Landscape Ontario - March 2014

March 2014

CANADA-WIDE

PRIDE!

Tracey and Brad Paton of Shades of Summer Landscaping win national recognition for their maintenance work.

Page 4

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Keep Mowing 58782LANDSCAPE ONTARIO MARCH 2014 2

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S’ LOGO

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

ON LOGO

EXECUTIVE DESK Connected by a thread Tony DiGiovanni CHT LO Executive Director

I

would like to share a few diverse stories that are connected by the same thread.

At Congress this year, a member approached me. I am sad to say, I had not met him before. He and his family operate a garden centre in the Niagara area.

He explained that he does not participate in many LO activities because of time and family commitment, but is a strong supporter of our mission and mandate. He went on to thank me.

During a particularly cold and late spring, when cash flow was absolutely stretched and the hope of a prosperous spring was fading, we sent out a note of encouragement. It made him feel less alone. It provided some reassurance that spring would finally arrive.

I was very moved by his reaction. As a community, we all have the opportunity to

Formerly Horticulture Review

March, 2014 • Volume 32, No. 3 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.

ISSN 1928-9553 Publications Mail Agreement No. PM40013519

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

inspire goodwill and hope just by showing a little empathy. This is the essence of membership. We exist to support each other.

Last week the Humber College Alumni office called to ask if I would participate in a fund raising drive to support students at Humber. Since I graduated from Humber College over 35 years ago and the experience moulded my outlook and perspective, I accepted the invitation without hesitation.

The caller then asked me a few questions about how life at Humber helped my career. It was interesting, because the things I remember most had nothing to do with the technical content of the material, and everything to do with how individuals inspired and supported my life journey.

Here is one example. There are many others. I remember the Landscape Technology Department hosted an industry conference about the ‘Future of Horticulture.’ As students, we were obligated to attend.

As I was walking into the lecture theatre, the coordinator of the program stopped me. He asked if I would mod-

Publisher Lee Ann Knudsen CLP lak@landscapeontario.com, 416-848-7557 Editorial director Sarah Willis sarahw@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5424 Editor Allan Dennis adennis@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5345 Graphic designer Mike Wasilewski mikew@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5343 Sales manager Steve Moyer stevemoyer@landscapeontario.com, 416-848-0708 Integrated solutions representative Greg Sumsion gsumsion@landscapeontario.com, 647-722-6977 Communications coordinator Angela Lindsay alindsay@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5305 Accountant Joe Sabatino jsabatino@landscapeontario.com, 647-724-8585

erate a panel discussion between the president of the college, officials from the conservation authority, a high level bureaucrat from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities and a board member from Landscape Ontario (Casey van Maris). I was 20 years old, absolutely frightened, overwhelmed and unprepared, and yet this coordinator believed more in my potential than I did.

Needless to say, the experience has remained etched in my memory. It was an amazing confidence booster. It reflected the leadership ethic of the teacher who I will always remember fondly as a mentor. This is the essence of life. We exist to support each other.

Earlier this month, I attended the Georgian Lakelands Chapter outreach to the Huntsville area. The chapter, under the leadership of Lexi Dearborn and a wonderful board of directors, decided it was important to show members in remote locations that the Landscape Ontario community cares about them.

The room was full. The session was relevant and helpful. The attendees appreciated the effort. The mood was very positive. I was asked to say a few words about Landscape Ontario. I recalled a story about the origins of our chapter system.

Before Landscape Ontario had staff, the volunteer membership committee would travel to different areas of Ontario, check into a hotel and invite the landscape community listed in the local yel-

Continued on page 22 >

4 8 17 18 18 19 22 26 27

FEATURES ASSOCIATION NEWS VOLUNTEER PROFILE EVENTS New Members Industry NEWS COLUMNS Classifieds Ad Index

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO STAFF Shawna Barrett, Darryl Bond, Kim Burton, Rachel Cerelli, Tony DiGiovanni CHT, Rob Ellidge, Denis Flanagan CLD, Sally Harvey CLT CLP, Jane Leworthy, Heather MacRae, Allie McInnes, Kristen McIntyre CHT, Kathy McLean, Linda Nodello, Kathleen Pugliese, Paul Ronan, Ian Service, Tom Somerville, Martha Walsh

Views expressed are those of the writer concerned. Landscape Ontario assumes no responsibility for the validity or correctness of any opinions or references made by the author.

Copyright 2014, reproduction or the use of whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited. Published 12x 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

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 3

A high-end result for a high-end location won Shades of Summer national recognition.

Shades of Summer wastes no time in winning maintenance awards For a company that has been around only since 2009, Shades of Summer Landscaping and Maintenance in Waterdown has won an impressive number of industry awards.

For the past three years, the company has taken home top honours from the Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence, but its latest conquest came at the National Awards of Landscape Excellence held in St. John’s, Nfld. on Jan. 29.

The win was the John Deere Award for residential maintenance. See page 19 for more information on the event. .

Brad Paton began his dream by opening his business in 2009, under the name Shades of Summer. “It may seem unusual that a new company starts up and immediately wins awards, but I have been in the industry for over 20 years,” he says.

Paton worked 17 years as the maintenance foreman at Evergreen Landscaping and Lawn Maintenance in Hamilton. “I learned a great deal there over the years, especially how plants grow and what plants offer the best appearance.

“I have always had a passion for the work,” says Paton. He says friends were

4 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO MARCH 2014

always amazed at how much he loved his work. “When I began to recognize the level of passion I had, I felt it was time to go out on my own.”

With no business background, Paton learned as much as he could on how to run a business. “I tried to start a business when the economy was at its worst.” He remembers it was tough going, but he persevered, and soon found his reputation attracted a number of high-end clients.

Much of the work for Shades of Summer comes through word of mouth, the Landscape Ontario consumer website and Canada Blooms. Along with the knowledge and ability to create and maintain high-end gardens, Paton focuses on creating relationships with his clients. He says, “I am a huge believer in creating respect and trust between my company and the client. Most of our clients work with me.

They love their gardens, and understand that it takes regular maintenance from both themselves and us.”

At the LO Awards of Excellence in January, Paton even had a client come up on stage to accept an award with him. “She was very enthusiastic and proud about

winning the award,” Paton says of his client. He noted that his client was also very impressed with the high quality awards production.

Last year, a new member of the Shades of Summer team came on board.

Brad’s wife Tracey left her job in the corporate world, at Town Shoes in downtown Toronto, to work with her husband in the Waterdown-Hamilton area. “It’s been quite a transition coming from the corporate world to hands-on physical work,” says Tracey. “I love the physical and emotional part of the job.”

She is amazed at the high level of work required in the industry. “It’s much more than mowing lawns,” says Tracey.

Brad says the business has progressed to a point that he can now turn down work.

He says not all jobs are potentially profitable.

“If I feel that a project doesn’t have the right fit for my company, then I will say no.”

Shades of Summer now employs six full-time staff and 11 summer employees.

“I look for employees who want to make this industry a career,” says Brad. “I look for people who want to come to work to learn new skills.”

Judging by Shades of Summer’s winning ways in landscape maintenance awards, it’s a great place for anyone to learn new skills, and how passion for one’s work is the number one ingredient for success.

Winter of 2014: One of the worst Polar vortex, bone-chilling temperatures, ice storm and heavy snowfall all describe this winter’s weather conditions. For LO members who work to maintain snow and ice, it’s been a long and tough run.

“It’s been a struggle to keep up,” says William Jordan of Urban Meadows in Ayr. He cited unusual winter conditions for creating hardships on staff, equipment and salt supply. Jordan is chair of the LO Snow and Ice Sector Group.

Dan Garlatti of Garlatti Landscaping in LaSalle says he is personally worn out by the winter, and staff members are the same. “It’s hard to maintain long and crazy hours.”

Garlatti says it’s three times worse than a normal winter in the Windsor region. “That includes both snow amounts and low temperatures.”

Herman Ciardullo, president of Oakridge Landscape Contractors in Hannon, near Hamilton, says staffing has been a big issue. “We have had a snow event every week since December,” said Ciardullo.

Dan Grieve CLP, of Grieve Home Maintenance in Burlington, says he hasn’t found the winter too much of a problem.

“Staff like it, because they get more hours and money.” He does admit that this winter has been the toughest since the early 1990s.

Tight salt supplies

Gerald Boot CLP of Boot’s Landscaping in Richmond Hill says the extreme cold weather has taken a toll on his crews.

The other issue with crews is that most major storms came on weekends or holiday time. Boot said his company had used the same amount of salt at the end of January that it used all of last year.

Jordan ran out of salt as of mid-February, and was using brine. He noted that media coverage helped consumers understand that salt supplies were difficult to obtain.

Garlatti said he hasn’t any trouble with salt supplies. “I have a good relationship with my salt supplier, who knows I pay the bills right away.”

Grieve said his company uses a saltsand mix exclusively for his residential customers. He says salt kills. The lower amount of salt allows him to maintain supplies in tough winters such as this, and his customers appreciate that less sodium is being put into the environment.

Oakridge also uses a salt-sand combination. Ciardullo says his salt supplies were good. He noted that another benefit is the issue of hauling snow from sites.

“It is getting tougher and tougher to find places that will take the snow because of the high salt content. It makes acceptance easier when it’s a 90 per cent sand, 10 per cent salt ratio.”

The Snow and Ice Management Asso-

ciation has sent out a notice on salt supply. “Technically not a shortage of salt and ice management materials, it’s a distribution channel issue as getting salt from mine to contractor warehouse takes time. Increased cold weather has created freezing at some shipping ports, further enhancing this problematic situation.”

Most members interviewed for this article said their customers understood this winter has presented special challenges.

Equipment another challenge

Everyone Landscape Ontario magazine spoke to agreed that this winter was hard on equipment. William Jordan said that maintaining equipment was a problem this year with double its usage over most years. He has rented equipment to take up the slack.

Dan Garlatti said the problem isn’t just with over-use of equipment, but the fact that hiring extra staff resulted in inexperienced people working the equipment, resulting in break-downs.

Herman Ciardullo said he works to maintain an equipment fleet that is five years old or newer. “By keeping equipment updated within that five-year span, it avoids a lot of equipment problems when you need it the most.”

While everyone will be happy to say goodbye to the winter of 2014, the long range prediction for the coming summer says it will be warmer and dryer than normal — causing a whole new set of concerns for those working in the green industry.

Snow, wind, frigid temperatures and freezing rain made the winter of 2014 a season to remember.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 5

Over 600 roses were donated by JC Bakker and Sons of St. Catharines to the Landscape Ontario trial gardens.

Rose trial reveals good prospects for the Ontario landscape industry

By Rodger Tschanz, University of Guelph

As I write this, Valentine’s Day has just passed. So, it seems appropriate to discuss roses in the landscape, even though all the greenery is still covered by a blanket of snow.

The roses mentioned in this article were donated by J.C. Bakker and Sons of St. Catharines, and planted at the Landscape Ontario Trial Garden site in Milton in the summer of 2012. The first formal evaluations of those plants took place in 2013, after the roses had a season to overwinter and become established.

Rose use in the landscape by consumers may be limited by perceptions of high maintenance and disease concerns.

As is evident in the Landscape Ontario trial, not all roses are equal in regards to disease susceptibility and maintenance needs. The 2013 evaluations looked primarily at winter survival, length of bloom period, quantity of bloom and severity of blackspot and subsequent leaf drop.

6  LANDSCAPE ONTARIO MARCH 2014

Winter survival

The intention from Day One was for roses in this trial to be overwintered without the benefit of protection, such as mulching, hilling or wrapping in burlap; some winter injury was expected. Following the winter of 2012/13, and after growth began, different cultivars were evaluated for percentage plant survival and given a numerical rating on the degree of stem dieback during the winter.

We found a great range of responses, with some cultivars experiencing 100 per cent survival, but 50 per cent stem dieback, while others had no winter injury, and still others barely came through the winter. To see the full range of responses, see the chart at http://gfl.me/x22l.

Most of the rose cultivars had a least a few plants survive the winter. Plants with dieback required more pruning and clean up in the spring, than those without winter injury. The cultivars with the least amount of winter dieback and highest winter survival rates included Belle Danielle, Bonica, Campfire, Emily Carr, Party Hardy and Siena Vigorosa.

Flower and colour power

Of the 35 cultivars initially evaluated after the winter of 2012/13, 23 gave acceptable bloom performance throughout the 2013 growing season. The perfect rose should bloom continuously and heavily throughout the growing season. Although we may not have the perfect rose in our trials, we have a number of cultivars that come close to that mark. The top five bloomers, before the onset of frost in late October and November, are Pink Knock Out, Campfire, Home Run, Siena Vigorosa and Maxi Vita.

Once a killing frost struck the rose trial, many of the remaining flowers shriveled and turned brown. To have colour in the rose patch after frost is a desirable characteristic. Some of the cultivars maintained bloom or residual bloom colour; the frost-damaged petals did not turn brown, but maintained some of their original colour. Campfire, Carefree Celebration, Siena Vigorosa and Maxi Vita were the most colourful cultivars following frost.

Additional colour comes from rose hips, the fruit produced after successful pollination of rose flowers. Rose hips turn orange to red when mature and exposed to cool temperature in the fall. Rose hips can persist on the rose canes throughout

the winter and contrast very nicely with snow. The list of rose cultivars producing rose hips is found in the online chart as well, but once again Campfire tops on the list.

Disease

Blackspot, the rose foliar disease caused by the fungus Diplocarpon rosae, is one of the main reasons given for not growing roses in the Ontario landscape. With this disease, blackspots first appear on the leaves, which gradually turn yellow and fall off the plant. This disease normally starts on the lower leaves and progresses upwards, often leaving rose canes completely denuded of foliage with a few rose buds at the tip. Wet or damp conditions exacerbate the spread of this disease.

Very few chemical control options are available to the gardener or landscaper, and aren’t as effective as those available before the cosmetic pesticide ban came into effect.

The best approach to deal with blackspot is to plant resistant cultivars.

In the LO trial, a number of rose cultivars stood out as either being highly resistant or tolerant of blackspot throughout the growing season with minimal foliage loss.

See the online table for the full list of foliage ratings. Pink Knock Out, Home Run and Pink Home Run had the best foliage in the 2013 trial.

Based on the observations from the 2013 rose trial, it would seem that some of the new rose cultivars have a place in the modern landscape where low maintenance, disease resistance and a long bloom period are desirable characteristics. That said, a number of questions weren’t addressed by the 2013 rose data collection.

For example, the intensity of flower fragrance and thorniness may interest those wanting fragrance to permeate a courtyard, or who are concerned about thorns or prickles affecting maintenance operations. There is wide range of differences between cultivars with respect to fragrance and thorniness. Hopefully these differences will be clearly identified in 2014. The extreme temperatures and snow of the 2013/2014 winter will provide additional selection pressure on the hardiness component of the rose trial.

New cultivars will be planted in the spring of 2014 to replace poor performers as the rose trial continues to identify good prospects for the Ontario landscape industry.

The Campfire rose was one of the best performers for the summer of 2013. Photos show height of bloom in summer, with centre photo early fall and top photo in November.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM  7

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Professionally produced how-to videos from the GFL Marketing Program can be customized with your own store’s message.

Marketing program for members launches this spring Today green industry pros have more ways than ever to connect with customers, such as social media sites or electronic and print communications. The problem is, juggling content deadlines on top of your other responsibilities is just too much work.

Online marketing, social media, smart phones and tablets have all added complexity to a skill area that has never been our strength. Just a few years ago, as you planned marketing for a landscape or garden centre business, you only worried about newspaper, radio and the Yellow Pages. For those really good marketers, you had a catalogue. Today we layer into that collection not only a website but now social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, and review sites such as Yelp ... it is a quickly changing environment.

While most of these are “free” to use, there are many real costs of using staff time and energy to create campaigns for each platform. It is not just about creating some stories to post; you need to create interesting, inspiring and engaging content that will connect with cus-

8 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO MARCH 2014

tomers and drive sales.

Landscape Ontario is launching a special subscription service, to provide compelling and timely content, so you can connect with your customers. Simply subscribe, and receive custom content created in Ontario by green industry experts. Then distribute it under your company banner. Your customers will love it!

The GFL Marketing Program is designed to offer professional marketing support for all LO members. The program takes the buying power of the trade association as a whole, and spreads out the costs of a full-service ad agency to allow members access to exceptional content and strategies. This marketing program is ideal for garden centres, contractors and other all other sectors. Choose from three levels of service:

GFL Communication Packets

Receive timely stories about plants, gardening, design, hardscape products and more. The GFL Marketing Program will send you the words, images and video you need to post to your blog, e-news-

letter, website, Facebook page etc. Over the course of the year you get over 160 of these packets, daily during spring and weekly other times.

Every day in peak season you will receive a 500-word story suitable for a blog or web page, as well as a shorter version for your social media outreach, and images that will tie into the topic.

Videos will be created on a regular basis for you to post or add to as needed. For an example of a video with a retailer tag at the end, see http://youtu.be/SrqBlRbPRfs. Spend a few minutes to customize the stories to your business, or post them as-is, save hours of work and keep your online presence current and relevant.

The program is sold on a 3 month or 6 month subscription basis with prices running about $3 a day. Subscribe for only $349 for three months or $579 for a sixmonth term.

GFL Marketing School

Yes, we all need to go back to marketing school, as the curriculum really has changed. Now as part of the LO Professional Development program, GFL will run a series of marketing classes in Milton and online. Topics will include: how to write a marketing plan, what online platforms make sense for your business, how to do it yourself, how to use the Communication Packets, and how to use Pay Per

Click. We will spend time on ‘why’ as well as on ‘how.’ Watch this magazine and LO’s Enews for opportunities.

Do-It-For-You Program

For some members, it may be better to have LO’s team manage and run the whole program on your behalf. This feebased service could actually post to your social media sites, or go into your website back-office and update your blogs or images, or add your commercial at the end of each week’s video. The team could manage pay-per-click accounts, run e-letters or even offer traditional print support.

Sign up today, before the spring rush, to build your business this season and beyond. For more information visit www. horttrades.com/packets.

GreenTrade Expo’s popularity continues to grow

Celebrating its 21st year, Ottawa Chapter’s GreenTrade Expo, presented by Permacon, took place at the Ernst and Young Centre on Feb. 12, with a record attendance.

In Ottawa, snow is always a con-

cern, but this year Mother Nature smiled once again; the skies were clear and the sunny day brought out a record crowd.

The early morning minus 15-degree temperatures didn’t deter attendance either, which included industry professionals from all over Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec to Montreal.

Chaired by Bruce Morton, the day began with the ever popular pre-show MTO Contractors’ Breakfast, sponsored

by Jim Tubman’s Chevrolet, Connon Nurseries CBV Holdings, and LS Training Systems. With a record 90 attendees at breakfast, the program was presented by local MTO officers Graeme Cook and Richard Sauvé. A very popular part of this event is the opportunity for attendees to have their questions answered about legislation that will affect their business and employees.

Attendance at GreenTrade Expo continues to be free, along with complimentary business education seminars. This year’s seminars were sponsored by Connon Nurseries NVK Holdings, Sheridan Nurseries and SYNLawn, and saw record attendance at all four presentations. The first seminar was about the new Ontario Health and Safety amendments pre-

sented by Sheila James of Workplace Safety and Prevention Services.

The seminar on Expert Pruning Techniques was presented by Mark Burleton, International Society of Arborists. Burleton is the head of grounds and green spaces for the five official government residences under the National Capital Commission. For the past three years, he has held sold-out seminars for the Ottawa Chapter. The discussion also included questions on emerald ash borer.

New this year was a business roundtable moderated by Ottawa Chapter president Ed Hansen and including Ottawa fitness guru Tony Greco and business entrepreneur Ion Aimers, creator of Montana’s, The Works and ZaZaZapizza franchises. Over 65 attendees learned of the panelists’ business successes, including being part of and giving back to your community, management techniques to make your business a success, and taking time for yourself. They also related that having a mentor, as well as being one, was a huge part of their success.

Back again by popular demand was Paul Zammit from the Toronto Botanical Gardens. Sponsored by Sheridan Nurseries, Zammit revealed how to save money

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

GreenTrade Expo offered a full agenda to a record number of attendees this year.

in your business by choosing the right plants for growing conditions.

A special CLD event was co-chaired

by Chris Mace CLD of Gelderman’s Landscape Services, Waterdown; and Beth Edney CLD of Designs by the Yard, Toronto. Both are members of the LO Landscape Designers Sector Group.

The event covered the history and progress of the Certified Landscape Designer Program and meeting local designers allowed for further industry engagement from a provincial perspective.

This year, the popular coffee bar area was co-sponsored by Bradley’s Commercial Insurance and Geosynthetic Systems, with food sponsored by Bobcat of Ottawa and Lanark Cedar. It included a garden created by Ottawa-area designers Jason Smalley CLD, Stephanie Scott and Erin van Gilst. The garden was installed with help from students in the horticultural program at Algonquin College. The show floor floral designs were created by Ottawa designers Sundaura Alford CLD, Sonja Hirsig CLT and Rhonda Derue.

Special thanks to the following companies who provided product and equipment for the designs: Algonquin College Horticultural Program, Connon Nurseries NVK

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Holdings, Peter Knippel Nursery, Ritchie Feed and Seed, Geosynthetic Systems, Primo Trailers, Bobcat of Ottawa, Cohen and Cohen Natural Stone and Permacon Ottawa.

GreenTrade Expo’s volunteers included horticulture students from Algonquin College, under the guidance of Steve Neumann, and the University of Guelph Kemptville College, under professor Claude Smith. The students were under the guidance of volunteer coordinator Melanie Cristiano from GreenScape. ca. They were front and centre working at the registration and show entrance areas.

Special thanks to Canlok Stone, show bag sponsor; Dutchmaster Nurseries, show badge sponsor; Greely Sand and Gravel, show guide sponsor; GreenLife Wholesale Nursery, coffee cup sponsor; The SAM Group, branded apparel sponsor; and BLR Safety and Manderley Turf Products, pre-registration prize sponsors.

Participating in the show from home office, Ottawa and other chapters were LO executive director Tony DiGiovanni, Landscape Ontario president Dave Braun, Georgian Lakelands Chapter president Lexi Dearborn, Ottawa directors Chris Burns, Chris Urquhart, Patri-

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cia Stanish, Mark Mallette and Michael Fulcher. The day ended with a post-show event, The Feminine Factor in Horticulture, led by Beth Edney CLD. Ottawa Chapter invites everyone to the 22nd edition of GreenTrade Expo on Wed., Feb. 11, 2015 at the Ernst and Young Centre in Ottawa.

LO’s Canada Blooms garden carries important message

Legendary football coach Vince Lombardi declared, “The strength of a team is based fully upon the strength of the individuals contributing towards its good.”

The saying seems self-evident, but it is a fundamental truth of successful teams at every level.

Landscape Ontario Green for Life presents Come Alive Outside as one of the Canada Blooms feature gardens.

The creation of the garden is about to move from the planning stages to reality.

As with every complex landscape project, skill, discipline and craftsmanship is required to truly bring a design to life.

It has been a pleasure to work with team members who bring their dedication and commitment to the project in differ-

ing, yet complementary, ways. The commitment of everyone, from Landscape Ontario staff, suppliers willing to go way above and beyond, the craftsman prefabricating elements of the display, as well as the dedicated team of Canada Blooms organizers, is energizing and inspiring.

The display will educate visitors about the ever-increasing social impact and extremely serious health issues related to the sedentary lifestyle of our society, as well as its disconnection with nature.

More importantly, it will present ways Landscape Ontario members can lead our clients and communities to live a healthier lifestyle outside.

Every week we are presented with reports of new studies regarding the health impacts of sedentary lifestyles being felt by all segments of our communities. The solution to these issues falls squarely at the feet of the green industry.

We have a rare opportunity to make a truly significant impact to our society to lead by creating the awareness, intention and opportunity for our clients and communities to live a healthier lifestyle outside...to come alive outside.

One of the most powerful statistics comes from the New England Journal of

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

who make up the team that is Landscape Ontario, have the opportunity to help give this generation those five years back. We can create gardens and outdoor spaces that will get our clients and communities back playing outside, experiencing nature, and gaining a multitude of benefits: greater physical and mental health, better self-esteem and social skills, and value and appreciation for the environment that leads to protecting it.

A team truly is only as strong as the individuals that comprise it. We invite all Landscape Ontario members to visit your display at Canada Blooms, and take the opportunity to lead both our clients and communities towards the Green for Life message, to Come Alive Outside.

Canada Blooms runs from Mar. 14 to 23 at the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto.

— Scott Wentworth

The entrance to this year’s LO garden has been deemed the awareness zone, where facts about our current sedentary lifestyle will be displayed on modified computer monitors. The willow branch hut leads into our opportunity zone to find out how the green industry can help combat this damaging passive lifestyle.

Medicine, which states that because of the epidemic of health issues related to sedentary lifestyles, the current genera-

tion of children will have a shorter lifespan than their parents, perhaps by as much as five years. We, the members

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bers were slightly down, everyone had an opportunity to see the products up close, and speak with suppliers throughout the day.

Exhibitors attending this year’s show included Brilliance LED, C Pine Associates, CAST Lighting, Central Irrigation Supply of Canada, Coastal Source Can-

ada, Hunza Canada, Illumicare Group, John Deere Landscapes, Linzel Distributing, Martek Supply, Moon Visions Lighting, Turf Care Products, Vanden Bussche Irrigation, Vista Professional Outdoor Lighting and W.B. Cross. The Lighting Sector Group appreciates all of the time and effort put into the displays, and was

happy to see the great benefit to all of the delegates.

The keynote presentation from Tim Ryan provided a great perspective on lighting design, with everyone receptive to his philosophy. He highlighted lighting design principles including basic lamp choice and fixture placement. Ryan spent a significant amount of time answering questions and running through scenarios.

Round-table discussions were run by industry leaders James Solecki, Joe Willemse, Ken Martin and Cory MacCallum.

Members of the sector group organizing committee include chair James Solecki, Carl Hastings, John Higo, Leon Hordyk, Cory MacCallum CIT, Ken Martin, Jamie Riddell, Joe Willemse and Corey Yourkin CIT. Plans for the conference in 2015 will be announced soon. Members with ideas, comments or suggestions to share may contact kristen@landscapeontario.com.

Growers Short Course strong, despite storm

The exhibit area at this year’s lighting symposium was a big hit.

Nearly 200 staunch growers made their way to the Burlington Convention Centre on a snowy Feb. 5, for LO’s annual Nursery Growers Short Course.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS use of a time lapse camera to record the emergence of tree seedlings at Verbinnen’s Nursery in Dundas.

The LO Growers thank conference sponsor Plant Products for the generous support of this event. Thanks also go to table top sponsors, Direct Solutions, Engage Agro, Kam’s Growers Supply and Natural Insect Control.

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Dr. Ed Gilman was this year’s keynote speaker at the Nursery Growers Short Course.

Keynote lecturer was Dr. Ed Gilman, Professor of Urban Trees and Landscape Plants from the University of Florida. Gilman spoke three times during the course of the day, on root morphology and proven growing tips for developing quality trees.

The Short Course is known for delivering a lot of quality information in one day, and this year’s event was no different.

Other sessions included Jen Llewellyn on insects and diseases, Jeanine West on water and nutrient use, an update of nursery research at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre by Darby McGrath, and research updates from Tom Hsiang and Youbin Zheng.

The end of the day is always reserved for the Growers’ Good Ideas session.

Attendees are invited to give a five-minute presentation on an innovative new tool or piece of equipment, a better growing technique, or a creative solution to a common problem faced in the industry. This year, emcee and Short Course organizer Jen Llewellyn of OMAF, had the audience vote on their favourite Good Idea, which meant winner Alex Verbinnen was presented with a $50 bill for his

Landscape Ontario member Scott Duff of Aura Landscaping in St. Catharines has been nominated for the Niagara Entrepreneur of the Year Award, to be presented in March.

In the Niagara Region there are over 13,000 businesses, which Scott feels makes this is a huge honour.

“This has been an especially exciting off season so far,” said Scott, when contacted about his nomination. During the same week as the nomination, he placed second in a national competition for natural stone landscapers. As well, he is in the process of writing an article for a new national home improvement magazine, HOSS. The Niagara Entrepreneur of the Year program has operated since 1993, honouring entrepreneurial leaders of the region.

Letter to Editor Landscape careers: A father’s perspective

Note from LO executive director Tony DiGiovanni: The following letter was sent to me from a father who is active in the industry. His son was interested in a career in horticulture. He isn’t anymore.

It outlines his son’s experience working as a summer student.

One of the largest frustrations I hear from members is that they have difficulties finding and keeping good employees.

There are many complex and structural reasons for this, however, it always helps to look at your specific situation from the employee’s perspective to see if you can enhance his experiences and cultivate good individuals who want to stay in the industry.

Many years ago, I attended a talk on human resources. At the end of the seminar, the speaker pointed out that many

people don’t quit jobs, they quit employers. He suggested that employers look themselves in the mirror and ask a simple question: “Would I work for you?” This is timeless advice and holds one of the keys to employee retention.

The following letter serves as a reminder of the importance of looking at the work environment through the eyes of your employees. We have withheld printing the author’s name, who is concerned over a possible repercussion on his business.

Stam Nurseries Inc.

I have been ruminating for the last few months on where the industry is headed, based on my son’s experience with three different landscaping companies. For the purposes of confidentiality, I won’t say which companies, and my name needs to be left out as well.

After my son graduated from college in June, he considered pursuing a career in landscape construction/maintenance.

He landed a job from an advertisement on Kijiji for a landscape construction labourer. His interview was on the phone, and he was told to show up at the job site the next day. Because he had experience with operating some equipment, his new employer asked him if he had oper-

ated a skid-steer before. No, he hadn’t, but he was pretty adept at picking it up.

My son was concerned about the way his boss operated the skid-steer. He worked at such a fast pace, he was bashing into expensive rocks, breaking chunks off of them, shrugging it off by saying the customer will pay for more.

My son’s training lasted all of 30 seconds, if that. He worked for the rest of the day, and came home to tell me about his day. Since he had worked for me the previous year, he was used to me drilling him on safety, forms filled out, and regular training refreshers. When he told me about what a cowboy this owner was, I told him to call and resign; this place was a disaster waiting to happen.

He quickly landed a construction labourer position with a large company (an LO member) and began working onsite. Training was better, but minimal.

Being a big strong kid, he was given physically grueling work, and after a few weeks developed an injury that left his hand and arm numb. He immediately reported the problem to his supervisor, and went home to see a doctor. The doctor was not thorough, and simply told him to take a couple of days off.

Upon his return to work, the injury became even worse. After reporting the injury to the manager, he went to three different medical professionals for treatment. The day after seeking treatment, he hand-delivered a letter to his employer (upon my direction) stating the nature of the injury. His treatment from a new doctor began, and the doctor filed with WSIB. A few days later, I as his father sent an email to the employer stating that my son could return to work, but for modified duty. No response was given.

Once the claim was started, WSIB contacted the employer. The employer must have assumed that a young person fresh out of school did not have the wherewithal to have his ducks lined in a row regarding a compensation claim, because he refused to acknowledge the injury happened at work, and that my son did not keep him informed. WSIB asked for follow-up documentation from my son, of which we had plenty. In a matter of days, his claim was approved, and from what I am told, that’s quite speedy.

He returned to work on modified duty, and then back to his regular duty. By now it was the end of the season, and he was supposed to be given full-time winter

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ASSOCIATION NEWS work, yet was laid off. They were pissed about the WSIB issue.

He was able to land another position quickly with another large company (LO member), and this experience is 180 degrees from the previous experience. My son is eager to make money and responds to snow calls without fail.

They are very happy with him, because he shows up, he does his paperwork, the quality of his work is good, and he doesn’t complain when asked to do something.

Being on call 24/7 for snow is horrendous.

Because he is a conscientious employee, he cannot make any plans unless we are in a warm spell. The employer, as good to him as they are, cannot offer anything but hours worked, as they contend with property damage claims caused by roughshod staff, leaving them strapped for cash.

That said, he will return to college in another industry, and I don’t blame him.

It’s no wonder companies have such a hard time finding and keeping good people. For someone looking for work, it is more luck than anything if he or she finds a good company that treats employees as their most important resource. I believe for every good operator out there, there are eight crappy ones.

The Turfnet blog ran an interesting article discussing the vanishing work ethic amongst young people. Given what my son experienced, what does it say about the future of our industry? Yikes.

Members of Landscape Ontario recently attended a City of Goderich Council meeting to present city fathers with an Awards of Excellence leadership award.

In presenting the award, Paul Offierski of PAO Horticultural in Hornby stated, “Landscape Ontario is proud to recognize the Town of Goderich for its leadership, perseverance, vision and commitment to heritage. The prettiest town in Ontario is a role model for the rest of us.” Goderich replanted trees at the courthouse following the tornado that devastated the community. In photo, from left, those taking part in the presentation at Goderich City Council meeting, Paul Offierski, Leslie Goettsch and Clint Cripps, all of PAO Horticultural; Delbert Shewfelt, Mayor of Goderich; Chip Wilson, Director of Operations for Goderich; John Grace, Deputy Mayor of Goderich; Martin Quinn, Parks and Recreation for Goderich; and Larry McCabe, Chief Administrator in Goderich.

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VOLUNTEER PROFILE Don Tellier continues to serve Windsor Chapter Don Tellier CLT is a familiar name with the Windsor Chapter since beginning his volunteer time back in 2003.

“I joined Landscape Ontario largely because of my former boss at St. Clair College, Ron Malkin. He was heavily involved as a board member during the inception years of Windsor Chapter, along with the other founding fathers in this area.

There was no pressure to join, however, I just wanted to be part of this team that did so much with such a small group.”

Tellier has been involved in horticulture for almost 40 years. He began as as a technician on the grounds of St. Clair College in Windsor, later joining the teaching staff as a full-time member. He recently

retired, but continues to be involved in Chapter activities.

Tellier began his volunteer time with the Chapter as a director, and soon took over a new role when a long-serving treasurer stepped down. “I volunteered for the position and have held it since,” says Tellier. He is now president of Windsor Chapter, while continuing to serve as treasurer.

With many good memories created over the years with his work with the Windsor Chapter, the most recent one stands out for Don Tellier. “The Perry Molema Memorial Garden Build from fall of 2013 was an incredible effort by many member and nonmember companies. Perry had touched so many people in such a positive way that

support poured in from across the country. I must commend the efforts of Sasha Hunter and Chuck Catton for working so closely with our association and the community in making this garden a reality.”

There’s no hesitation from Tellier when he is asked what benefit he receives from his volunteer time. “Networking within the industry is so important for success. It is amazing what one can learn from your peers with simple conversation before or after a meeting. It is also rewarding to have given back to the community while promoting our Green for Life branding...It’s very important to me.”

When asked what improvements he would like to see in Landscape Ontario, Tellier says, “I think that the association is doing just fine under the direction of Tony (DiGiovanni) and the provincial board members. Keep up the good work.”

Tellier is also busy with the Landscape Industry Certified – Ontario committee.

“We are in the midst of launching the South Western Ontario test site at Ridgetown College. This along with LO continues to keep me busy enough in my retirement years.”

Members of the Windsor Chapter very much hope that Don Tellier continues to keep giving not just his time, but also his expertise and character.

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EVENTS

March 27

Windsor Chapter meeting

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

March 14 - 23

March 26

Direct Energy Centre, Toronto Spring comes early to Toronto, as Canada Blooms goes Wild in 2014. Visitors can experience two shows for the price of one, as the popular flower and garden festival is co-located with the National Home Show. For details about the event, go to canadablooms.com, and to find out about discounted tickets for LO members, go to horttrades.com.

Wasaga Beach RecPlex, Oakview Room, 1724 Mosley Street, Wasaga Beach Do you know about the Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance safe digging practices that ensure the safety of those who work or live in the vicinity of underground facilities and protect vital services? This is everyone’s responsibility?

The Chapter meeting will run from 1 - 3 p.m.

Canada Blooms 2014

Georgian Lakelands Chapter meeting

March 18

March 27

Selby Community Hall, Napanee Join the Upper Canada Chapter for the annual MTO meeting and AGM. This meeting begins at 11 a.m., and features an informative presentation by the MTO, as well as the Chapter’s annual general meeting. The meeting will also include light refreshments. For more information, contact Rachel Cerelli at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 354.

Ancaster Fair Grounds This spring event is the most popular Golden Horseshoe meeting of the year, and all are invited. In 2013, this event was held at capacity with over 120 landscape professionals in attendance. Admission is free, but you must pre-register to ensure you don’t miss out on this once-a-year event. The meeting starts at 9 a.m.

Upper Canada Chapter meeting

Golden Horseshoe Workplace Safety and Prevention Event

Dominion Golf Course, 6125 Howard Ave, LaSalle Get answers to the questions you have, didn’t know you had and should have had with MTO updates and the Windsor Chapter Board of Directors elections. The meeting runs from 1 - 3 p.m. RSVP your attendance to the Windsor Chapter secretary, Jay Rivait at jaytopgrade@hotmail.com.

April 2

Waterloo Chapter meeting

Bobcat of the Tri Cities, 483 Bridge St. East, Kitchener Waterloo Chapter is pleased to host the April meeting covering the topic Getting Ready for the Spring Rush. We all can get overwhelmed during the hectic spring start up. Come on out to this meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. and start the season off right.

April 3

Toronto Chapter meeting

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 414, 60 Legion Court, Woodbridge A panel discussion will take place on Natural Stone, where it comes from, how it is produced, the expected life for materials you have, what the future offers, and the pros and cons of the available material we have here in Ontario vs. from outside Ontario. For more information, contact Rachel Cerelli at rachelc@landscapeontario.com.

NEW MEMBERS Durham Green Space Disposal and Recycle Melissa Lawrence 704 Durham Rd 13, Leaskdale , ON L0C 1C0 Tel: 416-451-6511 Membership Type: Associate

Georgian Lakelands Amazing Gates of Canada Laurie Patchell 103 Mount St Louis Rd W, Coldwater, ON L0K 1E0 Tel: 705-835-7063 Membership Type: Associate

Premium Lawn Irrigation Inc. Paul Yamka 7 - 5115 Harvester Rd, Burlington, ON L7L 0A3 Tel: 905-466-5382 Membership Type: Active

Suppa Paving Co Ltd Frank Suppa 54 Squire Graham Lane, Vaughan, ON L4L 7C5 Tel: 905-264-1515 Membership Type: Active

London

Valdan Landscape Danio Valle 5912 15th Sideroad, Schomberg, ON L0G 1T0 Tel: 905-859-9154 Membership Type: Active

Bronze Farms/Ontario Plasma Design Lammert Brons 593981 Highway 59, Burgessville, ON N0J 1C0 Tel: 519-424-3774 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Toronto

Upper Canada Vaughan Contracting Joey Vaughan 1480 County Rd 8, Picton, ON K0K 2T0 Tel: 613-885-3279 Membership Type: Active

NBMR Enterprises Jon Olsen 5294 Concession 5, New Lowell, ON L0M 1N0 Tel: 519-373-1161 Membership Type: Associate

Devtra Inc David Lefevre 146 Lakeshore Rd W, PO Box 265, Oakville, ON L6K 0A4 Tel: 905-825-0172 Membership Type: Associate

Tri Truck Centre Inc Rick Howitt 91 Hart Dr, Barrie, ON L4N 5M3 Tel: 705-722-8600 Membership Type: Associate

Flynn Canada Ltd Terry McGlade 6435 Northwest Dr, Mississauga, ON L4V 1K2 Tel: 905-671-3971 Membership Type: Active

Ron’s Lawn Care & Outdoor Maintenance Ron Binkle 222 Zeller Crt, Kitchener, ON N2A 4A9 Tel: 226-647-4040 Membership Type: Interim

Wasaga 500 Snow Removal Michael Croll PO Box 180, 152 River Rd W, Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z 1A3 Tel: 705-322-2594 Membership Type: Associate

Nagy’s Gardening and Landscaping Paul Nagy 2957 Doane Rd, PO Box 1, Queensville, ON L0G 1R0 Tel: 905-478-4017 Membership Type: Active

Windsor

Golden Horseshoe Ontario Grounds Care Inc Greg Palmer PO Box 190, Burlington, ON L7R 3Y2 Tel: 905-638-5670 Membership Type: Active

18 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO MARCH 2014

Owen’s Tree & Shrub Care Inc Brad Canning 2319 King St, Caledon, ON L7C 0S7 Tel: 905-838-4795 Membership Type: Active

Waterloo

Nature’s Own Landscaping Scott Ashby 23 Lumley St, PO Box 2174, Blenheim, ON N0P 1A0 Tel: 519-676-7334 Membership Type: Active

INDUSTRY NEWS

tial construction installation.

It’s been a big year for Betz Pools of Stouffville. The company came away from the LO Awards of Excellence in January with the Casey van Maris Award, and a few weeks later was awarded the Dynascape Award as the national winner for landscape design.

Boot’s Landscaping & Maintenance of Richmond Hill took home the John Deere Award for Commercial Maintenance, and Shades of Summer Landscaping and Maintenance of Waterdown won the John Deere Award for Residential Maintenance.

This year, Sheridan Nurseries in Toronto won the Garden Centre of the Year Award for its commitment to growing teams, gardens, sales, environment, gardeners, technology and connections within the retail sector.

Winkelmolen Nurseries of Lynden will represent Canada on the world stage at the International Grower of the Year Awards competition held later this year in Bill Hardy, chair of the CNLA Public Relations Committee, presents Grant Harrison, London Chapter president, China. The LO member won the and Barry Sandler, executive director of the Veterans Memorial Parkway Community Program, with the Green for prestigious Canadian Grower of Life Community Award. the Year Award.

The final award of the evening was presented to the Veterans Memorial Parkway Community Program (VMPCP) for commitment to the betterment of a public green space. Barry Sandler, Executive Director of VMPCP, and Grant Harrison, Landscape Ontario members left the tre and nursery sectors of the industry.

Chapter President, accepted the Green National Awards of Landscape ExcelLandscape Newfoundland and Labfor Life Community Award. This prolence on Jan. 29 in St. John’s, Nfld., with rador hosted the event that featured 41 gram has planted 800 large caliper trees the majority of the hardware handed out entries from across Canada. along the parkway, with hopes to double during the evening.

LO’s 2013 winner of the Duningtonthat number by 2017. This is the second Seven awards were given out at the Grubb Award, Edengrove Landscapes Green for Life Award to be presented at 11th annual event which showcases of Mississauga, took home the the national awards ceremony. excellence in the landscape, garden cenCaterpillar Award for the best in residen-

Landscape Ontario members dominate national awards

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INDUSTRY NEWS Three projects approved for government funding

Landscape Ontario received approval from government agencies Growing Forward 2 (GF2), the Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) for three projects.

The total value of the three projects announced on Feb. 12 is $87,589. A total of 49 projects were approved for Ontario, amounting to over $5.2 million in investments. The projects are part of the Organizations and Collaborations stream of GF2, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative, and the Ontario Farm Innovation Program of GF2, which the AAC delivers in Ontario. $45,476 was approved for the Landscape Ontario project to develop a sustainable environmental management strategy for the nursery sector through research and outreach.

This project is to develop and implement a sector-specific strategy to manage water and nutrients in an environmentally sustainable manner.

The project will investigate and characterize nursery overflow water and determine its suitability for possible inclusion the Nutrition Management Act as a means to more simply regulate lowrisk horticultural wastewaters. The nursery sector wants to ensure that future options and regulations capture the lowrisk nature of their wastewaters, and that regulations consider the economic importance of supporting production of nursery stock in Ontario.

Data will be collected to help with the development of technical options

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25

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and best management practices for the nursery sector. The implementation component will focus on education for the growers, to ensure they are aware of current legislation and how they can incorporate best management practices (BMPs) to decrease their impact on the environment.

The second project received approval for $17,900 to research on-farm innovations for improved pest management decisions on Ontario nursery farms.

A new innovation for spray applications is an advanced and affordable spray system that employs intelligent technologies to continuously match system operating parameters to crop characteristics during pesticide applications. A demo day will be held in Ontario to transfer valuable information and hands-on opportunities to demonstrate optimal pesticide application technology to help growers improve their pesticide efficiency and efficacy. The Crop Protection Guide for Nursery and Landscape Plants is a valuable guide for Ontario growers. It will be converted into an online searchable database that can be kept up to date in real time. Users will have the ability to search for appropriate recommended control treatments based on a number of criteria including genus, pest/disease/weed and active ingredient.

The database will be open access for all growers, but there will be password protected areas for growers to store and access their private farm information.

The third project, valued at $24,193, will develop a sustainable environmental management strategy for the nursery sector through research and outreach.

The purpose of this facet of the Greening the Highways research is to encourage the MTO to adopt innovative site remediation practices for highway roadside planting sites that demonstrate the health and vigour of Ontario nursery products when planted in a soil environment that supports plant growth. This project will provide nursery growers with scientific, credible and Ontario-based data that can lead to the development of production methods and species selection for tree liners grown in Ontario that are better suited to growth in harsh environments.

Landscape Ontario part of project investing in living green infrastructure Landscape Ontario and Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC) have announced a project to help communities understand the costs and benefits of investing in living green infrastructure.This project involves the development of a tool that features detailed descriptions of multiple green infrastructure technologies and the average costs and benefits, and then applying this analysis to areas in different communities that are redesigned in a one-day planning session. Design days will be held in four cities with carefully selected community stakeholders. These full-day events will draw upon the experience and expertise of selected attendees to re-envision degraded areas within the community with living green infrastructure such as urban forests, parks, green roofs and green walls. The goal of the sessions is to provide communities with a vision of what is possible, and the costs and benefits associated with moving forward on implementing that vision.

“These sessions are poised to further animate the benefits of green infra-

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structure and its many roles in helping us achieve healthy and resilient communities,” said Tony DiGiovanni, Executive Director of Landscape Ontario.

Founder and president of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities and co-founder of Green Infrastructure Ontario Coalition Steven Peck, said, “There is a case to be made for significantly increasing the amount of public investment in the design, installation and maintenance of living green infrastructure in our urban and suburban communities. In order to achieve this, we need the tools to re-envision what is possible, and make the business case that this investment should be made.”

In addition to its partnership with Landscape Ontario, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities is joined on the project with Green Infrastructure Ontario and the Ontario Parks Association. This vast pool of resources allows for an unprecedented collaboration between top thinkers in a number of key green infrastructure practices.

Minimum wage hike raising concerns

Ontario’s minimum wage will increase by 75 cents an hour to $11, starting June 1.

The province has also introduced legislation to tie future increases to the rate of inflation, which was a recommendation from a panel created by the provincial government. The recommendation called for reviews of the minimum wage on Apr. 1 each year, and take effect Oct. 1.

The student minimum rate will go to $10.30 per hour up from $9.30. The province defines students as, “under the age of 18 who work 28 hours a week or less when school is in session, or work during a school break or summer holidays.”

Spokesperson for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, Nicole Troster, said, “Any kind of increase in

the minimum wage is difficult for businesses to bear. That’s because employers have to account for more than just the immediate raise.”

“The owner-operator also has to

account for increased payroll taxes as a result of the higher wages,” Troster said.

“Then other workers presumably will expect a bump-up.”

In Memoriam Manuel Fernandes Coito

Manuel Fernandes Coito passed away suddenly at the age of 73 at Credit Valley Hospital on Fri., Feb. 14, 2014, surrounded by family and friends.

Coito, president and founder of Coivic Contracting in Hornby, was a long-time member of Landscape Ontario.

Loving husband to Celeste, he was the caring father to George (Marta) and Sherry (Adam) and proud grandfather of Junior, Adam, Katie, Jeremie and the late Andres. He will be remembered fondly and missed by his mother Maria, brothers Joe, Avelino, Amavel and sister Maria, nieces and nephews and all his family and friends. Funeral services were held at Glen Oaks Memorial Chapel in Oakville on Feb. 19.

Henry Tillaart Sr.

The world lost entrepreneur, Henry Tillaart Senior, on Feb. 19, 2014.

Henry and Frances Tillaart came to Canada from Holland in 1958, newly married, to start a new life. The landed immigrants spoke only their native language.

Both also brought with them a work ethic not heard of today. They were determined to be successful in life and worked countless hours for years. Their attitudes were always positive and their vocabulary didn’t include the word ‘can’t.’ Henry would take on any and every job with the mindset of becoming the very best. They both had their ups and downs, but always continued moving forward.

Henry and Frances founded Dutchmaster Nurseries in 1971 with a $4,000 loan and the ambition to be debt free shortly thereafter. Henry worked 16 hour days for years to build his empire.

He and Frances laid the building blocks for generations after them and the company continues to grow. His legacy continues with the third generation treasuring his morals, values and work ethic. His family all miss Henry Sr. dearly. His love and generosity will now live on in the memories of those left behind and in the heavens.Funeral Mass took place on Feb. 22 at the Church of St. Patrick in Markham. Interment Pine Ridge Memorial Gardens.

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www.uxbridgenurseries.com WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 21

EXECUTIVE DESK

organization unique. It is an attitude that generates goodwill and inspires the future.

We challenge Chapters to increase membership Executive Desk continued from page 3 low pages to a meeting to discuss how to create and sustain an organization focused on helping and supporting others. It was clear that the actions of our pioneers and the actions of the Georgian Lakelands excursion into Huntsville was connected by the thread of care and support that is the essence of why we exist as an organization.

This last story is connected by the same thread. A number of years ago LO developed the Prosperity Partners Program. The program was inspired by Bob Tubby during his presidency. Its purpose is to enhance your prosperity by providing tools to improve your business skills.

The Prosperity Partners program was designed to promote a common language of business between our thousands of members.

If we speak the same language, we will be more effective at communicating.

The program is based on the idea that all businesses and organizations require competency in five general areas. By focusing attention on these five areas, we will grow in prosperity.

The concept, however, is more than that. It is fuelled by an attitude of care and support for each other. In essence, the program communicates that we are each other’s prosperity partners.

The committee is now investigating how to formalize that support by proposing a ‘peer to peer network.’ Landscape Ontario is already an informal peer to peer network. A formal approach should accelerate results. Please read Jacki Hart’s column on page 25 in this issue, and respond to her survey.

Landscape Ontario is known across North America for the level of membership contribution, and for the remarkable sharing of information between members, even as competitors. It is this attitude of support and care for each other that make our

Starting this month, Landscape Ontario’s Membership Department has launched a program designed to increase membership numbers.

New LO president Dave Braun set a goal to grow LO membership by five per cent over his two year term of office.

The program outlines each Chapter’s membership numbers. There are both financial incentives and the opportunity to have bragging rights. Any Chapter that gains a five per cent increase from Mar. 1 to Dec 31, 2014 will receive $500, and the Chapter that registers the top percentage increase will gain an additional $500.

We will supply Chapters with handouts to distribute to members and potential members throughout the year.

More information can be found at http://gfl.me/x23j.

Tony DiGiovanni may be contacted at tony@landscapeontario.com, or at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 304.

Our events provide the tools for your business to grow and prosper • Increase brand recognition • Discover new customers • Capitalize on new markets • Source new suppliers

Key

Connections Canada’s Premier Green Industry Trade Show and Conference January 6-8, 2015 Toronto Congress Centre Toronto, Ontario locongress.com

Canada’s fall show for the floral and garden industry October 22-23, 2014 Toronto Congress Centre North Building, Toronto, Ontario loexpo.ca

2014 Combo show ad half page with updated dates.indd 1

22 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO MARCH 2014

Canada’s Garden Festival March 14-23, 2014 Direct Energy Centre Toronto, Ontario canadablooms.com

For exhibitor or visitor information please call: 1-800-265-5656 x353

GreenTrade Expo Eastern Ontario’s Green Trade Show February 11, 2015 Capital Exhibition Centre Ottawa, Ontario greentrade.ca

2013

SNOWPOSIUM LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

SNOW AND ICE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE AND EXPO

Conference and Expo September 2014 Milton, Ontario

2/26/2014 1:45:19 PM

PUBLIC RELATIONS Curbalicious contest continues

By Denis Flanagan CLD Director of Public Relations and Membership Services

L

ast year in partnership with Re-Max, Landscape Ontario was involved with a promotion to show homeowners how to increase the value of their home through professional landscaping.

The promotion included a $10,000 landscape makeover package, paid for by Re-Max and advertised at Canada Blooms. The lucky winners lived in the Guildwood area of Toronto. As new homeowners with a young baby, they were abso-

lutely delighted when they won the contest.

After assessing their landscaping needs and priorities, we put the family in touch with three Landscape Ontario members.

They ended up selecting Lakeridge Contracting from the Durham Chapter, and decided to concentrate on a front entrance renovation. The family and the neighbourhood were delighted with the work.

Congratulations to Mike Pennington from Lakeridge Contracting for representing our association with such professionalism.

We are pleased to announce Re-Max will be repeating the contest in 2014, again with a launch at Canada Blooms involving two of our member companies who will create gardens with curb appeal at the show.

The displays by Arthur Skolnik of Shibui Landscaping and Shawn Gallaugher

MEMBERSHIP Show your pride as a Landscape Ontario member

By Rachel Cerelli Membership and Chapter Coordinator

I

assume that everyone has their business profile updated on the Landscapeontario.com website. It is all done and ready for spring, right? Heck, you wouldn’t want to miss the 20,000plus consumer hits a month.

Now that your profile is done, it’s time to sit back and relax. The hard work is done, right?

Wrong — now you need to brand your company as a member of Landscape Ontario. Don’t just say you’re a proud member, SCREAM it!

Promoting the Landscape Ontario

brand is actually pretty easy. We have all you need in one spot at www.horttrades. com/green-for-life. On the page, you will find menu titles, such as Update Your Member Profile, Order Decals, Download Logos, Brand Standards Manual, and GFL Brochure.

In addition to these marketing tools, there are also license plate covers and replacement proud member plaques which can be purchased by visiting www.horttrades.com/promo.

Now, you should be decked out and promoting to the public the fact that you are a professional member of Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association.

Your member profile on our searchable website is complete and your own website is all ready for the busy season. Next, it’s time for you to promote your Association to the public, and help spread the word about

Design are in a high visibility area at the entrance from the Home Show into Canada Blooms. Location, location, location!

Not only will the contest be promoted at Blooms, but also in several other cities throughout the province. Look for the Remax/Landscape Ontario partnership at home shows in Windsor, Sarnia, London, Waterloo, Toronto and Ottawa. If the lucky winner ends up being drawn in your Chapter and you are selected to do the work, I know you will make our industry proud In addition to the Curbalicious competition, we have plans to expand our partnership with Re-Max by producing regular information for real estate agents to share with homeowners on the value of good landscaping, maintaining landscapes, tree care and the importance of hiring trained professional Landscape Ontario members.

We will, of course, be looking for advice and input from members regarding the content, and will share the information through this magazine, on the LO website and in your e-news. Stay tuned Denis Flanagan may be contacted at dflanagan@landscapeontario.com.

hiring a professional Landscape Ontario member. One way to do this is by participating at Canada Blooms.

Canada Blooms is Ontario’s largest and busiest garden show, which brings together more than 200,000 potential customers from across Ontario. Landscape Ontario is proud to be a founding member of this large show. Each year we have a feature garden, which is designed, coordinated and put together by Landscape Ontario volunteers. All members of Landscape Ontario have the special privilege to participate in some aspect of the feature garden, representing their association to the public. If you want to volunteer by setting up, manning the display or taking down the feature garden this year, contact Allie McInnes at amcinnes@ landscapeontario.com, or contact the Landscape Ontario office at 1-800-265-5656.

The Waterloo Chapter is also hosting a booth for Landscape Ontario at its local home and garden show. If anyone from the Waterloo Chapter is interested in volunteering to set up, man the booth or help take it down, contact Mike Silva of Platinum Stone at mike@platinumstonedesign.ca for more details. I am sure the experience will be worth your while.

Rachel Cerelli may be contacted at rachel@landscapeontario.com.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 23

UNDERGROUND WORLD Special underground industry annual report

By Terry Murphy CLP

T

he Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance three-day symposium recently concluded at the Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood.

Three hundred participants attended the three-day event with a commitment from the underground utilities to help the small landscape contractor.

The utilities want to sign up more firms to Alternate Locate Agreements (ALA).

These agreements mean that a telephone call or email to Ontario One Call will result in a waiver of the locate markings and the landscape or irrigation contractor can immediately proceed to dig without waiting for the locate company to complete the ground markings.

In a meeting with some of the key utilities, it was suggested that the best way to make this happen is to have the main utilities offer ALA signups at LO Chapter meetings and at Congress 2015. Utilities such as Bell Tel, Union Gas, Enbridge, Rogers, etc., agreed and are all eager to increase the number of ALA registrations in our industry.

ALAs offer approvals over the telephone and the landscape project can proceed without delays. This will improve efficiency and lower costs for both utilities and the landscape industry.

CCGA looks to the future

Mike Sullivan, Executive Director of the Canadian Common Ground Alliance, reported that the organization is encouraging locate requests by email. Their slogan is Click before You Dig. There are efficiencies in electronic requests, because there is no waiting. They can be done outside normal business hours and there are fewer errors. Sullivan reported that in 2012, Alberta locate requests were 37 per cent by email and 63 per cent by telephone, while in 2013, it was 63 per cent email and 37 per cent telephone. Currently, these requests

24 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO MARCH 2014

are running 75 per cent by email.

Sullivan reported that annual utility repair costs across Canada are more than $700 million. The main reason for damages is still the absence of locate requests by excavation contractors.

Bill 8 progress

Nicole Stewart, of the Ontario Ministry of Consumer Services, gave an update on the status of the Ontario One Call Act. All underground asset owners (utilities and other) must register with the Ont 1 Call group by June 19, 2014. The Act will allow contractors to make a single call to Ont 1 Call, and locates will proceed automatically and eliminate the need for contractors having to make several utility locate requests.

MCS regulations have been prepared and will be submitted shortly to the industry for review. There will be heavy fines for violations to the Act. There are 375 utilities due to register with the Ont 1 Call system. Presently, only 93 are registered.

Jeffery Hitchcock of Ont 1 Call, reported that the organization had locate requests for 833,820 tickets in 2013, which was an increase of 8.33 per cent over 2012. The landscape industry has almost doubled its locate requests over the last three years to a total of 94,500 last year. These requests resulted in more than 4,700,000 notifications to the various utility owners in 2013.

Ont 1 Call will stop fax services by June of this year and will rely on both email and telephone for receiving locates requests.

Municipalities and underground mapping

Colin Saunders, of the Municipality of Brockton, gave a seminar on the problems of locating underground utilities in older townships, and some of the problems facing municipalities. In many cases, there are no records of locations, and mapping these underground assets becomes a real challenge. Most municipalities are building record files as repair work is carried out.

Alternate locate agreements

One of the seminars that was extremely well attended was Alternate Locate Agree-

ments. It was led by Vicki Mitchell of Enbridge Gas, Program Manager of Damage Prevention. She indicated that we have only eight per cent of the total provincial locate requests involving ALAs, or 650,000 of the total 4,700,000 requests.

With major benefits to both excavators and utilities, all agreed that this locate approval process is a major opportunity in 2014 for everyone concerned. Utilities want to work on this challenge within the next 12 months. ALAs can reduce lead times, wait times and costs.

ORCGA president’s report

Bryon Sackville, President of ORCGA, gave a state of the union address. Many challenges were outlined regarding public awareness and promotion, marketing to new potential members, selling sponsorships, and improving the public’s knowledge of underground prevention. New safety partnerships have been formed with the Children’s Village and the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office in 2013.

ORCGA’s financial outlook is solid, with an increase in 2014 surplus projected over 2013 results. Sackville and his staff did a great job on the 2014 symposium. He indicated that new sponsorships, an increase in memberships, forming new alliances and increasing the ORCGA Geographic Council participation would be the focus for 2014.

Next year’s symposium will be in Niagara Falls in early February.

Awards dinner

There were many key awards presented during the awards evening. Some of the honours went to our landscape/horticultural industry.

Landscape Industry Excavator of the Year (second year in a row), LOMCO Landscape Contractors, Newmarket; Volunteers of the Year, Lyndsey McGrath, Enbridge Gas, and Lynn Chaput, Contract Management Services, Bell Tel; 2014 inductee into the ORCGA Hall of Fame, Jack Kottelenberg, President AVERTEX Utility Solutions, and yours truly Terry Murphy, ORCGA Board member representing Landscape Ontario.

The ORCGA symposium was a tremendous start for the year. The meetings were productive, the seminars informative, guest speakers were relevant and the networking invaluable. The 300 participants were committed to promote our underground damage prevention marketing efforts in 2014.

Contact Terry Murphy at tvmurphy@ca.inter.net with your suggestions, questions and comments on any underground damage prevention issue.

PROSPERITY PARTNERS Members helping members: New tool on the horizon

By Jacki Hart CLP Prosperity Partners Program Manager

A

s I write this, yet another storm is bearing down on most parts of Ontario — another point on the scoreboard for Mother Nature, and an audible long sigh from our members.

Even the groundhogs agree spring will very likely elude us through most of March this year.

I’m pretty sure that where my business operates, in Muskoka, we won’t be breaking any records for an early start.

March is always a bittersweet month for most in our industry. By now, we’ve looked back and evaluated the past year, made plans for improvement and changes going forward. I’m a bit surprised to report that even after 23 years in business, I’m never quite sure how everything will roll out, including sales, new staff, new training and new account management.

Getting ready for new season

After spending two weeks inhaling as much of the Olympic competition as I could, I feel a bit like the Olympic athletes heading toward the starting line. As I stare 2014 in the face with my business on the verge once again of leaping from 0 to 90 in the span of a week or two, I’m not sure the nerves will ever go away at this time of year. Like the athletes, I envision each upcoming milestone from the starting line. It’s a bittersweet combination of excitement and hope, mixed in with the nagging fear that the best laid plans can come unglued by the choices of others. And, like the athletes, I go for gold every year!

I hope that you, too, have taken the time this past winter to hone your budgets, expectations and skill. It’s easy to make changes if you have accurate numbers from which to guide decisions,

but making them stick is an entirely different issue. It involves people, behaviour, consistency, efficiency, effectiveness and clear and timely communication.

The soft side of every business challenges all of us, regardless of sector, age or size of business. Managing the soft part of business is what Landscape Ontario’s new proposed Member to Member Peer Network will be all about.

The Prosperity Partners Team at LO continues to move forward by building a new peer network resource for you. It will be launched later this year. We’re at a point in determining how, when and what this new member network will look like.

We need your input to guide us in making this new resource as relevant as possible.

Feedback from members

Based on the feedback from hundreds of our business owner and manager members, what we know is this: • You find huge value in meeting face-toface with peers • You are encouraged when you hear peers faced with similar challenges as you • You benefit from sharing ideas, solutions and pitfall@LOMembership experiences • You find it@LOevents lonely as an owner/manager, and appreciate peer support • You have a difficult time translating information from seminars into sustainable change at work Here’s what we don’t know, and need input from you about: • In what ways would you most likely engage with peers on a regular basis?

• Who would your best group of peer supporters include?

• How often, and at what times of the year would you most likely want to receive and offer advice?

• What issues/challenges do you see as unique to your sector?

• What are the most likely topics you would want advice and information on to help solve your biggest challenges?

• What are the benefits you gain most

from face-to-face peer sessions/ networking?

• What are your long-term plans and sources for professional development?

I’m asking you to take a few minutes to go to this link, and complete the brief survey. We’re sincerely trying to build a better member to member resource for building your prosperity, and we need your input. Go to http://gfl.me/x23c.

For more info on the Prosperity Partners Program offerings this year, go to www.horttrades.com/prosperity.

With so much interest shown in a future Build Your Prosperity seminar, one has been scheduled for Mar. 19 at the LO home office in Milton, from 9 a.m. to 3:30. More information may be found at www.horttrades.com/pp001.

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

Socialize with LO www.facebook.com/ landscapeontario

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

http://linked.in/ LOLinkedIn

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 25

CLASSIFIEDS

employment OPPORTUNITIES

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) for Associaton members and $90.40 HST included for non-members. Website ads are posted for 31 days. View ads online at www.horttrades.com/classifieds

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

employment OPPORTUNITIES

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

Macuto Nurseries Experienced farm workers required to perform manual work. Hand cultivating, digging and tree planting. Hourly rate $10.25.

Also required: Driver - Class A licence, Z Certificate and Mobile Crane Operator 0-8. Driver hourly rate $17.50.

Seasonal employment starting April 1, 2014 to Nov 30, 2014. Job site Keswick, Ontario.

Fax resume 905-898-0360 or call 905-898-6856

EXPAND YOUR CLIENT BASE Landscape design/build firm selling client list, 2014 contracts, phone #, and website as well as goodwill established through 20 years of landscape service. Owner willing to remain through 2014 transition phase.

Company sales of $3.3M over last five seasons.

Business located in Northumberland County, one hour east of Toronto. Good potential to expand business to include property maintenance and snow removal.

Also available - but not part of original offer - are trucks, equipment, trailers, and tools sufficient to operate two full installation crews. Willing to lease buyer yard space on 5 acre rural property.

Ideal purchase for existing landscape or construction company wishing to increase their market share and/or expand territory.

Owner selling to allow more time/energy for second business started in 2012.

Please contact gord at 905-375-9131 rockridges@xplornet.ca For Sale 24 acre parcel of vacant agricultural farm land, zoned for Nursery, planting and/or operation.

Located on east side of Leslie St. south of the Stouffville Rd. $2,500,000. Terms to be negotiated.

Call Howard Perlmutter or Elliot Gordon, Slavens & Associates Real Estate Inc. Brokerage, Toronto, 416-483-4337

View these ads and many more online at

www.horttrades.com/ classifieds 26 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO MARCH 2014

ON-SITE SALES Entry level, On-Site Sales position available at Gro-Bark in Caledon. Complete job description on website www.gro-bark.com.

Please send cover letter and resume to Kerri at Kerri@gro-bark.com POSITIONS AVAILABLE Klomp’s Landscaping Inc. is a commercial residential landscape firm. Located St. Marys Ontario is looking for fun, hard working individuals to join our team.

Positions available include: • Business Controller • Landscape Foremans • Landscape Labourer • Landscape Designer • Junior Estimators • Maintenance Foreman Experience, expectations and compensation can be discussed upon contract. Resumes can be forwarded to susan@klomps.ca Questions: 519-284-0254

NURSERY STOCK FIRST NATURE NURSERY Looking For a Supplier of Native Cuts?

We do Dogwood, Willows and Poplars for live stakes and fencing.

Looking For a Supplier of Native Evergreens?

Ask about our quality supply of potted B&B and wirebasket material.

Looking For a Supplier of Decorative Branches?

Check out our bunches of Pussy Willow, Forsythia and other branches.

Call 905-973-3605 Email wayne@firstnaturenursery.com

INTERNATIONAL LANDSCAPING INC Outstanding full-time and seasonal opportunities are available for qualified people to join our well established and award-winning landscape design, construction, and maintenance company located in north Oakville. We are currently hiring for: Landscape Design Technician Requirements include: Working knowledge of all aspects of landscape design, including 1-3 years design experience. Proficiency in Dynascape Design & Colour, SketchUp, AUTOCAD and Apple computer programs an asset. College diploma or University Degree in landscape related field required. Demonstrated design ability and creativity. Able to follow direction and work independently. Working knowledge of plant material and hardscape materials.

Ability to work in a team environment. Excellent graphic and written skills.

Landscape Maintenance Foreperson Requirements include: a high degree of horticultural skill and knowledge, demonstrated supervisory and communication skills, ability to physically participate in day to day planting and maintenance, a demonstrated knowledge of trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals, knowledge of turf related practices. Ability to identify insects, diseases and weeds, and to recommend effective treatments. A positive, friendly manner to ensure excellence in customer service and employee morale. A valid driver’s license (D class an asset). Year round employment.

Landscape Maintenance Technician Requirements include: strong horticultural skills, experience in all aspects of property maintenance,valid driver’s license (class D an asset). Year round employment.

Seasonal Planting Technician Requirements include: Physical fitness, excellent work ethic, working on Saturdays, love of the outdoors and seasonal planting, creative & enthusiastic, ability to work independently. Year round employment.

Landscape Construction Technician Requirements include: Working knowledge of all aspects of landscape construction, including precast concrete pavers and walls, natural flagstone paving and walls, retaining wall construction, preparation of planting beds and installation of plant material, operation of skid steers, miniexcavators and loaders. Must have valid driver’s license (D class an asset). Carpentry skills an asset. Year round employment.

Compensation to commensurate with experience.

Start challenging yourself today in an environment that embraces diversity and rewards innovation.

While we appreciate all applications we receive, only those under consideration will be contacted.

Email your resume to: hr@intland.ca or fax to 905-876-0400 www.internationallandscaping.com WORK WITH AN INDUSTRY LEADER!

ADVERTISERS Bot Aggregates Ltd.

www.botaggregates.ca

877-898-2688

Page 10

Braun Nursery Ltd.

www.braungroup.com

800-246-6984

Page 14

Canadale Nurseries

www.canadale.com

519-631-1008

Page 9

www.connonnurseries.com

905-628-0112

Page 28

www.gro-bark.com

905-846-1515

Page 17

J. Lockwood Chrysler Ltd.

www.lockwoodchrysler.com

289-644-2250

Page 13

John Deere Corporate

www.lockwoodchrysler.com

289-644-2250

Page 2

www.kobesnurseries.com

905-263-8814

Page 19

www.landscapestore.ca

905-336-3369

Page 16

www.newroadsleasing.com

416-587-1021

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Connon Nurseries/NVK Holdings Inc. Gro-Bark (Ontario) Ltd.

Kobes Nurseries Inc. Legends Landscape Supply Inc. Newroads National Leasing Ontario Landscape Supply Potters Road Nursery Inc.

Featuring:

• Expert speakers • Professional training courses • Guided tours of Toronto’s best green infrastructure projects • Trade show featuring the most cutting edge products in green infrastructure

www.ontariolandscapesupply.com 905-389-2099 Page 11 www.pottersroadnursery.com

519-688-0437

Page 13

www.sipkensnurseries.com

866-843-0438

Page 20

Sipkens Nurseries Ltd. Stam Nurseries

www.stamnurseries.com 519-424-3350 Page 15

The Investment Guild Uxbridge Nurseries Ltd.

www.hortprotect.com

800-459-8990

Page 12

www.uxbridgenurseries.com

877-655-3379

Page 21

Eaton Chelsea - Toronto Ont.

August 25-26 2014

www.GreytoGreenConference.org

V. Kraus Nurseries Ltd. www.krausnurseries.com 905-689-4022 Page 17 Wilson’s Fresh Blueberries Inc.

www.wilsonsfreshblueberries.ca

705-799-0315

Page 15

Landscape Ontario Safety Tailgate Talks An updated resource for the green industry promoting workplace safety l

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AN INNOVATIVE AND EFFECTIVE MARKETING SOLUTION: CONTENT TO CONNECT WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS

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WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 27 Tailgate Talks quarter page ad for LO magazine.indd 1

2/25/2014 1:54:54 PM

28 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO MARCH 2014