March 2012

The re-birth of Canada Blooms

I find it hard to believe that the Canada Blooms flower and garden festival will be embarking on its 16th annual event this year.

In memoriam — John Bakker Sr.

John Bakker Sr. passed away on Feb. 7, 2012.

Weather smiles on annual Snow Day

Weather conditions were on our side with temperatures just below zero, with light flurries, when the Georgian Lakelands Chapter held its annual Snow Day.

Landscape lighting conference promotes industry improvement

Now in its third year, Landscape Ontario’s Lighting Conference attracted 100 participants and 13 exhibitors.

Waterloo Chapter donates blood to help community

Waterloo Chapter members are rolling up their sleeves to donate blood through the Canadian Blood Services Partners for Life program.

Manderley Turf Products recognized for management

Manderley Turf Products was named one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies for 2011.

High score on certification test

Rob Tester scored 91 per cent on his certification exam to become a Certified Installer of Permeable Paving Systems.

Bienenstock part of CBC Live Right Now program

Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds announced its national partnership with the Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF), CBC, and Parks Canada, in the Live Right Now campaign.

Sherk donates beer labels to library

Larry Sherk, retired chief horticulturist at Sheridan Nurseries, was the focus of a recent Globe and Mail feature article.

Upper Canada hosts its first squash tournament

The Upper Canada Chapter held its inaugural squash tournament on Feb. 15 at Belleville’s Harbour Fitness Centre.

Windsor Chapter project featured in magazine

Work by members of the Windsor Chapter to create a dream backyard for an 11-year-old girl, was featured in a city magazine.

LO joins PLANET in Day of Service

Landscape Ontario is joining with PLANET (Professional Landcare Network) to host the 4th annual Day of Service on April 20, 2012.

Growers Short Course increases attendance

Each year the Landscape Ontario Growers Group Short Course provides nursery growers with a chance to hear about the latest research and best practices in the industry.

Duo renovate 100-year-old courtyard

Additional donations required next year to complete the project.

In Memoriam — Donald H. Cavan

Owner of Cavan’s Garden Centres in Mississauga and Erin passed away peacefully Jan. 31.

Klomp’s Landscaping helps students

Member supports outdoor classroom project of St. Marys District Collegiate and Vocational Institute.

Lindsay Drake Nightingale appreciates volunteer opportunities

Coming into the horticulture field was a change of careers for Lindsay Drake Nightingale of Yorkshire Garden Services in Toronto.

Chapter aims to re-plant Toronto

There is a critical need for landscape features in the densely-built urban core of Toronto.

Canada Blooms will show visitors a garden they can have in their backyard

Since 1997, Landscape Ontario members have volunteered their time to support Canada Blooms, making it one of Toronto’s most successful events.

GreenTrade continues to grow

By: Martha Walsh

GreenTrade Expo continues to grow in importance among industry members as the trade show to visit in eastern Ontario.

Management and wisdom are tools

It is intriguing how much can be communicated using a few words, a short story, song lyric, or well chosen image.

New social media sensation

What’s the most popular social media referral site right now? Twitter? Facebook? Nope, according to online sources, and most of my social circle, it’s an addictive little website called Pinterest.

Letter to the editor – March 2012

Some people can’t see something when it is staring them right in their face. Apprenticeship training is one such example.

Three Ontario companies bring home national titles

Three Landscape Ontario members brought national honours to the association, winning four major awards in the National Awards of Landscape Excellence.

New online tool helps with employee hours

The Ministry of Labour has launched an online tool to help employers confirm and comply with specific rules concerning employee hours of work.

Independent contractors must register this year for WSIB coverage

Independent operators with no employees, who perform ‘construction’ work, have until Dec. 31, 2012 to register their business with the WSIB.

C. buxicola positive found in B.C.

Cylindrocladium buxicola (also known as C. pseudonaviculatum), commonly called box blight or boxwood leaf drop is a fungus that has been reported to occur on all Buxus species and cultivars.

Alternative plant promo for garden centres

The Ontario Invasive Plant Council (OIPC) is a non-profit organization founded in 2007 to develop a coordinated provincial response to the growing threat of invasive plants.

Turfgrass symposium provides latest info

The 21st annual Ontario Turfgrass Symposium (OTS) brought together industry industry professionals, educators and researchers for two days, Feb. 22 and 23, at the University of Guelph.

Common hackberry is not grand, but it’s a survivor

You may know the common hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) as the brave little tree that survives parking lot islands, its pale lime leaves covered in weird bumps.

Field evaluation of biocontrols for leatherjackets

A study to determine the efficacy of four bio-controls for the control of early instar leatherjackets larvae.

Managing your winter risk

Not much winter left — possibly — but the risks still exist as long as we are in the freeze-thaw period.

The Jekyll and Hyde phenomenon

A few years back I met a landscape designer at Congress. Let’s call her Pam.

Lecture series provides insight

The audience at LO’s annual Contractor Lecture series enjoyed two very insightful presentations by industry veterans.

Are you helping yourself avoid underground damage?

A wise man once said, “If you sit and do nothing, then don’t expect results.”

How do we navigate the uncertainty of 2012?

An unprecedented number of Prosperity Partners business owners are coming back looking for advice on the current reality.