October Landscape Trades 2014

October 2014 VOL. 36, NO. 8

landscapetrades.com

Wise old sayings, and the law Six rules for entrepreneurs Valuing design starts with the designer

DIVERSIFY to drive traffic New for 2015: NEVER ALONE ROSE Merchandising magic PORTFOLIO

GARDEN EXPO 2014

Products, presentations and fun at Canada’s retail event Preview on page 27

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Contents

PUBLISHER Lee Ann Knudsen CLP | lak@landscapeontario.com Editorial Director Sarah Willis | sarahw@landscapeontario.com Art Director Kim Burton | kburton@landscapeontario.com Editor Allan Dennis | adennis@landscapeontario.com Web editor Robert Ellidge | rob@landscapeontario.com Graphic Designer Mike Wasilewski | mikew@landscapeontario.com Accountant Joe Sabatino | joesabatino@landscapeontario.com Sales Manager, PUBLICATIONS Steve Moyer | stevemoyer@landscapeontario.com INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS REPRESENTATIVE Greg Sumsion | gsumsion@landscapeontario.com COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Angela Lindsay | alindsay@landscapeontario.com Advisory Committee Gerald Boot CLP, Paul Brydges, Laura Catalano, Hank Gelderman CHT, Marty Lamers, Jan Laurin, Bob Tubby CLP

OCTOBER 2014 VOL. 36, NO. 8

RETAIL READY Special issue looks at opportunities for garden retailers FEATURES

6 Give shoppers a reason to return Garden centres across Canada are branching out with new products and ideas to keep customers coming back.

BY HELEN LAMMERS-HELPS 10 Tips from travel and trade shows

A sneak peek at a master merchandiser’s presentation at Garden and Floral Expo.

Landscape Trades is published by Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 Phone: (905)875-1805 Email: comments@landscapetrades.com Fax: (905)875-0183 Web site: www.landscapetrades.com

BY PETER CANTLEY

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

14 Never Alone rose Newest cultivar from the CNLA hardy rose breeding program

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12 A new revenue stream for interior plantscapers

Offering Christmas décor on a commercial scale delights current clients, and attracts new business.

BY YVES RENAUD AND MARC PRUDHOMME

supports a worthy cause.

BY ROD McDONALD

18 ROAD TO SUCCESS Observations on qualities of successful entrepreneurs 22 LANDSCAPE DESIGN Don’t undervalue your design work

Copyright 2014. All rights are reserved. Material may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher.

Landscape Trades assumes no responsibility for, and does not endorse the contents of, any advertisements herein. All representations or warranties made are those of the advertiser and not the publication. Views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the association or its members, but are those of the writer concerned.

BY ROD McDONALD

BY AUDRIANA VANDERWERF CLD

24 LEGAL MATTERS Rules to live by, from a construction litigator

BY ROBERT KENNALEY

35 SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPING Help allergy sufferers breathe easier

BY PETER PRAKKE AND SEAN JAMES

38 MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS Paperless tools for field workers

BY MARK BRADLEY

DEPARTMENTS ISSN 0225-6398 PUBLICATIONS MAIL SALES AGREEMENT 40013519 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT LANDSCAPE TRADES MAGAZINE 7856 FIFTH LINE SOUTH, MILTON, ON L9T 2X8, CANADA

GREEN PENCIL INDUSTRY NEWS CNLA NEWS NEW PRODUCTS COMING EVENTS CLASSIFIEDS WHERE TO FIND IT

Celebrating 15 years with the garden and floral industry

4 40 44 46 48 49 50

LOexpo.ca

CANADA ’S FALL SHO W FOR GARDEN THE AND INDUST FLORAL RY

Design Matters In this issue:

EXPO SHOW PREVIEW OCTOBER 2014

Pages 27-34

SHOW PREVIEW Join us at Garden & Floral Expo and get hundreds of resources for design inspiration.

Wednesday, October 22 and Thursday, October 23, 2014

Toronto Congress Centre, North Building, Toronto, Ont. Canada Produced by

N IO AT TR GIS 014 RE , 2 D er 3 ils BIRctob deta RLY O for EA by e N ister insid O eg SeePREVIEW | EXPO 2014 LANDSCAPE TRADES VE RSPECIAL SA

| LANDSCAPE TRADES |

3

greenpencil

Spread the word: Dirt is the new Prozac

Need a new hook?

Fifteen, perhaps even as recently as 10 years ago, gardening was North America’s number one hobby. If you offered it, customers would come and buy it. At industry conferences, retail gurus spoke about developing an elevator speech to drill down the essence of your company, and focused on helping independents compete with the box stores and grocery chains, who also recognized the opportunity in selling live plants.

However, the generational change has brought time-strapped families, whose reliance on screens means gardening now doesn’t even crack

By Sarah Willis the top 10 list of favourite ways to spend free time. Today, retail consultants focus on promoting your store’s image, protecting your brand, and experiential marketing.

This summer at Cultivate ’14 (formerly the OFA Short Course), organizers brought in U.S. home and garden media personality P. Allen Smith, whose task was to shed some light on getting your message heard above the clamour and clutter of digital noise.

Smith is well positioned to offer advice, as he reaches millions of Americans through media encompassing books, television shows, YouTube videos, lifestyle products, event planning and landscape design.

Not only is the media landscape fractured, but the market is more segmented than it’s ever been, due

4 | OCTOBER 2014 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

again in part to the digital age. From the Greatest Generation, through Boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials and Generation Z (a.k.a. the Boomlets), each group has different purchasing patterns and must be marketed to (or with) accordingly.

Smith drilled it down to one thought: that no matter how individual companies do it, we can all communicate a similar message across the landscape of media platforms for the most impact. “As an industry we have an opportunity to create a collective audience.” His idea is that everyone in the green trades should position their products as necessities, not luxuries. In Canada, we’re ahead of P. Allen Smith; the Green for Life brand was created to do just that.

“The consumer is being seduced by lots of other pursuits — we need to get in there and claim it.”

Whether directly or surreptitiously, Smith promotes the idea of gardening to find your bliss, noting that gardens bring beauty into lives, improve the quality of lives and allow people to share the bounty and benefits of their garden with others.

And, while I wish I’d come up with the topical twist on the ‘X is the new Y’ pronouncement in the headline above, I heard it from Smith first. However, in this case, it’s not just a clever pop culture reference, it’s true. Science has shown that inhaling a mycobacterium occurring naturally in the soil, can actually lift your spirits. You can Google it, or take my word, breathe deeply, and find your bliss.

LT

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Bushey Landscape & Garden Center –East Wallingford, VT • Countryside Gardens – Hampton, VA • Earthganic Greenhouse – Wytheville, VA • Greenworks Nursery – Chantilly, VA • Meadows Farms Nurseries – Annandale, VA • Meadows Farms Nurseries – Charlottesville, VA • Meadows Farms Nurseries – Chantilly, VA • Meadows Farms Nurseries – Culpeper, VA • Meadows Farms Nurseries –Fredricksburg, VA • Meadows Farms Nurseries – Great Falls, VA • Meadows Farms Nurseries – Leesburg, VA • Meadows Farms Nurseries – Manassas, VA • Meadows Farms Nurseries – Fredericksburg, VA • Meadows Farms Nurseries – Herndon, VA • Meadows Farms Nurseries – Falls Church, VA • Meadows Farms Nurseries – Stafford, VA • Meadows Farms Nurseries –Warrenton, VA • Meadows Farms Nurseries – Winchester, VA • Meadows Farms Nurseries – Woodbridge, VA • Moneta Farm & Home Center – Moneta, VA • Shenandoah Valley Landscaping – Verona, VA • White’s Garden Center – Chesapeake, VA • Macs Garden Center – Pasco, WA • McAuliffe Valley Nursery – Snohomish, WA • Ritter’s Garden & Gift – Spokane, WA • Colonial Nursery – Ladysmith, WI • Garden Mart – Mukwonago, WI • Ivy Trails Garden Center – Green Bay, WI • Moraine Gardens – Plymouth, WI • Restoration Gardens – Kohler, WI • Winter Greenhouse – Winter, WI • Meadows Farms Nurseries – Harpers Ferry, WV • Scots Landscape – Vienna, WV • Canada – The Big Greenhouse – Spruce Grove, AB • Kayben Farms – Okotoks, AB • Lougheed Gift & Garden – Lougheed, AB • Minter Country Gardens – Chilliwack, BC • Mother Nature Garden Center – Powell River, BC • John’s Garden Center – Riverview, NB • Dean’s Greenhouses & Flower Shop – Botwood, NL • Glendale Nurseries – Mount Pearl, NL • Hickey’s Greenhouse & Nursery – Dunville, NL • Hickey’s Greenhouse & Nursery – Kelligrews, NL • O’Neill’s Gardenland – Spaniards Bay, NL • Pat’s Plants & Gardens – Bay Bulls, NL • Shand Nurseries – Pouch Cove, NL • Down to Earth Landscaping – Wolfville, NS • Doyle’s Farm Market & Greenhouses – Kentville, NS • Oceanview Garden Center & Landscaping – Chester, NS • Burley’s Gardens – Peterborough, ON • Canadale Nurseries – St. Thomas, ON • Coles’ Garden Centre – Grimsby, ON • Cottage Gardens – Norwich, ON • DeGroot’s Nurseries – Sarnia, ON • Dwight Garden Centre – Dwight, ON • Fern Forest Gardens – Washago, ON • Glass House Nursery – Chatham, ON • IVCO Tree Farms Nursery & Garden Centre – Tilbury, ON • Hollandale Landscaping & Garden Centre – Trenton, ON • Laporte’s Garden – North Bay, ON • Masfrankc Garden Centre – Lucan, ON • Tom’s Eldon Landscaping – Stratford, ON

Garden centres diversify

BY HELEN LAMMERS-HELPS

We couldn’t make it if we depended only on gardening to bring people in,” says Deborah Sirman, co-owner of Greenland Garden Centre in Sherwood Park, Alta. That’s a sentiment shared by many of the country’s garden centres, which are getting creative when it comes to diversifying.

Here’s a sampling of some of the exciting ways garden centres are attracting customers year-round. hen looking to extend the season, selling real Christmas trees is an obvious place to start. However, many garden centres are leveraging the demand for “all things Christmas” by selling artificial trees, Christmas decorations and tree ornaments. “We sell high quality artificial trees that aren’t available at the big-box stores,” explains Ellen Moore, co-owner of Meadow Acres Garden Centre near Kitchener, Ont., which also carries a large selection of

Meadow Acres displays its trees beside a very special seasonal attraction — live reindeer!

6 | OCTOBER 2014 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

Christmas decorations. “We pride ourselves on the quality of our Christmas trees,” she says.

Sirman takes a similar approach. “We sell to churches and malls but also homeowners looking for good-quality, artificial trees,” she explains. Greenland has evolved to become a Christmas destination, with 50 themed trees on display. “November is our third-busiest month of the year now,” she says.

Several garden centre owners report that interest in

Classes to create decorative urns and wreaths are a great way to draw customers to your garden centre.

Children and parents alike, anxiously wait for their chance to visit with Santa at Meadow Acres Garden Centre, Kitchener, Ont.

GreenWay Blooming Centre offers group tours to students, seniors and garden clubs. Its butterfly conservatory (right) and butterfly-shaped gardens offers visitors something quite unique.

decorating with fresh greens at Christmas has soared in the past few years. Demand for fresh greens has quadrupled at Greenland Garden Centre, where they offer classes for decorating with fresh greens.

Moore has seen a similar upswing in demand for fresh greens. Custom urns filled with fresh greens are especially popular, she says.

Several garden centres have found offering classes is a great way to attract new customers. These classes cover everything from making wreaths with fresh greens to growing your own sprouts to cooking with herbs. The key to successful classes is to have a good instructor, one who is both knowledgeable and entertaining, says Sirman.

Classes bring in new people while giving the regular customers a reason to come back, adds Susan Mosher, co-owner of Oceanview Garden Centre near Halifax, who finds that free workshops translate into higher sales than those with fees.

Kees Kennema, co-owner of GreenWay Blooming Centre, located between Kitchener and Guelph in Ontario, has made school and group tours for seniors and gardening clubs a major part of his business. “We give talks about farming and gardening. For school tours, we try to tailor it to the curriculum,” he says. And while the children don’t buy directly, they will tell their parents about their visit, he says.

In addition to the garden centre, GreenWay Blooming Centre has a butterfly con-

servatory with tropical butterflies as well as an outdoor butterfly-shaped garden.

Park benches allow visitors to sit outside and watch the butterflies and hummingbirds, which are attracted to many plants in the garden. There are also farm animals including donkeys, sheep, ducks and rabbits on site. “We want to be a garden destination,” explains Kennema. “It is critical to offer something the big-box stores don’t offer,” he says.

THE DRAW OF GARDENS Greenland Garden Centre also has an outdoor garden where people are able to see the plants they are thinking about buying.

With a water feature and winding paths, the botanical garden is an inviting place.

“People come to have picnics or take their wedding pictures in the garden,” says Sirman. There is no cost to tour the gardens; Sirman recently started offering classes in it.

Greenland Garden Centre also creates an indoor garden in one of its empty greenhouses each winter. Dubbed “Escape Winter,” Greenland fills the greenhouse with plants from places like California.

Each year there is a different theme, such as Japanese or English Cottage. There is no charge to visit the indoor garden, but Sirman says it gets people out to see the new products that are for sale.

The indoor garden has also been a draw for a café, which overlooks the garden.

After operating the café for several years,

Greenland replaced it with a full-service restaurant this past year. “In Europe every garden centre has a restaurant,” says Sirman, who stresses the importance of creating an appealing atmosphere. “This restaurant has been two years in the planning,” she says.

Jackie Bezanson, retail manager at Blomidon Nurseries, says they had been thinking about adding a restaurant for ten years. When a storm damaged one of their greenhouses three years ago, Blomidon included space for a café in a new building. Located just off the highway between Wolfville and New Minas in Nova Scotia, the café is a popular destination for highway traffic.

With half of their customers travelling long distances, it also helps make the nursery a destination, adds Bezanson.

The café also provides the food for business meetings and birthday parties held in a meeting room, which was added when they made plans for the new building.

EVENTS BUILD TRAFFIC Many garden centres have turned to holding special events to make full use of their facilities and draw more customers. GreenWay Blooming Centre has hosted artists’ exhibitions, birds of prey demonstrations and antique car shows. “Each one brings in a different segment of the population,” explains Kennema. “What’s important is that people know where we are.”

When the roses are at their peak, OCTOBER 2014 | LANDSCAPE TRADES |

7

Greenland’s full-service restaurant overlooks the indoor garden and offers visitors a chance to relax while shopping.

Blomidon Nurseries hosts a Customer Appreciation Wine and Roses event, inviting local wineries to participate.

Each November, Oceanview Garden Centre hosts a Ladies Night where women can taste the gourmet foods they sell. “Each participant gets a free coupon which promotes sales,” says Mosher.

Terra Greenhouses in Milton, Ont., has used its empty greenhouse to host a weekly Farmers Market for the past couple of winters. About 40 vendors selling beef, poultry, eggs, cheese, crafts, apples and baked goods participate, says Bill Bown, marketing manager. “We feel it’s our responsibility to promote local and sustainable … it’s a service to our loyal customers.”

Last year Greenland Garden Centre held its first Pooch Parade. Using an empty green-

Oceanview Garden Centre hosts special events to draw customers to its store, while supporting charities.

8 | OCTOBER 2014 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

house decorated with hay bales, pet owners were invited to bring their dogs dressed in Halloween costumes. Sixty people, plus their dogs, came out for the event with proceeds donated to an animal rescue charity. “People had a lot of fun and took a lot of pictures,” says Sirman. “Don’t be afraid to try new things,” she adds.

MERCHANDISE WITHOUT LIMITS Many garden centres have expanded the types of merchandise they sell to include jewelry, fashions, home and garden décor, pet supplies and kitchen ware. “Home and garden décor have been very substantial for the past ten years,” says Moore. “There’s a cross-over between home and garden.”

About four years ago they began dabbling in fashions, adds Moore. “We started by selling Croc shoes, jewelry, hats and pashminas, then a couple of years ago we made a conscious decision to devote more space and time to fashion,” she explains. “Our customer range is the 30- to 65-year-old woman, so it’s a natural fit.”

About 10 years ago, Mosher began selling giftware and added jewelry, home décor, bath products, kitchen gadgets and cookware over the years. When it comes to expanding into other retail products, it can be tricky to carry the right stuff. “I look for things the chain stores don’t carry and I keep track of what my customers are asking for,” says Mosher. “And I try to have a price point for everyone,” she adds.

Staying on top of trends is essential, says Meadow Acres Garden Centre co-owner, Charles Schachinger. “You need to know when to get in and out,” he says. Schachinger attributes their success to membership in a garden centre buying group. “As one of 40 members, it keeps independent places like us on the leading edge. It’s a valuable informa-

tion network and it gives us the best pricing available,” he says.

STAY ALERT FOR TRENDS​ Bezanson agrees that you need to keep up with trends. “I read magazines, travel to trade shows in Toronto and Atlanta, and pay attention to what people are asking for,” she says.

Sirman gets ideas by checking the websites of other garden centres, and visiting garden centres when she travels. “Other garden centres aren’t my competition,” she says.

“It’s the big-box stores.”

Sirman will promote other independent garden centres during her three-hour weekly Sunday morning gardening radio show.

With 250,000 listeners, the show is a great way to promote their business. Sirman was approached to host the show when the previous host retired. She takes turns hosting with five other staff members so it doesn’t become too onerous.

Sirman has also found social media to be a powerful form of advertising. She points to one three-minute YouTube video on their company web site as an example. The video of Sirman giving Christmas tree decorating tips has had more than 300,000 views.

“Don’t underestimate the power of social media,” she says.

From operating restaurants, teaching classes, selling fashions or hosting a Pooch Parade, many garden centres are finding creative ways to attract more customers and LT generate more revenue.

Helen Lammers-Helps is a freelance writer based in Ontario. She reports on topics related to business, agriculture, horticulture, the environment and parenting.

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Tracking trends around the globe

30 years of travel and trade fairs Peter Cantley has been in the floral and garden business for more than 45 years, the past 30 as a floral and garden VP at Loblaws. With his team, he has visited floral and garden retailers across Canada and the globe, gathering ideas and developing exclusive products to draw customers into Loblaw stores.

In a special presentation at Garden and Floral Expo, Cantley will give a retailfocused look at trends and products from around the world, and how you can use them to grow your business. He provided Landscape Trades with a sneak preview of some images that will give your company a competitive edge.

Looking for creative and attractive ways to display cut flowers? This garden centre in Holland set their buckets of fresh-cut flowers in wicker baskets. A great effect, and easy to replicate.

Reinventing the poinsettia?

This display at IPM Essen was by Suntory, looking to expand poinsettia sales beyond Christmas with its compact pink and white Princettia.

This garden centre in Holland really knows how to merchandise. The displays command attention and draw customers in. The shelving units offer an up-scale look, and are fully adjustable.

10 | OCTOBER 2014 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

You can’t beat the drama created by the large photo backdrop and the two statues at the entrance of this display. It really draws you in, and can be recreated on a smaller scale.

From the IPM Essen show in Germany — one of the largest garden shows in the world. New varieties of Calandiva were featured, but the packaging really made these stand out. Simple. Effective.

Vegetables are incredibly hot; new varieties were all the rage at the Spring Trials in California earlier this year.

This display really focuses on drawing attention to what’s new — which keeps your customers coming back!

Talk about a WOW display! These mum “mountains” really made a statement at Spring Trials in California this year.

We loved the tone-on-tone merchandising of this display at IPM Essen. Very creative and eye catching.

DRIVING SEASONAL SALES: WINNING STRATEGIES FOR GARDEN and FLORAL RETAILING Garden and Floral Expo Thursday, Oct. 23, 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Presented by Peter Cantley

Peter Cantley visits floral and garden retailers across Canada and around the globe, and he will share examples from his many years of in-store success in this retail-driven session. Cantley oversaw Loblaw’s indoor floral and outdoor garden centre business across Canada. He also developed unique floral and garden centre products and programs across the country. Although retired, Cantley continues to consult with Loblaw. Hosted by Landscape Ontario’s Garden Centre Sector Group. Register for this ticketed lunch event at loexpo.com.

OCTOBER 2014 | LANDSCAPE TRADES |

11

A new revenue stream for interior plantscapers

Christmas décor

BY YVES RENAUD AND MARC PRUDHOMME

hat does an indoor landscaping company do in late summer? At Planterra, we have found the recipe: Christmas décor!

Planterra, based in Dorval, Que., keeps busy to maximize profitability, by offering additional products and services to not only keep long-term clients, but attract new ones.

With the goal of creating festive environments that are pleasing to our clients' employees, customers and visitors, Planterra's Christmas and thematic display department proposes unique holiday decorating to fit the corporate image from budget to design, installation, take-down and storage.

A beautiful example of this is the interior of the BMO large heritage bank building in Montreal. The challenge: Meet customer expectations, comply with the budget, incorporate architectural columns as support for the decorations, ensure a problem-free and safe installation, work within a tight timeline outside working hours, and to create a wow effect.

Together with the client, we developed 12 | OCTOBER 2014 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

a budget and presented three visual design concepts to enhance the interior architecture of the building. Once the theme was chosen, the challenging installation logistics were further developed.

Our technical team demonstrated all their know-how in the planning stages to overcome the physical constraints of the facility, time limitation and the various difficulties of ac-

cess to the site (gates, architectural elements, furniture and countertops) with equipment, platforms and hydraulic lifts. In phase two, the visual presentation team worked diligently to bring the magic alive. Despite the fatigue of working long hours, the outcome was a jaw-dropping success as evidenced in LT the picture above.

Join Planterra’s Yves Renaud and Marc Prudhomme for lunch at Garden Expo:

HOLIDAYSCAPING:THE REVENUE STREAM YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT Wed., Oct. 22 from 12 noon - 2:00 p.m.

Toronto Congress Centre, North Building, Room 1020 Yves and Marc will walk you through their commercial Christmas decor services including thematic décor, interior plantscapes and green walls. Increase client retention by offering new products and services, learn what type of clients are purchasing the services, how to grow sales and how you can keep your staff year round.

Hosted by Landscape Ontario’s Interior Plantscape Sector Group This is a ticketed event, please register at loexpo.com.

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CANADIAN INTRODUCTION:

Never Alone ROSE

T

BY ROD McDONALD

here is the famous line that is often quoted that reads, “that which we call a rose by any another name would smell as sweet.” We say it. We hear others say it, but it was Juliet who said it first, or so writes the Bard. I am coming to this literary party a bit late, but I may be quoted as saying, “this rose is a good one.”

While I am not as eloquent as Shakespeare, it will suffice.

This year, the people of the green trades have a new rose to show off, and it is a winner. The Never Alone rose will be introduced to the public at the 2014 Grey Cup game, and be available for purchase the following spring at participating garden centres.

To begin with, how nice is this rose and what does it look like? Fortunately, we have photos worth a thousand words in this article, but the words that are often used to describe this rose, besides beautiful and a real winner, include: hardy, dwarf, and disease resistant. The foliage is a dark green and I can attest to that as one is growing in my back garden. It is a prolific bloomer, especially when you remove the spent blooms, and it has a twotone bloom with red and white as its primary colours.

Readers from the trade will remember that in 2011, the Canadian Government stopped funding the national rose breeding program that so many researchers had dedicated their lives to develop. There was an imminent danger that 70 years of research would be lost, until the Growers Group of the Canadian National Landscape Association (CNLA) stepped in and moved the breeding stock close to Portage, Man., then the genetics were transferred to the Vineland Centre for Research and Innovation.

14 | OCTOBER 2014 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

If memory serves me correctly, they moved over 10,000 plants, and began the process of selecting some great roses for us to sell. While the roses are currently bred in southern Ontario, they are tested and trialed across the country.

Never Alone was one of those plants and it has survived for three years in southern Manitoba. It is safe to rate it as a Zone 2b rose. A partnership was formed with The Never Alone Foundation, a group that I had not heard of until I was introduced to this rose.

This group was founded by Lyle Bauer, as he believed that many cancer patients experience the disease by themselves. Most of us receive support from our families and friends when we are not well, but there are those who do not. As well, The Never Alone Foundation has members who can relate and comfort patients in their journey from doctor to hospital or hospice, and if they are lucky, back home again.

Never stop caring Years ago, one of my closest friends, Larry Mathieu, was diagnosed with cancer of the liver and given six months to live. I told him, “I can be your friend through this, but not your cancer friend because I am out of my league. I do know someone and I will make that phone call.” I called up another friend, Charlie McCud-

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Bright red blossoms on a hardy rose are sure to make this a new favourite.

den, who had been struggling with cancer for years, and asked him to look after Larry. He did and he did so in a way that I could not.

Just before Larry’s death, he told me that the best thing I ever did for him, as a friend, was to introduce him to Charlie. That, in essence, is why Lyle started the society. He did not want to see anyone having to suffer alone. I asked Lyle about his experiences and his reply is heartfelt: “I have spent countless hours at the bedsides of people who have lost their battle and the consistent message of their last words is 'don't ever stop fighting and caring.' That is what drives me because I am one of the lucky ones and I know it. Not a day goes by that I don't think of them, thank them, and cherish the passing time we had. One thing about cancer and any other cruel disease is that it makes people real.”

Lyle also mentioned that he wants to see cancer changed to an aliment rather than a terminal disease. I agree with that sentiment.

There are several diseases that, when I was a child, were considered terminal and today, they can be cured, if that is the right word.

Never Alone rose is a beautiful, hardy and disease resistant rose, with dark green foliage. It is a prolific bloomer, with two-tone red and white blossoms.

The CFL Players’ Alumni has been involved with this rose and are willing to carry out some of the promotion so as to benefit The Never Alone Foundation. 10 former CFL players will be available in each team’s market for events at garden centres to help promote sales of this special rose. Once again, Canadians rally to help each other.

That is our way.

Perfect for patio pots The dark green foliage provides a rich and dark background for the red blossom.

The Never Alone rose is a true dwarf and it is very suitable for growing in a container as a patio rose. I did so this summer and with very good results. There are a number of growers who will be offering this rose at wholesale to the retail garden centre trade. The trade will be promoting and selling it to the public. Preliminary tests indicate that the public is quite interested in the rose and many have even offered to pay more than the retail price if they are given a tax receipt. I was surprised when I heard that story but it certainly made me proud to be Canadian. Visit cnla-acpp.ca/neveralone for a list of growers.

Check this rose out. The CNLA, the Never Alone Foundation and the CFL Alumni are all involved. All that is required to ensure the LT success of Never Alone is you, the retailer. It will sell.

Rod McDonald owned and operated Lakeview Gardens, a successful garden centre/landscape firm in Regina, Sask., for 28 years. He now works full-time in the world of fine arts, writing, acting and producing in film, television and stage.

By removing the spent flowers, Never Alone rose will be a prolific bloomer.

16 | OCTOBER 2014 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

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roadtosuccess

How to be an

entrepreneur It was a beautiful spring day.

There was no wind, the sun was in its glory and better yet, my garden centre was packed with customers. They were buying their plants and sundries. I was at the front, ensuring that everything ran smoothly. We were in top gear. It was humming.

A customer, in his forties, made a purchase of a heavy order. I had four students who were assigned to carry customer purchases to their cars. All were busy. I stepped in to carry his purchase. It was something we did. On the way to his car, the customer cracks, “This place is nothing more than a licence to print money.”

An interesting comment and it made me wonder — where was this fellow on the May long weekend when it snowed? I had 26 staffers on duty, waiting to serve the onslaught. I had six customers. If we were going to be robbed, I preferred it to be that day.

No one made references during the snow, to ‘a licence to print money.’ Also, there was no ‘licence’ reference the days when we would get out the bleach and disinfect the greenhouse or the day in March when it was so cold that all fourteen furnaces were running nonstop. Nope. No smart-ass remarks about owning ‘a licence to print money’ then.

I would write, with optimism, that eventually you get a thick skin and those comments don’t bother you, but I would be lying about my own experience. I didn’t care for those comments then and I don’t care for them now. Those cracks got to me, and one day I snapped at a fellow who made a similar remark, “If this business is indeed a licence to print money, then why have so many gone bankrupt? Why are there so few of us independents left, if all we have to do is to open our doors and put some plants on our benches?” Not the finest example of how to handle customers, but (insert sigh) I had had my fill.

18 | OCTOBER 2014 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

Here is how to be an entrepreneur, how to be successful and how not to become one of those bankruptcy statistics. I know that my introductions are legendary for being a bit long. Thank you; I have a wife who reminds me of this habit.

First, you have to have a passion for this business. If you don’t have a passion for this business, then find one that you do have a passion for. Life is much too short to spend 60-70 hours a week at a job if it is not where you want to be.

Second, have a plan. Those who fail, and there are many, are usually missing one item and that is their plan for success. I really dislike including the U.S. Marine cliché that, “No one plans to fail, but they do fail to plan.” I detest that cliché because it is, so often, improperly used. The reality is that when a person is struggling with a business and they come to me for advice, I ask them to show me their business plan and their mission statement. Two things. Both requests are met with a blank stare. The point is made.

STORY TIME: I was out for a bike ride and stopped at a downtown coffee house. They had an outside seating area with a long bench. It was a lovely Sunday afternoon and I took my coffee to the outside bench. Two others shared the bench with me.

One fellow asked the second one, “What do you do?” The second fellow explained that he was from Toronto, in town for the week, for a television shoot. The first fellow claimed to have written a television script. The second fellow handled this situation quite well. He suggests that he would

BY ROD McDONALD

like to read that script. Then the first fellow back tracks and says that it is just a series of notes and not ready to be read. “Uh huh,” grunts the Toronto man. A long pause occurs, then this is offered, “It is more of an idea for a show that I have in my head than an actual script.” That statement was the closest to the truth that he would get.

I tell that story, often, to demonstrate that there are those among us who say they have a script, but in reality they have nothing written down. Therefore, they have no script, only an idea.

Or so they say.

My mentor would say to me, “A plan is not a plan until it is written down. Until then, it is only daydreaming or thinking out loud, at best.” Those are true words. God bless him.

Third, be organized. There are business owners who actually have a crew of people arrive for work in the morning and the owner does not have a plan. This is called wasting money and time. I maintain that being organized makes you money. I am the first to admit that plans, including mine, change. They do not always work out. Better to have a plan and to change it as need be, than to have no plan at all. None of us can foresee the need to repair an overflowing toilet or an unexpected truck that shows up at the back gate, but most days, the plan is followed and it works.

Fourth, be willing to change. Again, be willing to change, especially your opinions.

Most entrepreneurs are strong willed and opinionated. That is a given. But there must be a degree of flexibility, or else you will continue along the wrong path only because that was the one chosen by you. Sometimes, you have to change your path because the

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roadtosuccess evidence suggests (and you may gasp) that you are wrong.

I ran a small ad in our local newspaper. It was a coupon for ‘buy one bedding plant pak at regular price and get the second one for free.’ There was a limit of one per customer. I wanted to offer something special but not to give away the store. After two days, I counted the coupons and we were at the 200 mark.

This proved that I was on the right track and I was so damned proud of myself.

I was having lunch in the break room with two cashiers and I bragged of our success (translation: see how brilliant I truly am) and both cashiers, who were experienced, glared at me. “What? What?” They explained to me that most of those two hundred people had been ‘trouble.’ Most insisted that the limit of one per person did not apply to them as they wanted to buy one for, “my daughter, my neighbour and my friend.” The cashiers explained to me that while they were arguing with this ‘coupon person,’ one of our regulars had a $200 order in her cart and she was watching this entire debacle. They went on to explain that of the 200 coupons, perhaps only five had been redeemed by regular shoppers, the rest had been turned in by “people we have never seen before and we will never see again, unless we are giving away something else.” I never ran a coupon like that again. I was wrong.

Fifth, learn to make decisions and do so quickly. Malcolm Gladwell’s book Blink is an excellent read for entrepreneurs. It offers the premise that most people know in a blink if something is real or if it is false. They don’t

20 | OCTOBER 2014 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

have to think about it. Sometimes, thinking too long about anything, gets us into trouble. We are not bureaucrats. We are entrepreneurs. We make decisions!

How many times have I pondered a decision and my time spent was greater than had I decided when asked? Decisions that cost you five dollars should not be delayed. There are some decisions that are best delayed as the consequences are so severe, but those are not the bulk of the decisions that you or I are required to make.

A customer phoned me up and said she had been in our store, bought some petunias, and that we had shorted her. I asked, “How many petunias do we owe you?” Her answer was “nine.” I told her to come over after work and she could pick up two six paks of petunias; she could have the three extra for her trouble. Her comment was, “That was quick.”

I thought to myself, “I am running a company. I don’t have time to argue with you about something that involves four bucks.”

Sixth, take advice from those who are best fit to offer such advice. All of us need advice, from time to time, on a variety of issues. I get that. I still seek out opinions and knowledge from others. You should, too. Keep in mind, my adage is that if you wish to find out how many of your friends and family are experts on running a small business, then just open one. I had a family member, who worked for the government, tell me how to run my business. I never had any shortage of advice givers, most of who had absolutely, and I write the word absolutely with confidence, no foundation on which to base their advice or

opinions. The late Bud Boughen, of Boughen Nurseries in Manitoba, was someone I turned to, back in the Eighties, for good advice. Bud always treated me decently but he could be as cranky as I can be, with people who cross boundaries. Someone would tell him “you should...” He would turn to those wannabe advice givers and ask, “What is the name of your garden centre or nursery?”

I had one man who told me that I would double my sales if only I cut my prices in half.

I asked him, “Seeing as I make around ten per cent for myself, after everything is said and done, if I were to cut my prices in half, I would lose forty per cent on every sale. If that occurs, wouldn’t I want to sell less rather than more?” He told me, “You don’t understand anything about business.” Apparently not.

I am out of space, but there is more in the months to come. There is enough here to either stimulate you into action or to cause you to say, “He’s wrong about that.” It’s okay.

I have been in retail for 38 years. I have been told I was wrong before, and you will not be the first. Of course, I will take it personally.

I always do.

There are rules for entrepreneurs. Follow them and that is how you stay on the Road LT to Success.

Rod McDonald owned and operated Lakeview Gardens, a successful garden centre/ landscape firm in Regina, Sask., for 28 years. He now works full-time in the world of fine arts, writing, acting and producing in film, television and stage.

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landscapedesigner’snotebook

Mind over matter:

Indecisive clients can be costly In the spring of 1992, I was handed a cheque for $150. This brought much glee and anticipation of the future, as it was the first time I was paid for a master plan as a professional Landscape Designer. Indeed, this payment ensued a shift in industry, and the public’s perception of the value of a design. The talented landscape business owners in the generation before me used their creative designs as a way to sell the installation only, forgetting that half the talent was just given away on that paper napkin they sketched on.

Now, over 20 years later, the starting rate of master concept plans by Certified Landscape Designers or Landscape Architects ranges from $700-2,000 and up. Charging fees once associated with white collar professionals, such as lawyers and accountants, we are right to bill for the use of our education, imagination, and time. Through the years, the public’s awareness of the value of the design stage of landscaping has accelerated, and it’s not only the affluent who hire us anymore. Busy people with a passion for the environment, do-it-yourselfers who thrive on gardening but haven’t the vision to begin, and even condo-dwellers looking for the biggest impact in their small spaces, have called on the services of landscape designers.

22 | OCTOBER 2014 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

BY AUDRIANA VANDERWERF CLD

Our clients understand there is a value in doing it right the first time, although sometimes they still think our expertise should be free. Even recently, I was asked if the consultation fee (less than $200) included the labour to install!

DO ONE THING AND DO IT WELL It is assumed that by now, most professional landscape designers have a contract and system in place for payment on designs.

Whether it is a template you adapt to each commission or a handwritten promise from your client, clear written communication of your fees with signatures is the only way to begin a drawing.

“Get it in writing,” says Ellen Ruddick CLD of Price Landscaping Services in Lutes Mountain, N.B. “We developed a signed contract form that we use for every design project so that the customer is clear on what to expect, and we have a commitment from them that they agree to pay for the design work. Since doing that we have no more hassles in getting paid.”

Your fee schedule may include your hourly rate (if applicable) or flat rate for master plan; and rates for detail drawings, grading, drainage and planting plans. It may also include mileage rates, telecommunica-

tion rates, and hourly rates for any or all of a project’s management. However, how many of you have included a clause for revisions?

Imagine you and your new clients are on the same page with drawing fees. You have completed it all and can’t wait to show them their dreams come true on paper. You spent a few extra hours on it than your billing states, but it’ll look great and you already found the perfect installer. But wait, their dreams changed. They decided the hot tub and cabana can wait and a vegetable garden with small ornamental pond more suits their immediate needs. Now what?

A STRATEGY THAT WORKS Kari Renaud CLD of LilyDesign, Vancouver, B.C., has covered that base: “I have a design estimate which lists each phase of the design, the deliverables and the costs associated,” she says. “Phase 1 is always the concept plan and gives a price … It includes one revision and states that.”

For me, it was trial and error to see which revision schedule fit my clients best. At first it was a blanket “One set of revisions is no charge.” This means that if the clients sit with the design for the weekend and send me a list of small changes all at once, no charge. This worked just fine for many years.

However, I have since added the phrase “for up to three hours.” It reminds the clients to ensure they’ve expressed everything to me, and drives the point home that the qualified revisions are not for “mind changing,” but more for minor adjustments. Another tip: ensure all decision making partners are at the initial consultation. This alone can save hours of changes.

At the other end of the scale, a prominent landscaper in New York tolerates no revisions at all. It is his stance that it is up to the client to disclose all their wishes and leave the rest to him. After all, isn’t that why they hired us?

Ron Koudys is a landscape architect in

with other industry members. Through vehicles like industry magazines, websites and chapter meetings, we converge and share our experiences, secrets and tips, so that when we speak with clients and place value LT on our service, we are united.

London, Ont. During his presentation at the Landscape Designer’s Conference in 2009, he emphasized: “A key issue is that we are selling time — not projects. You determine how much time you have to sell, and how much you want to charge for it.” Interesting perspective! And especially relevant for all of our time spent after the concept plan is done. For many of us, this block of time can be more than 50 per cent of the entire project.

Communication with the client is always at the forefront of running a successful landscape design business, whether it is independent or part of a design/build enterprise.

Placing a close second, is communication

Audriana VanderWerf CLD has designed landscapes in Ontario and B.C. Her specialty is combining function with beauty, using as many resources inherent to the property as possible.

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prolandscape.com | sales@prolandscape.com | 800-231-8574

OCTOBER 2014 | LANDSCAPE TRADES |

23

legalmatters

Maxims and axioms from a construction litigator In construction, there are a number of things we hear on the job site — little maxims, definitions or shots that tell a bigger story and convey rules to live by to maximize productivity and minimize cost. From ‘measure twice, cut once,’ to ‘make-work projects,’ to ‘if you can’t find the time to do it right, you won’t have the time to do it again,’ to comments about the poor dog, we’ve all heard, if not uttered, these and many more such phrases.

This month, I’ll throw out a few such maxims and axioms that we in the construction litigation world use to convey messages and rules of thumb, for what they might be worth!

REMEMBER THE FISH An old-school country lawyer is preparing his client for trial, in his office adorned with the trophies of his favorite pastimes — hunting and fishing. At one point, he points to the wall and asks his client, “If that fish could talk, do you know what he’d say? I wish I’d kept my mouth shut!”

There is a lot to be learned from that phrase. In the construction industry, we need to be careful about what we commit to in writing or allow to be minuted at meetings. We should write our correspondence as if a judge might read it one day. This is particularly true when we want to tell someone 24 | OCTOBER 2014 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

what we really think about them, or an issue.

Even internal correspondence is fair game: most of what you write internally will have to be produced in the event of litigation. All of your opinions, and views of life, will accordingly be there to be evaluated. Remember the fish!

It doesn’t matter who is right: What matters is who has the best evidence Keep this one in mind all throughout a project. The saying has the same moral as the one about finding time to do it right in the first place. If there are changes in the work, document them when they are fresh in your mind. If contractual approvals are required, get them. If notices are required, give them. If you think you might have to prove costs, keep detailed records sufficient to show a stranger, ie. a judge, that you incurred these costs doing the specific task you say was required. If backup to the costs are required (timesheets, supplier invoices, lead letters on hourly rates, costing guides, etc.) compile them at the time, so you don’t have to recreate them later. Move all emails into project-specific folders every week or so, so you (and everyone else in your company who touched the job) don’t have to do it later, when they might not even remember what job an email relates to. In other words, keep good evidence!

BY ROBERT KENNALEY

REMEMBER WHAT “SUE” STANDS FOR We should remember, if we want to sue the other side, what ‘sue’ stands for: Slow; Uncertain; Expensive. There is no question that the wheels of justice turn slowly. An average construction claim will take two or three years to litigate; many take a lot longer.

There are simply too many steps required, and too few resources available in the system, to get most litigation proceedings to trial quickly. The problem is exacerbated in construction, where disputes are often very document-intensive.

Litigation is uncertain, because there are always two sides to every story and because the result will depend on who you get for a judge and on how the various witnesses perform. It is certainly wise, if you think you have a slam-dunk and don’t know why the other side doesn’t just give up, to do your best to see it from their point of view. This will help in risk assessment. It should also be understood that winning might only be the starting point. In many cases, collecting on a judgment might be the biggest challenge to recovery.

Litigation is also expensive (though you probably didn’t need to be told that).

Lawyers who know what they are doing charge handsomely for their expertise.

Also, because construction litigation can be document-intensive and complicated,

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legalmatters many, many hours will have to go into the process. In addition, our litigation system is not set up to make the winning party whole. The winning parties will only collect a portion of their legal fees, if successful. Depending on the jurisdiction they are in and what offers to settle were made, successful parties will ‘eat’ between

15-50 per cent of their costs. In addition, you will never get compensated for your time, or the time of your employees, in preparing for and participating in the litigation. This, of course, can result in hours, and hours, of time. All of this should be taken into consideration in deciding on a settlement position.

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REMEMBER THE OLD BULL There are, of course, limits to what reasonable people will do to settle litigation. Sometimes, the other side makes continuing with the process a necessary evil. In other circumstances, a determination of who was at fault in relation to, for example, a failure in the work or significant construction delays, cannot be made until the process runs its course. In those cases, it is sometimes wise to remember the story of the old bull.

An old bull and a young bull are standing on a hillside. The young bull says to the old bull, “Let’s run down the hill and make love to one of those cows!” The old bull replies, “Let’s walk down the hill, and make love to them all.” Remember the old bull. The quick and easy fix is not always best. Have a good contract in place. Meet your contractual obligations and document what is happening on site. Don’t let things fester unresolved.

Have good, experienced counsel knowledgeable in the area — and contact him or her before you do or don’t do something you will later regret. Work the process, and take the time to be prepared. Don’t look for the quick and easy way out. Too many litigants presume that the matter will settle in their favour only to find out, too late, that they are not prepared and have a big problem on LT their hands.

Robert Kennaley of McLauchlin & Associates practices construction law in Toronto and Simcoe, Ont., and speaks and writes regularly on construction issues. He can be reached for comment at 416-368-2522 or at kennaley@ mclauchlin.ca. This material is for information purposes and is not intended to provide legal advice in relation to any particular fact situation.

Readers who have concerns about any particular circumstance are encouraged to seek independent legal advice in that regard.

Phone: 877-727-2100 17525 Jane St. | Kettleby, Ontario | L7B 0J6

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26 | OCTOBER 2014 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

26 | OCTOBER 2014 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

Celebrating 15 years with the garden and floral industry

LOexpo.ca

CANADA ’S FALL FOR THE SHOW GARDEN AND INDUST FLORAL RY

Design Matters

SHOW PREVIEW Join us at Garden & Floral Expo and get hundreds of resources for design inspiration.

Wednesday, October 22 and Thursday, October 23, 2014

Toronto Congress Centre, North Building, Toronto, Ont. Canada Produced by

N IO T RA ST 14 I G 0 RE r 3, 2 ls D IR obe etai B t LY Oc for d R EA er by side N O gist e in E e Se PREVIEW | EXPO 2014 LANDSCAPE TRADES V RSPECIAL SA

Improve your business ideas and inspiration are abundant at Garden & Floral Expo 15th Anniversary Invitation From its beginning in 2000, Garden Expo has been known as Canada’s most exciting trade show specializing in products, plants and services for independent garden centre retailers. It took only a year for the show to grow to include the floral sector. Get ready to join us for our 15th anniversary celebration on October 22-23, 2014.

Garden & Floral Expo enjoys reputation as a one-stop resource for your fall buying needs. Meet your peers, who share their knowledge, expertise, time and leadership to design this exciting event.

Become inspired by the opportunities to find new resources, plants, products and services to make incremental and profitable changes in your business. Connect with colleagues, gain insight from industry experts and learn about industry trends.

Look for these signs on the show floor EXPO 2014 | LANDSCAPE TRADES SPECIAL PREVIEW

You won’t want to miss the events; everything from finding additional revenue streams, winning retail strategies and top ten tips from an illustrious panel of industry innovators, all designed to make your visit both memorable and profitable.

Plan to leave the show with great ideas on how to improve your business.

Diversification is critical to your business evolution. Visit us at the Landscape Ontario Resource Centre and share your thoughts on what will make Garden & Floral Expo more relevant to you and your business in the future. We look forward to seeing you at the show!

Michael Van Dongen, Chair, LO Garden Centre Sector Group

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Schedule at a Glance

Exchange ideas and discover business opportunities

Your personal and professional needs will be met over two intense days of education, entertainment and socializing. Designed for you, the sessions will inspire your creativity, strategic thinking and retail management skills.

SHOW DATES and HOURS Wednesday, October 22 Thursday, October 23

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

TRADE SHOW FLOOR OPEN North Building Halls I and J 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

WINTER FLORALS THAT WOW Inspiration Theatre Included with registration 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.

LUNCH EVENT - Ticketed HOLIDAYSCAPING: THE REVENUE STREAM YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT Presented by Yves Renaud and Marc Prudhomme Hosted by Landscape Ontario’s Interior Plantscape Sector Group 1020 Room 2:30 to 3:00 p.m.

INSPIRED DESIGN CONTEST — LIVE! Inspiration Theatre Included with registration 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.

WELCOME RECEPTION Featuring THE TOP 10 TIPS Inspiration Theatre Included with registration

SHOW LOCATION

Toronto Congress Centre, 650 Dixon Road, Toronto, Ont., Canada M9W 1J1

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

TRADE SHOW FLOOR OPEN North Building Halls I and J 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.

STOP STRESSING OVER SEASONAL STAFF Inspiration Theatre Included with registration 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.

LUNCH EVENT - Ticketed DRIVING SEASONAL SALES: WINNING STRATEGIES FOR GARDEN and FLORAL RETAILING Presented by Peter Cantley Hosted by Landscape Ontario’s Garden Centre Sector Group 1020 Room Including the AWARDS of EXCELLENCE CEREMONY for Garden Centre and Grower programs 2:30 to 3:00 p.m.

STAND BY YOUR BRAND Inspiration Theatre Included with registration Pickup a FREE bag compliments of Global Arch Inc.

LANDSCAPE TRADES SPECIAL PREVIEW | EXPO 2014

DESIGN Matters Design is a creative and commercial discipline that communicates your unique brand.

How you design your store, merchandise your product, develop your marketing and promotional materials defines the personality of your retail business.

Enjoyable themes, easily navigated aisles, clever displays and entertaining events and promotions entice your customers and motivate them to buy. Don’t miss any of these popular events and the chance to meet leading retail experts sharing insights to help your business grow.

Wednesday, October 22 Design Day WINTER FLORALS THAT WOW 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.

Included with registration Inspiration Theatre Hosted by Jennifer Harvey, CFD Discover what’s on the style horizon, Jennifer Harvey just in time for the busy holiday season and beyond!

Products courtesy of

ROYAL Flowers

Jennifer Harvey, CFD, has been in the floral industry for 14 years, working and managing several shops across Canada. She has designed for celebrities, royalty, members of parliament and prominent political figures. Jennifer is an award-winning designer with affiliations with Flowers Canada and is internationally recognized as a certified floral designer (CFD) with the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD).

HOLIDAYSCAPING: THE REVENUE STREAM YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

Marc Prudhomme

Yves Renaud

12:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Ticketed lunch event 1020 Room Presented by Yves Renaud and Marc Prudhomme

From plants to Christmas décor — join Yves and Marc as they share concepts based on their many years of expertise specializing in the commercial Christmas décor business.

Yves Renaud is Vice President of Operations, and has been with Planterra for 35 years. He directs multiple facets of the business including the planning, coordination and supervision of large interior plantscape projects and EXPO 2014 | LANDSCAPE TRADES SPECIAL PREVIEW

maintenance contracts. Yves is also the head manager of the Christmas department.

For more than 20 years, Marc Prudhomme has been key to the Christmas decor and illumination business at Planterra.

As Project Manager, he has led a focused team for more than three years on all projects, from the design conception to the installation.

Registration fee includes lunch and an EXPO 2014 trade show badge. $65 for Members and $85 for Non-Members.

Hosted by Landscape Ontario’s Interior Plantscape Sector Group Supporting sponsor

Media Partner

INSPIRED DESIGN CONTEST — LIVE! 2:30 to 3:00 p.m.

Included with registration Inspiration Theatre Hosted by Jennifer Harvey, CFD Join us as five talented designers face off, Jennifer Harvey racing against the clock — and each other — to create a work of floral art worthy of the 2014 ‘Inspired Designer’ title. Accredited designers from the Canadian Academy of Floral Art (CAFA) will be on hand to judge each competitor’s work and determine the winner.

Products courtesy of

ROYAL Flowers

WELCOME RECEPTION Networking at its Best!

4:00 to 5:30 p.m.

Featuring THE TOP TEN TIPS Moderated by Karl Stensson Karl Stensson

IDEAS Captivate Get inspired at Canada’s largest business to business trade show serving the garden centre and retail floral industries. Take advantage of this opportunity to network with over 1,500 industry professionals and decision makers.

Thursday, October 23 Down To Business Day

Registration fee includes lunch and an EXPO 2014 trade show badge. $65 for Members and $85 for Non-Members Hosted by Landscape Ontario’s Garden Centre Sector Group

STOP STRESSING OVER SEASONAL STAFF

Presenting Sponsor

9:30 to 10:00 a.m.

Included with registration Inspiration Theatre Presented by Kate Seaver, MSc. Is managing your seasonal staff weighing you down? Maximize your profitability Kate Seaver potential with clearer processes, people and technology, gain new tips and techniques from an efficiency expert!

Not only is Kate Seaver a horticulturist, garden designer and exterior decorator, she was also an H.R. Vice President with a Masters degree in Industrial Relations. Kate spent almost 20 years serving as vice-president for two large Canadian companies. She can be seen regularly on television and is prominently featured in many home and decor publications.

DRIVING SEASONAL SALES: WINNING STRATEGIES FOR GARDEN and FLORAL RETAILING 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Ticketed Lunch Event 1020 Room Presented by Peter Cantley

Peter Cantley

Gain insight into strategies to differentiate your company in the highly competitive retail horticultural environment.

Peter Cantley has been in the floral and garden business for more than 45 years, the past 30 at Loblaw Companies, where he was Vice President, Floral and Garden. Although he retired at the end of June, Peter continues to work with Loblaw in a consulting role. He oversaw Loblaw’s indoor floral and outdoor garden centre business across Canada. Peter built a national network of exceptional growers and developed unique and exclusive floral and garden centre products and programs across the country.

Supporting Sponsor

Media Partner

Presentation will be preceded by the Garden Centre and Grower Awards of Excellence Ceremony announcing the 2014 winners for the first time.

STAND BY YOUR BRAND

Laurie Scullin

Frank Zaunscherb

2:30 to 3:00 p.m.

Included with registration Inspiration Theatre Presented by Laurie Scullin and Frank Zaunscherb

Whether we are talking about a retail garden centre, a landscape company, a wholesale nursery, a product manufacturer or just us; we are all a brand! Social media has changed all the rules on how we market everything — including how to communicate our brand. This session will go into the how and what you need to know about branding.

Laurie Scullin manages The New Product Group, a consulting company supporting new product development, marketing and brand management. With a wide range of customers in fields such as horticulture, engineered products and animal health, Laurie supports clients in all aspects of marketing from brand creation through managing of social media content.

Frank Zaunscherb is an owner of two marketing agencies in Ontario, ZRB and Glacier Digital — one focused on online marketing, the other a brand development and design company. With more than 20 years of experience with integrated creative services, Frank has helped a wide range of horticulture-based companies.

LANDSCAPE TRADES SPECIAL PREVIEW | EXPO 2014

Exhibitor List ALL TREAT FARMS LTD ................ 422

as of September 12, 2014

FERNLEA FLOWERS LTD .............. 222 LAMBERT PEAT MOSS ......................... 136

AQUAMATSYSTEM® ............................ 621 FINE FINDS IMPORTERS ...................... 400 AQUASCAPE INC ........................ 518

FIRST CONCRETE LTD .......................... 414

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO RESOURCE CENTRE .................... 648

ATLAS POLAR COMPANY LTD. .... 249

FLEXI-TIE ............................................509C

LANGENDOEN NURSERIES INC ... 530

FLORAL DIMENSIONS.......................... 307

LECHUZA CANADA INC ............... 656

AVK NURSERY HOLDINGS INC .................440 BACON BASKETWARE LTD................... 618

FLORIDUS DESIGN IMAGES ........ 623 LFP SOLUTIONS ................................... 457 FLOWERS CANADA (ONTARIO) INC..... 663 LINER SOURCE, INC ............................. 418

BLUE SKY NURSERY LTD ............. 243

FOX HOLLOW FARMS ................. 507

LINK GREEN................................ 420

BOBBEX INC......................................... 240

FREEMAN HERBS INC ................. 549

LS TRAINING SYSTEM ................. 357

BOREAL AGROMINERALS INC .... 637 BRAUN NURSERY LTD................. 120 BROWNRIDGE GREENHOUSES ... 643 CANADA BLOOMS ............................... 652 CANADALE NURSERIES LTD ........ 631 CANADIAN FLORIST MAGAZINE........1127 CANADIAN HYDROGARDENS LTD ....... 609

FRENSCH (C) LTD ........................ 509 MAKAPRIN COMPANY ........................ 320 GARDENA CANADA LTD ...................... 211

MAPLE LEAF NURSERIES LTD ...... 342

MAPLE LEAF NURSERY GARDENS CENTRAL MAGAZINE (CORNWALL PUBLISHING CO)............. 421 (DIV OF PBN) ..................................... 434 GENERAL SEED COMPANY ......... 241

MAPLE LEAVES FOREVER............ 541

GLOBAL ARCH INC...................... 337

MAR-CO CLAY & STONE.............. 462

GLOBAL HORTICULTURAL ................... 257 MARSOLAIS ENTERPRISES INC ............ 234

GREEN PLUS NURSERIES INC .............. 548 MARTIN FARMS LTD ............................ 540 CANADIAN NURSERY LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION ..............648A HALIFAX SEED COMPANY INC ............. 735 MCP MFG LTD ........................237 HENRI STUDIO BY STONECASTERS ...... 409 MDRN UTOPIA ........................... 407 CANADIAN WOODENWARE MANUFACTURERS (THE) ................... 416 HIGH CALIPER GROWING.................... 207 MEX Y CAN TRADING ........................1129 CMC WHOLESALE WAREHOUSE ......... 148 HILLEN NURSERY INC ................. 256 MILLSIDE INDUSTRIES ......................... 302 COMPOST COUNCIL HOFLAND ............................................ 642 OF CANADA (THE) ............................. 737 HORTA-CRAFT LTD...................... 514 CONNON NURSERIES/ NVK HOLDINGS INC .................. 456 HORTICOLOR CANADA INC ........ 318

MODUS LIFESTYLE............................... 322 MORI NURSERIES LTD ................ 508 MULTIPOST RETAIL SYSTEMS .............. 552

COSMIC PLANTS INC ......................... 1123 HORTICULTURAL NATURAL INSECT CONTROL ....... 430 LABELING SYSTEMS .........................509B DIVERT RECYCLING INC ....................... 636 NATURAL LANDSCAPE HORTICULTURAL MARKETING DESIGN MAGAZINE .................... 319 DODD’S GREENHOUSES ............. 634 AND PRINTING .................................. 453 NESLING NORTH AMERICA ................. 401 DRAMM CORP..................................... 311 HORTICULTURAL NINCOMPOOP FARMS INC ................. 352 DURACRAFT CANADA INC................... 406

MARKETING INC ..............639

ECO WOOD HORTI-SIGN ....................................... 509E PRODUCTS LTD ................359 HORTPROTECT - THE INVESTMENT ED’S CONCRETE PRODUCTS LTD . 563 EUROPA LANDSCAPING PRODUCTS ................................. 641 EVERGARDEN IMPORTS ...................... 605 FAFARD ET FRERES LTEE ............. 230 FAIRFIELD TREE NURSERIES INC.......... 449 FELCO ELECTRIC PRUNERS ................ 509F EXPO 2014 | LANDSCAPE TRADES SPECIAL PREVIEW

NORTH SHORE IMPORTS .................... 562

NUTRITE..................................... 335

GUILD & MARSH CANADA.......... 739 OMEGA PLASTICS INC ......................... 220 ONTARIO SEED CO LTD ............... 619 INLINE NURSERIES (2010) INC ............ 356

JC BAKKER & SONS LTD .............. 622 ORCHARD PARK GROWERS LTD .......... 314 ORGANIC OUTDOORS SUPPLY JVK LTD ..................................... 450 CANADA LTD ...................................... 301 LAC BALSAM......................................509A OUTFRONT PORTABLE SOLUTIONS LAGUNA (A DIVISION A DIV OF ALL COVER OF ROLF C HAGEN INC) ..................... 242 PORTABLE SYSTEMS ................... 556

Exhibitor List

as of September 12, 2014

VALLEYBROOK GARDENS SF IMPORTS INC .................................. 300 PACIFIC RIM (ONTARIO) LTD ........................... 248 BRACKETS LTD .................515 SHERIDAN NURSERIES .....330 VAN BELLE NURSERY INC .................... 543 PALACE PERENNIALS .................. 343 PAN AMERICAN NURSERY PRODUCTS INC........................... 415 PEETERS (JM) NURSERIES LTD .... 542

SLAPPENDEL GREENHOUSES .............. 114 SOMERVILLE NURSERIES INC ..... 534 SPANNFIX ..........................................509D

VAN NOORT BULB CO LTD .......... 531

VANHOF AND BLOKKER LTD ..................................615

SPEARE SEEDS ............................ 410 VASERIE PLP CANADA LTD .................. 649 PEFFERLAW PEAT SPECIMEN TREES PRODUCTS INC ................214 WHOLESALE NURSERIES LTD............. 308 VERADEK INC ............................. 635

PICKSEED CANADA INC .............. 252 SPRING MEADOW NURSERY INC ........ 535 PIEPER NURSERIES INC............... 438 PINEBUSH HOME & GARDEN LTD....... 521 POTERIES BARRO INC ........................1024 POTTERS ROAD NURSERY INC .... 553

WALLACE NICHOL IMPORTS .............1020 STAR ROSES AND PLANTS / THE CONARD-PYLE CO ...................... 436 WATERDALE INC ................................ 1131 SUN GRO HORTICULTURE WESTLAND GREENHOUSES ................ 341 CANADA LTD .............................. 448 TANDESKI ASSOCIATES INC ................. 538

TETRA BIOLOGICALS INC ..................... 419 PREMIER TECH HOME & GARDEN - IGC...............206 THE FLORAL EXPRESS INC ................... 317 QUALITREE PROPAGATORS INC .......... 218

THOMAS ALLEN & SON ....................... 519

RAVENSBERGEN (P) & SONS LTD ........ 719

TIMBERENO FLOWERS LTD. ..............1125

1-2-3 LAWN RECIPE/RTF/ GRANDVIEW FARMS ......................... 638

TROPICAL EXPRESSIONS ..................... 452

RUSTY GARDEN SUPPLY ...................... 348 SECOND NATURE DESIGNS LTD........... 504 SEDUM MASTER INC .................. 353 SESTER FARMS INC .............................. 537

VRE GREENHOUSE SYSTEMS ...... 630

TSC - COUNTRY PRO SERVICES ... 334 TSURUMI CANADA.............................. 306 ULTIMATE GLOVE ............................. 509G UNITED FLORAL DISTRIBUTORS INC ............................ 253

WILLOWBROOK NURSERIES INC ................130

WILSON’S FRESH BLUEBERRIES INC ............................................1117 WINKELMOLEN NURSERY LTD.... 522 WIRECRAFT INTERNATIONAL.............. 501 WOOLVERTON NURSERY............ 315 denotes Landscape Ontario member denotes Landscape Ontario member and/or 15-year EXPO exhibitor

SHOW Highlights l l l l l l l l

Produced by

Brand-name vendors serving the industry for 15 years New vendors showcasing their products for the first time New Product Showcase with hundreds of new and green products Inspiration Theatre featuring experts to inspire business growth Launch of Inspired Design Day featuring accredited floral designers Euro-style lighting to illuminate merchandise Plant ID Challenge to test your horticulture knowledge Landscape Ontario’s Awards of Excellence Ceremony for Garden Centre and Grower Programs

In Partnership with

Media sponsor

LANDSCAPE TRADES SPECIAL PREVIEW | EXPO 2014

2014 Registration Form

 IS A MANDATORY FIELD

Use this form or go to LOexpo.ca

Your badge will be available for pickup on-site.

PRIORITY CODE: SP14

COMPANY NAME: ____________________________________________________________________ FIRST NAME: ___________________ LAST NAME: ______________________________________ ADDRESS: ___________________________________________________________________________ CITY: ___________________________ PROV./STATE: __________ POSTAL/ZIP:___________ BUSINESS PHONE: ________________________

BUSINESS FAX: ________________________

EMAIL: _______________________________________________________________________________ Twitter handle: @ _______________________________________________________________________ I agree to allow Landscape Ontario to communicate with me, including, but not limited to, notices of professional development, events and industry news. I may withdraw my consent at anytime by contacting Landscape Ontario, 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, Ontario, L9T 2X8 m Yes m No or https://epic48.com/apps/opt/f/. I am a member of: m Landscape Ontario m Flowers Canada Retail m CNLA m I am not a member, send information on membership with Landscape Ontario PRIMARY AREA OF BUSINESS: 1. Event/meeting planner 2. Gift store or boutique 3. Greenhouse grower/operator 4. Hardware department, mass merchandiser, convenience or discount store 5. Horticulturist 6. Interior designer 7. Interior plantscaper 8. Landscape contractor 9. Media 10. Others allied to the trade 11. Retail florist 12. Retail garden centre 13. Supplier to the trade 14. Wholesale nursery grower/distributor

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITY: 1. Owner/Partner/Senior Manager 2. Supervisor/Manager/Foreman 3. Sales/Marketing 4. Administration 5. Purchasing 6. Field Technician 7. Government Official 8. Teacher 9. Student 10. Other : ______________________________

Three ways to register ONLINE:

LOexpo.ca MAIL: Please make cheques payable to Landscape Ontario and mail to: LOExpo 2014 c/o CONEXSYS, 7050B Bramalea Rd, Unit 34, Mississauga, ON, L5S 1S9 or FAX: (905) 405-9870 or (800) 628-8838 LOCATION INFORMATION: Toronto Congress Centre, North Building 650 Dixon Road, Toronto ON, M9W 1J1 Canada

ALL PURCHASES INCLUDE TRADE SHOW ADMISSION, WELCOME RECEPTION ○ and DAILY STAGE PRESENTATIONS. All fees listed include HST #R119005049 ON-SITE After October 3 Member Fee

Non-Member Fee

TRADE SHOW PASS Oct. 22 and 23 $15.00 $20.00 EXPO EXHIBITS ONLY Trade Show Purchase Includes Welcome Reception and Daily Stage Presentations (NO TICKETED EVENTS)

THURSDAY

WEDNESDAY

STAGE PRESENTATION WINTER FLORALS THAT WOW

Included with any purchase

TICKETED LUNCH EVENT $65.00 $85.00 HOLIDAYSCAPING *ticket purchase includes trade show admission for Oct. 22 and 23, and daily stage presentations STAGE PRESENTATION INSPIRED DESIGN CONTEST

Included with any purchase

TOP 10 at the WELCOME RECEPTION

Included with any purchase

STAGE PRESENTATION STOP STRESSING OVER SEASONAL STAFF

Included with any purchase

TICKETED LUNCH EVENT $65.00 $85.00 dRIVInG SEaSOnaL SaLES Includes Awards Of Excellence Ceremony *ticket purchase includes trade show admission for Oct. 22 and 23, and daily stage presentations STAGE PRESENTATION STAND BY YOUR BRAND

Included with any purchase

ALL INCLUSIVE PASS $110.00 $150.00 Pass includes trade show admission Oct. 22 and 23, ticketed lunch event Oct. 22, ticketed lunch event on Oct. 23, welcome reception and daily stage presentations

Hotel Accommodation

Make direct reservations with your preferred hotel

by September 18, 2014. Quote “Expo 2014” to receive special rates. You may cancel your reservation until 6:00 p.m. on your scheduled arrival day with no penalty.

Reservations cancelled after 6:00 p.m. on the scheduled day of arrival or no-shows will be billed one night’s room and tax charges.

International Plaza Hotel Rate: $147.00 Single or Double Reservations 416-244-1711 655 Dixon Road, Toronto, ON M9W 1J4 Group Code: GARDEN EXPO 2014 Group Name: EXPO 2014 Radisson Suite Hotel Toronto Airport $128 Deluxe/$148 Executive Deluxe Suite Reservations 416-242-7400 640 Dixon Road, Toronto, ON M9W 1J1 Group Code: EXPO 2014

TOTAL $ PAYMENT OPTIONS m Cheque m Master Card m VISA m AMEX

CARD #: ________________________________________________________________ EXP. DATE: _____ / ____ CARDHOLDER NAME: ______________________________________________________________________________ AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE: ______________________________________

DATE: _______________________

CHEQUE: Please make cheques payable to Landscape Ontario and mail to: LOEXPO 2014, c/o CONEXSYS, 7050B Bramalea Rd., Unit 34, Mississauga, ON L5S 1S9 or FAX (905) 405.9870 or (800) 628.8838 YOUR BADGE BE AVAILABLE PICKUP ON-SITE. EXPO 2014 |WILL LANDSCAPE TRADESFOR SPECIAL PREVIEW REFUND POLICY: No refunds will be issued unless event is cancelled by Show Management.

EARLY BIRD DEADLINE POLICY: No extensions to the deadline will be granted.

LOexpo.ca

sustainablelandscaping

Plant healthy landscapes ... and breathe easier

BY PETER PRAKKE AND SEAN JAMES

Rates of allergy affliction have been rising, depriving people of outdoor enjoyment. We want people to enjoy landscapes! Many of our most allergenic plants used in urban landscapes are trees, both native and non-native. Yews are also huge pollen producers. The big problem is that more and more often, the public defines a perfect tree as one that drops no fruit and is ‘clean.’ As a result, nurseries are growing male clones of tree species almost exclusively. This has caused increased pollen in our cities and a corresponding increase in asthma suffering.

It used to be that cities were planted with American elm, Ulmus americana, which supported biodiversity, providing early nectar for bees and other pollinators. Unfortunately, it was favoured over most other trees forming a near-monoculture. When Dutch elm disease came along, it swept through our cities, destroying much of the canopy.

Elms are pollinated by insects and, as such, don’t have wind-borne pollen that causes allergic reactions. The trees chosen to replace the elms included those which produce a lot of pollen but were not messy and litter-free,

Acer flower bud

such as male ash, maples and monoecious trees, especially oak species and sycamore.

Many rippling effects happened because of the switch from the elms to other tree species. In addition to allergy increases, there were other negative environmental consequences from overuse of male clones.

The elm flowers were a rich nectar source and bloomed very early in the season, when other food sources for insects were limited.

Honeybees and butterflies depended on that food source. This depletion of an early-season food source was one factor contributing to a decline in honeybees and butterflies.

Nature is always highly diverse, and biodiversity is the way to go when we are creating landscapes that will limit allergenic exposure. We need to avoid falling into the rut of using the same plants repeatedly. Pollen January 2013 VOL. 35, NO. 1

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sustainablelandscaping allergies today are far worse in the urban areas than in the country. When areas are professionally landscaped with the same plant material used over and over again, we all lose — unhappy customers in the long run and unhappy passers-by, who should be able to enjoy their environs with a minimum of discomfort. Our urban landscapes require a diversity of species, but also a diversity of genders — female and male plants.

The sex of the plant is one factor that contributes to allergies and asthma; others are: Duration of bloom. Certain grasses, shrubs and trees may produce allergenic pollen for only two or three days per year, while others may release pollen intermittently for several months.

Weight of the pollen. Some grains are heavy and will not fall far from the tree while others are light and float easily in the wind. Wind-borne pollen causes most allergy and asthma problems.

Moisture level of the pollen. Sticky, moist pollen often clings to an element close to the source, while dry pollen floats and lands on any available moist surface, such as the mucus membranes of your nose and mouth.

Perhaps the whole business of tidy landscapes has gotten out of control. Our desire to manipulate nature is starting to backfire on us. Using native species is good, but it’s

worth considering that manipulation of their sexes for the purpose of low-maintenance planting is becoming an unhealthy situation.

Pollen counts for the male clonal trees are on the increase. The allergenic properties of trees has been worsened by climate change.

Increase in carbon dioxide increases pollen production (per bloom) by up to 400 per cent. Many of the highly allergenic landscape plants such as the male juniper and cypress-related conifers now bloom twice in urban areas, resulting in even more pollen production.

Is there a link between climate change and allergies/asthma? There certainly is, and it makes it increasingly important to start using OPALS, the Ogren Plant Allergy Scale, in plant, shrub and tree selection.

Healthy schoolyards equal healthy children.

Female plants clean up pollen as natural pollen traps and serve as air filters. Using allergy friendly-rated native and non-native plants will reduce the incidence of exposure and the severity of local allergies and asthma.

The Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic School Board and the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board in Hamilton, Ont., are taking the lead in implementing the OPALS scale in their landscape planning. Arborists, landscapers and designers should pay heed

and shift towards creation of the urban development that is healthy for everyone, including all who suffer from breathing disorders such as allergies or asthma.

In this case, the resource we are managing is the very air we breathe. Clean, fresh air is priceless. Be a champion of change — create healthier natural environments using allergy-friendly plants, and make biodiversity and ecological/environmentally responsible decisions in your landscapes. With emerald ash borer, we’re losing the seedless ash.

Admittedly, this is terrible in so many ways BUT we have an opportunity to avoid the same old mistakes. To investigate the OPALS LT philosophy, visit safegardening.org.

Peter Prakke is a horticultural communicator and educator in Ancaster, Ont.

Sean James is owner of an Ontario-based environmentally-conscious landscape design/build/maintenance company, an eco-consultant and a popular speaker.

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managementsolutions

Field-based electronic solutions for snow and ice operations

BY MARK BRADLEY

Nobody, ever, has considered dumping their snow clearing equipment and going back to horses and shovels. But, if you look at the offices of many snow and ice operations, the information is processed using the equivalent of a hand shovel. Paperwork is issued to field staff. It comes back (sometimes it doesn’t even make it back!) with inconsistencies and errors. Office staff work hours trying to make it right, then even more hours are spent keying data in to multiple systems to ensure everything such as payroll, service tracking, liability protection, etc., is happening appropriately.

Here is a look at three of the biggest paperless technologies that our company relies on for efficient snow and ice operations.

Mobile crew logs: Timesheets on steroids One of our biggest motivations to go paperless was to reduce time (and inaccuracies) in processing timesheets and payroll. Crews clocked in or out upon arrival and departure, but there were frequent gaps in punchclock times vs. shift log times. Hundreds of hours were spent transferring data from paper to spread sheet, and sorting out inconsistencies on the fly.

The frustration and inaccuracies associated with paper timesheets lead me to actually create my own field service software; several other software developers offer mobile time tracking for the snow management industry, as well. Field-based tracking provides real-time reporting, requiring crew members to input data on their cell phones while at the job site. GPS location data helps with scheduling, and site-specific reminders can be added.

Field service software has quickly become an essential management tool, as data can 38 | OCTOBER 2014 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

be connected to your accounting system for payroll and billing, and allows you to compare the job estimate with the actual cost.

Our experience is that crews fill out the logs correctly because their paycheques depend on the data!

Cloud drives: Accessible and current information Years ago, all our snow trucks carried binders for information; street maps, site maps, phone numbers, checklists, maps to salt locations, maps to repair information, health and safety policies and much more. New maps, special notes and instructions, revisions etc. were issued, but only half of that information ever seemed to find its right place back in the binder. Affordable cloud drives meant the end of our snow binders.

Google Drive, Microsoft’s One Drive, Apple’s iCloud, and other offerings like Dropbox, Amazon’s EC2, and Box OneCloud all have cloud storage that is easy to set up and use, to share information with field operations in real time.

Our cloud drives organize all our operations by type (snow, construction etc.), then by route, then by specific site. If a driver needs any information about a specific route or site, it is all available via his smart phone.

Cloud drives are especially handy for storing staff contact info; supplier addresses, including phone numbers and hours; site maps and images; quality control checklists (site or end-of-shift); equipment manuals; training videos; policies and procedures; safety information and MSDS sheets.

Online forms: Live, structured communications One of the most useful features of Google Drive for our snow and ice opera-

tions has been the mobile forms. We easily created forms for Equipment Repair Request, Damage Report, End of Shift Checklist and more. Staff complete the form on their phone, and answers are stored in a Google Drive spreadsheet. You can also enable email notifications when an important or time-sensitive form, such as a repair request, is submitted. Forms and checklists are key to any systemized operation, but online forms make information available instantly, in real time, rather than hours later when paperwork gets handed in. Even more importantly, online forms use validation to prevent errors or missing information before they occur.

Paperwork is only as good as the person filling it out. Data can be left blank or filled out incorrectly. None of this is checked until the paperwork is turned in, then administrators spend hours sorting out the inconsistencies. This can be largely avoided with online forms.

Behind the scenes, online forms give you a permanent, written record of all the responses for every form. This can save hundreds of data entry hours. You can also get instant email notifications of important events sent to anyone who needs to know.

Examples of online forms can be found at GoFormz, Google Forms, Wufoo, FormLT stack and Zoho Creator.

Mark Bradley is president of TBG Landscape and the Landscape Management Network (LMN), based in Ontario.

industrynews Canadians receive garden writing honours At the Garden Writers Association (GWA) annual conference, held in Pittsburgh Aug. 8-11, Brian Minter of Chilliwack, B.C., was inducted into the GWA Hall of Fame. This is the highest honour conferred by the garden writers group, reserved for a member whose life and career has materially reflected and advanced the objectives of the association.

Minter writes a weekly syndicated garden column for local newspapers in addition to writing for national and international magazines. He is a frequent speaker at trade shows and horticultural events.

His gardening book, Brian Minter’s New Gardening Brian Minter Guide, became a non-fiction best seller in Canada.

Minter has been a CBC broadcaster on the west coast for 30 years, and is an occasional guest on a gardening phone-in program on BBC5’s All Night Live in Britain.

He was a grower, retailer and designer at his family’s garden centre, Minter Country Garden. With this honour, the GWA recognize Minter’s passion, experience and industry background.

Also during the awards presentation, Garden Making magazine was given a

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Something for everyone at Alberta conference On November 13 and 14, Landscape Alberta will host its annual Green Industry Conference at the Edmonton Expo Centre. Held each year alongside the Green Industry Show, the two-day event offers something for everyone in the industry.

This year’s jam-packed agenda has a record 23 presenters. The Harvesters Group’s Bill Arman and Ed Laflamme bring their years of experience in landscape contracting with their Fierce Competitor workshop on Thursday and an entire session devoted to recruitment on Friday. Greenhouses and garden centres can take advantage of favourites like Bill McCurry and Jerry Montgomery, giving sessions on how to compete with big box stores and ways to make your business “bloom.”

Those looking for more technical educational opportunities will find it with the Lawn Services Pest Management and Tree Pest Management workshops.

Researchers from across the province and around the country will give presentations on new developments and updates on continued risks, such as Attendees to the Green Industry Conference are keen to learn more information on the industry. the emerald ash borer. In addition to the educational opportunities, all Conference attendees have access to the Green Industry Show. With over 240 booths, the largest green industry show in Western Canada is an annual must-see for anyone in the industry. Find full conference and show information online at greenindustryshow.com.

Careers in Canada’s building trades A record 1.3 million Canadians, or one in 14 workers, now make their living in construction. Canada’s construction industry accounts for more than seven per cent of gross domestic product. It is one of Canada’s leading and fastest growing industries, hiring 600,000 new workers since 1996. That’s an employment growth rate of 86 percent.

As Canada’s construction industry grows, it also becomes more specialized, requiring workers with higher levels of expertise in technologies and building systems. There is tremendous opportunity for young skilled workers, as over the next decade there will be openings for more than 250,000 new workers. A new Careers in Construction website, careersin construction.ca, has just been launched, with more youth- and parentfriendly trade-by-trade information.

40 | OCTOBER 2014 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

Expo attendees will enjoy expert designers sharing their skills and creating trendy displays.

tures project profiles and testimonials from green building project leaders who speak to the merits of green design and construction using the LEED system. LEED in Motion: Canada is available as a free download from the USGBC website, usgbc.org/resources/leed-motion-canada.

Products, demos and design at Expo Garden and Floral Expo is Canada’s fall buying show for the retail green industries. Join other garden centre and flower shop purchasers and owners at the Toronto Congress Centre on Oct. 22-23, as they search out new trends, spot great new products their customers will want next spring, and look for inspiration from other professionals through demonstrations of new and fresh design techniques.

Educational sessions during the show include holidayscaping as a new revenue stream, tips to help manage seasonal staff, why branding will help your company, seasonal sales help for garden retailers, as well as live floral design contests and demonstrations. Registration for the trade show and educational sessions is available at loexpo.ca.

Greenhouse edibles drive sales increase Statistics Canada reports that sales of greenhouse, nursery and sod products were nearly $3.5 billion in 2013, up 5.6 per cent from 2012.

This gain was partly the result of a 16.1 per cent increase in greenhouse vegetable and fruit sales, which accounted for 36.1 per cent of all greenhouse, nursery and sod sales. Sales of peppers grew 24.2 per cent to $389 million, and tomato sales rose 17.8 per cent to $515 million. Tomatoes represented 41.1 per cent of greenhouse vegetable and fruit sales, while peppers accounted for 31.1 per cent.

Sales of greenhouse flowers and plants grew 2.6 per cent to $1.4 billion. Floriculture represented 52.7 per cent of total greenhouse sales in 2013.

Indoor and outdoor potted plants accounted for more than half of flower and plant sales.

TV show highlights water features A new television series features the world of pond building, following Aquascape’s Greg Wittstock, Ed Beaulieu, Brian Helfrich and Chris Hanson, as they turn unused spaces into restful and inspiring water features. Pond Stars airs on Nat Geo Wild on Tuesdays at 10:00 p.m.

Canada is second-largest international market for LEED Canada stands as the largest international market for LEED green buildings and boasts more square meters of LEED-certified space than any other nation outside the United States, according to a new report released by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

LEED in Motion: Canada is the latest in a series of reports from USGBC designed to equip green building advocates with the insight and perspective to understand the use of the globally-recognized LEED rating system, and to make a strong case for sustainable building activity. LEED in Motion: Canada is a round up of all LEED activity in the nation, outlining the locations of its 1,633 LEED-certified projects, which total 22.3 million gross square meters of real estate.

To illustrate the movement toward a sustainable building sector in Canada, the report feaOCTOBER 2014 | LANDSCAPE TRADES |

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OCTOBER 2014 | LANDSCAPE TRADES |

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industrynews Increases in greenhouse sales were accompanied by a 2.8 per cent rise in total operating expenses. Plant material purchases were up 10.8 per cent to $441 million, while labour costs grew 1.8 per cent to $638 million. However, the total number of seasonal and permanent greenhouse workers decreased 7.5 per cent to 33,761. Labour cost accounted for 29.7 per cent of total operating expenses.

On the nursery side, sales of nursery products declined 2.8 per cent to $673 million.

The total nursery area declined 12.9 per cent to 18,279 hectares. Nursery operation expenses fell 1.7 per cent to $593 million in 2013, and labour accounted for 38.2 per cent of total nursery operation costs. Nurseries employed 14,123 people in 2013, down 8.7 per cent from 2012. In 2013, sod sales decreased 4.3 per cent to $154 million.

New soil resource A soil scientist who works as a manager at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, advising growers about soil issues, has written a book on soil management for serious home garden-

ers. In Improving Your Soil, A Practical Guide to Soil Management for the Serious Home Gardener, Keith Reid reveals the steps to achieve the perfect soil base for growing plants. With directions on amending poor soil, modifying mediocre earth, aerating compacted topsoil and substrates, and testing pH levels, this book will support success in the garden by starting at the roots. Improving Your Soil might also be a good reference for contractors needing a refresher on soil chemistry, biology or drainage.

Plant labels help allergy sufferers Queux Patio Plant Centre in Guernsey, U.K., is the first company to identify its shrubs and trees with plant labels that give consumers an allergy rating, based on the OPALS (Ogren Plant Allergy Scale) system created by Tom Ogren. The plant labels were introduced at the Arboricultural Association’s 48th annual conference at Royal Holloway, in London, England this September.

Using OPALS, customers can choose plants that are “ideal for people who are highly sensitive to pollen,” and be aware of plants with “air-borne pollen” that have a high potential for allergies.

New book is an encyclopedic reference of weeds A new easy-to-use guide helps identify more than 500 weed species currently found in North America. Each species in Weeds of North America is featured on a two-page spread, accompanied by photographs that illustrate the distinctive features of each species. This is the first book to cover North American weeds at every stage of growth.

Also provided is a history of the weed and its spread across the continent, and vital information on seed viability and germination requirements. One of the authors, Richard Dickinson, lives in Toronto and has taught plant taxonomy for over 25 years; photographer France Royer is based in Alberta.

While this 800-page book is too large to be a pocket reference, it is an excellent resource for front-line workers in weed management programs.

LT

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® 1-888-GRO-BARK www.gro-bark.com 42 | OCTOBER 2014 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

Celebrating 15 years with the garden and floral industry

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cnlanews Becoming the garden centre of 2020 The upcoming Y Generation is a different kind of consumer with a different set of demands from their parents, the Baby Boomers. A recent study summarizes these needs: better basics (quality, cleanliness, online security), hyper-convenience (ease-of-shop, home delivery, digital payment), and experience (edutainment, digital engagement). John Stanley, international retail consultant, notes that independent garden centres need to focus on providing the best value to attract these new consumers, as the big box store retailers will be focusing on providing the best price. He says, “The garden centre consumer will walk into the garden centre having already engaged with the business on their smart phone. They will be in the garden centre looking for inspiration and engagement with the team.

The consumer will be making buying decision based on what friends are saying and will be selecting an independent garden centre that inspires them.”

So what does this mean for the garden centres of today? A strong trend that retailers in every sector are noticing is the importance of having an online presence. This includes social media, appealing and helpful websites and online shopping. The Retail Council of Canada has many resources available to assist businesses in upping their game when it comes to targeting today’s consumer. One such tool is Shopify, a program that makes it simple to sell your products online.

Visit cnla-acpp.ca/rcc for more information on how to become the garden centre of 2020.

A beautiful new rose for 2015 The planned launch of the Never Alone charity rose in the spring of 2015 represents a great opportunity for nursery growers and retailers to participate in an exciting marketing campaign in support of a truly wonderful cause. It has resulted from a partnership between the Never Alone Foundation and the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association. Read more about this worthwhile initiative on page 14 of this issue.

Beware of false programs The CNLA Member Services Team has received several reports from members who have been contacted by solicitors claiming to have savings programs with the association. A complete list of CNLA savings programs is available at 44 | OCTOBER 2014 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

Retail garden centres work hard to attract customers. Many participate in the program for Garden Centre of the Year to see how their operation stacks up against other independent garden centres.

cnla-acpp.ca/benefits. The programs listed have undergone a strict review process by the Member Services Committee to ensure that they are valuable and safe for our members.

If you receive an unsolicited communication from a company claiming to have a program with CNLA that is not on our list of endorsed suppliers, please contact the Member Services Department.

Awards application deadlines coming up Applications for the Garden Centre of the Year, Grower of the Year and Green for Life Community Award are due November 30. Application forms can be downloaded at cnla-acpp.ca/awards. Winners will be announced at the National Awards of Landscape Excellence gala ceremony, taking place August 2015 in Winnipeg, Man. Please direct any questions to info@cnla-acpp.ca.

Government to invest $2.5 million in horticulture research This summer, the Harper Government announced two investments worth over $2.5 million to Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (VRIC). $1.4 million of the investment will go to the joint hardy rose breeding program between VRIC and CNLA. This program aims to give Canadian growers a competitive edge by producing cold hardy, black spot resistant roses. Learn more by visiting vinelandresearch.com.

New Red Seal exam study guide The Red Seal program has launched a new guide to help candidates get ready for their Red Seal exam. It offers study tools, outlines the ex-

amination process and lets you know what to expect after the exam. Landscape Horticulture became a Red Seal trade in 2008; this designation is recognized nationally and adheres to standards accepted in each province. To access the study guide or find out more about this valuable designation, visit red-seal.ca.

Do you Click Before You Dig? CNLA has recently received a position on the board of directors at the Canadian Common Ground Alliance. If you have any comments on your experience with submitting a locate request, let us know so that we can help shape the national standards. Comments on process, improvements or specific issues can be sent to Julia Ricottone by emailing her at julia@cnla-acpp.ca.

Stay in touch There is always a buzz of activity happening in the CNLA office, as staff and volunteers work hard to ensure a prosperous, professional and ethical industry for our members. As such, there is always a lot of news to share with you! The association offers many different avenues to stay informed. Find the method that works for you and get plugged-in. On the CNLA website homepage you can: sign up for our electronic newsletter, join us on social media and check out our industry Flipboard. Join the conversation and stay informed!

LT

The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association is the federation of Canada's provincial horticultural trade associations. Visit cnla-acpp.ca for more information.

newproducts Portable temporary fencing Rapid Roll is a portable, temporary fencing system that can provide a quick barrier against construction danger and protect both pedestrians and workers. Rapid Roll is safe; it provides a sturdy, strong presence that cannot be easily walked through. Reflective tape positioned on both sides of the cartridge provides added warning. It is easy to set up and can be completed by one operator in under three minutes. The fencing is extended and linked to a variety of Rapid Roll posts and bases to create a secure structure.

Rapid Roll www.rapidroll.ca

Sidewalk spreader The Ventrac sidewalk drop spreader was designed for spreading an array of deicing materials with precision flow control. Designed with a narrow frame and a 40-in. drop pattern, this spreader is ideal for spreading material on sidewalks and other narrow walkways. Material is evenly distributed using a compression roller system, while the agitation system prevents material bridging and eliminates the need for a traditional vibration motor.

Universal mounting options are available for a 2-in. receiver hitch or a category one three-point hitch.

Garden ornament Clifford the caterpillar comes with his own copper leaf that keeps him satisfied and away from garden plants. The copper leaf will patina to a verde gris colour over time. Designed to be outside, but not frost proof. Approximately 9-in. long by 2-in. wide by 6-in. tall at tip of leaf.

Ventrac www.ventrac.com

Timber Bay Home and Garden www.timberbayhg.com

Electric spreader Buyers Products introduces a polymer, chain-drive, electric SaltDogg spreader. With a double-wall, poly-molded hopper, this new spreader, the SHPE3000CH, is ideal for sand and salt-sand mixtures.

It has a three-cubic-yard capacity and is intended for use on vehicles with a gross weight of 13,000 pounds or greater. Offering spread widths ranging from five to 30 feet for flexible coverage. It is powered by independent, 12-volt gear-motor conveyer and direct-drive spinner motors. The spinner assembly height is adjustable and easy to remove for cleaning, storage and hitch access.

Buyers Products www.saltdogg.com

Skid steer for snow Case Construction Equipment has released a new snow removal package for its SR250 and SV300 skid steers that includes high-flow auxiliary hydraulics, hydraulic self-leveling and Ride Control, for smooth and controlled boom operation. The SR250 and SV300 are also outfitted with a new electro-hydraulic setup menu. At nearly three feet wide, the manufacturer claims the SR250 and SV300 models are among the widest skid steer cabs in the industry.

Case Construction Equipment www.casece.com OCTOBER 2014 | LANDSCAPE TRADES |

45

newproducts Sun hat Inspired by Southern style, the Wallaroo Nola hat offers a classic and beautiful silhouette. This hat is one of the newest additions to Wallaroo’s 2015 W Collection, featuring a 10-cm angled brim and a paper braid trim. Available in a black or brown combo.

Modinno Enterprises www.modinno.com

UTV plow Designed for mid-size UTV models including the Polaris RZR and Yamaha Rhino, a new five-ft. UTV Plow from Boss Snowplow features fully hydraulic operation — no winches, pulleys, or handles needed. Boss offers the highest blade lift height available for unmatched snow stacking capability.

The plow blade skin is made from tough, rust-resistant poly for excellent durability, crack resistance and slickness.

The Boss Snowplow www.bossplow.com

Wall stone The sleek, polished look of Techo Bloc’s new Raffinato wall brings modern elegance to tailored spaces. Two different heights of blocks allow for a modular or completely linear design.

Available in an array of grey and black colours.

Techo Bloc www.techo-bloc.com

Hose swivel Dramm introduces its new brass hose swivel; a live swivel, meaning it swivels while under pressure, allowing for unencumbered movement between the hose and the watering tool. Kinks twist free easily, without having to manually twist the hose, so watering is easier without having to fight natural tension in the hose. The brass hose swivel is machined from brass bar stock and is built for durability.

Dramm www.dramm.com

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John Deere has added to its front-mount mower line up with the new 1500 series TerrainCut front mowers, featuring five new models offering Deere’s climate controlled ComfortCab and improved ergonomic controls.

Deere claims the 1500 Series TerrainCut Front Mowers offer true fourseason capabilities, able to cut all grass types in dry or wet conditions, with even clipping dispersion. They can also blow snow, or clean streets and walkways. Each machine also has Service Advisor connectivity for quick machine diagnostics.

John Deere www.JohnDeere.com/MowPro

46 | OCTOBER 2014 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

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comingevents September 30-October 2, 11th Annual Canadian Urban Forest Conference, Victoria, B.C. www.treecanada.ca

October 29-31, Expo-FIHOQ, Place Bonaventure, Montreal, Que. www.expofihoq.com

October 1-2, CanWest Hort Show, Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre, Vancouver, B.C. www.canwesthortshow.com

November 12-15, 12th annual CitiesAlive Green Roof and Wall Conference, Omni Hotel and Resort, Nashville, Tenn. www.citiesalive.org

October 1-3, GrootGroenPlus, Zundert, the Netherlands. www.grootgroenplus.nl

November 13-14, Green Industry Show and Conference, Edmonton EXPO Centre (Northlands), Edmonton, Alta. www.greenindustryshow.com

October 8-9, Canadian Greenhouse Conference, Scotiabank Convention Centre, Niagara Falls, Ont. www.canadiangreenhouseconference.com October 21-23, Green Industry and Equipment Expo + Hardscape Expo, Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, Ky. www.gie-expo.com October 22-23, Expo 2014, Toronto Congress Centre, Toronto, Ont. www.loexpo.ca

2015 January 6-8, Congress 2015, Toronto Congress Centre, Toronto, Ont. www.locongress.com January 7-9, CENTS 2015, Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, Ohio www.centsmarketplace.com January 13-16, Sports Turf Managers Association 26th Annual Conference and Exhibition, Denver, Co. www.stma.org January 14-16, The Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show, Baltimore Convention Center, Md. www.mants.com

November 17-19, Hort East 2014, Cunard Centre, Halifax, N.S. www.horteast.ns.ca November 19-21, International Irrigation Show & Conference, Phoenix, Ariz. www.irrigationshow.org

January 14-16, Northern Green Expo, Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, Minn. www.northerngreenexpo.org

December 3-5, The Buildings Show, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, Ont. www.thebuildingsshow.com

January 21-23, Indiana Green Expo, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, Ind. www.indianagreenexpo.com LT

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classifieds BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES TURN-KEY GARDEN CENTRE FOR SALE On 9 acres of owned land, with on-site luxury home for owner/manager. Established in 1988.

Market leader in the Guelph area. Profitable with potential to become much more so in the years ahead. Truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for the right buyer!

For details go to prosper.ca or call Steve Dawkins, Salesperson REMAX Real Estate Centre Toll Free: 1-855-95-REMAX 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

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ONTARIO’S LARGEST LANDSCAPE LIGHTING SUPPLIER Up to 50% off 190 Bovaird Dr. W. Unit 53-55 Brampton, ON, L7A 1A2 Tel: 905-874-1022 • Fax: 905-874-0095 www.estatelighting.ca

FINN Hydroseeders & Bark Blowers New and Used • Flex Guard FRM • Soil Guard BFM • Erosion Control Blanket Seed & Fertilizer Prefilled and Unfilled Compost Sock Toll free: (888) 298-9911 Fax: (905) 761-7959 www.fibramulch.com

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: All classified ads must be pre-paid by credit card. Rates: $62.15 (includes HST) per column inch (approx. 25 words). Deadline: 10th day of the month prior to issue date. Space is limited to a first-come, first-served basis. To advertise: E-mail your name, phone number and ad to Robert at classifieds@landscapeontario.com. Online advertising also available. Visit www.landscapetrades.com/classifieds for full details.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES THE LANDMARK GROUP The Landmark Group is a full service landscaping business located in Thornbury, Ontario, positioning itself for tremendous growth. Our primary business is high end residential landscape design, construction and property maintenance.

Are you passionate about landscaping? Do you want to be part of a provincial and national award winning company with room for personal growth and career advancement?

At The Landmark Group, we are passionate about what we do and hold ourselves accountable to the values we have collectively pulled together. Currently we are seeking like-minded individuals to fill the following positions: • Experienced Landscape Construction Forepersons • Experienced Landscape Construction Lead Hands • Experienced Lawn and Garden Personnel We strongly encourage you to check us out at www.thelandmarkgroup.ca and determine whether your values align with ours.

We offer excellent wages and benefits with the potential for year round employment available to qualified individuals. We also promote and assist with continuing education and apprenticeship training for our staff.

Please submit your cover letter and resume to Gary Nordeman at gary@thelandmarkgroup.ca Only qualified individuals will be contacted

View these ads and many more online at landscapetrades.com

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landscapetrades.com/classifieds OCTOBER 2014 | LANDSCAPE TRADES |

49

where to find it COMPANY

PAGE

PHONE

EMAIL

WEBSITE

AMA Plastics Ltd

20

800-338-1136

ama@amaplas.com

www.amaplas.com

Beaver Valley Stone 36

416-222-2424

info@beavervalleystone.com

www.beavervalleystone.com

Chrysler Canada 13

519-973-2000

www.chryslercanada.ca

Compass Creative Studio Inc 48

855-318-4101

info@compasscreative.ca

www.compasscreative.ca

Dutchmaster Nurseries Limited 39

905-683-8211

sales@dutchmasternurseries.com

www.dutchmasternurseries.com

Ebert’s Tree Farms 46

226-377-6321

anna.ebert@bell.net

www.ebertstreefarms.com

glen.keam@fieldworksequipment.com

www.fieldworksequipment.com

Fieldworks Construction Equipment 48

519-572-9447

Ford Motor Company of Canada Ltd 19

905-845-2511

www.ford.ca

General Motors of Canada Ltd 25

800-GM-DRIVE

www.gmcanada.com

Gravely 51

800-472-8359

www.gravely.com

info@ariens.com

Gro-Bark (Ontario) Ltd 42

888-GRO-BARK

keith@gro-bark.com

www.gro-bark.com

Hustler Turf Equipment 41

800-395-4757

sales@hustlerturf.com

www.hustlerturf.com

Mahindra 15

www.mahindracanada.ca

Oaks Concrete Products by Brampton Brick 2

800-709-OAKS

www.oakspavers.com

Permacon Group Inc 52

800-463-9278

www.permacon.ca

Pro Landscape by Drafix Software 23

800-231-8574

www.prolandscape.com

Proven Winners 5

800-633-8859

www.colorchoiceplants.com

Stihl Limited 9

519-681-3000

www.stihl.ca

info@oakspavers.com sales@prolandscape.com info.canada@stihl.ca

Thames Valley Brick 40

905-637-6997

info@thamesvalleybrick.com

www.thamesvalleybrick.com

Turf Tech Inc 21

905-636-0731

info@turftech.ca

www.wrightmfg.com

Unilock Ltd 17

800-UNILOCK

georgetown@unilock.com

www.unilock.com

Winkelmolen Nursery Ltd 37

519-647-3912

winkelmolen@sympatico.ca

www.winkelmolen.com

Zander Sod Co Ltd 26

877-727-2100

info@zandersod.com

www.zandersod.com

Marketers: Your first choice to reach Canada’s vibrant green industry

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50 | OCTOBER 2014 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

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