Horticulture Review - July 2011

2 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - JULY 15, 2011

Chapter eventsFor more chapter event listings, visit www.horttrades.com.

August 25-27

2011www.FarwestShow.com

In the nursery world, change is a constant. And with change comes possibilities. Join us at the 2011 Farwest Show, where we are tackling the evolving wholesale and retail environment head-on with new ideas and innovative solutions. With hundreds of exhibitors, mind-opening seminars and networking opportunities, you’ll return home inspired and ready for action. Save the dates!

July 15Upper Canada Golf TournamentBriar Fox Golf Club, MarysvilleTake a break from your busy season and join the Upper Canada Chapter for a fun day on the links at Briar Fox Golf Club, Marysville. Contact Helen Hassard at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 354, or [email protected].

July 20Waterloo Chapter Golf TournamentRebel Creek Golf Club, PetersburgJoin the Waterloo Chapter for a great day out on the links. The tournament will begin with a shot-gun start at 11:30 a.m. All tournament proceeds will be divided equally between Kids Ability, School Greening Project and The Waterloo Chapter’s Education Fund.

July 28Dick Sale Memorial Golf TournamentNobleton Lakes Golf Club The Toronto Chapter is returning to Nobleton Lakes Golf Club for the annual Dick Sale Memorial Golf Tournament. Pricing and sponsor-ship information will be available shortly.

August 14 Toronto Chapter Baseball TournamentRichmond Greens Sports Centre and Park Bring your staff, family and friends to the Toronto Chapter’s annual baseball tournament. This slow-pitch tournament will run from 7:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with trophies and a barbecue lunch included in the fee of $550 per team. Each team is guaranteed two games.

August 17Golden Horseshoe Golf TournamentWillow Valley Golf Course, Mount HopeCome enjoy a social outing with fellow industry members at the Golden Horseshoe Chapter Golf Tournament. Pricing and registration information will be available shortly.

August 18Georgian Lakelands summer barbecueClearview Nursery, StaynerNothing says summer like a barbecue. And, few pleasures in life can compare to the joy of great food and sharing a few laughs. The Georgian Lakelands Chapter summer barbecue is a superb opportunity to have a little fun. We invite you, your family, employees and associates to attend! There are great activities planned for children, both young and old, along with hamburgers and hot dogs with cold salads and dessert. Cost is $10 for adults and only $5 if you are 10 and under. It all takes place, starting at 4 p.m., at Clearview Nursery, 8257 County Road 91, Stayner, 705-428-0063.

August 25Durham Chapter Annual BarbecueT. Arnts Loam Supply, Pickering The Durham chapter has started planning its annual summer barbecue. This year’s event will take place from 3 - 7 p.m. This event will feature a supplier showcase, dinner provided by the Chapter and much more. If you are a supplier looking to participate, contact Helen Hassard at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 354, or [email protected].

HORTICULTURE REVIEW - JULY 15, 2011 3

Landscape Ontario and industry eventsFor more Landscape Ontario and industry event listings, visit www.horttrades.com.

Selling Flower Bulbs for over 20 years

July 21 – 22Landscape Industry Certified Technician evaluationsLO Home Office, MiltonProve your competence by challenging the Landscape Industry Certification practical test at the Landscape Ontario home office. We are currently accepting registrations for both new test and re-test applicants. Space is limited, so register early. To register, go to http://bit.ly/lox2o3.

July 26 Advanced Green Roof Maintenance seminar, LO home office, MiltonCreated to assist designers, contractors, facility managers with an important, but often overlooked aspect of green roofs: maintenance. The seminar examines design phase considerations; best practices for planning, budgeting, and implementing maintenance procedures; and approaches for rehabilitating green roofs that have been subject to maintenance neglect. The semi-nar will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Register at www.horttrades.com/seminars/pillar/technical-education.

August 11 - August 12Landscape Industry Certified TestingKemptville CollegeProve your competence by challenging the CLD, CLP and CLT Landscape Industry Certification written test on August 11 and/

or the CLT practical test on Fri., Aug. 12. We are currently accepting registrations for both new test and re-test applicants. For further information, contact Rachel Cerelli at [email protected].

September 12 - 13Canadian Snow and Ice ExpoRideau Carleton Entertainment Centre, OttawaThe Snow and Ice Sector Group of Landscape Ontario will host this inaugural event. For exhibitor information, contact Gilles Bouchard at [email protected], 800-265-5656, ext. 323, or Paul Day at pauld@ landscapeontario.com, 800-265-5656, ext. 339.

September 14 - 15Municipal and Contractor Fall Equipment Show 2011Kitchener Memorial Auditorium ComplexFormerly called The Snow and Ice Symposium, the Snow and Ice Sector Group of Landscape Ontario, the Ontario Parks Association and the Municipal Equipment and Operators Association are hosting the Municipal and Contractor Fall Equipment Show 2011. This year’s conference program features many opportunities to help

make your operators more efficient and cost effective. For exhibitor information, contact Gilles Bouchard at [email protected], 800-265-5656, ext. 323, or Paul Day at [email protected], 800-265-5656, ext. 339.

September 28Learn about organic horticultureHumber College, TorontoWhether you are a professional or just learn-ing, this course will provide the knowledge needed to become a better gardener. The science and practice of organic horticulture will be introduced, along with the concepts of landscape management. For more informa-tion, email [email protected], or phone 416-675-5094.

September 30 - October 1Landscape Industry Certified ExamSt. Clair CollegeSt. Clair College and The Windsor Chapter are hosting the first annual Landscape Industry Certified Test for the Windsor Chapter. There is space for 18 industry pro-fessionals to test the exam, along with the students from the College. For more informa-tion on the exam, to sponsor the event or to volunteer as a judge visit horttrades.com/clt, or contact Rachel Cerelli at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 326, email [email protected].


ISSN 0823-8472Publications Mail Agreement No. PM40013519Return UndeliverableCanadian Addresses To:Circulation DepartmentHorticulture Review 7856 Fifth Line SouthMilton, ON L9T 2X8

Horticulture Review The Voice of Landscape OntarioJuly 15, 2011 • Volume 29, No. 7Views expressed in Horticulture Review are those of the writer concerned. Horticulture Review and Landscape Ontario assume no responsibility for the validity or correctness of any opinions or references made by the author. Copyright 2011, reproduction or the use of whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited. Published 12x per year. Rates and deadlines are available on request. Subscription price: $43.51 per year (HST included). For subscription and address changes, please e-mail [email protected]

Executive Board PresidentTom Intven, tintven@ Past presidentRobert Adams, robertadams@ First vice-presidentTim Kearney CLP, tkearney@Second vice-presidentPhil Charal, pcharal@Secretary/treasurerDave Braun

Provincial BoardDurham Chapter President: Greg Scarlett CLT Board rep: Mark Humphries, mhumphries@

Georgian Lakelands Chapter President: Michael LaPorte CLTBoard rep: Warren Patterson

Golden Horseshoe Chapter President: Fiore ZenoneBoard rep: Brian Cocks CLT London Chapter President: Grant Harrison CLT Board rep: Peter Vanderley CLP

Ottawa Chapter President: Sarah Johnston Board rep: Bruce Morton CLP, CIT

Toronto Chapter President: Lindsay Drake Nightingale Board rep: Ryan Heath CLP, CLT

Upper Canada Chapter President: Dan Clost CHTR Board rep: Paul Doornbos CLT, CLP

Waterloo Chapter President: Rob Tester Board rep: David Wright CLP

LO staff members are committed to member ser-vice. Please call with your questions or concerns.

Tel: (905) 875-1805 or 1-800-265-5656 Fax: (905) 875-3942Web: www.horttrades.com E-mail suffix for all staff members: @landscapeontario.com

Landscape Ontario’s mandate is to be the leader in representing, promoting and fostering a favourable environment for the advancement of the horticultural industry in Ontario. Suffix for all e-mail addresses below: @landscapeontario.com Executive director

Tony DiGiovanni CHTR, ext. 304, tonydigiovanni@

Executive assistant Kathleen Pugliese, ext. 309, kpugliese@

Controller Joe Sabatino, ext. 310, jsabatino@

Manager, education, labour development and membership Sally Harvey CLT, CLP, ext. 315, sharvey@

Administrative assistant Jane Leworthy, ext. 301, jleworthy@

Education, labour, and certification project coordinator Rachel Cerelli, ext. 326, rachelc@

Seminar and safety group coordinator Kathy McLean, ext. 306, kathym@

Membership coordinator, Helen Hassard, ext. 354, hhassard@

Chapter coordinator, Georgian Lakelands Chapter Lexi Dearborn, ext. 317, ldearborn@

Chapter coordinator, London Chapter Carla Bailey, ext. 356, cbailey@

Chapter coordinator, Ottawa Chapter Martha Walsh, ext. 368, mwalsh@

Manager, information technology Ian Service, 416-848-7555, iservice@

Manager, Pesticide Industry Council Tom Somerville, tsomerville@

Executive director Ontario Parks Association Paul Ronan, ext. 349, pronan@

Director of events and trade shows Gilles Bouchard, ext. 323, gbouchard@

Trade show manager Paul Day CDE, ext. 339, paulday@

Trade show manager Lorraine Ivanoff, ext. 366, lpi@

Trade show coordinator Linda Nodello, ext. 353, lnodello@

Conference and events coordinator, Kristen McIntyre CLT, ext. 321, kristen@

Director of public relations Denis Flanagan CLD, ext. 303, dflanagan@

Publisher Lee Ann Knudsen CLP, ext. 314, lak@

Editorial director Sarah Willis, ext. 313, sarahw@

Editor Allan Dennis, ext. 320, aldennis@

Web editor Robert Ellidge, ext. 312, rob@

Art director Melissa Steep, 647-723-5447, msteep@

Graphic designer Mike Wasilewski, ext. 343, mikew@

Sales manager, publications Steve Moyer, ext. 316, stevemoyer@

Communications assistant Angela Lindsay, ext. 305, alindsay@

Windsor Chapter President: Mark Williams Board rep: Garry Moore

Garden Centre Chair: Michael Van Dongen Board rep: Bob McCannell, bmccannell@

Grounds Management Chair: John Hewson CLP Board rep: Brian Marsh

Growers Chairs: Mark OstrowskiBoard rep: Gerwin Bouman

Interior Plantscapes Chair and board rep: Stephen Schell CLT

Irrigation Chair: John Lamberink CIT Board rep: Steve Macartney CIT, CLT

Landscape Contractors Chair and board rep: Peter Guinane

Lawn Care Chair: Steve Tschanz Board rep: Alan White, awhite@

Landscape Design Chair: Tony Lombardi CLDBoard rep: Paul Brydges

Lighting Chair and Board rep: John Higo

Snow and Ice Management Chair: John Fulford Board rep: Gerald Boot CLP, geraldboot@

Members at LargeGregg Salivan Bruce Warren

CNLA Board RepGerald Boot CLP, geraldboot@

Landscape Ontario staff


The glue that holds us all togetherPRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

By Tom IntvenLO president

Last month I asked the question, “Does our large complex association, made up of 10 sectors and nine Chapters, have a sense

of cohesiveness?” In other words, “Is there good glue that holds us all together?”

There are several components of the glue, but perhaps the most important is our com-mon mission: “to be the leader in representing, promoting and fostering a favourable climate for the advancement of the

horticultural industry in Ontario.” This broad-stroke statement has to resonate with each of us, no matter to which sector we belong. The key word is ‘advancement’ — we are all trying to raise the level of professionalism of our industry. Increased professionalism yields more respect, more recognition and higher return for our goods and services. I believe we all can resonate with this 100 per cent.

Closely aligned with our mission is our sense of common purpose. At no time is our pur-pose more defined and cohesive to us all, than when we are threatened. A case in point is the pesticide ban of 2009. The severity of the impli-cations, especially during the time when we were still negotiating with the Liberal government, was a great motivator to unite us all against a common concern. Another example was this past spring, when all of our businesses were threat-ened by the cold, wet, late season. Comments from our members in every sector ran along the line of, “We’re all in the same boat,” reflecting our commonality when it came to the influence of the weather.

Green industryAnother way to consider the glue is in terms of our marketing campaign, Green for Life. This campaign is attempting to tell our story to the public that all of our efforts, no matter what the sector, are focused on enhancing the quality of their lives. The green in Green for Life reclaims our longstanding right to call ourselves the origi-nal green industry. For the most part, each sector enhances green spaces, which are so important to the long-term survival of our planet. Green for Life should bring us all together under its

umbrella and continue to build the brand’s momentum in propor-tion to our efforts.

Good communication is essentialGood communication is an essential ingredient in the glue. Appropriate and timely communica-tion in its many forms helps us to stay con-nected to each other and feel a part of the whole.

Our many events, at the provincial, chapter and sector levels, are key elements in the glue that keeps us together. Chapter meetings are still so important to bring all of us together at the local level, to socialize, network, share ideas and re-establish our sense of community. Garden Expo, Green Trade Expo and Congress are important to bring us together at the provincial level. It’s great to network with like-minded individuals from across the province and farther, who share the same issues and problems and are often will-ing to exchange information that can help us to be more successful in business and in life. Our many educational programs offer similar oppor-tunities for networking and interchange — all helping to mesh us together.

While we all naturally associate more strongly with members of our own sectors, it is important to reach out to other sector members. It is amazing how many business opportunities there are available, and how much we can learn when we network with like-minded business people in other fields. That is, not to sacrifice our association within our sector. I still have the

most fun and feel most at ease when talking to other growers. But some of my best busi-ness ideas and oppor-tunities have come during discussions with members from other sectors.

Many members, through their network-ing at LO events, have made life-long friends and confidants with other LO members.

There is no stronger glue than the bond of friend-ship. Examine your own network of LO contacts. Surely you can count many personal friends who you trust within the LO membership. Friends make you look forward to attending LO events. Friends make the disappointment of failure more bearable and heighten the thrill of success.

Good leadership, like the queen bee of the colony, helps bind us all for the common cause. LO has been blessed with good leadership throughout its history. Solid governance is still present at many levels in our association. Our leaders’ passion for their industry is exemplary and the reason why so many of our members are glued to our association.

The most important aspects of the mis-sion statement are reflected in the term “to be the leader.” Leaders take responsibility. Leaders care. We have been blessed with many members who take responsibility for trying to make things better for themselves and others. This is another example of the glue.

Tom Intven may be reached at 519-631-1008, or [email protected].

Tom Intven


EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Is the time right for an accredited company designation?Tony DiGiovanni CHTRLO executive director

The following is a summary of one of the many discussions taking place on Landscape Ontario’s LinkedIn forum.

This involves the merits of an accredited com-pany designation within the association. The idea is not new. There have been proponents of an accredited member cate-gory for years. Recently the concept has been championed by LO vice president Tim Kearney.

What is an accredited company?Accredited companies operate at the highest levels of professionalism, competency and pub-lic trust. They reflect professional operations, exemplary safety processes, exceptional human resource policies and excellent customer/com-munity relationships. They abide by a high code of ethical practices. They demonstrate a contri-bution ethic that includes a belief in mentoring others in their journey to constantly improve their operations.

Many of you reflect these standards already. All of you aspire to them. Would an accredited member category clarify standards, and accelerate company development by acting as a model? Would this category benefit mem-bers, because they could set themselves apart as accountable and verified professionals? Would this category allow the association to increase promotion confident that accredited members can be trusted to reflect the best the industry has to offer?

In a real way, current membership in Landscape Ontario is already a form of accredi-tation. Businesses seeking membership require sponsorship after being in business for at least three years. They must submit job site pictures, carry WSIB and liability insurance (as appli-cable) and promise to abide by the principles of ethical practices. The accredited member designation goes further. It raises the bar of pro-fessionalism and seeks to enhance public trust through verification of higher standards.

Here are some excerpts of some great feedback we received on the Landscape Ontario LinkedIn forum:

Sally Harvey CLP, CLT agrees with the

concept, as long as it is understood that the asso-ciation will assist members to become accred-ited. “We must reinforce that Landscape Ontario is prepared to help our members with develop-ment and preparation of policy, processes and procedures that will help them qualify towards becoming an accredited member.”

Paul Doornbos CLT, CLP emphatically said, “YES! Steps must be taken to ensure that this in fact means something to the world out-side of LO, so that governments, consumers and peers ALL recognize the difference. Otherwise, we end up with another icon/logo that means something within the trade, but doesn’t hold the same value in the world out there. I don’t need another bunch of letters or logo, I have lots. What I want/need is those efforts be recognized beyond the borders of the industry.”

Walter Hasselman made a similar argu-ment. “Accreditation will only be valuable if it is recognized, especially by government and public who seem to be motivated simply by lower price. If this idea is to be pursued, it must come with a promotion plan.”

Tim Kearney CLP added to the conversa-tion, “We all know that consumers will gravitate to quality, reliable, ethical practices. It is proven time and time again. They just can’t find us, or don’t know what to look for. An accredited level would start with recognizing those mem-bers who have achieved or are on the journey of achieving certification, and recognition. Of course recognized programs from elsewhere would be accepted. We would be foolish to not be inclusive. This would then allow for the deci-sion makers, and the consumer to know there is a difference and this difference brings with it a meaning.”

Tim also responds to the criticism that an accredited member category would encourage elitism and division within the association. “An accredited system would have as a prerequisite the desire and want to mentor others who are on their journey. Outrageous you say? We do it every day! Why not make it official? There are dozens, perhaps hundreds of companies who are head and shoulders above mine. It is my goal to catch them. I have had many conversations with companies that I am trying to reach and catch. All offered invaluable advice. Quite frankly, I don’t mind losing a job to a good company. It is the ones that leave buckets on the table, operate without safety, treat employees like meat, and try and figure out how to cut corners that really irritate you.”

He goes on to say, “This is not an elit-ist group. It is an accountable group. Don’t let anyone say this level would be exclusive. It is opposite. It is very inclusive. A sector-driven, accredited level of membership available to everyone that will once and for all give our industry the credibility it deserves.”

Wolfegang Bonham urges caution, because of the complexity and diversity of our industry. “I think one of the potential downfalls to an accredited company status is that it raises the question of accredited for what? Interlocking, lawn maintenance, garden design, irrigation, outdoor lighting, fences/decks, tree care? This leads to the larger question, what is a land-scaper? The general public views the term land-scaper as meaning all of the above, as evidenced by the calls we receive regularly for landscaping tasks, which we do not perform.

“Further into the problem of an accredited company is the fact that just because someone within the company passed the tests needed to qualify, does not mean that person is going to be involved in the customer’s project. To me, we already have CLT for the workforce, CLP for the owners/managers, and CLD for design. I see this as one more confusing set of letters for the public, and an extra expense, especially for smaller or emerging companies.

“I also think that it would be incredibly hard to create an accreditation system when, as an industry, we lack a minimum code that exists in other industries, such as for electrical, plumbing, framing, etc. This is made harder still, when combined with the above-mentioned fact that as landscapers what each of us does is so completely different in many cases from each other.”

Rob Redden, a quarry supplier, agreed with the concept. “I think this will be a great idea, when the large municipal and govern-ment jobs start to demand qualified accredited installers.”

Most of the comments were in favour of pursuing, or at least discussing the concept fur-ther. The challenge is designing a program that is affordable, relevant, and scalable with the size of the company. It must reflect the diver-sity and complexity of the industry, nurture par-ticipation, discourage elitism and be recognized by the public.

What are your views?

Tony DiGiovanni may be reached at [email protected].

Tony DiGiovanni


A green roof of a different kindPUBLIC RELATIONS

LO joined with Mark Cullen, Ron Sexsmith and Cynthia MacDougall, chair of Toronto Parks and Tree Foundation, to help preserve parks and natural areas.

Denis Flanagan CLDDirector of public relations

As part of our partnership with the Toronto Parks and Tree Foundation, LO helped promote and participate

in the recent Green Tie Fundraiser at Sutton Place Hotel.

Attendees were encouraged to wear a green tie or scarf to show their support for the fundraising event. Those attending were offered tours of a dif-ferent kind. The 33rd floor of the Sutton Place has an amazing

panoramic view of the Toronto tree canopy, and city foresters gave guided tours highlight-ing areas of the city that still have successful tree coverage.

They also pointed out sections that are in decline, which really was the whole point of the evening, to make business people, politi-cians and the general public aware of the need to plant more trees.

As Mark Cullen pointed out in his open-ing remarks, Toronto’s urban forest covers approximately 17 per cent of the city. This is a far cry from 30 years ago, when the cover was closer to 40 per cent.

Opening speeches were followed by a wonderful musical set by singer/songwriter

Ron Sexsmith, who has been acclaimed by a galaxy of artists, ranging from Bob Dylan to Elton John, for his insight into the human heart and melodic purity. Ron not only entertained the crowd with his music, but also shared some stories of his days tree planting in Northern Ontario, which not only was an inspiration for some of his songs, but perhaps a reason why he generously donated his time for the evening.

The Toronto Parks and Tree Foundation is a not-for-profit, charitable organization with the purpose of protecting, preserving and enhancing Toronto’s parks, public green space and urban forest. The Foundation works with individuals, corporate donors and the commu-nity to accomplish its goals. Similar to many other partners that Landscape Ontario supports, the Foundation looks for solutions that contrib-ute to the three key elements of sustainability: environment, economy and community.

The mandate of the foundation to preserve and enhance parks, natural areas and trees aligns with the work of many of our members. We are all poised to be a significant contribu-tor to offset the effects of climate change and air/water pollution. Quality parks and healthy urban forests, exert a calming influence on urban life, add value to our neighborhoods and help to support safe communities and healthy lifestyles.

I think partnerships with like-minded groups and businesses are essential to the growth of our association and particularly fit-ting in 2011, as we embark on a campaign to celebrate National Tree Planting Day (Sept. 21st), inspired by a wonderful initiative from our executive director Tony DiGiovanni.

Denis Flanagan may be contacted at [email protected].

Denis Flanagan


THE UNDERGROUND WORLD

Provincial government axes Bill 180By Terry Murphy CLP

Bill 180 had passage of the first and sec-ond readings in the legislature before the provincial Liberals axed it. The

proposed bill would have established a not-for-profit call centre, acting as a single point-of-contact for all underground utility location services in Ontario.

Recently, Ontario Minister of Consumer Services, John Gerretsen, advised us, “With respect to your interest in mandatory participa-tion through legislation, the government is not actively considering a legislative approach at this time, and believes the users of the system are in the best position to develop and govern a one-call-to-dig system.”

In other words, the government does not agree with the Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance and its members that legisla-tion is the way to go. By the way, the ORCGA is made up of voluntary member such as Enbridge Gas, Bell Telephone, Union Gas, Rogers Communications, Ontario Sewer and

Watermain Association, many other utilities, municipalities, associations, private sector companies and Landscape Ontario.

The non-profit One Call System proposal would have helped save lives, reduce damage, prevented higher costs for all users and assist in a more efficient and productive process that ultimately gives a price break to all consumers who purchase utilities in Ontario.

Future of one call system At the same time, the private members’ Bill 180, proposed by MPP Bob Bailey, from Sarnia Lambton, received the full endorsement from the Provincial Conservative party and its leader Tim Hudak. The Conservatives have included this Bill as part of its election platform, which is outlined in a document called Changebook. This means, we have a full commitment for the creation of a mandatory one call system across Ontario by the Conservatives, who will make it become law if they are elected this fall on Oct. 6.

This was a glorious chance for the gov-

ernment to bring in an established process that has been proven successful in many parts of the United States. If the process reduces costs and saves lives, one wonders why it did not receive full support and endorsement by the govern-ment of the day.

OpinionIn my opinion, the Liberals missed a golden opportunity. While it is my personal observation here, all things being equal and after you consider all the parties’ platforms in the coming provin-cial election, and you are still undecided and on the fence about who to vote for, you might want to think about this decision by the provincial Liberals, whose party’s government axed Bill 180. Remember, the Conservatives have pledged full support of the important piece of legislation. It is something to think about.

Contact Terry Murphy at [email protected] if you have any comments, or if you need any information on dealing with underground issues.


PROFESSIONAL AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENTSafety, locates, heat stress and skilled labour are important issues By Sally Harvey CLT, CLPEducation and Labour Development Department

Over the past few weeks I have received a few interesting calls in regards to safety on the job site. I would like to relay that

information to our members.Call #1: What is

Landscape Ontario’s policy in regards to reporting jobs in value greater than $50,000 to the Ministry of Labour?

Landscape Ontario does not have a set pol-icy in regards to ‘con-structor’ responsibilities, however, we do recom-

mend that all members operate in compliance when it comes to safety. The Ministry of Labour provided the following information in response:

“The Occupational Health and Safety Act sets out the rights and duties of all parties in the workplace. Its main purpose is to protect work-ers against health and safety hazards on the job. The Act establishes procedures for dealing with workplace hazards, and it provides for enforce-ment of the law where compliance has not been achieved voluntarily. There are specific require-ments for landscapers under the Act. If you are working on an industrial site or a construction site, specific regulations for those industries will apply to you. Under extended coverage the Act, section 25(2)(h) would apply to the constructor to take every precaution reasonable in the cir-cumstances for the protection of any worker.

“The intent of the Act is to have one per-son with overall authority for health and safety matters on a project. This person is the con-structor of the project. Contractors (possibly including landscape contractors) are responsible for the overall safety on a job site, or project site with the value of the project in excess of $50,000. They are required to comply with the “Constructor Guidelines” as follows:”

Key duties of a constructorConstructors have the following key responsibil-ities, on the projects that they undertake. Ensure that the measures and procedures prescribed by the Act and its regulations are:• carriedoutontheproject

• everyemployerandeveryworkerperforming work on the project complies with the Act and its regulations

• thatthehealthandsafetyofworkersontheproject is protected

• thatahealthandsafetyrepresentativeorajoint health and safety committee is selected or established, when and as required

• thattheMinistryofLabourisnotifiedofaproject, when and as required

Contact the regional Ministry of Labour office when determining applicable legislation or regulation to the workplace, or obtain legal counsel for advice. Refer to the Occupational Health & Safety Act for specifics, or visit the Ontario Ministry of Labour’s website.

Check out the following two links for addi-tional Safety Compliance information and tools from the old FSA Resources (Now known as WSPS Workplace Health and Safety Prevention Services). Although these tools are under review and revision, they remain important resources to owners and employees in our industry. Stay tuned for the revised publications towards the end of 2011. We will keep you informed, and they will be available as a download: http://bit.ly/luPqkB.

Moral of the story: Notify the MOL of all projects in excess of $50,000, where your firm is responsible for the overall safety on a job site.

Call #2: Did you know that all locate records that you receive to identify all private and public underground locates must be on site and accessible by the individual(s) who is under-taking the excavation? The actual response to this inquiry is found on the bottom of a locate sheet and is as follows:

“A copy of this auxiliary locate sheet(s) and the primary locate sheet must be on site and in the hands of the machine operator dur-ing work operations. If sketch and markings do not coincide, the excavator must obtain a new locate. Failure to have the locate sheet in the possession of the excavator on site will result in a fine.”

For more information on how to read a locate sheet: http://goo.gl/ow81b.

Employers must ensure that all public and private gas, electrical and other services in or near the area to be excavated are located and marked. If a potentially hazardous service can-not to be disconnected, the service owner shall

be asked to supervise its uncovering during the excavation.

Plan ahead. Before you start digging, please call Ontario One Call anytime, seven days a week and 24 hours a day, at least two working days in advance. You may contact Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255, or http://on1call.com/.

Moral of the story: Call before you dig. Make sure all locate sheets have been collected and coincide with the site and ensure that they are in the excavator’s hands during time of exca-vation to avoid an accident and non-compliance fine. For more information go to the ministry website dealing with trenches: www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/sawo/pubs/fs_trenches.php

Be part of the HR solution The landscape horticulture industry presently has more jobs than skilled workers. We gain annually only 200 post secondary graduates into the industry. With a potential shortfall of over 150,000 skilled workers in the next 10 to 12 years, we need to develop innovative and rele-vant skilled trades people. It is vital to solve this human resource issue now to ensure continued prosperity of this industry, which the Deloitte Report says will continue to grow by leaps and bounds.

In response to the Deloitte Report on the economic impact of ornamental horticulture on Canada’s economy, Landscape Ontario, in partnership with Humber College and the Ontario Parks Association, and supported by Employment Ontario, circulated a survey last month to gain an understanding of what the bar-riers and challenges are to skills development in our industry from the perspective of employers, employees, students and teachers/counsellors.

The second phase of this project requires participation in person. Based on the identifica-tion of the issues and barriers from the survey results, we will host four half day, profession-ally facilitated sessions across Ontario to gain knowledge from you about potential solutions to these barriers and issues.

Ontario sessions: Ottawa, Aug. 9, Algonquin College; Sudbury, Aug. 16, Days Inn; Toronto, Aug. 17, Humber College; London, Aug. 18, Fanshawe College.

Sally Harvey may be contacted at [email protected].

Sally Harvey


SYSTEMS FOR SUCCESS

Not closing sales? Tailor your messageBy Mark Bradley

This series of articles, published in Horticulture Review for the past two years, follows Dan, a struggling landscape

contractor, and his long-time friend and mentor Bill, who has recently introduced Dan and his company to systems.

Going into sum-mer, Dan was revisiting his sales budget, and get-ting a little concerned. While he and Bill were leaving an association board meeting, they got to chatting.

Dan said, “I find myself pricing more jobs than ever, but losing more jobs than ever to people going with cheaper estimates. Everyone seems so much more focused on price these days.” Bill agreed with Dan.

“So given the change,” asked Bill, “what have you done to react to it? Are you selling dif-ferently, or selling like you’ve always sold?”

Dan thought for a minute; he hadn’t changed much, and his closing rate was much worse than a few years ago. At least half his leads went with what they felt was a lower price.

Bill had another angle on the lowest price issue. “Believe it or not, price is not the biggest reason customers go elsewhere. Price is the num-ber one excuse, but in my experience, the biggest mistake I made was the way I tried to sell each customer. I had one sales approach. Selling isn’t so much about the salesperson, as it is about the customer.

“When I figured out how to sell each cus-tomer, I really turned my sales around. Different customer types need different sales approaches. I’m no psychiatrist, but you can teach yourself to be competent at this in one evening. As we go through these, write down each type as a heading across the top of the page. Tonight, think of every friend and relative and write their name under the type that suits them best. By the time you’re done, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this. Consider these four basic customer types:”

Amiables – Amiable customers have a basic need to feel safe, and to get approval from others. They need to trust their relationship with you, and they need more talking and lots of listen-ing. They’ll often ask you questions like, ‘Well, what would you do?’ They need to check with others to feel confident in their decision. They

Mark Bradley

value how much they can trust you, as much or more than the bottom line price.

How to sell amiables – Meet them on site and book extra time for your meetings. Become a trusted advisor. Offer suggestions and explain your guarantees, warranty, superior service and other customer testimonials. Show off your port-folio. Give amiables your cell number, and don’t worry, they won’t want to disturb you.

How to kill the sale – Push for the sale too quickly. Show up when they’re not home to do site visits. Email or mail your quotes. Don’t fol-low up. Give them too many options and expect they know what they want.

Analyticals – Analyticals need to make the right decision. They want information, specifica-tions, guarantees, warrantees and testimonials, and are interested in how you work and want details on the plants or materials. They get mul-tiple estimates to help them make the right deci-sion. They most likely focus on price, but are ultimately looking for the most value for their money.

How to sell analyticals – Detailed estimates and drawings, plant information packages, com-pany history and testimonials. Build detailed descriptions and information into your estimates, including quantities, specifications, and guaran-tees. Demonstrate your value over lower price competitors; the more numbers and words, the better. Show them the risks in their project, and how your company will control them.

How to kill the sale – One page estimates and quick prices with no details; talk up your company and its services, but don’t put anything in writing; use sketches instead of designs; show up at sales meetings without leaving them with information they can read after you’re gone, and don’t give them time to process information before making a decision.

Drivers – Drivers are typical entrepre-neurs: fast-moving, risk-takers with a basic need to be in control. They ask direct questions that test your competency and put you on-the-spot. Drivers talk more than listen. When they are listening, they’re not in control. Drivers want to work with someone who is competent, gets right to the bottom line and is organized. Drivers will value competency and confidence over price.

How to sell drivers – Talk less, listen more. Spend more time preparing for meetings and less time in meetings. Show up very organized, and get right to the point. Give them options which let drivers retain control. Be willing to meet their schedule. One page summary estimates and

quick emails and conversations work well.How to kill the sale – Spend more time talk-

ing than listening; give long-winded descriptions of your company and technical details, long esti-mates, descriptions or letters; take your time call-ing them back, or worse, forget to call them back; be unprepared and unorganized in meetings and miss deadlines.

Expressives – This group is all about com-munication. They often start your first meeting with a story about their personal lives, or about the history of their property. Expressives change subjects a lot and drift from topic to topic. They are big thinkers and like to be trend-setters, and want to impress others. Many contractors quickly grow frustrated with expressives, because they don’t seem serious, or they tie them up in small talk. But, when you establish a relation-ship with an expressive, they act fast and make quick decisions.

How to sell expressives – Book extra time for meetings. Listen, and spend time in conver-sation about the job, or life, or anything. Build a relationship by telling stories and show off your portfolio and your awards, and tell the stories behind the job. Use descriptions in your estimate to accurately re-word their vision back to them and articulate how your company will best fulfill it. Highlight why their job is unique or interesting.

How to kill the sale – Rush the sale and ignore, or hurry small talk. Give estimates with technical data, instead of written descriptions. Give them standard project proposals.

Bill summed up the importance of selling to your customer’s type. “I used to sell every customer analytically. I’d give them all the infor-mation that I would look for when I was buy-ing. That worked only half the time. I’d give a driver this long explanation of the way we work and details of pricing, but they saw my approach as wasting their time and stealing their control. That same bottom line to-the-point approach that worked with a driver, ruined the sale with an ami-able, who was looking for a trusting relationship created by spending more time getting to know me and my work.

“Price will always be an issue, but it’s not always the issue you think it is. Try adjusting the way you sell your jobs, based on your customer’s personality. See if your closing rates don’t take a big leap forward.”

Mark Bradley is the president of The Beach Gardener and the Landscape Management Network.


VOLUNTEER PROFILE

Michael LaPorte CLTSupervisor at Clearview Nursery in Stayner, Show Committee director, past president of Georgian Lakelands Chapter

Michael LaPorte was recognized for his major contribution to Landscape Ontario, when he was presented the Frank Ewald Junior Award at Congress in 2010. The award goes to a member of Landscape Ontario or one of their employees under 35 years of age, who is con-sidered to have made an outstanding effort in the promotion and betterment of the associa-tion. Following the presentation, a loud round of applause showed everyone in the audience felt Michael LaPorte was well deserving of the award.What inspired you to join Landscape

Ontario?I have always worked for member

companies, but was interested in being involved to take more control of my career. I also wanted to network with the many people in our industry, and be part of a community that fosters both.

Where do you volunteer within the association?

I am past president of the Georgian Lakelands Chapter, and a member of the show committee. I have also sat on the recent by law committee, and am currently working with a committee working on a membership payment policy.

Do you have a favourite memory during your volunteer experience?

I have many great memories. I love discussing issues with other members such as how to strengthen our association and industry. The most energizing moments are when we put on a successful event, with lots of excitement generated by the people taking part. On the chapter level, it seems to be gaining momentum and that gives me great satisfaction.

What benefit do you receive from volunteering?

I receive knowledge, networking and leisure time with friends and colleagues within the industry. It also provides me with the ability to help guide the future of my career, and I have great enjoyment at the many events.

What suggestions do you have to improve the association?

I feel we need to target the employees of our member companies. There are many people in our industry who have not

become engaged, because they don’t understand that they are part of the organization. The owners need to help encourage their employees’ participation. These are the people who can help take our association to the next level.

Do you perform other volunteer work outside of Landscape Ontario?

I also sit on the Healthy Community Network of Wasaga Beach. Our mandate is to create events and programs that encourage healthy lifestyles, a sustainable environment, and pride in our growing and changing community. I would also like to note how grateful I am to everyone who has helped me grow in the association, and express a great appreciation to my employers Kevin and Gail Elwood with Clearview Nursery, for their support with my many volunteer commitments.


The board of directors of Canada Blooms and Marketplace Events, organizers of The National Home Show, officially signed an agreement that will see the two events be side-by-side next year at the Direct Energy Centre.

The two shows under one roof will make it the single largest home and garden experience in North America.

“The idea for co-locating the events is a natural extension of our audience interests,” explained Tom Baugh, ceo of Marketplace Events. “Guests attending The National Home Show, consistently tell us they want to see big-ger and better gardens and floral displays.”

“Putting these events side-by-side creates a situation where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts,” says Gerry Ginsberg, gen-eral manager of Canada Blooms. “We strongly believe this co-location will allow us to achieve a new standard of excellence and significantly enhance the customer experience for hundreds of thousands of garden and home enthusiasts throughout Ontario.”

Both groups emphasize that the agreement

It’s official, agreement signed to co-locate Blooms and Home Show

to co-locate is not a merger, nor is Marketplace Events purchasing Canada Blooms. Each event will maintain its own identity and operate separately, expanding into a larger footprint of 600,000 square feet. This will make it Canada’s largest consumer event under one roof.

The shows will run for ten days, from Mar. 16 to 25, 2012, at the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto. Blooms was open six days this year. With Canada Blooms Marketplace moving into Heritage Court, the feature gardens and floral displays will be in Hall A. The National Home Show will occupy the remainder of the exhibit space, including Halls B, C, D, North Extension (Hall H) and the Industry Building (Hall G), where the feature home will continue to be located, as well as the previously unused East Annex (Hall F).

The Marketplace Events team will sell all exhibit space for both events, including the Canada Blooms Marketplace, while the Canada Blooms team will focus on the expanded fea-ture gardens, educational programs and floral displays. Sponsorship will continue to be sold

separately by each event, although cross-over packages will be available for those interested in partnering for both events.

A single ticket will allow attendees to visit either, or both events. A recent audience survey confirmed that 47 per cent of respondents have attended both events in the past and 62 per cent indicated that the opportunity to see both events for one ticket price would make it more likely they would attend. Over 40 per cent of respon-dents said they would likely purchase a two-day pass. Based on the survey results, two-day passes and an all-access pass, good all days of the events, will also be sold.

“The survey results, combined with already intense exhibitor interest, confirms the thinking by both groups that co-locating these events will create an exciting dynamic experi-ence for our guests, exhibitors and respective organizations,” said Baugh.

“It’s a progressive move for the betterment of the GTA’s horticultural community,” added Ginsberg, “and a decision that will elevate the not-for-profit status of Canada Blooms.”


By Helen HassardMembership coordinator

As I’m sure you know, most of the chapters are hosting a social event or two this summer to raise money for a

local charity or chapter initiatives. Go to www. horttrades.com/2011-summer-events for a full list of events with event details and regis-tration options.

With volunteers taking on this huge task during their busy sea-son, many look for the best way to reach out and inform sponsors

about their options. This got me thinking, why is it that people sponsor events like this? Is it out of the goodness of their hearts, a part of a mar-keting strategy, or are they coerced by friends and colleagues? At first, I planned to write out the benefits of sponsorship from my perspec-tive and the benefits I always hear about. Then I realized the best way to answer this is to hear it straight from the source. So, here are some comments from some of the major event spon-sors of LO events.

“Support the cause, support an asso-

MEMBERSHIP

Sponsors reveal benefits of sponsorships

Helen Hassard

ciation or union and networking with peers and related companies in our industry.” — Bruce Wilson, Permacon

“It’s 90 per cent business, 10 per cent to get the heck out of the office and play some golf and socialize. For our business, sponsoring and par-ticipating in LO golf events is a chance for us to network and converse with current and potential clients. Plus, as manufacturers that sponsor the event, we’re people, too. We like to get out from behind the desk and the phone and play some golf and indulge in some social camaraderie.” — Michael D. Perovich, Future Road Solutions

“For us sponsorships are part of our mar-keting plan to get more members to see, or hear our name. Hopefully, they will think about us and give us an opportunity to earn their business.” — Steve Jemmett, NewRoads National Leasing

“I think sponsorships are essential to develop a relationship with a client(s). Sales are much more than just taking an order and deliv-ering a product. Being involved in a sponsorship allows me to get to know the client, their business and their need to be successful. Being involved with, for example, a golf sponsorship, allows me to interact with the client on a personal and busi-ness level over several hours with both parties seeing each other from different perspectives.” — John B. Renaud, Premier Tech

“The reasons we are involved with

sponsorships would include marketing, PR, involvement, good will and to some degree of good natured arm-twisting.” — Ernest Williams, Aquascape

“We provide sponsorship for several rea-sons. The members of Landscape Ontario are also our customers and the opportunity to meet with them on a social level is important to Unilock. We hope the members recognize our support of their association, and support us accord-ingly. Associations like Landscape Ontario are valuable to the members, by providing support at many levels and giving the small business person a louder voice. So, we support LO to make sure it thrives and is able to do its job.” — David Pierce, Unilock

“Participation helps companies like us to get our name out there (community vis-ibility) as well as collect some leads. For us, we also choose not to support any cause which we do not stand behind. The bot-tom line is there has to be something in it for both parties in order to make it worth-while (and the price has to be right as well).” — Sara Colantonio, Financial Planning and Wealth Management, Investors Group

Helen Hassard may be contacted at [email protected].

NEW MEMBERSDURHAMAll Green Sod Growers LtdRob Van wees4100 Green Rd, Hampton, ON L0B 1J0Tel: 905-725-9674Membership Type: Associate

Cuda LandscapeJim Barraclough4007 Vivian Rd, RR 1, Cedar Valley , ON L0G 1E0Tel: 905-473-5025Membership Type: Active

Uxbridge Tree ServiceDavid Watts9 Douglas Rd, Uxbridge, ON L9P 1S9Tel: 905-852-5313Membership Type: Active

GOLDeN HORSeSHOeElement Landscape Services IncDave Wanless6030 Thoroldstone Rd, Niagara Falls, ON L2J 1A2Tel: 905-941-0525Membership Type: Active

Lakeland Gardening & Services IncJeffery Allen204 - 50 Dundas St E, Dundas, ON L9H 7K6Tel: 905-689-5253Membership Type: Active

Land ARTRichard Wynia4630 John St, Beamsville, ON L0R 1B1Tel: 289-439-0018Membership Type: Interim

TORONTODunkerron Nurseries LtdFranc AmsenPO Box 204, Schomberg, ON L0G 1T0Tel: 905-939-8306Membership Type: Active

Envirobond ProductsMike Riehm17 - 1530 Drew Rd, Mississauga, ON L5S 1W8Tel: 416-628-3704Membership Type: Associate

M & J Logistics IncMax Franzini2 - 90 Edilcan Dr, Concord, ON L4K 3S5Tel: 905-660-3999 x111Membership Type: Associate

R.J. Electrical Services Tor. Inc.Ron Abbott123 Riverhead, Toronto, ON M9W 4H1Tel: 416-224-9507Membership Type: Active

SaltCreek Group of Companies LimitedDomenic Lammatteo159 - Concession 11, Schomberg, ON L0G 1T0Tel: 888-676-6226Membership Type: Active

WATeRLOOBotanical Designs & Installations Inc.Kelly Lantz209 Forler St, Neustadt, ON N0G 2M0Tel: 519-799-5423Membership Type: Active

Mar-Co Clay Products IncDavid McDougall896474 Oxford Road 3, RR 3, Bright, ON N0J 1B0Tel: 519-684-7591Membership Type: Associate

Pro Tech Engineering IncDavid Head19 Martha St, Hawkesville, ON N0B 1X0Tel: 519-699-5990Membership Type: Associate


Chapter NewsThe Ottawa Chapter is well underway with preparations for its major networking event of the summer, the annual golf tournament.

Returning again to the Canadian Golf and Country Club in Ashton, the tournament takes place on Fri., Aug. 26. The board of directors has chosen the Ottawa Food Bank to receive a portion of the proceeds from this year’s tour-nament. There will also be a food drive held on site during tournament day.

This year’s tournament will have an early start, with registration at 8 a.m. and a shotgun start at 10. The day of golfing includes a light breakfast, a putting contest, a full round of 18 holes with cart, dinner at 4 p.m., musical entertainment, as well as many opportunities to network with your peers. Trophies will be awarded for the longest drive for a male and female golfers, along with best foursome. Sponsorship packages are available, begin-ning at $675, including golf. A wide variety of

Ottawa golfers helping food bank

sponsorship opportunities are available. The tournament this year is also open to

golf enthusiasts who are not yet members, but who will have the opportunity to learn of the benefits of joining Landscape Ontario.

Find your foursome and come out and

Alf Savage will be the keynote speaker on Sat., Aug. 20, at the 75th anniversary cel-ebrations of the Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture and the Ontario Parks Association.

Savage has enjoyed a varied career and has been a proponent of parks and open spaces for many decades. He has continued to watch developments in many cities across Canada, and the Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) evolve to what it is today.

His observations of the parks industry over the last 60-plus years provide him with a wide perspective on the evolution and status of parks, horticulture and open spaces today. Savage will discuss how the OPA and NPC School of Horticulture were ahead of their time in providing impact on the parks, open spaces and horticulture industry, since both began in 1936.

Savage was raised in Sarnia where his fam-ily had a greenhouse operation. He entered the School of Horticulture in 1949 and graduated

Alf Savage to addressanniversary celebration

enjoy the day knowing you are giving to a worthwhile cause of the Ottawa Food Bank, along with a day of endless networking oppor-tunities and golfing enjoyment. For more infor-mation, contact chapter coordinator Martha Walsh [email protected].

in 1952. He began his parks career, becoming commissioner of parks and recreation for York. In 1972, he moved to Edmonton to become superintendent of parks until 1974, when he began work for the Public Affairs Department. After a successful career in parks and open spaces, he moved to the transportation depart-ment in Edmonton, eventually moving back to Ontario, to become general manager of the Toronto Transit Commission in 1981.

In 1987, he was lured by Niagara Frontier-Buffalo Transportation, where he spent three years participating in waterfront and boat launching projects, as well as a clean-up proj-ect which had a huge impact on downtown Buffalo. In 1990 he was hired to operate the transit system in Chicago until his retirement in 1994. At that time, he moved to the moun-tains near Calgary.

For more information, or to register for the weekend anniversary celebrations, go to http://bit.ly/opa75th.


By Kristen McIntyre CHTConference and event coordinator

Snow in July? Nope, it’s all about snow in September! Each fall, Landscape Ontario holds a snow and ice symposium, which is typically a sold-out event. We are consistently being told by the industry, ‘We want more!’ You want more; you get more!

The Snow and Ice Symposium has mor-phed into two separate events, The Municipal and Contractor Fall Equipment Show in Kitchener and the Canadian Snow and Ice Expo in Ottawa.

Both offer large displays of equipment, technologies and services for the snow and ice industry and plenty of opportunities to network with industry colleagues throughout the day.

The day before each show, delegates are offered the rare opportunity to attend SIMA’s (Snow and Ice Management Association) popular Build-a-Bid and Beyond-the-Bid programs. The programs were created by members of SIMA to address one of the greatest business challenges they face, proper pricing. The work resulted in these full-day programs (running concurrently, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.) that will help you put together and sell snow and ice proposals that fit your business model.

Build-a-Bid highlightsThe program is designed to present a comprehen-sive approach to bidding. A presentation in the morning by the bid specialists will be followed by a hands-on workshop that will break the bid-ding process down into manageable parts, and highlight core concepts that will help contractors create better, more accurate bids.

The Build-a-Bid workshop will help attendees:• Understandjobcostingandproduction

numbers for equipment.• Usehistoricalweatherdatatocreatemore

accurate bids.• Factorfinancialgoalsandlong-term

planning into your strategic bidding process.• Learnbetterwaysofpresentingandclosing

the bid.• Establishaknowledge-basefordetermining

workload capacity for your company.

Beyond-the-BidIn today’s fast-paced world, with a changing economy and intense competition in the snow industry, many snow contractors feel like they’ve lost control. This program is designed to help snow and ice management contractors develop a strategy and planning system for bidding snow

Snow in July?work that will secure a better future.

Highlights include, smart growth without overextending your company; confronting trends in the snow industry, managing financial and lia-bility risk for a more secure future; identifying new opportunities and revenue while not getting burned; tools to help accelerate your ability to analyze and adapt to market conditions.

This eight-hour workshop will focus on equipment usage and capacity, identifying stra-tegic growth areas in your market, managing risk and contract language, and major industry trends.

Attendees of both sessions will also be given a workbook to keep and access to a special portion of the SIMA website. Pre-registration is required online at $250 for members, $350 for non-members. These workshops will be offered on Mon., Sept. 12 in Ottawa, and on Wed., Sept. 14 in Kitchener.

OttawaMark your calendars to attend The Canadian Snow & Ice Expo at the Rideau Carleton Entertainment Centre in Ottawa, on Sept. 13, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Snow and Ice Sector Group and LO’s Ottawa Chapter will host this inaugural event.

Admission to the trade show is complimen-tary, and there will be demonstrations on the show floor throughout the day. For paid registrants ($35), the conference kicks-off with a breakfast event featuring two concurrent sessions: Legal Liability and Salt Stewardship. A barbecue lunch and a casino coupon are also included with paid registration.

KitchenerOn Sept. 15 the Snow and Ice Sector Group of Landscape Ontario, Ontario Parks Association and the Municipal Equipment and Operations Association are hosting the Municipal & Contractor Fall Equipment Show at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex in Kitchener, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There is free admission to the trade show, featuring both indoor and outdoor equipment displays. There will also be floor demonstra-tions and information sessions as part of the OPA Educational Theatre: Chainsaw Safety and Awareness, Truck and Trailer: Load and Hook-Up and Small Equipment Emissions and Sustainable Practices. Plenary Sessions (for paid registrants only, $40) are Weather, a pre-sentation by Rob Kuhn of Environment Canada and Snow Operations, a presentation by Paul Johnson. Lunch is included with paid registra-

tion at this must-attend event for snow and ice professionals.

Who should attend?Industry members who should attend the shows include snow and ice contracting professionals, municipal snow and ice managers, commercial and multi-unit residential property managers, landscape and snow removal business owners and managers, technical staff and snow and ice management suppliers and distributors.

Manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of products, services and technologies for the snow and ice sector are invited to participate in these events. Booths are still available, and there are many sponsorship opportunities which may be customised to your preferences. Contact Gilles Bouchard at [email protected], 800-265-5656, ext. 323.

To register for the SIMA programs or for the shows at Kitchener, visit www.fallequip-mentshow.com, and for Ottawa go to www.canadiansnowandiceexpo.com.

For information, contact Kristen McIntyre at [email protected], 800-265-5656, ext. 321.

16 HORTICULTURE REVIEW - JULY 15, 2011 RR 2, Mount Brydges, ON N0L 1W0 Tel: 519-264-9057 • Fax: 519-264-1337

Many More Cultivars and sizes availableHillen Nursery Inc.Botanical Name Qty. 1 Gal Qty. 2 Gal Qty. 3 Gal Avail. Price Avail. Price Avail. Price

VINESAmpelopsis glandulosa Elegans 241 8.00 Aristolochia durior 114 11.00Campsis radicans Balboa Sunset 194 8.00 Hedera helix Thorndale 200 6.00 Hydrangea anomala petiolaris 271 8.00 Lonicera per. Serotina 78 8.00 Parthenocissus quinq. Engelmannii 995 8.00 Parthenocissus quinquefolia 248 6.00 Parthenocissus tricus. Veitchii 1,000 6.00 Polygonum aubertii 831 6.00 Wisteria macrostachya Blue Moon. 100 12.25

EVERGREENS

Azalea Northern Lights 198 13.50Azalea Orchid Lights 239 13.50Buxus Faulkner 100 5.00 330 11.00Buxus microphylla 49 5.00 524 11.00Buxus X Green Gem 74 5.20 299 11.20Buxus X Green Mound 845 5.00 1,000 11.00Buxus X Green Mountain 90 5.00 51 11.00Buxus X Green Velvet 1,000 5.20 1,000 11.20Chamaecyparis pisifera Aurea Sungold 35 5.00 183 11.00Chamaecyparis pisifera Filifera 190 5.00 175 11.00Chamaecyparis pisifera Filifera Aurea 80 5.00 258 11.00Cotoneaster dammeri Coral Beauty 1,000 5.00 162 7.00 Cotoneaster microphyllus 168 5.00 45 9.00Cotoneaster salicifolius Repens 1,000 7.00 Euonymus fortunei `Emerald n Gold` 1,000 7.00 Euonymus fortunei Canadale Gold 305 5.00 171 7.00 Euonymus fortunei Coloratus 185 5.00 Euonymus fortunei Emerald Gaiety 1,000 7.00 Euonymus fortunei Emerald ‘n Gold 165 5.00 Euonymus fortunei Goldtip 266 7.00 Euonymus fortunei Sunrise 279 7.00 Ilex X meserveae Blue Prince 891 5.00 298 11.00Ilex X meserveae Blue Princess 951 5.00 527 11.00Juniperus chinensis Gold Coast 186 11.00Juniperus chinensis Gold Star 366 5.00 343 11.00Juniperus chinensis Mint Julep 390 5.00 233 11.00Juniperus chinensis Pfitz. Compacta 300 5.00 63 11.00Juniperus chinensis San Jose 250 5.00 89 11.00Juniperus communis Green Carpet 451 11.00Juniperus communis Repanda 260 5.00 Juniperus conferta Blue Pacific 200 5.00 279 11.00Juniperus hor. Turquoise Spreader 200 5.00 297 11.00Juniperus horizontalis 100 5.00 Juniperus horizontalis Andorra Compacta 841 5.00 13 11.00Juniperus horizontalis Bar Harbor 190 5.00 27 11.00Juniperus horizontalis Icee Blue 261 6.00 959 13.00Juniperus horizontalis Lime Glow 170 6.50 10 11.50Juniperus horizontalis Wiltonii 416 5.00 10 11.00Juniperus horizontalis Yukon Belle 400 5.00 938 11.00Juniperus media Armstrongii 142 5.00 250 11.00Juniperus procumbens nana 95 5.00 210 11.00Juniperus sabina 200 5.00 182 11.00Juniperus sabina Buffalo 228 11.00Juniperus squamata Blue Carpet 150 5.00 272 11.00Juniperus squamata Blue Star 217 11.00Juniperus virginiana Grey Owl 90 5.00 43 11.00Metasequoia glyptostroboides 247 7.00 Microbiota decussata 697 5.00 Picea glauca Conica 565 11.00Picea pungens glauca 375 7.00 Picea pungens glauca StJuan 632 7.00 Picea pungens Globosa 399 22.00Pinus mugo var. mugo 1,000 11.00

Botanical Name Qty. 1 Gal Qty. 2 Gal Qty. 3 Gal Avail. Price Avail. Price Avail. Price

Pinus strobus 1,000 11.00Taxus X media Densiformis 305 5.00 Taxus X media Hicksii 516 5.00 1,000 11.00Taxus X media Hillii 431 11.00Taxus X media Wardii 690 5.00 Thuja occidentalis 179 11.00Thuja occidentalis Brandon 98 5.00 188 11.00Thuja occidentalis Golden Globe 100 5.00 Thuja occidentalis Little Giant 325 5.00 48 11.00Thuja occidentalis Nigra 990 5.00 1,000 11.00Thuja occidentalis Smaragd 1,000 5.00 258 11.00Thuja occidentalis Wintergreen 438 5.00 449 11.00Thuja plicata Spring Grove 54 5.00 513 11.00Tsuga canadensis 1,000 5.00 10 7.00 1,000 11.00Yucca filamentosa 121 7.00 35 11.00

DECIDUOUS SHRUBS

Acanthopanax sieboldianus 679 7.00 Acer ginnala 141 7.00 Acer rubrum 551 7.00 Acer tartaricum Bailey Compact 133 7.00 Alnus glutinosa 126 7.00 Alnus rugosa 458 7.00 Amelanchier alnifolia 445 7.00 Amelanchier canadensis 770 7.00 Amelanchier laevis 147 7.00 Aronia mel. Autumn Magic 222 7.00 Aronia melanocarpa 542 7.00 Aronia X prunifolia Viking 253 7.00 Berberis thunbergii Rose Glow 335 6.00 380 13.50Berberis thunbergii Royal Burgundy 316 13.50Berberis thunbergii Royal Cloak 134 6.00 Buddleia davidii Black Knight 359 7.00 Buddleia davidii Ellens Blue 392 7.00 Buddleia davidii Ile de France 582 7.00 Buddleia davidii Nanho Purple 465 7.00 Buddleia davidii Petite Plum 612 7.00 Buddleia davidii Pink Delight 396 7.00 Buddleia davidii Purple Prince 907 7.00 Buddleia davidii Royal Red 343 7.00 Buddleia davidii White Profusion 278 7.00 Caryopteris clandonensis Grand Blue 271 7.35 Caryopteris clandonensis Worchester Gold 130 7.00 Cephalanthus occidentalis 257 7.00 Cercidiphyllum japonicum 137 7.00 Cercis canadensis 498 7.00 Chaenomeles speciosa Nivalis 387 7.00 Chaenomeles speciosa Rubra 647 7.00 Chaenomeles speciosa Texas Scarlet 583 7.00 Chaenomeles sup.Crimson and Gold 184 7.00 Chaenomeles sup.Pink Lady 120 7.00 Clethra alnifolia Hummingbird 136 7.00 Clethra alnifolia Paniculatum 295 7.00 Clethra alnifolia Pink Spire 373 7.00 Cornus alba Elegantissima 1,000 7.00 Cornus alba Gouchaultii 218 7.00 Cornus alba Ivory Halo 412 7.45 Cornus alba Red Gnome 201 7.00 Cornus stolonifera Kelseyi 1,000 7.00 Corylus americana 157 7.00 Corylus avellana Contorta 186 15.00 Cotoneaster apiculatus 323 7.00 Cotoneaster preacox Boer 1,000 7.00 Deutzia crenata Nikko 769 7.00 Deutzia gracilis 404 7.00 Deutzia X Strawberry Field 152 7.00 Euonymus alatus Compactus 1,000 5.00 102 8.00 90 9.00Forsythia Kumson 459 7.00 Forsythia ovata Ottawa 480 7.00

HORTICULTURE REVIEW - JULY 15, 2011 17RR 2, Mount Brydges, ON N0L 1W0 Tel: 519-264-9057 • Fax: 519-264-1337

Many More Cultivars and sizes availableHillen Nursery Inc.Botanical Name Qty. 1 Gal Qty. 2 Gal Qty. 3 Gal Avail. Price Avail. Price Avail. Price

Botanical Name Qty. 1 Gal Qty. 2 Gal Qty. 3 Gal Avail. Price Avail. Price Avail. Price

Forsythia X inter. Northern Gold 1,000 7.00 Forsythia X intermedia Lynwood 650 7.00 Genista tinctoria Royal Gold 191 7.00 Hamamelis virginiana 197 7.00 Hibiscus syriacus Diana 198 5.00 204 8.00Hibiscus syriacus Lavender Chiffon 189 5.60 Hibiscus syriacus White Chiffon 180 5.60 108 8.60Hibiscus syriacus Woodbridge 451 5.00 Hydrangea arborescens Annabelle 1,000 7.00 Hydrangea macr. Bouquet Rose 274 7.00 Hydrangea macr. Penny Mac 245 7.30 Hydrangea paniculata Kyushu 462 7.00 Hydrangea paniculata Little Lamb 222 7.60 Hydrangea paniculata Pinky Winky 303 7.60 Hydrangea paniculata Tardiva 253 7.00 Hydrangea quercifolia PeeWee 158 14.00Hydrangea serrata Bluebird 232 7.00 Ilex verticillata Jim Dandy 169 7.00 Ilex verticillata Afterglow 1,000 7.00 Ilex verticillata Southern Gentleman 329 7.00 Ilex verticillata Winterred 143 7.00 Itea virginica Henrys Garnet 276 7.00 Kerria japonica Pleniflora 118 7.00 Kolkwitzia amabilis Pink Cloud 1,000 7.00 Ligustrum jap. Aureomarginata 193 7.00 Ligustrum ovalufolium 160 7.00 Ligustrum vulgaris 286 7.00 Liriodendron tulipefera 233 8.50 Lonicera tatarica Arnold Red 318 7.00 Lonicera xylosteum Emerald Mound 822 7.00 Lonicera xylosteum Miniglobe 741 7.00 Magnolia stellata Royal Star 142 11.00Magnolia X loebneri Leonard Messel 248 11.00Philadelphus coronarius Aureus 155 7.00 Philadelphus Innocence 670 7.00 Philadelphus Minn.Snowflake Dwarf 129 7.00 Philadelphus Minnesota Snowflake 375 7.00 Philadelphus Natchez 154 7.00 Philadelphus X virginalis 527 7.00 Physocarpus opulifolius 697 7.00 Physocarpus opulifolius Diabolo 1,000 7.60 750 8.60Populus tremuloides 199 7.00 Potentilla fruticosa Coronation Triumph 1,000 7.00 Potentilla fruticosa Dakota Sunrise 1,000 7.00 Potentilla fruticosa Gold Drop 295 7.00 Potentilla fruticosa Goldstar 1,000 7.00 Potentilla fruticosa Mango Tango 273 7.00 Potentilla fruticosa McKays White 261 7.00 Potentilla fruticosa Tangerine 147 7.00 Prunus cistena 970 5.00 1,000 7.00 Prunus virginiana 345 7.00 Quercus bicolor 383 7.00 Quercus macrocarpa 80 7.00 48 8.00Quercus palustris 127 7.00 Quercus robur Fastigiata 1,000 9.00 Rhus typhina 1,000 7.00 Rhus typhina Tiger Eyes 15 10.50 87 12.50Rosa Henry Kelsey 330 7.00 Rosa Bonica 1,000 7.00 Rosa Carolina 1,000 7.00 Rosa J P Connell 385 7.00 Rosa rugosa 1,000 7.00 \Rosa rugosa Morden Blush 179 7.00 Rosa x Champlain 362 7.00 Rosa x George Vancouver 324 7.00 Salix discolor 1,000 7.00 Salix eriocephala 1,000 7.00 Salix exigua 1,000 7.00 Salix gracilis Purpurea Nana 964 7.00

Salix nigra 70 7.00 Salix repens 57 7.00 Sambucus canadensis Aurea 1,000 7.00 Sambucus nigra Black Lace 85 9.50 28 11.50Sambucus pubens 251 7.00 Sorbaria aitchisonii 340 7.00 Sorbaria sorbifolia 22 7.00 Sorbaria sorbifolia Sem 238 7.00 22 8.00Spiraea alba 1,000 7.00 Spiraea arguta 281 7.00 Spiraea betulifolia Tor 213 7.00 Spiraea bumalda Gold Mound 1,000 7.00 Spiraea japonica Anthony Waterer 1,000 7.00 Spiraea japonica Crispa 1,000 7.00 Spiraea japonica Dakota Goldcharm 631 7.00 Spiraea japonica Darts Red 106 7.00 Spiraea japonica Flaming Mound 635 7.00 Spiraea japonica Froebelii 1,000 7.00 Spiraea japonica Golden Princess 343 7.00 Spiraea japonica Goldflame 1,000 7.00 Spiraea japonica Little Princess 1,000 7.00 Spiraea japonica Magic Carpet 1,000 7.25 Spiraea japonica Shirobana 325 7.00 Spiraea japonica Shirobana (Genpei) 324 8.00Spiraea japonica White Gold 278 7.00 Spiraea nipponica Snowmound 316 7.00 Spiraea vanhouttei 459 7.00 Spriaea vanhouttei Golden Fountain 5 8.00 90 9.00Stephanandra incisa Crispa 293 7.00 Symphoricarpos albus 1,000 7.00 Symphoricarpos chenaultii Hancock 690 7.00 Syringa meyeri Palibin 50 7.00 Syringa patula Miss Kim 583 7.00 Syringa Tinkerbelle 640 7.50 Syringa vulgaris Beauty of Moscow 97 7.00 Syringa vulgaris Monge 1 7.00 20 8.00Syringa vulgaris Primrose 150 7.00 Syringa vulgaris Sensation 35 7.00 34 8.00Syringa X hyac. Pocahontas 35 7.00 Syringa X prestoniae Minuet 164 7.00 Tamarix pentandra 78 7.00 Tilia cordata 270 7.00 Viburnum carlcephalum 32 10.00 Viburnum dentatum 83 7.00 Viburnum dentatum Chicago Lustre 485 7.00 Viburnum farreri nanum 31 7.00 Viburnum nudum Winterthur 50 7.00 Viburnum opulus Roseum 7 7.00 19 8.00Viburnum plic. Summer Snowflake 96 7.00 Viburnum plicatum Mariesii 252 10.00 Viburnum plicatum Shasta 180 10.00 Viburnum rhytidophyllum Alleghany 51 7.00 Viburnum trilobum Bailey Compact 228 7.00 Weigela florida Alexandra 208 7.60 Weigela florida Bristol Ruby 241 7.00 Weigela florida Bristol Snowflake 83 7.00 Weigela florida French Lace 279 7.60 Weigela florida Java Red 285 7.00 Weigela florida Minor Black 85 7.00 Weigela florida Minuet 202 7.00 Weigela florida Nana Variegata 398 7.00 Weigela florida Polka 615 7.00 Weigela florida Purpurea Nana 1,000 7.00 Weigela florida Red Prince 310 7.00 Weigela florida Rubidor 20 7.00 Weigela florida Rumba 385 7.00 Weigela florida Tango 147 7.00 Weigela florida Variegata 73 7.00 Weigela florida Victoria 170 7.00


By Tim J. Kearney CLPGarden Creations of Ottawa

There is a place that once a year springs to life and demonstrates everything that we, as professionals, hope to believe is possible. This place has peace, quiet, and beauty. But, it also reveals the future which makes your soul feel good.

The place is Kemptville College, near Ottawa. The event is the annual CLT test days in mid-August. And why is it taking place? It’s because certification does work, and is becoming recognized. Slowly, but surely, consumers are requesting certified workers on their properties. Some companies understand the value of having staff become certified. But at this point, there are just not enough of us.

Ask yourself if you are part of the solution, or part of the problem? We all complain about not enough relevance to our industry and association. Would it not be wonderful to know that the consumer will request certified staff? This day is coming, and many say sooner than you think. The consumer will demand this type of company.

Holds us togetherFrom a personal perspective, our company culture has been to encourage training, education, and certification at all levels. After participating in this journey since the very beginning, I believe it is one of the fibres that hold our company together, during good times and bad.

This spring (a pretty good example of bad) has been most trying for everyone in our industry. No one escaped the incessant rain that served to not only dampen the economy, but certainly decreased consumer demand. On top of that, the volume of jobs this year is not as plentiful as in the past. So couple

Certification — the industry’s best kept secretthis with the bad weather, and the need to run a company profitably requires everyone to buy in. All in!

How does this relate to Certification? I believe it is the hidden thread of pro–fessionalism. By being linked to the industry, staff hears and freely associates with others from other companies across the region. They share stories of good and bad, but they all know that they are working for a determined and committed industry with companies who are equally committed and determined.

Staying one step aheadI witnessed my crews working 12-hour days this spring in the pouring rain and then coming in on Saturday to stay one step ahead. All of this happened with a positive attitude that says this is our window of opportunity and we need to work. So annuals were planted and grass cut (and yes...cut again) and beds cultivated and shrubs pruned. Customers called to say how they couldn’t believe how happy the staff members appeared working on their properties.

Construction crews worked where possible and then helped out our service crews and maintenance crews if the workload was deemed impossible.

It is understanding what the industry is all about that fuels this. I really believe having a culture of trained and educated people, and insisting on professionalism, has allowed us to weather the storm (pardon the pun!).

Are they perfect? Absolutely not. But there is not one employee that I have (75 per cent or more have participated in our certification journey) that you wouldn’t gladly hire. I cringe to think of not having certified staff that “gets it.”

So if you or one of your team decides to go for it, you can expect a great experience and

an experience that will make you feel good. The camaraderie that exists at the Kemptville test days is inspiring. The site is deemed to be one of the best, as pronounced by a respected U.S. test evaluator who attended a test a few years ago.

Perfect time for journeyNow is the perfect time to acquire study manuals and begin the journey towards certification. Review them together, or individually. Setting goals is good for any organization. Why not have a goal of everyone being certified? Once a few of your staff are successful, the beauty of friendly peer pressure insures you will have others who want to try.

I have staff with all designations and staff with a few. I also have some who just keep trying. It is all good.

So are you part of the problem or part of the solution? The solution is easy. A certified, recognized workforce will go a long way to creating public awareness and confidence.

The best kept secret in Eastern Ontario awaits you.

Certification dates July 21, 22, Landscape Ontario (Milton)Aug. 11, 12, Kemptville College (Ottawa)Sept. 30, Oct 1, St. Clair College (Windsor)Oct. 24, 25, Landscape Ontario (Milton)Nov. 5 Fanshawe College, (London) written only

Certification orientation June 4, Landscape Ontario (Milton)Sept. 9, St. Clair College (Windsor)

For more information on Certification visit horttrades.com/landscape-industry-certified and/or contact Rachel Cerelli at Landscape Ontario, [email protected], 1-800-265-5656 ext. 326


Orchard Farm NurseriesKarl Klinck, past president of the Windsor Chapter, of Orchard Farm Nur–series in Windsor, was featured in People Profiles in the May issue of Biz X magazine. The article

covers both Klinck’s background and the history of his business. A copy of the article may be viewed at http://bit.ly/lbFoP7 on page 12.

EnviroBondEnviroBond was selected to participate in Home Depot Canada’s Innovation for Sustainability program, which is supported by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Trade and Development. EnviroBond competed with 60 other Ontario manufacturers. From this group, products from 13 companies were chosen. The Innovation for Sustainability program was developed to help businesses to bring products

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

An agreement was reached as part of the settlement of a NAFTA dispute that challenged the Quebec government’s ban on certain uses of 2,4-D as being without scientific basis.

The Quebec government has ac– knowledged that “products containing 2,4-D do not pose an unacceptable risk to human health or the environment.”

It appears that industry members in Ontario, who felt some optimism following the decision, won’t see changes in this province’s total ban. LO’s executive director Tony DiGiovanni says, “We asked the 2,4-D Institute what it means for Ontario. The response was that Quebec banned 2,4-D because it was unsafe. Ontario restricted 2,4-D because in that government’s view it is unnecessary for cosmetic purposes. This means they can’t do anything about the Ontario legislation.”

Following the agreement, Peter MacLeod, vice president, chemistry for CropLife Canada, stated, “Our industry

Quebec acknowledges 2,4-D safety, won’t change Ontario ban

from small and medium sized Ontario-based businesses to new markets to drive innovation, sustainability and economic opportunity.

Manderley Turf ProductsManderley Turf Products of Ottawa, announced it completed the acquisition of Terra Turf Farms of Calgary. Manderley acquired Terra Turf’s current inventory from its Cluny, Alta. farm with the intention of consolidating opera-tions at Manderley’s Glenmore, Alta. farm. Manderley has been a member of Landscape Ontario since 1999.

Kooy BrothersCEO Global Network profiled Bill Kooy, owner of Kooy Brothers Equipment. The article highlights Kooy’s business journey, which started out of the tool shed in his par-ents’ backyard. The article may be found at http://bit.ly/kXHQog.

has long said that the decisions by Quebec and other governments to ban the herbicide 2,4-D and other common urban pesticides are not based on scientific evidence and do nothing to further protect human health or the environment. Now, Quebec has acknowledged that.”

MacLeod wrote, “While the agreement recognizes the rights of governments to implement bans, it reinforces the principle that when governments make decisions purportedly relating to the health and safety of the public they should be based on scientific evidence, predictability and a transparent set of principles.”

Health Canada concluded in a 2008 review that “risks to homeowners and their children from contact with treated lawns and turf are not of concern,” and that “there is reasonable certainty that no harm to human health, future generations or the environment will result from use or exposure to the product.”


Editor’s note: The following letter is addressed to LO president Tom Intven in response to his column, ‘Spring is a time to be off balance on purpose’ that appeared in the May 2011 edition of Horticulture Review.

Tom, I found your article to be an insightful way to look at the way we as landscapers operate. I have never thought of it in the way you write, however, I have organized my life to follow this concept.

In the last five years I have managed to take off time in the winter for a get-away. At first it was two weeks and then over the last couple of years, I have built it up to eight to ten weeks.

My pursuit during this time-off is to focus my energies on rebuilding myself. Long walks, a gym membership and healthy eating have allowed me to spend my spring in ‘off balance on purpose’ mode, without feeling stressed. After more than 20 years landscaping, I have come to not only accept, but embrace, the fact that spring is a constant rush of the unexpected: equipment breakdowns, clients who change their minds, staff who do not work out, weather that makes us change our job schedule, etc. We can plan and organize all we want, but we must realize that something will always arise to change how things go forward. By accepting this and having the energy built-up from the off season, my life has never been more content.

Aging brings wisdomI should add that the necessity of such time off was due to getting older. When I first started out, it was not uncommon to work four to five weeks straight, with maybe two days off in total. Aging does have the benefit of wisdom.

Letter to the editorIf only one could have the energy of being 20, with the wisdom that comes with so many years of learning.

I am lucky to be one who thoroughly enjoys what they do. Even on the Victoria Day long weekend, I found myself going to work to do some equipment repairs. I am able to have other staff look after most of the day-to-day issues, so that I can in fact take some time to get back to some of the things that I love.

I started out my in my early years rebuilding cars, motorcycles and snowmobiles. That enjoyment of mechanical things and putting everything in its place has been a fun thing to revisit. With the recent departure of a long-time staff member, who did most of our minor equipment maintenance, it became an accidental discovery as no one else was able to take on this role. I have been able to organize our inventory of used and new parts and put our shop into its most structured state in years.

Embrace change without stressThe ability to embrace this change without stress is indeed a concept that is not regularly discussed. It is a shame that our society seems to be all about the routine. Most of us get up by setting an alarm clock, get to work at the same time and do the same work. This we are taught is the way that things should be. It all starts with school. Everyone needs to conform, do the same work and follow the same rules.

It is only recently in our evolution as a species that we have tried to structure ourselves this way. We would never have survived for so long if we had always been like this. In fact, our false sense of structure may be what is causing so many people today to be unable to cope. The use of anti-depressants has never

been so high, and yet it seems more people are still not in a place that works for them.

Adversity brings achievementI agree that most of our greatest accomplish–ments have been achieved under states of extremes. Aviation before the Second World War was primitive with planes constructed of wood and canvas. By the end of the war, massive bombers with complex aluminum structural components all built the same are a prime example. Although the Second World War was a tragedy for so many, it brought about the advancements that all of us take for granted every day.

I thank you for your article and hope others understand what you are trying to say. From all of the years that I have been reading, I found the article touched me in a way that merited my response. In writing something, one is never sure if the words get across the message which one is trying to convey. I hope my letter to Tom shows my appreciation for what he wrote.

Marc ArnoldRockcliffe Landscaping, Ottawa

Horticulture Review welcomes letters to the editor. Send them to [email protected], or Allan Dennis, Landscape Ontario, 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, Ont. L9T 2X8.


LO executive director Tony DiGiovanni was awarded a honourary Bachelor Degree in Applied Studies from the Humber College School of Applied Technology on June 22. DiGiovanni was a horticulture instructor at Humber before his long service with LO. The distinction highlights his outstanding efforts to help young people find

DiGiovanni receives honourary degree

From left, Sally Harvey, LO education and labour manager; Joe Tomona, associate dean, Humber College School of Applied Technology; honouree Tony DiGiovanni; Denise Devlin-Li, dean, School of Applied Technology; Anna Marie DiCarlo, sister of Tony DiGiovanni and Terry Murphy, retired Landscape Ontario human resources manager and Humber instructor.

Landscape Ontario Growers Sector Group has received funding for the development of the Ornamental Growers Safety Program from the new Farm Credit Canada (FCC) Ag Safety Fund, in partnership with the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA).

The project will support ornamental grow-ers through three-hour training programs, intro-ducing the value of health and safety, common workplace hazards and some practices they can put in place to address those hazards. The end goal is to help employers to develop and imple-ment safety plans in Ontario nursery operations.

Ornamental nursery production is an important industry in Ontario, generating $630-million in farm gate receipts in 2007.

Landscape Ontario is pleased to cooper-ate in this initiative with Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS), a Health and Safety Ontario (HSO) partner. WSPS is working collaboratively with Landscape Ontario and the Ornamental Growers Safety Steering Committee to develop and deliver the program.

For more information please contact Sally Harvey, [email protected], 647-723-5450.

rewarding careers in horticulture, many of those in co-operation with the college.

DiGiovanni’s acceptance address was the centrepiece of the Humber School of Applied Technology convocation. He spoke with humble sincerity on his own student days in the horticul-ture program at Humber, unsure about his future.

He told the graduates about an epiphany received on the Humber Library lawn; that it was up to him to aspire for excellence wherever he found himself, so he would go for excellence in horti-culture — inspiring one of the landscape gradu-ates later crossing the stage to pause and shake the honouree’s hand.

Safety program coming for growers


LO STAFF PROFILE

Kathleen PuglieseExecutive administrative assistant

What is your job description for LO?

As the title says, I assist the executive director, but I also work on special projects for the association, attend or assist with the industry sector group meetings, committee meetings and board of director meetings. I also assist other LO departments when and where required.

What is your background before coming to LO, and when did you begin work at LO?

IhavebeenworkinginanofficeenvironmentsinceJuneof1967.Directly from high school, I spent 21 years at Firestone in human resources and labour relations department; 2 1/2 years with Hamilton Industry Council; 3 years with Kenworth (maternity coverage) and started at LO in September of 1994. I went back to night school to work on a business administration diploma from Mohawk College.

When not at work, where can you be found?I can be found at home with my husband and children.When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew

up?I did consider becoming a teacher.What inspires you during your time at LO?I enjoy working with the LO staff, but what inspires me is the

friendship and mentorship of the LO members. Working with the volunteers on different committees and projects, and listening to their conversations every time shows how they are always willing to assist each other, and help those coming into the business. They all have such a positive outlook.

Name your all-time favourite movie, musical group and TV show.I enjoy a movie that makes me laugh, cry, and feel good (comedy,

drama, true stories, musicals), but the movie I enjoy watching over and over is Gone with the Wind. When it comes to music, I enjoy all music, from classical, rock, country (all except rap). There are two groups I enjoy listening to, Bon Jovi and Il Divo. My favourite TV shows this last season were Dancing with the Stars and American Idol.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?I would like to travel to United Kingdom and Europe – especially

Scotland and Italy.Tell us one thing about you that few of your colleagues know

about you?MyfirsttriptoLasVegas,IsawFrankSinatraonenightandthenext

night I was at an Elvis Presley concert – two different types of singers, but two fantastic shows.


off, then the HST is part of that.” Bonham said he thinks the problem goes deeper than just the HST.

“Any contractor taking cash under the table is probably also not paying WSIB, carrying commercial liability insurance, etc., let alone knowing anything about overhead recovery. As a result, their pricing is going to be MUCH cheaper regardless of the HST.

“We need to educate the public in the value of having a certified, pro-fessional installer conducting the work on their property. We also need to strike a bit of fear into the public about the potential pitfalls of cash business in terms of risks, liability, warranty, and ultimately quality. LO has been working towards that end, but there is still a long journey ahead.

“I completely agree that petitioning the government to bring back the Home Renovation Tax Credit (with more focus on landscaping than the pre-vious incarnation) would go miles towards enticing clients to swallow the HST.”

CNLA was also encouraged to contact the federal minister of finance. “It is a testament to the power of the LinkedIn network that I received a call from Robert Wood, executive director of the Pool and Hot Tub Council, asking to participate in this government relations activity,” says DiGiovanni. The letter to the minister was signed by both executive directors, who wrote, “We request a meeting with your ministry to discuss this issue in more detail. We welcome working with the government to eliminate the underground economy and promote economic and social development.”

Members interested in joining the LO LinkedIn group may contact Tony DiGiovanni at [email protected].

The issue of accepting cash payments in return for discount prices or avoid-ing tax is big for many members of Landscape Ontario.

Current estimates suggest that the cash payment or underground econ-omy may account for 10 per cent of Canada’s GDP.

A recent question from LO executive director Tony DiGiovanni on Landscape Ontario’s LinkedIn group, asked, “Many members report that customers are pressuring them to accept cash in order to save on HST. If they don’t accept, they are losing valuable jobs to those that do. On the other hand, I have spoken to consumers who have informed us that their contractor offered to lower the price if they paid cash. What can be done to alleviate the pressure? What are the pitfalls to the consumer or company? What should Landscape Ontario do? Should we produce a flyer targeted to the consumer, informing them about the risks of cash payments? Should we work with government to ensure a level playing field?”

As a result of the online discussion, LO sent a letter to Ontario finance minister Dwight Duncan, requesting a home renovation tax credit and a public relations campaign to educate the public on the harmful conse-quences of cash deals.

Terry Childs, of Natural Care Lawn and Garden in Gananoque, wrote, “We should be pointing out simple things, such as the legal ramifications of tax evasion and the danger of using people who may not have WSIB, or liability insurance. Perhaps we could work with insurance companies to inform customers what the result may be if a worker or someone hurts themselves on a non-WSIB job site.”

Tim Kearney CLP, LO’s first vice-president, of Garden Creations of Ottawa, stated, “The black market is a sign of the times. Both contractors and customers search for ways to be creative and achieve their goals. As contractors, we can only educate and hope the system we live in is able to weed out the problems, so that ethical businesses can continue to operate.”

He concluded his input with, “I would truly love to think that this virus is spread by those who don’t know. I need to be assured this is so. When sales are challenged, people do some silly things. When economies are tight, people do some silly things. Two wrongs don’t make a right.”

Sarah Johnston of Greenlife in Manotick, past president of the Ottawa Chapter, wrote, “It seems to be happening to our business more this year than in previous — this very day in fact! We tell the client all the disadvan-tages and the ethical business bit. We also tell them that they are welcome to pay by cash, but the price remains the same (tax included) and an invoice will be produced and go through the books. However, we do offer a small discount (two per cent) for pre-payment on a job, which they seem to like and helps our cash flow. A pamphlet from LO would be a great bonus and educator for the client.”

Paul Doornbos CLP, CLT, of Thornbusch Landscaping in Lansdowne, opened with promoting the renovation tax credit. “Best thing LO should do is work with CNLA to lobby the government to reinstate the tax credit. It addresses the above issue and is a great stimulator.

“Might we also include this as an opportunity to work with agencies such as MOL, WSIB, CFIB, BBB, local chambers of commerce, various levels of government, etc., along with other associations to create public/consumer awareness? Working with other groups that share the same issues and challenges creates synergies, relationships, and a unified voice that is louder collectively.”

Wolfegang Bonham of Peace, Love and Landscaping in Burlington, touched on the issues of professionalism, honesty and the tax credit. “It is certainly tempting for a homeowner to suggest under-the-table cash pay-ments. I simply inform them that I have a paper trail for my materials, my staff’s wages, WSIB, etc., and that if they want a warranty, or a tax write-

Industry debates underground economy


Dr. George Lazarovits, a plant biologist with A&L Biologicals in London, Ont., has submit-ted his first report on his research into managing verticillium wilt disease of maples and other hor-ticultural plants with organic amendments.

The research project is an initiative of the LO growers sector group. A portion of the fund-ing came from the Farm Innovation Program, a $12-million program that is part of Growing Forward, a federal-provincial-territorial initia-tive. The research subcommittee of the growers’ sector group worked with the research commu-nity to brainstorm and fund research projects that help deal with grower challenges and assist the nursery industry. Dr. Lazarovits’ research project is one that came out of this program. It began in the spring of 2010. Having just finished one year of research, the study will conclude in the spring of 2012.

Soilborne fungiVerticillium species are soilborne fungi that cause wilt diseases in over 200 hosts, many of which are of great economic importance. In Holland losses to wilt in tree nurseries are as high as 50 per cent, but specific losses are unknown in Ontario.

The fungus V. dahliae by itself causes seri-ous damage to plants, but in the presence of pathogenic nematodes often kills plants. Such interactions have been found with sugar and

LO-funded project studies methods to manage verticillum wilt

Norway maples. V. dahliae produces large num-bers of hardy resting structures called micro-sclerotia. These can survive in soil for a decade. Reducing the population numbers of microscle-rotia and those of nematodes is the main aim of most control measures. Microsclerotia, however, can be produced on numerous weed species, making it extremely difficult to eradicate verti-cillium by using rotation management. Disease symptoms include wilting, chlorosis, stunting, necrosis and vein clearing, and sometimes the presence of brown vascular discolouration in stem tissue cross-sections.

Planting resistant cultivars is the most effec-tive and economical control for wilt. However, few maples are wilt resistant. Broad spectrum soil fumigants are therefore the next best alter-native, but these are expensive and come with severe restrictions. As a result, the focus is shifting to managing the disease complex using nonchemical methods.

Application of organic amendments such as poultry manure, fish emulsion, meat and bone meal, molasses, and Brassica seed meals can control the pathogen. A&L Biologicals is work-ing with Landscape Ontario and Canadapt to increase the efficacy of such amendments.

Preliminary results in field trials at two locations have shown that some amendments can effectively reduce inoculum levels. High–nitrogen products, such as poultry manure, can

kill microsclerotia by the production of ammonia upon degradation by micro-organisms. As ammo-nium is released, it causes an increase in soil pH. If pH levels reach higher than 8.0, ammonium starts to be converted into ammonia, which is toxic to verticillium and nematodes. Ammonia rarely forms in soils with high organic matter, as it is rapidly converted to nitrate.

Nitrous acid forms when ammonium is con-verted to nitrite, which causes soil pH to become acidic. If the soil pH drops below 5.5, nitrite is converted into nitrous acid and this compound is 300 to 500 times more toxic to microsclero-tia than ammonia. Nitrous acid is not formed in well-buffered soil. Products such as fish emul-sion and molasses kill microsclerotia by the pres-ence of volatile fatty acids (VFA) that include formic, acetic, propionic, butyric, and other simi-lar acids. These materials are all toxic to fungi if the soil pH is lower than 5.5.

Brassica seed meal kills fungi by releasing cyanide gas when it becomes wet. Many other non-chemical techniques can effectively reduce verticillium inoculum, including soil solariza-tion and flooding, but these can take months to accomplish. Biological soil disinfestation (BSD), which combines the incorporation of fresh organic amendments in soil and mulching with airtight plastic, creates anaerobic conditions in the soil and results in pathogen elimination. The method was found to be effective and is advo-cated for use in high-value crops

A critical missing component for growers, however, is the ability to detect concentrations of V. dahliae in the soil used for cultivation of sus-ceptible trees. Currently, quantification is done by plating soil on a semi-selective agar medium and using a dissecting microscope to count the colonies of verticillium formed. This method is at best variable and imprecise.

A&L Biologicals has nearly completed the development of a quantitative molecular technique that is based on detection of verticil-lium and plant pathogenic nematode DNA from extracts of soil and plant tissues. This test is being validated and will be available to growers this coming summer. Once the test is completely effective, researchers will use it to determine the extent of disease introduced with planting mate-rial and present in plantations in the field.

Dr. Lazarovits worked at Agriculture and Agrifood Canada until 2010 as a plant patholo-gist. In 2010 he became director of research at A&L Biologicals in London, Ont.


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Expo 2011 begins the decade in a new modern location, on a new date and with a distinct new look.

The team organizing Expo 2011, Gilles Bouchard, Lorraine Ivanoff, Albert Graves, artistic director, and Kristen McIntyre, conference coordina-tor, have created a powerful new show for 2011. They explained what went into selecting the new venue for Expo 2011, when it opens the doors to its new home on Oct. 19 and 20, in the North Building, Toronto Congress Centre.

Says Gilles Bouchard, director of events and trade shows, “Part of Expo’s success is due to the location of the event. Over the years, the main entrance that was too small and not dynamic enough. The north build-ing at the Congress Centre gives us a bright, airy grand foyer entrance. It adds a sense of style and charisma, as well as functionality. We now have a dedicated exhibitor entrance, main show entrance and seminar/symposia entrance, 12 state-of-the-art loading docks, ground level doors and more.”

Bouchard explains that he felt most show organizers do not place enough time and effort into creating flow that a show floor needs. The floor plan includes a main intersection, or central gathering area, wide aisles to view the exhibitor products and services in a professional setting, and stra-tegically placed features.

“As retailers look for the next best thing or gadget, they continually morph existing businesses into new ventures. Taking on pet products, hard-ware items and such will cause the exhibitor base of Expo to widen and offer a wider variety of suppliers to the industry. We have experience in co-locating events, and I believe you will see paths cross once again.

Lorraine Ivanoff, show manager, is the driving force behind the trans-formation of Expo. “We have the largest trade show in Canada that is geared specifically to the garden and floral industries. Each year over 2,700 buyers find it a great place to see what’s new and what’s hot.” says Ivanoff. From a dècor perspective, Expo takes its inspiration from European horticultural trade shows and interior design shows.

Three years ago, Expo experimented with enhanced lighting, bringing in more design elements, and working with designers to create a new look. Says Ivanoff, “We turned off the general lights and used spotlights to help enhance the product and plants. That concept is now being implemented throughout the entire show. Well-known floral designers have helped create gorgeous floral displays that excite the senses and re-energize visitors.”

The goal this year is to create a completely new atmosphere in the show. “From the moment the visitor walks in there needs to be a sense of comfort and ease. We want to design a place where exhibitors’ product shows up like a performer on a stage. This will be through the use of specific spotlights. Correct lighting is incredibly important,” says Ivanoff.

Moving into the role of conference coordinator, Kristen McIntyre says every business owner and retail employee can benefit from furthering their knowledge and staying current in their profession. “We strive to deliver fresh and relevant sessions that will help attendees further succeed,” says McIntyre.

She points out some of the presentations this year include Taking a Good Garden Centre and Making it GREAT with Karl Stensson from Sheridan Nurseries; Living Walls at Longwood Gardens by Dr. Casey Sclar and Lorrie Baird, Are You Hooked-Up? is a technology seminar with Ryan Freeman of Strider Search Marketing; Close More Business and Have Happy Customers, with Rory Sheehan of Positive Strategies, plus live demonstrations.

Visit www.loexpo.ca to register online, or for information.

Expo 2011 is now in a home of its own


Hank Gelderman has spent his life operating a successful company, Gelderman Landscaping of Waterdown, and in volunteer service towards his community. Now he is leaving behind his busi-ness life, as he enters into retirement. But, his definition of retirement has nothing to do with sitting around in an easy-chair.

His plans call for lots of travel, devoting many hours of volunteer time towards com-munity and church groups, mentoring industry members and enjoying his grandchildren.

On June 23, over 250 friends, colleagues and fellow LO members gathered to wish Hank Gelderman all the best in his retirement. On hand to offer him and his wife Jacoba best wishes, was LO executive director Tony DiGiovanni.

He read a letter from LO president Tom Intven that began, “On behalf of the board and members of Landscape Ontario, it is my honour and pleasure to offer up congratulations to Hank Gelderman on his retirement. Hank is an amaz-ing person. He is so incredibly generous. He is a willing and able mentor. Hank is a positive person who always looks at the bright side of everything. He always has a good word to say. I don’t think I have ever heard a bad word about anyone come out of his mouth. Hank truly has lived according to the golden rule: ‘Treat others as you would like to be treated’ – a testament to his deep-rooted faith.”

The LO president went on to write, “We hope and trust that now that your responsibili-ties at work are diminished, you will continue to devote time to mentoring the next generations of LO members.”

In an interview the following day, Gelderman confirmed that he will continue mentoring. “I feel so blessed to live in such a wonderful country, that I feel I need to pass on what I have learned to others.”

He will also continue to volunteer his time, energy and knowledge on numerous commit-tees, church functions and mentoring efforts for the many industry and charitable organizations, including Landscape Ontario.

By bike, boat and planeTravel is also a big priority, especially upon his Honda Goldwing motorcycle, along with a trip on the Trent Canal this summer, a visit to Holland, enjoying some ATV and snowmobile fun, and in between all this, spending some qual-ity time with his grandchildren.

One of the highest and most prestigious awards given out by Landscape Ontario went to Hank Gelderman in 2009, when he was named an Honourary Life Member. At the presentation,

Life member ready to begin a busy new phase

it was noted that he served on countless com-mittees, boards, chapters, sector groups and task forces, and exemplified professionalism and integrity. “His strong faith and caring nature are a blessing for those fortunate enough to know him,” said past president Bob Adams at the pre-sentation.

Began work at 12Hank Gelderman had an early introduction into the industry. His father Jan Gelderman, a Dutch immigrant, founded Jan Gelderman Landscaping in 1955. When he developed severe asthma and was hospitalized, Hank, at the age of 12, was taken out of school and pressed into service, cut-ting, digging and planting. Because he wasn’t old enough to drive, his parents hired a driver to take him around to jobs. In 1973, he joined the business full time and became a partner. Jan Gelderman passed away in 1993.

Back in 2005, Hank Gelderman seriously began thinking about retirement. A year later his son-in-law, Nathan Helder, joined the com-pany and began the process to take over Jan Gelderman Landscaping. The company today has been re-named Gelderman Landscaping and has grown to employ over 60, with a fleet of 30 trucks.

It wasn’t a hasty decision to step away from his company. It’s been in the planning stages for the past six years. Last year, the Globe & Mail published an article outlining the process used by Hank Gelderman and his son-in-law in trans-ferring the family business. The article was pub-lished on October 4, under the heading, Secret to succession: ‘You’ve got to let go.’ To see a copy of the story, go to http://bit.ly/gelderman.

Gelderman says he was fortunate to be there when his industry enjoyed unprecedented growth. He feels that it all began with Expo, back in 1967. “If you look back at some of the

amazing landscapes created there by people like Horst Dickert, you can see from where the growth began across the country.” He also feels the famous golden arched hamburger giant created a buzz among the public with its beautiful landscaping. “If you remember, when McDonald’s first began, the restaurants were beautifully landscaped. That inspired many members of the public.”

Asked which part of his business he enjoyed the most over the years, the answer is immediate, “Financial. Handling the business side was my strength. I hired good people who knew much more about landscaping than I did.”

Friends, family and colleagues all agree that however Hank Gelderman spends his retire-ment, it will be with class.

Only nine people in the history of Landscape Ontario have received a Life Membership. Hank Gelderman received the honour in 2009. In photo at the presentation, are from left, Bob Tubby, past president, Bob Adams, president in 2009, Hank Gelderman, and Tony DiGiovanni, executive director.

At a special event to honour Hank Gelderman’s retirement, he and his wife Jacoba receive a gift from Landscape Ontario.


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Over 200 people signed the guest book during the celebration of Eloquip’s 25th anniversary on June 3. In photo, staff members gather to have a photograph taken to mark the day. Eloquip has been a member of Landscape Ontario since 1995. The company took the opportunity to express appreciation to all its customers and suppliers with a free barbecue.

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By Rodger TschanzUniversity of Guelph trial garden manager

At press time, the sun is finally shining, after a long dismal and wet spring, and I’ve finally got the gardens planted.

The planting of this year’s trials was delayed, but now that it is done, an occasional rainfall will be appreciated.

Spring clean-up and bed preparation this year was accomplished to a large degree thanks to the help of Al Nason’s horticultural students from Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School in Burlington. Another big help this year was the soil amendments from Gro-bark, that were incorporated to greatly improve the tilth of the trial beds.

There are some exciting new plants in the trials for the 2011 season. They include, second generation black petunias, double-flowered osteospermum, large flowered New Guinea impatiens, angelonia and bidens and more perennials from Blooms of Bressingham, Jelitto, Ball and Vanhof and Blokker. Of course, there is the continued growing trial of Echinacea and Heuchera — both vegetatively and seed propa-gated — and display beds by Goldsmith Seeds and Proven Winners.

A vegetable bed, grown and maintained by LO staff members in their off-hours, is also a new and interesting addition this year.

Research into finding environmentally friendly methods to fight weeds and grass is also part of this year’s trial gardens. Clear plas-tic versus black plastic in a solarization trial is on display next to the trial garden plots. Which

More than new flowers at this year’s trial gardensdo you think will do a better job of killing weeds and grass? The exercise is part of the University of Guelph research pro-gram.

Also new this year is the beginning of a volun-teer auxiliary to help plant and maintain the gardens. So far, four local garden-ers have offered to help with the 2011 season.

Open house, Aug. 12This year’s open house for the horticultural profes-sionals will take place on the morning of Fri., Aug. 12. The speaker program this year will follow-up on the horticultural soil talk from last year with a research and experiential perspective on microbial soil additives (for exam-ple: mycorrhizae). This program will be of interest to those planting both herbaceous and woody plants.

Tours of the trial garden will immedi-ately follow the speaker program. Voting on your favourites will take place again. The afternoon program will continue at the Guelph Trial Garden at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute. Updates on turf research will take place at the Guelph site, as well.

The public will be invited to the Landscape Ontario gardens on Sat., Aug. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Guelph trials will be open to the public on Wed., Aug. 17 from noon until 8 p.m.

To find out more about sponsorship oppor-tunities available with the trial garden, con-tact Rodger Tschanz at [email protected], or Kathleen Pugliese at kathleenp@ landscapeontario.com.

Rodger Tschanz says this year’s trial garden features some exciting new plants.

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The ninth floor of the Hospital for Sick Children is now a special oasis for young cancer patients and their families, thanks to the work of over 50 volunteers from LO Toronto Chapter.

The Starlight Garden is an extension of the already busy Starlight Room, a place where cancer patients may enjoy a respite from their rooms to play, interact with other children, or just hang out. The new garden now allows an extension into the outdoors for those patients.

Previously no one was allowed to go outside due to a nearby helicopter pad. It was recently removed, allowing for the space to be used as a canvas for a touch of outdoor para-dise in the sterile hospital environment.

LO members started with a rotten rub-ber floor and dead plants, led by the team of Arvils Lukss of Landscape by Lucin, Allan Kling CLP of Urban Garden Supply, instru-mental in the project’s management, and Beth Edney CLD of Designs by the Yard, who did the design work. Donors include Beaver Valley Stone, Water Boys and Permacon.

Help child’s quality of lifeThe project came about through the ongoing work of The Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada, and the collaboration of Landscape Ontario. The foundation is an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses by providing entertainment, edu-cation and family activities that help them cope with the pain, fear and isolation of prolonged illness.

“We understand what families go through

Toronto Chapter brings joy of the garden to Sick Kidswhen a child is sick, and how important it is to find relief from constant worry and isola-tion,” says Cathy Diamond, hospital program manager for Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada.

Needed outdoor escapeDiamond explains that the project began when the kids and nurses expressed a desire to get outside on the roof to take a break. “I got in contact with Beth Edney after Canada Blooms (2010). She took it on and went to LO to ask for help. Arvils and Allan agreed and got vol-unteers and made it happen.”

After a year-and-half of meetings, addressing policies with the hospital to make sure everything would be safe for the children, the garden had its official opening on June 1.

The process wasn’t without its challenges for the LO volunteers. Hospital officials did not want live plants in the space, citing fear of infections, possible ingestion of plants, etc. The LO management team convinced those in charge that a natural garden was part of healing and the landscapers would ensure that no plants would present any danger to the patients.

Challenges in constructionWhen construction began, the volunteers had to work around the hospital’s schedule. Stone, brick and plants could not be taken through it. All the volunteers were required to hand-bomb the soil, brick, mulch, and plant material up the nine floors to create the 3,500-sq. ft. garden.

Beth Edney said that irrigation was also a challenge. “We ended up putting in drip irriga-tion.” The team also planted many perennials

which require little maintenance. “A big part of doing a garden for charity is what happens to it after the construction is complete. I tried to design it for low maintenance, but some will still be involved. The Chapter raised funds to help with maintenance over the next few years through the golf tournament, and some money will go towards that for years to come.”

The garden has become an inviting place to spend time. Colourful sails were installed to offer permanent shade for patients. The area was previously wide open to the sun. The perimeter of the garden is surrounded by trees, grass and perennials.

Inspirational words in stoneEtched in a number of stone pavers are inspi-rational words that remind the adults who visit the area that “kids need to be kids,” even when facing a serious illness. There is also a garden of giant egg rocks, which children can paint and then leave for other children to enjoy, and there are special tubes that create an endless flow of bubbles.

Asked about working with the LO mem-bers, Diamond said, “I can honestly say if I didn’t work at Starlight, I would want to be in the landscape industry. They are a community of heart. Volunteers came back day after day working eight hours a day in the sun to build the garden. Lots have their own connections and stories with Sick Kids in their families. Working with them is just phenomenal. You don’t want to stop, because they don’t stop. They just give and give and give. It’s been incredibly rewarding for me, personally.”


NEW DATES, HOURS AND LOCATION!Wednesday, October 19, 2011 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.Thursday, October 20, 2011 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. North Building, Toronto Congress Centre, Toronto, Ontario

SIGN UP TO ATTEND AND SAVE WITH EARLY-BIRD PRICING!Call 1-800-265-5656 x 366 or email: [email protected]

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SEE EXPO’S EDUCATIONAL EVENTS!Scan with mobile device

www.loexpo.ca

BREAKFAST EVENTTAKING A GOOD GARDEN CENTRE AND MAKING IT GREATWednesday, October 19 at 7:30 a.m.Presented by Karl Stensson, Sheridan Nurseries Hosted by Landscape Ontario’s Garden Centre Sector Group

COFFEE AND COOKIES LIVING WALLSAT LONGWOOD GARDENS Wednesday, October 19 at 1:00 p.m.Presented by Dr. Casey Sclar and Lorrie Baird,Longwood GardensHosted by Landscape Ontario’s Interior Plantscape Sector Group

BREAKFAST EVENTCLOSE MORE BUSINESS & HAVE HAPPY CLIENTS Thursday, October 20 at 8:00 a.m.Presented by Rory Sheehan, Positive Strategies Inc. Hosted by Landscape Ontario’s Landscape Designer Sector Group

An initiative of In partnership with

EXPO 2011 learn and grow

Horticulture Review - July 2011

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