August 2011

It’ll be alright come August

No matter what the spring throws at you, the season will unfold as it should.

LO encouraging members to take part in National Tree Day

Landscape Ontario and Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) are working toward helping members celebrate National Tree Day on Sept. 21.

Total of 27 high schools now offer landscaping programs

As a direct result of Landscape Ontario’s efforts there are now 27 high schools offering Specialist High Skills Major programs in horticulture and landscaping.

Shine in the quest for horticultural excellence

The days start feeling long at this time of year, as enthusiasm dwindles.

Auction in wine country raises over $20,000 to help industry

Event raised over $20,000 to help with horticultural research and scholarships was all part of the annual Industry Auction.

Tree planting celebrates honourary degree

A surprise tree planting on June 29 commemorated the honourary Bachelor Degree from Humber College given to LO’s executive director Tony DiGiovanni.

Haig Seferian receives highest honour from ASLA

Seferian says he was very emotional when informed he had been named to the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Council of Fellows for 2011.

John Higo

Landscape lighting sales, Turf Care Products Canada, chair Lighting Sector Group, LO board of directors

Make them never forget how you made them feel

We are in a very fortunate business, because the products and services of horticulture make people feel good.

Social media: Not the end of the line for communication

LO wants to communicate with you. We want to hear your ideas and share our information with you.

Associations with the same goal

As part of my job description, I represent Landscape Ontario on several boards and committees with other organizations.

Safe excavation update

This will give you an update on the issues within the underground industry over the last 12 months.

Sales versus operations

Are you really too busy to take a couple hours a month to review estimates? Or, are you too busy because your operations people never had a chance to improve your estimates?

Instinct can help contractors avoid problems

Homeowners say they look for contractors they can work with, while on the other side of the coin, contractors say they’re looking for homeowners they can work with.

Members show off at Gardens of Distinction Tour

With the temperatures reaching into the high 20s, it was a beautiful day on July 9 for the 3rd annual Gardens of Distinction Tour in London.

Windsor tournament hits a home run

Members of the Windsor Chapter took time out of their busy season to enjoy the first annual LOWC Baseball Tourney at Co-An Park in McGregor.

Landscape Ontario’s golf season is well underway

Tournaments have taken place in Upper Canada, Waterloo and Toronto Chapters, with others scheduled for Golden Horseshoe, Durham and Ottawa.

Story celebrates owner’s success

The Toronto Metro newspaper published an article on the success of Mike Riehm, owner of Envirobond Products.

LO members interviewed on outdoor tips

A number of Landscape Ontario members were interviewed in an article on creating great outdoor spaces.

Contest draws much media attention

A contest by an Ottawa landscaping company has attracted a great deal of media attention in the city.

Geosynthetic Systems marks 30th year

Geosynthetic Systems of Ottawa is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

DDR sold

DDR Landscape Contractors announced the sale of the company to TGC Acquisition Corporation on July 8.

Water festival now major event

What began as a small gathering of water gardening enthusiasts seven years ago has evolved into one of Ottawa’s most popular horticultural events.

Vineland welcomes new research team members

Three research scientists have joined Vineland Research and Innovation Centre team.

Over 40 candidates challenge Certified tests

Candidates, judges and volunteers battled oppressive heat and humidity during the annual two-day testing event.

Plastic recycling program evolves and increases intake

The 2011 version of the National Plastics Recycling event saw over 76,000 pounds of material collected across Canada from June 25 to July 4.

Canada Blooms is a societal game changer

Now that everyone knows Canada Blooms and the National Home Show will co-locate, it is an excellent time for us to reflect on the purpose and goals of the number one gardening event in the country.

Stensson keynote to reveal secrets at Expo

A phenomenon swept North America back in 2006 — The Secret.

Brown marmorated stink bug confirmed in Ontario

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has confirmed the presence of the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) in Ontario.

Bring back the home renovation tax cut

Comments about the underground economy and a request to bring back a home renovation tax cut.

Joe Sabatino

Controller.