Horticulture Review Magazine - Landscape Ontario

September 2008

Previous Issues

President's Message

Commit to higher levels of knowledge

By Robert Adams

As we continue working to complete commitments to clients for the year, we must not forget ourselves and our families.

Executive Desk

We all must work to support our industry

By Tony DiGiovanni CHT

Success is based on your ability to provide benefit for your customers from an emotional, environmental, financial, social, aesthetic, physical and legacy perspective.

Public Relations

Make the most of your garden

By Denis Flanagan CLD

The theme at this year’s Hampton Court Flower Show was ‘Make the Most of your Garden.’

Your Questions Answered

September starts another exciting chapter season

By Stephanie Smith

It’s hard to believe that the summer is almost over and the fall is nearly here.

Professional And Workforce Development

Landscape excavators: Call for locates

By Sally Harvey CLT, CLP

As landscapers, most of us excavate. I should know, as I have been one for many years. What we forget to do — some of us anyway — is “Call Before You Dig.”

Chapter News

London project opens to community

By Wendy Harry

London chapter members came out shining at the official opening of Alex’s Butterfly Garden that graces the grounds of the Children’s Hospital of Western Ontario, in London, Ontario.

Baseball tournament a hit

Congratulations to the winning teams of this year’s annual Toronto Chapter baseball tournament, held Sun., Aug. 17 in Toronto.

Hole-in-one wins mower

Shawn Baltzer of Cedar Spring Landscaping had a great day on the golf course when he sunk a hole-in-one during the Golden Horseshoe Chapter’s first annual golf tournament at Willow Valley Golf Club on August 13.

Association News

Expanded LO trial gardens attract attention

Over 60 industry members and media attended an open house at Landscape Ontario’s Milton office on Aug. 20 to see and hear the results of the ornamental trial gardens.

Two chances to hear David Suzuki

The Toronto Chapter is bringing David Suzuki to the John Basset Theatre in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on November 20.

Members proudly displaying the LO logo

This month the following members were observed proudly displaying the LO logo through advertisements, attached to their vehicles or displayed on the company website.

Community news

Frank Vezeau, owner of Shamrock Landscaping in Angus, passed away suddenly on July 27 in his 48th year.

LO member raises over $12,000 for cancer unit

Over the past five years, Pathways to Perennials of Kettleby, a member of LO, and Age of Bronze of Newmarket have together raised over $12,000 for the Southlake Cancer Unit in Newmarket.

Over 30 candidates begin journey towards CHT

In July, 32 candidates started the journey towards CHT certification when they took part in an evaluation day at LO’s Milton office.

Designers tour Niagara landscape gems

Stops at two stunning Niagara residential properties highlighted an Aug. 20 tour by the LO Designers Group.

Professional development offered at LO this fall

Take advantage of some great industry education opportunities being offered this November.

Plastics recycling initiative goes national

Plastics recycling was the agenda for a special meeting held at the LO office on August 6.

Humber Nurseries has many reasons to celebrate

Music, food, a silent auction, laughter, visiting among friends and family and much joy were all part of Sibylla Peters’ 90th birthday celebration on August 2nd.

Congress says no travel agency

Congress 2009 exhibitors have been notified by Landscape Ontario’s trade show department that a travel agency named Convention Expo Travel, operating out of Nevada, is contacting exhibitors and offering to reserve hotel space.

LO Member Profile

Award-winning designer says many people helped along the way

By Allan Dennis

Connie Cadotte has some definite ideas on what makes a great garden design.

Industry News

Pesticide technician and trainee requirements

Pesticide use in Ontario is regulated by the Ministry of the Environment (MOE), which has a mandate to protect consumers and workers in trades that bring them into direct contact with pesticides.

CNLA supports the construction sector

The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association has implemented some new initiatives to benefit Canada’s landscape contractors.

Land planning continues around Guelph Turfgrass Institute

Representatives from the Ontario Turfgrass Research Foundation, the Ontario government (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Ministry of Energy and Public Infrastructure Renewal), the City of Guelph and the University of Guelph met to discuss the future of the Guelph Turfgrass Institute (GTI) at its current location.

Ontario sees record rainfall

Those in the landscape industry know first-hand that the summer of 2008 is the wettest on record in Ontario.

Series of courses on green roofs

This fall a number of training courses by Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC) will cover everything from basic design to waterproofing.

Slowing the spread of EAB across Ontario

At press time, areas of emerald ash borer (EAB) infestation in Ontario include Oakville, Brampton and Ottawa, as well as southwestern Ontario.

Landscape Gardener exemption

Officials from Landscape Ontario and the Ministry of Labour met recently regarding the interpretation of certain exemptions within the Employment Standards Act, 2000.

Letter To The Editor

Halton’s senior planner on landscapers and planning

The July issue of Horticulture Review featured the story “Can Halton landscape contractors operate on rural land?” by Stuart Service. Questions sent to Stirling Todd, senior planner for the Municipality of Halton, were received after the article was published. His response follows.

Take advantage of job fairs

They say that showing up is half the battle! I was recently at a two job fairs sponsored by Landscape Ontario, and there were some 40 candidates in attendance looking for work.

Hort Protect

Managing employee health: Getting back to work

By W. Michael Thomas CFP, CLU, CH.F.C., R.F.P.

At some point in our lives, we may face circumstances that result in our being unable to work.

OMAFRA Nursery-Landscape Report

More North American EAB finds

By Jen Llewellyn

This summer the Canadian Food Inspection Agency detected several new infestations of emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) in Canada and the U.S.

Legal Issues

Documentation is important for Consumer Protection Act

By Rob Kennaley

Recently, an appeals decision was published concerning a dispute between a contractor and homeowner in the context of the Consumer Protection Act.

Prosperity Partners

New partners, new opportunities — our community for mutual improvement

By Jacki Hart CLP