Landscape Ontario - August 2013

August 2013

Alena Dawson, Tasha Beck, Laura DeGraaf and Kristi Montovani are ahead of the curve on green roofs:

www.horttrades.com CH AP LO TE N R D of O the N MO NT H

SNIPS Landscaping & Nursery Page 4

For over 25 years, Hillen Nursery Inc. has remained dedicated and passionate about the nursery industry.

2  LANDSCAPE ONTARIO AUGUST, 2013

Mark Endicott General Manager

23078 Adelaide Rd. Mount Brydges, ON N0L 1W0

Cell: 647.923.5182 • Fax: 519.264.1337 mark@hillennursery.com

hillennursery.com

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Proper training improves bottom line

By Phil Charal LO president

W

e all want to train our employees to properly carry out their jobs in a professional and efficient manner, while representing our companies with a positive image.

The On the Job Training (OJT) program through Landscape Ontario teaches quality and efficiency.

It reminds me of what our firm experienced back in the financial depression from 1990 to 1995. They were terrible years. Our firm went from a staff of 30 to less than 10.

In order to make any money on construction projects, we had to manage our projects perfectly. In those days, some staff members were flown in from out of province. We had good people with great work ethic. But it was difficult to train them to do quality, detailed work.

Brian, my project manager, tells a great story about how we managed to survive this period of incredible uncertainty. “I had to work these guys hard, and they were some

Formerly Horticulture Review

August, 2013 • Volume 31, No. 8 www.horttrades.com Landscape Ontario’s mandate is to be the leader in representing, promoting and fostering a favourable environment for the advancement of the horticultural industry in Ontario.

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of the best workers I have ever worked with. At one point in the early summer, they asked for more money. The last thing we wanted was to lose them, so I told them that if they wanted a raise, they needed to finish the project ahead of the projected time.

I said that in order to do this we needed to work efficiently and independently. In order to work well independently, you must understand how to quickly produce quality work.

I taught them how to grade, chisel, work stone, prepare gardens and plant material.

I also told them it was important to do it my way. Once they understood, we had fun and the satisfaction of building quality projects within our allotted timelines.”

Not only did our crews consistently bring in projects under estimated timelines, we actually managed to make a profit during the most depressed landscape market I have ever experienced.

There is a difference between training and learning. You can never expect employees to efficiently complete a task because he or she has been shown how to do it.

They must know why it has to be done the way they were taught.

I have seen this happen time and again.

A foreman shows an employee how to fulfill a task, and then expects it to be done well

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 Communications coordinator Angela Lindsay alindsay@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5305 Accountant Joe Sabatino jsabatino@landscapeontario.com, 647-724-8585 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO STAFF Shawna Barrett, Darryl Bond, Kim Burton, Rachel Cerelli, Tony DiGiovanni CHT, Rob Ellidge, Denis Flanagan CLD, Sally Harvey CLT CLP, Helen Hassard, Jane Leworthy, Heather MacRae, Kristen McIntyre CHT, Kathy McLean, Linda Nodello, Kathleen Pugliese, Paul Ronan, Ian Service, Tom Somerville, Martha Walsh

from that point on. We all have good intentions, but being a seasonal business means we must work very efficiently during a short period of time.

The truth is that if you train someone using the methods taught in the OJT program, you will end up with a valued employee and have more time to fulfill your other important tasks.

There is nothing new about the basic concept of OJT. With labour being the green industry’s largest expense, workers taught to work efficiently will dramatically impact a company’s bottom line. CNLA worked with the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council to develop a method to teach people how to teach.

OJT uses a method created to train factory workers during WWII. The war time program was called Training Within Industry (TWI). It had to fill critical production jobs vacated by soldiers. The new workers had to learn their trade quickly and safely. After the war, the training method was adopted by the Japanese. Toyota still uses it.

The ongoing goal is to now establish a network of master trainers who will offer this proven method in every province.

If you adopt this program, I guarantee your production will improve. I have to say when we began the program, I was concerned about the time commitment. I came to realize that in the long-term, it is well worth the effort. Watch for the dates and times of OJT seminars this fall.

Phil Charal may be reached at pcharal@landscapeontario.com.

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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.

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“Since we first began we have noticed the green roof sector becoming more competitive among companies, but we offer knowledge, experience and expertise to our clients,” says Montovani.

Many clients want a sustainable landscape, but are not sure if it is possible at their home.

“We look at each situation and gauge whether the structure may Snips installed the green roof at Lock 3 Museum in St. Catharines, which won the company an Award of Excellence. be suitable.

With the new systems available on today’s market, many homeowners are surprised at both the ease of installation and ongoing maintenance,” says Dawson.

All four women produce confident smiles, when the subject of women sucWhen you walk into the offices of Snips green roof, and the gardens look great.” ceeding in a male-dominant industry Landscape and Nursery near Welland, With a postgraduate certification in ecocomes up. “It’s satisfying when we win you immediately feel a high level of system restoration from Niagara College, the bid on large projects,” says Monenergy.

Dawson brings a great amount of knowltovani. She also It comes from the four women who edge on sustainable principles. reflects that operate the 30-year old company with She says the company is becoming it’s humourous passion, knowledge and determination. more green, working to lessen its cuswhen a man from General manager Kristi Montovani tomers’ ecological footprint. Dawson and another company leads the team includng Alena Dawson, Montovani speak to a number of area will say that, ‘It’s green infrastructure manager; Laura groups about green roofs and green walls a pretty big projDeGraaf, sales and marketing manager; and how they can provide an environect. Will you girls and Tasha Beck, administrative assismentally friendly way to both cool buildneed help?’ “We tant. Ed Cushine began Snips as a grass ings during the hot summer months and have a well-expecutting operation. He continues to be warm them during the winter. rienced team and involved in the business, but leaves the “Alena was the first person in the are quite capable day-to-day operation to his team.

Niagara area to receive certification in of taking on large A Niagara College graduate with green roofs,” says Montovani, who is also projects,” she degrees in both arts and design fundacertified in green roof installation. Both says. “I have a lot mentals and landscape technology, Monshe and Dawson work hard to keep upof experience and tovani says that sustainable practices to-date on the newest technical advances training under my were a natural progression from what she and trends in the landscaping industry. belt.” learned in school.

Although the Niagara region hasn’t Montovani Just over seven years ago Snips accepted green roof construction as says that when began to focus on creating sustainable much as its big neighbour across the it comes to cuslandscapes. Snips Landscape and Nurslake, Snips has worked on some great tomers makery is now considered Niagara region’s projects such as Garden City Towers and ing decisions on green roof experts.

Lock 3 Museum in St. Catharines. projects, 80 per Dawson says the majority of the com“We have noticed a increased interest cent of the decipany’s work is in Toronto. “When the city from the public on the issue of sustainsion-makers are passed the green roofs by-law, we saw ability,” says Montovani. women. “There’s an increase in inquiries. More and more The company isn’t alone in recogniza comfort level and people now realize all the benefits from a ing the value of green roofs and walls. understanding of the

Snips Landscape passionately promotes green roofs

4 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO AUGUST, 2013

client’s vision when we speak to them.”

Snips won a construction category award in the 2012 Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence for the design and installation of the Lock 3 Museum in St. Catharines.

Following the official opening of the museum rooftop garden, an article in the St. Catharines Standard referred to the location as an eye-catching garden that doubles as a roof with benefits beyond being just a building topper.

Museum manager Kathleen Powell is quoted, “This green roof offers the opportunity for the museum to show leadership in environmental sustainability while at the same time offering a lovely respite for its visitors. The green roof never closes and some days, it’s tough to find an empty seat.”

Snips Landscape and Nursery works on both commercial and residential projects. “Our staff is experienced and passionate.

We know what it takes to bring a property to its full potential,” says Montovani. The list of services reads container gardening, decks and fences, grounds maintenance, interior plantscapes, interlocking paving, landscape contractors, design, lawn care, snow removal and water features. There are six employees year-round, and the number runs between 18 and 20 during the prime season.

Dawson says that about 10 per cent of the business involves interiorscape work. “This has allowed us to give employees more hours during the winter season.”

Social media has become an important tool at Snips. Marketing manager Laura DeGraaf says the company is on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. “We are seeing more and more enquiries from this method of promotion,” she says.

“Both Facebook and Twitter allow us to display samples of projects we have done, promote green roofs, as well as have a little fun,” says DeGraaf. And, fun is a key ingredient of success for the women at Snips. It’s all part of the formula that maintains an enthusiastic, forward-looking and creative team at this Niagara region member of Landscape Ontario.

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The ladies of Snips Landscape and Nursery, Alena Dawson, Tasha Beck, Kristi Montovani and Laura DeGraff, pose with what they call the tombstone, which greets visitors to Snips Landscape’s 10-acre site just outside Welland.

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Many changes planned at Canada Blooms are aimed to wow visitors.

Exciting changes coming to Canada Blooms in 2014 Even though Canada Blooms is seven months away, some exciting changes are taking place now.

Anna van Maris of Parklane Nurseries in Beaverton is a new face on the Canada Blooms board of directors. She replaces Peter Guinane of Oriole Landscaping, Toronto.

She has also taken on the duty of chair of the design committee. “Everyone on the board is passionate about Canada Blooms,” says van Maris.

Other recent Anna van Maris changes include the appointment of Bruce Sudds as director of sponsorship, marketing and communication. LO executive director Tony DiGiovanni CLT will take on the task of acting general manager.

Although it will not be official until the AGM on Sept. 26, Landscape Ontario members appointed to the Canada Blooms board include co-chair Arvils Lukss, Adam Bienenstock, Warren Patterson and van Maris. Members of the board

6 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO AUGUST, 2013

appointed from the Toronto Garden Club are Mary Lou Tigert, co-chair; Anne Watkinson, Libby Scully and Jacqui Miller.

Michel Gauthier will serve on the board as an independent.

“I see a real renaissance coming to Canada Blooms,” says van Maris. “I’m so excited about the changes planned for the show.” She says improving Blooms is a long-range plan. “There are a few things to fix and it won’t happen overnight.”

Although there are no official specific plans at this point, van Maris says that

she will present ideas and timelines to the board in September.

She says her ideas right now concern design, sponsorship and bringing in more builders.

“The public wants to see more gardens,” says van Maris, “and that will only happen with more builders.” She wants to see Blooms develop plans to entice more builders. “No better year for builders to get into the show than this year.”

Canada Blooms has announced the theme for the 2014 show is ‘Wild.’ Artistic Director Colomba Fuller says, “Given the diversity of the meanings of wild, we are waiting with much enthusiasm to see how our talented garden designers, builders and floral superstars will interpret the theme to create their stunning showcases.”

The show will take place from Mar. 14 to 23, 2014, at the Direct Energy Centre, where it will once again co-locate with the National Home Show.

USA Today, in its review of the top garden shows in North America, named Canada Blooms as the “north-of-the-border equivalent of the Philadelphia Flower Show and England’s Chelsea Flower Show.” Canada Blooms was the only event outside of the U.S. to make the list.

Anna van Maris comes to her new volunteer position with a great deal of experience as a garden builder. She has exhibited at the show for a number of

LO seeking designer and supervisor for Canada Blooms garden Canada Blooms is looking for a few good men and women. Actually, it’s someone to take over the duties of designer, as well as construction supervisor, for the Landscape Ontario garden at Canada Blooms.

Paul Doornbos CLP, CLT and Paul Brydges have fulfilled their two-year commitments, and now Blooms needs

new talent to step forward to take on the duties.

Anyone interested in the the challenge may contact LO executive director Tony DiGiovanni at tonydigiovanni@landscapeontario.com, or Sally Harvey, LO manager of education and labour development, at sharvey@landscapeontario.com.

years. “I have found a number of great reasons to have a garden at Blooms,” says van Maris.

She lists one benefit as the opportunity to go one-on-one with the public. “There are over 100,000 people going through Blooms,” says van Maris. She cites this as one of the few opportunities where garden builders or designers can communicate with that many people in one place.

“The most important benefit of having a garden at Blooms is the opportunity to have team building within the company,” says van Maris. “The benefits trickle down throughout the year. In a way, when we (her staff) build our Canada Blooms garden, we become our own clients. We challenge each other to push the envelope.”

Anyone interested in building a garden at Canada Blooms this year may contact Anna van Maris at anna@parklane.on.ca, or the Canada Blooms office at 1-800-730-1020.

Ford and Beadle return to Blooms after 15 years

Two LO members bring a unique perspective to building gardens at Canada Blooms. After an absence of 15 years, Kent Ford CLD of Kent Ford Design Group, Toronto, and Mike Beadle of M&S Architectural of Gilford returned to build a garden at Canada Blooms 2013.

The pair decided to return to the show after a brief conversation last winter. “Next thing you know, we signed on to build a garden at Blooms,” says Ford. He created the design, while Beadle took on the task of building the creation.

The pair won two awards for the garden, The Leslie L. Solty Memorial Award for best overall creativity in garden design and Best Use of Bulbs, presented by Tradewinds International Sales.

Both men agree that the garden was expensive and time consuming, but there are some benefits from having a garden in the

The unique water feature in the garden by Kent Ford and Mike Beadle, entitled Hope Springs Eternal, grabbed the attention of visitors to this year’s Canada Blooms.

show. “We estimate that about 470 man-hours were spent constructing the garden at a cost of around $30,000,” says Ford. “I think you need to look at the dollar return from a long-term basis.

You may not see any return for some time.”

Beadle says there are more benefits from having a garden at Blooms than just financial. “Part of having a garden at Blooms is to serve the betterment of the association and industry. While the public sees what each company can produce, it also has a greater appreciation for the creativity and skill of this industry.”

Although Ford and Beadle don’t plan to enter a garden this year, they say they may look to be involved at Blooms every three years.

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Kent Ford and Mike Beadle returned to Canada Blooms this year after a 15-year absence.

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Peter Rofner of Richmond Nursery doesn’t just talk about helping the environment.

Richmond Nursery diverts horticultural plastic from landfills

By Martha Walsh

Richmond Nursery is a well-known and established nursery in the nation’s capital region. It has also become the area’s only full-circle plastic pot recycling depot.

Peter Rofner of Richmond says his

A refurbished vertical baler reduces recycled material into four- by two-ft. bales.

8 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO AUGUST, 2013

decision to begin reducing the amount of waste from his business was personal.

“We are trying to dispose of horticultural plastic products in an environmentally conscious way, which results in less waste to put into our landfills,” says Rofner. Plastics are used in greenhouses, pots, trays, liners and more. Rofner says for him, the responsible solution was to recycle horticultural plastic in any way that he could.

Although the basic philosophy of reduce, reuse and recycle has been accepted by the nursery industry, Richmond Nursery has taken it one step further. Rofner has set up an in-house recycling service that is accessible to both the trade and public.

“Local municipal initiatives only take certain plastic products and consider soil a contaminant,” says Rofner. “I decided that recycling is an initiative that I can participate in, because it is the right and best thing to do.”

Richmond Nursery reuses pots that customers have returned. It also accepts horticultural plastics numbered 2, 4 and 6, including one gallon pots, and lots and lots of plant tags.

Rofner insists that returned pots be clean. He provides large, on-site sorting containers.

In 2011, Richmond Nursery purchased a refurbished Marathon vertical bailer to process the returned products. Once the plastic is sorted, it takes 15 to 20 minutes for a load to be compacted into the correct size. It is baled with wire into a four- by two-ft. size, which can weigh up to 1,400 lbs. The bales are then stacked onto pallets ready for transportation to facilities in southern Ontario.

Located in the west-end of Ottawa, on the corner of Richmond and Eagleson Roads, Richmond Nursery is both a greenhouse operation and full garden centre.

After its humble beginnings in the 1960s under the name George’s Berry Patch, George and Claudia Rofner began Richmond Nursery in 1970. Back then it provided locally-grown berries to Ottawa area residents. The business continued to grow, including a pick-your-own operation that could not keep up with demand.

With original owners George and Claudia now retired, the nursery is owned and managed by their son Peter.

In its current location since 1977, Richmond Nursery now provides yearround service to Ottawa area industry members and public alike. Rofner has maintained the tradition of a family-operated business with the garden centre and the berry farm operations.

Richmond Nursery is located at 3440 Eagleson Road, Nepean. For information on the recycling program, contact Peter Rofner at 613-838-2282.

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Each garden in the London Landscapes of Excellence Tour had the professional landscaper of the garden greet members of the public. Here, Jay McKinnon greets tour participants in his garden.

Landscapes of Excellence Tour wows visitors in London Six London Chapter members had a great opportunity to show off their skills at the July 13th Landscapes of Excellence Tour.

Blessed with a hot and sunny day, the public saw a mixture of landscape features that included water features, pools, built-in barbecues, patios, walkways and pergolas surrounded by lots of beautiful plantings and gardens.

Chapter president Jarrett Woodard of Grand River Brick and Stone said, “We had a decent turnout and the attendees were treated to a great day. Each garden had its own unique feel and attributes.”

Woodward noted that all the gardens were professionally installed. “As you would expect, they were top notch.”

LO’s Denis Flanagan was on site at one of the gardens, along with the Master Gardeners to answer gardening questions from the public.

The six Chapter members displaying their work included Jay McKinnon Company of Strathroy and PGS Landscape, Advance Landscaping, Tender Lawn Care, Tydan Landscape Design and Kimmick Landscaping, all of London.

Proceeds from the event will go to London Chapter community projects and the Veterans Memorial Parkway.

LO members save on telecom costs

Landscape Ontario members can take advantage of lower telecom costs through a service offered by endorsed supplier Schooley Mitchell Telecom Consultants.

Members can save an average of 30 per cent per year from their local services, cellular, long distance, Internet and conferencing.

LO member Dave Leuschner, president of Leuschner Lawn and Landscape in Gormley, highly recommends the program “especially for those that have several mobile devices, since these types of rate plans are complex and change often.

It was in this area that we realized the greatest savings.”

Leuschner added that his company also saw small savings with its Internet provider. “Schooley Mitchell’s fees are paid back quarterly, so there is no large cash outlay. Most important to me, is that they will perform a post-audit of the new billing amounts for the various services to ensure that the changes made were implemented as promised. The staff I dealt with were great. The process is something I could have undertaken myself if I had the time and energy. How-

ever, I think they probably wielded more leverage in the bargaining department.”

“One of the easiest business decisions I’ve made...it actually pays you in savings!” said Jeff Ronhaar of Jeff’s Lawn Care of Binbrook.

Past president of Landscape Ontario Gerald Boot of Boot’s Landscaping in Toronto says, “It’s an independent review of your phone services. They only get paid if they save you money, so you can’t lose. It’s a win-win.”

Mary Shearman Reid CLP of Green Thumb Garden Centre in Nepean said, “The process was brilliant from start to finish. Neil Brady looked after me. He very clearly asked what our current telecom uses were and then asked for a copy of each of the bills. He realized I sold flowers and I was relying on his telecom expertise. Small as Green Thumb is, he has us all organized for the 21st century with substantial savings to us, and with no cash outlay. His company and our company share the savings. His timing was crisp and his follow-up impeccable.

Five star rating from us.”

Neil Brady says that customers share in the savings 50/50 over the specified time period — and then you receive all of the savings. The audit is free so if you don’t accept the recommendations then there is no charge.

To find out more about the program, contact CNLA Member Services at 1-888-446-3499, or go to www.hortrades. com/endorsedsuppliers.

Upper Canada Chapter greening Kingston school

The Upper Canada Chapter of Landscape Ontario is working with CAA and Ontario Tire Stewardship to green a schoolyard in Kingston.

The project began through a contest initiated by CAA to see which company could recycle the most tires; the winning company then was allowed to select a local school to receive a school yard greening. The challenge was won by Car Medics which then got in touch with past president and provincial board rep of the Upper Canada Chapter Terry Childs of Nature’s Way Landscaping.

Car Medic selected John Graves Simcoe Public School to receive $10,000 worth of plants from Sheridan Nurseries and $10,000 worth of rubber products from an Ontario Tire Stewardship company.

Members of the Upper Canada Chapter have stepped in to support the build this August. The design and specificaWWW.HORTTRADES.COM 9

ASSOCIATION NEWS tions have been contributed by Nature’s Way Landscaping. The school will receive a functional outdoor classroom with limestone seating, donated by Jackson Quarries, to replace the two tractor tires that currently adorn this school yard.

Any members interested in participating in this project should get in touch with Terry Childs at terry.childs@natureswaylandscaping.net.

Awards entries due: It’s time to show off

You create beautiful exteriors, inspire creativity with nature, and are in the business of enhancing lives. You lead the green industry by providing quality and value. Now it’s time to show it off.

Entries are being accepted until Oct. 1 for Landscape Ontario’s Construction, Maintenance and Design Awards of Excellence Construction programs.

Candidates taking the practical examination for the Landscape Certified designation had to deal with oppressive heat and high winds on July 19. In photo are the 47 candidates, volunteer judges and officials at the Landscape Ontario home office in Milton. The next orientation days

10 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO AUGUST, 2013

Take photos and start the online entry process now; don’t wait until the deadline! While Awards organizers appreciate creative and imaginative explanations for not making the deadline, we need to get them judged and winners information prepared for the greatest (landscape industry) show on earth – the Awards of Excellence ceremony at Congress.

Winners will be announced on Jan. 7, 2014, during the ceremony presented

by Draglam Salt and Earthco Soil Mixtures, with Permacon Group as supporting sponsor.

Submissions are made at www. loawards.com with guidelines and categories for entry. You will require a user

are in Kemptville on Aug. 24 and Milton on Sept. 20, with test day at Kemptville on Sept. 27. For more information, contact Rachel Cerelli at rachel@landscapeontario.com. Watch for more details on certification in the next issue of Landscape Ontario magazine.

name and password, if you have not already created one with Landscape Ontario. Work on your entry and log out/ in at any time before the deadline. Until you have entered payment information, your entry is not officially submitted.

When you login, you will need: • Contact information of person entering on behalf of company • Minimum of six and maximum of 15 photographs in jpg format • A point-form project summary, describing what you were trying to achieve with your project, including any quirks/conditions imposed by the property owner, conservation authority, etc.

• You will be prompted to print an ‘Authorization Signatures’ form during your submission (Your client/property manager needs to sign this) • Credit card information for payment Never entered before? No worries! If you need some help or have questions, Kristen McIntyre, conference and events coordinator, at kristen@landscapeontario. com, will be happy to walk you through the process.

Connon Nurseries NVK donates trees

Connon Nurseries NVK was not acknowledged as tree provider for the Golden Horseshoe Chapter’s recent Burlington Arbor Day celebration, featured in the June issue of Landscape Ontario magazine. As always the Chapter and LO appreciates the long-standing support of Connon Nurseries NVK.

Make plans for Expo 2013 Registration for Garden & Floral Expo is open; use the information polybagged with this issue to make sure you attend Canada’s retail event of the year. The show takes place Oct. 23 and 24 at the Toronto Congress Centre. Garden centre creativity comes alive at Expo; speakers include Jim Hole plus many other experts, presenting strategies to delight your customers and

build your profits. Browse the enclosed brochure, or visit www.loexpo.ca.

Snowposium is the place to learn about snow and ice

The 2013 Snowposium — LO’s Snow and Ice Sector Group’s conference and expo — will be held on Thurs., Sept. 19 at the Landscape Ontario home office site in Milton.

This popular annual event features conference sessions from 8:30 a.m. until noon.

Attendees will be treated to a barbecue catered by Milton’s famous Troy’s Diner.

The outdoor trade show, featuring snow and ice removal equipment, technology and affiliated products, runs from 12-noon to 4 p.m. There will be over 30 vendors and several demonstrations, including calibration and maintenance of sprayers, MTO circle check and many more.

The conference this year boasts two popular Snow and Ice Management Association (SIMA) speakers, Phil Harwood presenting Solving the Snow and Ice Pricing Problem and Phill Sexton on Snow Management Best Practices.

Pricing for snow and ice management services has become increasingly challenging by downward pressure, better educated buyers and more sophisticated pricing models. Understanding these dynamics and having solid strategies to counteract them is essential for today’s snow and ice professional. Phil Harwood will help resolve the pricing problem and offer real solutions.

Best practices come after years of struggling and learning the hard way. Phill Sexton will discuss proven plowing techniques and best practices.

A conference pass includes morning sessions, lunch, trade show admission and outdoor demonstrations. Registration is $75 per member if completed by Sept. 5; prices go up after that. The trade show is free to attend, but pre-registration is requested, and lunch may be purchased on-site for $16.95 per person.

Details and registration may be found at www.snowposium.com.

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Visitors to The Backyard Glam Tour had the opportunity to enjoy a number of great gardens created by members of Landscape Ontario. One of the sites was the beautiful home and gardens of Tim and Donna Kraemer of Ground Effects Landscape in Hanover.

Glam Tour receives rave reviews

The first-ever Backyard Glam Tour included gardens created by Landscape Ontario members in Hanover (Southern Grey County) and the Georgian Bay area (Thornbury).

The July 5 to 7 tour was organized by Deborah Lalande of Bleu Venue Events.

“The first Backyard Glam Tour was a wonderful success! I hope everyone

When the leaders of Canada’s provinces and territories arrived at Niagara-on-theLake for their annual conference, they were greeted by beautiful gardens created

by Landscape Ontario members Mori

enjoyed it and look forward to attending more,” said Lalande.

Landscape Ontario members taking part in the tour included The Landmark Group, headed up by Gary Nordeman, Tim Kraemer of Ground Effects Landscapes in Hanover, Lynne Barnes of Gordon J. Leece Landscapes in Thornbury, Teresa Matamoros of Garden Holistics in Thornbury, and Rob Vogel of Vogel Landscape and Design Consulting Group in

Gardens and Mori Nurseries. The weeklong conference was held at the Queen’s Landing. Tonie Mori and Tim Miotto led the team that built the display on behalf of the industry. The conference ended on July 26.

Collingwood.

“I could not help but notice the wonderful relationship the homeowners have with their landscapers,” said Lalande.

Master Gardeners were also involved in the Tour, at both The Landmark Group and The Serenity Backyard. Everyone enjoyed the seminar speakers, Gary Nordeman of The Landmark Group, Denis Flanagan of Landscape Ontario, who also performed MC duties, Darren Bosch of The Landmark Group and Cathy Lane of Panache Design Works.

In the Hanover area, tour guests enjoyed Tim Kraemer of Ground Effects with Paul Brydges of Brydges Landscape Design; Pat Crocker, author of numerous cookbooks; with Flanagan as guest speaker on the Sunday.

At the end of the tour Rob Vogel said, “I thought that the tour was very good.

I agree that all parties involved did an amazing job before and during the tour.”

Visitors on the tour also voiced their opinions. One member of the public stated, “Your choice of gardens was outstanding. It was great to have knowledgeable people available in the gardens to talk about the design, choice and ongoing management of the plantings. I actually had a lot of useful and interesting talks with them.”

Another visitor said, “My friend and I had a fabulous time touring the gardens of Georgian Bay and Hanover over the weekend.”

Lalande noted that it was great to work with the team on the Glam Tour, which took a year and then some to arrive at the July 5th weekend event.

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LO welcomes new Hardscaping Committee

Landscape Ontario welcomed a new member of the family, when the official announcement came on June 4 that a Hardscaping Committee had received approval.

The committee agreed to a mission statement which reads, “The mission of the Landscape Ontario Hardscape Committee is to increase the proper application and education of interlocking concrete pavement systems and segmental retaining walls in the province of Ontario. This includes commercial, institutional, governmental, industrial and residential markets.”

Named as chair is Mike Riehm of Envirobond, with Jarrett Woodard of Grand River Stone as vice chair.

Other members of the board are Laura Vaughan of Atlas Block, treasurer; Jason Vettese of Bestway

New plants arriving daily

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 13

Stone, marketing; Alex Cadieux of TechoBloc, education and professional development; Chuck Chambers of St. Mary’s Cement, past chair of ICPI Ontario Chapter; and directors, John Sanchez of Permacon, Al Van Haaster of Oaks, Elliot Bender of Oaks, Bruce Burns of Unilock, Terry Childs of Nature’s Way Landscaping, Luc Fornoville of Atlas Block, Bert Minor of Les Enterprises Prebbel Enterprises and Dave O’Malley of Armtec/Brooklin. LO executive director Tony DiGiovanni will serve as the committee secretary.

The group was created from the ICPI Ontario Chapter, when members requested to form a committee under the Landscape Ontario umbrella. There is an opportunity in the future that the committee becomes a member of the LO Sector Group with formal representation on the LO Provincial Board of Directors.

Plans to announce the launch of the new committee have not been formalized, although two dates are under consideration, Aug. 16 open house or at the Snowposium on Sept. 19, both at LO home office in Milton.

Correction Incorrect dates were included in the July 2013 issue of Landscape Ontario magazine. The article headlined ‘Bob Allen’s lifetime commitment yields a living safety legacy,’ stated that Bob Allen became involved with the Farm Safety Association in 1974, when in fact it was 1984. The article should also have included that it was during the 1980s when the agricultural sector saw 20 to 25 fatalities each year.

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

August 16

Trial garden open house 2013

LO home office, 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton At this year’s trial garden open house for horticultural professionals, there will be educational sessions and garden tours of the LO site to noon. Starting at 1 p.m., the trial garden open house will be held at the University of Guelph.

August 17

LO Windsor Chapter Tigers Game

Comerica Park, 2100 Woodward Ave, Detroit Join the Windsor Chapter for some baseball!

The Chapter will head across the border to check out the Detroit Tigers’ game against the Kansas City Royals. Good seats are available at $50 a ticket, first-come first serve, with limited tickets available. For info, email Dan Garlatti at dan@garlattilandscape.com, or Jay Rivait at jaytopgrade@hotmail.com.

August 18

Toronto Chapter’s Baseball Tournament

Richmond Greens Sports Centre and Park, 1300 Elgin Mills Road East, Richmond Hill Bring your staff, family and friends to the Toronto Chapter’s annual baseball tournament. There will be trophies for the winning teams, a barbecue lunch, prize giveaways and a great chance to have fun with your staff. For more information contact Helen Hassard at 905-875-1805, ext.

354, or hhassard@landscapeontario.com.

August 21

Ottawa Chapter 2013 Charity Golf Tournament

Canadian Golf and Country Club, 7800 Golf Club Way, Ashton Join fellow Ottawa Chapter members at the annual golf tournament. The shotgun start is

at 10 a.m. The event includes 18 holes of golf, cart, light breakfast, Roast Baron of Beef dinner and great door prizes. This year all registrations are available online at https://epic48.com/apps/ showreg2.php?s=103 .

August 22

Durham Chapter’s 6th Annual Supplier BBQ

Sheridan Nurseries, 410 Taunton W., Whitby The Durham Chapter has started planning its 6th annual summer barbecue. This popular event will feature a supplier showcase, dinner provided by the Chapter and much more.

September 8

2013 Baseball Tournament and Family Picnic

Breslau Memorial Park, 10 Joesph St., Breslau Bring your friends and family and enjoy a funfilled day of good food, tons of laughs and of course, some great baseball! One team per company; teams must have a minimum of eight players (two must be female); Cost is $150 per team for the tournament; Teams must be registered by Aug. 16. For more information, or to register, contact Katie at Helmutz Landscape and Interlock, 519-888-9536, or katie@helmutz.com.

September 26 - September 27

Landscape Industry Certifed Testing

Kemptville College, Kemptville The written portion of the tests for all designations is Sept. 26, and hands-on test is Sept 27.

For more information contact the certification@landscapeontario.com, or 1-800-265-5656, ext. 326.

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CHAPTER OF THE MONTH

Coldstream Land Escape Company. In addition to some extremely happy homeowners, LO staff met Derek’s crew, and even his wife, daughter and their three miniature horses. This was a great reminder that work/life balance is important to the success of your business and family, but also important to the chapter.

face with the men and women who were involved with every aspect of making these beautiful gardens a reality.”

And with so many new plants, materials, construction methods and tools introduced on an annual basis, now more than ever it’s possible to get the back (or front) yard of your dreams. “The mark of a true professional is one who can find creative and cost effective solutions to the challenges and conditions your site may offer,” says Harry.

Money raised from the event goes toward future community projects. In the past, the London Chapter has been involved in Banting House Global Garden, Alex’s Butterfly Garden at London Children’s Hospital and continues working with the City of London on the Veterans Memorial Parkway Community Project — a living memorial to Canada’s veterans.

Garden tour

Veterans Memorial Parkway

London Chapter earned long list of achievements The London Chapter has always been a very dedicated and involved group. Its list of achievements is long, with projects involving horticultural programs at Fanshawe College, making a difference with community projects, or coming together as a group for the betterment of the industry.

Through member site visits the Landscape Ontario Membership Department undertook in July, it soon became obvious where the source of that dedication begins.

Touring several job sites within the city of London was a great opportunity for LO staff to see work that drives the passion we see influencing the green industry.

One visit was with Derek Geddes of

London Chapter snapshot

Number of Members: 179 Number of Active members: 107 Chapter Board Jarrett Woodward, President Peter Vanderley CLP, Provincial Board Rep and Treasurer Grant Harrison CLT, Past President Nicola Kamp, Secretary Derek Geddes, Director Jerry Hakkers, Director Michael Martins, Director Paul Snyders, Director Jason Zehr, Director

July 13 marked the fifth annual Landscapes of Excellence Garden Tour featuring six stunning gardens all designed and built by local members of the LO’s London Chapter.

The tour allowed London area residents a great opportunity to visit some professionally landscaped private gardens; gardens that demonstrate the latest in landscape trends, and a range of techniques and plant materials.

“What makes this tour so unique,” says tour organizer Wendy Harry, “is that people on the tour not only get to see breathtaking gardens, but they also speak face-to-

The London Chapter has supported the ongoing revitalization project of the Veterans Memorial Parkway. The landscape vision for the project was created by Ron Koudys CLD, London-based landscape architect well-known to Landscape Ontario members. While there have been some changes in plant/tree selection, the current direction of the project remains closely based on Koudys’s plan. The Chapter has planted 200 large caliper trees on the west side of the VMP in 2011, near the offices of 3M and Starlim, and plans to help install nearly 400 more this fall.

Derek Geddes of Coldstream Land Escape Company in London and his wife enjoy raising miniature horses. Geddes is a director on the London Chapter Board.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 15

INDUSTRY NEWS National Tree Day is Sept. 25 Members of Landscape Ontario will once again have the opportunity to become involved in National Tree Day on Sept. 25.

Over the past two years the program has seen many members involved with educating students and the public about the environmental benefits of trees. Most events have taken place at schools within a member’s local community. Other events involve members leading a planting event, holding a sale, donating resources, or promoting National Tree Day through social media.

CNLA is taking the lead role on the program, notifying national media about participating members’ activities, as well as posting a map on its website. Members are asked to notify CNLA by registering at www.cnla-acpp.ca/nationaltreeday, or email CNLA communications coordinator, Anne

Bowering at anne@cnla-acpp.ca.

Once a member registers with CNLA, that member’s name will also be registered with Tree Canada. Schools can enter its National Tree Day School Challenge by submitting a picture showing how students celebrated, for a chance to win $1,000.

More details are available at www.nationaltreeday.ca.

Work to reduce horticultural plastic beginning to pay off

When Landscape Ontario began a program to recycle horticultural plastic back in 2010, the goal was to look after a product that was being rejected by municipal programs.

CNLA took over the program and gave it a nation-wide emphasis in 2011. Last year saw 50 gardens centres across Canada collect over 90,000 lbs of material. 26 of those garden centres were from Ontario. This year the number of centres taking part was about the same as last year. Since the program began, the annual 10-day event has diverted over 120,000 lbs. of plastic from landfills.

The amount of plastic collected this year from June 21 to July 1 was down over previous years. As of the end of July 12, garden centres reported collecting 30,525 lbs.

The lower amount collected can be attributed to the efforts of the industry over the past four years to reduce horticultural plastic. Julia Ricottone, landscape and garden centres priorities manager, who coordinated the program this year, says another reason for the decline in numbers is, “Municipalities are beginning to recognize the benefits that come with recycling horticultural plastic, and many now accept plastic Once again members of Landscape Ontario will have an pots as part of their curbside opportunity to become involved in National Tree Day on recycling program.”

Sept. 25. This is the third year for the event. In photo, at the Says Ricottone, “Garden ceninaugural celebration, members plant a tree at the LO home tres should be proud to have office site in Milton.

16 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO AUGUST, 2013

led these initiatives! The public is more accustomed to the option of returning their old garden pots for recycling at their local independent garden centre any time of the year.”

CNLA extends a thank you to all participating member garden centre owners and staff who put in the extra effort to make this event so successful. “The goal of this event was to raise awareness of the need for recycling solutions for the industry, and we are beginning to see this goal become a reality,” said Ricottone.

The plastic recycling event will return in 2014. Recyclers who are able to offer free pick-ups of unsorted garden and agricultural plastics, and garden retailers who wish to participate, are asked to contact the CNLA.

WSIB 2014 Premium Rates stay the same

The WSIB has announced that premium rates will be maintained at current levels for all employers in 2014.

“Our board of directors’ decision to keep rates at current levels was made based on careful actuarial and financial analysis. The decision balances the needs of Ontario’s workers while providing stability for employers as WSIB reviews its methods for setting premium rates in consultation with stakeholders to come up with the fairest and most effective solutions,” states a press release from WSIB. The 2014 rates may be viewed online, at WSIB Premium Rates. www.horttrades. com/wsib-premium-rates The WSIB is well-positioned to offer premium rate stability. Results for the first quarter of 2013 show WSIB is well toward meeting its financial requirements set under government regulation last year.

WSIB is looking at changes to the premium rate setting process and experience rating in an effort to improve fairness in the way the system is funded.

Emerald ash borer confirmed in Kawartha Lakes

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of emerald ash borer (EAB) in Kawartha Lakes. The pest was discovered in Fenelon Falls.

The presence of EAB has now been confirmed in 32 Ontario counties, and in seven areas in the province of Quebec. It has already killed millions of ash trees in Ontario, Quebec and the U.S., and poses a major economic and environmental threat to urban and forested areas of North America.

On April 1, 2014, the Agency will consolidate most of the regulated areas into

one large area in Ontario and Quebec. This large area will include Highways 400, 401, 416 and 417 in Ontario and Highways 15, 20, 40 and 50 in Quebec.

This approach takes into account the CFIA’s current understanding of the distribution of EAB and will more effectively slow the spread of this pest to other parts of these provinces and to the rest of Canada.

The Agency will continue its surveillance, regulatory, enforcement and communications activities across Canada, and the focus will now be placed on preventing EAB from moving out of the large consolidated area to areas where it is not currently known to be present. The remainder of 2013 will be a transition to this new approach.

Also, as part of the long term strategy to manage EAB, the CFIA has approved the release of two stingless wasps as new biological control agents to combat the spread of EAB. One wasp that has now been released in limited areas in southwestern Ontario by Natural Resources Canada is Tetrastichus planipennisi.

Panel investigating minimum wage

The Ontario government has appointed an advisory panel to give advice on the province’s minimum wage.

The advisory panel will examine Ontario’s current approach to setting the minimum wage and provide advice on how the province should determine changes to the

minimum wage in the future.

The chair of the panel will report back to the government with recommendations within six months of the date the 2013 provincial budget was passed, which puts it near the end of this November. The time period can be extended by the Minister of Labour by up to three months.

Any member of the public may comment on the proposal, by logging onto www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/submissions.php. Responses must be made by Oct. 18, 2013.

The minimum wage has increased 50 per cent since 2003, from $6.85 to $10.25 per hour, giving Ontario one of the highest provincial minimum wages in Canada.

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Gerry Giordano & Son Landscaping Gerry Giordano 52 Fulwell Cres, Downsview, ON M3J 1Y3 Tel: 416-630-6565 Membership Type: Active

Markville Landscaping & Nurseries Inc Robert Eeuwes 5223 19th Ave, Markham, ON L6C 1M3 Tel: 905-471-1010 Membership Type: Active

Lawns We Do Peter Parker 25 Joyce Blvd, Gormley, ON L0H 1G0 Tel: 905-841-8965 Membership Type: Active

Waterloo Ridgehill Ford Ryan Leith 217 Hespeler Rd, Cambridge, ON N1R 5W1 Tel: 519-621-0720 Membership Type: Associate

Golden Horseshoe Eising Greenhouses & Garden Centre Henry Eising 814 Cockshutt Rd, Simcoe, ON N3Y 4K4 Tel: 519-428-4607 Membership Type: Active Lakeland Gardening & Services Inc Jeffrey Allen 204 - 50 Dundas St E, Dundas, ON L9H 7K6 Tel: 905-689-5253 Membership Type: Active Savage Landscaping Chris Savage 114 Rockhaven Lane, Waterdown, ON L0R 2H6 Tel: 905-807-3253 Membership Type: Active

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EXECUTIVE DESK Canada Blooms communicates your talent and creativity Tony DiGiovanni CHT LO executive director

A

re you interested in showcasing your talent and passion at Canada Blooms?

A few years ago the Contractors Lecture Series featured the award winning, extraordinary and awe-inspiring landscapes and water features of Randy Tumber CLD of Tumber and Associates in Orangeville. Randy explained that he measured success based on the ability of the landscapes to communicate at an emotional level. He and his team are master communicators.

We are an association blessed with many members, who like Randy, are skilled at using the palette of nature to

communicate wonder, awe, inspiration, happiness and many other emotions.

You can see many examples from across Ontario at our Awards of Excellence ceremony and at Canada Blooms.

Most members will tell you their business is fuelled by word of mouth. This is because people remember what they see, feel and experience and will tell others.

One of the reasons why Landscape Ontario and the Garden Club of Toronto founded Canada Blooms is because we realized there is no better way to communicate the creativity, skill, talent, benefits and inspiration of our garden industry than to provide memorable experiences that last a lifetime.

The feelings are heightened by the fact that the Canada Blooms festival is held just before spring. People are tired of winter; they need what we have to offer. People still remember the waterfall that Joe Melo built at the first Canada

Blooms 16 years ago, or the Loblaws garden that Janet Rosenberg designed.

I am sure you can recall one garden or another that has been indelibly imprinted in your memory, because it made you feel good.

I believe that Canada Blooms is the very best way to communicate the aesthetic, environmental, economic, therapeutic and health benefits of our industry.

Yes, it is expensive to build the amazing gardens. But what other communication medium offers the opportunity to create an impression that lasts a lifetime? Seen from this perspective, Canada Blooms has great value.

I also believe that the contractors, designers and suppliers at Canada Blooms are benefiting the entire industry, not just themselves. They should be supported and thanked, because every visitor to Canada Blooms leaves with an idea that will eventually become reality.

They will not necessarily use the garden builder at the show to realize their landscape dreams.

This article is a call for proposals. We are looking for passionate garden designers, builders and suppliers interested in showcasing their creativity, talent and ability to communicate at an emotional level. We want to elevate the landscape industry. We want to inspire the public and media through your creations. There are a limited number of spots available at Canada Blooms for the right awe inspiring design.

Because successful candidates are promoting the industry for all of us we will help by providing all the support we can. We will work with you to find sponsors and funding. We will help with sourcing the materials and volunteers. We will pay a modest cash subsidy.

Participating in Canada Blooms will elevate your company, energize your team, stretch your innovative capabilities and help your company grow. You will also be helping the industry communicate to the public at an emotional level.

Contact me if you want to participate at tony@landscapeontario.com, or at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 304, or cell at 416-737-8732.

Judges’ Choice Award for best overall garden in 2013 went to Holbrook and Associates Landscape Architects of Toronto, for its playful, yet beautifully crafted, entry.

18  LANDSCAPE ONTARIO AUGUST, 2013

Tr Sp La ee ec rg s A im e va en il a bl e

UNDERGROUND WORLD Dig Safe Fall Expo scheduled at Landscape Ontario

By Terry Murphy CLP

T

he Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance (ORCGA) has scheduled its first-ever Fall Expo Day for Sept.

12 at the Landscape Ontario home office site in Milton.

Damage protection training, education and demonstrations will be offered to improve your knowledge and understanding of underground issues.

Because the Ministry of Labour (MOL) and the Technical Standards and Safety Association (TSSA) have brought in more inspectors and dramatically increased fines, ORCGA is hoping to improve the performance of contractors who excavate.

In announcing the event, Jim Douglas, ORCGA president, stated, “Our industry needs a fall education and training event that will inform people about the issues, give demonstrations on underground techniques and best practices and allow locators to show how good they are.” He went on to say, “We can all learn more about damage prevention. This day will do that in a very special and practical way.”

Information sessions

You can participate in the following information sessions: Getting Around Under

Ground, Damage Prevention Certification Program Overview, Excavation Project: and Infrastructure Health and Safety Mobile Classroom. By the way, all attendees of the Getting Around Underground session will receive a certificate for attendance from ORCGA. A damage prevention circuit will include live demonstrations such as planning and design, One Call, locating and marking, excavation, mapping, compliance, public education, and reporting and evaluation.

For those brave, or competitive souls, there is a locate competition. Come out and try your hand at one of the locate rodeo wheels.

To complete your day, free coffee will be brewing and lunch is on the house. As a matter of fact, the entire expo is free of charge with funding by the ORCGA. Make sure you put Sept. 12 on your calendar now. Just show up for the day, bring your key employees and learn more about damage prevention and the underground. There is no cost for this event that will improve your understanding and knowledge, which should help avoid some very serious fines in the future. If you can’t afford to take a full day away from your operation, then come out for a couple of hours and join us for lunch. It takes place rain or shine.

For more information, contact ORCGA at 1-866-446-4493. Your suggestions and comments are welcomed at tvmurphy@ca.inter.net.

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PUBLIC RELATIONS Summer tours

By Denis Flanagan CLD Director of public relations and membership services

I

spent a great deal of time in July visiting projects that were designed and created by members. Most evident was how true the tagline, “Proud member of Landscape Ontario”, shone at every stop on the tour.

The road trip started in the Thornbury, Collingwood and Hanover area at the beginning of July, when The Backyard Glam tour was presented for the first time. The most common word on the lips of all the attendees was Wow! Visitors were treated to some spectacular gardens that showcased water features, extensive plantings and more.

There was a very interesting evening tour which demonstrated the ambience that can be created with night lighting and custom-built fire features. A clever partnership among designers, contractors, sponsors and local chapter volunteers delivered an outstanding event. You can visit the link at www.landscapeontario.com/ kraemer-residence In mid-July, the London Chapter also did an amazing job organizing its annual Landscapes of Excellence Tour. The title says it all! On the tour were six very diverse gardens, open to the public. Keen visitors were busy taking lots of pictures, making notes and being very impressed that the designers and contractors were available at the gardens to answer questions.

A couple of staff members from the Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association drove up for Landscapes of Excellence.

They plan to include some of the sites as part of a bus tour of Michigan contractors

MEMBERSHIP Endorsed suppliers don’t scam

By Helen Hassard Membership coordinator

I

t’s unfortunate that I have to write this month’s column on such a negative topic.

Usually I like to focus on the positive, but I’ve recently had an experience that I want to share.

I received a phone call from a company calling itself Computer Expert Services, although I’m sure it goes by several names. The people from this company told me that they were hired by Microsoft and had been receiving

20 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO AUGUST, 2013

signals from my computer that showed it was in immediate danger of crashing.

Well, I’m no computer expert, but for several reasons I found this hard to believe. The fact that they wanted to offer that level of support, just seemed too good to be true. I wondered why Microsoft would hire this task out to an outside company, since it would mean giving out personal contact information. I also questioned the claim that my computer had a virus. The LO home office has pretty good software to protect us.

Anyway, after a few minutes of questioning the customer service representative on company details, while continuing to Google the situation on my ‘infected computer,’ it became pretty obvious that this was a scam.

These people were either trying to trick

and designers who will be part of a professional development day in August.

Well done, London Chapter committee, on a great event. For story and photos on the event, see page 9 in this issue.

In July, your membership department’s ongoing member-appreciation campaign took Helen Hassard, LO membership and chapter coordinator, and me to visit several members and their crews on job sites in the Toronto, London and Upper Canada Chapters.

It seems that every time we go out on these site visits, a new idea springs into action. In London we visited Peter Vanderley at a condominium site that his company maintains. After talking with Peter, we came up with an idea of sending property managers a letter from LO to thank them for hiring a professional member. We would also send a copy to the property managers association. It’s another way to spread the good word about hiring professional members of Landscape Ontario.

Certainly one of the most gratifying parts of the tours and site visits is getting to meet the homeowners and realizing how proud they are of their beautiful properties.

Hmmmm, perhaps we need a new bumper sticker campaign for consumers!!

Denis Flanagan may be contacted at dflanagan@landscapeontario.com. me into eventually paying for this ‘free service,’ or ‘fix’ my computer by following their instructions, which would actually give them access to my computer.

So why am I sharing this little story with you? Because, unfortunately, I have also heard of scenarios where companies approach members saying they are contacting you on behalf of Landscape Ontario to sell you something. Landscape Ontario does work with endorsed suppliers; the most up to date list is available online at www.horttrades.com/endorsedsuppliers. I know some associate members have been known to offer discounts to other members, but please, if something sounds too good to be true, don’t hesitate to check with home office at 1-800-265-5656, or contact me directly at the email address below.

Lately some of the scams I’ve heard about are companies trying to sell LO members discounted sunglasses and another trying to get you to update the information in their guidebook. So please, be cautious, and when in doubt, double-check.

Call at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 354, or by email to helen@landscapeontario.com, or tweet me about it at @LOMembership. I would like to hear your thoughts and feedback.

PROSPERITY PARTNERS Think about your future in your business

By Jacki Hart CLP Prosperity Partners program manager

M

ost of us, when we begin our business journey, never think about how we will get out of it. Of course, expectations are that we will have something worthwhile to show for the years of effort. However, without careful planning, selling a business can be sometimes be less lucrative than you may think.

Most entrepreneurs are juggling the day-to-day challenges of their business, leaving no time for planning an exit strategy.

Thought and preparation

But, planning that exit requires a lot of thought and preparation. Selling a business involve determining its value without the owner. It’s not like selling a car, or real estate. There are complicated negotiations, tax implications, flexibility, and ensuring a smooth transition with the new owners, customers and staff.

You must have a clear understanding about your organization’s current needs and where you want to be in the future.

It’s important to plan how you will take care of everything between when you decide to exit and the actual closing of the sale. It’s your exit plan.

Everyone in business needs an exit strategy. Much like death and taxes, it is inevitable at some point in the future that someone other than you will own and operate your business. The question is, when will this happen?

Maximize value

All smart business owners I have spoken to say they considered succession planning within the first five years of starting their business. They want to maximize the value of their business. With an aim

towards that objective, it will assist in making decisions about infrastructure, employee training and other long-term investments that will increase the value of your business.

No one plans to suffer a serious illness or experience an accident that will prevent them from working their company. But, as we all know, life is an uncertain adventure. You should ask yourself the following questions: What would happen to your business without you at the helm? Who could run it effectively in your absence? Who would you want to run your business, and who would you choose to actually run your business? Are they ready? What income will you or your family require to continue your lifestyle?

What is the value of your business? Do you have enough insurance coverage?

Are all your legal papers in place, such as wills, shareholder agreements, etc.?

Once you have answered these questions, you are ready for the next step to fulfill your succession plan.

Along with your company’s assets, its value is measured by the ability for it to generate cash flow, in addition to the potential risks in relation to that cash flow.

To arrive at a valuation, we use a multiple projected annual cash flow over the past three to five years. The numbers normally reflect the risk factors associated with the company and the industry in which it operates.

A variety of factors include the reputation of the owner, level of infrastructure in place, diversity of customer base, stability of supply, and stability of company revenue stream. These are all factored in to determine the value of your business.

Never a solo effort

Developing a succession plan is never a solo effort. It requires the involvement of a variety of sources that will include a chartered accountant, lawyer, insurance specialist, banker, personal financial planner and probably a specialist in succession planning.

Of course with any sale, there are tax implications.

These will vary on how the sale is structured.

A straight-up sale to a third party generally results in a taxable gain, while handing the business over to the next generation should involve a tax deferment through a freeze transaction. There are a number of planning opportunities such as utilization of lifetime capital gains exemptions that should be considered. If you are to stay abreast of the ever-changing tax environment, you absolutely require a chartered accountant in planning for the sale.

Another important player in the succession process is a lawyer to manoeuvre through the negotiation process with the sale. Proper planning will have a huge influence on the tax implications of the transaction. Ask the right questions, and make sure your advisors are experienced in purchase and sale of businesses.

You may or may not have a family member who wants the business, or is capable of managing it. You may or may not have employees who want the business, or are capable of managing it. Perhaps a sale to a third party will provide the best possible outcome for you and your family. A good succession plan will provide the answer.

An emotional time

When it comes to letting go of your business, many times emotions take over from common sense. By having an independent facilitator, it makes the transition process easier for the business owner and family members. It is an important factor in resolving emotional and potentially toxic disagreements. An independent facilitator will greatly assist to smoothly move through these problems.

Take a moment to think about your retirement plan, and your future in your business. Succession planning is a topic well worth researching to ensure your prosperity in the years ahead.

Visit www.horttrades.com/prosperity for more information on the Partnership.

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

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 21

2013

SNOWPOSIUM

CLASSIFIEDS

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

SNOW AND ICE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE AND EXPO

Thursday, September 19, 2013 Landscape Ontario, 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, Ont.

Learn at the morning conference and then enjoy outdoor displays of some of the latest equipment and technologies for the snow and ice control industry.

From trucks and plows to electronics and software, you will find the tools to help improve your business!

WHO SHOULD ATTEND? • Snow and ice contracting professionals • Municipal snow and ice managers • Commercial and multi-unit residential property managers • Snow removal business owners and managers • Technical staff • Snow and ice management suppliers and distributors EXHIBIT SPACE STILL AVAILABLE: Contact DARRYL BOND (800) 265.5656 ext. 366 darryl@landscapeontario.com FOR INFORMATION ON CONFERENCE: Contact KRISTEN McINTYRE (800)265.5656 ext. 321 kristen@landscapeontario.com Hosted by the Snow and Ice Sector Group of Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association

Register at Get INSPIRED www.snowposium.com Get CONNECTED

Get INSPIRED Get CONNECTED

Snowposium sixth page ad for LT.indd 1

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) 875-0183. Online advertising: Website only ads are available for $67.80 (HST included). Min. order $67.80 for up to 325 words. Website ads are posted for 30 days.

View ads online at www.horttrades.com/classifieds

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

THRIVING LANDSCAPE AND GARDEN CENTRE FOR SALE On 2.4 acres in Halton Hills. Turn-key opportunity hard to come by, possibility to expand are endless. Bring your dream and start your future.

Contact Norm Paget - Sales Rep. RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc. 905-877-5211

FOR SALE Established Wholesale Nusery in SW Ontario is CLOSING. COLDFRAMES AND NURSERY EQUIPMENT FOR SALE. For a detailed list of available equipment please call 519-765-2130 or email riverbendfarms@amtelecom.net

ESTABLISHED MUSKOKA LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE COMPANY FOR SALE Successful, respected company, locally owned and operated, is looking for a professional and dedicated purchaser. Well-maintained fleet of trucks and equipment. Dependable staff, loyal customer base. Year-round operation.

For serious inquiries only, please reply in confidence by email to: MuskokaOpportunity@gmail.com

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Sipkens Nurseries (Palace Perennials) Is hiring a Customer Sales Representative.

Sales experience preferred. Perennial plant knowledge an asset. Full-time, part-time, seasonal position. Starting immediately.

Email resumes to: sipkensnurseries@on.aibn.com or contact Jennifer 519-542-8353

www.horttrades.com/classifieds

ADVERTISERS

7/29/2013 12:13:44 PM

Braun Nursery Ltd.

www.braungroup.com

800-246-6984

Page 12

www.caledonhillsperennials.com

905-473-1145

Page 11

www.christmasdecor.net

866-615-4147

Page 17

Connon Nurseries/NVK Holdings Inc.

www.cononnurseries.com

905-628-0112

Page 24

Greenlife - Ottawa Wholesale Nursery

www.greenlifenursery.ca

613-692-3047

Page 13

Hillen Nursery Inc. www.hillennursery.com

519-264-9057

Page 2

Kobes Nursery

www.kobesnurseries.com

905-263-8814

Page 13

Legends Landscape Supply Inc.

www.landscapestore.ca

905-336-3369

Page 10

M Putzer Nursery

www.putzernursery.com

905-878-7226

Page 5

Caledon Hills Perennials

Christmas Décor (Turf Management Systems)

Landscape Ontario’s Green for Life brand is designed to promote your professional business Ontario’s Landscape Green for Life brand is designed to promote your professional business 22 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO AUGUST, 2013

Newroads National Leasing Potters Road Nursery Inc. Sipkens Nurseries Ltd. Stam Nurseries Timm Enterprises Ltd. Truly Nolen (Turf Management Systems) Uxbridge Nurseries Ltd.

www.newroadsleasing.com 416-587-1021 Page 11 www.pottersroadnursery.com

519-688-0437

Page 12

www.sipkensnurseries.com

866-843-0438

Page 14

www.stamnurseries.com 519-424-3350 Page 19 www.timmenterprises.com

905-878-4244

Page 19

www.trulynolen.com

866-615-4147

Page 7

www.uxbridgenurseries.com

877-655-3379

Page 19

www.loexpo.ca

Inspired New Retail Canada’s fall show for the garden and f loral industry

Replenish your inventory with trendy products.

Plan to attend!

Jim Hole, Hole’s Greenhouses presents Building the future:

They don’t make gardeners like they used to

Wednesday, October 23, 2013 - 12:30 p.m.

Destination Inspiration Theatre Regis Sponsored by ter tod www.or visit ay! loexp o.ca

Jim Hole, Hole’s Greenhouses

Wednesday, October 23 and Thursday, October 24, 2013 Toronto Congress Centre, North Building, Toronto, Ont., Canada Call 1-800-265-5656 x323 Produced by

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1155 Dundas St. W. (Hwy. #5), West Flamborough, Ontario Tel.: 905-628-0112 • 905-523-0442 Fax: 905-628-3155 email: mail@connonnurseries.com www.connonnurseries.com