Golden Horseshoe enews August 22, 2018

Certification exam reform
Plans are underway to reshape the Landscape Industry Certification (LIC) Technician exam for the Hardscape, Softscape and Ornamental Turf Maintenance modules. CNLA’s Professional Development Committee is reviewing the proposed changes. Read the full story at HortTrades.com.

MOL to blitz reversing equipment, machine guarding and electrical hazards this fall
The Ontario Ministry of Labour have announced the focus of scheduled provincial safety blitzes for construction and other sectors this fall. Details on the MOL website.

Tour Trial Gardens in Guelph and Milton, Aug. 23
This year’s tour kicks off in Guelph with refreshments, guest speakers and tours of the gardens, including several turf research trials. The afternoon program continues at the LO home office in Milton where hundreds of annuals, perennials and roses are on display. Please send and RSVP to Kathleen at kpugliese@landscapeontario.com or visit HortTrades.com for more details or to register for the Summerfest BBQ after the tours.

Summerfest BBQ, Aug. 23
Get ready for a full-day of activities! Attend the Trial Garden Open House tours in Guelph and Milton, then head to Georgetown for a tour, games and dinner hosted by LO’s Georgian Lakelands Chapter and Sheridan Nurseries. Details at HortTrades.com.

HOHLT Golf Tournament, Aug. 23
Registration opens a 11 a.m. for the sold-out Highway of Heroes Living Tribute golf tournament at the Port Hope Golf and country Club. Arrive early to pick up lunch, purchase a Passport to Fun for $20 and access the driving range. Details on the Events page at HortTrades.com.

Marijuana in the workplace seminars
Marijuana will be legalized for recreational use as of Oct. 17, 2018. Employers can learn about the impact and what steps and processes to put in place for dealing with marijuana in the workplace. Visit the WSPS website for resources and a list of upcoming seminars to be held in September.

Apply now for Fusion Landscape Professional certification program, Nov. 20-21
Fusion Landscaping combines the art and science of horticulture with the science of hydrology to design, build/install and maintain aesthetically pleasing, water-efficient landscapes. Apply now at HortTrades.com/FUSION. Do not delay as space is limited. Applications close Sept. 21 at noon.

Attention growers: Industry Auction needs your donations and award entries
Donations of nursery stock, hard goods, landscape supplies, garden decor, gift certificates and silent auctions are needed for the Industry Auction. LO members can enter donated plant material into the Growers Awards Program. All donors and winners will be recognized at the event and in LO magazine. Donate or enter the awards at IndustryAuction.ca.

Enter your creative garden centre displays 
Time is running out fro LO member retailers to enter their creative marketing efforts and outstanding displays in the annual Garden Centre Awards of Excellence program. Enter online by Sept. 1.

Dry Stone Wall Workshop, Aug. 25-26
Join certified instructor, John Scott for this two-day, hands-on, dry stone wall workshop. The weekend event includes many other activities for participants and spectators alike. For a flyer and registration details, visit HortTrades.com.

Integrated media design workshop, Aug. 27-31
LO members can save $100 using promo code LO201808 on this five-day workshop at the Delta Airport Hotel in Toronto will help you to develop drawing techniques using everything from colour pencils and chalk to 2D and 3D design software such as Photoshop and SketchUp. Professional landscape designers can save $150 using promo code LO201808PRO. Register online at resonatestudio.ca.

National Tree Day, Sept. 26
Horticulture professionals are encouraged to take up Tree Canada’s tree planting challenge and help to plant 4,000 trees on Sept. 26. Spread the word about the many environmental, financial and health benefits of trees in our landscapes or offer helpful maintenance tips at a local planting site. For details, visit the Tree Canada website.

Nursery Growers Summer Tour, Sept. 19
Join your peers for a tour of Hamilton/Niagara nurseries, greenhouses and gardens! The 2018 Nursery Growers Summer Tour will be on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 starting and ending at Connon Nurseries/CBV, 656 Robson Road, Waterdown. Register online by Sept. 10.

Snow is set to arrive on Sept. 25
With conference programming focused on the real-world business issues crucial to running a successful snow and ice management operation, the 2018 Snowposium is the premier snow event for industry leaders. Private, commercial and municipal snow and ice professionals, property managers, equipment and operations managers, key personnel and industry suppliers can register now at Snowposium.ca.

Hardscape Committee Golf Tournament, Sept. 28
Save the date for the wildest golf tournament in the industry. Sponsorship packages and online registration to follow at HortTrades.com/hardscape.