December 2011

Closing thoughts

This will be my last message to you, as my term as president of Landscape Ontario comes to an end.

In memoriam — Calvin Chong

Dr. Calvin Chong passed away Nov. 26, after a battle with lymphoma.

In memoriam — David Stevenson Somerville

David Somerville, passed away on Oct. 25, at the age of 83.

Windsor Chapter presents Awards of Distinction

The Windsor Chapter honoured a number of its professional members with Awards of Distinction.

Waterloo Chapter announces really big winner

The 2011 Champion Tree Hunt was a tremendous success for the Waterloo Chapter, with 333 entries.

Since 2008, Ottawa Chapter is a big part of regional cancer foundation

Since 2008, Ottawa Chapter members have stepped up to maintain the Ottawa Cancer Survivors Park.

Have your say at AGM

The Annual General Meeting will take place on Jan. 11, 2012.

Waterloo’s latest greening project creates outdoor classroom

Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary School has a new outdoor classroom thanks to the Waterloo Chapter.

Upper Canada continues beautification award

Bonita Glover of The Garden Network received the Trenton Commercial Beautification Trophy.

In memoriam — Hans J. Schmitz

Hans J. Schmitz, founder and president of Artistic Landscape Designs, passed away on Nov. 17, 2011.

Snow and Ice event returning home

The Snow and Ice Sector Group will hold its annual symposium and trade show on September 20, 2012.

Ottawa Chapter continues to honour Canada’s fallen soldiers

Since 2005, the Ottawa Chapter’s Day of Tribute has maintained the burial grounds of Canada’s fallen soldiers at the National Military Cemetery Beechwood in Ottawa.

Tools for the Trade are all at Congress 2012

Congress 2012 will take place Jan. 9, 10, 11 and 12.

Members give back

December is a time for reflection.

It’s the chicken and egg syndrome

Recently I was in Windsor for that Chapter’s annual Awards of Distinction.

List of urban-tolerant trees for nurseries now online

A list of 29 alternative trees to white and green ash (Fraxinus americana and F. pennsylvanica) and Norway maple (Acer platanoides) is now featured online.

Positive feedback, and some history

I am happy to report positive and enthusiastic response to the new look and name for your member magazine, launched with last month’s issue.

New accessibility rules in force this January

As of Jan. 1, 2012, all employers in Ontario who provide goods and services must be compliant with the Ontario’s new Accessibility Standard for Customer Service.

WSIB 2012 rates

Ontario’s workplace insurance system is in a transition period.

2011 Annual Report

Landscape Ontario's Annual Report is a summary of association activities for the fiscal year Sept. 1, 2010 to Aug. 31, 2011.

Sarah Willis

As editorial director, Sarah's main responsibility is the production of Landscape Trades.

What the experts are saying

The number of gas line hits by landscapers is on the decline, but more significantly, the number of hits due to lack of locates is constant.

Acidify irrigation water for potted nursery crop production

The majority of the Ontario potted nursery crops (perennials, shrubs, and trees) are grown in organic-based growing substrates containing components such as pine bark, peat moss, and other types of composts.

Rock salt doesn’t melt anything!

In my course Smart about Salt Essentials Training I conduct an experiment using a cold plate, where I simulate a frosting situation in the classroom.

New year is time to energize yourself

It is hard to believe that Congress is approaching once again.

Garden of fond memories

One of our goals in 2012 is to continue to recognize the wonderfully generous contributions that our members make to their local communities.

Prosperity Partners solves business headaches – from the ground up

Here’s a simple five-point test for you to see if the Prosperity Partners Build Your Prosperity seminar will help reduce stress and headaches at work.