Landscape Ontario - June 2019

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

HortTrades.com • June 2019

CHANGING

TIMES Mark Endicott guides Hillen Nursery into new markets

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

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June, 2019 • Volume 37 - No. 6 HortTrades.com

Landscape Ontario’s mandate is to be the leader in representing, promoting and fostering a favourable environment for the advancement of the horticultural profession in Ontario.

Features 4 Hillen Nursery 8 Skills Ontario

Departments 10 16 18 19 20 21 25 30

Association News Events New Members Scholarship Profile Volunteer Profile Professional News Columns Advertisers/Classifieds

Editor Robert Ellidge rellidge@landscapeontario.com, 647-722-5645 Multimedia designer/IT coordinator Mike Wasilewski mikew@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5343 Sales manager Greg Sumsion gsumsion@landscapeontario.com, 647-722-6977 Communications coordinator Angela Lindsay alindsay@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5305 Accountant Joe Sabatino jsabatino@landscapeontario.com, 647-724-8585 Publisher Lee Ann Knudsen CLM lak@landscapeontario.com, 416-848-7557 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO STAFF Scott Barber, Darryl Bond, Amy Buchanan, Kim Burton, Tony DiGiovanni CHT, Denis Flanagan CLD, Cassandra Garrard, J. Alex Gibson, Meghan Greaves, Sally Harvey CLT CLM CAE, Keri MacIvor, Heather MacRae, Kathy McLean, Kathleen Pugliese, John Russell, Ian Service, Myscha Stafford, Tom Somerville, David Turnbull, Lissa Schoot Uiterkamp, Martha Walsh,

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

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Watch out for ice bergs, reopening of LO office and a few other tidbits

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We should all be proud of our new building. I suspect it will be the nicest, and likely largest, professional landscape and horticulture association office in the world.

We are planning to hold a big ribbon cutting celebration early this fall. Stay tuned for more details.

s I write this article the Thursday before the May long weekend, my business partner informed me he was sailing around Georgian Bay the week before, and there were ice bergs floating around.

Well this just sums up the crazy spring of 2019. But for us in the landscape profession, this is nothing to joke at. We have experienced some of the coolest and wettest conditions on record throughout much of the province. This has prevented any meaningful installations and hampered retail sales so far this year. Everyone should take comfort in knowing they are not alone. Everyone in the profession is feeling and fighting Mother Nature. Don’t despair. Just get ready to rock it out when the weather finally changes for the better.

Things always have a way of working out in the end.

Plant pricing

The Canadian Nursery and Landscape Association (CNLA), in conjunction with Landscape Ontario and Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, have been working on a collaborative research effort to compile data on consumer purchasing habits for plants and what value they place on plants.

This initiative is in the early stages and researchers are also applying for some government grant money. My hope is that this will start important discussions on how plants should be priced throughout the supply chain in order to benefit the stakeholders involved.

We need this valuable data to get a jump on the arrival of wide spread, online consumer commerce for plants. Don’t think that this will never happen. It’s already happening now!

Much like the plumbing and electrical professions, each level of the supply chain needs to receive appropriate pricing based on the full retail price if they are to survive.

It all starts with the retail price.

I wish each of you a prosperous season.

I suspect this spring will be a distant memory come August — so too will the memories of ice bergs floating around Georgian Bay.

Home office renovation

The multi-million dollar revitalization of the Landscape Ontario home office in Milton, Ont., is in its final stages. The building has a new sign, lots of glass, an elevator and all-new meeting and lunchroom spaces. The new signage is amazing. It is clean, clear and simple. For two weeks in May, a 12-foot high dry stone wall was constructed underneath the sign. The result is spectacular.

Completion is scheduled for the end of June, with staff moving in sometime in July. The contractor has also been battling the poor weather — at least we are a sympathetic group.

ISSN 1928-9553 Publications Mail Agreement No. PM40013519 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 2019, 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

Warren Patterson LO President warrenpatterson@barriegardencentre.com

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DISCIPLINE FEELS GOOD Member profile:

Hillen Nursery, Mount Brydges, Ont.

By Jordan Whitehouse

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grow everything, so Hillen essentially specialized in filling in the gaps with products that were well-grown at an affordable price and with quick delivery times.

Today, re-wholesale is still a big part of the business, but there’s been more focus on independent garden centres. That’s meant an expansion of offerings to include everything from ornamental grasses and perennials, to broadleaf and spreading evergreens, to flowering shrubs and vines, to container-grown ornamental and shade trees.

“We’ve changed so much over the years,” says Mark. “The demographic of our property, the pot sizes, the varieties, customer labelling, pre-pricing, catalogues, you name it. It’s all about what those independent garden centres need.”

Mark’s previous experience certainly helps with understanding those needs, but so does his management style. He does all of the sales for Hillen, and he and his colleagues are constantly in direct contact with their customers to get feedback.

“That’s not really traditional for this industry,” says Mark. “It’s a lot of old players who think they know everything about what they’re doing. And when I’m hearing something, there’s not levels of bureaucracy to get the information to me. I can make real-time change really quick.”

Exhibit A: larger pot sizes. In order to become more competitive with chain garden centres, independents have been asking for more differentiating products like bigger pots. In response, Hillen increased its pot offerings from two gallons all the way up to 10 gallons.

ark Endicott doesn’t mince words when talking about the way he likes to manage a business.

“I don’t micro-manage. I believe you bring on good people, you get them on the bus, and then you decide where that bus is headed.”

He’s been the driver of that bus for over a year now as the president of Hillen Nursery, a 400-acre property in the quaint, agriculturally-rich town of Mount Brydges, Ont., just west of London.

Peter and Ellie Hillen started the business back in 1983, and while Mark is trying to continue their tradition of running a “very disciplined” company, he knows that a lot has changed in 35 years and that to be successful you’ve got to grow strategically with key accounts.

Simply put, says Mark, “The day of ‘grow it and they shall come’ is nearing its end.”

Independent driven

So, what does all this mean for the direction of the Hillen bus today? Well, it’s on more of a direct course for the independent garden centre market. Which makes sense given Mark’s dozen years of experience at one in Ottawa before joining Hillen in 2012 as general manager.

Still, that’s meant somewhat of a change in how Hillen operates. Before Mark, the company did ship to independent garden centres, but Hillen was primarily focused on re-wholesale, meaning they’d deliver their products to other nurseries who would then use those products to fill orders. No one supplier can

Continued on pg. 6 >

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“I don’t micro-manage.

I believe you bring on good people, you get them on the bus, and then you decide where that bus is headed.”

— Mark Endicott 5

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Inventory marches in precise rows per Hillen’s container production strategy.

Rising to the challenge

As successful as Hillen has been in targeting those independent garden centres in recent years, however, the company isn’t immune to its own set of challenges, of course.

A big one, as with many others, is hiring, says Mark. And it’s getting more difficult.

“It’s not the volume of people, it’s the quality of prospective employees. And because the nursery industry is not a growing one, good potential employees are very easily and quickly snapped up. So we

always have our ear to the ground looking for people.”

One strategy that’s helped attract new blood is allowing college students from landscape and horticultural programs to tour the property. Another has been maintaining a strong relationship with Fanshawe College horticulture professor, Michael Pascoe, who has steered good candidates to Hillen in the past.

The other big challenge is — surprise, surprise — rising costs. Hillen buys a lot of product liners from the U.S., so the exchange rate has not been helpful

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recently, nor have rising fuel prices or the recent increase in minimum wage.

Things like new equipment and increases in offshore labour have helped on this front, but more than anything, discipline has been the great leveller, says Mark.

“We have a very disciplined production plant, we have a very disciplined labour budget, we have a very disciplined marketing budget. Every day, we keep our desire and focus on that discipline, and that’s where we’ve had the greatest success.”

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Association advantages

Though Hillen’s involvement with Landscape Ontario has been somewhat limited, Mark says the association has also been a positive influence in dealing with the challenges of running a modern-day nursery.

In particular, he points to the regular chapter meetings and presentations he and his colleagues attend, such as a recent one on creating an employee manual and a safe work environment.

“The great thing about Landscape Ontario is that they really have a strong pulse on what our issues are, and that’s phenomenal.

They’re also really good at helping people who maybe don’t have a strong administration component to their business and really making sure that we’re doing our due diligence.”

As for the future of Hillen Nursery, Mark says they’ll continue to build on the strong foundation laid by Peter and Ellie, who, by the way, now own and operate a green roof company, Live Roof Ontario, and continue to be an invaluable resource to Mark and his team.

Mark says Hillen will also continue to help their similarly labour-strapped customers be successful. That’ll likely mean an increase in silent sales tools like custom growing options and new ways to package plants — basically anything that will decrease the load on those independent garden centres.

And as for Mark himself, well, he couldn’t be happier to be firmly behind the wheel of the Hillen bus.

“This is a feel-good industry in that we’re stewards of improving schools, communities, infrastructure projects, right down to the home garden. It feels good to be part of that process and to know that because all of our material is grown on our property, the customer has a real good chance of having success with our product. That’s just awesome.”

Colours pop at the nursery, thanks to a wet spring and irrigation.

It’s the height of shipping season, yet things are calm and orderly at Hillen’s central yard.

This panorama view of only part of Hillen’s production farm, which spans both sides of Adelaide Rd. in Mount Brydges.

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2 0 1 9 S K I L L S O N TA R I O

COMPETITION

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Mombourquette and Hawley each received $500 from the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation (Foundation) for their first place finish, plus an additional $1,000 each to cover travel expenses to the national competition in Nova Scotia.

Winners of the secondary school competition, William Haney and Matthew Ratthé from the Waterloo Region District School Board, earned $500 for their school horticulture program from the Foundation for their first place finish.

In the landscape design competition, students used Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) software to showcase their design and drawing skills. The designs were then judged based on creativity, how well they met client (and site) requirements as well as on plant selection.

Congratulations to Thales Leonardo Guilherme Da Silva from Humber College, winner of the post-secondary Landscape Design competition and $500 from the Foundation.

Nashwa Bilal from Halton District School Board took home first place in the secondary school Landscape Design division, earning $200 for her school horticulture program.

“It’s great to be here, with the future of the workforce who are just a little bit behind me,” said Michael Garcia, a Landscape Ontario member and volunteer at Skills Ontario. “Here [at the Congress Centre] there have been a lot of people watching life unfold over the two days of the competition; that’s a great thing, because it gives these students the platform to really build on stage, which is exactly the way it happens in real life. It’s going to happen that way in the workforce where they are building in front of their employers, as well as for their clients. I think it’s a good experience for them as school comes to a close and they head off to summer jobs.”

Landscape Ontario would like to thank the many sponsors and volunteers who provided equipment, materials, computers, software, expertise and encouragement to make the competition possible.

For a full list of winners, competitors and volunteers, visit gfl.me/h5qn.

he next generation of skilled trades professionals showed its talent and enthusiasm at the 2019 Skills Ontario competition, including over 40 students from across the province from various horticulture and landscape programs.

Energy and excitement was palpable as students and spectators from across the province packed the Toronto Congress Centre for Canada’s largest skilled trade and technology competition, May 6-8.

Students qualified for the provincial event at regional competitions, earlier in the spring. Winners got the chance to move forward to the Skills Canada national competition in Halifax, May 26-28, 2019.

“Skills Ontario is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of the skilled trades and technologies as viable, first-choice career options to Ontario youth,” the organization explains on its website. “With the support of our many partners, Skills Ontario encourages young people to consider a career in the skilled trades and technologies. Through programs and initiatives such as in-school presentations, qualifying and provincial skills competitions, we touch the lives of thousands of young people across the province each year. The Skills Ontario Competition, our cornerstone event, showcases the talented youth of our province. Over 20,000 spectators converge on this three-day event to watch over 2,000 of the brightest young people of this province compete in one of the over 68 skills contests offered.”

In the horticulture and landscape competition, teams of two were tested by building a garden based on a common set of drawings (one for high school students, and another, more complex design for post-secondary students). Components of the gardens, installed within square plots, included precast paving unit walls, installing paving stones, carpentry, plantings and the placement of landscape rocks.

The team of Blaise Mombourquette and Thomas Hawley from Algonquin College were winners of the postsecondary Horticulture and Landscape category and will go on to represent Ontario at the national competition.

The same duo won the Ontario competition in 2018 and then went on to win silver at the national level. In addition,

FOUNDATION CONTINUES TO SUPPORT SKILLS ONTARIO WINNERS The Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation continued its financial support of youth recognized in the Ontario Skills Competition in 2019 to the tune of over $7,000.

Gold, silver and bronze winners in the post-secondary categories for Landscape Gardening and Landscape Design earned prizes of anywhere from $300-$500 each.

Top winners were also given additional funds to cover expenses to compete at the national level.

Secondary school winners in both categories earned anywhere from $150 to $500 for their school horticulture programs.

For more information on the Foundation, visit OHTF.ca.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS Ferris demo day in Milton

Ferris Mowers hosted a demo day at the Landscape Ontario home office on April 24.

Attendees were given the opportunity to check-out 14 separate units from Ferris’ 2019 zero-turn, walk-behind, stand-on, front mount and riding mower product lines.

Ferris sales and tech staff were on hand to answer questions and were joined by several dealers and commercial clients for a day of unit education and test riding.

Thankfully the weather held and participants enjoyed the

In Memoriam — David Gaze David Michael Gaze, devoted husband to Denise and loving father to Kyle, passed away suddenly at home on May 13. He was 67. Dave is survived by his siblings in England: Chris, Jenny, Nick and Sarah.

The proud owner of David Gaze Landscape Group in Oakville, Ont., Dave was a talented designer and landscape artist. A gentle, humble man, who was

opportunity to inspect and try out the various units, get treated to an excellent lunch, and leave with some cool swag.

“As a member of Landscape Ontario, we’re happy to have held our Ferris Demo Day at the Milton head office location which made it convenient for all the involved parties,” said Stephen Burgess, Country Manager. “The event gave our dealers and customers a chance to test drive our new units in a real-life setting to check out the performance and features as well as getting some detailed information from our technical staff.”

known for his incredible work ethic, good nature and love of Formula One racing. Dave made friends everywhere he went.

Born in Cheltenham, England, on April 16, 1952, Dave found a new home in Canada in 1973. Married for 38 years to the love of his life, David was a kind soul with a heart of gold. He leaves

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behind a legacy of love for his family, his friends, his coworkers and his beloved canine-kids, Reba and Arthur.

A celebration of life was held May 22 at Oakview Funeral Home.

Donation to the Oakville Humane Society would be appreciated.

Send condolences or make a donation online via arbormemorial.ca.

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Enter the 2019 Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence program Whether you sell plants, design outdoor playgrounds, or install spectacular landscape lighting displays, it’s time for Landscape Ontario members to think about entering projects in the annual LO Awards of Excellence program.

Online entry opens July 1 for the Construction, Maintenance, Design and Garden Centre Awards of Excellence.

For nearly 50 years, LO’s annual awards program has recognized the talent, expertise, creativity and exceptional work of members across the province. Entering is your chance to show off your best work and winners can then promote their company as that of an award winner.

The LO Awards of Excellence program is open to Active and Interim members of the association. Entries are judged by a panel of industry experts, based on submitted images and project descriptions with each entry. Winners in the Construction, Maintenance and Design Program will be announced live on stage at the annual awards ceremony to be held in January 2020 as part of LO Congress, Canada’s Green Industry Show and Conference.

The Growers Awards of Excellence program will take place at the Industry Auction, this year hosted by JC Bakker & Sons in St. Catharines, Ont., on Sept.

12. For the growers program, entries of the best Ontario-grown plant material are judged live at the auction, then winners are announced at the beginning of the auction and then auctioned off to the highest bidder.

Categories range from broadleaf trees and evergreens, to perennials, vines and caliper trees. The top scoring entry is also awarded the Judges Choice.

Proceeds from the auction help to support sector initiatives, and industry research and scholarships.

The Garden Centre Awards program recognizes outstanding and creative retail displays of plant material, hardgoods and merchandise, as well as unique promotional events and advertising. Winners will be recognized at a sector-specific event to be determined.

To learn more about the LO Awards of Excellence program, visit LOawards. com. Questions can be directed to Myscha Stafford at awards@landscapeontario.com.

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Ad Size 4.625 x 9.875

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Sheridan Nurseries named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for 2019 Sheridan Nurseries, Canada’s largest integrated garden centre retailer and grower, has been recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers in 2019 for the fourth year in a row.

“Every day our entire team at Sheridan is focused on practicing gardening and growing practices to reduce our environmental impact through robust recycling programs and innovative water management techniques,” said Colin Cruji, Sheridan Nurseries CEO and President.

“We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint by buying locally.

Over 50 per cent of the plants sold at our garden centres are grown on our own Ontario farms, meaning shorter shipping distance which leads to reduced fuel consumption and harmful emissions as well A coco-fibre disc being placed into a container plant.

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO as fresher products on our garden centre shelves. There is much more we can do, and together we will reach our goals. We invite everyone to consider their personal environmental footprint.”

Winning employers, selected by editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, are evaluated using four main criteria:

• Unique environmental initiatives or programs they have developed.

• Whether they have been successful in reducing their own environmental footprint.

• Whether their employees are involved in these programs and contribute unique skills.

• Whether their environmental initiatives have become linked to the employer’s public identity, attracting new customers and employees.

Sheridan was able to meet the evaluation criteria through a number of large-scale initiatives involving water conservation and re-use of plastic pots.

The Credit Valley Conservation Authority recognized Sheridan Nurseries for water conservation initiatives. Of the 127 million

gallons of water used for irrigation, 34.7 million gallons came from water recycled through of Sheridan’s wetland and overflow pond.

Coco-fibre discs have been added to every container-grown plant produced at Sheridan’s farms to reduce moisture loss by up to 30 percent. Drip irrigation has replaced sprinklers and broadcast watering, reducing water consumption by up to 80 per cent.

Through Sheridan’s customer return program, over 40,000 kg of unwanted plastic pots and trays that were destined for landfill were re-used at various stages of production and farming. Among these were 195,000 4-inch propagation pots and 12,000 trays.

Sheridan Nurseries has been a grower and purveyor of superior quality plant material for the landscape industry and gardening public since 1913. They grow over 1,200 cultivars of perennials and hardy nursery stock on 350 hectares in Halton Hills, Ont., and ship 1.8 million plants annually to markets across North Eastern North America.

144798 Potters Road, Tillsonburg, ON N4G 4G7

P: 519-688-0437 • F: 519-688-6359 info@pottersroadnursery.com

Pottersroadnursery.com 13

Become a garden builder at Canada Blooms 2020 Canada Blooms, Canada’s largest flower and garden festival is recognized as one of the top 10 most amazing flower and garden shows around the world.

Canada Blooms is currently accepting applications from recognized and respected landscape architects, designers, design/build firms, and multidisciplinary teams interested in creating a feature garden at Canada Blooms (March 13-22, 2020). The deadline for submission of entries is June 15, 2019.

Consider promoting your skills, talent, creativity and passion by building a feature garden at Canada Blooms. A limited number of spaces are available to builders for the 2020 festival.

Successful candidates will receive support from Canada Blooms, including complimentary space, sand for construction, garden mulch, forced plant material, complimentary tickets, business promotion, and other assistance.

Feature gardens are also judged by a group of experienced industry members

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO prior to show opening, with awards presented for outstanding elements, innovative design and theme interpretation.

In past years, some feature gardens have been used for live television and news broadcasts and are widely-photographed and shared on social media by enthusiastic festival visitors.

To see examples of feature gardens from previous years, visit the Canada Blooms website at canadablooms.com.

For further details, or to express your interest in applying, please contact Derrick Hawley, Horticultural Director, at derrickhawley@canadablooms.com, phone 416-447-8655, ext. 7730, or fax 416-447-1567.

Green Streets Challenges 2019 The Green Street Challenge creates opportunities for residents in local communities to celebrate the importance of outdoor, unstructured play. For each event, sod is laid down on a prominent street in a participating community across Ontario, effectively creating a temporary park to be enjoyed.

The Green Street Challenges are made possible due to a partnership between Landscape Ontario members, the National Sod Growers Association (NSGA) members, and Come Alive Outside.

In 2019, Green Street Challenges will take place in the following Ontario communities: June 1: Hamilton, Barton Street Festival June 8: Midland, Butter Tart Festival June 29 to July 1: Barrie, Promenade Days July 1: Picton, Canada Day Festival July 5-6: Norwich, Norwich Nostalgia Days July 20: Bowmanville, Summerfest Aug. 9-10: Woodstock, Summer Streetfest Aug. 17: Huntsville, Summer Sidewalk Sale Toronto, TBA. If you would like to get your company involved with any of these events, contact lissa@landscapeontario.com and check HortTrades.com/events for details on specific events.

New event for contractors to get together and talk shop

New for 2019!

Landscape Ontario’s Contractor Sector Group is proud to announce a new and exciting event to be held this summer. On July 25, LO member, Oriole Landscaping Take a break from your busy summer and attend eventevent broughtthat to you in Toronto, Ont., will host “Let’s Talk Shop”this —new a new by the LO Contractor Sector Group. includes dinner, tours and industry-related discussions.

Thursday, 25, discussions 2019 Oriole’s Peter Guinane and George UrvariJuly will lead Landscaping designed for contractors to learnOriole from each other’s mistakes.

36 Northline Rd, East York, ON Individuals and companies always like to boast about their Attendeestowill enjoyabout dinner, a tour success, but this event is an opportunity learn the flops, of Oriole Landscaping’s operation, failures and related catastrophes an that don’t make it onto websites, industry-related discussion networking. but do make companies better asand a result.

Register Tickets are $25 for LO members andat:non-members until

Let’s talk

SHOP

HORTTRADES.COM/TAG/CONTRACTOR

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO July 11. Tickets include entry to event, dinner and tour. After July 11 the price goes up to $30.

Take a break from your busy summer schedule and enjoy dinner, a tour of Oriole Landscaping, and industry-related discussions and networking with your peers.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for this event.

For more information, to sponsor, or to register, please visit HortTrades.com/ events.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Thank you LO magazine, for your generous report on the progress of the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign.

As a volunteer driven endeavour, we would never have gotten “off the ground” (pun intended) if it were not for the Landscape Ontario board, members and the support of our Executive Director, Tony DiGiovanni.

We are now 75 per cent of the way to success with our fund raising, with much more work to do.

Currently we are working hard to find:

Recycled Mulches: Premium Black Premium Brown Premium Red

Premium Shredded Pine

Certiied Playground Mulch, utility hardwood and other varieties also available.

• Available land along the highway for tree planting. Do you know anyone who would like subsidised trees planted?

• In-kind donations of labour, trees, supplies (mulch, soil, tree collars, etc.) and equipment.

• Cash. We still have 25 per cent of our campaign to go before we reach our financial goal of $10 million.

For details or a conversation about how you can help us further, please contact Operations Manager, David Turnbull at 1-844-277-HERO (ext. 4376) or david@hohtribute.ca and/or visit our website at HOHtribute.ca.

It is worth repeating: this project would not have started without Landscape Ontario member support.

Sincere thanks to all.

Mark Cullen Chair, HoH Tree Campaign HOHtribute.ca

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Fresh new plants and trees

arriving daily

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EVENTS Full details and registration information for all events can be found online at HortTrades.com/events or at specific chapter or sector pages.

Jun. 23

July 24

Stronach Park, London Compete or cheer on teams at the chapter’s inaugural baseball event.

Canadian Golf and Country Club, Ashton Geosynthetic Systems is proud to present this event in support of Youturn Youth Support Services.

July 10-12

July 25

DoubleTree by Hilton, Mississauga Join independent retail garden centre experts from across Canada for tours and workshops.

Oriole Landscaping, Toronto The LO Contractor Sector Group invites you to this new evening event where you can learn from the mistakes of other contractors.

Includes dinner, tour and networking.

London Chapter Baseball Tournament

2019 Garden Centres Canada Summit

July 19

Dry Stone Walling Association Certification Day Saugeen Amphitheatre, Saugeen Reserve Don’t miss out on your chance for DSWA Certification this year. Applications are due June 1.

Ottawa Chapter Golf Tourament

Contractors Let’s Talk Shop

July 26

Upper Canada Chapter Golf Tournament

Aug. 14

Hardscape Committee Golf Tournament Granite Ridge Golf Club, Milton Enjoy a fun day on the links and help to fund educational events, including Hardscape LIVE! at Congress. Sponsorship and registration is open online.

Aug. 16

Golden Horseshoe Chapter Golf Tournament Willow Valley Golf Course, Hamilton Register by June 22 to be entered into the early bird draw. Proceeds benefit the MS Society of Canada. Sponsorship and registration is open online.

Loyalist Golf & Country Club, 1 Loyalist Blvd., Bath Register by June 21 to receive a discount on golf fees. Sponsorships also available.

Proceeds support chapter scholarships.

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

NEW MEMBERS DURHAM Kusak’s Landscaping Inc Ryan Kusakovski 63 Ambassador St, Ajax, ON L1S 1N7 Tel: 647-524-6862 Membership Type: Active Wuis Brothers Construction Kristopher Wuis 3 Sandbourne Dr, PO Box 3, Pontypool, ON L0A 1K0 Tel: 705-277-9442 Membership Type: Associate

GEORGIAN LAKELANDS Anmar Frank Grossi 199 Mumford Rd, Lively, ON P3C 1L2 Tel: 705-692-0888 Membership Type: Chapter Associate Bendall Landscape Contractors Ltd Barry Bendall 254 Mica Mine Rd, Huntsville, ON P1H 1R3 Tel: 705-783-1536 Membership Type: Active Bull Powertrain Pierre Paquette 1510 Fairburn St, Sudbury, ON P3A 1N7 Tel: 705-560-2855 Membership Type: Associate Clinton Excavating & Landscaping Clinton Miller 65 Little Morgan Bay Rd, Rosseau, ON P0C 1J0 Tel: 416-526-6197 Membership Type: Active Georgian Bobcat & Excavating Ltd Fred Reynolds 125 Hunts Rd, Huntsville, ON P1H 2J4 Tel: 705-733-5139 Membership Type: Active Green Earth Canada Contracting Ltd. Jordan Cattapan 252 Patterson St, PO Box 785 Beeton, ON L0G 1A0 Tel: 416-970-0039 Membership Type: Active Jake’s Landscaping & Excavating Jake Maxey 786 Lockhart Rd, Barrie, ON L9J 0B6 Tel: 705-627-3179 Membership Type: Active MHK Builders Martin Gregorich 91-5 Duncan Ave S, Kirkland Lake, ON P2N 1Y2 Tel: 705-570-2995 Membership Type: Chapter Associate Muskoka Auto Parts Limited David Dennis 11 King William St, Huntsville, ON P1H 1G6 Tel: 705-789-4453 Membership Type: Associate

R.E. Landscaping & Contracting Inc Ryan Edwards 56 Bethune Rd S, Huntsville, ON P1H 2J2 Tel: 705-783-8990 Membership Type: Active

Paysagement HHT Landscaping Jean-Rene Danis 3790 County Rd 17, Hawkesbury, ON K6A 2R2 Tel: 613-872-9909 Membership Type: Active

James Morning & Sons Grant Morning 3050 Lloydtown-Aurora Rd, Kettleby, ON L7B 0G3 Tel: 905-727-9097 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Reid Construction Solutions Doug Reid 7 Reids Ridge, Oro-Medonte, ON L0K 1N0 Tel: 705-716-9522 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

TORONTO

Northern Lights and Rainmakers Inc Sean Rutledge 5-150 Rivalda Rd, North York, ON M9M 2M8 Tel: 647-347-1408 Membership Type: Active

1020344 Ontario Limited o/a D&E Landscaping Stephanie Copeland PO Box 170, Maple, ON L6A 1S7 Tel: 905-272-5287 Membership Type: Active

Rhude Drilling & Blasting Inc Eric Pomerleau 311 Harrison Dr, Sudbury, ON P3E 5E1 Tel: 705-507-5128 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Bevcon Construction & Paving Ltd Robert Bevilacqua 205-7880 Keele St, Vaughan, ON L4K 4G7 Tel: 905-760-1431 Membership Type: Active

Thermotek Insulations Helmut Schollmaier 1351 D Kelly Lake Rd #7 , Sudbury, ON P3E 5P5 Tel: 705-522-1133 Membership Type: Associate

Buildscapes Construction Ltd Frank Romita 457 Garyray Dr, Toronto, ON M9L 1P9 Tel: 416-888-7389 Membership Type: Interim

GOLDEN HORSESHOE DeKlerk Construction Ltd Nathan DeKlerk 368 Russ Rd, Grimsby, ON L3M 4E7 Tel: 905-327-5271 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Crixus Property Services Inc Jon Ferreri 302-2800 14th Ave, Markham, ON L3R 0E4 Tel: 905-604-4107 Membership Type: Active

Greenfield Services John Vanderweyden 1901 Hollow Rd, Fonthill, ON L0S 1E6 Tel: 905-892-1812 Membership Type: Active

Cudmore’s Landscape & Design Will Joyce 3171 Lakeshore Rd W, Oakville, ON L6L 1J6 Tel: 905-621-2476 Membership Type: Active

Rios Construction Marcos Rios 1169 Highway 6, Hamilton, ON L8N 2Z4 Tel: 647-607-1208 Membership Type: Active

Envy Irrigation Inc Stephen Skovhoj CIC, CIT 5-18 Ringwood Dr, Box 224 Stouffville, ON L4A 0N2 Tel: 416-633-3689 Membership Type: Active

Stoney Creek Ready Mix Adam Tittarelli 274 Lake Ave N, Hamilton, ON L8E 3A2 Tel: 905-577-3126 Membership Type: Associate

Future Vision Enterprise Inc. David Collins 72 Ludstone Dr, Toronto, ON M9R 2J3 Tel: 416-891-6015 Membership Type: Active

Two Guys and a Shovel Inc David Vella 3046 Jenn Ave, Burlington, ON L7M 0C8 Tel: 647-891-1314 Membership Type: Active

Green Island Irrigation Ltd Tobias Payne 54 Gretna Dr, Brampton, ON L6X 2E9 Tel: 416-434-0367 Membership Type: Active

Vivid Pools Mitchell Onski 69 Rockcliffe Rd Dundas, ON L9H 7H5 Tel: 905-920-1482 Membership Type: Interim

Greenway Lawn Maintenance & Snow Removal Inc Jason Sabatino 17 Longfield Rd, Toronto, ON M9B 3E8 Tel: 416-570-2212 Membership Type: Active

OTTAWA Ottawa Home & Garden Show (Marketplace Events) Robert Johnstone 370 Rue Guy St, Montreal, QC H3J 1S6 Tel: 613-667-0509 x222 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Iberia Landscape Services Ltd Chris Altuna 14662 Hwy 48, Stouffville, ON L4A 3B6 Tel: 905-642-1354 Membership Type: Active

Northwoods Stonework Luke Walton 15 Cora St E, Huntsville, ON P1H 1T5 Tel: 705-783-9834 Membership Type: Associate

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P. McConnell Contracting Ltd Paul McConnell 189 Thirtieth St, Toronto, ON M8W 3C6 Tel: 416-252-9480 Membership Type: Active Primo Paving & Construction Marco Bruno 35 Simpson Rd, Bolton, ON L7E 2R6 Tel: 416-748-7484 Membership Type: Active RC Snow Removal and/or Ronald Cox Ronald Cox 175 Daniel St, PO Box 701, Erin, ON N0B 1T0 Tel: 519-288-5895 Membership Type: Chapter Associate The Friendly Green Chris Williamson 69 Eldomar Ave, Brampton, ON L6W 1P9 Tel: 647-657-5296 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

UPPER CANADA AGC AND ASSOCIATES INC c/o Kirk Putnam Kirk Putnam 1296 Hamilton Rd, Trenton, ON K8V 5P8 Tel: 613-961-9900 Membership Type: Active Drake’s Landscaping (1856141 Ontario Inc) Danielle Blundell 1165 Midland Ave, Kingston, ON K7P 2X8 Tel: 613-766-7667 Membership Type: Active

WATERLOO Dale’s Lawn & Landscape Dale Kuepfer 5300 Line 88, RR1, Gowanstown, ON N0G 1Y0 Tel: 519-291-2242 Membership Type: Active Georgian Bay Window & Door/Trent Mollet Trent Mollet 1189 Arran Rd 20, Allenford, ON N0H 1A0 Tel: 519-934-2690 Membership Type: Associate JB Landscape Construction Ltd John Bisaillon 182 Governors Rd E, Paris, ON N3L 3E1 Tel: 519-754-4688 Membership Type: Active

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

SCHOLARSHIP PROFILE

Tristan Collins learns in-school and on-the-job while working toward his goal When Tristan Collins was heading into Grade 11 at Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School in Burlington, Ont., he received some advice that made a major impact in his life.

“I went to see my guidance counsellor, like every high school student does, and I said that I didn’t really know what I wanted to do,” Collins remembers. “The guidance counsellor told me about the SHSM (Specialist High Skills Major) program for horticulture, and that it is all hands-on learning and that they thought I would really like it.”

The counsellor was spot on. Collins says the experience “has been awesome.”

Collins also received support from Notre Dame horticulture teacher, Al Nason.

“He really encouraged me to consider working towards the Red Seal,” Collins says. “He told me about it, and pointed out that I wouldn’t be in debt like a lot of people who go to university. It really is a great option, because you get hands-on experience, as well as classroom learning, all while getting paid to be in school by the government.”

Successfully passing the Red Seal exam confirms an individual tradesperson has the skilled required for the job anywhere in Canada.

Following high school, Collins connected with Landscape Ontario member, GelderLands to complete the co-op portion of the SHSM program. There, he found another mentor in company owner Brandon Gelderman.

“Before I started the job, I was having second thoughts, wondering if this would be right for me,” Collins says. “But after the first month, I fell in love with it; the work environment, everyone was so helpful, and always there for people and it was awesome. Now, after two years, I can say that it honestly feels great to be in a profession and with a company that just cares for you.”

Collins adds, “Brandon was very supportive. After the co-op he just said, ‘hey you’re doing an amazing job, we’d love you to stay as long as you’d like.’ After that, I just never looked back.”

Brandon Gelderman says Collins has been a great addition to his team.

“Tristan is very excited about this profession and it shows in everything he does each day,” Gelderman said.

“Working for our firm, he has the opportunity to learn about every aspect of the landscape and horticulture profession. The real benefit is the family atmosphere we have in our company and through the association of Landscape Ontario where many people connect and help each other. Tristan is a great asset to the company and with the combined knowledge he is learning in school, his capabilities have moved him into responsible positions very quickly.”

Gelderman says he encourages employees to pursue the apprenticeship program, “because it provides different views on learning and different ways to work in the landscape and horticulture profession.”

Gelderman adds, “There is always more than one way to execute a project, process and operation.

Everyone learns in different ways, and having a variety of teachers provides multiple viewpoints and insights that benefit both the student themselves as well as your company.”

Encouraged by his experience with Gelderlands, Collins enrolled in the Apprenticeship Program at Mohawk College. This spring, he completed the in-class component of the program. Collins continues to work at Gelderlands, and is currently accumulating the on-thejob hours required before writing the Red Seal exam.

“So far, I have been doing a bit of everything,” Collins explains. “I’ve been maintaining grounds as well as creating and building. What I really like about it is being outside. All through my life, I have always been an outdoors person. The fact that I get to spend so much time outside, while also connecting with awesome people, it’s incredible.”

After achieving the Red Seal designation, Collins is looking to pursue a degree in landscape design.

“Brandon is a huge guru in design, and I’d like to get into it more as well, and to learn as much as I can in this profession,” Collins says.

Another milestone along Collins’s career path was being awarded an Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation scholarship in 2018. “It really meant a lot to me to be recognized with the apprenticeship scholarship,” Collins says of the award. “It just goes to show what people can achieve. Being able to go to the Awards of Excellence for the first time in January was awesome; I’ve never seen anything special like that in my life.”

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

VOLUNTEER PROFILE

Beth Edney: In love with plants — and volunteering Landscape Ontario’s Congress trade show and conference continues to improve year after year. The challenge to constantly improve the event and offer new experiences to both exhibitors and visitors falls largely onto the shoulders of the LO Show Committee. This seasoned group of volunteers bring their own expertise, passion and experience — ranging from veterans to those in the early stages of a career. This issue, we sat down with Show Committee volunteer, Beth Edney CLD, owner of Designs By The Yard.

Why did you get involved with the show committee?

“If you have the time, volunteering always is rewarding. It takes a bit to understand your place and how you can make an impact. We are each unique and bring different skill sets to the table. Don’t be afraid to speak up as to where you will best serve a committee.”

— Beth Edney CLD

Paul Day, Show Manager in 2000, helped me tremendously to run a trade show for an International Designers Group. He asked me if I would serve on his committee and I felt obliged to reciprocate. It was the best decision I made. As much as I contribute to the show, I get back tenfold with friendships, knowledge and opportunities.

How did you get involved in this industry?

Weall and Cullen opened its doors around the corner from my home. My resume was dropped in by my mom who thought it would be a great summer job. I wasn’t of the same opinion. However, after discovering my waitressing job wasn’t everything it was cracked up to be, I went to the garden centre to inquire about any available positions. About two days in, I was hooked and couldn’t get enough information about plants and flowers.

What do enjoy most about volunteering?

The Show Committee is a very hands-on group. We are solution based and always pitch in to make the show a success. I enjoy being around a supportive, like-minded

group. We work hard and often have a whole lot of fun doing it.

What do you get out of volunteering?

One of my favourite lines is you get what you give. I have made so many friends since volunteering at Landscape Ontario. I feel I know the best-of-the-best and could call on them if I ever need advice.

What are your thoughts on Congress?

I am so proud of our Congress show. It is the envy of the trade show world.

How do you want Congress to look 10 years from now?

I see it still being an integral part of our industry and I see us keeping up with technology to get better and better. I also hope we continue to appeal to younger generations.

When you are creating your garden, do you have any go-to elements you like to include?

Flowers are the icing on the cake as foliages are the cake. Always striving for the most striking foliage combination.

What is your favourite flower and why?

How could a designer pick one favourite flower? It’s like asking a mom to pick her favourite child.

What is your favourite book?

Currently I am reading Chillpreneur by Denise Duffield-Thomas. I think it is important to be consistently improving and to make our work financially rewarding.

For more information about Congress, visit LOcongress.com.

LO members interested in participating on the Show Committee can contact Heather MacRae, Show Manager, at hmacrae@landscapeontario.com.

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

PROFESSIONAL NEWS

Tribute planting season opens In May, Highway of Heroes Living Tribute planters turned out for the season’s first service tree planting on a farm near Colborne, Ont. Property owner Bill Chisholm, a member of our armed forces, works at Trenton Air Base.

Chisholm said, “The planters were very professional, polite and hard working. I am honoured to have these trees on our property and proud of what they represent.”

The Tribute aims to plant two million trees. Hero trees serve as memorials to the 117,000 Canadians who sacrificed their lives for freedom. The trees are being planted along Highway 401, the

Highway of Heroes — the route travelled by our heroes’ final remains, repatriated from the battlefield, from CFB Trenton to the Toronto Coroner’s Office. Canadians assembled for spontaneous tributes to our fallen soldiers along the highway’s bridges. The tree planting effort aims to extend those tributes with a lasting, living memorial.

An additional 1.8 million service trees, honouring all those who fought in our wars, are being planted within 15 km on each side of the Highway 401 corridor.

The nursery and landscape industry has contributed generously to this effort. If your nursery or contracting company wishes to participate, contact Dave Turnbull at davidturnbull@landscapeontario.com. Please contact Dave if you have a service tree site to suggest, as well. To donate or volunteer for tree planting, visit HOHtribute.ca.

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Grower of the Year Awards 2020 opens for entries The International Grower of the Year (IGOTY) Awards 2020, organized by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) and sponsored by Royal FloraHolland, is now open for entries. The award ceremony will be held in January 2020 at IPM Essen in Germany, to take place alongside the industry’s largest international trade fair.

AIPH welcomes entries from around the world. The IGOTY Awards celebrate best practice and recognize the best-of-the-best in ornamental production in five categories: finished plants and trees, young plants, cut flowers and bulbs, sustainability, and inspiring business. Within each category, bronze, silver and gold awards can be won. From among these categories, only one winner will be crowned the AIPH International Grower of the Year 2020 and receive the Gold Rose — the industry’s most coveted prize.

In 2012, Landscape Ontario member, Sheridan Nurseries of Georgetown, Ont.,

was named AIPH International Grower of the Year and presented with the Gold Rose Trophy. More recently, in 2016, Dutchmaster Nurseries in Brougham, Ont., qualified for the world title and went on to be recognized as a bronze finalist.

Candidates can enter the IGOTY Awards 2020 online at aiph.org/ international-grower-of-the-yearawards. Entry closes Sept. 6, 2019.

Judging will then take place by a panel of industry experts who will access the entrants on five key criteria: economic performance, innovation, market insight, sustainability and human resources policy.

From the entries a shortlist will be selected.

All winners will be announced at the IGOTY Awards ceremony in January at the IPM Fairground, IPM Essen.

For queries on entering the awards, please email elena.terekhova@aiph.org.

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Young workers at higher risk of injury The Ontario Ministry of Labour (MOL) is conducting province-wide inspections until Aug. 30 as part of an initiative to raise awareness and compliance with regards to the safety of young workers.

According the MOL, new and young workers in Ontario are three times more likely to be injured during their first month on the job than at any other time.

Focused inspections will begin July 15 where Ministry inspectors will focus on workplaces that are newlyregistered with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) and haven’t had a proactive health and safety visit in the last five years.

Young workers, age 14-24 and new workers 25 years of age or older are the target of the initiative.

For more information, visit the MOL website, labour.gov.on.ca.

New for 2019!

Let’s talk

SHOP

Take a break from your busy summer and attend this new event brought to you by the LO Contractor Sector Group.

Nursery Growers

Summer Tour

Thursday, July 25, 2019 Oriole Landscaping 36 Northline Rd, East York, ON

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

Attendees will enjoy dinner, a tour of Oriole Landscaping’s operation, an industry-related discussion and networking.

Join your peers for a tour of nurseries, greenhouses and gardens!

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Maple Leaves Forever appoints new Executive Director Maple Leaves Forever is happy to announce the appointment of Deb Pella Keen as Executive Director.

Deb is an experienced senior executive, having worked with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, and the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change throughout central Ontario.

She was also Director of the Niagara Escarpment Commission, a provincial agency that works to preserve the Niagara Escarpment.

Maple Leaves Forever is a charitable organization that has been committed to supporting and advocating for the planting of native Canadian maples across southern Ontario for over 20 years.

“I’m very pleased that we have found someone as highly-qualified and committed to trees and the environment as Deb Pella Keen, to lead Maple Leaves Forever into the future,” said Ken Jewett, founder of Maple Leaves Forever. “I will continue to be involved with the organization, with more of the responsibility for our operations moving to Deb going forward.”

Deb continues to pursue her passion for environmental stewardship as board member of the Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust. She was also a member of the Canadian Council for UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Committee and continues to work with the Landscape of Nations 360 Indigenous Education Initiative and Plenty Canada, a non-profit organization that promotes social justice and environmental protection in the lives of Indigenous peoples in Canada and around the world.

Deb holds a Bachelor of Science (Forestry) from the University of Toronto and enjoys exploring the out-of-doors by foot, paddle, bike or skis, with family and friends.

For more information on the organization, visit MapleLeavesForever.com.

Learn about changes to WSIB rate framework This past December, employers should have received a letter with a detailed breakdown of their new Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) classification information. The letter is part of a year-long education program to let 300,000 Ontario businesses know about the changes coming into effect Jan. 1, 2020 for the new WSIB premium rate framework.

WSIB is adopting the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) already in use by Statistics Canada and Canada Revenue Agency to classify all employers across Canada.

In addition to providing easier administration, the new model uses a two-step approach in setting rates. The first step, called a risk band rate, sets the average rate for each industry class.

This rate takes into account the collective experience of all participants in the class to ensure each class is self-sufficient.

The second step, predictability, looks at the claim history of an individual business over the past six years to determine the

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

individual risk associated to that business and how it compares to the rest of the class. This two-step method ensures a fair premium based on an individual employer’s risk and history.

The resulting changes are designed to make rates simpler, more fair, more stable, and easier to understand.

How will Occupational Disease (OD) claims be treated under the new model?

Under the new model, Occupational Disease claims will be excluded from your business’ claims record when your premium rate is calculated. How WSIB will define these types of claims will remain unchanged from the definitions currently used. Occupational Disease claims will be factored into the rate-setting process at the class level — which means OD claims will not have an impact at the individual business rate-setting level.

How will businesses find out their predictability in the new model?

Starting in the fall, businesses can request a copy of their extended detailed premium rate statement. This provides a detailed breakdown on how your premium rate was calculated by taking you through each step of the rate calculation process.

The statement also shares what your predictability level is.

How do I compare to my peers?

The second phase of Compass will launch this fall. Using an online portal at Compass, businesses will have access via a log-in portal with exclusive insights for their business. Using Compass, you will have access to further insights into how you compare with your industry peers, to help you plan for your workplace health and safety.

Free monthly webinars to help business owners To help Ontario businesses learn more about the new premium rate-setting model, WSIB is offering monthly webinars providing the latest updates, information on how to prepare for 2020, and an opportunity to ask questions about the coming changes.

The next webinar will take place on June 19. Each webinar will start at 10:00 a.m. Register for any of the sessions or find a full schedule for upcoming webinars on the WSIB website.

To make any updates to your information or for additional questions about individual classification, please contact WSIB directly at 1-800-387-0750 or email rateframework@wsib.on.ca.

For links to Compass, Rate Framework Changes explained, or to register for a webinar, visit gfl.me/h5qe.

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Garden centre tours are part of the two-day event.

Garden Centres Canada Summit coming this July Garden Centres Canada has announced its new Garden Centre Summit will take place July 10-11 in the Toronto area. This inaugural, inspirational event put together by the Garden Centres Canada committee will provide a means of education and aims to stimulate creative business ideas to be competitive in a quickly changing industry.

The goal is to provide support to industry through engaging, educational speakers, and to tour successful, innovative garden centres and retail spaces, all while enjoying networking with those in the retail sector.

This event starts with a reception in the evening of July 10 at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Mississauga. There are five garden centre stops on July 11 which includes a lunch stop and dinner under glass. The following day there will be five industry presentations with keynote speaker Dr. Charlie Hall, who will discuss how to think beyond the typical three- to five-year horizon and forecast retail environment 10 years from now.

A registration package is online at cnla.ca/events and watch for weekly announcements on the CNLA Facebook page.

Garden Centres Canada plans to host the event in a different Canadian city each year.

If you have any further questions, please contact Anne Kadwell, GCC representative, at anne@cnla-acpp.ca.

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO “The association has been so lucky to have Kathleen for all of these years. While you will be missed, you deserve to be able to enjoy your retirement. I hope you have many years of fun and good health.

Great job.”

— Steve Schell

EXECUTIVE DESK

Reflections

I

just came back from a funeral home.

Landscape Ontario member, David Gaze passed away suddenly and I was privileged to attend his Celebration of Life. It was a touching event. I loved listening to heart-felt stories of his life as told by family, friends and employees.

One of the best parts of working at Landscape Ontario is the community and family feel of our organization. Just as families want the best for each member, so too do our members. We are here to celebrate, support, help, inspire and encourage each other. We are also here through the difficult and painful times.

I have been personally touched and enriched by attending many funerals and celebration of life for members who have passed on. Inevitably, the memorial photographs and mementos will highlight pictures of the work they performed for clients. Sometimes their LO plaque or Awards of Excellence plaque will be on display. Their contributions to their profession and their organization is very meaningful. In some respects, LO is like a church or synagogue. Collectively, members are part of something bigger than themselves. Collectively, we are communitybuilders striving to be better and to leave a better profession and a better community.

Retirement

Kathleen Pugliese, my executive assistant for the past 25 years, recently announced her retirement. Although I was expecting the news, I still teared up a little when the email arrived. Kathleen is my right hand, my organizer and my confidant. There is a feeling of sadness and loss, but also of celebration and good will. After a lifetime of hard work and immense contributions she deserves a well-earned break. Many of you have had contact with Kathleen over the years. She has touched many members with her helpful attitude, cheerful disposition,

mischievous sense of humour and her sometimes direct, but always helpful advice.

In an email to notify our staff and board, I wrote the following:

“I received Kathleen’s official retirement letter a few minutes ago. It feels a little surreal.

Kathleen has been awesome and amazing! She has served the Landscape Ontario community with intelligence, loyalty, good will and humour. She has been the ultimate “multi-tasker.” She has made Landscape Ontario look good. She has made me look good.

At the end of the day, I believe success is measured by the relationships you build, the positive contributions you make and the legacy you leave. Kathleen has been hugely-successful. She has served the association well.

She will be greatly missed.

Please join me in thanking Kathleen for her immense contributions.”

The comments from the staff and board were touching, authentic and sincere. Here are just a few:

“Congratulations Kathleen. You are so integral to the success of LO you will be missed. You are both the “right” and “left” arm for everyone. Your positive and can-do attitude was something I really admired. I hope the new offices are ready in time for you can go out in style.”

— Warren Patterson “Wow, how do you say goodbye to your mom, your aunt, your advisor, your sitter and your dear friend and the organizer of everyone all at once? The association has been the benefactor of all the these people within one amazing person.

Kathleen you will be truly missed.”

— Paul Brydges

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“Kathleen, you have been the voice of reason, the keeper of trusts, the organizer of all things important and a wonderfully kind person to all of Landscape Ontario. ‘I remember when....’ There will be so many of those kinds of starts to stories over the next few months. Thanks for being part of them all. Enjoy the next adventure.”

— Lindsay Drake Nightingale “Mom, say it isn’t so.... I knew this was going to happen, but thought if we did not speak of it, we would be all good and you would forget — Kathleen you will truly be missed by many of us in the association, it has been so nice to have you as part of my life in LO for the past many years, please have a long and happy retirement” — Terry Childs “Wow what do you say to someone who has been there every step of the way with so many of us on our journey here with Landscape Ontario? Besides thank you, thank you for listening to our rants, thanks for keeping us in line when we needed it, ensuring we never missed a meeting and following up with us whenever we needed following. I know many in our membership only see Tony at the helm of Landscape Ontario and rightly so, but when I look at all that we have accomplished as a team, I know, we all know, you have been a big part of it all, every step of the way as the “right arm” of our organization.

It has been an incredible experience to participate alongside you. All the best as you embark on your next adventure, and look forward to hearing all about it when we meet next.”

— Alan White There were so many other wonderful and heartfelt comments. Kathleen has given us 25 years of her life. Thank you for all you have done to grow our Landscape Ontario family. Thank you to your real family for letting us share you.

Tony DiGiovanni LO Executive Director

tony@landscapeontario.com

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

M PUBLIC RELATIONS

Another successful tree planting

(L to R): Denis Flanagan, Elaine Flanagan, Allison Bryan, Bradley Dunn, Paul Harrington, Mark Cullen, Mike Hurley, Chris Flanagan, Nicole Flanagan with Avery, Cameron Fleming, Dana Mcdonald, Norm Fretz.

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ay 25 was a cold Saturday morning, teeming with rain. I must admit, I was tempted to pour another cup of coffee and seek out the comfort of my couch. But my family and I had promised to participate in another Highway of Heroes Living Tribute tree planting day, so we dug out our rain gear and headed off to Pickering, Ont. Standing in the rain, listening to the heartfelt speeches made me glad we decided to attend. I tried to imagine what it must have been like for the soldiers under similar weather conditions, lying in the cold, muddy, rat-infested trenches during times of war. My own family had suffered during those harsh times. My grandfather was captured and imprisoned during the First World War. I had three uncles who all lost their lives during the conflicts of the Second World War and my dad was part of the thousands involved in D-Day. This June marks the 75th anniversary of that historic event that played a major role in allowing us to enjoy the freedom we do today.

I am fortunate to have known Mark Cullen as a friend for over 35 years. I greatly admire the hard work and passion he continues to pour into the HOHLT campaign that he initiated just a few years ago.

On this particular day, my wife Elaine and I felt great pride in our son Chris, who together with his business partner, Paul Harrington, were supporters and sponsors of the event. Several people from their firm, Harrington and Associates, also participated.

The planting took place at Petticoat Creek Conservation Land, on the shores of Lake Ontario. Several hundred native trees were planted, thanks to the organized HOHLT team. Even though we had poor weather, the volunteers, including high school students, members of the community, and staff from the Conservation Authority, soldiered on alongside the real soldiers from the 32nd Combat Engineers, who were just marvellous — a true credit to their regiment and their leader, Captain Paul Martin.

The goal to plant 117,000 trees, one for each fallen Canadian soldier, is moving along nicely. Funding is in place, trees are available, volunteers are enthusiastic, but what we really need now for these community plantings is land. Organizers are looking for areas a few kilometres on either side of Highway 401 between Toronto and Trenton to plant more trees. If you have any contacts, or know of any locations, please contact me.

Denis Flanagan CLD LO Manager of Membership and Public Relations

dflanagan@landscapeontario.com

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

MEMBERSHIP

The not-so-seasonal career

M

y time at Landscape Ontario has been a list of many firsts. I can now add to that list: first nondomestic plane ride, first stamp in my passport, and my first national conference.

I was lucky to be a part of group of representatives from Landscape Ontario who attended the Nursery & Landscape Association Executives of North American (NLAE) conference in the stunning, Whitefish, Mont., in May. The annual event is where horticultural association executives from across North America come together to discuss how to enhance their membership experience. One of the recurring themes that the members of each association across the continent are experiencing is the challenge to find staff.

When we talk about finding staff, one of the biggest challenges is the seasonal nature of the work. If a child told their parents they wanted to become a teacher, it is quite likely the parents would not question the seasonality of that profession, even though teachers are out of work for a couple of months each year. If that same child said they wanted to become a landscaper, they might get a different response.

We hear time and again that there is a huge labour shortage and that companies are struggling to find and retain staff.

But what are businesses doing to help change the shape of this career path for the future? A great strategy the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA) is doing is creating career path

charts to show the possible options for individuals looking to start a green career.

This includes information such as job descriptions, wages, hours, etc. Armed with this information, potential candidates get a more accurate sense of what they are getting into.

As you know, landscaping is exempt from some of the labour laws set out in the Employment Standards Act. These exemptions include no daily or weekly limits on hours of work, overtime pay, public holidays or public holiday pay. Call me a Millennial, but that sounds rough.

How can businesses with these types of norms make themselves more appealing to potential employees?

I keep hearing that it’s those pesky Millennials who don’t want to put in a good day of hard work, but wonder if there is more to it than that. Some companies are dealing with seasonality head on and moving towards salaried wages. That way, employees don’t have the stress of finding a temporary job through the winter months, going on EI or having to do snow removal.

Companies who are creating year-round opportunities for their employees seem to have a better retention rate for their staff.

It should come as no surprise that people want reliable year round work. Who can argue with that?

Here are some other simple strategies I learned to help improve your staff retention:

Do support your staff by offering professional development opportunities such as training courses. Employees that feel their company has invested in them are more likely to stay and give you their best efforts.

Don’t forget that your staff have lives outside of work.

They have families, commitments, and want to be at home just as much as you do. Be understanding of these obligations (within reason, of course).

Do reward your staff for their work. End of year bonuses,

Don’t miss out on the group benefits available to your

Do communicate clearly with your staff. They want to be kept in the loop. Make sure clear expectations are outlined in job descriptions and employee manuals. Tell them in advance if they are needed to work additional hours such as weekends so they can plan ahead.

Don’t let a small problem turn into a big one. If there is a problem, deal with it right away before it grows and potentially impacts more people. Validate your employees concerns by addressing an issue rather than letting a problem grow.

Do foster a positive team environment. Provide company

Don’t forget to look at options that can keep your employees working year round. Salaried wages, banked hours, or winter training are ways to avoid laying off staff.

Employees that don’t have to find second jobs are more likely to stay — and be happier, more dedicated, and more productive.

staff lunches or sending them to a chapter golf tournament are ways you can say thank you to your team.

company through HortProtect. Health and dental benefits are available to member companies at a discounted rate.

clothing to your staff, host frequent team meetings, and involve your staff in setting goals that will help create a sense of involvement with company operations.

Myscha Stafford LO Membership and Chapter Coordinator myscha@landscapeontario.com

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO homeowners just in time for spring plantings and outdoor renovation projects. Last year, over 2,000 homeowners visited the ORCGA display at Canada Blooms.

Milton a key target

UNDERGROUND WORLD

Milton mayor hoists the Dig Safe flag

O

n May 1, representatives from the damage prevention industry met with Town of Milton Mayor, Gordon Krantz to celebrate Dig Safe Month.

The longest-serving mayor in Canadian politics, Mayor Krantz read a proclamation at Milton Town Hall to declare the months of April and May 2019 as Dig Safe months in the Town of Milton, Ont., encouraging support for the campaign.

After the proclamation, representatives, including those from the Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance (ORCGA), organizers of Dig Safe month, joined the mayor to hoist the Dig Safe flag.

Purpose of the proclamations

The ORCGA and Ontario One Call (ON1CALL) have a spring advertising and awareness campaigns aimed at homeowners and all excavating contractors, to remind

them it is the law in Ontario to first call for underground utility locates before digging.

A number of municipalities in each of the ORCGA’s 13 Geographic Council territories are targeted for these events.

Last year in Toronto, over 200 people attended a Dig Safe event at Toronto City Hall. In Milton, the annual event is usually held at Landscape Ontario’s home office, but was moved to Milton Town Hall due to the ongoing renovation project at the site. As an aside, the major construction project at LO is designed to better serve education and training programs the association offers to members of the landscape and horticulture profession.

The Dig Safe promotion was once again well-received at Canada Blooms, the country’s largest flower and garden festival, held in Toronto in March. The event attracts close to 200,000 visitors. The ORCGA display at Canada Blooms was aimed at educating

The Town of Milton is a key target for the ORCGA awareness campaign because the area has seen a tremendous population growth rate from 31,471 in 2001 to 110,128 in 2019. This rapid growth means a record number of new housing starts, major infrastructure projects (roads, schools, community centres, etc.), plus the countless post-construction projects that then support those new build.

This increase in excavation at all levels and at a rapid pace can lead to many underground utility hits if people are not aware of the “Call Before You Dig” and “Dig Safe” messaging. Mayor Krantz fully understands this and is supportive of our efforts.

Underground utility hits are down

The total reduction in underground utility hits in the Province of Ontario in 2018 compared to 2017 was 5,385 to 5,042 or a 6.4 per cent decrease. Each year, there are approximately six million locate requests completed in Ontario. Not obtaining locates runs the risk of property damage, serious injury, or both. The social and economic costs associated with underground utility hits in 2018 is estimated at over $600,000.

Next steps

The ORCGA and key players in the damage prevention industry will continue efforts to reduce and even eliminate the cost of underground utility damages. Many Dig Safe events are held on a smaller scale, such as at local Tim Horton and Home Depot locations. These, when combined with larger events like Canada Blooms, are slowly raising awareness and are helping to make a difference.

Conclusion

In order to reduce the number of utility hits across the province, both groups, homeowners and contractors must be made aware of the potential dangers that lurk underground and the process to first obtain locates. By working together to promote the Dig Safe message, we can help to reduce the cost to society, both on a social and economic level.

Terry Murphy CLM

The Dig Safe flag was hoisted at Milton Town Hall on May 1.

tvmurphy@ca.inter.net

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Get help to learn what you don’t do well

PROSPERITY PARTNERS

Your business needs your work — even in June

L

ast month, I did a live Facebook interview with the Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce, titled “Know your businesses’ business.” I’ve had lots of great inquiries since then from business owners, so apparently the topics discussed were of great value.

The interview was a question and answer format in which I shared my experiences as a business coach, helping small business owners to run more successful and more profitable businesses. I’ll be sharing some of the interview over the next few months (or you can watch it online). The most important take away I wanted to share from the interview is that in order to make your business better, and to know when things are going wrong before it’s way too late, you have to first get to know your business better. You have to work ON your business, even at the busiest times of the year.

Here are ten ways business owners can get to know their business even better:

Work smarter

Start with realizing that your business won’t be profitable all on its own. Working harder isn’t the answer, working smarter is.

Technology integration has become a must in order to keep up with the marketplace.

Tools and information at your fingertips are crucial to being effective and efficient.

You’re the leader, which includes being the thought-leader, critical thinker and strategy developer. Make the time for all three of these roles, every week.

Don’t compete on price

A common mistake is to compare your prices to everyone else and then match your competition’s price. This is a death wish. Without knowing your competitors’ costs of goods, labour, equipment and fixed expenses, you have no idea whether your price should be comparable to theirs, or if you should compete on a different basis than on price alone. Competing on price alone in a young business typically ends up a race to the bottom of the profitability drain.

Equip yourself for success

Good tools are needed to support every business: equipment, the right software, the right person inputting data, the right marketing tools (especially online), the right advisors, the right client (product match), the right people, etc. Always consider what it’s actually costing your business to NOT spend money on qualified people.

Stick to what you’re good at

Make sure you don’t try to be all things to everyone. Know when to say no to any offbrand requests.

Step back, stop, start and continue

Take time to slow down and take stock of what’s happening. It’s counter-intuitive to step back, but it pays you back in spades to get clear on what you should stop, what you could start, and what you should continue doing.

WATCH THE FULL FACEBOOK INTERVIEW ONLINE AT gfl.me/h5rc

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Whether it’s understanding how to price what you do in order to pay yourself better, or how to build a team who like coming to work with you; get proven advice to fast track to better success. Find a trusted and experienced mentor, an advisor, a peer group (ie: Landscape Ontario’s Peer To Peer Network), a bank advisor, a good office manager, a talented bookkeeper, or a good coach.

Change your thinking

Einstein said, “You can’t solve a problem by using the same thinking that created it.”

If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get the same result. Learn, review results, adapt, then try again.

Get clarity

Why do you do what you do? Why did you start your business? Where is it going?

What needs to happen in order for you to consider it a success? What’s your vision?

What is non-negotiable? What are your core values?

Build a team that shares your beliefs

Simon Sinek has an infamous TedTalk you can look up online called, “Start with Why.” Every business owner should watch it. Why are you in business? What should others believe in, to help you follow your business vision.

Work hard to keep right-fit customers, staff and suppliers

Relationships are key to all successful companies. Word-of-mouth referrals from clients, suppliers who you treat well and who will return a favour when you need it most, customers who sing your praises online and at gatherings — these are all critical to your business success.

So even though it’s June, and the late arrival of spring has you way more behind on jobs than you really care to admit, take time to look back and remember what visions, goals, ideas and passion brought you to where you are today, and take time to get to know your business better to ensure future success.

Jacki Hart CLM Prosperity Partners Program Manager

info.peertopeer@landscapeontario.com

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

CLASSIFIEDS Rates: $50.85 (HST included) per column inch Deadline: 20th day of the month prior to issue date.

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

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