Landscape Ontario - February 2017

February 2017 horttrades.com

Michael Pascoe of Fanshawe College helps inspire better student gardens at Congress every year — resulting in the

BEST CONGRESS

EVER!

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2  LANDSCAPE ONTARIO FEBRUARY 2017

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Welcoming 2017

By Paul Brydges LO President

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ongress opened with a full house at the IPM Symposium and a large, engaged group of owners and managers at the Peer to Peer workshop. The Landscape Designer Conference was also very well attended, with several renowned guest speakers to inspire young and seasoned designers alike.

The new format for the Awards of Excellence ceremony was met with incredible enthusiasm and excitement. I had the honour of welcoming our scholarship recipients and heard about some of their very diverse skills and backgrounds. As our future, they will provide us with a great start to our concerns about ongoing staff shortages. I hope they take the experience back to all of their classmates to show them how much LO has to offer.

It was a distinct honour to be on stage to represent the association as Mark Cullen received the Honourary Life Member-

February, 2017 • Volume 35, No. 2 horttrades.com Landscape Ontario’s mandate is to be the leader in representing, promoting and fostering a favourable environment for the advancement of the horticultural profession in Ontario.

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ship Award. As only the tenth member to ever receive this distinction, Mark stands in a very unique class with our founders.

As Mark’s reaction proved, he was very moved by the honour, and I hope he realizes how much he continues to inspire both existing and future members.

At the reception afterwards, I had the opportunity to speak with many of the award winners. Christine Moffat and Janet Mott from Christine’s Touch Gardening received their first-ever award, and were elated by the recognition from their peers. I could tell from their response that the positive energy the award created for them and their team will last a lifetime.

Not only were the awards titled “Paint the Town Green,” but a conscious effort was made to ensure the awards themselves were represented by projects with more use of green space and plantings.

Next year’s awards will continue to see even more changes. Congratulations to all award winners. I could not be more proud of all of you.

I would be remiss if I did not take time to also congratulate our entire LO staff and the many volunteers for their excellent work leading up to, and throughout Congress. I have not seen a show with better organiza-

Editor Robert Ellidge rellidge@landscapeontario.com, 647-722-5645 Assistant editor Scott Barber sbarber@landscapeontario.com, 647-478-3171 Graphic designer Mike Wasilewski mikew@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5343 Sales manager Steve Moyer stevemoyer@landscapeontario.com, 416-848-0708 Integrated solutions representative Greg Sumsion gsumsion@landscapeontario.com, 647-722-6977 Communications coordinator Angela Lindsay alindsay@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5305 Accountant Joe Sabatino jsabatino@landscapeontario.com, 647-724-8585 Publisher Lee Ann Knudsen CLM lak@landscapeontario.com, 416-848-7557 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO STAFF Darryl Bond, Amy Buchanan, Kim Burton, Rachel Cerelli, Tony DiGiovanni CHT, Denis Flanagan CLD, J. Alex Gibson, Meghan Greaves, Jeff Hicks, Heather MacRae, Kristen McIntyre CHT CEM, Kathy McLean, Linda Nodello, Kathleen Pugliese, Ian Service, Myscha Stafford, Tom Somerville, Martha Walsh, Cassandra Wiesner

tion and energy. Thanks again to all of you.

At the annual gerneral meeting on Wednesday morning we saw how well the association is doing financially and the many initiatives we have underway. We also welcomed back Blake Tubby and Tim Kraemer as our Members-at-Large. I look forward to meeting with them and discussing two distinct committees that will continue to improve our association.

I greatly enjoyed meeting so many new faces as members introduced themselves to me throughout the week. Each meeting is an opportunity to learn more about the depth of our association and to assist members in making connections with each other to further their businesses.

With Congress wrapped up it is now time to focus on committee work and begin final preparations for Canada Blooms. Our Canada Blooms garden will showcase the amazing Highway of Heroes Living Tribute. Committee work continues to try and solve the complex issue of branding LO for the future and how to better reach the public to explain who we are. This has been a perennial issue without an easy solution. As much as the digital age has eased communication, it has created an endless amount of work to try and keep ahead of technology and keep us in front of our clients.

I look forward to seeing more members throughout the province at numerous events.

Here is to hoping for an easy winter and an early spring.

Paul Brydges may be reached at paulbrydges.la@sympatico.ca.

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A new exhibitor-led digital marketing campaign resulted in stronger attendance at Congress this year.

The best Congress ever

By Robert Ellidge Many email threads, social media and blog posts and delegates in attendance at Congress ’17 described the 44th edition of Canada’s Green Industry Show and Conference as “The best Congress ever.”

Held Jan. 10-12 at the Toronto Congress Centre in Toronto, Ont., Congress is produced by Landscape Ontario, whose mandate includes gathering green industry professionals together under one roof each year.

Show organizers made many changes this year; from an extensive digital marketing campaign, to utilizing new technology to adding more live demonstrations on the show floor. Show manager Heather MacRae says many exhibitors and attendees noticed the changes and described the show as a “refreshed and renewed Congress.”

Scott Duff, owner of Aura Landscaping, says Congress was one of the best shows he has been to in a number of years. Duff says the great networking, new plants and products and many learning opportunities are just a few things he gets out of his time spent at the show. “It’s so nice that we can gather together at one event to share ideas and not have to worry about

4 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO FEBRUARY 2017

being competitors; we kind of leave that at the door and we can actually be friends and colleagues,” says Duff.

A great way to start the year

Visitors to the show this year also commented on using Congress as a way to get energized and excited for the upcoming busy landscape season.

Dave Belton, now a salesperson from Ford Commercial Trucks, had previously been attending Congress for many years as an arborist. Belton says, “Congress is kind of the beginning of the season for landscapers who are making their buying decisions; everybody comes to Congress to see what’s new.” Belton is one of those who did notice a lot of changes to the show, adding “if it was the same show each year, I don’t think you would have strong attendance. But it’s pretty clear walking around the show floor that the attendance must be amazing this year.”

Belton’s observations about show attendance were correct. MacRae says well over 13,000 people attended the show this year, over 1,000 more than the previous year.

Digital marketing

MacRae strongly believes the increase in show attendance is partly due to a huge effort to modernize the exhibitor VIP passes and online registration system. Traditionally distributed as paper copies, VIP passes this year were also available to each exhibitor as a custom digital marketing piece they could then send to clients or suppliers, or post on social media. Registrations were tracked and exhibitors could then find out how many people registered. “It actually became a competition among some exhibitors to see how many people registered using this new tool,” MacRae says.

This new digital marketing tool involved a lot of behind-the-scenes work by LO staff and the show registration company, Conexsys, who, despite working on shows across Canada, had never seen the likes of such a campaign before. The online registration system was also updated to pre-populate information from Landscape Ontario’s extensive database, something that was just not possible in the past.

New entrance

“The biggest change we made this year involved moving the main entrance to the show,” says MacRae. For years, the main entrance was located towards the north end of the building and moving it to the mid-point of the building this year also took advantage of a new, permanent and welldecorated entrance built by the facility.

Featuring a fireplace, built-in registration counters and a Starbucks, MacRae says the entrance “made a major difference to the Congress experience because it also helped to set the mood of the show.”

MacRae says moving the entrance also created a whole new traffic pattern on the show floor. In the past, the north end entrance resulted in one half of the building being very congested in the morning and not in the afternoon. The centrally located entrance helped disperse crowds more evenly throughout the show, creating a buzz in all three exhibit halls that was hard to ignore.

New technology

The show’s new entrance also got a technology update to include self-serve kiosks.

“Anyone who already had a bar code could scan and print off their entry badge in less than a minute,” MacRae says, adding that despite almost running out of parking spaces on one day, long line ups were minimized in part by the kiosks and the new entrance layout, but also thanks to the help of many dedicated volunteers working helping arrivals at the entrance.

New technology on the show floor came in the form of five large, touch-screen kiosks that replaced the old back-light floor plan and exhibitor list signs. Each kiosk resembled a giant smartphone and users could view the floorplan, search or view a list of exhibitors or look up events, all via the new Congress app that was launched a week prior. When not in use, the screens fed social media posts containing live Tweets and images from around the show.

MacRae says a lot of the new technology is a direct result of the show team visiting other shows to get ideas, but also from getting great feedback as well.

Visitor survey

In addtion to constant feedback from visitors and attendees, MacRae says a more detailed survey is conducted about every five years. 2017 is one of those years and survey kiosks appeared in many areas around the show. Post-show, all attendees were reminded about the survey via an email campaign and a $1000 prize will be randomly awarded to one survey participant.

Conference program

The Conference program, the educational program that runs concurrently with Congress, actually kicks off the day before the show. The Warm-Up Monday events held Jan. 9 included the IPM Symposium, Landscape Designer Conference and Peer to Peer Workshop.

Conference sessions featured experts from across North America.

IPM Symposium

The Cohen Ballroom had close to 400 people in attendance for the IPM Symposium which talked about creating better lawn care and business practices with the tools available to lawn care practitioners. A panel of leading experts focused on common problems faced by the lawn care sector.

Attendees to the symposium qualified for six IPM Council of Canada continuing education credits.

Designers Conference

Presented with recognition of the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects (OALA), this inititative of the LO Designer sector group began with the group’s annual general meeting. OALA President Doris Chee and executive director Aina Budrevics made a presentation on the Name Act and explained how cooperation between OALA and LO will help to serve both parties better. LO president Paul Brydges talked about the Canadian Landscape Standard and Fusion partners presented their program and some of their goals for the future.

The designers group presented the Outstanding Service Award for 2017 to Chris Mace of Gelderman Landscape Services for his hard work and dedication over the past five years to the group. Mace, who has been involved with the group for eight years, served as the chair for the past four.

“There are so many benefits I’ve received from volunteering,” Mace says, “and to be able to sit around a table with a group of your peers is like getting free mentorship,” adding the many experts around the table at meetings have now become good friends as well.

Peer to Peer Network

The group attending the Peer to Peer session on Monday spent the day in an intense workshop, learning from each others’ success, led by Jacki Hart and co-presented

by Patti Hanrath.

Once Congress opened on Tuesday, the full Conference program, presented in partnership with LMN, began with the first of many great keynote speakers — cookbook author and Food Network personality Anna Olsen.

Later that day, the Life Lessons at Lunch session featured a power panel comprised of owners from very large and successful companies. Nathan Helder moderated the panel and gave valuable advice and direction to the many business owners in the audience.

On Wednesday, some conference sessions had standing room only. The Owners Only Workshops continued to be very popular, identifying gaps in business operations and identifying pressure points for business owners. Judy Croon provided a break from the serious business discussions with her talk on dealing with difficult personalities in a lighthearted way.

On Thursday, the LO education department and the Come Alive Outside program teamed up to host a special session in the conference area for students.

Keynote speakers were a huge hit at the Conference, with lots of people talking on the show floor after presentations finished from Bill Hogg, Scott Cress and Becky Kellar.

Unfortunately, Conference speaker Christina Salwitz was unable to attend due to bad weather in the U.S. and a special thank you goes out to Beth Edney, Designs By the Yard, and J.W. Washington from Ariens for filling in for Christina’s sessions.

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Special thanks to Gelderman Landscape Services for sponsoring lunch for all student garden builders for two days during construction and to Brian Cocks for overseeing the student gardens.

Legacy Room

Vehicle circle checks attracted about 60 people twice a day on the show floor.

Hardscape LIVE!

Hardscape LIVE! returned to the show floor for a second straight year, offering live demonstrations twice daily. Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) instructor and hardscape guru Pat McCrindle and his team performed a continuous build throughout the show in a more intimate setting with two side stages and the addition of the Rock Hard Café. Bleachers for the demonstrations were full and qualifying attendees earned one ICPI continuing education credit for each session attended.

New topics were added based on feedback from last year’s sessions, including two guest speakers: Frank Bourque and Rob Bowers, both from ICPI. The event is an inititative of LO’s Hardscape Committee.

Vehicle circle checks

A new live demonstration was added this year that also drew large crowds. Led by retired OPP sergeant turned consultant Jim Slykhuis of J. Slykhuis Consulting and OPP constable Cory Kostyra, the 30-minute sessions included a vehicle pre-trip inspection and circle check, including proper tie-down of loads and hitching. Both during and in between sessions, Slykhuis and several OPP officers answered questions from the audience and provided information on safe operation and compliance. Based on the popularity of the sessions, show organizers are planning to offer this valuable safety tool again in 2018.

Student gardens

The student gardens were rebranded as the Canada Blooms Campus this year with the intention of connecting the future leaders of the profession to a popular and relevant home and garden show where they can further enhance their skills. The gardens by Durham College, Fanshawe College, Humber College, Niagara Parks Commission and Niagara District Catholic School Board added a nice green component to the show and offered an area for attendees to relax and escape the busy trade show.

First-year landscape design student Ethan Preston from Fanshawe College attended his first Congress this year and says he is “impressed with both the scale of the show and the wide array of products,” which, he doesn’t think he would have seen elsewhere.

Each student garden had support from a number of organizations and companies who donated product or material, without whom the gardens would not be possible.

On Tuesday, the LO Legacy Room provided a meeting place for the association and had many early leaders and innovators in attendance. The room proves to be a popular meeting spot for LO members.

Thanks to the following Legacy Room sponsors: Brouwer Sod Farms/Kesmac, Echo P ‎ ower Equipment (Canada), Kobes Nurseries, Kubota Canada, Nutrite, Oaks

by Brampton Brick, Stihl, G&L Group, The Investment Guild and Unilock.

Awards of Excellence ceremony

Changes were also made for the popular awards night held at the International Plaza Hotel on Tuesday night. In response to a lot of engaged attendees from previous awards ceremonies, the awards rose to the challenge and changed things up this year.

In addition to the theme of ‘Paint the Town Green,’ the ceremony had artists painting landscapes (one painting was the winner of the Dunington-Grubb Award).

A small change in how winners received their awards got positive feedback and helped to shave 45 minutes off the run time of the show.

Host Frank Ferragine from Breakfast Television was outstanding. Extra thanks to Beth Edney, Designs By the Yard, for her amazing work on the décor and AV Canada for supplying upgrades. The event would not take place without the support of G&L Group and Connon Nurseries CBV. The G&L ice sculpture and green drinks were a big hit at the LO President’s Reception before the ceremony. G&L Group once again gave away a trip to Mont Tremblant,

New products

New products continue to be one of the main reasons why people flock to Congress each year. In 2017, new equipment was added to the New Product Showcase feature, and attendees were also able to see and feel new models of riding mowers, tractors and more.

6 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO FEBRUARY 2017

All award winners gathered on stage at the conclusion of the awards ceremony.

Tailgate Party

Mark Cullen (centre) accepts an Honourary Life Membership Award with his family on stage.

running a social media contest during the evening to determine the winner. Congratulations to Michael Thiessen from The Green Alternative on winning the prize.

LO events coordinator Kristen McIntyre says the change in procedure for the award winners provided a personal first for her; “I actually got to greet every single winner and give them their award.”

In addition to awards for landscape projects, the ceremony also recognized individuals who have made a significant impact on the lives of others and who have helped to better the profession. Mark Cullen’s heartfelt acceptance of an Honourary Life Membership, with his family in attendance, was a very special moment. Cullen became only the tenth person to receive the award.

Case Vanderkruk and Andrew Barbour of NVK Holdings accepted the Legacy Award for their work on the Vimy Oaks project to return native Oaks to the site of the Vimy memorial in France.

Lots of volunteers work behind the scenes at many Landscape Ontario events, and the awards ceremony provided the opportunity to publicly recognize John Moons for his contribution over many, many years to ensure the annual Growers Auction runs smoothly. Moons was awarded the Past President’s Award for his many years of service.

With attendance for the evening steadily growing over the years to surpass the 600 mark, a new layout of the room was used this year. Noise and screen visibility had also become issues and many screens were added this year to immerse the audience in the on-stage presentations.

Again this year, the judging panel was impressed by the high level of craftsmanship, quality construction and attention to detail by LO members.

A display showing all award winners appeared in the Conference area of the show, and this year extended to a large area on the show floor, providing recogni-

tion to a whole new audience of exhibitors and trade show attendees.

Meeting of members

On Wednesday morning, Landscape Ontario held its annual general meeting at the International Plaza Hotel where members got an update on all association activities and gave input on the direction and focus for the future.

By Wednesday afternoon the show floor was already buzzing with anticipation for the annual post-show Tailgate Party.

Attendance to the event has also climbed steadily over the past few years and over 900 guests were fed and entertained this year. Visitors were treated to the sights and sounds of the DeeGees who played many popular songs, including a sing-a-long set that used audience members as backup singers. Games tables and a hockey game on the large screens provided a fun atmosphere for exhibitors and attendees after a busy day at the trade show.

Garden Centre Symposium

On Thursday at the Garden Centre Symposium, speaker Tom Shay drilled down with independent garden centre owners and provided them with lots of ideas to take back and try at their retail locations this spring. The event also included the presentation of LO Garden Centre Awards of Excellence and provided a great networking opportunity for those in attendance.

Fanshawe College student garden donated to local mosque To celebrate Canada’s bicentennial and multiculturalism, Fanshawe College designed and built a beautiful Middle Eastern-style garden for Landscape Ontario Congress Trade Show and Conference back in early January. As part of the Canada Blooms Campus, the feature garden was a popular spot during the three-day show. The garden will continue to inspire and pay homage to Muslim gardening tradition as a backdrop for weddings at a local mosque.

“During the build, one of the forklift drivers at the show inquired about the garden,” Fanshawe’s Horticulture Technician program coordinator Michael Pascoe explained. “As it turns out, his daughter has a wedding coming up, and we were pleased to be able to donate parts of our garden for the event to the community.”

While some of the materials used in the garden were going to be brought back to the college after Congress to be reused, some would inevitably wind up in the garbage, Pascoe said, adding that his students were proud their work would be repurposed.

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High school students in the spotlight A Canada’s birthday-themed display stood out from the stunning student gardens at Congress, because it was conceived and built by high school students. The team from Niagara Catholic District School Board represented a collaboration between the Green Industries and Construction Technology programs.

Instructor Darren Schmahl was especially pleased by the cooperative effort, since it mirrored realworld situations. “I am very proud, the project was a big success,” he said. Schmahl was pleased that students participated based on a range of abilities; some even helped by gathering Phragmites grass for the display.

Schmahl noted his students got a late start with the opportunity. Brainstorming began in October, when the students decided on the 150th anniversary theme. The result incorporated Canadian icons, from a flag and beaver, to a native bee hotel and a dugout canoe.

Schmahl was apprehensive when his students settled on the canoe idea, but went along. City crews dropped off a 36-in. diameter log on Nov. 10; Schmahl did some of the initial rough work with a chainsaw, but other than that, “The students did it.”

Design, planning and cooperation was one part of the student experience, according to Schmahl, and another was their exposure to the landscape profession through Congress. All the Niagara students visited Congress on the Wednesday of the show, and he said, “They were blown away, they couldn’t even believe it. Congress really opened their eyes.”

Darren Schmahl says his goal with students is to expose them to opportunity and get them interested; the garden was a great experience toward that end.

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In-Lite Design received the Best Promotion Award from show organizers.

Irrigation Conference

This year’s gathering of the irrigation profession focused on sustainability and new opportunities for irrigation contractors in regards to sustainability combined with new technology. An update on the WSIP program was given by Jeremy Harris from the Region of Peel.

Government grant

Attendees of the conferences, symposiums and educational events can apply for reimbursement of the fees paid under the Canada-Ontario Job Grant. The Ontario government will pay up to two-thirds of the cost (up to $10,000 per employee) for all paid education at Congress ’17. For details, visit gfl.me/h3ht.

Best booth and promotion awards

After five years as show manager, MacRae says she is still amazed by the amount of work exhibitors put into their displays and the number of exhibitors who have entire new displays each year.

Each year, a panel of judges looks at each of the 600 exhibits and awards are handed out on the second day of the trade show. This years winners are: • In-Lite Design, Best Promotion Award • Select Stone, 100-400 sq. ft., excluding heavy equipment • Pemacon, over 400 sq. ft., excluding heavy equipment • Bobcat Company, heavy equipment • Dewalt Canada, small equipment • NVK Holdings, Paul J. Day Award for Best of Show.

Members of the Show Committee also presented special plaques to the following show supporters: • Global Arch Natural Stone Wholesale, Plantinum sponsor • Banas Stone, Platinum sponsor • LMN, Platinum sponsor • G&L Group, Gold sponsor • Cub Cadet Pro, Gold sponsor • Connon Nurseries CBV, Gold sponsor • Surefoot Hardscape Products, Silver sponsor

Volunteers

Congress ’17 would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of many volunteers. Landscape Ontario would like to thank the following individuals for their assistance: Lee Benson, CLD; Cees Braamse; Irene Bultena; Connie Cadotte; Rachel Castellano; Barb Coote; Keith Desjardins; Harry de Vries, Paul Domingues, CIT; Beth Edney, CLD; Kim Edwards; Pat Hartman; Liz Klose, CLM; Luke Koudys; John Lamberink; Jody LaPorte; Skai Leja; Terence Liu; Brian Lofgren; Henry Markus; Teresa Matamoros; Norm Mills; Fran Moore; Cassie O’Neill; Chloe Philip; Adele Pierre, CLD; Irina Polstvin; Lisa Purves; Greg Redshaw; George Schellingerhoud; Ron Sikkema; Margaret Stinson; Ivan Stinson; Gerrit Tervrugt, Anna van Maris; Bruce Warren; Eilleen Warren, Welwyn Wong, Alex Zalewski.

Show Committee

Volunteers also make up the Show Committee, a group of Landscape Ontario members who meet throughout the year to make decisions and set the direction for the show. MacRae says, “The Show Committee, led by Michael LaPorte was amazing. They work long hours and are active on the show floor, working with members and exhibitors and they really are tremendous ambassadors for Congress. Together with the many dedicated and hard working volunteers, they are truly the silent heroes behind the scenes.”

Members of the Show Committee are: Michael LaPorte, CLT, Chair; Paul Brydges; Terry Childs; Brian Cocks; Douglas Coote; Paul DeGroot; Barry Dickson; Beth Edney, CLD; Nathan Helder; Kim Iceton; Mike Riehm; Klaas Sikkema; Peter Vanderley; and Jason Vettese.

LO members are invited to participate on the Show Committee. Anyone interested can contact Heather MacRae at heather@ landscapeontario.com.

Congress will return to the Toronto Congress Centre, Jan. 9-11, 2018.

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Members of Landscape Ontario’s Provincial Board of Directors assemble for a group photo at an annual general meeting held Jan. 11.

Leadership highlighted at AGM Members carried out their responsibility to oversee LO’s direction at their association’s 43rd annual general meeting,

held on Jan. 11. President Paul Brydges reflected on his first year in leadership, introduced board members, acknowledged

LEWIS

past presidents and honourary life members, and recognized 22 new milestone member companies.

Following up on business arising from the January 2016 meeting, progress has been made on creating a National Botanical Garden in Ottawa. The effort has produced

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ASSOCIATION NEWS excellent government relations benefits, resulting in a $2.2 million federal grant to promote horticulture. Concrete measures have also been taken to raise the profile of plants in LO’s Awards of Excellence program. Among other steps, judges are emphasizing the importance of green landscape components in their scoring.

While all presentations indicated a successful, effective, well-run association, several members made suggestions or comments from the floor. Jacki Hart suggested scoring Awards projects based on percentage of green space, and including before and after pictures. Teresa Matamoros suggested having a flag at future AGMs. Monica van Maris echoed appreciation expressed for LO staff, and wished to specially thank the editorial staff on her own. Tim Kearney voiced concern over the many missing chapter and sector representatives, and suggested that reps appoint alternates to represent their groups.

Two changes to Landscape Ontario’s

e

2017 Executive Board have been made for 2017; Chris Clayton will represent the Designers Sector Group and Jamie Riddell will represent the Lighting Group. The Member at Large positions will be filled by Tim Kraemer and Blake Tubby.

LO ADDS EASTERN ONTARIO MANAGER

Landscape Ontario is pleased to announce the addition of Alexandra Wennberg as Eastern Ontario Regional Manager. Wennberg is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all projects, events and activities for LO’s Ottawa and Upper Canada Chapters and will be working to raise awareness of members to the public, government and educational institutions.

Based in Westport, Ont., Wennberg operates a marketing, communications, events, business development and association management company with over 20 years of experience. For the last 16 years, Wennberg has worked in various manage-

ment positions, both full-time and as an independent consultant, in operations, marketing, communications and account management roles. Her diverse management experience along with her educational background in journalism has made her a confident communicator with strong writing, research, comprehension and presentation skills.

Her specialty skills include desktop publishing, graphic design, project management, shareholder stewardship, marketing and branding, client relationship building, corporate communications (such as news releases, newsletters, annual reports, websites and presentations), public speaking, trade show management, budget and critical path management, supplier negotiations, association management and business development.

Wennberg began her new role back in early November and has been engaged in a number of chapter and association events, including Governance Day and

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Congress. She is looking forward to meeting with LO members at GreenTrade Expo and at the many events held by the chapters this spring.

event or just the afternoon sessions and dinner, or dinner and the evening lecture.

Visit LandscapeLecture.ca to purchase tickets.

The family would appreciate donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation at heartandstroke.ca. A memorial page can be found at henrywalser.com.

LEARNING EVENT FOR ALL CONTRACTORS

IN MEMORIAM — EVA ADAMS

LEARN TO DIAGNOSE COMMON PESTS

Landscape contractors and grounds maintenance professionals have a great learning and networking opportunity at the annual Landscape Lecture on Feb. 28.

Hosted by Landscape Ontario’s Landscape Contractors and Grounds Management sector groups, the full-day event at the Fontana Primavera Event Centre in Vaughan, Ont. features well-known industry experts with topics of interest to both sectors.

The afternoon sessions for grounds management contractors include diagnosing tree health issues for better customer service, the importance of managing inventory for maintenance and new and unusual plants. The evening, contractor sessions will provide insight from an experienced landscape contractor and Landscape Architect.

Tickets can be purchased online. For $25 until Feb. 14, then the price goes up to $40. Attendees can attend the entire

Canadian Landscape Standard

The benchmark standard for industry stakeholders

Eva Margaret Adams passed away suddenly on Jan. 23, 2017 at the age of 58.

Eva was the cofounder of R.M. Adams Trucking and Adams Landscape Supply. She managed the Adams Landscape Supply yard until her retirement in 2012. Eva enjoyed her retirement time at the cottage and with her grandchildren and will always be remembered as a strong and hardworking woman who took great pride in everything she did.

Beloved wife of Randall, loving mother of Tracy (David) Wright and Kimberly Adams (Nic Wiersma), proud grandma of Hannah and Ethan Wright.

Friends and family were received at the Henry Walser Funeral Home in Kitchener, Ont., on Jan. 26 followed by funeral service and interment at Woodland Cemetery.

A fun and educational workshop on plant health knowledge will be held at the LO home office in Milton on March 28.

Titled “IPM in the Woody Landscape,” the seminar will be led by Jen Llewellyn, Ontario Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) Nursery and Landscape Specialist.

Llewellyn will cover the most common pests that affect trees and shrubs in Ontario and provide the best resources for arborists, landscapers, park, garden maintenance and garden centre professionals to diagnose and manage their trees and shrubs.

The seminar includes in-depth knowledge on pest identification, with emphasis on early detection. Participants are eligible to earn continuing education credits and are encouraged to bring their pest problems to the seminar.

For details, or to register, visit horttrades.com/seminars.

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A new program will allow graduates to explore areas of landscaping before choosing their career.

GELDERMAN OFFERS UNIQUE GRADUATE PROGRAM

Landscape Ontario member Gelderman Landscape Services has announced a carefully designed graduate program designed to help the next generation of landscape professionals to realize their dreams and potential.

Available at all of the company’s branches, the program is designed for college graduates interested in pursuing a career in the landscape and horticultural fields, including residential and commercial maintenance, turf care, water management, design/ sales/estimating, and administration/marketing/human resources and accounting, to gain experience and explore all areas of landscaping before committing to one field for their career. Graduates will also gain a competitive edge in developing their leadership and management skills.

To qualify for the 30-week paid program, candidates must be currently pursuing a career in landscaping/horticulture, submit a resume and reference letter from one of their professors and have obtained a minimum academic (college) grade of 80 per cent or higher. An application form is available jobis.ca/oym and must be submitted by Feb. 28, 2017 for positions to start May 1.

Once accepted, each graduate will be assigned a mentor from the company who will check in on a regular basis throughout the program to assist and make suggestions. Program participants will also have the opportunity to participate in management and operations meetings. Evaluations will occur throughout the program with a final evaluation at the end of the program.

Anyone interested in the program is welcome to visit Gelderman’s facilities for a tour and to meet the team by contacting Nathan Helder at nhelder@gelderman.com.

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO PLEDGES $100,000 TO GTI

Landscape Ontario has pledged $100,000 ($25,000 per year, for four years) to the Guelph Turfgrass Institute (GTI) to facilitate the organization’s plans to build a new facility.

As a result of discussions with the province of Ontario, the current facilities of the GTI will move from Victoria Road in Guelph to a portion of land in the University of Guelph Arboretum on the north side of College Avenue East, adjacent to Cutten Fields Golf Club.

Additional land will be developed at the Elora Research Station for larger-scale projects.

The proposed site plan includes a new G.M. Frost Centre, turfgrass research plots and greens, trial gardens, an irrigation pond, two storm water retention ponds and an upgrade of existing Arboretum facilities at the site.

Site development commenced in late September 2016 with site

surveying and installation of silt and tree protection fencing. More recently, earth moving operations began to facilitate grading and drainage installation and research plot construction. The research plot construction process will be completed in spring 2017 with seeding and turf grow-in maintenance to follow. Ground breaking on the new G.M. Frost Centre building and maintenance facility is scheduled to follow.

The relocation project is expected to be complete in late 2018.

The Guelph Turfgrass Institute was established in 1987 to conduct research and extension and provide information on turfgrass production and management to members of the Canadian turfgrass industry. Part of the University of Guelph, the institute is supported by the university, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and the turfgrass industry.

The first of its kind in Canada, the institute is already recognized as a world-class centre for research, extension work and professional development for the study of turf. Building on the University of Guelph’s long-standing expertise in turfgrass science, the research activities of the institute continue to focus in areas such as the environmental aspects of pesticide use (fate and persistence), evaluation of grass species, varieties and seeding methods, sports field construction, fertility and management programs, pesticide use and the biological and cultural control of diseases and weeds.

APPLY NOW FOR IRRIGATION CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

Applications are due by noon on Feb. 27 for irrigation contractors who wish to participate in this year’s Water Smart Irrigation Professional (WSIP) program.

The program runs March 7-8 at the Landscape Ontario home office in Milton, Ont., provides specialized training and certification to 20 irrigation contractors who can then provide irrigation system efficiency and maintenance services to clients in the Region of Peel, York Region and the City of Hamilton.

Once the training and evaluation is concluded, contractors will be able to access a specialized irrigation audit software tool, municipal rebate programs and be recognized as a leader in the irrigation profession.

Applicants are reminded Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor (CLIA) certification is no longer a pre-requisite.

To apply, visit horttrades.com/wsip.

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PROUD MEMBER OF LANDSCAPE ONTARIO WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 13

NEW MEMBERS DURHAM Brinks Property Services Ltd

Andrew Piercey 1623 Acorn Lane, Claremont, ON L1Y 1A7 Tel: 416-688-8327 Membership Type: Active

J.M. Smith Landscaping

Justin Smith 2021 Howden 1/4 Line, Cavan, ON L0A 1C0 Tel: 705-927-3579 Membership Type: Active

GEORGIAN LAKELANDS Cast Construction Inc

Gerry Castilloux 2283 Maley Dr, Sudbury, ON P3A 4R7 Tel: 705-560-2278 Membership Type: Interim

John Fumerton Services

John Fumerton 151 King St N, Alliston, ON L9R 1N7 Tel: 705-435-8105 Membership Type: Associate

Tim Reid Property Management Tim Reid 127 Bruce St S, PO Box 680 Thornbury, ON N0H 2P0 Tel: 416-473-1425 Membership Type: Interim

Walker Logistics Inc

Shawn Goggins 189 Barrie Rd, Orillia, ON L3V 2P6 Tel: 705-259-0410 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

GOLDEN HORSESHOE

Flesherton Concrete Products Inc

Grisdale Enterprises Inc

Huronia Landscaping

Outdoor Traditions

John Croft 400421 Hwy 4 E, Flesherton, ON N0C 1E0 Tel: 519-924-2429 Membership Type: Associate Chris White 1336 Rainbow Valley Rd E, Phelpston, ON L0L 2K0 Tel: 705-730-2528 Membership Type: Active

Adam Ross 400 Brock Rd, Dundas, ON L9H 5E4 Tel: 905-627-4686 Membership Type: Chapter Associate Brad Malton 4356 Sann Rd, Beamsville, ON L0R 1B1 Tel: 905-643-1978 Membership Type: Interim

Phillips Tree Farm (1302750 Ontario Ltd) Isaac Phillips 1408 Bird Rd, PO Box 8 Dunnville, ON N1A 2X1 Tel: 905-774-8144 Membership Type: Active

Taugher Construction Inc

Vito Vetro 124 Fenmar Dr, North York, ON M9L 1M6 Tel: 647-884-9636 Membership Type: Active

Parks and Company Landscape

Cooper Taugher PO Box 755, Waterdown, ON L0R 2H0 Tel: 905-975-3577 Membership Type: Active

Jason Parks 8269 Sideroad 30, RR 3 Rockwood, ON N0B 2K0 Tel: 519-831-3453 Membership Type: Active

LONDON

Grant Baverstock

CLC Tree Services

Pam Cook 901 Willow Dr, London, ON N6E 1P2 Tel: 519-685-0257 Membership Type: Active

The Oaks Golf and Country Club Inc Walt Spivak 1552 Gideon Dr, PO Box 7 Komoka, ON N0L 1R0 Tel: 519-652-1760 Membership Type: Active

OTTAWA Quinn Landscaping

Jim Quinn 1864 9th Line Rd, Metcalfe, ON K0A 2P0 Tel: 613-227-2478 Membership Type: Active

TORONTO Alme-Con Group Inc

Carlos Almeida 259 Nahani Way, Mississauga, ON L4Z 3B8 Tel: 416-704-1051 Membership Type: Active

Andrea McLean Landscape Designer

Andrea McLean 1 - 126 Glendale Ave, Toronto, ON M6R 2T2 Tel: 416-532-0248 Membership Type: Active

Anne Gilson Designs

Anne Gilson 188 Gloucester Ave, Oakville, ON L6J 3W6 Tel: 905-338-9222 Membership Type: Active

Canaan Landscaping Services

Tsai Chien Chen 656 North Lake Rd, Richmond Hill, ON L4E 3L5 Tel: 647-636-8135 Membership Type: Interim

Forge Products

Mike Boram 1 - 17530 56A Ave, Surrey, BC V3S 1G3 Tel: 604-576-6084 Membership Type: Associate

Green Spa Lawn Care

Jeremias Sacolle 2 - 1200 Lorimar Dr, Mississauga, ON L9T 6E8 Tel: 905-696-8555 Membership Type: Active

JI Patio Ltd

Tom Sullivan 300A Chrislea Rd, Vaughan, ON L4L 8A8 Tel: 905-851-8818 Membership Type: Associate

Mississauga Painting Service Inc

Andrew Wolfs 5 Heather St, Caledon Village, ON L7K 0B1 Tel: 905-278-0641 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

14 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO FEBRUARY 2017

Mist Irrigation Inc

Toronto, ON Membership Type: Horticultural

Mark Palenchar

Toronto, ON Membership Type: Horticultural

UPPER CANADA Eco Tree Care

John Madden 2375 Hwy 15, Kingston, ON K7L 4V3 Tel: 613-531-8733 Membership Type: Active

The Garden Place

Deanna Groves 664 Glen Ross Rd, Frankford, ON K0K 2C0 Tel: 613-398-0402 Membership Type: Active

Trailers Plus

Beth Albert 2223 Drummond Line, Keene, ON K9J 6X8 Tel: 705-745-5732 Membership Type: Associate

WATERLOO Freeman’s Construction & Concrete Inc Alex Freeman 6950 First Line W, Alma, ON N0B 1A0 Tel: 519-760-4414 Membership Type: Active

Green Seed Property Maintenance Dustin Anderson 65 Windsor Dr, PO Box 92 St. George, ON N0E 1N0 Tel: 519-761-7921 Membership Type: Active

Pro Lawn Care Inc

Bob Van Zeyl 6097 Jones Baseline, RR 2 Elora, ON N0B 1S0 Tel: 519-787-5296 Membership Type: Active

Ridgehill Ford

Guenther Breckner 217 Hespeler Rd, Cambridge, ON N1R 5W1 Tel: 519-621-0720 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Superb Group

Mike Seager 195 Summit Ridge Dr Guelph, ON N1E 0M1 Tel: 519-763-9613 Membership Type: Interim

WINDSOR Reaume Chevrolet Buick GMC

Carl Bendig 500 Front Rd, LaSalle, ON N9J 1Z9 Tel: 519-734-7844 Membership Type: Associate

Celebrating the winners for 2017 in

CONSTRUCTION, MAINTENANCE AND DESIGN

Announcing the 2017 Awards of Excellence winners The inspiring talent and creativity of this year’s winners were acknowledged at Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association’s Awards of Excellence Ceremony, January 10, 2017.

Winners portray a competitive spirit, strive for continuous improvement, offer services distinctly different from the competition and are stewards of the horticultural profession, sharing a vision for a vibrant and prosperous future.

More than 600 green professionals attended the ceremony at Toronto’s International Plaza Hotel, held in conjunction with Congress, Canada’s premier green industry trade show and conference.

An initiative of

Congratulations to all of the companies listed within.

THE LANDMARK GROUP

DUNINGTON-GRUBB WINNER 2017 This award goes to the most outstanding and highest overall scoring project in the construction categories.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 15

The awards recognize the breathtaking design and master craftsmanship in landscape construction, maintenance and design projects created by Landscape Ontario members.

LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM

ABLOOM LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR INC. Residential Construction - $100,000 - $250,000 (x2) AQUASPA POOLS & LANDSCAPE DESIGN Residential Construction - $50,000 - $100,000 - $100,000 - $250,000 - $250,000 - $500,000 (x2) - $500,000 - $1,000,000 (x5) BALSAM CREEK LANDSCAPING Residential Construction - $25,000 - $50,000 - $50,000 - $100,000 - $250,000 - $500,000 BIENENSTOCK NATURAL PLAYGROUNDS Commercial Construction - multi-residential & industrial $100,000 - $250,000 - multi-residential & industrial over $250,000 BLUE DIAMOND POOLS AND LANDSCAPING Residential Construction - $100,000 - $250,000

BOFFO LANDSCAPING INC Residential Construction - $250,000 - $500,000 BONAVISTA POOLS LTD Construction - Water Features (x2) BOUWMEISTER INC Residential Construction - $250,000 - $500,000

DA GRACEY & ASSOCIATES Residential Construction - $50,000 - $100,000 - $100,000 - $250,000 - $250,000 - $500,000 (x2) DAVID GAZE LANDSCAPING Residential Construction - $100,000 - $250,000

CALIBRE CONCRETE INC Residential Construction - $50,000 - $100,000

DR. LANDSCAPE INC. Residential Construction - $50,000 - $100,000 and Special Interest Construction (x2)

CEDAR SPRINGS LANDSCAPE GROUP Residential Construction - $50,000 - $100,000 (x2) - $100,000 - $250,000 (x4) - $250,000 - $500,000

DUSTY MILLER LANDSCAPING Residential Construction - $100,000 - $250,000 (x2) - $250,000 - $500,000 - $1,000,000 and over Web Sites

CEDARCROFT LANDSCAPE & DESIGN Residential Construction - $100,000 - $250,000 (x2)

EARTHSCAPE ONTARIO Commercial Construction - multi-residential & industrial $100,000 - $250,000 (x2) Residential Construction - $50,000 - $100,000 (x2) Special Interest Construction

CORE PRECISION INTERLOCK INC. Residential Construction - $25,000 - $50,000 CSL GROUP Commercial Construction - multi-residential & industrial over $250,000 Special Interest Construction Green Stamp Award

EDENGROVE LANDSCAPES LTD Residential Construction - $250,000 - $500,000 ELITE DESIGNED CONCRETE INC Residential Construction - $50,000 - $100,000 - $25,000 - $50,000

EXACT INTERLOCK LTD Residential Construction - $50,000 - $100,000 Web Sites GARDEN CITY GROUNDSKEEPING SERVICES Special Interest Construction GARLATTI LANDSCAPING INC Residential Construction - $250,000 - $500,000 GBC DESIGN & BUILD Residential Construction - $250,000 - $500,000 Special Interest Construction GELDERMAN LANDSCAPE SERVICES Residential Construction - $10,000 - $25,000 GOLDEN MEAN LANDSCAPES Residential Construction - $100,000 - $250,000 GREEN SCENE LANDSCAPING Residential Construction - $25,000 - $50,000 - $50,000 - $100,000 GREENTARIO LANDSCAPING (2006) INC Residential Construction - $50,000 - $100,000 - $100,000 - $250,000 GRIFFITH PROPERTY SERVICES LTD Residential Construction - $25,000 - $50,000 - $50,000 - $100,000 - $100,000 - $250,000 (x2) - $500,000 - $1,000,000 Special Interest Construction HACKSTONE LANDSCAPES Construction - Water Features Residential Construction - $50,000 - $100,000 - $100,000 - $250,000 HILL’N DALE LANDSCAPING Construction - Water Features IAN MCGREGOR POOLS & LANDSCAPING Residential Construction - $50,000 - $100,000 (x2) - $25,000 - $50,000 IDEAL LANDSCAPE SERVICES Residential Construction - $25,000 - $50,000

PRO-LAND LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION INC

CASEY VAN MARIS WINNER 2017 This award is given to the project awarded the highest marks for execution of unique and innovative design in landscape construction.

16 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO FEBRUARY 2017

KIM PRICE LANDSCAPE DESIGN INC Residential Construction - $50,000 - $100,000 Special Interest Construction KREATIVE WOODWORKING Residential Construction - $250,000 - $500,000 Special Interest Construction

LAND EFFECTS OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES LTD Web Sites LAND-CON LTD Residential Construction - $50,000 - $100,000 - $100,000 - $250,000 LANDSCAPE PLUS LTD Residential Construction - $100,000 - $250,000 - $250,000 - $500,000

WENTWORTH LANDSCAPES

M.E. CONTRACTING Residential Construction - $250,000 - $500,000

DON SALIVAN GROUNDS MANAGEMENT WINNER 2017 This award recognizes maintenance skill and technique, that when properly executed, protects or even enhances the value of the original landscape investment.

MAPLERIDGE LANDSCAPES LTD Residential Construction - $50,000 - $100,000 - $100,000 - $250,000 - $250,000 - $500,000 MUSKOKA LANDSCAPERS Residential Construction - $250,000 - $500,000 NATURAL LANDSCAPE GROUP INC Residential Construction - $50,000 - $100,000 - $100,000 - $250,000 NEW NATURE LANDSCAPING Residential Construction - $100,000 - $250,000 OAKRIDGE LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS LTD Residential Construction - $10,000 - $25,000 - $25,000 - $50,000 (x2) Commercial Construction - multi-residential & industrial $50,000 - $100,000 - multi-residential & industrial over $250,000 PAR-BRO DESIGN BUILD LTD Residential Construction - $250,000 - $500,000 Special Interest Construction PARADISAIC BUILDING GROUP Residential Construction - $50,000 - $100,000 - $100,000 - $250,000 PLANTENANCE LANDSCAPE GROUP Construction - Theme Gardens Residential Construction - $25,000 - $50,000 POOL CRAFT Residential Construction - $250,000 - $500,000 PREMIER LANDSCAPING & DESIGN LTD Residential Construction - $1,000,000 and over Construction - Water Features PRO-LAND LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION INC Residential Construction - $100,000 - $250,000 - $250,000 - $500,000 (x2) Casey van Maris Award ROGER WILLIS CONTRACTING LTD Residential Construction - $100,000 - $250,000 (x2)

ROYAL STONE LANDSCAPING & DESIGN LTD. Residential Construction - $25,000 - $50,000 (x2) - $100,000 - $250,000 - $250,000 - $500,000 Web Sites RUTHERFORD CONTRACTING LTD Commercial Construction - multi-residential & industrial over $250,000 SEFERIAN DESIGN GROUP Special Interest Construction SHADES OF SUMMER LANDSCAPING & MAINTENANCE Residential Construction - $25,000 - $50,000 - $50,000 - $100,000 (x2) SPRINGBANK LANDSCAPES Residential Construction - $25,000 - $50,000 STONEHENGE DESIGN BUILD Residential Construction - $100,000 - $250,000 STONELIFE LANDSCAPING INC Residential Construction - $50,000 - $100,000 - $500,000 - $1,000,000 (x2) - $250,000 - $500,000 THE BEAUDRY GROUP Residential Construction - $500,000 - $1,000,000 THE LANDMARK GROUP Special Interest Construction (x2) Residential Construction - $500,000 - $1,000,000 Dunington Grubb Award Green Stamp Award

TIDY GARDENS LANDSCAPING INC Residential Construction - $100,000 - $250,000 - $250,000 - $500,000 TYLER SPEIRS DESIGN BUILD Residential Construction - $25,000 - $50,000 - $100,000 - $250,000 WENTWORTH LANDSCAPES RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION - $100,000 - $250,000 - $250,000 - $500,000 (X2) WHISPERING PINES LANDSCAPING Residential Construction - $250,000 - $500,000 YARDS UNLIMITED LANDSCAPING INC Residential Construction - $25,000 - $50,000 - $50,000 - $100,000 (x2) Construction - Water Features

LANDSCAPE DESIGN PROGRAM

AQUASPA POOLS & LANDSCAPE DESIGN Private Residential Design - 5000 sq ft or more EARTHSCAPE ONTARIO Commercial Design Private Residential Design - 2500 to 5000 sq ft JENNIFER HAYMAN DESIGN GROUP INC Private Residential Design - Under 2500 sq ft (x2)

LIVING ROOMS LANDSCAPE DESIGN Private Residential Design - Under 2500 sq ft - 5000 sq ft or more NATURAL LANDSCAPE GROUP INC Commercial Design STONEHENGE DESIGN BUILD Private Residential Design - Under 2500 sq ft WELWYN WONG LANDSCAPE DESIGN Private Residential Design - Under 2500 sq ft - 5000 sq ft or more

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM

ADEN EARTHWORKS INC Multi Residential Maintenance - Under 2 acres BOFFO LANDSCAPING INC Multi Residential Maintenance - Over 2 acres BOOT’S LANDSCAPING & MAINTENANCE LTD Multi Residential Maintenance - Under 2 acres CYPRESS GARDENERS INC Private Residential Maintenance - 1 acre or more DUSTY MILLER LANDSCAPING Non-Turf Maintenance Private Residential Maintenance - Under 15,000 sq ft lot size - 15,000 sq ft - 1 acre

Awards entrants are judged on originality, harmony of design elements and integration of plant and landscape materials.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 17

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS!

Mark Cullen was truly moved to receive an Honourary Life Membership Award (left). The Legacy Award 2017 was presented to NVK Holdings Inc. LANDSCAPE PLUS LTD Private Residential Maintenance - Under 15,000 sqft lot size SHADES OF SUMMER LANDSCAPING & MAINTENANCE Private Residential Maintenance - 15,000 sqft - 1 acre SNIDER TURF & LANDSCAPE CARE LTD Multi Residential Maintenance - Under 2 acres STRATHMORE LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS Non-Turf Maintenance WENTWORTH LANDSCAPES Private Residential Maintenance - 1 acre or more, Don Salivan Grounds Management Award

LANDSCAPE LIGHTING PROGRAM

DIMARCO LANDSCAPE LIGHTING Landscape Lighting Design & Installation - Under $10,000 - $10,000 - $30,000 EDENGROVE LANDSCAPES LTD Landscape Lighting Design & Installation - $10,000 - $30,000 HILL’N DALE LANDSCAPING Landscape Lighting Design & Installation - $10,000 - $30,000 KIM PRICE LANDSCAPE DESIGN INC Landscape Lighting Design & Installation - Under $10,000 NUTRI-LAWN - BURLINGTON Landscape Lighting Design & Installation - Holiday Lighting RAIN GODS Landscape Lighting Design & Installation - Under $10,000 ROYAL STONE LANDSCAPING & DESIGN LTD. Landscape Lighting Design & Installation - $10,000 - $30,000 (x2) STONELIFE LANDSCAPING INC Landscape Lighting Design & Installation - $10,000 - $30,000

LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION PROGRAM

DJ RAIN & CO LTD Water Conservation Award, Potable Water YATES CUSTOM LAWN SPRINKLERS Water Conservation Award, Potable Water

INTERIOR LANDSCAPING PROGRAM

STEMS INTERIOR LANDSCAPING INC Interior Landscape Maintenance - Greater than $2,500 per annum

LEGACY AWARD 2017, PRESENTED TO: NVK HOLDINGS INC This award was created to recognize a lifetime of achievement in the horticulture profession. This award is given to those who not only impart their knowledge on the people around them, but who also leave something for the generations behind them.

PAST PRESIDENTS’ AWARD, PRESENTED TO: JOHN MOONS A committee of three past presidents of Landscape Ontario present this award to an individual who, over many years, has made outstanding contributions to the association.

PROSPERITY PARTNERS LEADERSHIP AWARD, PRESENTED TO: JOHN LARSON, JANET MOTT, CHRISTINE MOFFIT, SHERRI HORNSEY This award is presented to an outstanding individual that has worked through the program and has demonstrated business leadership using the five pillars of the prosperity partnership model.

An initiative of

URBAN GARDEN SUPPLY CO LTD Interior Plantscaping Design and Installation

SPECIAL AWARDS PROGRAM

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD 2017, PRESENTED TO: SCOTT WENTWORTH This award is given to a member who makes a significant contribution to the community through their horticultural work. Reasons for nomination should include several examples of community based projects the nominee has been instrumental in.

HORTICULTURE EDUCATION ADVOCACY AWARD 2017, PRESENTED TO: JEAN HUARD This award is given to a person that supports, promotes and develops horticultural educational programming in Ontario.

HONOURARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP, PRESENTED TO: MARK CULLEN This is the highest special honour bestowed by the association. It is reserved only for those members who have consistently contributed their time, passion, enthusiasm and energy over a period of many years. Those who are given this tribute have committed a lifetime to furthering the mission of Landscape Ontario.

The Awards of Excellence ceremony was made possible through presenting sponsor G&L Group and supporting sponsor Connon Nurseries CBV. PRESENTING SPONSOR

SUPPORTING SPONSOR

LOawards.com 18 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO FEBRUARY 2017

EVENTS

March 9

Georgian Lakelands Chapter Meeting

Find full details and registration links at horttrades.com/comingevents February 17

March 1

Lamplighter Inn, 591 Wellington Rd, London This full-day event includes guest speakers on all things related to plants. Details and online tickets at horttrades.com/london.

145 Dearborn Pl, Waterloo Learn how to use social media to improve your sales and showcase your work with Mike Pennington and the #LakeridgeBrigade. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Details at horttrades.com/waterloo.

February 19

March 2

Splitsville Entertainment Centre, 1525 Stone Church Rd E, Hamilton Join the chapter us for a fun-filled afternoon of family bowling and snacks from 1 to 4 p.m.

Free event for those who pre-register online at horttrades.com/goldenhorseshoe.

Oakview Centre, 1724 Mosley St, Wasaga Beach All landscape designers are invited to attend this meeting held by the Georgian Lakelands Chapter. Watch for details at horttrades.com/ georgian-lakelands.

London Chapter presents ‘The Plant Symposium’

Georgian Lakelands Family Fun Bowling

Waterloo Chapter Meeting

Landscape Designers Coffee Morning

February 22

March 7

Trent River Fitness, 8 Trenton St, Trenton Players of all skill levels are invited for a fun day of squash, hosted by the Upper Canada Chapter. Players require proper shoes, safety goggles and active wear. Details at horttrades. com/upper-canada.

Location TBD Mark your calendar for an annual safety update from WSPS and MTO. The chapter AGM and board elections will also take place. Meeting starts at 10 a.m. Details at horttrades.com/ durham.

I Was There VI Squash Tournament

February 23

Georgian Lakelands Chapter Ski and Spa Day

Craigleith Ski Club and Scandinave Spa, Blue Mountain Enjoy a day on the slopes or a relaxing day at the spa — or both! This fun day features lunch, friendly competitions, prizes and great networking. Details at horttrades.com/georgianlakelands.

Durham Chapter Meeting

March 8

Upper Canada Chapter Meeting

Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre, Belleville The 2 p.m. meeting will feature the chapter’s annual general meeting. Check horttrades.com/ upper-canada for details.

Tangle Creek Golf Club, 4730 Side Road 25, Thornton Be in the know with MTO and find out about getting a building permit with a panel discussion of experts and industry professionals. Doors open at 9 a.m. Full agenda and online registration at horttrades.com/georgian-lakelands.

March 10-19

Canada Blooms

Enercare Centre, Toronto The signature event for the landscape profession provides stunning displays, hundreds of hours of expert advice, live demonstrations and hundreds of vendors under one roof. LO members can purchase discounted tickets (see horttrades.com/ canada-blooms-2017) or sign up to volunteer for the festival at canadablooms.com.

March 14

London Chapter Meeting

Lamplighter Inn, 591 Wellington Rd, London Get ready for spring with the annual safety meeting. A buffet lunch at noon will be followed by the latest updates from MTO and a speaker on how to subsidize employment wages for new hires.

The chapter’s AGM and board elections will also take place. Details at horttrades.com/london.

March 16

Professionals Night at Canada Blooms Enercare Centre, Toronto This annual ticketed event (formerly Industry Night) features food, networking and presentation of feature garden builder awards on the main stage. Watch for details at horttades.com/ canada-blooms-2017.

February 23

Windsor Chapter Meeting

Dominion Golf Course, 6125 Howard Ave, Oldcastle Mike Pennington and Nancy Green will discuss the designer-contractor relationship and how to sell as a team. St. Clair College students are welcome. Free for members, $15 cash for non-members. Lunch served at 12 p.m. Please RSVP by Feb. 21 to Jay Rivait at jaytopgrade@ hotmail.com. Details at horttrades.com/windsor.

February 28

Landscape Lecture

Fontana Primavera Event Centre, 77 Woodstream Blvd, Vaughan This event features a grounds management lecture starting at 2:30 p.m. followed by a reception and dinner, followed by an evening lecture for landscape contractors. Attend the grounds lecture and dinner or dinner and the contractor lecture, or both. Price goes up Feb. 15. Details and online registration at LandscapeLecture.ca.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 19

called Nursery and Landscape Pests, hosted at dkbdigitaldesigns.com/clm. Co-author Jen is well-known as Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) Nursery and Landscape Specialist and for her blog at ONnurserycrops.wordpress.com.

Dave and Jen met back in 2007 through Dr. Steve Marshall and his Insect Systematics Lab at the University of Guelph. Their professional relationship paved the way for Dave’s Master’s thesis project that eventually became the Nursery and Landscape Pests database. Since then, the two aspired to collaborate on a more sophisticated Integrated Pest Management (IPM) tool that could fill the void in scouting resources for those working with woody plant material.

Is there an app for that?

At first, the idea of BugFinder was just a funny joke. “Jen, is there an app for that?” became an alltoo-common comment in Jen’s many workshops. But after some consideration, both Dave and Jen secured techniNew app can quickly diagnose pests in the landscape cal and funding support to make the joke a reality and project “BugFinder” was born.

Dave Cheung and Jen Llewellyn spent nursery growers, arborists, landscapers BugFinder was specially-designed for much of 2016 developing a scientific and and gardeners across the province to horticulturalists that produce or maintain photographic database to populate a quickly detect and identify insect pests woody ornamentals with visual learning brand new smartphone app called Bugon woody ornamentals in the field. styles in mind. BugFinder will help users Finder. The BugFinder app will enable Dave, co-author and app developer, to quickly find insect pests on woody is well-known to the green industry proornamentals with a high level of certainty. fessions as author/entomologist/photogThe heart of the app is an extensive rapher of his unique database website database of pest information. The scientific text is the result of an exhaustive literature review and is all-new content. The To operate BugFinder, the user database includes descripneeds to know two things: the plant tive information on how to name and the time of year. The accurately find the pest and plant name can be a common key diagnostic information. It name (ie: pine), or a scientific also includes management name (ie: Pinus). The time of year practices specifically develcan be approximated using plant oped for each life stage of phenology indicators, Growing the pest.

Degree Days (GDD) and calendar date range. Utilizing the extensive database, the app is then able to generate Packed with photos a checklist of pests to scout for, which is specific to the BugFinder also boasts over host and the time of year. By adding the concept of time 800 high-quality images of into the database searches, the app is able to present 82 species of insect and the user with information that is more customized to mite pests. It is these amaztheir plant health situation. ing, high-quality photos that Co-authors Dave Cheung and Jen Llewellyn are very excited about the launch of their new app, BugFinder.

Find out who’s eating your woody plants

20 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO FEBRUARY 2017

The yellowheaded spruce sawfly (Pikonema alaskensis), an important defoliator of spruce trees. Pictured here as an adult female.

An early instar larva.

Feeding damage from an early instar larvae.

Late instar larva.

Feeding damage from a late instar larvae.

make BugFinder very easy to use.

Users can also search the image database directly, by filtering searches based on host, life stage and even plant damage. The entire app is stored locally on your device so there is no need to worry about having a good internet connection in-the-field.

One of the best things about BugFinder is the cost — it’s priceless. Users will not have to pay to download BugFinder. The co-authours are very pleased to announce BugFinder was funded entirely by Growing Forward 2 — a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. The BugFinder app will be available on the

Apple App Store in mid-February and Dave and Jen will continue to improve the app as time goes by. They are also working on developing an Android version, scheduled for release in late 2017.

For more information on the BugFinder app, visit dkbdigitaldesigns.com/ bugfinder.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Canada Blooms shines spotlight on green professions March 10-19 Canada Blooms, the country’s largest flower and garden festival, returns to the Enercare Centre in Toronto, March 10-19, with the theme “Oh Canada” in celebra-

tion of the 150th anniversary of Canada’s Confederation. With 30 beautiful gardens, including four vignettes with a Highway of Heroes theme by Landscape Ontario,

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the festival promises to be a spectacular celebration of Canada and a great setting to promote the green professions to the public.

“Canada Blooms continues to be a valuable vehicle to promote the members and sectors of Landscape Ontario,” said the show’s General Manager Terry Caddo. “In 2016, Canada Blooms generated over $2.9 million of positive public relations during a key decision making period. In 2017 we will have an increased presence from the Landscape Ontario growers sector and close to 40 builders will be on-hand to meet with close to 200,000 guests.”

Professionals Night (formerly known as Industry Night), is a special ticketed event to be held March 17 at 6:00 p.m. at the main stage area. Presented by Landscape Ontario, this annual gathering of the landscape profession includes an awards ceremony by Canada Blooms, honouring the outstanding work of the many feature garden builders.

The Toronto Flower Show will feature another thrilling year of competitions amongst amateur floral arrangers and garden club members. Non-professional exhibitors and members of horticultural societies and garden clubs enter various classes, competing in special horticulture exhibits, floral design and photography.

All Toronto Flower Show entrants are invited to the awards ceremony held on the Canada Blooms main stage, March 19 at 3:30 p.m.

Professional florists will be showing off their patriotism with designs that will represent what Canada means to them with a “Coast to Coast” theme. As with previous years, Canada’s best floral designers will continue to dazzle visitors in 2017. Flowers will be refreshed throughout the festival, creating a new look.

These stunning displays showcase just what professional florists can do.

For details on the festival, or to volunteer, visit canadablooms.com.

CHANGES TO ADMINISTRATION AT GELDERMAN

Nathan Helder, president of Gelderman Landscape Services in Waterdown, Ont. announced major changes to the company’s administrative structure.

Linda Hand is now the Health and Safety Manager, while Deborah Gendreau takes on the newly formed position of Director Human of Resources.

“Over the past ten years we have made significant changes in the operations and administration of Gelderman Landscape Services with new roles and responsibilities,” says Helder. “With this change, Gelderman is positioned for many years to continue our successful growth.”

Hand’s career journey with Gelderman Landscape Services began in 1997, helping the company grow from 40 to 110 employees. Her passion and background for health and safety makes her uniquely qualified to take on the role of keeping Gelderman employees safe on the job.

Gendreau has 15 years’ experience in the human resources field, having started her career in finance. Gendreau will focus on providing Gelderman with the tools to ensure employees are able to learn the necessary skills for their long-term benefit as individuals and for the company as a whole.

“We congratulate Linda on her new role and welcome Deborah to our team,” says Helder.

For more information, contact Jane Green, VP Finance and Administration, at jgreen@gelderman.com or 1-800-667-0644.

century green space using innovative design and an improved landscape while also updating the site to meet universal accessibility standards. In addition, multi-use recreational pathways are needed to connect cultural institutions in order to create a continuous promenade from the Rideau Canal to Rideau Falls Park.

The two stage competition process requires all RFQs to be submitted by March 31, 2017. Each team must be led by a landscape architect who is eligible to be licensed to work in the province.

The winner of the competition will be announced as part of Canada’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

For details on the competition and the criteria required for proposals, visit the NCC website at ncc-ccn.ga.ca or gfl.me/h3hC.

CORRECTION NOTICE In the January, 2016 issue of Landscape Ontario magazine, on page 4, Pam McCormick, owner of Simply Landscaping & Garden Design in Odessa, Ont., was incorrectly identified as a Certified Landscape Designer (CLD). McCormick, does not have a CLD designation, but does have the industry designation of Certified Landscape Professional (CLM). LO magazine apologizes for any confusion or inconvenience this oversight may have caused.

LEADERS SUMMIT PROMOTES GROWTH FOR BOTH OWNERS AND STAFF

Landscape business participants have a great opportunity to solve key challenges: the Leaders Summit sponsored by Landscape Ontario and LMN. The two-day event takes place Feb. 21-22 at Blue Mountain Resort.

The event was launched last February, to resounding success. This year’s expanded Summit is a unique chance for landscape executives and team members to learn and network.

Owners and staff members will follow two separate seminar paths, and come together intermittently to brainstorm on strategies together. Summit planners have identified collaboration as a priority this year. A participant from last year’s event said, “Great speakers and sessions. I took something to use in my business from every single session.”

Register early, since space is limited, at golmn.con/leaderssummit.

NEPEAN POINT DESIGN COMPETITION

The National Capital Commission (NCC) in Ottawa is inviting landscape architects, urban designers and other related design professionals to form design teams to respond to a request for qualifications (RFQ) for a project that will see the redevelopment of Nepean Point, one of the most spectacular lookouts in Canada’s Capital.

The project involves transforming the space into a lively, 21st

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WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 23

EXECUTIVE DESK What is the purpose of Congress?

Tony DiGiovanni CHT LO Executive Director

E

very year at our annual staff party in December, LO home office staff choose one word to guide our activities and events for the coming year. For 2016 our word was “better.” This year, our word is “purpose.”

The idea is to use our chosen word as a lens or filter to focus and define everything we do for members and the profession.

So using the word “purpose” we ask ourselves, Why do we sell booth space? Why do we sell magazine advertising? Why do we offer memberships and professional development programs?

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Why do we spend time on government and public relations? Why do we host Congress, GreenTrade Expo and hundreds of other events? What is our real purpose?

This exercise heightens awareness and forces everyone to think more deeply about their job and the role of the association. It helps us to become more relevant, useful and engaging. It brings clarity and simplicity. Before I purchased a Nissan, I never noticed any other Nissans on the road. Now I see them everywhere. This is how our word choice exercise works — it helps us to notice things and become more aware.

Recently, we hosted our annual Congress trade show and conference. From an operations perspective, the job entails selling exhibit space to over 600 exhibitors, developing and executing a marketing plan to ensure delegates attend, organizing an educational program and planning a number of special events. Many people at the show commented it was the best Congress ever. Attendance was spectacular, exhibit space was sold out months in advance and exhibitors and delegates were deeply engaged. But is Congress really only about selling exhibit space, marketing and event management? What is the real purpose of Congress?

To me, Congress means accelerated “profession and community building.” I observed thousands of people interacting in a grand scale that could not happen without Congress. There was certainly a lot of buying and selling, but there was also much more. Below are some of my observations.

There was a lot of learning going on formally and informally. The exchange of information was intense and passionate.

Exhibitors were excited and enthusiastic about their products and service offerings.

Visitors were inspired, looking for ways to enhance their competency and to become better at their careers. Seeing our wonderful and very diverse profession under one roof was very exciting. I felt a sense of belonging to something much bigger. I am sure many visitors felt the same way. There was also a deep sense of interdependence at Congress. We are not alone. We need each other to prosper.

I also observed attendees of the formal education programs who were inspired, challenged, energized and stretched. Ideas

were exchanged and debated. Visions were articulated. Problems were solved.

Growth was evident.

In LO’s Legacy Room, the pioneers of our profession talked about the early days, the immense changes and incredible accomplishments. Friendships were renewed. Younger members got a glimpse into the future and received nuggets of helpful wisdom. I even overheard one member say to one of the pioneers, “When I grow up, I want to be you.”

The Awards of Excellence ceremony was outstanding. It was wonderful to watch members celebrate their accomplishments. I am in awe of their remarkable creativity and mastery. My favourite moment was watching Mark Cullen receive the Honourary Life Membership Award. His gracious, heartfelt, emotional and spontaneous speech brought tears to many people in attendance.

I watched students experience their first taste of what the profession is all about.

Building gardens promotes a sense of pride and develops friendships that last a lifetime. I know this first-hand because I was one of those students almost 40 years ago.

It was my introduction to the profession that has sustained me and my family. You could sense the confidence and encouragement as students realized they have a bright future in the profession.

I also watched proudly as our staff family and amazing volunteers came together and focused on ensuring an optimum experience for all. I probably could fill 100 pages of the interactions I observed.

I saw fathers walking around the show with sons, fathers and daughters selling products together, brothers running different businesses learning from live demonstrations, teachers and former students reminiscing, friends having fun and friendly competitors talking shop.

The Congress experience provided personal, professional, social, learning and legacy growth. Observing the interactions through the filter of the word “purpose” reminded me of the familiar story of the three bricklayers.

Once there were three bricklayers. Each one was asked what they were doing. The first one answered, “I am laying bricks.”

The second replied, “I am putting up a wall.” The third one said, “I am building a cathedral.” - Author unknown.

This story illustrates the point of our word exercise very well. The purpose of Congress is to build our profession and community together. We are building our cathedral.

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

PUBLIC RELATIONS Bring back the green

By Denis Flanagan CLD Manager of Membership and Public Relations

L

ike so many others, my first connection and interaction with the landscape and horticulture professions took place many years ago when I first worked with plants.

That led to working in a nursery, building a garden and then studying formally at college. Connecting with the plant side of the business just seemed very natural.

In those days, my job required a sound knowledge of plants and horticulture and I was expected to know the basics about hardscaping techniques — essentially a “Jack of all trades.”

In today’s highly-sophisticated world of landscaping, young people are entering the profession through many different avenues.

Some may work directly for a hardgoods supplier, learning about specific paving techniques. Others may pursue a career in lighting or irrigation if they have an interest in electrical systems, water conservation or design. Constant changes in technology and the need for top-notch marketing and social communications are also helping to connect others to our profession, which only helps to move us towards being a network of highly-specialized providers.

With these many ways for young people to connect with us, I believe (and hope) the connection and interaction with living plants continues to be one of the most important methods. Plant specialists will always be needed. They play a large role by dealing with the “green” element of our projects. I was reminded of this vital role last fall when I visited one of our garden centre members. I asked them how the year had gone for them and here is the response I got: “It’s been one of our best years ever! Sales to the direct public have been fantastic and our contractor sales have been strong all year — although a new issue we have been facing is that many contractors are just concentrating on hardscaping (walks, patios, decks, etc.) and then telling their customers to come here to buy there own

plant material. We could have two full-time staff just designing and consulting for those customers if only we could find people.”

If this response is a true indication of the current marketplace, it seems to me there will continue to be an everincreasing need for independent landscape designers to work more closely with landscape contractors and an opportunity for people with a passion for plants to carve out their own niche career. Forward-thinking landscape contractors may want to consider planning and budgeting for a full-time horticulturist on staff.

I think it’s great our profession is shining with things like Many LO events help young people to interact with plant material. innovative new paving products and outdoor kitchens, New options each year but we should not lose sight of the fact the One exciting aspect of dealing with the average consumer also relates to plants on “green” side of landscaping is that each a very primal level. They get excited about year, dozens of new plant varieties are colours, textures and fragrances. I believe introduced by the many plant breeders a complete landscape company needs to and seed companies. New plants and new consider this connection when taking on a colour combinations provide us with new project. options and add new interest to the landSeveral years ago, I was involved in a scapes and gardens we create. Over the small backyard project involving a small next few months, Landscape Ontario will patio and some plantings. The contractor brought in a small excavator and durbe providing many opportunities for you to ing the process inadvertently destroyed a see and learn about these new varieties in sweet pea plant growing along the fence. A order for you to keep your projects interesting and up-to-date. They include: sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) is a flowering plant in the genus Lathyrus in the fam• Various LO Professional Development ily Fabaceae (legumes), native to Sicily, courses from Feb. to April deal with plant southern Italy and the Aegean Islands. The material client happened to be very fond of the plant • The Plant Symposium, presented by LO’s and was naturally upset. He became even London Chapter, Feb. 17 more upset when the contractor responded • Canada Blooms display and lectures, by saying he had no idea what a sweet March 10-19 pea plant was, and that he thought it was • Living Landscapes at the Ottawa Home & a weed growing along the fence, and, did it Garden Show, March 23-26 really matter considering the beautiful new • Paul Zammit’s presentation at Golden patio that was installed? To this customer it Horseshoe Chapter’s Gear Up for Spring, DID matter. That same family also owned March 28 a large commercial building that needed Denis Flanagan can be reached at an extensive landscaping project and they dflanagan@landscapeontario.com requested a different company be awarded or at 905-875-1805, ext. 2303. the contract that ended up being worth over $300,000.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 25

MEMBERSHIP Snow fighters to the rescue

By Myscha Burton Membership and Chapter Coordinator

I

hope you all had a wonderful Congress experience like I did. The show continues to amaze me each year and it’s such a joy to see everyone in one place.

There was a huge turnout this year and I would like to thank all of you who came out to the show.

If you visited the LO booth, you may have noticed it looked a bit different this year. Taking some inspiration from our HardscapeLIVE neighbours, we had a lounge-themed booth to encourage networking amongst LO members. It was great to see our space being utilized and we learned that next year we may need to serve more than just Landscaper’s Root Beer!

With the weather we’ve seen so far this winter, it’s safe to say the Farmers’ Almanac was right about seeing more snowfall. My husband has been working snow

removal this winter and after living with a ‘snow fighter’ for a few months now, I have concluded that I don’t like snow.

Being a snow fighter means early morning and late night calls, sporadic working hours and being at the mercy of Mother Nature. Plus there’s the risks associated with treacherous winter driving conditions (even if you are driving heavy machinery), which makes snow removal a job that is not for the faint of heart. I now have an entirely new appreciation for the brave souls who keep our roads, sidewalks and parking lots free of snow and ice. Thank you!

Tools to keep you safe

Through my brief wife-of-a-snow-fighter experience, I have also learned the phrase “sleep is for the weak” rings especially true for all snow and ice contractors. While snow removal is a different beast than standard hours of work, companies are still responsible for ensuring their employees have mandatory rests to ensure the safe operation of snow removal equipment. On the horttrades.com website you can find a link under the Labour Resources heading to calculate hours worked, as well as the

mandatory rest required between shifts.

It is also important to have contracts with clients that cover all areas of safety and scope of work to protect you and your company. Sample snow and ice maintenance contracts are available online for LO members at horttrades.com/snow. These contracts were prepared by LO’s Snow and Ice Management Sector Group, who worked closely with representatives from the insurance industry and legal profession. These resources were created specifically to benefit your company. While you have very likely already established all of your snow contracts for the season, perhaps comparing the contract you are using to LO’s template might help to ensure there are no gaps in protecting your company and staff.

With my new inside perspective on snow removal, here are some observations I have made about snow fighters: • Just like a football team, everyone has to know their routes. Going over locations, best practices and policies are key topics to cover in training so that on the night of the first snowfall, everyone knows the game plan.

• Team work makes the dream work. Hiring quality staff and engaging in on-boarding tactics to make sure everyone feels like a part of the team and will result in better productivity and retention of staff.

• Be organized. There are terrific digital programs and apps to help keep your staff organized, track their productivity and ensure clients are happy.

• Your staff work long hours, often at bizarre times. A nice treat would be a Tim Hortons gift card left in their machine.

Busy month for chapters

Leadership trainer and consultant – leading your team toward higher success.

As a certified trainer, coach and speaker of The John Maxwell Team, Mark Nesbitt ultimately utilizes his talents developed by being an actual leader in the industry, to help individuals, managers, and company owners better themselves, their colleagues, as well as their employees through well-equipped leadership training. Mark has a passion for working and helping your supervisors grow so your team and company can grow.

Mark has been a great asset to Peter Knippel Garden Centre this year. Mark has great energy and has helped us focus and realize that our greatest resource is our staff. Mark’s training will help bring your team closer together and stronger. Mark will make sure you follow through on what you say you are going to do. He is a great person to talk to, he really cares and wants to make sure you are successful! Mark has helped me become a better owner, husband, father, coach and friend.

Kennedy Johnston Peter Knippel Garden Centre Contact mark@marknesbitt.ca and ask me how to get the government to help pay for your training.

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26 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO FEBRUARY 2017

February is a busy of a month for LO chapters. Safety meetings are being held across the province with presentations from Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) and the Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO). These meetings are a great opportunity for you and your staff to learn how to avoid costly fines and stay safe this season. The real Valentine’s Day party is in Ottawa at the Chapter’s Awards of Distinction on Feb. 14, followed by GreenTrade Expo on Feb. 15. The Golden Horseshoe Chapter is busy gearing up for two events, including their annual Family Fun Bowling Day on Feb. 19 and the Gear Up for Spring Trade Show on March 28. Georgian Lakelands’ annual Ski and Spa Day returns Feb. 23 and attendees have the option to ski, visit the spa, or do both.

For full details on any of these events, visit horttrades.com or contact me at myscha@landscapeontario.com or call 1-800-265-5656, ext. 2333.

UNDERGROUND WORLD Wish list for 2017

By Terry Murphy CLM

H

ave you ever stopped what you are doing and wondered, “what if everthing I wished for came true?”

What would you wish for? In real life, I think it would be world peace, an end to hunger, a disease-free world and the elimination of poverty. Wishful thinking, right? In regards to damage prevention for the underground world, here is what I would wish for in 2017:

No deaths, serious accidents or property damage

The whole purpose of the Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance (ORCGA) is to make this wish come true. Each year there are deaths, serious accidents and property damage. Many, if not all, can and should be prevented. The systems are in place to make this happen. Training is on-going, yet we still have to contend with these issues.

A major reduction in the number of underground utility hits

The measure of the effectiveness of the efforts by the ORCGA is the number of utility hits each year. The ORCGA DIRT Report is the scorecard for our industry.

This document outlines all the hits in the province. In a perfect world, our goal is to have zero hits. We are managing to maintain reductions in this statistic each year.

Measured in hits per thousand locate requests, this number is influenced by the number of calls to ON1CALL, the care and knowledge of the excavating contractor and the overall activity of the industry. A 10 per cent reduction in hits would be great!

More calls to ON1CALL from contractors and the public

The number of calls is also measured by the ORCGA DIRT Report. If the number is increasing each year, it tells us that more contractors are aware of, and are fulfilling their legal obligation by calling ON1CALL. The more locate request calls that are

made, the more locates that are completed.

This first step in the damage prevention process is a measure of the efficiency of our entire damage prevention system. A five per cent increase in locate requests would be excellent!

A sizeable increase in ORCGA membership

Membership growth is a major challenge for the ORCGA. Our 550 member total seems small when looking at the total number of members in Landscape Ontario, the Canadian Fence Industry Association (CFIA) and the irrigation sector (about 300 companies included in the landscape figures) who are responsible for excavating. Combined, these numbers give us leverage and a voice to lobby and liaison with government. Large memberships allow organizations to complete and more easily execute their mission and goals. Given the size of the groups above, and the nominal $125 fee for a small contractor, the number of members in the ORCGA should be double. The ORCGA would be in a much better position with double its current membership. If everyone reading this article could encourage only one new member to join the ORCGA, we would more than double our membership overnight. Take up the challenge and try to bring in just one new member in 2017. More members also allows us to better advertise to the public. Remember, they are responsible for 12 per cent of all utility hits in Ontario. More ORCGA members will also allow us to monitor and maintain our five-day locate mandate. I wish for a 15 to 20 per cent increase in memberships to the ORCGA in 2017.

More effective production from geographic councils

The ORCGA divides the province into 13 geographic areas and each area has its own ORCGA Geographic Council. The councils meet two or three times each year to talk about damage prevention initiatives in their specific area. These groups should be a catalyst for membership growth and for spreading the word on damage prevention to the public.

Geographic councils meet each Febru-

ary at our annual Symposium and I wish for some positive planning and goal setting that can benefit the ORCGA in 2017.

Councils should be innovative, productive and create value for the ORCGA. It is my wish they become more involved and effective in 2017. Geographic Councils are heavily involved in our spring “Dig Safe” events. Perhaps each council can strategize to make their spring “Dig Safe” efforts more productive and meaningful.

Productive work from the ORCGA Board of Directors

Most Board of Directors sit and direct their organizations. They set policies, outline the strategic direction that is required and monitor the outcomes. My wish is for the ORCGA board to establish a new project and that will produce a positive outcome.

For example, each board member could locate a local high school and talk about the ORCGA and its mandate on careers day. This would be a positive outcome for the organization. This is a chance for the board to be more innovative, creative and productive in 2017.

Better public awareness of the underground infrastructure

The public causes 12 per cent of all utility hits in Ontario. Most people have no idea about the dangers underground or that they are required to call ON1CALL before digging. Public awareness is a major challenge for the ORCGA and it always will be.

While it is a daunting task, it is my wish that we continue our efforts to advertise to the public and to make sure our schools, municipalities and homeowners understand the dangers of digging without locates and that they have an obligation to call before they dig.

Conclusion

The ORCGA has a tremendous responsibility and a large mandate to accomplish in 2017. I have outlined some of the challenges and what I would wish for, to improve each situation. Increased membership is one of the key areas we need to focus our attention on. Membership growth is a major challenge, but significant growth would make realizing each wish more attainable.

Terry Murphy may be reached at tvmurphy@ca.inter.net with any comments, suggestions, or questions.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 27

PROSPERITY PARTNERS Intentional improvements

By Jacki Hart CLM Prosperity Partners Program Manager

A

t this time of year we look at options to improve our profitability, teams and market share. Many in our profession wade deep into newlyfound resources; adapting to new software and apps and generally improving knowledge for the season ahead. Even our peers in the snow and ice management sector are busy tweaking their systems of tracking, predicting and responding to snow and ice events.

The true challenge lies in making changes stick through our peak season.

I believe one of the key reasons for failed change is that we often let others tell us what we need to fix and how to fix it. In my experience, the impetus for change should come from the leadership team within your company, not from a marketing campaign or unexpected piece of advice.

I’ve lost count of how many business owners I know who have paid for and started to implement new systems, processes, policies or service lines that were quickly abandoned or left to smolder in the wings without closure. I’ll start with myself.

Each year, I would return to Muskoka from Congress and other events, full of new ideas and armed with a palette of new plants to use, new tools, new policies and new systems. Most of the ones that come to mind involved changes that were made because someone from outside my company recommended what to change, how to change it, or when. None of it worked for very long.

From the school of hard knocks, I know for certain that unless you first decide what needs improving, THEN research and seek options, changes that you implement will likely fail at a rate directly proportionate to the number of people involved in sustaining them. Sustainable change takes work. It needs to be set properly right from the start in order to succeed, not fail.

If you’re going to invest in making change, remember it will impact your available time for other tasks and that of your staff (to learn, implement and sustain). Step back and evaluate the associated up-front and lingering (training or maintenance) costs to ensure that the ROI will be positive. Also, look closely at the true outcome: your customers’ impression and experience. Whether making changes either behind the scenes or upfront, be very intentional about it. Consider your answer to these questions: • What is changing?

• Why is it changing?

• Who will be involved/affected?

• How will change be implemented and sustained?

• When will change be implemented and complete?

Change has to make sense to everyone and all factors involved in the value chain, not just to you.

My best advice? Select two or three critical ‘must improve’ issues to focus on each year, rather than trying to make little tweaks across the board that will most likely fail when the going gets tough. Be intentional about making change in advance and create a plan. Here’s an example: Step 1: What specifically is the gap between what really needs to happen and what is currently happening? Example: “I

don’t have enough time to stay on top of special requests from customers during peak months.

Thus, our customers are sometimes disappointed (or worse).”

Step 2: Why do we need to implement a new process or resource? Example: Last year we had four high paying, long-time customers who didn’t return and many others for whom we made accommodation because we had dropped the ball on their request. We need to lower our followthrough failure rate.

Step 3: Who on our team is most likely to benefit from having a solution available that prevents relying on memory alone in peak months? Example: All staff who directly communicate with customers either by phone, email, text or face-to-face.

Step 4: How can we change our process to consistently get the desired result?

Example: We will create steps and policies which better leverage our smart phones, tablets, shared calendars, live documents, etc. to capture verbal promises, or paste emailed ones into a shared space.

We could source a customer relations management app (there are so many to choose from).

Step 5: When will we implement, communicate and train everyone involved so that they are clear on what steps they need to follow in the event of an unexpected customer request? Example: We will create a scheduled sign-off training for introducing the steps/forms/apps, etc. that will be required. We will define incremental milestones to measure success and sustainability. This change will be ongoing and all staff will be invited to participate in improvements and celebrating success.

Be prepared to adapt on-the-fly. Be patient. Recognize early wins. Reward consistent efforts. Involve the team in developing the process and celebrate success.

Jacki Hart may be contacted at peertopeer@landscapeontario.com.

Feb. 27 – Effective Management form the Trenches – Ajax horttrades.com/seminars/2017-02-27/PP010

March 22 – Cutting Edge Marketing Strategies – Ajax

Join the Peer Network today!

Visit horttrades.com/p2p to join the LinkedIn group or email info.peertopeer@landscapeontario.com

28 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO FEBRUARY 2017

horttrades.com/seminars/2017-03-22/PP011

Sept. 28-29 – Peer to Peer Muskoka Summit horttrades.com/seminars/2017-09-28/PP012

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM  29

CLASSIFIEDS

ADVERTISERS

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Braun Nursery Limited

LAWN CARE BUSINESS WITH OVER 250 CLIENTS FOR SALE Due to a recent new job promotion, I’m looking at selling this business or the clientele list. We have already distributed our renewal forms and have renewals coming in. I’ve owned this business for 10 years. I have a really good reputation, but my career goals have taken me to a different industry. Most of the clients are in Cambridge, the rest are Kitchener/Waterloo and Guelph. I’ve built strong relationships with my customers and I want to sell this business to someone that will keep my clients happy. Our retention rate is great and all our clients are on a lawn care program.

If you’re interested, email lgomes299@yahoo.ca or call 519-837-6090

East Metro Auto Leasing

All classified ads must be pre-paid by credit card. Rates: $50.85 (HST included) per column inch Min. order $50.85. 15% discount on ads run for entire calendar year. Box Numbers: Additional $10. Confidentiality ensured. Deadlines: 20th day of the month prior to issue date. (eg: June issue deadline is May 20th). January deadline is Dec. 10. Space is limited to a first come, first served basis.

To advertise: E-mail your name, phone number and ad to Robert at classifieds@landscapeontario.com. Online advertising: Website only ads are available for $67.80 (HST included) for Associaton members and $90.40 HST included for non-members. Website ads are posted for 31 days. View ads online at www.horttrades.com/ classifieds. Post employment ads for free at landscape.jobs.

Expressway Hino Waterloo G&L Group (Draglam Salt) GoGPS

www.braungroup.com

800-246-6984

Page 12

www.emal.ca

416-293-3077

Page 11

www.expresswaytrucks.com

800-558-7364

Page 23

www.draglamsalt.com

888-907-7258

Page 22

www.gogps.com

866-964-6477

Page 12

www.glwp.ca

877-266-0636

Page 13

www.holtindustrial.com

844-444-4658

Page 19

www.limestonecanada.com

866-374-0358

Page 2

Great Lakes Wood Products Inc. Holt Industrial by MTB MFG Indiana Limestone Company LLC John Deere Corporate

www.johndeere.ca

Lewis Motor Sales Inc. Mark Nesbitt Training and Consulting Metal Pless Inc. Newroads National Leasing Potters Road Nursery Inc. Sipkens Nurseries Ltd. South Oakville Chrysler Fiat

Page 32

www.lewismotorsinc.com

705-728-3026

Page 9

www.marknesbitt.ca

613-402-5764

Page 26

www.metalpless.com

866-362-1688

Page 10

www.newroadsleasing.com

416-587-1021

Page 14

www.pottersroadnursery.com

519-688-0437

Page 24

www.sipkensnurseries.com

866-843-0438

Page 21

www.southoakvillechrysler.com

905-845-6653

Page 13

Lecture Event

Featuring the Landscape Contractors Lecture Series and Grounds Management Lecture

Tues., Feb. 28, 2017

2:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Fontana Primavera Event Centre, 77 Woodstream Blvd, Vaughan, ON L4L 7Y6

Join your peers for creative inspiration, education and understanding (and dinner!).

Early bird price until Feb 14th: $25 for member or non-member Then goes up to $40 for member or non-member. Ticket includes dinner.

LandscapeLecture.ca

30 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO FEBRUARY 2017

An inititiative of

Together we

are better!

Thank you, Merci, Gracias, Toda, Dank, Obrigado, Mahalo, Danke, Grazie, Hvala, Arigato ...

Congress ’17

has FABULOUS partners ...you guys rock!

CONGRESS SHOW PARTNERS

H A R D S C A P E CO M M I T T E E

CONGRESS EVENT PARTNERS

CANADA

Please join us for the 2018 edition January 9, 10 & 11!

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 31

Stay Yards Ahead Next Year With a Great Deal This Winter.

0% APR FOR 60 MONTHS* AND

4000 PLUS $560 OFF $

OFF** ***

with GreenFleet™ Discount

Maybe the season is starting to wind down, but a deal on a terrific ZTrak™ mower is just starting up. Right now, until February 28, 2017, we’re offering $400 off ** any Z930M mower plus 0% APR financing for 60 months*. Better yet, if you’re a GreenFleet Platinum 1 member, you can get an additional $560 off *** instantly. See your John Deere dealer today for a deal on the ultimate zero-turn mower.

JohnDeere.ca/MowPro * Offer valid October 29, 2016 until February 28, 2017. *0% APR purchase financing for 60 months on new John Deere Commercial Mowing equipment. Down payment may be required. Taxes, set-up, delivery, freight, preparation charges and a $50 documentation fee will apply. Representative Amount Financed: $50,000 at 0% APR, Monthly payment is $833.33 for 60 months, total obligation is $50,000, cost of borrowing is $0. Monthly payments/cost of borrowing will vary depending on amount borrowed/down payment. MSRP cash price as of is $92,981 based on highest priced product in series as of October 17, 2016 (includes $50 documentation fee). Cost of borrowing based on Representative Amount Financed not MSRP cash price. Minimum finance amount may be required. The charge for amounts past due is 24% per annum. Taxes, set-up, delivery, freight, and preparation charges not included. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Additional fees may apply. Subject to John Deere Financial approval. See participating dealer for details. Program subject to change, without notice, at any time. **Get $400 off the agreed upon purchase price of a new John Deere Z930M. Attachments and implements sold separately. Some conditions apply. See your participating dealer for details.

Offer subject to availability and may be discontinued or modified. Taxes, setup, delivery, freight and preparation charges not included. ***Get $560 off on Z930M Commercial Mowers with your GreenFleet account. To be eligible for the offer, purchaser must be or become a GreenFleet member and meet qualifying purchase levels. Amount shown above is based on level 1 savings. Qualifying levels and savings will vary depending on the quantity and combination of equipment purchased. See complete membership information and discount details at JohnDeere.ca/GreenFleet or a participating John Deere dealer.

68633

32 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO FEBRUARY 2017