Landscape Trades - February 2024 by Landscape Ontario

LANDSCAPE TRADES

NEW PRODUCTS 2024

CANADA’S PREMIER HORTICULTURAL TRADE PUBLICATION

FEBRUARY 2024

INTRODUCING ALL-NEW

ZER0-TURN mowers

Let the pursuit of the perfect cut begin 1

4 5

1 2

advanced 4-wheel suspension system 2-belt pulley system multiple engine options premium suspension seat marbain® hardened blades

WWW.STIHL.CA

Coming Spring 2024

NEW PRODUCTS ISSUE

FEATURES 20 NEW PRODUCTS FOR 2024

ll the equipment, products and supplies A you need to create exceptional landscapes.

46 FROM SOIL TO SOUL

The path to a career in horticultural therapy. INTERVIEW BY KARINA SINCLAIR

40 READY FOR WHAT’S NEXT?

op 5 signs it’s time to upgrade your T landscaping equipment. BY KARINA SINCLAIR

42 A STRETCH OF THE IMAGINATION

ringing new products to market is no fairytale, but B here’s how two entrepreneurs got their happy ending. BY KARINA SINCLAIR

ABOUT THE COVER The Tobago fibreglass swimming pool is part of the mosaic collection from PENTARM POOLS. Page 29

TRADES

FEBRUARY 2024 VOL. 46, NO. 1

LANDSCAPETRADES.COM COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Kali Pearson

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Mike Wasilewski

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Robert Ellidge

MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST

Karina Sinclair

GRAPHIC DESIGN ASSOCIATE

Aisha Shaikh

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Greg Sumsion

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Liz Lant

COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

Angela Lindsay

DIGITAL MARKETING SPECIALIST

Charlotte Guena 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

NEW PRODUCTS ISSUE

LANDSCAPE

6 COLUMNS 6 GREEN PENCIL

New products and ideas to usher in spring. BY KALI PEARSON

48 GROWING YOUR BUSINESS

Save time and money with these financial management products. BY GRANT HARRISON

7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 comments@landscapetrades.com www.landscapetrades.com

50 ART OF GARDENING

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

BY ART VANDEN ENDEN

SUBSCRIPTION RATES: One year – $46.90 | Two years – $84.74 | Three years – $118.64 HST included. U.S. and international please add $20.00 per year for postage and handling. Subscribe at www.landscapetrades.com Copyright 2024. 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.

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

Where to find ideal job candidates for the season ahead.

52 LEGAL MATTERS

Understanding the “time is of the essence" clause. BY ROB KENNALEY

DEPARTMENTS

8 LT PICKS Our editors’ top finds from Landscape Ontario Congress 2024.

10 NEWSSCAPE 54 CNLA NEWS 58 MENTOR MOMENT Jon Agg on investing wisely in new equipment.

PLEASE RECYCLE YOUR MAGAZINE AND POLY BAG.

YOUR TURF & RANGE EXPERTS

EXPERIENCE BOUNDARY-FREE MOWING & BALL-PICKING. Mowing in a regular strip pattern and automated ball-picking? That’s already a given, with our robots on-board GPS-RTK technology. But with the new WiseNav update, you can say goodbye to the limitations of a boundary wire. This update will take your robot's precision to the next level. Now, navigate without the need for a boundary wire, providing three times more mowing capacity and significantly reducing your workload. This update is also applicable to golf ball pickers. Exclusively available for GPS-RTK robot models.

WORKS DAY AND NIGHT

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Around your schedule

So you can rest assured the job’s done right

QUIET OPERATION

Avoid disturbing customers in noise-sensitive areas

SIMPLIFIED INSTALLATION

No more buried boundary wires or interruptions

Wire-free installation and zero CO2 emission protects the environment

REMOTE COMMAND & MONITORING

Via smartphone app or online portal – because work doesn’t stop when you’re busy doing other things

MULTI-ZONE OPERATION

WORKS WITH TM-2050

Driving Range 2.0 comes with healthier, better-looking turf

RP1250

Operates 24/7, rain or shine, day and night

Use your robots on football pitches, industrial green spaces, golf courses, parks, or gardens simultaneously

THREE TIMES THE CAPACITY

GPS-RTK Wisenav update triples the mowing capacity & ball pickup rate

TM2050 TM1050 UPDATED WITH WIRELESS SATELLITE EXACT NAVIGATION

SCAN TO LEARN MORE

ECHOROBOTICS.COM

GREENPENCIL

New products and ideas to usher in spring BY KALI PEARSON WHILE THE VERDICT on exactly when to expect spring across Canada was mixed this Groundhog’s Day, it’s a sure bet that the season is coming up quickly for those in the landscape and horticulture sector coast to coast. Our annual New Products feature has you covered, with everything you need for a successful 2024. This year, we are seeing more powerful electric equipment than ever, as well as innovative growing mediums and even a few robot helpers for tough but repetitive tasks. Whether your specialty is lighting, design, growing, hardscaping, softscaping or snow and ice removal, there is something for everyone. Flip to page 20 for more. Speaking of new, we’ve introduced a brand new feature this month, LT Picks (page 8). Each issue, we’ll hand pick a few products we love, based on the issue’s theme. If you have technology products you can’t live without, we’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions for our March issue. All these new products had us wondering, how does a new product come to market, anyway? We spoke with two Canadian entrepreneurs to learn about the challenges and rewards of their journey to bring something new to market. Flip to page 42 to see how Bob Reeves, founder of Root Rescue and David Smorenburg, president of Upper Canada Organic Products made their dreams come true. 6 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

Of course we all love exploring new products (especially when they can help deliver better results and a healthier bottom line) but we’re also taking a look at ways to reduce our carbon footprint and lower costs by renting, trading and buying gently used equipment on page 22. As Jon Agg says in his Mentor Moment feature (see page 58), it’s important to be discerning when

upgrading your fleet and equipment. We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed making it.

K Pearson

We love to hear from our readers. If you have something to add to the conversation, reach out to editor@landscapetrades.com.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Our feature article in the December 2023 issue struck a chord with one of our readers, who felt inspired to share his perspectives as the lead groundskeeper at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto, Ont. Love your timely article, Changing with the times: How landscaping trends differ from one generation to the next. I have noticed the changes presented, as my own experiences ‘straddle’ the generations discussed. My observation may be a bit skewed because of the focus of my immediate work environment. But with a staff of 10,000+, it’s a good indication of our urban community in the GTA. I have noticed the older folks ask mostly about the aesthetical relevance, while the younger staff, patients and visitors always focus on the health benefits and environmental factors when questioning me on the landscape. Rarely would an older person ask me about the soil, while the majority of the younger ones mention soil biology, diversity and environmental impact, and in recent years, edible gardening. Statistics Canada reports have supported this health and wellness interest too. Total health spending in Canada is expected to reach $344 billion in 2023 (year just completed) or $8,740 per Canadian. Canadians prefer to spend their money on environmentally friendly and socially responsible activities that create experiences, which impact their health, environment and climate positively. There is truly an upward surge in ‘broader love and appreciation of plants across all generations.’ Truly, this article is a great new year’s resolution for our industry… to rethink our marketing strategies. There are a lot of slices in the economic pie still up for grabs. -Rohan Harrison

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FEBRUARY 2024 | 7

Aquascape’s Fairy Planter Spitter Add some magic to your next project with this charming fountain, built to withstand UV and heat exposure while adding enchantment to streams, ponds and fountains. We especially love the crown, which can be planted with your choice of flowers.

LT Picks OUR EDITORS’

TOP NEW PRODUCT FINDS FROM LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

CONGRESS 2024

PureLife Soil Living Soil Mix When it comes to natural fertilizers, it’s tough to beat worm castings (AKA worm poop). Available in three varieties — garden mix, potting mix and living soil mix — these blends are sure to deliver high-quality nutrition to your garden projects.

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Dual battery backpack blower Say goodbye to excess noise and fumes with this blower, designed for pros. With a higher flowing force than up to 60cc gas, it reaches full throttle in under one second — great news for your crew’s productivity and your peace of mind.

NEW PRODUCTS! TURN TO PAGE 20 for our annual NEW PRODUCTS FEATURE — showcasing the best in outdoor living, softscaping, construction, maintenance, trucks, snow removal, software and training.

8 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

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BUT MIGHTY. MAKE LIGHT WORK OF HEAVY TASKS WITH A BOBCAT MINI TRACK LOADER. If you have the will to tackle serious work in tight spaces, we have the way.

BOBCAT OF PETERBOROUGH

ADVANTAGE FARM EQUIPMENT

BOBCAT OF HAMILTON, LTD.

Wyoming 1-866-713-6656

Stoney Creek 905-643-3177 www.BobcatofHamilton.com

Peterborough 705-748-9199 www.BobcatofPeterborough.com

Barrie 705-726-2228 www.OakenEquipment.ca

BOBCAT OF HURON

BOBCAT OF SAULT STE. MARIE

BOBCAT OF BRANTFORD, INC.

BOBCAT OF LONDON, LTD.

Brantford 519-752-7900 www.BobcatofBrantford.com

London 519-455-4900 www.BobcatofLondon.ca

BOBCAT OF DURHAM EAST, LTD.

BOBCAT OF MUSKOKA

Courtice 905-404-9990 www.BobcatofDurhamEast.com

Muskoka 249-390-7000 www.OakenEquipment.ca

BOBCAT OF GREY BRUCE

BOBCAT OF PARRY SOUND

BOBCAT OF BARRIE

Walton 877-887-6365

Sault Ste. Marie 705-949-7379 www.Bobcat-ssm.com

BOBCAT OF STRATFORD Stratford 519-393-6040 www.BobcatofStratford.ca

BOBCAT OF THE TRI-CITIES, LTD. Kitchener 519-579-9100 www.BobcatofTC.com

BOBCAT OF TORONTO Brampton 416-679-4172 Scarborough 416-679-4171 www.OakenEquipment.ca

Equipment World Inc. Thunder bay 807-623-9561 www.Bobcat-tbay.com

JOHN'S EQUIPMENT SALES & SERVICE, LTD. Frankford 613-398-6522 www.JohnsEquipmentSales.com

BOBCAT OF WINDSOR Owen Sound 519-372-9100 Nobel 705-342-1717 Windsorin844-807-0120 Bobcat®, thewww.BobcatofTC.com Bobcat logo and the colors of the Bobcat machine are registered trademarks of Bobcat Company the United States and various other countries. www.BobcatofParrySound.com www.OakenEquipment.ca ©2023 Bobcat Company. All rights reserved. | 1541

FEBRUARY 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. ©2022 Bobcat Company. All rights reserved. 2024 | 9

NEWSSCAPE

CHANGES FOR ALL NEW LMIA APPLICATIONS

NOW IN EFFECT

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is reminding employers who utilize the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) about recent changes that came into effect on Jan. 1, 2024. The changes apply to all new Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications submitted on or after this date. Under the changes, employers are now required to apply the prevailing wage at the beginning of a temporary foreign worker’s period of employment, revising the wage annually, no later than January 1 of the following year, ensuring that it is not lower than the prevailing wage for the occupation and region where these workers are employed. This update must be carried out throughout the work period, which can last up to three years, depending on the program stream. As a result, it is possible that the applicable prevailing wage may be different from the wage indicated on the approved LMIA.

10 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

Job Bank wage rates are typically updated in November of each year. Employers will be notified of this update and the need to comply with this new requirement by the following January. Employers who fail to update wages accordingly may be subject to sanctions under the TFW Program’s employer compliance regime including administrative monetary penalties and bans from using the program. Employers are encouraged to share this communication throughout your respective networks and with any colleagues or peers who may need to be aware of this information. Please note that this information will soon be available on the TFW Program website. If you have questions on the TFW Program, please visit Canada.ca or communicate with the Employer Contact Centre.

MUSIC IN FULL BLOOM

BUY DIRECT FROM THE GROWER

Tu Bloom

PanAmerican Seed had a big night this month, with its popular Wave Spreading Petunias starring in the red-carpet designs of Tu Bloom, the official botanical artist for the GRAMMY Awards. The awards, which attracts an audience of millions, honours topperforming recording artists. Wave Spreading Petunias struck a colourful pose amongst the headliners with a unique look by acclaimed designer Mr. Bloom. This gorgeous garden display included the E3 Easy Wave series in sky blue, white and red. Thousands of Wave plants welcomed recording artists at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and added a touch of living colour to this annually televised and much-anticipated event. “I am a longtime fan and collaborator with Wave Petunias and have been eager to build a red-carpet look with them for years,” says Tu Bloom, owner of Tu Bloom Designs, who celebrated his 16th year as the official botanical artist for the GRAMMYs. The glamorous display held its own at this star-studded event, but also inspired an attainable look for viewers who want a symphony of colour at home.” To learn more about Wave Petunias, visit wavegardening.com.

CLOSEST SOD FARM TO THE CITY 10378 Highway 48 in Markham

Next Day Delivery Anywhere in the GTA

FEBRUARY 2024 | 11

NEWSSCAPE AIPH AND GYBN PROUDLY ANNOUNCE LIST OF YOUTH JURY MEMBERS FOR THE AIPH WORLD GREEN CITIES AWARDS

In partnership with the Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN), The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) is proud to unveil the 15 members of the Youth Jury who will select the shortlist and winner of the first AIPH Youth Award from the 21 Finalists in the AIPH World Green City Awards 2024. Following the call for applications for the Youth Jury in September 2023, an impressive number of applicants between the ages of 18 and 35 years old volunteered to take part in the exciting process. A steering group, comprising members of AIPH, GYBN and external partners was established to review and assess the applications received and undertake the task of selecting a shortlist of applicants and ultimately the final list of Youth Jury members. “The implementation of the very first AIPH Youth Award demonstrates how AIPH is integrating the voice of the global youth constituency into the AIPH World Green City Awards,” says Dr. Audrey Timm, Technical Initiatives manager, AIPH. “Young people play a critical role in shaping greener cities of the future, and we are so pleased to be working with GYBN and the members of the Youth Jury to recognise and celebrate city-led action where the needs and aspirations of the youth are front and centre.”

12 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

The Youth Jury boasts members from around the world, representing young people from all regions and continents, including Canada. The AIPH Youth Award is set to inspire the next generation to actively participate in the global green city movement by enabling stronger connections between cities and their youth populations. The 2024 Youth Jury plays a crucial role in shaping the first AIPH Youth Award, whose legacy is envisioned to be carried through as a central component of future editions of the AIPH World Green City Awards. Members of the Youth Jury will independently review and assess entries from the 21 Finalists in the AIPH World Green City Awards 2024 against a set of criteria which has been developed by GYBN in consultation with shortlisted applicants for the AIPH Youth Jury. Following subsequent discussions, the Youth Jury will select a shortlist of three entries and the winner of the AIPH Youth Award: the top entry most likely to inspire the youth and fulfill their needs for a secure, healthy future. The awards ceremony for the AIPH World Green City Awards will take the form of a dedicated gala dinner, set to be hosted on Sept. 25, 2024, in Utrecht, Netherlands, as part of the official program of the first Future Green City World Congress.

L A NDSCA P E | WA LL S | SH O R E L IN E | CU STO M E R FO CU S E D | L ARG E IN VE N TO RY P I C K U P O R D E LI V E RY AVAIL AB L E – F L AT B E D O R RO L L- O FF B IN S

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)

INFO@PLATINUMNATURALSTONE.COM | OFFICE: (249) 387-2690

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

FEBRUARY 2024 | 13

NEWSSCAPE WHOLE FOODS MARKET UNVEILS NEW POLLINATOR HEALTH POLICY FOR FRESH PRODUCE AND FLORAL Whole Foods Market, which operates in the US, Canada and UK has announced a new pollinator policy for its Fresh Produce and Floral purchasing to support pollinators, in recognition of the critical role they play in our food system and the environment. The company has long championed pollinator health through its commitment to organic agriculture, which prohibits toxic persistent pesticides. As part of the new pollinator policy, by 2025, the company will: • Require all fresh produce and floral growers to implement an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system, which prioritizes preventative and biological pest control measures and reduces the need for chemical pesticides. • Prohibit the use of nitroguanidine neonicotinoids (clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam) in all potted plants they sell. • Encourage all fresh produce and floral suppliers to phase out the use of nitroguanidine neonicotinoids. In addition to honeybees, Whole Foods Market recognizes native pollinators, such as bumble bees, wasps and butterflies, are critical to the food system and an important indicator of biodiversity. “We understand the important role pollinators play in our food system and, through this policy, will build on

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our long legacy of supporting biodiversity and pollinator health,” said Karen Christensen, senior vice president, Perishables & Quality Standards at Whole Foods Market. “This is another critical step forward in our journey of climate-smart agriculture as part of our purpose to nourish people and the planet.”

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14 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

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Introducing

Little Hottie

A grower favorite, this new panicle hydrangea introduction is a compact, well-branched shrub with brilliant white blooms. After multiple years of testing, Little Hottie® has proven its genetically compact size, both in production and the landscape, as well as amazing heat tolerance where it doesn’t burn in warm-climate heat.

EASY TO GROW • COVERED IN BLOOMS • COLD AND HEAT TOLERANT GET TO KNOW ALL OUR HARDWORKING SHRUBS AND TREES AT BAILEYNURSERIES.COM/FIRST-EDITIONS/ FEBRUARY 2024 | 15

NEWSSCAPE DEWALT CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF INNOVATION DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker brand, is celebrating its 100th anniversary of powering the pros. Through its commitment to innovation, safety and productivity, DEWALT has been delivering tools to meet the needs of professional tradespeople around the world since 1924 when Raymond DeWalt’s forward-looking vision resulted in the founding of DEWALT. “DEWALT has been committed to professional tradespeople for the past 100 years, and Raymond DeWalt’s founding principles of innovation, safety and productivity remain the core ethos of our company today,” said Chris Nelson, chief operating officer, executive vice president and president, Tools & Outdoor at Stanley Black & Decker. “When we put the DEWALT name on something, it’s a commitment that our tools will help get the job done right. This milestone anniversary is also a humbling reminder of both the responsibility and critical role DEWALT plays supporting the trades with solutions, training and resources needed to meet the demands of the future.” DEWALT has championed the trades sector since its founding, and in 2019, the company began offering annual

Raymond E DeWalt

DEWALT Trades Scholarships to support and grow the next generation of trades professionals. DEWALT continues to expand its commitment to the future generations of tradespeople. In 2023, DEWALT pledged $30 million over five years toward its Grow the Trades initiatives to support active and

aspiring tradespeople. In addition, DEWALT contributed nearly $7 million last year to programs that support tradespeople, including trade schools, vocational technical schools and other training organizations, while also collaborating with industry and non-profit partners on increasing women, diversity and veteran participation in the trades. Founder Raymond DeWalt was a tradesman in Pennsylvania in the early 1920s and became a power tool pioneer when he sought a way to streamline and expedite wood-cutting operations without sacrificing quality or safety. His journey led to the invention of the “Wonder-Worker,” an adjustable electric radial arm saw that provided the ability to efficiently execute multiple operations on one affordable piece of equipment, and the creation of DEWALT. Later in life, DeWalt focused on helping close the skilled trades gap. He became a shop teacher at Mechanicsburg High School in Pennsylvania, educating the next generation of professional tradespeople. DeWalt passed away in 1961, but his trailblazing legacy lives on in the tools and outdoor products that bear his name.

Design | Communicate | Excite

816-842-5551

1-800-BESTWAY (237-8929) www.bestwaystone.com FEBRUARY 2024 | 17

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18 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

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NEWSSCAPE CRACKING DOWN ON FORCED LABOUR The International Labour Organization estimates that there are approximately 27.6 million victims of forced labour worldwide, including 17.3 million in the private economy. Forced labour and child labour risks occur primarily through the global supply chains of businesses. There is a risk that goods imported into and distributed in Canada were produced with forced labour or child labour. Entities and government institutions doing business in Canada have a responsibility to ensure that exploitative practices are addressed and eradicated from their supply chains. The measures introduced through

former Bill S-211, An Act to enact the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act and to amend the Customs Tariff, aim to increase industry awareness and transparency and drive businesses to improve practices. All businesses with more than 250 employees, more than $20 million in assets or more than $40 million of revenue are now required to report on their practices to the Federal Government by May 2024 or face hefty penalties. For more information on reporting obligations and how this may affect your business, visit: gfl.me/hbGF

UBC STUDY DELVES INTO POLLINATOR DISTRACTION PHENOMENON A virtual study conducted by UBC Okanagan researchers Drs. Rebecca Tyson and Bruno Carturan, both with the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science, has shed new light on the effects of pollinator gardens on neighbouring crops. Planting wildflower patches near crop fields is seen by many as an effective strategy to support both the abundance and diversity of pollinators, but field studies have shown contradictory results. A key reason for that, according to Dr. Carturan, is that pollinators can become distracted by the gardens and could actually result in less pollination of the crop the gardens

are intended to support. To explore this idea, the researchers created a study based on blueberry crops and bumble bees — using mathematical modelling to vary the size of the crop area, the size of the planned garden relative to the crop and the relative nutritional quality and bloom time of both the crops and the pollinator garden flowers. The net result of those simulations determined that providing highly nutritious wildflower resources before the crop blooms can more than double the crop yield. Conversely, providing wildflower resources at the same time as crop bloom can reduce the yield by up to 50 per cent.

PROMA HUSKY

Introducing a new color : Husky This carefully selected prestigious color adds a capitivating dimension to the landscape collection. Discover our 5 new colors on our Website.

RINOX.COM FEBRUARY 2024 | 19

NEW PRODUCTS FOR 2024

READY FOR SPRING? Dive into our annual roundup of new equipment and product releases to get geared up for a profitable year.

COMPACT TRACK LOADER The Scag Jackal Compact Track Loader has a remarkable lift capacity of 1,100 lbs. and easily carries pallets of bricks, bags of cement or stacks of lumber. Landscapers will also find it useful for relocating small trees and shrubs, or even moving bulk items like soil and gravel.

Power Source Canada powersourcecanada.ca

20 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

CONSTRUCTION MINI EXCAVATOR The KX080-5 maintains an impressive digging depth of 15’1” while introducing superior comfort and premium utility features. Equipped with LED lights, a larger cab, improved control features, a seven-inch LCD monitor with a jog dial, keyless start and a backup camera, it’s ready to take on your toughest tasks.

Kubota Canada kubota.ca

STAND-ON SKID STEER

ARTICULATING TRACTOR

The Spartan SS1200 stand-on skid steer has 1,200 lbs. of lifting capacity and moves swiftly at 4.94 mph. The floating function allows for superior maneuverability over uneven terrain and the self-levelling function ensures your load remains stable and horizontal.

The Bobcat AT450 articulating tractor allows for superior maneuverability, unrivalled fourseason operation and versatility. Its unique articulating frame enables precise control in tight spaces and challenging terrains, while the QuickHitch attachment system allows for swift switching between tasks.

NLC Rentals

Bobcat

nlcrentals.com

bobcat.com

UTILITY TRACK LOADER At only 35.5 inches wide, the Wacker Neuson SM100 Utility Track Loader fits through doorways, gates and other tight spaces, allowing access to urban areas and smaller yards. The SM100 is comfortable for operators with ergonomic joysticks and reference handles, plush padding and wide springsuspension platform for added stability.

Top Lift

toplift.com

FEBRUARY 2024 | 21

BIG VALUE small footprint

Whether you’re on a tighter budget this year or looking to minimize your carbon footprint, exploring ways to trade, sell or purchase used equipment can be well worth your while. Here are a few tried and tested places to consider.

DEALERS

Most dealers will take trade-ins of equipment in good condition and sell gently used equipment. Be sure to check in with your dealer on options available to you.

AUCTION

Ritchie Brothers is a well-established and trusted auction house where you might be able to fetch a good price on your old equipment — or find great deals on equipment new to you.

ONLINE MARKETPLACES

While it’s important to keep an eye out for scams and shady dealers (if the price is too good to be true, for example, you could be inadvertently purchasing stolen goods) there are great deals to be had on online marketplaces like Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace.

GRADING RAKE The SR2 is a pro at clearing and preparing tight spaces, edging a building before seeding, and ripping up weeds and old turf around obstacles like wells, sidewalks, landscape edges and more. Its I-beam construction, thick hardened-steel finish rake and hydraulic scarifiers don’t pull any punches when it comes to tough roots, lifting out rocks, or clearing debris and overgrown land.

Fibramulch

fibramulch.com

EQUIPMENT RENTAL COMPANIES

Companies like Cooper Equipment Rentals offer safe and reliable used products through their website. Even if you do plan to buy, it never hurts to give big ticket items a test run before purchasing.

TRADE AGGREGATORS

Before online marketplaces, there were publications like AutoTrader, Equipment Trader and Truck Trader. All these outfits now publish online and can be a treasure trove for those looking to buy or sell.

COMPACT EXCAVATOR Bobcat has expanded its lineup of compact excavators to include the newly released Bobcat E40. It’s a minimal tail swing excavator, with less than two inches of overhang and a standard long arm.

Bobcat

bobcat.com 22 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

TOOL STORAGE The Minimizer is a heavy duty tool box that does not sweat, leak, crack, rust or need paint. The lighter-than-metal poly tool box helps keep weight — and fuel costs — down. The Minimizer offers numerous styles and colours to ensure it fits your application perfectly, and every tool box is backed by our lifetime guarantee.

High Bar Brands highbarbrands.com

SCREENER WITH CONVEYOR North 42 Ventures introduces the Hustler 2023, a 3-in-1 vibrating Grizzly Bar topsoil and rock screener with conveyor. The 10-ft. towable screener has a hydraulic power pack that includes a vibrating deck motor, a hydraulic tilting deck, a hydraulic rear axle for better stability and drops lower to the ground for easy setup.

North 42 Ventures north42inc.com

SLAB HAND LIFTER The Surefoot Octopus Lifting Clamp STH-424 is suitable for handling steps, curbs, L-stones and more. It has an easily adjustable quick spring bolt opening and can lift up to 1,322 lbs. It also grips curved curb stones securely, with an inside height of seven inches enabling grip from underneath.

Surefoot Hardscape Products surefootedging.com

MODULAR HOUSE The modular construction of Celer International’s 20-ft. foldable container house lets you design your space to suit you, whether you need more storage space for supplies and equipment or a mobile live/workspace.

Celer International celerinternational.com

FEBRUARY 2024 | 23

PAVERS The Lyra slab provides both a modern design and a highly detailed surface. Taking advantage of Best Way Stone’s DesignLoc surface refinement technology, Lyra offers a contemporary smooth finish, and is offered in a variety of colours.

Best Way Stone bestwaystone.com

PAVERS Unilock Comfort Step is created through a special finishing process for an ultrasmooth and silky texture that feels better on bare feet. This results in a remarkably tight surface appearance, creating a unique sensory experience that is velvety-smooth and cool underfoot.

Unilock

unilock.com

COMPOSITE DECKING Signature Decking from Trex is crafted with an innovative, eco-friendly composite made from 95 per cent reclaimed wood and plastic film. The luxury line features a sophisticated grain pattern with durability that's hardier than hardwoods and is available in grooved-edge boards or squareedge boards for traditional installation.

TREX

trex.com

DOCK DECKING DockDeck by Trusscore provides a lightweight and long-lasting dock decking material — without the hassles that accompany other dock products. DockDeck boards have exceptionally low heat retention and stay cool to the touch. Six-inch boards come in 12-, 16-, 20-, and 24-foot lengths.

Weston Forest westonforest.com

24 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

FEBRUARY 2024 | 25

OUTDOOR WALL CLADDING Renson's vertical cladding system gives you the freedom to create an exceptional look for your façade. The aluminum Linarte profiles are light as a feather and extremely strong. It stays clean and radiant with minimal effort, and the aluminum profiles and invisible fixation elements combine to add a sleek, contemporary and timeless design.

IDC Home idc-home.ca

POLYMERIC SAND

POST POUNDER

DRAIN COMPONENTS

DRAINAGE

RG+ Polymeric Sand from Techniseal is a mix of graded sand and binder, which is applied dry, compacted, watered and hardens after drying, to ensure perfect jointing of pavers for common installations such as residential driveways, patios, sidewalks and pedestrian walkways. Available in Tan and Dark Granite.

Deer Fence Canada says new innovative features gives the Universal Post Pounder PP102 improved reliability and performance. The reinforced engine mount is closer to the machine’s centre of gravity to reduce overhang forces. A strike plate design generates better energy transfer to the post without energy loss.

The Indestructible Turf Restrictor Plate 2.0 from French Drain Man keeps grass from growing over the popup. It has the largest opening of four inches that won’t trap debris and can connect to any three- or four-inch drain pipe. Ideal for existing popup emitters that need a turf restrictor plate.

Brickslot is a drainage solution for use with brick or stone pavers up to 2.48” (63 mm) deep. The 0.47” (12 mm) slot blends in with the paving joints giving an aesthetic solution. The low profile drainage solution is perfect for landmarks, resorts, monuments, memorials and any pedestrian walkway where a discreet barrier is desired.

Techniseal

Deer Fence Canada

French Drain Man

ACO

techniseal.com

26 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

deerfencecanada.com

frenchdrainman.ca

acoswm.com

FEBRUARY 2024 | 27

OUTDOOR DESIGNER PLANTERS

LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

OUTDOOR ACCENT FURNITURE

Greenville Planters presents the trendsetting Jay Scotts Collection brand of fibreglass planter pots. The extensive selection features different styles, colours and sizes. Four new textured finishes are now available in Weathered Steel, Pearlstone, Sunstone and Greystone finishes.

LEDeze offers a modern bollard light fixture to light up paths and gardens. The two-way splitter attached to the fixture allows for daisy chain connections. The plug and play wiring is simple to install and the stainless steel housing is waterproof.

The Strap side table series welcomes the arrival of new patterns inspired by natural colours and forms. The vibrant hues of the large leaves designed on the tabletops in enamelled copper stand out prominently, adding a distinctive touch that echoes the harmony and regenerative power of nature.

Greenville Planters

LEDeze

Paola Lenti

greenvilledesigns.com

ledeze.com

paolalenti.it/en

35Z-1

MINI EXCAVATOR WITH

MAXIMUM BENEFICIAL RETURNS

Available & Ready to Go at WPE Landscape Equipment www.WPEequipment.ca

28 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

ILLUMINATED DECK RAILING

FIRE FEATURES

FIBREGLASS POOLS

IG Railing is a patented, frameless glass railing system featuring over 12 LED colour options which can be activated through Wi-Fi or remote control. The complete product offering consists of mounting bases (spigots), glass connectors and handrail, 0.5" low-iron glass and LED globe lighting system.

Completely flexible, the Barbara Jean Linear Burner is available in five sizes (24, 36, 48, 72, 96”). For longer lengths, simply link them together to create your own custom size. You can also choose from a variety of beautiful log, decorative stone and rock options to ensure you create the look you want.

PENTARM POOLS showcases an exclusive line of fibreglass pools and spas, ranging from 10 to 33 feet in length. Additionally, PENTARM POOLS offers two exclusive and patented mosaic tile collections that redefine pool design.

VH Innovations

Mackenzie Fireplaces

PENTARM POOLS

vhinnovations.ca

mackenziefireplaces.com

pentarmpools.com

EARLY SPRING

SPECIAL

FINANCE FOR AS LOW AS

1,159

PER MTH OAC

Experience the Difference Service Makes!

35Z-1 MINI EXCAVATOR

• 3.5 tonne excavator powered STARTING AT ONLY by 24.7 HP T4F Perkins engine • Zero Tail Swing $ * • Includes 18” Toothed Bucket READY TO GO! and 30” Ditching Bucket • Mechanical Hitch • 4 way Dozer Blade with Float * Plus HST. Sold only out of our Hamilton location • Hydraulic Thumb Included • Full Ergonomic Cab, including Heat & AC (as shown on left)

78,750

HAMILTON: 905-628-3055 I MISSISSAUGA: 905-569-2055 FEBRUARY 2024 | 29

MAINTENANCE RIDING MOWER The Walker C23i is designed to be fast, quiet, simple and easy to maintain while still providing a high level of performance. With a 13.25” thru-shaft Grass Handling System blower, Hydro-Gear transaxles, and a Kohler Command Pro EFI engine, this lowmaintenance mower is built for efficiency and reliability.

Pro-Power Canada propowercanada.ca

BATTERY-POWERED OUT-FRONT MOWER

STEEP SLOPE TOOL CARRIER RoboPLUS is a remote-control Robo equipped with a 100 HP (75 kW) Stage V Deutz engine, perfect for forestry and even works on steep slopes up to 55 degrees. RoboPLUS can also be equipped with a series of professional attachments for green maintenance, as well as classic rubber tracks or steel ones for a better adherence even in the most extreme situations.

Toro introduces the all-new lithium-ion battery-powered Groundsmaster e3200 outfront rotary mower. The Groundsmaster e3200 not only eliminates operating emissions for a cleaner environment, but also engine noise, operating significantly quieter for stealthy operation in noise-sensitive applications and during early morning operation.

Colvoy Equipment

Turf Care

colvoy.ca

turfcare.ca

SPREADER An indispensable tool for the serious landscape chemical applicator or those looking to expand their offerings, the Turf Storm is built Scag-tough to treat large properties or residential lawns. Offering liquid and dry capacities for maximum productivity and profitability, the Turf Storm helps create better turf more efficiently than ever before.

Power Source Canada powersourcecanada.ca

30 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

FEBRUARY 2024 | 31

ELECTRIC COMPACT TRACTOR The Knegt Electric Compact Tractor is "The Red Tractor that thinks Green.” Available in 45Hp and 55Hp, these tractors are well suited to tight spaces and narrow streets, providing endurance and maneuverability while working at full capacity but with no noise, no fuel costs and zero emissions. Models with the Knegt Deluxe Cab are wellinsulated with a complete range of standard features.

MAPAgri mapagri.ca

MULTI-SEASON TOOL CARRIER The all-new Altoz Switch provides the benefits of tracks along with the versatility of multiple attachments for multi-season use. Multiple tasks can be performed using the currently available attachment options: three mower decks (all-terrain, brush and finish), angle broom, v-blade, straight blade, snow blower and brine de-icing system.

G.C. Duke

gcduke.com

CHAINSAW

HAND SHEARS Corona Tool’s Aluminum Hedge and Shrub Shears have pointed steel blades for perfect cuts and topiary work. They weigh less than two lbs. for less fatigue when trimming overhead. The rubber cushioned, non slip grip and rubber bumpers prevent jarring. These shears come with a lifetime warranty.

Corona Tools

coronatoolsusa.com/home

32 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

Engineered for the demands of professional forestry and tree care, the Husqvarna 562 XP Mark II offers unparalleled handling in demanding work environments. Featuring a new and improved engine design and AutoTune 3.0 technology for simpler starting, as well as guide bars of up to 28 inches, this chainsaw offers the power of a large saw in a slim, agile body.

Husqvarna

husqvarna.com

Learn more at revolution.toro.com

CHARGED BY REVOLUTION All Electric. All Day Power. Welcome to the Revolution! Toro’s commercial-grade Revolution™ Series equipment is built to perform all day, every day and is backed by industry-leading warranties. Stop by our booth to learn how you can improve your monthly in-season operation costs and discuss how battery equipment could optimize your business operations. Come see the newly expanded lineup of Revolution Series mowers and handheld equipment.

G R A N D S TA N D ® M U LT I F O R C E ® Snow or shine this machine and its TURBO FORCE deck provides the grass devouring productivity of our proven GrandStand mower, but is designed for all season versatility with 10 different attachments to keep you running all year round.

toro.ca/contractor

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO CONGRESS FIND US AT BOOTH

#1216

FEBRUARY 2024 | 33

STAND-ON AERATOR

ROBOTIC MOWER

STUMP GRINDER

The Stinger QUAD-AER 3000 Stand-on Aerator with optional drop seeder attachment can aerate up to two acres an hour. It has no grease points or chains, and uses a hydrostatic direct tine drive. It’s capable of aerating 30 inches wide and up to four inches deep.

Instructed by the Kress RTK network, the KR233 Mission Mega navigates your lawn with centimetre-level accuracy. Operated by the MAP (Mowing Action Plan) technology, the mower works in parallel lines, as an experienced landscaper would.

Reist introduces the Dominator series of Stump Grinders including a direct drive and a swing arm model (shown). Equipped with an adjustable flow control, the return speed of the arm can be adjusted to suit any operating condition or operator's experience level.

G.C. Duke

Kress

Horst Welding

gcduke.com

kress.com

horstwelding.com

ELECTRIC ZERO-TURN MOWER The Mean Green EVO is the industry’s largest electric zero-turn. Its patented low battery location allows for hillside stability and precision handling. With up to eight hours of continuous mowing time thanks to its 35-kWh battery, a 74-inch″ mulching rear discharge deck, 20-degree slope capability, and performance comparable to a large diesel mower, the EVO is ready for the biggest jobs and longest days.

DR Power Equipment drpower.com

BATTERY-POWERED EDGER

BATTERY-POWERED CHIPPER

Landscapers can enjoy an impressive runtime of up to 86 minutes with Echo's DPE-2600 commercial-grade stick edger. The brushless motor provides gas-like power and it has a 2:1 high torque gear ratio to power through tough overgrown grass and weeds. There are three speed settings to extend the life of the Echo 5.0Ah battery or boost for more power.

ELIET is launching its popular Maestro model chipper-shredder in a fully batterypowered e-power version, the first one on the market. The ELIET Maestro shreds any kind of trimmings with no less than 43,000 chopping movements/ min into two sizes of BioTech chips. These chips can be used as basic material for compost production or as a mulch layer in flower beds.

Echo

echo.ca

Eliet

eliet-epower.com

34 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

STRAW BLOWER The FINN B230 Straw Blower has the highest material capacity in the industry (up to 20 tons/hour). The blower discharges straw up to 90 feet and the operator station is outfitted with an adjustable, padded seat with armrests for comfort and to avoid fatigue. Its tray includes an adjustable elevation and length to meet the bed of the supply vehicle.

Fibramulch

fibramulch.com

Working. Smarter. Together. Our products work seamlessly together to make your job beautiful, easier.

Scan for the latest version of our product guide.

OAKSPAVERS.COM | 1.800.709.OAKS (6257)

FEBRUARY 2024 | 35

SOFTSCAPING UNDERWATER LIGHTING The Aquascape Wide-Angle Light transcends the limitations of conventional spotlights. Its lens design has been crafted to disperse light in a sprawling 90-degree beam angle, with strategically positioned beam cut-offs. The lower cut-off ensures an even glow, eliminating the intensity of hot spots. The upper cut-off prevents light from escaping upwards into the night sky, preserving the brilliance below the water’s surface, and opening up additional installation locations.

Aquascape

aquascapeinc.com

ORGANIC FERTILIZER

EROSION CONTROL

TURF REPAIR

GROW MEDIA

Acti-Sol presents Hydrolyzed Fish as a way to help quickly correct deficiencies and is ideal when transplanting to improve soil fertility and nutrient absorption. It is useful for seed or recent transplants and encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria in the ecosystem while stimulating roots and flowering.

This patented technology offers erosion control protection, turbidity reduction and quick growth establishment, with easy wet or dry applications. Applied hydraulically, Edge’s compact and quickly expanding pellet makes it simple to transport, handle and load. It’s also suitable for manual application on smaller sites.

Rapid Repair Pods provide a way to repair bare spots. These premeasured water soluble pods contain mulch, natural fertilizer, grass seed and soil conditioners. A single pod expands with water to fill in damaged areas up to seven inches, making it an ideal solution to target bare patches caused by dogs, mole holes, insect damage or weed removal.

Walker Industries’ GrowBetter Gardens soils are peat free and made of composted ingredients and 100 per cent recycled products. The soils have high moisture retention, superior drainage, a balanced pH and contain microbes to support soil health and root growth.

Acti-Sol

Fibramulch

Graham Turf Seeds

Walker Industries

acti-sol.ca

36 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

fibramulch.com

grahamturf.com

growbettergardens.ca

addition to the ANEW NEW addition to the AANEW addition to the Jay Scotts line, ProTone ProTone Jay Scotts line, Jay Scotts line, ProTone Very realistic stone finish over Very realistic stone finish over Very Very realistic realistic stone stone finish finish over over high quality fiberglass high quality fiberglass high high quality quality fiberglass fiberglass

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NEW European-designed, natural stone NEW European-designed, natural stone NEW NEWEuropean-designed, European-designed, natural natural stone stone and cement look finishes with the and cement look finishes with the and andcement cement look lookfinishes finishes with withthe the durability of fiberglass. durability fiberglass. durability durability ofof offiberglass. fiberglass. Available in many assorted Available in many assorted Available Availablein inmany many assorted assorted shapes and sizes! shapes and sizes! shapes shapesand andsizes! sizes!

Greenville FP ad Jan 2024 LT.indd 1

Contact us now for more information GREENVILLE PLANTERS Contact now more information Contact Contact usus us now now forfor for more more information information info@greenvilledesigns.com GREENVILLE PLANTERS GREENVILLE GREENVILLE PLANTERS PLANTERS 905 361 1368 info@greenvilledesigns.com info@greenvilledesigns.com info@greenvilledesigns.com FEBRUARY 2024 | 37 905 361 1368 905 905 361 361 1368 1368

2024-01-30 3:51 PM

NURSERIES AND GARDEN CENTRES

AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE

NURSERY SHELF DISPLAY

Burro has launched a new product, Burro Grande, the company’s most powerful labour-saving robot to date. All electric, the environmentally friendly Burro Grande will carry or tow heavy loads for up to 15 miles between charges.

The mulch bin from Outfront Portable Solutions is stackable with elevation posts. Simply place a plastic barrier on the flattened diamond mesh floor to hold moistened mulch or soil. Also excellent for elevating displays of shrubs and trees.

Burro

Outfront Portable Solutions

burro.ai

outfrontps.com

SOFTWARE AND TRAINING MEASUREMENT APP

FLEET TELEMATICS

AUTOMATED WORKFLOWS

Moasure ONE is a motion-based measuring tool that simplifies drawing difficult measurements directly on a mobile device. The app can automatically calculate area, perimeter and elevation changes for intricate shapes, allowing for rapid estimates and material calculations. It also exports measurements to your preferred CAD software at no additional cost.

GoAnalytics provides fleet managers with high-level views of your company’s performance, allowing managers to identify and coach the riskiest drivers. The Engine Faults and Preventative Maintenance section instantly highlights vehicles that require immediate attention and should be removed from service before they fail in the field. Telematics, video and engine data are all available and easily actionable from interactive dashboards.

Accelerate is Attentive.ai’s end-to-end business management software, which includes modules to automate sales functions (takeoffs, estimates, proposals), streamline your operations (job tickets, scheduling, timesheets), manage on-site crew operations via Crew mobile apps and manage backoffice functions (accounting, payments, invoicing and inventory).

Moasure

GoGPS

Attentive.ai

moasure.com

38 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

gogps.com

attentive.ai

FEBRUARY 2024 | 39

SIGNS

IT'S TIME TO UPGRADE YOUR LANDSCAPING EQUIPMENT BY KARINA SINCLAIR

andscapers, start your engines (gas or otherwise). The spring starting line is in view. Now’s the time to get your lawncare and landscaping equipment ready so you can charge into the busy season. It’s also time to inspect those engines — if it looks like they’re in danger of leaving you stranded while your competitors take the lead, it might be time to upgrade. Read on for the top five signs that it's time to upgrade your equipment. Recognizing these signs is essential for maintaining a competitive edge, ensuring safety and achieving the best results for your clients — and a productive and profitable season for you.

40 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

PERFORMANCE DECLINE

INCREASED MAINTENANCE COSTS

The first and most obvious sign that it's time to upgrade your landscaping equipment is a decline in performance. If you’re often frustrated by equipment malfunctions, reduced power or uneven cutting, it's a clear indicator that your tools are past their prime. The good news is that there are lots of innovative products being introduced to the market, with features such as improved engine technology, enhanced cutting mechanisms and ergonomic designs for all-day comfort.

As equipment ages, the frequency and cost of maintenance tends to rise. If you're spending a lot of time and money on repairs, it's a strong signal that an upgrade is in order. Outdated equipment may require replacement parts that are no longer readily available, leading to extended downtime and increased frustration for both staff and customers. Save money in the long run by taking advantage of the durability and ease of maintenance of newer models. You’ll get new warranties, too.

OUTDATED TECHNOLOGY Staying current is crucial. By opting not to upgrade, you may be missing out on efficiency-boosting advancements and smart features, such as GPS tracking, digital controls and real-time data monitoring. These innovations can help you be more precise in your work and set you apart from your competitors. For example, smart irrigation systems can optimize water use based on weather conditions, saving resources and promoting a healthier landscape.

SAFETY CONCERNS If your current tools are showing signs of wear, damage or have inadequate safety features, it's time for an upgrade. Outdated equipment may lack crucial safety advancements. When upgrading, look for features such as automatic shut-off mechanisms, ergonomic handles and improved stability. Investing in updated equipment also promotes a professional and responsible image for your landscaping business, not only to clients, but to potential employees as well.

EVOLVING BUSINESS NEEDS As your landscaping business grows, so do the demands on your equipment. Investing in more powerful and versatile equipment can enable you to take on larger projects, diversify your services and boost your bottom line. Whether it's a more powerful lawn mower, a versatile trimmer or a specialized piece of equipment for hardscaping projects, upgrading to tools that cater to your expanding business needs is a strategic investment in your success.

FEBRUARY 2024 | 41

omething S to believe in Bringing new products to market is no fairytale, but for these two entrepreneurs, the happy ending was well worth the effort. BY KARINA SINCLAIR s any entrepreneur knows, launching a business or introducing a new product is an exercise in exhilaration… and in frustration. The brainstorming, the blue-sky dreaming, the tinkering with prototypes — this stage is energizing. On the flip side, there are setbacks, delays and a stream of red tape. So much red tape. Alice, from Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass, said: “There’s no use in trying. One can’t believe impossible things.” The plucky entrepreneur, however, will quote the Red Queen: “Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” If she wasn’t a fictional antagonist, perhaps the Red Queen would be an entrepreneur herself. She might even read Landscape Trades. If you’ve ever dreamed of launching something entirely new, you’re not alone. Bob Reeves, proud founder of Root Rescue and David Smorenburg, president of Upper Canada Organic Products, recently took the time to share their journeys with Landscape Trades.

42 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

The believers

Reeves and Smorenburg both believed in something that seemed impossible. And then, through a lot of hard work, they made it possible. Each had a landscape and horticulture-related product they felt filled a gap in the marketplace and had the potential to make a positive difference. They soon discovered that getting a niche product developed, validated and approved for sale in Canada takes a lot of grit, patience and perhaps a pinch of naïveté. Reeves started Root Rescue after discovering the virtues of Mycorrhizal Fungi over 20 years ago. Today his flagship product, Root Rescue Transplanter, is available in garden centres, nurseries and online. Reeves developed the product, designed to improve soil health, from scratch with the guidance of Dr. Mike Amaranthus, a research soil scientist for the US Department of Agriculture and associate adjunct professor at Oregon State University. Now it’s popular among landscape contractors, home gardeners, nursery growers and even municipal grounds maintenance crews. Smorenburg’s story begins six years ago, when he gained the Canadian distribution rights for a

garlic juice-based pest control product from California. He soon learned that he’d have a lot of regulatory hoops to jump through. Thanks to Canada’s stringent pest control product regulations, the new product would have to endure the same rigorous compliance process as organophosphate pesticides. Both Reeves and Smorenburg are glad to be where they are today and agree that although it wasn’t easy, it was worth it. They both credit their success to a lot of support from the spouses, families, friends and colleagues who joined them on their longer than expected journeys.

a pine tree in Ontario as for a tomato plant in B.C.’s Fraser Valley. Reeves began to test his new mycorrhizal-based product at his nursery, as well as in landscapes he’d been hired to design and install. This was the perfect control environment to see whether he could reduce the amount of dead plants being returned. “This took out the wildcard of the client doing the wrong thing,” Reeves

Greening from the ground up

The Root Rescue story technically began in 2003, but you could say the seeds were sown long before the product was even a twinkle in this fun guy's eye. Reeves grew up in the nursery and garden centre his family owned and operated for generations. He worked alongside his siblings and managed the landscape and perennial department of their nursery. “One of my constant frustrations was the number of plants — that I knew were perfectly healthy and in great shape — coming back to the garden centre on warranty. They were dying. They were not adapting to their new homes, even though I knew there was nothing wrong with the plants whatsoever,” Reeves said. “The cost was terrifically wrong.” So he began to search for a solution. At first, he tried the traditional fertilizer methods he’d been taught. “I was told all my life that it's all about chemistry, essentially. If your soil chemistry is where it should be, your plants will do well. That turned out to not be precisely the case,” Reeves said. “In fact, the story of plants and the relationship they have with their environment is entirely about biology.” Now on a mission, Reeves began to dig deeper into soil health. He met Dr. Amaranthus at a trade show in Chicago, who introduced Reeves to the science behind the soil microbiome. The pair struck up a collaboration and developed a formulation that allowed specialized fungi and bacterium to benefit a broad spectrum of plants — one that would work as well for

said, also acknowledging that plants can die even if installed and maintained by trained professionals. “When we tried this new consortium approach of mycorrhizal beneficial fungi, the losses that were previously at a painful level up here,” he gestured to his forehead, “dropped to near zero, if not zero. That cemented the tech in my mind as being real.” This process took a few years. Reeves was adamant that if he was going to take the product to market, it had to be certified by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and not just be labelled, as Reeves joked, “Bob’s Magic Stuff.” “I wanted to put a product that had a guaranteed analysis that was certified

and registered with the CFIA,” Reeves said. He also applied for an Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) listing. “All of these things were very important to me to give the product that third-party endorsement that it is what we say it is. The regulators agree that it is safe and it doesn't have any unwanted guests in it that you wouldn't want to have in the mix.” Reeves describes the next phase as “the grinder part of the story.” After submitting his formulation to the CFIA in 2008, it took seven more years to reach the next step. “The issue was that I was bringing them something they'd never seen before. They were used to petrochemical, linear technology with one active ingredient with a label that says ‘do this with that plant and this will be the result.’ My product had 18 different active ingredients and performed multiple benefits across a broad spectrum of plant materials,” he said. This was completely upside down as far as the regulators were concerned. “There was much hand holding and hand wringing and fretting and stalling on their side for many, many years.” Eventually, Reeves got the registration. “The [regulators] followed the principle of what they're there to do, which is to prevent the public from getting something that does the wrong thing or introduces something unwanted into the ecosystem that does collateral damage,” said Reeves. To build his case along the way, Reeves gained the support of professors at the University of Guelph who conducted independent testing. His application to the CFIA included results from field tests the university had conducted over four years that confirmed the mycorrhizal fungi formulation did indeed improve a plant’s ability to extract water from soil by 35 per cent. While he continued to wait, Reeves worked on other aspects of his new business: “All of these things needed to come together, and while I was waiting for the light to finally get switched on in Ottawa, I started pounding away on all of these issues.” He copyrighted the brand name “Root Rescue.” He built a website, settled on a price point and began developing a marketing plan. He

FEBRUARY 2024 | 43

created the first design iterations of packaging, knowing the CFIA would have to approve the labelling and any claims he would make on the package. And most importantly, Reeves continued to foster relationships within the landscape and horticulture community, from academics to contractors to retailers. To keep the lights on, Reeves worked a variety of jobs. “I didn't just stand around drumming my fingers and thinking ‘how am I going to pass my time here?’ I took some lateral moves, but they were always within the industry. Always kept me in contact with people who would ultimately be colleagues or customers. And that was, I guess, a kind of master plan approach to the situation,” Reeves said. These jobs included landscape design and garden centre sales. He also collaborated on the creation of a landscape design/build software solution called DynaScape. You might have heard of it. Patience is a virtue when waiting on bureaucracy, and Reeves was realistic about the timeline. “I knew that if I expected too much from this thing too quickly, I'd be the one who would kill it. You have to have a kind of patience, a kind of grit — you have to understand there's a beginning and a middle, and if you try to rush to the end, you're just gonna end up running out of road financially.” The registration for Root Rescue Transplanter was finally issued in December 2015.

The little start-up that could

Over eight years later, Reeves is enjoying his spore success. “We have fully appeared in the marketplace and survived, and we’re not just ‘a flash in the pan.’ It's fun to be a startup that didn't fail. I think the math says only about half of one per cent of startups actually survive. The odds are against you.” Reeves says Root Rescue is still a “one-man show.” Instead of carrying the overhead of a brick and mortar business with a large staff, he contracts thirdparty vendors when he needs services — from accounting and marketing, to warehousing, blending, packaging and distribution. “Many of my systems are automated in the sense that others

44 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

are taking care of parts of the business without having to be on my payroll. There are a lot of specialists out there and now you can reach in and use their services on a fee-for-service basis. That is a wonderful cost control system for businesses like mine that are highly seasonal and still growing.”

“With little choice for less toxic pest control products, this seemed like it could fill a void in the marketplace,” Smorenburg said, and so he set out to do just that. “I negotiated the rights to Garlic Barrier and Mosquito Barrier for Canada. My previous job was in the food ingredient industry so I was very familiar with garlicbased products. We have always been a ‘green’ family so it seemed a no-brainer at the time.”

Little did he know

Mosquito, tick and maybe vampire control

If you think importing a ready-made product is easier than developing one from scratch like Reeves, you’d be wrong. Canadian regulations for imports are stringent, and even though a product might be approved elsewhere, it still needs to pass muster north of the border. Once a commodity buyer in the food ingredient industry, David Smorenburg knew he wanted to start his own business. He wasn’t sure exactly what it would be, but it had to be “green.” Inspiration came one day after his father sprayed a messy pesticide on the fruit trees in his yard. “The black tar overspray went all over the kids' small plastic chairs and didn’t wash off with the garden hose. Seeing this, I knew there had to be something more environmentally friendly to keep pests down,” Smorenburg said, adding that a Google search resulted in very few ‘green’ pest control products available to Canadians at the time. Smorenburg discovered a company in California making a garlic juice-based product that had great success repelling pests, such as mosquitos and ticks. He learned that when crushed, garlic creates 33 sulphur compounds. The spray his father used also contained sulphur. Suddenly, the connection made sense.

Smorenburg had no idea it would take so long to gain approval to sell these products in Canada. When asked if he would have proceeded with the business idea had he known it would take six years, Smorenburg said: “Two to three years was originally the most I would have considered. So maybe it was better I didn’t know.” Like Reeves, Smorenburg leaned into research. Instead of the CFIA, Garlic Barrier and Mosquito Barrier needed approval from Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA). “The PMRA’s website gave me most of what was needed, and they offer a pre-consultation service so they can give specific information back based on your label claims. Little did I know at the time that Canada’s regulations were (and still are) so much more strict than those in the USA and I was in for quite an education.” Smorenburg submitted the U.S. labels for both products. Since they’re considered agricultural products, they are exempt from federal registration in the U.S. as the ingredients fall under the food exempt list. “Canada does not have this exemption list. At the time, the same regulations to get a product approved in Canada were the same for garlic juice as they were for organophosphate pesticides. Chronic toxicity tests were needed,” Smorenburg said. “It was a pretty large hill to climb for a newcomer to the PMRA.” Luckily, Smorenburg didn’t have to face this hill alone. “My wife was so supportive. My father had a chemistry background, and my brother had a degree in science,” Smoreburg said. “I also found support in some environmental organizations, like the Canadian Association of Physicians

David Smorenburg

for the Environment (CAPE), the Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA), and the David Suzuki Foundation. A member of CELA was on the meeting group of the PMRA’s consultation committee and used our submission as an example of the burdens of bringing less toxic products to market.” Despite the encouraging support, Smorenburg says he received little help from elected MPs or his local MPP. He received rejection letter after rejection letter from PMRA and it started to seem like maybe this endeavor was impossible after all. One day, he got another letter in the mail. Smorenburg briefly scanned the opening paragraph which addressed previous deficiencies, and assumed it was another rejection letter. He set it aside without reading the whole thing, describing it as “a moment of great despair.” Luckily, his wife Kristine was more thorough in her reading. Turns out, it was excellent news. “After almost six years of gathering data, testing, and investing of time and money, we finally received our first Pest Control Product numbers,” he said. Smorenburg could now sell his products through his new company, Upper Canada Organic Products. He and Kristine started cold calling and exhibiting at trade shows. “Our very first show was the Guelph Organic Conference,” Smorenburg said. “It was a smaller show, but Guelph is home to some of the largest AG companies in Canada, a great school, and also a large environmental movement. We

Bob Reeves

were hit with it all. It was learning by asking questions and getting asked questions.” Exhibiting at the trade show helped Smorenburg realize he needed more education. He earned his exterminator’s license for mosquito and biting fly control, as well as for structural pest control, to better understand the challenges faced by professional pest control operators. This proved to be a sound strategy as acceptance and use of their products began to grow. Smorenburg said, “If the pros were using our products, we knew consumers would, too.” Upper Canada Organics currently sells its pest control products in garden centres, pharmacies, hardware stores, seed houses and farm retailers as well as through their website. “We cover a lot of industries and it has been so rewarding learning about each,” Smorenburg said. “Driving sales through our distributors and retailers is key. We have spent very little on advertising. Growth has been mainly organic but there are always new opportunities presented to us and each one is considered carefully.” The company plans to scale by creating more product lines through research and development and improving customer awareness of integrated pest management.

Words of wisdom

Reeves and Smorenburg dared to believe in the impossible. It led both entrepreneurs on circuitous journeys they didn’t foresee but don’t regret. After all,

some things just can’t be rushed, and they don’t have to be done alone. “Frankly, I consider myself to be immensely lucky,” Reeves said. “I mean, how many people get to do the thing they love and have a measure of success at it? I’ve had the support of my wife, which has been invaluable. I’m thankful for that.” He added, “It would have been nice to get to this point earlier in life, maybe. But 20 years ago, the world wasn’t ready for this. All of it brought me here today. Maybe I've arrived exactly where I should be, when I should be. That's, I think, probably super important for anybody who's trying to make a go of anything in life. Be where you are, and enjoy it.” And when challenge after challenge begins to wear you down, Smorenburg insists you keep going. “Never give up. Don’t get too high and don’t get too low. Running a business is a roller coaster ride sometimes. Take a deep breath and keep moving forward. Remember the people who have taken a chance on you. We are very grateful to the many who have given us a hand up when needed.” See, Alice? When something seems impossible, do your research, then do some more. Surround yourself with knowledgeable champions. Stay focused on your mission. Make use of time spent waiting. And read your letters from governing agencies all the way through. You’ve now learned about two impossible things. Can you think of four LT more before breakfast?

FEBRUARY 2024 | 45

FROM SOIL

TO SOUL:

The path to a horticultural therapy career INTERVIEW WITH GUINEVERE KERN BY KARINA SINCLAIR This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

IF YOU'VE EVER FELT the calming influence of nature, then you are, however inadvertently, familiar with the notion of horticultural therapy. It can be a pretty profound experience and there are many scientific studies that demonstrate the healing powers of nature, dating back decades. For example, Dr. Roger Ulrich, an expert in healthcare architecture, compared hospital patients recovering from surgery in the 1980s and found that those with a window view of a natural setting had shorter postoperative hospital stays and required less pain medication than patients with windows that faced brick walls. This study continues to influence how horticulture is incorporated in therapeutic settings all around the world. As we head into the later half of winter — a potentially gloomy time of year that can be difficult when it comes to mental health — we’re sharing this excerpt from the January 2024 episode of the Landscape Ontario Podcast, which explores the profession of horticultural therapy and the various ways it can help patient populations recover from trauma and illness. The special guest was Guinevere Kern, a certified horticultural therapist and member of the Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association. Kern advocates for the development of streamlined formal 46 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

training for horticultural therapists — and broader awareness of horticultural therapy as a legitimate treatment option. Whether you're a seasoned landscaper looking for a new direction or someone fascinated by the idea of helping others through the therapeutic magic of plants, this career pathway might be for you. What does it mean to be a horticultural therapy practitioner? When we think about the term horticultural therapy and the profession of it, it actually refers to the cultivation of plants, garden space, natural environments and different landscapes that promote health and wellbeing for individuals and groups that are participating in a treatment-oriented process. An important thing to note is that horticultural therapy is goal oriented and works with certain defined outcomes informed by assessment procedures. They have to be administered by professionally trained horticultural therapists. How do you become a designated horticultural therapist in Canada? The Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association is the governing body for registered horticultural therapists in

Canada, and the process of becoming a professionally registered horticultural therapist is a combination of education as well as practical experience. It is inherently interdisciplinary. You need to have educational experience in horticulture and related academic studies, such as environmental studies or urban agriculture, let's say. Botany, plant science, etc. You also need to have experience and education in human services. So that could be anything related to psychology, sociology, or other types of humanities studies. You also need to have educational experience in horticultural therapy. So the theoretical as well as practical applications of how they really can come together to promote health and wellbeing in different individuals and groups. After that educational component, you also need to have practical experience. So as we know in horticulture, there's often seasonal components, indoor work, outdoor work, and there's so much to know about the growth, health and sustainability of plants and plant life. So you really need to have that practical experience too. There are lots of different areas where that can be exercised, such as clinical, non-clinical or communityoriented spaces. The Canadian

Horticultural Therapy Association's website has the registration guidelines. There's quite a lot incorporated into getting your designation, and it often takes people quite a long time to get there. But hopefully this is going to be something that, as there's been more attention and interest in the field of horticultural therapy as a viable professional treatment option for folks, we can get more folks registered to make greater impact in clinical or non-clinical settings. With so few practitioners currently registered, we luckily have some experts in the field who have offered different coursework and intensive study programs. But there is certainly an opportunity for that to grow, and I would argue that there's actually a real necessity for the field of horticultural therapy to be implemented in a post-secondary academic arena in Canada. I had the chance to go down to the American Horticultural Therapy Association Conference in Kansas City last year and was exposed to very large, reputable universities in the United States that are offering horticultural therapy certificate programs as well as undergraduate programs. So I think the fact that there isn't that opportunity yet for people to take horticultural therapy through a postsecondary institution in Canada is an area of growth where we can really offer all the unique skills that we bring to the table as health care professionals rooted in the practice of horticulture to support people's health and well-being. Hopefully [there will eventually be] an opportunity for the development of allied health professionals to see this as a viable career opportunity to move forward and support individuals and communities in the clinical and non-clinical context. What are some of the personal qualities that would make an individual well suited for a career in horticultural therapy? The path to becoming a registered horticultural therapist in Canada is

nonlinear. Know that you're going to have to commit yourself to further education, which is going to potentially take years. You’ll also have to seek out opportunities to develop the horticulture experience required to get the professional designation. There are so many different arenas of academic study that you can pull from to really have an effective mechanism for how you curate your treatment plans and implement programming that is creative, impactful and viable, and that gets the results that you and your patients — individual or group — are looking to achieve. Within that, you're always going to be learning. You really have to be comfortable with the fact that the path is not set in stone for you. And so to be continuously reevaluating, having your finger on the pulse for new research that's coming out — it's exciting. But at the same time, it can be a little bit overwhelming. So I think those skills of patience, persistence and a growthoriented mindset are key. A real underlying factor in someone being a successful practitioner but also a successful team member is being a strong communicator and having an inherently collaborative outlook on ways that we can support the profession, but also support people's health and well-being. I've been so fortunate in all the settings I’ve worked in because I've gotten the opportunity to learn from and work with other members of the health care team that I'm a part of. That also includes recreational therapists, community stakeholders, executive directors of nonprofits and community organizations. That includes dieticians, psychologists, psychotherapists, nutritionists, chiropractors, physiotherapists — the list can really go on.

THE

PODCAST

What are the different employment opportunities for horticultural therapists? Horticultural therapists have worked in a variety of settings. Historically speaking, horticultural therapy really has its roots in rehabilitation centres and exercising — gross and fine motor movement improvements and supporting people in recovery from injuries. Horticultural therapists have worked in prison systems, schools and older adult settings. People who are neurodivergent have been on the receiving end of horticultural therapy practiced in outdoor settings such as farms and urban centres in green spaces. Typically, people in horticultural therapy get their start in long-term care. That's a particular population and health care setting that has been more receptive. That's where I got my start as a horticultural therapist. That was a really interesting experience for me to see the impact of horticultural therapy on patients, but staff can certainly benefit from this as well. We know that healthcare workers are experiencing advanced stages of burnout and are leaving the profession entirely due to the stressors in our healthcare system. When we think about some of the key indicators of people's health and wellbeing, we see anxiety and stress. Stress is a precursor for many of the chronic diseases that we're experiencing as a population. So when we're considering new ways to implement this viable therapeutic profession, I think that there are ways to reach more people in our population who are experiencing stress and anxiety, which we know have no borders on the people that they impact. There truly is no limit to the impact that people choosing horticultural therapy as a LT profession can have.

This interview was adapted from an episode of the Landscape Ontario podcast, published on January 2, 2024. To hear the whole interview, visit landscapeontario.com/podcast, or search for it on your favourite podcast app.

FEBRUARY 2024 | 47

GROWINGYOURBUSINESS

Save time and money with new financial management products BY GRANT HARRISON THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY in our lives is

increasing and constantly evolving. While the landscape industry isn’t typically thought of as high-tech, savvy professionals are starting to embrace technology in the name of enhancing efficiency and productivity. As a landscaper who was initially resistant to technology, I have experienced firsthand the transformative impact it can have. The right technology can improve and streamline processes, reduce errors and save time. In this article, I’ll share a few financial software products that are either designed for landscape professionals or can be easily tailored to the industry — and how they can be used to drive growth and streamline operations for your landscaping business.

The classic: QuickBooks Online

One of the most popular financial management software for landscape contractors, though not a new one, is QuickBooks Online (QBO). This software offers a wide range of features and functions specifically designed to assist landscape contractors in managing their businesses more effectively. With QBO, contractors can easily track their income and expenses, invoice customers, and create estimates. One of my favourite new features is QBO Snap, which allows me to take photos of my receipts from the app and enter them into QBO right away. This saves me (or more accurately…it saves my wife) hours at the end of the week or month entering receipts). The software also helps with managing bills, tracking sales tax and generating various reports necessary for business performance evaluation. QBO can help manage cash flow, assess project profitability and handle payroll tasks. It also allows users to efficiently track time and ensure prompt payments. Overall, QBO provides landscape contractors with tools and capabilities to streamline their financial processes and enhance overall business performance.

48 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

The industry upstart: Fathom

Another financial software product tailored for landscape contractors is Fathom. We became aware of this software just over a year ago and have been so impressed with the reports it’s able to generate. It provides contractors with a range of powerful tools to effectively manage their business. With flexible management reports, contractors can easily track and monitor various aspects of their operations. The software also enables confident planning ahead by providing comprehensive cash flow analysis, giving contractors a clear understanding of their financial position. In addition, Fathom offers consolidated financial reporting, allowing contractors to view and analyze their financial data in one centralized platform. It also provides in-depth analysis and insights, enabling contractors to make informed decisions based on accurate financial information. Fathom provides reporting, analysis and forecasting all in one place, making it a valuable tool for landscape contractors looking to better optimize their business operations.

The simplifier: Dext

Dext is a text software specifically designed for contractors to streamline and enhance their accounting and bookkeeping processes. With Dext, contractors can eliminate manual entry and tedious administrative tasks, allowing them to focus on what truly matters — their core business operations. This app empowers business owners, accountants and bookkeepers to effortlessly capture and securely store receipts, invoices and other essential documents necessary for maintaining accurate and reliable financial records. By electronically recording these vital pieces of information, Dext ensures that contractors can easily access and manage their financial data whenever and wherever they need it. Dext offers three different products, each designed with efficiency and time-saving capabilities in mind, to ensure

that accounting and bookkeeping practices remain efficient and effective. While all three products share the common goal of enhancing productivity, they also offer individualized benefits and features to cater to the specific requirements of contractors in different industries. Dext is user-friendly, allowing contractors to optimize their financial processes and save time.

Getting down to business

Now that we have explored some of the options, the next question is: how do you choose and implement one? Here are some tips to effectively implement new technology in your company: 1. C hoose software as a leadership team: Get input from each division of your business to determine what technology would help make them more effective and efficient. Review these lists and create a clear picture of what you need from your technology, rather than getting overwhelmed with all the generic product features.

2. Set up an implementation team: Assign a team that meets regularly to work on implementation and set clear goals and expectations. It is important for the leadership team to commit to the implementation process. Assign specific tasks to specific people, use project management tools like Gantt charts or Microsoft Planner to lay out the process and include a time budget in the planning. 3. Implement accountability: Ensure that your staff follows the documented process and steps of using the new technology. Address any resistance or lack of understanding within your team by explaining the importance of adopting the software and how it affects the company as a whole. Learning new technology takes time, so be patient with yourself and your staff. Consistency is key to successful implementation. It is important to keep in mind that implementing new technology may create short-term challenges, but the long-term

benefits are worth it. Be patient and continue moving forward, even when facing resistance or setbacks. The ultimate goal is to optimize your financial processes, save time and enhance the overall performance of your landscaping business. If you have any questions about the financial software discussed in this article or need assistance with implementing technology in your landscaping business, feel free to reach out. I am here to help and discuss the benefits of embracing technology in the landscaping industry. Let's "talk tech" and explore the possibilities for your business's growth and success. LT

GRANT HARRISON operates Nextra Consulting with his wife Marla in Ingersoll, Ont. He has previously held management positions with Clintar, and Gelderman Landscape Services, and owned and operated Escapes Outdoor Living.

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ARTOFGARDENING

Building your team Where to find ideal candidates BY ART VANDEN ENDEN WHETHER YOU WORK AT or manage a garden centre or landscape business, we all share certain challenges. How often have you invested in hiring staff only to have them leave shortly thereafter, or find that they are not a good match for your needs? I hear comments about the lack of recruits, lack of commitment in showing up for interviews or even ghosting the first shift after someone was hired. These are real challenges. I would, however, suggest that as a business operator you also look at the big picture as to why you are having hiring issues. Of course our business is seasonal but it is also cyclical. You know well in advance that spring is coming, and planning for changing staffing levels needs to be continual. It starts with you

First, take a look at your work culture. From every failed encounter or employee who quit, there are clues about your culture that can be insightful in how you can make improvements to prevent the same occurrence from happening again. Ask yourself what frustrates employees about working for you? It’s easy to feel defensive here, but I encourage you to have the courage and trust in your staff to ask them these questions and take their feedback on board.

Before you look too closely at candidates’ weaknesses, it is important to look at employee needs: what training, support, flexibility, teamwork and future opportunities for advancement exist in your business? You might have more success if you focus on building strengths.

The benefits of hiring student and second-career staff

For me, one of the biggest success strategies is drawing from different pools of candidates. I have always been a fan of hiring mature high-school-aged students with the expectation that they could have a three-year career with your business. It always impressed me how well returning staff were able to tackle many challenges and consistently match the desired service levels that were required. Having a mix of first, second and third year students also provides you with a good balance of young mentors for the new employees. As an added bonus, you may even have a few of these employees who are willing to work while completing a post-secondary education, giving you even more seasons of employment. College and university students are an excellent pool to draw from as they tend to be finished exams by late April, which

is when garden centres are starting to have maximum staffing needs. This approach to using students works well for garden centres large and small. With larger centres, I suggest aiming for 50 per cent new recruits and 50 per cent seasoned experienced student workers. Give the returning employees opportunities to earn a higher wage, develop some leadership skills and expand their areas of responsibility to appeal directly to the type of employees you want to attract, nurture and keep. Retention is better for business than hiring all new employees, regardless of the expectation that experienced employees deserve to be paid more (which I fully support). Productivity and quality increases as an outcome of having happy, engaged and motivated employees. Customers enjoy seeing familiar faces when they come into your garden centre whether they’re young or mature employees, so long as they’re friendly and helpful. A second potential pool for great employees is the group of people who have retired from their career jobs and are looking to do something meaningful while they make a bit of extra money. When you find the right individuals in this group, I urge you to take care of them and hopefully you can keep them on

WELCOMING NEW EMPLOYEES Regardless of who you hire, it’s important to communicate the basic skills essential to having a successful career with your company. This short list includes skills that you can adapt for onboarding at your business — things you can encourage every employee to bring with them to a new job. SHOW UP ON TIME FOR YOUR SHIFT (BETTER YET, ARRIVE EARLY)

DEMONSTRATE A HIGH LEVEL OF ENERGY IN DOING YOUR JOB

BE INCLINED TO DO A LITTLE EXTRA AND SHOW INITIATIVE

HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE

USE POSITIVE BODY LANGUAGE AND BE AWARE OF WHAT THAT MEANS FOR CUSTOMERS

BE COACHABLE AND SHOW RESPECT TO YOUR CO-WORKERS AND SUPERVISORS

50 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

your team for many years to come. This group often has flexible availability, and can be more accommodating when asked to stay late or leave early if business warrants that. They may also be seasoned expert gardeners who can add a huge amount of experience to your team. I have had many experiences where people like this have worked many years seasonally and are a pleasure to work with.

Welcoming new employees

After hiring the right employees, training and onboarding are the most important things to invest in. Matching employees with the right roles is critical. In this business, it is often difficult to get long-term commitments from staff, so the window between hiring and starting can be very short. This is compounded by the fact that garden centres go from being very slow in sales volume in winter to having peak yearly sales within a few intense weeks during the spring. That’s the nature of the business, as being able to maximize on enthusiastic home gardeners is a key to success. When speaking about staff, we also need to talk about health and safety. Employee safety is one of the critical foundations that every business should be built on. I do not like to consider health and safety as an additional business expense. Health and safety fits within solid business operations, and means following legislation and providing a safe, supportive environment to do a job well.

Setting reasonable expectations

Success depends on having clear, honest expectations of what you as an employer can offer to employees. Sometimes young student employees need to work nearly full-time hours during spring and summer to support tuition and living expenses. If you can not offer that, you need to be upfront about it. Be clear about what you can offer as well as what the work environment is going to be like. Harsh weather, beautiful weather or a combination of both are normal in garden centre work. Let’s also discuss the group of employees that simply love what they are doing. They may not want advancement, but they certainly want to know they are appreciated. Be sure to “catch” employees excelling and celebrate their contributions. Building a good strong team does not happen by accident. Being prepared for unexpected change, having back-up plans, developing, supporting and providing

opportunities to all levels of staff make a huge difference. Whether your business already has a strong retention and employee training program or you feel it should be a priority for 2024, my suggestion would be to commit to improving what you have been doing but always be mindful of your resources and time. Sometimes a few small changes will tip the scale and make meaningful differences in retaining and developing a great team. LT

ART VANDEN ENDEN Art loved every minute of his 44year garden centre career with Weall and Cullen and Sheridan Nurseries. In retirement, Art enjoys giving back to the profession with Landscape Ontario’s Garden Centre Sector Group, and sharing his experience with Landscape Trades readers.

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FEBRUARY 2024 | 51

LEGALMATTERS

Tick Tock What “Time is of the Essence” means in a contract BY ROB KENNALEY COMMONLY, parties will enter into contracts which provide that “time is of the essence.” Here, we will explore what that means in the context of construction and supply contracts. The clause was developed primarily for use in agreements for the purchase and sale of real estate, where it has been interpreted to say that either side can refuse to close the transaction if the other is not ready to close at the stipulated time. Recently, in 3 Gill Homes Inc. v. 5009796 Ontario Inc. (Kassar Homes), 2024 ONCA 6, 2024, the Ontario Court of Appeal allowed the vendor to rely on such a clause and refused to close where the purchaser’s lawyer had confirmed that it had the money but was 30 minutes late in sending it to the vendor’s lawyer. The Court confirmed that “time is of the essence” means that a time limit set out in the agreement is essential, such that any breach of that time limit will allow the innocent party to terminate the agreement, no matter how trivial the failure and regardless of how harsh the result might seem. It has been noted that the clause does not impose a time limit but, rather, dictates the consequence for failing to meet a specified timeline. Where, under such a clause, no time is specified, a reasonable time will be implied, based on the facts of the particular case. Our Courts also recognize, however, that the ability to rely on such a clause is limited. As the Alberta Court of Appeal confirmed in Digger Excavating (1983) Ltd. v. Bowlen, 2001 ABCA, a party may only rely on a “time of the essence” clause where three conditions are met: that it was itself ready and able to carry out the agreement, that it was itself not the cause of the delay and that it did not, subsequent to the stipulated time frame being set-out, waive the clause by recognizing that the agreement was still in force rather than exercising it to terminate. The cases also show that, more generally, the party seeking to terminate based on the clause must be acting in good faith. All of the above leads us to consider how the principles apply in the construction and supply contexts. This, because while the clauses are generally considered and applied in the real estate context, there is no reason why the same principles can’t apply in other commercial agreements. The first thing we note is that where a party wants to terminate

52 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

by relying on such a clause, it will (as above) have to establish that a schedule commitment which was either expressly or by implication stipulated in the agreement was missed. It will then have to show that the failure is attributable to the other side, and that it did not itself contribute to or cause the delays. Further, of course, other terms and conditions of the contract (such as force majeure clauses which forgive delays for certain events such as weather, strikes, lockouts, etc.) will have to be considered in this regard. In addition, as above, the clause cannot be relied on by a party who has waived its operation. First, the parties might (of course) expressly agree to a schedule extension. It has been held, however, that a schedule extension only changes the stipulated time for performance and does not waive the clause’s application to that new date. Secondly, a party can waive the application of the clause by confirming (after the specified date has passed) that the contract is not terminated but is still in effect. It has been held, for example, that a party that unsuccessfully negotiates a new date after the expiry of

the specified date will waive its ability to strictly apply the clause. Practically speaking, we suggest that the ability to simply terminate based on the “time is of the essence” clause in the construction and material or equipment supply contexts is limited, relative to its use in the context of real estate transactions. This, because in the construction context, determining who is responsible for the delay can be a complicated task. In addition, once a project is underway a wronged party will rarely rely on the clause to immediately terminate upon the expiry of the specified date (in which case it can be said to have waived the application of the clause). Those thinking of using such a clause to terminate a construction contract must also consider the consequences of being wrong: if the termination turns out to be improper, the wronged party can claim for the (potentially significant) costs of hiring someone else to perform the agreement, inclusive of all premium costs and delay impacts. All of this having been said, however, there is no reason why the strict application of such a clause cannot apply beyond non-real estate transactions. In circumstances, for example, where a party cannot start (or allow the other side to start) on a date specified, a clean analysis of who is responsible might allow the wronged party to confidently rely on the clause and terminate without taking any steps to confirm that the agreement continues to be in force. The above analysis also suggests that construction participants should be careful to get schedule extensions approved, because while a formal extension will extend a deadline, a prior extension does not mean a “time is of the essence” clause is waived in relation to an extended date. LT

THE

PODCAST Conversations on the issues shaping landscaping and horticulture in Ontario

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Four-day workweek: What would you do with an extra day?

ROB KENNALEY

is with Kennaley Construction Law, a construction law firm with offices in Simcoe, Toronto and Barrie.

FEBRUARY 2024 | 53

CNLANEWS

COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM RECEIVES GOVERNOR GENERAL OF CANADA’S VICEREGAL PATRONAGE

Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada

Communities in Bloom (CiB) is pleased to have been granted viceregal patronage by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada. Viceregal patronage is granted to associations and organizations with a national scope for their exceptional contributions to society, and whose objectives align with the role and responsibilities of the governor general. The Governor General plays a key role in promoting national identity by supporting and promoting Canadian values, diversity, inclusion, culture and knowledge. “Viceregal Patronage of the Governor General is important not only to our organization but also to the hundreds of communities throughout Canada involved in the Communities in Bloom program,” said Susan Ellis, CiB Judge and National Chairperson. “This support and recognition emphasizes the incredible work that all volunteers are doing to help their communities be better places in which to live, work and play.”

avknursery.com 54 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

CNLANEWS

Delegates from the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association outside Expo City in Dubai, UAE, pictured from left: Alan White, Chair of CNLA Climate Change Adaptation Committee, Audrey Timm, International Association of Horticultural Producers, and Phil Paxton, Canadian Ornamental Horticulture Alliance.

CANADIAN HORTICULTURE INFORMS COP28 ATTENDEES OF THE NUMEROUS BENEFITS OF PLANTS A delegation from CNLA attended the COP28 climate change conference in Dubai, UAE, this past December — present as observers in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process. This significant engagement underscores the CNLA's commitment to advocating for the benefits of greenery and nature-based solutions in the fight against climate change. CNLA also partnered with the Canadian

Ornamental Horticulture Alliance (COHA), which led a presentation on how plants can contribute to the resilience of the rural and urban environment. “It was encouraging to hear from many that our presentation was well-received and that we were able to have had a direct impact now on at least a few individuals,” said Alan White, Chair of the CNLA’s Climate Change Adaptation Committee, who was among the

panelists in the COHA presentation. As observers, the CNLA takes on several responsibilities and has access to numerous opportunities. These include: advocacy and knowledge sharing; collaboration and partnership with governments, NGOs and climate change stakeholders; and influence on policy and decision making. Through all of this work, CNLA aims to be a catalyst for developing effective climate strategies and action.

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CNLANEWS CIB ANNOUNCES THE COLOUR OF THE YEAR FOR 2024 Orange is this year's choice for the flower colour theme of the year, announced at this year’s Communities in Bloom (CiB) Symposium held in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo, Alberta. This announcement coincided with the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on September 30. Among those instrumental in recommending the orange theme was Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) Ward 2 Councillor Kendrick Cardinal, who is also President of the Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation. “The colour orange is not only the colour of the flower, it’s also the colour of the relationship we want to build,” said Cardinal. “When you’re holding an orange flower, it symbolizes a way to build a better tomorrow for indigenous communities,” he said. “Our motto in the region is: it’s time. It’s time to build those relationships, and continue for 100 years to fix them, because that’s what it’s going to take to fix it all.” In what has become an annual tradition, the National Capital Commission (NCC) donated tulip bulbs to the CiB Symposium’s host municipality. This year, Wood Buffalo received 2,800 Orange Dream tulip bulbs. Tina Liu, a national judge and board member of CiB, is also a senior landscape architect at the NCC. She leads the design of year-round floral displays throughout Ottawa — encompassing 30 different sites in 120 flower beds on 13,000 square metres of space. Liu has experimented with a few orange-themed planters around Parliament Hill, and is planning for a whole lot more as the year progresses. “Get ready for a splash of orange,” Liu said.

GET READY FOR RED SEAL The popular Red Seal InterProvincial Exam Preparation workshop produced by CNLA in partnership with HortEducation.ca is now available on-demand. Apprentices and trade challengers can now have access to this thorough prep workshop for the exam at any time of the year at no charge. The manual and practice exam that goes with this seminar can be purchased for $30 (+ shipping and GST or HST). The Red Seal Landscape Horticulturist

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endorsement promotes excellence to employers and clients, instills pride in skilled workers and facilitates labour mobility. Do you have enough industry hours to challenge the RED SEAL Landscape Horticulturist IP exam? Not sure what will be on the exam? Have exam anxiety? Need a refresher? If you or your employees have answered YES to any of these questions, then this workshop is for you! Visit horteducation.ca for more information.

CNLANEWS ALWAYS TOGETHER ROSE TO DEBUT IN 2026 The CNLA New Plant Development Committee (NPDC) in partnership with Communities in Bloom (CiB) and the Never Alone Cancer Foundation (NACF) is proud to introduce the Always Together Rose, which will be coming to market for spring 2026. This rose is a sport of the very popular Never Alone Rose and has proven to be stable for the last seven years. For the past two years, a selected group of growers from across Canada have propagated the Always Together Rose. This rose has been relatively easy to propagate from cuttings, shows vigorous growth and displays extremely well in pots. Currently there are over 5,200 Always Together rose plants growing at these growers and initiated at the tissue culture lab. All CNLA grower members will have the right to grow this rose once a propagation/growing agreement is signed. Rose liners, two-gallon stock plants and tissue culture liners will be available for spring 2024. Interested growers should contact Jamie Aalbers at the CNLA office (jamie@canadanursery.com) for a propagation/ growing agreement and to get the name of the grower and tissue culture lab who have Always Together liners to sell for spring 2024. The marketing synergy of the three partners (NPDC, CiB, NACF) will be combined for the Always Together Rose market introduction for Spring 2026. Respond soon so that you do not miss this. opportunity to offer the Always Together Rose to your 2026 market.

COIVIC SPECIMEN TREES

5487 EIGHTH LINE, MILTON, ONTARIO L9E 1A3

IN BRIEF… HR TUNE-UP CNLA is once again partnering with the Canadian Agriculture Human Resource Council (CAHRC) to offer members HR related webinars. These popular sessions are free of charge but registration is essential. Don't miss out!

FEBRUARY 14, 12 P.M. EST: Dealing with Labour Agencies gfl.me/hbGn

MARCH 13, 2 P.M. EST: HR Toolkit overview gfl.me/hbGo

Webinars will be posted following each event at youtube.com/cnla

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FEBRUARY 2024 | 57

MENTORMOMENT

Investing in new equipment… wisely AS SOMEONE WHO doesn’t really

have a mentor, but probably needs 20 of them, I had to chuckle at being asked to write a Mentor Moment column. The saying “the blind leading the blind” comes to mind. I often still think of myself as a 25 year old in no position to share any wisdom, but given I’ve actually been in business for more than 18 years, I’ll give it a shot. This issue, as you know, is all about new products. While I love new products — and the innovation that our industry has seen over the last 15 years — I also caution you to be patient. Don’t jump on something because it sounds cool, or because it has a great salesperson or because you think you need it. Over the years, I have wasted $50,000 chasing a brine dream, over $100,000 on different GPS/theft deterrent systems and bought or leased many items that I should have just rented for the job.

Cutting my losses and maximizing fleet investments

I currently own/lease over 100 vehicles and have a fairly simple approach to replacing them. If I have to invest over $10,000 a year into them on top of wear and tear parts, then that vehicle will be on the auction block at the end of the season. I won’t chase my losses anymore; time has told me it just isn’t worth it. We were once partnered with one of the big green fleet management companies, who pushed 160,000 kms as the magic number to get rid of trucks as part of a proper fleet management system. As someone who drives over 80,000 km per year, that just doesn’t make sense anymore. I also feel that a huge 58 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

amount of this formula is tied to how well employees are taking care of the vehicles, and it is amazing to see many of my trucks with over 250,000 kms are still in well-maintained condition. Conversely, there are some with less than 100,000 kms that I am embarrassed to look at. The investment in your vehicles goes beyond the initial purchase. There’s the branding, the GPS, the plow and salter/brine sprayer controls, the seat covers, the mats, the oil spray. Every year, it all adds up. A truck that used to be $60,000 is now $90,000, so keeping things longer also makes sense.

Try before you buy

Now let’s look at equipment, from the powered wheelbarrow, to the large loaders. My rule for the smaller stuff is, if it will pay for itself in one season with labour savings, you are stupid not to get it. That said, before you get it, rent it for a week to make sure it can do what the salesperson says it can do — and that your crews will actually use it! The amount of “pretty” equipment I have that does not see the light of day is mind boggling. We had a concrete mixer that my friend, who borrowed it for personal use, used more than my five construction crews. With the price of the new equipment, it has to make sense long term. If leasing, structure your leases to avoid cash flow stress. Look at winter-only leases if you know that is when you will use that equipment.

Respect your elders

I believe that older (2016-2020) equipment should be not shamed in any way. I’ve seen plenty of newer equipment that has very cool technology… which then decides to act up during -20 temperatures in a snowstorm. Slightly older equipment seems to have worked through a lot of these issues, and can often be more reliable. That said, repairs on older tools and gear can also be very

expensive, so keep that in mind as well. Fiveyear bumper-to-bumper warranties have saved my butt a few times. The electric revolution is here. I have spent a lot of money on electric equipment, and while I love it at home, I do think it still has a way to go before performance is where I’d like it to be for my crews. I hope that more companies come out with better and better stuff over the next few years, and that the government provides grants to help us transition away from gas-powered equipment.

Protecting what’s yours

I know we have spoken about theft and tracking equipment in other issues, but I do really want to see manufacturers step things up to make their products less “stealable.” Whoever comes up with that solution will do very well! When most of the larger equipment has the same key, but your $10,000 Hyundai Micra has a proper FOB… you can get a little annoyed. I would suggest investing in not only hidden trackers, but dash cams with built-in GPS, and getting all of your equipment over a certain value (say, $10,000) onto the same program. First of all, it is great just knowing where everything is, especially in the winter. Second, you will have much less stress if something goes missing. Having proper check-out and check-in procedures with your crews can also help with this worry. Invest in as much security equipment as you can afford to. You have to be your own best advocate. I still walk trade shows with wide eyes at all of the cool stuff, but now in my 40s, I know to keep my wallet a little more locked up. LT Jon Agg is the owner and founder of PPM which is involved in almost all sectors of the landscaping industry from their head office in Ajax, and satellite locations in Brighton, Kingston, Lindsay, Ottawa and the Muskoka Regions of Ontario.

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