' both featuring vivid baby blue flowers. Terra Nova's Sedum 'Marina' and Pulmonaria 'Moonshine' further enhance the complementary appeal with their tranquil blue hues, making them excellent companion plants for C2's Thermal.

Lithodora 'Crystal Blue'

CRACKED PEPPER

BEHR

Behr's Cracked Pepper can be characterized as a refined and moody soft black. Comparable deep charcoal tones are featured prominently in Terra Nova's Heuchera Little Cuties 'Coco,' Heuchera 'Black Forest Cake,' Heuchera Grande 'Black,' Heuchera 'Black Beauty' and Actaea 'Black Negligee'. Each of these varieties exudes the same continued > luxurious, ebony hues as Cracked Pepper.

Heuchera Little Cuties ‘Coco’

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NEWSSCAPE

Begonia Silver 'Lace'

Sedum ‘Peach Pearls’

IRONSIDE

LIMITLESS

Dutch Boy

Glidden

Ironside by Dutch Boy presents a charmingly inky black shade with earthy green undertones, offering a unique tonal quality. This deep olive hue harmonizes with Terra Nova's Begonia SILVER 'Lace,' creating a mysterious yet sophisticated appeal. The same boldness found in Ironside are reflected in Terra Nova's Heuchera Little Cuties 'Shimmer,' Aphelandra Nova 'Fuego' and Heuchera 'Hollywood.'

The versatile honey-beige shade of Glidden's Limitless is characterized by its fresh and warm tones. Terra Nova's Echinacea Cara Mia 'Sands' serves as an ideal companion plant, boasting cheerful yet soothing neutral hues. Additional plants that complement the colour scheme of Limitless include Echinacea 'Aloha,' Sedum 'Peach Pearls' and Heuchera 'Champagne.'

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DECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024 | 71

CNLANEWS

TERRY FOX LEGACY ART PROJECT GRAND OPENING On Oct. 5, a Terry Fox Legacy Art Project celebrated its completed installation in the Toronto Music Garden, in the city’s Harbourfront neighbourhood. Designed by artist Jon Sasaki and landscape architecture consultants DTAH, the centrepiece of the project features three, one-story-high sculpted granite slabs. From the west end of the installation, the slabs appear as a single figure: the iconic silhouette of Terry Fox in mid-stride.

The event was attended by numerous media representatives and dignitaries, including Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik, Jack Winberg from Waterfront Toronto, Terry Fox’s younger brother Darrell, James Roche from DTAH and Craig Jarvis, president and chair of Legacy Art Project Toronto.

Next spring, the Green Cities Foundation is excited to help #GreenMyCity by supplying and installing plant material in and around this magnificent project.

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CNLANEWS STRATHCONA COUNTY WINS GREEN CITIES AWARD AT WOOD BUFFALO SYMPOSIUM Photo credit: Crystal Mercedi

Jill Hestbak accepts the Green Cities Award from Communities in Bloom representative Anthony O'Neill.

This year’s winner of the Green Cities Award is Strathcona County in Alberta. The award was announced at the Communities in Bloom Symposium in Wood Buffalo, Alta., on Sept. 30.

“I was so happy to receive and accept the award on behalf of the county,” said Jill Hestbak, open space planning specialist with Strathcona County.

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She attributes the honour to the county’s environmental framework, a robust document that aligns green initiatives the municipality intends to take and is currently taking, and shows the gaps to illustrate what could be done.

“There’s a lot of accountability built into that document as well, so I think that really just shows commitment and a willingness

to improve and do what we can as an organization in the community,” Hestbak said.

Strathcona County has been active in Communities in Bloom since 1998. It also hosted the organization's annual Symposium in 2018. The county is located just east of Edmonton and has a population of about 100,000. More than half of the 1,600-square-kilometre Beaver Hills, recognized as a UNESCO biosphere reserve, falls within the boundaries of Strathcona County.

“We have a ton of natural beauty as well as urban park systems that residents can take part in,” Hestbak said.

This was the first time Hestbak got to visit Wood Buffalo, as well as to experience a Communities in Bloom Symposium.

“It was so generally positive,” she said.

“I learned so much from so many different people.”

DECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024 | 75

CNLANEWS DOZENS OF VOLUNTEERS #GREENMYCITY IN THE RAIN

The Birge Street Meadow in Hamilton, Ont. got an extreme makeover on Oct. 14 in this latest #GreenMyCity project partnership.

With the help of more than 40 volunteers, nearly 300 native plants supplied by Connon Nurseries were put into garden beds. Five trees from the City of Hamilton and Trees for Hamilton were also planted along a 700-metre strip of land across the street from the Hamilton Health Sciences complex

at 30 Birge St. The idea for this project came to community advocate and volunteer Brenda Duke five years ago when she attended the grand opening of a community vegetable garden at the downtown Hamilton General Hospital campus.

“We looked across the street, saw weeds and overgrown trees,” Duke said. “And we said: ‘something’s got to be done about that.’”

Rejuvenating the meadow began last summer when Duke and volunteers installed raised-bed pollinator gardens on the corners of Wellington St. and Birge St. and Victoria St. and Birge St. With the latest efforts, volunteers gave

attention to the space between the raised beds to create major visual improvements for staff, patients and visitors to Hamilton Health Sciences.

“I can’t wait to see it next spring; I’m so excited,” Duke said.

Alan White, chair of the Green Cities Foundation, said work done at the Birge Street Meadow perfectly aligns with the organization’s mission to connect plants and people for a greener, healthier urban climate.

“Having the naturalized area with a little bit of formality and a splash of colour to it really helps bring the two landscapes together.”

The Green Cities Foundation would like to thank the individuals and organizations for their time and donations, including Beautiful Alleys, Turf Systems, Oriole Landscaping, Landsource Organix, Environment Hamilton, Hamilton Health Sciences, The Butterfly Project, and RBC Insurance — GCF’s National Platinum sponsor.

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DECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024 | 77

CNLANEWS

STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR CERTIFICATION PROGRAM DELIVERY The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association’s Professional Development Committee met on Oct. 23 for a strategic visioning session. The committee is brainstorming ways to strengthen delivery of the Landscape Horticulture Certification Program (LHCP) to advance professional development for the industry.

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DECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024 | 79

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E D I T I O N Find the latest landscape products, equipment and supplies at LANDSCAPE ONTARIO CONGRESS, JAN. 9-11, 2024 at the Toronto Congress Centre.

MINI SKID STEERS AND ARTICULATED WHEEL LOADERS Canadian manufacturer MK Martin introduces the addition of mini skid steers and mini articulated wheel loaders to their equipment lineup, which are available in electric, gas or diesel powered options.

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The Downspout Leaf Filter works with existing downspouts to help water flow smoothly without splashing or bouncing, protecting a home’s exterior from harm brought on by too much water. The filter can be customized for maximum effectiveness thanks to its patented vent and removable screen to ensure low-maintenance performance. The filter also has a detachable centre, making it simple to pass a camera, garden hose or heat cable through it.

EXT's initial offering is poised to bolster snow removal operations across Canada, providing capabilities for customer relationship management, schedule coordination, invoice generation and dispatch, payment processing and route optimization. A 2024 expansion is planned to encompass landscaping services, enhancing the operational efficiency and customer service of these businesses.

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The TLK 110 combines the flexibility of push-to-talk communication via broadband with the reliability of a rugged, purpose-built radio. With its effortless device management capabilities, the TLK 110 can be optimized for seamless operations, leaving your business safer, smarter and better connected.

Natural Stone Traders have introduced several new product options, including Pristine White sandstone sills, Dark Ebony granite low waste cobbles and Urban Grey marble (shown), as well as porcelain pedestals.

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Northern Wildflowers specializes in native wildflower seed grown at their farm in Whitefish, Ont., or ethically collected from the wild. The seed is pollinator-friendly, non-GMO, untreated and chemical-free.

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Between the rich cranberry blooms and the groundbreaking deep purple foliage that won’t fade to green, the Eclipse Bigleaf Hydrangea from First Editions brings astonishing colour to the landscape and other outdoor spaces, even in warm and sunny climates.

The eight-sided glass house is capped in copper and constructed from only the finest western red cedar. Standard features include solid laminated arches and doors, a glass door with locking entry, octagonal cedar floor sections and three sliding opening windows with screens. Provisions for concealed electrical wiring are available.

This rectangular planter box has a slatted design reminiscent of a traditional wood planter box. Crescent Garden’s TruDrop One self-watering planters can go weeks without watering thanks to a reservoir in the planter.

The 100 per cent recyclable and food-safe planter is resistant to chipping, cracking and fading, and has a 10-year warranty.

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E D I T I O N

NEWPRODUCTS

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The City Hoops Basketball Hoop LED Light is the perfect solution to maximize training time and extend night time play. It quickly and easily attaches to any City Hoops system or fixed-height basketball hoop. It can be powered by a standard outlet or extension cord and controlled by a mobile app.

Inspired by nature, this 30x36x6 cm contemporary shaped paver provides a range of unique pattern options. The company is also featuring a contemporary premium paving slab, ideally used for sidewalks, patios and pool decks.

Cut, prune and saw with the all-new FlexREACH System from Corona Tools. This modular system combines a tree pruner and the RazorTOOTH Saw blade into one easy-touse, extendable pole saw to make quick work of cutting or pruning hard-to-reach branches.

Simply detach the saw blade to use it as a hand saw.

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DECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024 | 85

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The Copthorne series is inspired by the rich colour and timeworn beauty of European street pavers. The paver’s delicate proportions make it possible to design curved walkways and borders, without the need for cutting. Cast using Reala Technology for an authentic surface appearance, and using Ultima Concrete Technology to deliver up to four times the strength of conventional poured concrete, offers timeless beauty for driveways, walkways, patios and more.

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OUTDOOR FURNITURE ROTO RAKE - POWER BOX RAKE The RotoRake features a floating rotor design with roadgrade mini carbide teeth, side shields, and optional side cutters. The RotoRake features 25° angle and 28° tilt making it simply the best power box rake on the market. www.reistindustries.com 86 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

Enjoy beauty and durability with the BUM Furniture Marco Cluster PicNic table. Its powder-coated aluminum frame and tubular design give it a sleek, modern look that thrives in a variety of environments.

The polywood slatted top adds a touch of classic beauty. It includes an umbrella hole.

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BATTERY-POWERED BLOWER The ECHO eFORCE DPB-5800T revolutionizes the blower segment by expanding the power and versatility of the ECHO 56V battery platform, resulting in a mid-range backpack blower tailored perfectly for homeowners and light commercial applications. Top features include a maintenance-free, brushless motor, turbo boost button and three battery ports. It also has a heavy-duty padded backrest with chest strap for all-day comfort.

Echo | Booth #1808 echo.ca

SOIL ENHANCER Premium Compost is ideal for high-end uses like soil amendment, topdressing and covering bare areas in your lawn. This premium compost is derived from leaf and yard waste, resulting in a nutrientrich compost with a very fine texture that is filtered through a quarter-inch screen.

Miller Compost | Booth #1446 millercompost.ca

DECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024 | 87

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The Barebones Hori Hori is not just a trowel; it's a multitool that performs a wide range of gardening tasks with ease. Use it for digging, weeding, planting, pruning, measuring and even cutting through tough roots. Built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, this tool is constructed with a high-quality stainless steel blade and a solid walnut handle. It's designed to last for years, even with regular, heavy-duty use.

Outdoor Supplies & Equipment Inc | Booth #2255 outdoorsupplies.ca LO_1/4Pg_Jan2024.indd 1

2023-11-08 3:07 PM

CLASSIC STRUCTURES THAT SAVE YOU TIME Complete projects faster.

Structures that are handcrafted off-site, delivered on-time and installed in a day.

NATURAL TRACTION SAND Muskoka Natural Traction Sand provides the best possible traction in the most challenging of winter conditions. This all-natural product is produced in an environmentally-friendly manner and will not pollute water, stain carpets or harm animals. The sand is also pH neutral and will not damage or corrode concrete, brick or stone surfaces.

Find out how at limestonetrail.com

Muskoka Rock Company | Booths #2105 & 2113 muskokarockcompany.com

88 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

ADVERTISERS COMPANY

WEBSITE

PAGE

COMPANY

WEBSITE

PAGE

A.M.A. Horticulture Ltd

amahort.com

78

Kubota

kubota.ca

25

AVK Nursery Holdings Inc

avknursery.com

67

Landscape Ontario Podcast

landscapeontario.com/podcast

73

accusaltsystems.com

58

Limestone Trail Co Inc

limestonetrail.com

88

AgSafe

agsafebc.ca

87

M-K Power Products Corp

m-k.com

50

Atlas Polar Company Ltd

atlaspolar.com

48

MK Martin

mkminiskidsteer.com

70

Attentive Inc

attentive.ai

61

Mean Green Products

meangreenproducts.com

63

Awards of Excellence

loawards.com

85

Miller Compost

millercompost.ca

74

bannermansportsturfmagic.com

87

Miska Trailers

miskatrailers.com

92

Bauman Manufacturing

baumanmfg.com

45

NLC Rentals

nlcrentals.com

76

Beaver Valley Stone Ltd

beavervalleystone.com

80

Natural Stone Traders

naturalstonetraders.ca

47

Bobcat Company

bobcat.com

17

Neudorff North America

neudorffpro.org

53

Boss Snowplow

snowratorsaves.com

49

Northern Wildflowers

northernwildflowers.ca

68

brandt.ca

39

Oaks Landscape Products

oakspavers.com

2

brouwersod.com

84

Pentarm Pools

pentarmpools.com

7

apprenticesearch.com/CAS

57

Platinum Natural Stone

platinumnaturalstone.com

15

Coivic Contracting Ltd

coivic.com

56

Power Source Canada Ltd

powersourcecanada.ca

71

Cub Cadet

cubcadet.ca

69

PRO Landscape by Drafix Software

prolandscape.com

82

dutchmasternurseries.com

52

Pro-Power Canada Inc

propowercanada.ca

77

echo.ca

5

Premium Mulch

premiummulchproducts.com

66

exmark.com

31

Rinox Inc

rinox.ca

65

Fairgreen Sod Farms Ltd

fairgreensod.com

51

SMS Equipment

smsequipment.com

60

FenceSource

fencesource.ca

27

Spring Meadow Nursery Inc

springmeadownursery.com

21

gogps.com

34

Stihl Ltd

stihl.ca

91

greentradeexpo.ca

72

The Salt Depot

saltdepot.ca

86

greenworkscommercial.com

8, 9

The Toro Company

toro.com

41

gro-bark.com

42

Trees for Life

treesforlife.ca

79

Turf Care Products Canada Ltd

turfcare.ca

55

unilock.com

35

AccuSalt Systems

Bannerman Ltd

Brandt Brouwer Sod Farms Ltd Canadian Construction Association

Dutchmaster Nurseries Ltd Echo Power Equipment Exmark Manufacturing Co Inc

GoGPS GreenTrade Expo Greenworks Tools Canada Inc Gro-Bark (Ontario) Ltd Horst Welding

horstwelding.com

46, 86

islingtonnurseries.com

75

Unilock Group of Companies

Hortico Islington Nurseries Ltd

hortico.com

64

Walters Gardens Inc

watersgardens.com

19

Juel Group

juelgroup.com

43

White’s Wearparts Ltd

whiteswearparts.com

62

killaloewoodproducts.ca

78

Winkelmolen Nursery Ltd

winkelmolen.com

59

Kioti Tractor

kioti.com

83

WPE Landscape Equipment

wpeequipment.ca

88

Kress

kress.com

33

Zander Sod Co Ltd

zandersod.com

81

Islington Nurseries Ltd

Killaloe Wood Products

DECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024 | 89

MENTORMOMENT

Looking into the future of trade shows HEATHER MACRAE has been at the

helm of Landscape Ontario Congress trade show and conference since 2013, when she joined the organization as director of events and trade shows.

She has since seen the industry strengthen and Congress grow along with it — as new products, ideas and members continue to find a home at Congress each January.

MacRae steered the show through the challenges of COVID-19, and saw the highly anticipated return of the in-person trade show in 2023, which celebrated Congress’s 50th anniversary. The show broke all attendance records and was a joyful reunion for attendees and exhibitors alike. Her team also introduced the interactive feature areas on the show floor that make Congress the vibrant, can’t-miss experience for landscape and horticulture professionals it is today.

MacRae is involved with the Canadian Association of Exposition Management (CAEM) and sits on the Nursery and Landscape Association Executives of North America (NLAE) board of directors — so, it’s safe to say she has an inside scoop on the state of the trade show industry. She shared her unique insights with Landscape Trades.

What trends are you seeing going into 2024?

Trade shows are coming out much stronger after COVID-19 than consumer shows are.

What people learned is that face-to-face business is really important to enhance and grow their businesses. The networking piece became more relevant than probably it ever had, because they couldn’t do it for a few years, so they saw that gap.

90 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

What are the big trends you’re seeing at Congress this year?

I think the big trend across our show is electric equipment. We’ve been waiting for this for a long time, and now a lot of the tools and equipment that companies are offering actually have the battery life for equipment to operate for a full day of work.

That’s the big excitement.

How is Congress an outlier? Why is it special compared to other big shows?

Congress really has a sense of community — people coming together and celebrating their year and celebrating what’s to come.

A lot of the people who attend Congress, or eventually have booths, or have businesses, or are members of Landscape Ontario, are the students who build the gardens at the show. They enter at that level, doing their college education, and then they stick with the community all the way through. Quite often, we’ll have members who can remember building a garden when they went to school, and now they’re celebrating 25 years in business. So it really is that community. That’s the really big difference, and that’s why out of all the industry trade shows in Canada, Congress is the most successful.

What do you see in the future for Congress?

Our big dream for Congress is to continue to grow the exhibitor floor size. The Toronto Congress Centre has a second building — we’re in the first building, and there’s a building that’s behind us — and someday, we’d like to take over that building as well.

What do you see in the future of trade shows in general?

I think trade shows are becoming more and more relevant. We spend a lot of time behind our screens, and there’s more and

more people saying, “I’d like to be faceto-face and not behind my screen all the time.” There was a fear that trade shows would disappear, and I actually think our next generation is starting to realize there’s a value in being in the same space with people. Trade shows will come out strong and stronger as the years go on.

What makes Congress so relevant in an increasingly online world?

Oh, well, that was big thanks to COVID-19!

We learned about online software that we can use to showcase our exhibitors through our floor plan all year long.

During COVID-19, we did a virtual trade show and what we learned from that and what we educated our exhibitors on is you can upload video, you can upload images. Don’t just buy the booth and be at the show — keep that alive all year.

The online marketplace that our floor plan has created has really brought that digital element forward.

How can attendees make the most out of their Congress experience?

Look through our website, look at all the schedules and plan in advance as to where you want to spend your time. When you arrive at Congress, don’t expect that you’ll get through every booth because the show is so big. Come to the show understanding what market you’re really looking at — is it equipment, is it plant material? Highlight what those categories are that you’re really trying to look through, and then anything else that you see is a bonus.

There are lots of bright and shiny objects there to look at.

Don’t miss Landscape Ontario Congress, Jan. 9-11 at the Toronto Congress Centre.

Register online at LOcongress.com.

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Coming Spring 2024 DECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024 | 91

92 | LANDSCAPE TRADES