March 2015

Listening Tour #growingtogether

"Growing Together" is the theme of Dave Braun's presidency.

In memoriam — Steven Petersen

Co-owner of Petersen’s Turf Farm in Osgoode, Steven Petersen died tragically on Feb. 16, at the age of 46.

Minister announces funding to help women succeed in green industry

Community MicroSkills Development Centre is receiving $250,000 to support the economic success of women in the landscape and horticulture industries through new mentorship opportunities.

Growers happy with Short Course returning to Royal Botanical Gardens

Most attendees at this year’s Nursery Growers’ Short Course on Feb. 4 were happy to return to Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington.

Next Peer to Peer event in Oshawa

Following the launch of the new Landscape Ontario Peer to Peer Network at Congress, Tim Kearney and Jacki Hart are ready for the next event.

Quiet Nature duo ready for fourth annual canoe trek

Lippert and Bartle hope to increase awareness of watershed and the environmental issues facing the watershed, while highlighting the river’s tourism and social importance.

Family Skate Day

On Feb. 16, over 90 Landscape Ontario members and their families were treated to a fun Family Skate Day, hosted by Golden Horseshoe Chapter.

Upper Canada Chapter continues fun with squash tournament

It was quite the tournament! Upper Canada Chapter held its 4th Annual ‘I Was There’ squash event in Trenton on Feb. 17.

Members attend New York event

Two members of Landscape Ontario, Michael LaPorte CLT and Paul DeGroot, took the opportunity to learn about a neighbouring landscape association.

LO members help combat invasive plants

Ed Horlings, owner of Horlings Garden Centre in Peterborough and member of Landscape Ontario, is always looking for new products, information and services for his customers.

Ottawa Chapter to create dream garden

The garden, which measures 2,800 sq. ft., will be a celebration of the Canadian landscape and the rich history of horticulture in our nation’s Capital.

In memoriam — John Somerville

Industry pioneer John Somerville passed away on Feb. 12.

Connon Nurseries NVK ensuring legacy of Vimy Ridge oaks

Vanderkruk and propagator at Connon Andrew Barbour are working to produce enough English oak trees to return to Vimy for the battle’s centennial in 2017.

Expanded GreenTrade meets with great approval

Over its 22-year history, GreenTrade Expo has often been referred to as the little trade show that could.

LO Otium Garden is easy on the eyes and tough on the body

The garden accommodates the national sports of the Philippines, Sri Lanka, India, China, Russia and Korea.

Students express their thoughts on experiences at Congress

I spoke with a number of teachers and students on how they felt about experiencing Congress.

LO and SIMA working to create industry standards on salt applications

A 32-page report summarizes three years of research on snow and ice management that will eventually creatie working standards for the industry.

What is the purpose of Landscape Ontario?

Over the years I have observed members communicate our purpose in many ways.

Spring is coming!

For the shortest month of the year, February was certainly a busy one.

Irrigation now included in overtime pay exemption

Employers of landscape gardeners are exempt from the requirement to pay overtime.

New online guide contains answers for truck operators

The nearly 300-page online guide will assist and ensure companies operate safely and are compliant with the regulations that govern highway use.

Training for falls from heights mandatory after Apr. 1

Falls from heights are a major hazard for workers and one of the leading causes of critical injuries and fatalities in Ontario workplaces.

MTO amends truck regulations

The Ministry of Transportation has made some amendments regulations under the Highway Traffic Act that came into effect on Jan. 1, 2015.

Vineland to study Norway maple

The Vineland project received $30,000. Vineland’s Travis Banks and Darby McGrath will work on the Norway maple tree project.

Green highway project continues and broadens

Vineland Research and Innovation Centre will continue in 2015 to monitor the Greening the Highways project.

University of Guelph helping Blue Jays

The University of Guelph is working to improve the Toronto Blue Jays.

Safety conference coming to Mississauga

Show will feature 60-plus sessions and over 400 exhibits.

Congress was an unqualified success

Again, the Landscape Ontario Congress proved a major success.

What happens in Ottawa does not stay in Ottawa

Your Milton office supported the Ottawa Chapter GreenTrade Show in February.

Hiring smart — Who do you want to work with?

I think most of us turn the page of our calendar on the wall with a degree of hesitation at this time of year.