Landscape Ontario - July 2015

July-August 2015 www.horttrades.com

PROUD

TO JOIN PM 40013519

New members Adam and Joe Zaremba of Zarcon Landscape embody fresh energy and talent for Landscape Ontario Page 4

YOUR guide to Landscape Ontario

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64235

S’ LOGO

SUMERS’ RS’ LOGO , Website edia, etc.)

ON LOGO

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Together we help industry grow

By Dave Braun LO president

L

andscape Ontario was formed over 40 years ago to bring industry members together to build a professional and sustainable industry. Today, we have the strongest membership in the history of LO at over 2,400 members.

These are great numbers, but so what? You may be asking, what does this do for me?

Groucho Marx famously said that he didn’t want to belong to any club that would accept him as a member. I’m happy that our members don’t feel the same way about Landscape Ontario. And for many of us Landscape Ontario is much more than a club, it’s an extended family. It’s a place to connect and share ideas. It’s an organization that promotes our profession, even when we’re not there. It represents us. It helps educate us. It supports us.

While you might not know the New

July-August, 2015 • Volume 33, No. 7 horttrades.com Landscape Ontario’s mandate is to be the leader in representing, promoting and fostering a favourable environment for the advancement of the horticultural industry in Ontario.

ISSN 1928-9553 Publications Mail Agreement No. PM40013519

Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Circulation Department Landscape Ontario 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 Canada Phone: 905-875-1805

Radicals’ 1998 hit song, You Get What You Give, Landscape Ontario’s theme song could be something similar, “The more you give, the more you get.”

For those companies that are relatively new to the industry, Landscape Ontario is the best way to begin a path towards a successful career. There is no better place to network than at a Landscape Ontario event. Please see the Events calendar on the Horttrades website for all the latest events. I look forward to seeing many of you at some of these events this summer.

Some companies use Landscape Ontario to better develop standards and best practices. Some owners find that it not only feels better to be part of a team than to go it alone, it’s also financially beneficial.

You might save thousands of dollars getting Marsh Brothers to quote on your insurance needs. Or, you can save thousands more if you’re buying a Chevy or Dodge truck. From Caterpillar to Kubota, Esso and Petro-Canada, to Mark’s Work Wearhouse and Work Authority and dozens more, thousands of dollars are waiting for you from our preferred partners at

Publisher Lee Ann Knudsen CLP lak@landscapeontario.com, 416-848-7557 Editorial director Sarah Willis sarahw@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5424 Editor Allan Dennis adennis@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5345 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 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO STAFF Darryl Bond, Kim Burton, Myscha Burton, Rachel Cerelli, Tony DiGiovanni CHT, Rob Ellidge, Denis Flanagan CLD, Sally Harvey CLT CLP CAE, Jane Leworthy, Heather MacRae, Kristen McIntyre CHT CEM, Kathy McLean, Linda Nodello, Kathleen Pugliese, Ian Service, Tom Somerville, Martha Walsh

Views expressed are those of the writer concerned. Landscape Ontario assumes no responsibility for the validity or correctness of any opinions or references made by the author. Copyright 2015, reproduction or the use of whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited. Published 11x per year. Rates and deadlines are available on request. Subscription price: $43.51 per year (HST included).

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

horttrades.com/endorsedsuppliers.

If we as an industry want to continue to grow and lead, then we need to continue to grow and lead as an organization. I have a pretty strong suspicion that over the next few months, you’re going to run into a potential member. This summer, why not invite these potential members into our community? You’ll help them tremendously, but you’ll also help yourself.

The more our industry becomes professionalized, the more profitable we’ll all become. Non-members can often low-ball bids because they don’t know their fullyloaded costs, or they might be cutting corners on projects. But if we can help them see the futility of low pricing, we can help level our own playing field.

Our executive director, Tony DiGiovanni, often distills Landscape Ontario as “a community for mutual benefit and improvement.” The larger our community, the more we will all benefit.

Together, as we help the industry grow, we’ll add to the power of our voice, we’ll strengthen our community, and we’ll improve our own companies. In the mail, we all received a Benefits Card that explains many reasons to become an LO member. This summer, let’s use it and turn potential members in to real ones.

Dave Braun may be reached at dbraun@landscapeontario.com.

SPECIAL MEMBERSHIP SECTION

Keep for your reference

4 6 8 32 33 34 35 39 46 46

Pages 19-30

FEATURES NEW MEMBERS SEE BENEFITS JOINING SECTOR GROUPS

ASSOCIATION NEWS SCHOLARSHIP PROFILE NEW MEMBERS EVENTS INDUSTRY NEWS COLUMNS AD INDEX CLASSIFIEDS

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 3

Professional pride to discounts draw members to association

business double in size last year. He notes that the present season is going very well.

The company has expanded its area of operation to Niagara Falls, Haldimand and Stoney Creek. Along with the three family members, there are three full-time, and one part-time employee. Adam says that the winter months are spent designing projects, marketing and preparing for the next season. “I strongly believe that preparation is important to become efficient and well organized in order to create a successful company.”

Part of the preparation for the new season has been taking courses at LO’s Professional Development Program. “I took a lot of plant courses last year,” says Adam. “I believe that proper plant selection is very important to creating a great project for the client.”

He adds that key members are attending various seminars, training, courses, exams and more. These range from the latest offerings in perennials, lighting design and installation, to safe equipment operation and 3D design solutions.

Another new member this year is Rob Jarnevic of S.J. Stone Mason Company in Maple. He learned about Landscape Ontario at Canada Blooms, Congress and from seeing decals on member trucks.

He has taken advantage of the vehicle and machinery discounts, but he is pleased with the amount of the information that comes through the electronic newsletter. He also intends to take some seminars in the off season.

Bruce Fitter from South Mary Lake Contracting in Huntsville heard about Landscape Ontario through friends who are also members. He too is enjoying the cost savings benefits through endorsed suppliers. Like Rob Jarnevic, Fitter finds the industry information through magazines an added bonus.

“I’m very happy to be a member of Landscape Ontario,” says Fitter.

The general definition of a trade assoAdam has studied landscape archiciation is an organization that serves the tecture at both the University of Guelph interests of members who share a comand the University of Canberra in Austramon field of activity. That’s the simple and lia. Greg graduated from the Horticulture straightforward description.

Technician program at Niagara College.

But most of the 2,400 members of Joe says he studied at the school of hard Landscape Ontario would add other eleknocks. ments to that definition. Some simply say Adam says that he has taken advanmembership is a great way to obtain vehi- tage of the courses offered by LO. “The cle discounts, while others see membercost break for the courses by being a ship as an investment in their knowledge member is another benefit of joining and career.

Landscape Ontario,” he says.

Each month Landscape Ontario on When Joe began the company it provided lawn cutting and maintenance average accepts 25 to 30 new members. services. “We have expanded the comAs part of this special issue, the editorial department at the magazine decided pany into a design-build operation,” says to ask some of the newest members of Adam. He explains that the change has Landscape Ontario, why they joined. We greatly affected the company, which saw stopped by to talk to the family-operated business, Zarcon Landscape, near Fenwick.

For nearly 16 years, Joe Zaremba has operated Zarcon Landscape. It began as a part-time vocation to provide some income and give his sons Adam and Greg summer jobs. Those summer jobs have turned into career paths for both Adam and Greg, who are now a major part of the company.

After completing school a few years ago, the sons realized that if Zarcon Landscape was to move ahead as a company, then it needed to be a part of the association that represented the industry. So, in December of last year, Zarcon was accepted as an Active member of LO. “We realized that by being a member of Landscape Ontario, it lets the consumer know your company has a high level of professionalism,” says Adam. “Our industry is self-governing, and Landscape Ontario provides the standard by ensuring companies must reach an established level of professionalism to become a member.”

Adam Zaremba sees the value of being a member of Landscape Ontario.

4 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO JULY-AUGUST 2015

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other sectors and to the public.

It works closely with The Plantscape Institute of America (PIA), which advocates the use of living plants in interior landscapes to enhance human wellbeing. Many LO members take part in PIA seminars throughout the year.

Landscape Contractors

The 2016 version of the Lighting Symposium will take place on Feb. 8, at the Teatro Conference and Event Centre in Milton

Sector Groups active in industry issues Landscape Ontario has ten groups to address the specific needs of green industry sectors. Each group of volunteers meets regularly to deal with sectorspecific issues and initiate solutions.

In this issue we will highlight some issues facing each sector, and the plans and events involving those members.

Groups include Garden Centre, Grounds Management, Growers, Interior Plantscapes, Irrigation, Landscape Contractor, Landscape Design, Lawn Care, Lighting, and Snow and Ice Management.

A Hardscape Committee has also been created.

Garden Centre

The Garden Centre Sector Group now oversees Garden Expo, which has become part of Thrive ’15. The event also highlights the Sector Group’s annual Awards of Excellence announcements.

Entries for the Awards event open July 1 and close July 31. For a detailed explanation on categories, go to http://gfl. me/x2zq. Entries may be entered online at LOawards.com.

Another big event for the group is the International Garden Centre Association’s International Tour 2017. Garden Centre Sector Group chair, Michael Van Dongen CHT, is co-chairing the event. It involves 250 to 300 people, speaking 15 different languages. The tour is a mix of cultural and industry events, including a visit to around ten Landscape Ontario member garden centres.

The Sector Group also helped to develop a training video for garden centre employees. The video may be accessed at horttrades.com/garden-centre-online-training.

It is also expected that the new Land-

scape Industry Certified Retail Horticulturist exam will soon be available.

Grounds Management

The Grounds Management Sector Group works to raise awareness of Landscape Ontario professional members to the industrial, commercial, institutional and multi-residential community.

The group works each year to support the trial garden and open house at Landscape Ontario home office. More information on that project may be found on page 8.

A big project for this sector group was the Landscape Maintenance Guidelines for Property Managers. This document assists property managers select contractors for basic services, along with a complete menu of green options and extra services. To download the Guidelines, go to http://gfl.me/x2l3.

Growers

The Growers Sector Group has a busy agenda each year, including the Short Course, Industry Auction, Annual Dinner, tours and a number of research projects.

The next Short Course will take place on Feb. 3, 2016 at the Royal Botanical Gardens.

The Sector Group is currently working on is the Ontario Grown Program for Municipalities. It aims to to create a strategy to raise awareness for the benefits of using Ontario-grown plant material. Other projects include a nursery directory and research.

Interior Plantscapes

The Interior Plantscapes Sector Group works to promote the interior industry to

6 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO JULY-AUGUST 2015

A project on Benchmarking is near completion, following data collected through surveys. Once the benchmarking document is finished, the group will develop a communication plan.

The Landscape Contractors Sector Group has also created a labour rate card containing suggested charge out rates for the most common tasks and skill rates within the sector. To view the card, go to http://gfl.me/x2zr.

Two other big events for the Landscape Contractors are Canada Blooms and the annual Landscape Lecture Series. In 2016, the Lecture Series is scheduled for Feb. 24 at the Mississauga Convention Centre, while Canada Blooms will take place Mar. 11-20 at the Direct Energy Centre.

Landscape Design

The two major issues that the Landscape Design Sector Group deal with this year were conference and Certified Landscape Designer.

Along with updating the certification process, the group set a provision for grandfathering certification candidates who meet or exceed the certification requirements.

The group also created a new website promoting the Certified Landscape Designer program, http://certifiedlandscapedesigner.com/.

Next year’s Landscape Design conference will take place on Jan. 11 at the International Plaza Hotel.

Lawn Care

The Lawn Care Sector Group had a busy year, dealing with promotion of the sector, government relations and IPM. Part of the promotion process involved Canada Blooms, where a very popular display garden, called Surf and Turf, attracted many visitors to the unusual undulating lawn.

The Lawn Care Group also continued its government relations work with the other turf groups.

This year was a special for the IPM Symposium, marking its 50th anniversary, with over 350 operators, owners and related professionals in attendance.

The 50th IPM Conference featured keynote speaker Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemons. Two awards were handed out for the 50th anniversary. The IPM Leadership Award went to Pam Charbonneau, and a special IPM Recognition Award was given to Monica van Maris.

Next year’s Symposium will be held on Jan. 11 at the Toronto Congress Centre.

Lighting

Two key areas that the Lighting Sector Group focuses on are its annual conference and relations work with Electrical Safety Authority.

The Landscape Lighting conference has been growing in attendance for the last few years, with great speakers and a vibrant trade show. The 2016 version will take place on Feb. 8, returning to the Teatro Conference and Event Centre in Milton.

Irrigation

The Irrigation Sector Group is presently celebrating Smart Irrigation Month. The event is the U.S.-based Irrigation Association initiative to increase awareness of the value of water use and grow demand for water-saving products, practices and services.

Whether your business is big or small, focused on agriculture, turf/landscape or golf applications, there are many ways to

participate in the Smart Irrigation Month campaign. For tips, go to horttrades.com/ smart-tips-for-smart-irrigation-month.

Chair of the Sector Group, Steve Macartney, says, “Smart Irrigation Month is a great opportunity to help promote the importance of water efficient products, practices and services in our community.”

The campaign is also used to highlight new irrigation products and to promote rain sensors to customers.

Many of those who belong to the LO Sector Group are also members of the Irrigation Association. IA promotes efficient irrigation and long-term sustainability of water resources for future generations. It advocates sound water management, and works to grow demand for water-efficient products and services. For more information, visit www.irrigation.org.

Plans are already underway for next year’s Irrigation conference. It will take place on Jan. 14, 2016, at the Toronto Congress Centre.

Snow and Ice Management

The Snow and Ice Management Sector Group has been working on salt research over the past number of years. It is also preparing for the Snow Symposium on Sept. 16-17 at Thrive ’15.

The Sector Group is also looking at

expanding Smart about Salt Council activity across Ontario and Canada.

This Sector Group has developed the Landscape Ontario Standard Form Snow and Ice Maintenance Contract, which contains terms and conditions that can generally apply to all projects. It may be found at horttrades.com/standard-form-snowand-ice-maintenance-contract .

Hardscape Committee

The Hardscape Committee is presently organizing its 2nd annual golf tournament on Sept. 10 at the Carlisle Golf and Country Club. This year, the committee is serious about providing a fun-filled event.

For more information on the event, go to http://gfl.me/h2wX.

We welcome your input

Anyone is welcome to join one of our sector group committees and become actively involved in the issues that affect your business.

If you are interested in joining a specific committee, please contact Kathleen at kpugliese@landscapeontario.com.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

Trial Garden manager Rodger Tschanz prepares to plant the vast selection of new annuals this year.

Trial Garden open house set for Aug. 20 The 2015 Trial Garden at Landscape Ontario is planted and will be at its peak in late July and August.

Once again, new and tried-and-true annuals and perennials and roses will

be on display for evaluation and perusal.

The garden is jointly operated by Landscape Ontario and the University of Guelph at Landscape Ontario’s head office in Milton.

The garden features plants from breeders that haven’t hit the market, providing an opportunity to view how the the annuals and perennials perform.

This year the trial garden will partner with researchers from Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs creating an alternative mulch trial, where weed suppression and moisture retention efficacy will be evaluated.

The program will start in the morning at the LO site and continue in the afternoon at the University of Guelph with guided tours of the trial gardens. There will also be a short speaker program in the morning. The finalized schedule will be available in early August. This will be the second year for Ontario Parks Association’s garden competition featuring municipal plantings.

The open house in Milton on Aug. 20, runs from 9 a.m. to noon and then at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute in Guelph from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

When coming to this year’s open house, feel free to bring along your greenhouse grower or client, so you can discuss plant options and get new ideas.

Both trial sites are open during business hours to allow you to view plant performance throughout the season.

Stay tuned to the Landscape Ontario website or enews, or the Ontario Parks Association website or eblasts for details about the judging criteria and how to submit an entry for this contest, or alternatively contact Shelley May, OPA Office Manager, at 905-864-6182, ext. 6710, or shelley@ontarioparksassociation.ca.

Contact Rodger Tschanz, Manager of the Trial Gardens, at rtschanz@uoguelph. ca with any questions about the open houses, or if interested in participating in some way with the trial garden program.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS LET YOUR COMPANY SHINE THROUGH THE AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE

Are you looking for a way to showcase your company? What about a new attractive feature to market to potential clients? Let your company shine through Landscape Ontario’s Awards of Excellence program.

Last year’s awards boasted increased entries and breathtaking projects, which were featured at the Awards of Excellence ceremony held each year at LO’s Congress in January.

This year, we expect nothing less and are pleased to add an additional category within the Landscape Lighting sector; holiday lighting. While the entry deadline may seem at a distance, you need at least six photographs as well as an authorization form signed by the property owner. Be sure to give yourself lots of time to prepare and submit your entry.

Entries to Awards of Excellence Con-

struction, Maintenance and Design programs are now open until the Oct. 1 deadline. Submit your entry at loawards. com, where you will find detailed information about the categories and guidelines, eligibility requirements and submission details. All awards submissions are completed online.

You will need a username and password to login. If you do not have one, or cannot remember your password, no problem. The system will prompt you to either create a new account, or you can reset your password. From there, you will find a step-by-step guide for awards submission, starting with company information and category selection. You can always save-as-you-go throughout the entry process. The system will save what information you have input, and you can log back in anytime to complete you entry.

When you login, you will need the following to complete your entry:

• Contact information of person entering on behalf of the company • jpg photographs of the project; minimum six and a maximum of 15 • A point-form project summary, describing what you were trying to achieve with your project, including any quirks or conditions imposed by the property owner, conservation authority, etc.

• You will be prompted to print an Authorization Signatures form during your submission. The client/property owner needs to sign this • Credit card information for payment.

Please note that your entry will not be officially submitted until payment is received.

If you have any questions about the Awards program, or the entry submission process, or you need some help navigating the online system, contact Myscha Burton at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 333, or email awards@landscapeontario.com.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS FULL SCHEDULE OF LO SUMMER EVENTS

No doubt summer is a very busy time for Landscape Ontario members. But we all know what happens to Jack when his life is only about work.

Dedicated volunteers and chapter staff have put together the following list of the exciting summer events. Enjoy the many social events that provide summer fun and great networking opportunities.

Waterloo Chapter’s first Family Day on July 19 at Bingemans Park.

Toronto Chapter Golf Tournament, July 23 at Nobleton Lakes Golf Club.

Golden Horseshoe Golf Tournament August 14 at Willow Valley Golf Club.

Toronto Chapter Baseball Tournament, August 16, at Richmond Green.

Upper Canada Golf Tournament, August 21 at Trillium Woods Golf Club.

Waterloo Chapter Golf Tournament, August 26 at Rebel Creek Golf Course.

Ottawa Chapter annual Golf Tournament, August 27, at Falcon Ridge Golf Club.

Hardscape Committee’s Golf Tournament, September 10, at Carlisle Golf and Country Club.

London Chapter’s 10th Annual Golf Tournament, September 18, at Echo Valley Golf Course.

Windsor Chapter’s Bob Girard Memorial Golf Tournament, September 19, at Sutton Creek Golf Club.

Georgian Lakelands 2nd annual Cascades Putting Challenge, September 24, at Blue Mountain.

For more information about any of these events, please go to horttrades. com/comingevents, or watch the weekly e-news.

All events have a range of sponsorship options available, so check out the website or contact Rachel at 1-800-2655656, ext. 354, or rachelc@ landscapeontario.com.

12 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO JULY-AUGUST 2015

THRIVE ’15 IS THIS YEAR’S EXCITING NEW EVENT

Feelin’ Thrivish? Yes, that is a new thing heard around the LO home office for weeks now. It’s an indication of the excitement that is building around Sept. 16 and 17, where several popular fall events are co-locating at Landscape Ontario’s newest event launch — Thrive’ 15.

This bold move to the Ancaster Fairgrounds will see our Garden Expo trade show anchor the new event, which also features the Industry Auction, Chicken Roast, Snowposium trade show and conference, as well as a retailers’ keynote breakfast, the auctioning of the Growers Awards of Excellence winners and a ceremony for the Garden Centre Awards of Excellence.

The power of Landscape Ontario as an association is to provide a community of like-minded professionals with faceto-face encounters and opportunities to develop and build positive and stronger relationships. Thrive’ 15 has that in spades.

The focus for Garden Expo has always been to connect garden centres and growers with horticulturists, designers and affiliates for knowledge, pur-

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

Landscape Ontario’s Industry Auction is just one of the great events being held at Thrive ‘15.

chasing and social opportunities. The sharp new venue, which features several related professional development and community building activities, provides new ways for delegates to interact and build their network.

With more than 100 industry leaders and innovators showcasing their newest and most trending products, Garden Expo truly is a one-stop shop for garden centres and forward-thinking green industry professionals. An exciting change for 2015 (aside from location, date…

and venue!) is admission is FREE if you pre-register by Aug. 28. Yes, free! Not only that, EVERY registration includes lunch. Yes again! How are we doing this?

Through careful planning and generous sponsors like Fafard et Freres, which is presenting the Buds n’Suds tent.

Retailers are invited to join the oneand-only Judy Sharpton on Sept. 16 for a fabulous breakfast and her much anticipated keynote, Retail Evolution: The Black Plastic Trash Can and You. Retail in all categories has undergone a revolu-

tion in the past 20 years. The impact of electronic communications has changed not only how consumers buy products online, but also in stores. Sharpton will deliver a challenge to overthrow the black plastic trash can (aka: nursery pot) as consumer packaging and offer an alternative packaging that will change the retail environment and possibly your customer’s perception of your store.

Sharpton is a garden centre design and renovation specialist with 35 years experience in advertising and promotion and the owner of Growing Places Marketing. She has served more than 300 individual independent garden centres with a wide range of renovation and new construction design services. In addition, she provides program content on store development, branding and product placement to trade groups and suppliers through Growing Places’ Store School.

The Garden Centre Awards of Excellence ceremony will also run during the breakfast; come join your peers as we announce the winners. Prices are $20 per member and $30 per non-member until Aug. 28. Prices go up to $40 and $50 respectively after that date. Don’t miss the ticket to this retail event of 2015.

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Also building your community connections on Sept. 16 is the annual Chicken Roast Social, hosted in the evening by Golden Horseshoe Chapter. The event brings a relaxing family and community building environment to Thrive ’15, and employers, staff, potential members, guests, spouses and kids are all welcome to attend. The chicken roast provides one-on-one time with your association’s family and opportunity to make new connections. Children’s dinner options and entertainment will be available, so bring the whole crew. Tickets are $10 before Aug. 28 and $15 each following.

As if that wasn’t enough, the annual Industry Auction (aka: best kept buying secret!) will be held the morning of Sept.

17. The auction is an outstanding opportunity to purchase the best-of-the-best in Ontario-grown plant material.

The Growers Awards of Excellence will be judged the day before and then auctioned off during the day of bidding. There will be live-bidding on everything from caliper trees, to skids of deciduous and evergreens shrubs (both container grown and field grown) to perennials and growing products. Not only that, but there will be silent auction items as well; in the past

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ASSOCIATION NEWS we’ve had golf packages, restaurant vouchers, gardening tools and more! Participants simply need to sign up for a bidder’s number and join the fun. Each winning bidder name is entered into a draw for a fabulous prize. In the past this has involved TVs and tablets, courtesy of Plant Products.

The plants are top-quality, and you pay on-site with credit card, debit or cash and take them with you. And now for the best part, with no cost to register, each delegate receives lunch, and ALL proceeds are directly allocated for industry research and scholarships — every penny. So bring

your staff — and your trailer.

Need more info? It’s all at LOthrive. com. Early bird pricing is in effect until Aug. 28, and some of the options are completely FREE (but only until Aug. 28).

Also, don’t miss your chance to win one of three early bird registration prizes.

Registrations completed by Aug. 28 will automatically be entered into the draw.

So bypass the lineup at the door and register right now. Get Thrivish with us Sept.

16 and 17.

ANN TODT RECEIVES ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD

Landscape Ontario member Ann Todt, owner of Dirt Girl Landscaping of Queensville, received this year’s East Gwillimbury Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Todt has been a member of LO since 2009. Over seven years ago, she was living the corporate lifestyle as a marketing executive for a big bank in Toronto. She says that after 20 years of climbing the corporate ladder, she was ready to flee the rat race and trade the concrete jungle for a greener way of life.

That life was the start of Dirt Girl Landscaping, which provides professional landscaping, gardening and organic plant care services to homes and businesses throughout York Region, including Aurora, Newmarket, King, East Gwillimbury and the surrounding villages.

Growing up in the Caledon area, where her family sold evergreens, Todt combined

Ann Todt

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her passion of the land and trees with her love and expertise in marketing. “It was the perfect way to mesh my passions.”

She says her knowledge of marketing was a valuable resource on the business side, getting the company of the ground, while her love of nature gave her the energy to sustain the operation over time.

Todt says she wanted to give her business a name that stood out. “I was going

into a male dominated industry and I wanted to leave my mark,” she said. When thinking about a possible name, Todt said the brand,Lawn Boy, inspired her because it was simple and effective.

LANDSCAPERS CANOE RIVER TO RAISE FUNDS

In late April, landscapers Derek Lippert CLP and JP Bartle of Quiet Nature in Ayr set out on a 275 km canoe trip to raise money for the Grand River Conservation Authority.

Along with more great memories of spending 60 hours on the river, the pair raised over $5,000. This is the fourth year Lippert and Bartle have worked to help raise money for the Authority. To date, the duo has raised over $20,000.

“Everything we have is dependent on the river, from agriculture to flushing toilets. We need to realize this and manage it properly, which is what the GRCA does. It’s an ideal partner,” says Lippert.

The trip began at Dundalk, ending where the Grand flows into Lake Erie at Port Maitland. “There are parts of the river where you’d think you’re someplace in northern Ontario and then there are spots where you’re right in the middle of the city,” says Lippert.

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Caliper Trees

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Each year Landscape Ontario donates a tree to be planted to mark the annual meeting of the Ontario Horticultural Society. This year a Quercus rubra (red oak) was planted at Redeemer University College in Ancaster by Gelderman Landscape Services of Waterdown. The convention took place there from July 3-5. A dedication ceremony of the convention tree was held opening day. In photo, from left, James Hutton, Gelderman Landscape Services; Yolanda Bax, Redeemer College Campus Services; Leslie Wright, chair of Memorial Tree Committee; Doreen Gringhuis, Director Campus Services; Dan DaCosta, of Gelderman’s, and Chuck VanderKolk, groundskeeper at Redeemer College.. The plaque on the tree reads, “Donated by Landscape Ontario. Planted on the occasion of the 2015 Convention of the Ontario Horticultural Association, hosted by District 6.”

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WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 17

ASSOCIATION NEWS LO MEMBER ACHIEVES CHRISTMAS TREE DAY IN ONTARIO

Thanks to Fred Somerville of Somerville Nurseries, near Alliston, the first Saturday in December is now Christmas Tree Day in Ontario.

Somerville, a longtime member of Landscape Ontario, met on June 11 with SimcoeGrey MPP Jim Wilson, who introduced new legFred Somerville, left, takes the opportunity to thank MPP Jim islation, Bill 185, ChristWilson for his work to see the Christmas Tree Day Act pass mas Tree Day Act, 2014. through the provincial legislature.

They were joined by “I want to thank Fred Somerville, staff and members of the Christmas Tree president of the Christmas Tree Farmers Farmers of Ontario at Somerville of Ontario, for the inspiration behind this Nurseries to celebrate the passing of the legislation. bill,” said Wilson. The private member’s

bill was passed through the Ontario legislature on June 2.

It is rare for a private member’s bill to survive to third reading. Wilson said that in his 25 years in the legislature, it was only the second time he had seen it happen.

Somerville told the gathering on June 11 that “Christmas is the best day of the year for our industry, but today is the second best day.”

In a letter to his colleagues earlier this year, Wilson explained how the Christmas tree industry employs thousands of workers in farming, transportation and retail sectors. The industry produces more than one million fresh, farm-grown Christmas trees. Each year the same number of seedlings are planted across Ontario.

Shirley Brennan, executive director of Christmas Tree Farmers of Ontario, told the gathering at Somerville Nurseries, “We are pleased to have Ontario as the first province in Canada to declare Christmas Tree Day. Thank you to Mr. Wilson and everyone who was involved in this bill.”

There are 674 Christmas tree farms in Ontario.

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LO AT A GLANCE

Discover the benefits of your association Whether you actively attend chapter meetings, enjoy the crowded aisles at Congress and Awards Night, or just a quiet talk with a peer, Landscape Ontario provides great opportunities for our members.

There is strength in numbers!

I’ve been asked, “Why be a member of Landscape Ontario?” I usually reply, “Why wouldn’t you be a member of an association that supports the trade where you make a living?”

As a professional association, members benefit from the services offered by Landscape Ontario as well as opportunities to learn and network with peers at the chapter level. But it really goes much further. We grow leaders, we make new friends, we share ideas, we become mentors, we give back to the community, we cultivate partnerships, and we motivate each other.

With over 2,400 members, Landscape Ontario is the province’s pre-

mier horticultural trades association.

Our mission is to represent, promote and foster a favourable climate for the advancement of the horticulture industry. Through the efforts of members, volunteers and staff, your association provides a unified voice for the green industry.

Stay inspired, and stay motivated.

Discover something new today at Landscape Ontario.

Please take the time to review the services, opportunities and benefits of your membership that may be found throughout this special issue.

Lexi Dearborn CLD LO Membership Committee Chair

Membership categories

Green for Life logo. The cost of an interim membership is $350.30 (HST included).

In a few short weeks annual membership renewal packages mail out, including your dues invoice. While this is a very busy time of year, it is important to factor in the cost of your Landscape Ontario membership with your company’s bottom line, as well as refresh yourself on the benefits your membership provides, including savings opportunities. For your reference, here is a breakdown of the different categories, benefits and costs associated with your membership.

Horticultural This membership is based on one’s connection to the horticulture industry including teachers, media, government officials etc. The fee for this membership fee is $175.15 (HST included). This membership allows an individual to stay connected to the industry through LO publications, chapter events etc. However, cost savings benefits do not apply.

Active members This classification is given to seasoned professionals with over three years in business. Active members are entitled to all of the benefits through Landscape Ontario, including the use of the Green for Life logo.

The cost of an active membership is $572.91 (HST included).

Associate members Associate members are companies and/or suppliers providing a product or service to the industry and are

entitled to all Landscape Ontario membership benefits. The cost for an associate membership is $691.56 (HST included).

Chapter associate members Like associate members, our chapter associate members provide a product or service to the industry; however, they are focused exclusively on one of our nine chapters. The fee for a chapter associate membership is $381.94.

Interim members The interim membership is designed for companies in the early stages of their journey (at least one year, but less than three years in business).

This type of membership allows you to get a great introduction to the horticulture industry while utilizing the resources and support Landscape Ontario has to offer. Once an interim member has been upgraded to Active membership after they have been in business for the required time, they are then entitled to the use of the

Student If you are a student of horticulture wanting to get a foot in the door in the industry, then this is the membership for you. Best of all…it’s free! Students can utilize their subscription to Landscape Ontario magazine, enews and are welcome to attend chapter meetings to network with future colleagues.

Should you have any questions about membership categories, or questions pertaining to member benefits, please feel free to contact LO’s membership department at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 354.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 19

Landscape Ontario Chapter Boards for 2015

Board of Directors Provincial Board President Dave Braun 1st Vice President Warren Patterson 2nd Vice President Paul Brydges CLD Treasurer David Wright CLP Past President Phil Charal Chapter Representatives Durham Brian Baun Georgian Lakelands Margot Byers Golden Horseshoe Tim Cruickshanksr London Peter Vanderley CLP Ottawa Bruce Morton CLP, CIT Toronto Lindsay Drake Nightingale Upper Canada Terry Childs Waterloo Thomas Blatter Windsor Donald Tellier CLT Sector Representatives Garden Centres Michael Van Dongen Grounds Management Brian Marsh Growers Gerwin Bouman Irrigation Steve Macartney CIT Interiorscape Stephen Schell CLT Landscape Contractors Peter Guinane Landscape Design Chris Mace Lawn Care Alan White Lighting James Solecki Snow and Ice rep Mark Humphries Members at Large Tim Kraemer Gregg Salivan

Durham horttrades.com/chapter/durham Greg Scarlett CLT, President; Brian Baun, Provincial Board Representative; Carol Fulford, Treasurer and Secretary; Norm Mills, Vice President; Brian Marsh, Past President; and directors, Edward Hewis, Mark Humphries, Christopher Muller, Mike Pennington, April Scarlett, Brian Shelfoon, Janice Shingler and Alex Zalewski CLT. Georgian Lakelands

horttrades.com/chapter/georgianlakelands Lexi Dearborn CLD, President; Georgie Hamilton, Vice-President; Laurie-Ann Stuart, Treasurer; Lynne Barnes, Secretary; Margot Byers, Provincial Board Representative; Jeffrey Lee, Past-President; Directors, Andrew Beattie, Jen Cuddie, Michael Di Nunzio, Jeff Eichenberger, Jessica Jenkins, Michael LaPorte CLT, Brenda Maitland, Teresa Matamoros and Debbie Wood.

Golden Horseshoe

horttrades.com/chapter/goldenhorseshoe Andrew Barz, John Bos CLT, Chris Church,Tim Cruickshanks, Allard DeVries, Scott Duff, Fran MacKenzie, Tim Rivard CLT, Jeff Smith, Christopher Utter and Fiore Zenone.

London

horttrades.com/chapter/london Peter Vanderley CLP, President; Bill Beamish, Treasurer; Matt Hart, Secretary; Jarrett Woodard, Past President; Grant Harrison CLT, Provincial Board Representative; Bill Degraaf, Derek Geddes, Nick Graham, Nicola Kamp, Kevin Marshall CLT, Michael Martins, Tyler Rancourt, Paul Snyders and Mike Wardell.

Ottawa

horttrades.com/chapter/ottawa Sundaura Alford CLD, President; Chris Urquhart CLP, Vice President; Steve Neumann, Treasurer; Chris Burns CLT, Co-Provincial Representative; Ed Hansen, Past President and Co-Provincial Representative; Directors, Andrew Burgess, Ashley Cochrane, Jim Curran, Mike Fulcher, Sarah Johnston and Bruce Morton CIT, CLP. Toronto

horttrades.com/chapter/toronto Gus Amro, John Bouwmeister, Chris Clayton, Paulo Domingues CIT, Lindsay Drake Nightingale, Janet Ennamorato, Keith Evans, Shawn Foley CIT, Sabrina Goettler, Steve Hary, Ryan Heath, Craig Mathews, Chaz Morenz, Janet Mott, George Schellingerhoud, Jonas Spring and Mike Watson.

Upper Canada

horttrades.com/chapter/uppercanada Sian Pritchard, President; Andre Ypma, Vice President; Judy deBoer Bell, Treasurer; Paul Doornbos CLP, CLT, Secretary; Terry Childs, Provincial Board Representative; Directors, Neil Bouma, Diana Cassidy-Bush CLP, David Gunn, Pamela McCormick CLP and Jesse Perrin.

Waterloo

horttrades.com/chapter/waterloo Jeff Thompson, President; Richard Burch CIT, CLP,CLT, Vice-President; Scott Durst, Treasurer; Blake Sicard, Secretary; Randy Adams, Past President; Thomas Blatter CLP, Provincial Board Representative; Directors, Ryan Chuchmach, Jason Dietrich, Trevor Garner, Eric Horst, Sean Jordan, Alphonse Murray, Mike Silva and Robert Tester.

Windsor

horttrades.com/chapter/windsor Donald Tellier CLT, President, Treasurer and Provincial Board Representative; Sal Costante, Vice President; Jay Rivait, Secretary; Jay Terryberry, St. Clair College Liaison; Directors, Jessica Aytoun, Dan Garlatti and Joe Santarosa, Jr.

20  LANDSCAPE ONTARIO JULY-AUGUST 2015

LO AT A GLANCE

Statement of Conduct, Principles and Ethics This statement outlines the most important principles of ethical and professional conduct. Members are encouraged and expected to observe these principles in spirit as well as letter.

General Principles

To serve our clients with integrity, knowledge and creative ability.

To act fairly, honestly and in a manner they would be prepared to defend publicly.

To maintain confidence and trust in the profession of horticulture.

To protect, at all times, the integrity of the profession, the interests of the client and the general public.

To continually improve their own professional knowledge and skill and keep abreast of new developments in their industry.

To encourage and support education and research within the horticultural field.

To provide other members with helpful, constructive and professional advice, coaching and mentorship when necessary in order to improve the professional reputation and image of the industry.

To consistently maintain the confidence and trust in the profession.

Operating Principles

Members have an obligation to deliver goods and services in an efficient and cost-effective manner, (according to contract specifications) in order to protect the client’s interest while maintaining acceptable standards.

Members’ advertising shall be neither false nor in any way misleading.

Members shall respect and improve the environment.

Members shall treat employees fairly, honestly and lawfully.

Members shall not make false or malicious statements that may injure the professional reputation of other members.

Members shall endeavour to attract to the profession, individuals with a high degree of honesty, courtesy, integrity and competence.

Members shall meet their obligations and responsibilities to clients, suppliers and employees.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM  21

Special events

GreenTrade Expo February 10, 2016

Opportunities for learning, networking and growing your business are offered throughout the year.

Annual General Meeting (AGM) January 13, 2016

All members are encouraged to attend the AGM to vote on new by laws and issues concerning the future of the association. This is your chance to have your say. Held in conjunction with Congress Trade Show. Call Kathleen at 905-875-1805, ext. 309

Awards of Excellence Ceremonies

Gain inspiration and learn from the creativity of LO members at the construction maintenance and design Awards of Excellence Ceremony on Tuesday, January. 13, 2016, held in conjunction with Congress trade show.

Garden Centre and Growers Program winners will be recognized at a ceremony on September 16, held in conjunction with Expo trade show. More information at loawards.com or contact awards@ landscapeontario.com.

Canada Blooms: The Flower and Garden Festival March 11-20, 2016

Canada Blooms is produced by Landscape Ontario and the Garden Club of Toronto. Held each March, the festival

promotes horticulture to homeowners and offers guests an experience for virtually all their home and garden needs. Visit canadablooms.com for more information.

Chapter Events

Landscape Ontario chapters are very active with informative meetings, consumer gardening events, trade shows and local charity work. Check the Coming Events page in Landscape Ontario magazine or visit horttrades.com.

Chapter Golf and Baseball Tournaments

Chapters organize tournaments throughout the year to benefit local community projects and charities.

Participate as a golfer, sponsor, prize donor or volunteer. Watch horttrades.com for event details Call Rachel at 905875-1805, ext. 354, or rachelc@ landscapeontario.com.

Congress

January 12-14, 2016

Congress, one of North America’s largest JANUARY 12-14, 2015 horticultural, lawn and garden trade shows and conferences, offers over eight acres of leading industry products from around the world. The show is co-located with Fencecraft. Visit locongress.com.

22 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO JULY-AUGUST 2015

TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, TORONTO, ONTARIO

Presented by the Ottawa Chapter, GreenTrade Expo is Eastern Ontario’s only horticultural trade and equipmen t show. The show features an expanded seminar series, lunch, contests and prizes. Visit greentrade.ca for further information.

Landscape Lighting Conference

Industry peers will come together on Feb. 8, 2016 at the Teatro Conference and Event Centre in Milton to learn about safety issues, award-winning landscape lighting designs, and meet with suppliers to find out about new products and technologies at this annual conference.

Nursery Growers Short Course February 3, 2016

Nursery Growers gather for a day-long line up of presentations and fellowship at the Royal Botanical Gardens.

Presentations include current research, updates on insects and pests, best practices and Grower’s Good Ideas.

Watch the events page at horttrades.com for more information. ,

Thrive 15 ,

Thrive 15 is merging popular Landscape Ontario green industry events on Sept. 15-17 at the Ancaster Fairgrounds, Jerseyville. Its anchor is Garden Expo, Canada’s fall buying show for the retail garden centre industry.

Other featured events include Landscape Ontario’s Industry Auction, Snowposium, Awards of Excellence Garden Centres and Growers Program and Golden Horseshoe Chapter Chicken Roast.

LO AT A GLANCE

Your membership provides great savings Membership in Landscape Ontario entitles you to a wide range of discounts through the Members Savings Program. Most of the benefits listed below are administered by the Canadian Nursery and landscape Association.

LO members are automatically qualified to take advantage of the programs.

To contact CNLA Members Benefits Program, call 1-888-446-3499, or LO membership at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 354.

Audio Marketing Concepts

A 40 per cent discount for LO members on advertising and music ‘on-hold.’ Call Joel Ostroff at 1-866-433-6733.

Canadian Federation of Independent Business

Receive a discount on membership fees and access to savings programs, business training resources, business counselors and increased lobbying power at all levels of government.

casaGURU

Free business listing for landscaping professionals only on casaGURU.com and its partner sites, including HGTV.ca. Go to canadanursery.com to access the promo code.

Caterpillar

Save up to $2,000 on select Cat equipment and attachment purchases and 10 per cent off the list or book rate for anything rented through the Cat Rental Store.

Choice Hotels

Save 15 per cent on the lowest Internet advertised price at participating Choice Hotels worldwide, on an available-room basis.

Chrysler Canada

Save thousands on new Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles. There is a $100 administration fee per vehicle that must be paid by the member to CNLA before the membership confirmation letter will be sent. FCA Canada has agreed to pay this amount on behalf of CNLA members, ending Sept. 30, 2015.

CLC Lodging

Save 20-40 per cent off the lowest published rates for more than 10,000 economy and midscale hotels nationwide.

DCR Strategies

A better way to pay offshore workers through the TruCash prepaid debit card.

Dynascape Software

Members receive a 10 per cent discount off new or upgrade license purchases and online training.

Echo/Shindaiwa

Receive a 20 per cent MSRP discount on Echo or Shindaiwa units and accessories.

Employers First

Members receive a 10 per cent discount on over 40 landscape and safety training courses.

Enterprise

Save 10 per cent off daily, weekly and monthly posted retail rates for commercial truck rentals.

General Motors

Members receive significant discounts on new 2015 GM or Chevrolet vehicles; $100-administration fee applies.

Hartwick O’Shea and Cartwright

Negotiated clearance rates from Canada Customs for LO members; World-wide freight forwarding and personalized service. Call Marc Boddy at 905-678-6470, ext. 227, or 1-800-454-0230.

HortProtect Insurance

LS Training System

Members receive five per cent savings on published rates for training modules. Special pricing available for garden centre training videos.

Lyreco Office Supplies

Discounts on over 7,000 office products, and ability to customize a discounted core list of items for your business.

Mark’s Work Wearhouse

Fifteen per cent off the majority of Mark’s workwear clothing, footwear and safety accessories.

MBNA Canada MasterCard

A CNLA branded MasterCard with high credit limits and low introductory rates.

Mulligan Marketing

Enjoy LO pricing with your logo on all promotional products. Minimum quantities may apply.

An insurance program customized to meet the needs of this industry. Offers property and casualty insurance, life and health insurance and an RRSP plan for your company and its employees.

NEBS Business Forms

Imperial Oil (Esso)

Save with fleet discounts on your next vehicle or equipment. Quick credit applications. Call 1-888-634-9559, or lcatalano@niscocanada.com.

Save time and money while using the Esso business and fleet cards. Discount of 2.9¢ per litre at retail locations only.

Isuzu Truck

Discounted pricing on select Isuzu vehicles and competitive assistance or fleet assistance; $100 administrative fee per vehicle.

Krown Rust Control

Receive access to special fleet pricing programs and discounts on specified products.

Kubota Canada

Receive 18-22 per cent off the suggested list price, or discounts of 11-15 per cent off the suggested list price for purchases made with zero per cent financing for 36 months. A $100 administration fee applies.

Members save 15 per cent on printed products, including logo design, and discounted rates with NEBS payweb payroll system.

Nisco National Leasing

Petro-Canada

Save 2.4¢ a litre off the posted retail price at retail locations only; 15 per cent off car washes and three per cent discount on propane.

Retail Council of Canada

Discounted rates on RCC webinars, access to select group discount programs, professional development opportunities, networking events and free publications.

UPI

A three per cent discount on fuel purchases using your EnergyCard, and two cents per litre on all fuel, heating oil and bulk propane delivery purchases made on a credit-approved account.

Work Authority

A 15 per cent discount on all regular priced merchandise.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 23

Wednesday, September 16 and Thursday, September 17, 2015

prosper

verb pros·per (präs-per)

ANCASTER FAIRGROUNDS 630 Trinity Road South, Ancaster, ON

Now in it’s 16th year, Garden Expo is a one-stop-shop to explore new products, meet vendors, learn about trends, socialize and share ideas with peers and retail experts.

grow

verb (grõ)

Landscape Ontario’s newest event LAUNCH!

24 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO JULY-AUGUST 2015

)

verb flour·ish (fler-ish)

flourish

w

RETAIL EVOLUTION:

The Black Plastic Trash Can and You Presented by by Judy Sharpton

RETAILERS BREAKFAST KEYNOTE Wednesday September 16 Retail in all categories has undergone a revolution in the past twenty years.

The impact of electronic communications has changed not only how consumers buy products online but also in stores. Unfortunately, our industry persists in creating a selling environment that neither reflects nor respects the consumer’s potential use of our products. Judy will deliver a challenge to overthrow the black plastic trash can (aka: nursery pot) as consumer packaging and offer an alternative that will change the retail environment and possibly your customer’s perception of your store.

Don’t be left hiding behind a black plastic trash can!

Register online to save time!

THRIVE '15 PRICING Each registration includes trade show admission to Garden Expo & Snowposium, and lunch in the Buds n'Suds tent.

LOTHRIVE.COM

GARDEN EXPO TRADE SHOW PASS Sept. 16 & 17 Until Aug. 28 ....................................... FREE! After Aug. 28 .................... $15 member price ..................................$20 non-member price

Bypass the line-up at the registration desk.

Bring your bar-coded confirmation to the counter and your badge will be printed.

That's it. All done. More time for you.

YOUR BADGE WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PICKUP ON-SITE. REFUND POLICY: No refunds will be issued unless event is cancelled by Show Management.

EARLY BIRD DEADLINE POLICY: No extensions to the deadline will be granted. All prices are in Canadian dollars.

RETAILERS BREAKFAST KEYNOTE Sept. 16 Until Aug. 28 .................... $20 member price ..................................$30 non-member price After Aug. 28 .................... $40 member price ..................................$50 non-member price

Early-bird pricing in effect until August 28, 2015.

DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO WIN 1 OF 3 EARLY-BIRD PRIZES! Registrations completed by midnight Aug. 28 will beWWW.HORTTRADES.COM entered into the draw.

25

Green for Life pride Landscape Ontario’s Green for Life brand resonates with both industry and the public. Take advantage of these materials to set your company apart and promote horticulture!

Bumper sticker

Available in small (10 x 3.5”) and large sizes (17 x 6.25”). Free for members.

Order for free online at horttrades.com/promo.

Truck decals and window clings

Advertise your LO membership on the outside of your vehicle or in the window of your office. Free with membership. Order online at horttrades.com/promo.

Professional member labels

Show off your membership on mailing, invoices and business cards.

Free with membership. Order online at horttrades.com/promo.

Licence plate holders

Your customers will know you are a professional member of Landscape Ontario. Free with membership. Order online at horttrades.com/promo.

Membership certificates 2015 Certificate of Membership

Display your certificate to clients in your office or portfolio. It tells them you are an approved member of a select group of companies. Free with membership.

This is to certify that

is a member of Landscape Ontario in good standing

Dave Braun

Dave Braun, President

Tony DiGiovanni

Tony DiGiovanni, Executive Director

Membership plaques

Active and Associate members are recognized with membership plaques. One free with membership. Order additional plaques for $12.50 each.

Easy Ways To Order: Download the order form from horttrades.com/promo. Please mail or fax this completed form to: EMAIL: Send form to jleworthy@landscapeontario.com FAX: Simply fill out the form and fax to 905-875-3942. Be sure to include credit card information.

MAIL: Fill out the form and mail to: Landscape Ontario, Attn: Jane Leworthy

7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, Ontario L9T 2X8 26 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO JULY-AUGUST 2015

LO AT A GLANCE

Irrigation Specifications

Developed by the Irrigation Commodity Group — a great reference for contractors.

Available FREE for download at horttrades.com/promo

Workplace Safety Tailgate Talks

Landscape Ontario Safety Tailgate Talks, developed by Landscape Ontario in collaboration with Workplace Safety & Prevention Services, promotes workplace safety by providing a simple tool for trainers and staff to include safety on the job, in the classroom or shop, or in the truck. Pocket-sized book avail able for $30 each.

Reference Guide for Developing Planting Details

Complete with large diagrams on how to properly plant caliper trees and evergreens.

1-9..................................... $5.00 ea 10-50................................ $2.00 ea 50+.................................... $1.50 ea

Reference Guide for Selecting and Handling Plant Material

An essential resource for the proper evaluation of planting sites and selection of plant material.

1-9..................................... $5.00 ea 10-50................................ $2.00 ea 50+.................................... $1.50 ea

Snow and Ice Maintenance Contract

This piece was developed to be fair to both the contractor and the property owner with regard to slip and fall claims, damages and the amount of work to be performed.

Available FREE for download at horttrades.com Snow and Ice Management Industry

EQUIPMENT CHARGE OUT RATES The following are standard equipment charge out rates for the snow and ice management industry.

Rates include the cost of related overheads, but do not include any cost for materials or stand-by fees*.

These rates are suggested for company owned equipment; rental equipment should be treated as a subcontract.

EQUIPMENT

RATE

3/4 ton pickup with plow and/or salter . . . . $92/hr.

Skid steer Tri-axle truck

. . . . . $99/hr. . . . . $124/hr.

Five-ton dump truck, including plow and/or salter . . . . $125/hr.

Agricultural tractor with attachment . . . $175/hr.

Loader, three-yard

. . $236/hr.

*Stand-by fees may increase the cost of a contract.

Published by

www.landscapeontario.com See reverse for Salt Policy information

Snow and Ice Equipment Chargeout Rates

Standard industry charge-out rates for equipment opeartion. Includes snow removal and salt policy.

Conveniently hole punched to keep in a three-ring binder.

Pkg. of 100...........................$16.00

Industry Labour Rate Cards for Construction and Snow

Standard industry charge-out rates in a card format — for business or consumer use. A great reference.

Conveniently hole punched to keep in a three-ring binder.

Pkg. of 100...........................$16.00

Landscape and Grounds Management Contractor Rating System

Use this system to strengthen your bidding process. Includes evaluation worksheets for contractor prequalification and establishing a bidders’ list. Conveniently hole punched to keep in a binder.

Pkg. of 100...........................$22.50

Planting Instructions

Tips and helpful hints for consumers on how to successfully plant and care for new nursery stock.

Pkg. of 100...........................$10.00 Pkg. of 500...........................$30.00 Pkg. of 1000........................$50.00

Selecting a Landscape Contractor

Arm customers with a step-by-step questionnaire when they are looking for a professional contractor. Places importance on references, CHT designations, insurability and reputation.

Pkg. of 100...........................$30.00

Selecting an Irrigation Contractor

Lists qualifications that consumers may not think about, when looking for a qualified and professional contractor. This attractive colour brochure also explains how modern irrigation systems conserve water.

Pkg. of 100...........................$32.00

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 27

Your staff members at Landscape Ontario Darryl Bond Exhibit Sales Specialist Ext. 366

debond@landscapeontario.com

Kim Burton Art Director, Landscape Trades Ext. 347

kburton@landscapeontario.com

Myscha Burton Event Coordinator Ext. 354

mburton@landscapeontario.com

Rachel Cerelli Membership Coordinator Ext. 354

rachelc@landscapeontario.com

Allan Dennis Editor Landscape Ontario magazine and enews Ext. 320

adennis@landscapeontario.com

Tony DiGiovanni CHT Executive Director Ext. 304

tonydigiovanni@landscapeontario.com

Robert Ellidge Web Editor and Property Manager Ext. 312

rob@landscapeontario.com

Denis Flanagan CLD Director of Public Relations, Manager Membership Services Ext. 303

dflanagan@landscapeontario.com

28  LANDSCAPE ONTARIO JULY-AUGUST 2015

Sally Harvey CLP, CLT Manager Education and Labour Development Ext 315

sharvey@landscapeontario.com

Lee Ann Knudsen CLP Publisher Ext. 314

lak@landscapeontario.com

Jane Leworthy Administrative Assistant, Membership Services Ext. 230

jleworthy@landscapeontario.com

Angela Lindsay Communications Coordinator Ext. 305

alindsay@landscapeontario.com

LO AT A GLANCE

Heather MacRae Show Manager Ext. 323

heather@landscapeontario.com

Kristen McIntyre CHT, CEM Conference and Event Manager Ext. 321

kristen@landscapeontario.com

Kathleen Pugliese Executive Administrative Assistant Ext. 309

kathleenp@landscapeontario.com

Ext. 368

Martha Walsh Manager GreenTrade Expo Coordinator, Ottawa and Georgian Lakelands Chapters

mwalsh@landscapeontario.com

Joe Sabatino Controller Ext. 310

Sarah Willis Editorial Director Ext. 313

jasabation@landscapeontario.com

sarahw@landscapeontario.com

Kathy McLean Seminar Coordinator Ext. 306

kathy@landscapeontario.com

Ian Service Manager of Digital Communications Ext. 325

iservice@landscapeontario.com

We are

Landscape Ontario Our mission is to be the leader in representing, promoting and fostering a favourable climate for the advancement of the horticulture industry in Ontario.

SNAPSHOT

2,400 members 9 local chapters 10 sector groups Member companies include: l Landscape contractors - Construction - Maintenance - Irrigation - Landscape lighting - Snow management l Garden centres l Nursery growers l Landscape designers ... and more

7856 Fifth Line South, Milton ON L9T 2X8 landscapeontario.com

Member companies are great employers!

AVERAGE HOURLY PAY RATES

LANDSCAPE MANAGER LANDSCAPE DESIGNER LANDSCAPE TECHNICIAN CREW LEADER CREW MEMBER

Green for Life

Landscape Ontario is co-founder of Canada Blooms, and promotes the joys and benefits of horticulture at www.landscapeontario.com

Landscape Ontario’s Congress tradeshow rates in Canada’s

Steve Moyer Sales Manager, Publications Ext. 316

stevemoyer@landscapeontario.com

Linda Nodello Trade Show Coordinator Ext. 353

lnodello@landscapeontario.com

Gregory Sumsion Integrated Solutions Representative Ext. 377

gsumsion@landscapeontario.com

Mike Wasilewski Graphic Designer and IT Coordinator Ext. 343

mikew@landscapeontario.com

Top 10

60,000

$

$28.20 $28.50 $21.25 $23.45 $16.30

Economic impact of horticulture in Ontario:

$6.95 billion

We care

Chapters build community beautification projects across the province

The value of scholarships offered each year by Landscape Ontario’s foundation

Landscape Ontario has created an infographic that shows the scope of LO at a glance. Tweet this, post it or use it in your portfolio to tell your customers you are proud to belong to a vibrant industry that gives back to its community in multiple ways.

The graphic is on page 30 and a link can be found at http://gfl. me/x2zv

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 29

We are

Landscape Ontario Our mission is to be the leader in representing, promoting and fostering a favourable climate for the advancement of the horticulture industry in Ontario.

SNAPSHOT

2,400 members 9 local chapters 10 sector groups Member companies include: l Landscape contractors - Construction - Maintenance - Irrigation - Landscape lighting - Snow management l Garden centres l Nursery growers l Landscape designers ... and more

7856 Fifth Line South, Milton ON L9T 2X8 landscapeontario.com

Member companies are great employers!

AVERAGE HOURLY PAY RATES

LANDSCAPE MANAGER LANDSCAPE DESIGNER LANDSCAPE TECHNICIAN CREW LEADER CREW MEMBER

Green for Life

Landscape Ontario is co-founder of Canada Blooms, and promotes the joys and benefits of horticulture at www.landscapeontario.com

Landscape Ontario’s Congress tradeshow rates in Canada’s

Top 10

60,000

$

The value of scholarships offered each year by Landscape Ontario’s foundation

30 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO JULY-AUGUST 2015

$28.20 $28.50 $21.25 $23.45 $16.30

We care

Economic impact of horticulture in Ontario:

$6.95 billion

Chapters build community beautification projects across the province

SCHOLARSHIP PROFILE

www.colvoy.ca email: sales@colvoy.ca 1.855.449.5858 1240 Colborne St. W., R.R. 4, Brantford, ON Industrial Mowers, Boom Mowers and Mower Parts

In-Stock For Immediate Delivery Three Point Hitch Boom Mowers • Bomford Hawk VFA 19.8' Boom Flail • Bomford Kestrel S 16.5' Boom Flail • Bomford Raven 15.6' Boom Flail • Bomford Robin 11.3' Boom Flail • Bomford Robin 14.3' Boom Flail

Scholarship helps Chad Loewen juggle school and business In 2006, Chad Loewen CLT was a busy young man juggling the tasks and pressures of running a business, Triple L Lawn and Landscape in Kitchener, while attending Niagara College in the Certified Landscape Technician program.

While maintaining this heavy workload, he was honoured with the Casey van Maris Memorial Scholarship. “It was a great help with the financial burden I faced when deciding to go to college, even though I had a landscaping company already up and running,” says Loewen.

The Niagara College program helped him prepare with the knowledge and expertise to continue to grow and expand his landscape company. He notes that preparation came in handy to survive through the economic ups and downs not long after he graduated.

Loewen celebrated his tenth year in business in 2014, and says he continues to grow each year from the skills he learned from Niagara College. “That knowledge has been priceless, and the Casey van Maris Memorial Scholarship helped me so much.

Thank you Landscape Ontario and all the assistance you offer to us!”

Water Management Technology For Wood Fiber Mulch

Our Great Lakes Premium Coloured Mulches bring an exciting new aesthetic dimension to any garden or landscape project. Our Premium mulches are made from recycled clean wood mixture, which is hand sorted, double ground and screened to ensure product consistency and superior water absorption.

Recycled Premium Mulches

Pine Premium Mulches

Premium™ Black Premium™ Brown

Premium™ Pine Premium™ Pine Black TimeFlow H2O Mulch Premium™ Pine Merlot

Premium™ Red Premium™ Gold

Great Lakes Premium

Utility hardwood and other varieties also available

Our Great Lakes Premium Mulch is the ONLY one with the Advantage TimeFlow H2O takes the natural water retention quality of wood mulch to and even higher level.

TimeFlow H2O is made from plant-derived ingredients and is ideal for any wood fiber mulch.

Non-Treated Mulch

Manufactured locally in St. Thomas and Campbellville To locate a distributor in your area, or become a distributor of Great Lakes Premium Barks and Mulches, call us at 1-877-266-0636.

For full products details, visit us at www.glwp.ca WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 31

NEW MEMBERS

CT Enterprises

Chris Tsatsanis 8 - 1775 Myer Side Dr, Mississauga, ON Tel: 416-895-5436 Membership Type: Active

Columbia Landscaping Inc DURHAM Ground Effects Landscaping

Steve Davis 647 Dunn Cres, Pickering, ON L1W 3T4 Tel: 416-616-1418 Membership Type: Active

GEORGIAN LAKELANDS Arbtech

Ryan Jennett 21 Dawson, Collingwood, ON L9Y 5B4 Tel: 705-441-2391 Membership Type: Active

Cornerstone Construction Services Inc David Hood 414 - 13 Alliance Blvd, Barrie, ON L4M 7G3 Tel: 705-730-6502 Membership Type: Associate

High Level Construction Ltd

David Meeks 13 Brammer Dr, Orillia, ON L3V 7T4 Tel: 705-325-8001 Membership Type: Associate

Northern Landscape (Sudbury) Inc Bill Bretzlaff 447 Ester St, Sudbury, ON P3E 5C6 Tel: 705-522-5252

GOLDEN HORSESHOE Ace of Spades Landscaping

Marty Hamond 8465 Willoughby Dr, Niagara Falls, ON Tel: 289-241-4012 Membership Type: Active

Integrity Landscape and Pools Inc Mark Botelho 5419 Redstone Street, Burlington, ON L7L 7C6 Tel: 905-319-6686 Membership Type: Active

OTTAWA MH Stoneworks Inc.

David Watson 6585 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K0A 2P0 Tel: 613-692-0405 Membership Type: Associate

Truelock Interlock

Jamin Strate 4630 Sugar Maple Dr, Ottawa, ON K1V 1Y5 Tel: 613-880-0410 Membership Type: Active

TORONTO AD Landscaping & Property Maintenance Inc.

Ashley Davis 82 Porchight Rd, Brampton, ON L6X 4R9 Tel: 416-471-0559 Membership Type: Active

AlmeidaSanchez-Landscaping/ Snow Removal

Rui Almeida 1 Flr - 67 Florence Cres, Toronto, ON M6N 4E8 Tel: 647-618-9027 Membership Type: Active

32  LANDSCAPE ONTARIO JULY-AUGUST 2015

Hugh McCormack 37 Palmer Circle, Caledon, ON L7E 5R8 Tel: 905-965-1242 Membership Type: Active

G.S. Landscape Construction Inc. Gaetano Suppa 49 Sanremo Crt, Woodbridge, ON L4H 1K5 Tel: 416-562-7156 Membership Type: Active

Nealon Wood Products Ltd.

Michael Nealon 25371 McCowan Rd, Sutton, ON L0E 1R0 Tel: 905-722-8430 Membership Type: Active

Seal King Inc

Lino Tatone 14 - 14 Melanie Dr, Brampton, ON L6T 4L3 Tel: 905-799-1113 Membership Type: Associate

Stonelife Landscaping Inc

Giuseppi Corapi 125 Edilcan Dr, Concord, ON L4K 3S6 Tel: 905-760-1982 Membership Type: Active

The Landscape Yard Inc

Robert Filippazzo 10533 Keele St, Maple, ON L6A 3Y9 Tel: 905-832-3800 Membership Type: Associate

Adam Clarke 2607 - 208 Enfield Pl, Mississauga, ON Tel: 416-569-2585 Membership Type: Horticultural

UPPER CANADA Stonemaker Management Inc

Finn Christensen 2021 Rogers Rd, Perth, ON K7H 3P4 Tel: 613-267-5553 Membership Type: Associate

WATERLOO Gibson Property Maintenance Inc Jesse Gibson 104 Scott St, RR 1, Waterloo, ON N2J 4G8 Tel: 519-277-1422 Membership Type: Active

Logical Landscaping

Derek Douglas 2B - 207 Madison Ave S, Kitchener, ON Tel: 519-505-1894 Membership Type: Active

WINDSOR Quality Turf (1866885 Ont Ltd)

Korey Kelch 831 Puce Rd, RR 3, Essex, ON N8M 2X7 Tel: 519-567-3513 Membership Type: Active

RKS Services Group

Ron Schiller 1649 Chappus, Windsor, ON N9C 3T1 Tel: 519-971-7519 Membership Type: Active

Why exhibit at Congress?

We bring an audience of over 13,000 participants directly to you. l l l l l

make sales meet potential buyers establish relationships increase product awareness strengthen position as an innovative supplier

It’s three days that are too important to pass up!

Canada’s Premier Green Industry Trade Show and Conference JANUARY 12-14, 2016 Featuring Fencecraft

TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, TORONTO, ONTARIO Produced by

Visit LOCONGRESS.COM WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 33 or call 1-800-265-5656 ext. 366

EVENTS CAST FROM REAL STONE

Bookmark horttrades.com/ comingevents for up-to-date event information.

July 19

Waterloo Chapter’s Family Day

• Lightweight • Easy installation • Impact resistant • Designed for harsh climates • Save up to 10x on installation cost



Legends

Landscape Supply Inc.

905-336-3369 1150 Heritage Rd., Burlington

www.LandscapeStore.ca

425 Bingemans Centre Drive, Kitchener Join the Waterloo Chapter for its first Family Day. Events begins at 9 a.m., with lunch from 12 to 1:30 p.m., followed by face painting, prize giveaways, and a beach volleyball tournament. For more information, or to register, go to horttrades. com/waterloo-2015-family-day.

July 22 - 24

Sno-motion 2015

Dover, Ohio Sno-Motion is an event for snow and ice management industry professionals, held every other year. Sno-motion provides an opportunity to learn from your peers, network and sharpen your knowledge in several key areas of a snow and ice management business. Sno-motion is hosted

by Pro-Motion Consulting. For more information, go to horttrades.com/sno-motion-2015.

July 23

Toronto Chapter Golf Tournament

Nobleton Lakes Golf Club The annual Toronto Chapter Golf Tournament is always a great social outing for members, along with an opportunity for some networking. For more information, go to horttrades.com/ toronto-chapter-2015-golf-tournament.

August 14

YOUR PREMIER

FLEET DEALER

Golden Horseshoe Chapter Golf Tournament

Willow Valley Golf Course The chapter’s annual golf tournament is back.

For more information, or to register, go to horttrades.com/golden-horseshoe-chapter-golftournament-2015.

August 15 - 16

Dry stone walling course at Saugeen Stone Festival

FRAN MACKENZIE

Fran will put her 25 years experience to work for you.

Great products, great selection. Delivered to you, on your schedule, guaranteed.

Enjoy professional service delivered with a smile. Fran will do whatever it takes to provide you with a seamless, hassle free buying experience.

FRAN MACKENZIE FLEET MANAGER

PHONE: 905•845•6653 CELL: 416•420•6455 fmackenzie@southoakvillechrysler.com

PROUD MEMBER OF LANDSCAPE ONTARIO 34 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO JULY-AUGUST 2015

Saugeen First Nation, 6418 Kings Highway 21, Chippewa Hill, near Southampton Learn the art of dry stone walling in a two-day course taught during the Saugeen Stone Festival. All instructors are certified by the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain. For more information, contact Dean McLellan at hlmasonry@ehtel.ca.

August 16

Toronto Chapter Baseball Tournament

Richmond Green Put your company team together to take part in the annual Toronto Chapter Baseball Tournament. It’s a great day of sport, food and fun. For more information, go to horttrades.com/torontochapter-2015-baseball-tournament.

INDUSTRY NEWS Time to think about apprenticeship The process for apprenticeship registration has changed in Ontario. Apprenticeship in Ontario is now a partnership between the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) and Ontario College of Trades (OCOT).

An apprenticeship candidate must complete an application form, submit Grade 12 transcripts, be a resident of Ontario, and employed in the horticulture sector.

The candidate and employer must contact the local MTCU Apprenticeship Office to sign a Registered Training Agreement (RTA) with the MTCU. For a full listing of the offices, go to http://services.findhelp.ca/eo/tcu/appoff. A representative from the ministry may meet with you or send you an online application also known as a Registered Training Agreement (RTA) to complete and submit.

The MTCU will ensure that the employer has the ability to train and educate the employee, and that the employee will make a serious commitment to the program. Once the application is submitted, encourage your apprentice to check the mail for a membership package from the OCOT. The package should be received within two weeks of signing the RTA. The apprentice must complete, sign and submit the membership application form and associated payment of $67.80 ($60 annual

membership fee +HST) to OCOT. If the apprentice applicant neglects to complete the OCOT membership, they will not be offered a seat in the in-school training session. To verify the status of your apprentice as an ‘active’ member of the Ontario College of Trades, check the public registry under the Find a Member tab at collegeoftrades.ca. Once this is completed, a college that offers the program nearest to the apprentice will contact him or her offering a seat in the in-school training session. This is typically in the fall months. A seat in the in-school training is not confirmed until the $600 tuition fee has been paid in full to the college and a receipt provided.

Once the candidate is enrolled into the Horticultural Technician Apprenticeship Program, the candidate commits to the following: 1. Training with the employers for 4,000 to 6,000 hours (two to three years) 2. Completing a 12-week basic in-school training session at a community college ($600 tuition fee applies) 3. Completing a 12-week (advanced) inschool training session at a community college ($600 tuition fee applies) 4. Completing a skills sign-off Training Standard Book of required skills A number of colleges in Ontario offer programs. To access those colleges, go to horttrades.com/apprenticeship-training.

After registration and the successful completion of the on the job training and the classroom training Level 1 and 2, the candidate is granted a Certificate of Apprenticeship. The apprentice is then able to write the government exam. This is a multiple-choice questionnaire of 125 questions.

The passing mark is 70 per cent and the successful candidate obtains a Certificate of Qualification and becomes a journey person.

If you have any questions, contact Sally Harvey at sharvey@ landscapeontario.com.

WHO IS A SUPERVISOR UNDER HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT?

The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) defines a supervisor as a person who has charge of a workplace or authority over a worker.

This broad definition can apply to many different people in a workplace, including people in management, on the shop floor, in a bargaining unit, and individuals whose job title does not include the word ‘supervisor.’

The definition of supervisor has two separate parts. Having either charge of a workplace, or authority over a worker, is sufficient for a person to be a supervisor. In general, “charge of a workplace” refers to broad control over the planning of work and how it is carried out, while “authority over a worker” can be seen as a more specific power to ensure a worker’s compliance with directions.

The Ministry of Labour has prepared to clarify the duties and responsibilities of a supervisor, as defined in the OHSA, and to guide workplace parties (employers, supervisors and workers) and the Ministry when assessing which individu-

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INDUSTRY NEWS als in the workplace are supervisors under the Act. Workplace parties may wish to obtain legal advice regarding a

specific situation in their workplace.

The specific duties of a supervisor under section 27 of the OHSA are:

Keeping roads safe Landscape Ontario manager of Education and Labour Development, Sally Harvey was invited to observe the Carrier Enforcement Program by the Ministry of Transportation. In photo, Mark Bonner, Transportation Enforcement Officer II, shows extremely deteriorated brake lines found during his review of a truck at the MTO’s Milton Truck Inspection Station. Bonner says the two most common problems found on vehicles owned by landscapers are poorly secured loads and weight issues.

36 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO JULY-AUGUST 2015

• make sure that workers work in compliance with the OHSA and its regulations • make sure that workers use any equipment, protective devices or clothing the employer requires • tell workers about any workplace health and safety hazards • give workers written instructions on measures and procedures to be followed for their own protection, if prescribed by regulation • take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to protect workers.

The OHSA gives employers and workers duties that help support the role of the supervisor. When appointing a supervisor, the employer must ensure the person is competent. To be competent, a supervisor must have enough knowledge, training and experience to organize the work and how it is to be performed. He or she must also be familiar with the OHSA and any regulations under it that apply to the workplace, and, know about any actual or potential health and safety hazards in the workplace.

More information about the different duties of the employer, supervisor and worker can be found in the Ministry of Labour’s Guide to the Occupational Health and Safety Act at labour.gov.on.ca/ english/hs/pubs/index.php.

COALITION URGES PREMIER TO PROTECT URBAN FORESTS

In June, Green Infrastructure Ontario Coalition sent Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne a letter urging her to support the province’s urban forests.

“All levels of government, non-profit organizations, community groups and businesses must play a role in protecting and growing Ontario’s urban forests. Coordination and collaboration is imperative, and for this reason, GIO has developed this Call to Action,” begins the letter.

Landscape Ontario is a member of the Coalition. “We collectively urge the province take a leadership role in developing a province-wide urban forest strategy and facilitating urban forest knowledge transfer The letter cites that Ontario’s urban forests are under threat. “An Emerald Ash Borer infestation is currently wreaking havoc across Southern Ontario; it will kill millions of ash trees from our backyards, streets and parks. Urban trees also face increasingly difficult growing conditions, including denser built urban areas and nutrient-deficient soils in land development.”

The Coalition says that provincial leadership is needed to help Ontario communities grow mature, diverse and healthy urban forests that can help address the extreme weather and urban heat issues associated with climate change.

The letter recommends that the province work with the Green Infrastructure

Ontario Coalition (GIO) to develop an Ontario Urban Forestry Strategy. “This would include a consultation process with municipalities and other stakeholders that would seek consensus on priorities. GIO’s membership includes key urban forest stakeholders from across

the province, and has already started the conversation through the development of Ontario’s Urban Forests: A Call to Action.”

The Coalition also urges the province to assign the file to a specific ministry to oversee implementation and provide

Large plant quantities always available

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 37

INDUSTRY NEWS further support for urban forestry. It also recommends the implementation of best management approaches to urban forest stewardship across the province by creating a central information hub, with a dedicated staff person.

PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS ON AMENDING LABOUR LAWS

Ontario is moving forward with public consultations on issues and trends that affect workers and employers across the province in the modern workplace.

Public consultations about how the Labour Relations Act,1995 and Employment Standards Act, 2000 could be amended to keep pace with the changing needs of workers and employers began on June 16 in Toronto, and will continue throughout the summer across Ontario.

Led by special advisors, C. Michael Mitchell, formerly of Sack Goldblatt Mitchell LLP, and John C. Murray, a former justice of the Ontario Superior Court

and prominent management labour lawyer, the consultations will cover a range of topics including: The increase in temporary jobs, part-time work, and self-employment; rising prominence of service sector jobs; the effects of globalization and trade liberalization; and accelerating technological change.

Comments will be accepted until Sept.

18, 2015. A schedule of meetings at may be found at http://gfl.me/x2xt.

CAPITAL COMMISSION CONCENTRATES ON NATIVE MAPLES

The National Capital Commission (NCC) held a special ceremony on June 9 to announce its commitment to planting Canadian native maples on its urban lands, whenever the planting calls for a maple tree.

Part of the event was a ceremonial planting of a maple tree on the grounds of the NCC.

Russell Mills, chair of the NCC Board of Directors, and Dr. Mark Kristmanson, chief executive officer of the NCC, joined Ken Jewett, founder and president of the Maple Leaves Forever Foundation, at the commemorative event to highlight this partnership.

“We value our partnership with the NCC for the planting of Canadian native maples,” said Jewett. “The maple leaf is our country’s most recognizable symbol and it is only fitting that Canadian native maples grace the canvas that is our nation’s capital.”

As part of its annual tree planting program, the NCC has been working with the Maple Leaves Forever Foundation for several years towards the planting of Canadian native maples supplied by nurseries associated with the foundation.

Landscape Ontario executive director Tony DiGiovanni is member of the board of directors of the Maple Leaves Forever Foundation.

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EXECUTIVE DESK

Core values and common vision

Many benefits to being a member Tony DiGiovanni CHT LO executive director

W

hy are you a member of Landscape Ontario? If you are not — why should you become a member of Landscape Ontario?

In this special membership issue, it is appropriate to explore these two basic and interrelated questions. Over my 27 years working for the association, I have often asked members why they renew their membership.

It is interesting that many have trouble articulating an answer. Some feel it is a duty to support an industry that supports them. Others join for the discounts and affinity programs. Some join to be part of larger community. Some love the social interaction, camaraderie and networking events. Some want to be kept informed about issues and news. Many enjoy professional development opportunities. Many join to wear the “professionalism” or “certification” brand that sets them apart from the rest. Some join in order to give something back to the broader community.

There are many other reasons. At the core is this idea of “benefit” and “value.”

You are a member, or you should become a member, because it is beneficial and valuable. Professional, personal, social and financial growth is available to you.

It is also important to note that value is in the eye of the beholder. The benefits are unique to you. However, one thing I have learned over the years is that the full benefit and value of membership can only be unlocked through engagement and participation. The more you participate, the more value you will see.

Years ago I learned a very important lesson about membership. We mounted a membership campaign based on discounts. New members received a sizable discount on dues. Members who attracted new members received a finder’s fee. The pitch focused on insurance discounts and other affinity programs. The campaign was hugely successful. For every new member, we placed a pink flamingo on the lawn outside the office. After a year the lawn was a sea of over 400 pink flamingoes. However, after two years, most of the new members were gone. Saving money is a good thing, however, basing a membership model on saving money is not. It needs to go deeper.

Here is why I think you should be a member.

Landscape Ontario is looking for members who share co-operative values and enjoy working within a community for mutual benefit and mutual improvement. Together we strive to build a prosperous, professional, ethical, valued, trusted recognized and contribution-oriented industry.

We communicate the life-enhancing benefits of our industry and the integrity of our membership through normal day-to-day interactions. We enjoy building a trusted and inter-dependent community that helps each other succeed. Past President Bob Tubby coined the term Prosperity Partner.

I think it describes the heart and soul of our association family extremely well. The association exists to be your Prosperity Partner. Members are each other’s Prosperity Partners. You are a prosperity partner to your employees and clients.

All other benefits flow from these cooperative values. Here are the four main categories of association benefits and values. They are all interrelated.

Financial: The association has many affinity programs that will more than pay your dues. In fact, some of the programs will pay for a lifetime of dues. Membership pays if you take advantage. Here is a link to some of the program, horttrades.com/ endorsedsuppliers. In addition, government advocacy, public relations and public promotion all lead to increased financial position.

Social: The life of a business owner is a lonely one. You have the responsibility and burden for continued business development and employee support. The association community is comprised of individuals with shared experiences. Within the asso-

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EXECUTIVE DESK Within these four broad categories there are many specific benefits and programs all related to building and advancing the industry.

Public promotion

Canada Blooms is a very effective way to communicate to the public.

ciation, you are not alone. You will find support and friendships that will enhance your business and social life.

Learning: Learning happens at all events formally and informally. The association provides hundreds of educational opportunities for enhancing your competency as a landscape professional and as a business owner.

Legacy: The association provides a vehicle for legacy. You are able to influence the development of an industry and create benefit for people you don’t even know. Giving back to the community and influencing the future is a powerful motivator. All of us want to make the world a better place, because of our activity. Association membership provides a vehicle to make the industry better for the future.

We communicate the brand of LO to the public through LandscapeOntario.com, Canada Blooms, home shows, community garden projects, Garden Inspiration magazine, public relations and many other projects and events. The public message is twofold: We want the public to understand the life-enhancing benefits of quality landscapes and the professionalism of the members who display the Landscape Ontario brand. We want to set the members apart from non-professionals.

Trusted professionals

The association provides hundreds of quality education programs and events to enhance business and skills competencies. The association maintains high standards. We promote the members as trusted professionals.

Labour development

We support high school and post secondary horticultural programs in order to build a healthy industry of competent and engaged practitioners. We recruit and promote the industry to youth. We provide education and certification programs. We promote apprenticeship

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SNOWPOSIUM LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

SNOW AND ICE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE AND EXPO

SNOW AND ICE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE AND EXPO

September 16 and 17, 2015 ANCASTER FAIRGROUNDS Hosted by the Snow and Ice Sector Group of Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association

This event features displays of new products as well as popular snow removal equipment and technology.

OUTDOOR TRADE SHOW: Wed., Sept. 16 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Thurs., Sept. 17 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

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40  LANDSCAPE ONTARIO JULY-AUGUST 2015

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programs. Your association plays a lead role in compliance training.

Government advocacy

We raise the profile of our industry to all levels of government. The purpose is to engage the government in programs that will promote prosperity. We also protect the industry from unnecessary regulatory burden.

Home office education centre

We are building an education centre that reflects the best image of the industry and association members. We provide quality education in a quality setting. We are focused on practical training opportunities.

Communication

Our magazines, trade shows and many events provide unparalleled opportunities for information exchange, networking, community and relationship building.

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Unity

We bring together people with like values and common vision in order to build a prosperous, professional, ethical, valued and trusted industry.

Landscape Ontario was started in 1973 by a group of visionaries, who saw all these benefits of membership, community, and more.

For a list of the foresighted charter members of our association, please visit horttrades.com/chartermembers.

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

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PUBLIC RELATIONS LO promotes your company to the public

By Denis Flanagan CLD Director of Public Relations and Membership Services

W

e all know that promotion and advertising can be time consuming and costly. By taking advantage of what your Landscape Ontario membership has to offer, we can help you promote your company and save you money.

Landscapeontario.com is being revamped to promote our industry to the public and to connect the consumer with member companies. We encourage members to update their profile on the site, so that potential clients can view the type of work you offer. In 2014 we hosted over 323,000 users. Many members tell us they have received positive leads that resulted in great jobs.

We print 50,000 copies of Garden Inspirations magazine. This is a great looking magazine that every year promotes professional landscaping. All active

member company names are listed in the magazine, which is distributed at home and garden shows and other events throughout the province. By the way, if you would like some copies to hand out at your own event, please let us know.

Only members of Landscape Ontario are qualified to enter projects into the Awards of Excellence. In this annual program, the winners are promoted through a press release and are often featured in magazines and on TV. We also offer a press release template that can be customized for your company to distribute to your local media. Several members have used this service with great success in gaining recognition and future work.

We encourage members to participate with your local chapter not only at regular meetings but also as an exhibitor at home and garden shows. Most chapters have a display at a local home show. It’s just

42 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO JULY-AUGUST 2015

another great way to promote your company to the public.

Canada Blooms is a fabulous opportunity to promote your business; members are represented at a central display funded by the association, and are eligible to receive a subsidy if building a feature garden. In 2014, we had well over $440,000 worth of print, online and broadcast media exposure, resulting in the Landscape Ontario brand and website being front and centre in the public eye.

It allows our industry to make many thousands of consumers aware of how and why to hire a professional.

As an association, we spend a great deal of resources in promoting the beautiful spaces that our members create and the countless community projects freely worked on by our chapter volunteers. This again results in great media exposure.

To complete the Green for Life branding, we have promotional material available for members. These include truck decals, banners, flags, consumer handouts, plaques, etc., which all identify your company as a member of the world’s most active horticultural trades association.

Thank you for your membership!

Contact Denis Flanagan at dflanagan@landscapeontario.com.

MEMBERSHIP It’s all about family

By Rachel Cerelli Membership and Chapter Coordinator

A

s you may be aware, I have been on maternity leave for a year, returning to Landscape Ontario on June 1. My immediate family was fortunate enough to grow again, giving my husband and I, two children. Dominic is now three, and Scarlett just turned one.

Much like my family grew, so did your association. A yearand-a-half ago, David Braun became the new president of Landscape Ontario. He made it his mission to grow our association family. His mission and all of your hard work have been very successful. Congratulations to all of you. There is nothing better than having a large, connected family.

You may have read that last paragraph and said to yourself, “Family and Landscape Ontario; what is she talking about?”

But indeed that is what we are. If you look up the definition of family in Wikipedia, you will see, “Family is used metaphorically to create more inclusive categories such as community, nationhood, global village and humanism.”

As a member of Landscape Ontario, your association family consists of over 2,000 member companies, and all their employees. Actually, this is where I will tell you a little more exciting news. I looked back as far as my records go, and we currently have more members today than we have had in many years (I looked as far back as Sept. 2009). As of June 1, 2015, we had 2,461 members!

I cannot tell you how many conversations I have had, or simply overheard (super mom ears — I swear I am not eavesdropping) where two people working within the same industry, within the same geographical area (yes, making them competitors) exchange thoughts, ideas, concerns, difficulties and together become stronger individuals and companies.

One example I would like to share was of a young entrepreneur who had the passion, strength and education behind him to run a successful business. He did lack the knowledge to efficiently run the books.

A member, a long-time business owner from a neighbouring town, lent an ear to this young eager mind, and pulled the young business owner under his wing. This resulted in a lifelong friendship and yet another very successful landscape/horticulture business in only a few years. The outcome may not have been so happy should

the books not have been tended to during this critical time for a young company as it worked to build its foundation.

Going back to the concept of family, we may not all get along with everyone in our family. Much like we may not get along with everyone in our “association family.” But, if you give it a shot, I will put a case of beer/ bottle of wine/new tree/Starbucks coffee (or whatever you like to wager) on the line to say if you begin to attend association events and participate as best you can, you will meet at least one other individual in our industry who will help you in one way or another.

What you put into your association will directly reflect on what you get out of your association. At first, you may be at the stage in your career where you need to receive. But, inevitably you will be at the stage one day, if not already, where you can give. This could be through advice, referral to another company in need, and the list goes on.

In addition to passion for the horticulture industry, family is probably the most important thing to all of us. We put a lot of effort into our families, our businesses and our careers. We should all be putting at least some effort into our association, which is our ‘business family,’ because the strength of your association dictates the strength and professionalism of your industry.

Contact me directly at rachelc@ landscapeontario.com or 1-800-265-5656, ext. 354.

Note: Welcome back, Rachel! And thanks to Myscha Burton for a great job on membership coordination during Rachel’s leave.

— Denis Flanagan

Serving the landscape industry for nearly 50 years

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

www.kobesnurseries.com WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 43

UNDERGROUND WORLD Utility hits continue to go down

By Terry Murphy CLP

T

he green industry statistics show a dramatic reduction in utility hits over the last 12 months. Why? I believe that the message of damage prevention and calling for locates is finally getting through to our excavators.

Continuous messaging from the Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance (ORCGA) and its annual Dig Safe promotion is paying great dividends. Contractors are realizing that the time, effort and costs associated with a utility strike are not worth the risk of digging without locates. Not getting locates, especially when they are free and available in five business days, really doesn’t make any sense at all.

The following table will give you an indication of what an industry can do if it puts its collective minds to it. Both landscape and fencing sectors, which make up over 90 per cent of the utility damages, show major reductions during the last year. Both sectors made great progress in 2014, and continue to reduce the number of utility hits.

Here are the results of absolute number of utility hits and the percent change from the previous year for the landscape

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and fencing sectors.

The one year reduction in hits in the fencing sector is 40 per cent. This is outstanding. The three year reduction in hits is 20 per cent, which is a solid improvement.

The one year reduction in absolute hits is 24 per cent. This is excellent. The three year reduction in hits is 30 per cent, which continues to show great improvement.

The green industry has reduced the total number of hits by 30 per cent in 2014.

This is one of the best years for hit reductions on record. Congratulations everyone; well done.

Let me outline a couple of important considerations on the ORCGA DIRT Report statistics. There are two major areas to analyze utility hits in our industry. There are the absolute hits and there are the number of locate requests that are processed in a year, which indicates how many opportunities actually exist for a possible hit to take place. Both are important.

It is very similar to a batting average in major league baseball. There is the number of hits that a player achieves. That is divided by the number of times which that

person goes to bat (not including walks).

If a batter has 50 hits and has taken 200 attempts to obtain those 50 hits, then the batting average is 50 divided by 200, resulting in a 250 average. Obviously, the higher the batting average the better, because the batting average is a measureable statistic. In damage prevention, we are looking for a low number; the lower the better.

The numbers in the table consider only the absolute utility strikes and do not include the locate attempts data, which is not available at this time. It will be ready shortly and we will be able to compare our batting average in damage prevention. This will be the true measure of our damage prevention efforts. Regardless, the reduction in actual absolute utility hits is very encouraging and shows major improvements in both the fencing and landscaping sectors.

This tells me that our overall efforts in damage prevention promotion are having an influence. All excavators in the green industry are taking much more care when they excavate. Within the next month, when I receive the locate request data for 2014, I will be able to confirm if the results are as good as they look. I will then be able to give you a complete and valid damage prevention statistic. So far so good!

Please contact me with any suggestions, comments or questions on this article or any underground issue. I may be contacted at tvmurphy@ca.inter.net.

Absolute number of utility hits Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Agriculture 0

0

1

3

4

25

for over

Fencing Irrigation Landscaping 353 3 360 320 (-9%) 5 360 ( 0%) 390(+22%) 5 369 (+2.5%) 424 (+9%) 1 334 (-9.1%) 256 (-40%) 2 254 (-24%)

Waterways - 24

28 34

Total 716 685 (-4.4%) 789 (+15 %) 790 ( Nil) 550 (-30.4%)

years

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44 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO JULY-AUGUST 2015

PROSPERITY PARTNERS Getting to the ROOT of business

By Jacki Hart CLP Prosperity Partners Program Manager

L

andscape Ontario has been offering an owner/manager workshop, entitled Build Your Prosperity, to our members since 2006.

This workshop has assisted hundreds of business owners with a roadmap for making positive change on many levels in their businesses. I am happy to be offering this successful workshop again, starting this fall at your local LO chapter. It’s a dynamic, interactive session — with rave reviews from every size and age of business.

This month, I thought I’d sneak you a peek at one of the thought provoking principles on which the Prosperity Partners workshop is based. I look forward to meeting some of you this fall and winter in the full workshop Email prosperity@ landscapeontario.com for more info.

Using our all-familiar tree as a visual example, consider the following comparison: In the Build Your Prosperity Workshop, we provide tools to establish or enhance the invisible core of your business, to support your tangible operations and results.

This is the time of year that we are all riding on the wave of momentum and success gained from the established routines we each have developed.

However, each of us are probably experiencing the domino effect caused by

some of the invisible parts of our business failing to support the visible aspects of what our company team sets out to do every day.

When it’s busy, that’s the time to lever what’s working well, and do more of it.

Many of us tend to focus on putting out fires, rather than step back and look at what’s missing in order to achieve a more consistent, desirable outcome from our resources and efforts.

That’s where our workshop can help.

By providing a systematic approach to prevent fires in the first place, you can focus on profitable work instead of solving costly mistakes and being inun-

dated daily with countless questions from staff.

The Prosperity Partners Build Your Prosperity tool box also comes in handy in other ways. It offers great tools to start thinking differently about what’s working, what’s not, and how to improve what you can and can’t see in your business.

Remember, the root cause of things coming off the rails (either from a process, systems or profit perspective) most often lies buried in what you can’t see.

And that is exactly what you’ll gain clarity on when you sign up for the Build Your Prosperity Workshop.

So, when you’re tired of the same problems happening repeatedly, or have a lack of consistency, or low team morale, sign up for a refreshing CTRLALT-DEL on your planning strategy. To find out more, or when the next session is planned, email us at prosperity@ landscapeontario.com.

Also, the Landscape Ontario Peer to Peer Network is offering a Face-to-Face focus group session on Aug. 19 in Milton on Developing Internal Systems In Your Business. Go to http://gfl.me/x2uV for more information or to register.

The Peer to Peer Network is a LinkedIn forum for LO member business owners. To join, go to http://gfl.me/x2vv.

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CLASSIFIEDS 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 or fax to (905) 8750183. 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

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Keep in touch with

LANDSCAPE

ONTARIO Join our discussion forum

http://linked.in/LOLinkedIn

@LOassocMag @LOMembership @TonyDiGiovanni1 @denisflanagan @green_for_life @LOevents @LOgnome

www.facebook.com/ landscapeontario

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NATURAL STONE Sales and Construction: well-established, excellent reputation and located just minutes east of Guelph. Sale includes business and property. Seller is willing to train the buyer and assist in the transition to new ownership. Tremendous opportunity for significant growth - built on word-of-mouth, no advertising to-date.

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ADVERTISERS 404 Stone Limited Allstone Quarry Products Inc. Atlas Polar Company Ltd. Beaver Valley Stone Limited Best Way Stone Limited Beyond Bookkeeping Braun Nursery Limited Brouwer Sod Farms Ltd Colvoy Equipment Connon Nurseries/CBV Holdings Inc. Connon Nurseries/NVK Holdings Inc. Expressway Hino Waterloo G & L Group (Less Mess Enviro Bag) Great Lakes Wood Products Inc Greenlife - Ottawa Wholesale Nursery Gro-Bark (Ontario) Ltd. Highland Chevrolet/Highland National Leasing John Deere Corporate John Deere Dealers Kobes Nurseries Inc. Legends Landscape Supply Inc. M. Putzer Nursery Mankar Distributing Inc. Metal Pless Inc. Miller Compost - The Miller Group Newroads National Leasing Oaks Concrete Products by Brampton Brick Potters Road Nursery Inc. Royal LePage Your Community Realty Ryerson University Sheridan Nurseries Ltd. Sipkens Nurseries Ltd. South Oakville Chrysler Fiat Stam Nurseries Unilock Limited Zander Sod Co Ltd.

46 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO JULY-AUGUST 2015

Landscape Ontario’s Green for Life brand is designed to promote your professional business Landscape Ontario’s Green for Life brand is designed to promote your professional business

www.404stone.com 905-887-3404 www.allstonequarry.com 905-939-8491 www.atlaspolar.com 888-799-4422 www.beavervalleystone.com 905-886-5787 www.bestwaystone.com 800-237-8929 www.beyond-bookkeeping.ca 416-385-7775 www.braungroup.com 800-246-6984 www.brouwerwood.com 995-476-3422 www.colvoy.ca 855-449-5858 www.connon.ca 888-775-2687 www.connonnurseries.com 905-628-0112 www.expresswaytrucks.com 800-558-7364 www.lessmess.ca 416-789-4749 www.glwp.ca 877-266-0636 www.greenlifenursery.ca 613-692-3047 www.gro-bark.com 905-846-1515 www.highlandgm.com 905-727-9444 www.johndeere.ca www.johndeere.ca www.kobesnurseries.com 905-263-8814 www.landscapestore.ca 905-336-3369 www.putzernursery.com 905-878-7226 www.mankarulv.com 647-309-7826 www.metalpless.com 866-362-1688 www.millergroup.ca 866-887-6457 www.newroadsleasing.com 416-587-1021 www.oakspavers.com 800-709-6257 www.pottersroadnursery.com 519-688-0437 www.royallepage.ca 905-731-2000 www.ryerson.ca/ce/landscapedes 519-688-0437 www.sheridannurseries.com 866-843-0438 www.sipkensnurseries.com 416-798-7970 www.southoakvillechrysler.com 905-845-6653 www.stamnurseries.com 519-424-3350 www.unilock.com 800-864-5685 www.zandersod.com 877-727-2100

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connonnurseries.com 48 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO JULY-AUGUST 2015