February 2013

The outlook for 2013

Our industry seems to be surviving the recession quite well.

LO member helps Guelph hospice beautify grounds

Two Guelph area charities, Pollination Guelph and Hospice Wellington, are eagerly anticipating the arrival of spring 2013, when everyone may enjoy the beautiful, pollinator garden planted earlier last fall on the hospice site in Guelph.

AGM reveals busy year

Everyone was in agreement at this year’s Landscape Ontario’s Annual General Meeting, held Jan. 9 during Congress, that the association had a busy year with many successful projects.

Designers handbook launched

At Congress the Landscape Designers Sector Group launched its brand new, hot-off-the-press Landscape Designer Manual.

New business guide available to improve safety system

A new guide, designed to assist in developing a health and safety system, is now available to members of Landscape Ontario.

New benefits added to large list of member discounts

Landscape Ontario members can take advantage of the many long-time discounts and a continually growing list of new available ones through the CNLA Members Savings Program

Moving huge rocks

Mackia Land Design in St. Agatha had the daunting task of moving two gigantic rocks over 180 km. Mackia’s Glen Keats says one rock weighed 90 tons, while the other was 28 tons.

One conversation leads Van Dongen to volunteer position

It didn’t take Michael Van Dongen CHT of Van Dongen Landscaping and Nurseries in Hornby long to become fully involved in Landscape Ontario.

In-Lite Design wins best booth award

Congress organizers present top awards to exhibitors at the show.

Congress theme looks at past, while revealing positive future

If the rest of 2013 follows the pattern set by Congress, then the landscape industry is in for a very good year.

Students talk about LO and Congress

Sean James of Fernridge Landscaping, Milton, teaches students at Mohawk College. He brought his second year horticultural apprentices from the college, giving them an assignment for a reading course.

Congress 2013 volunteers

A great deal of appreciation goes towards the many volunteers who gave so generously of their time to help make Congress 2013 such a great a success.

Sponsors continue support of Congress

Sponsors continue support of Congress

Awards of Excellence reflects great pride in industry

Pride was very evident throughout the annual Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence presentations at this year’s Congress.

Timeless — what’s old is new again in LO garden

The theme of this year’s LO Canada Blooms garden reflects many things, the advancements of the horticultural industry over the years, the growth and development of our trade association, and the powerful message of sustainability.

Visitors give Congress rave reviews

Landscape Ontario magazine walked the floors speaking to attendees about how they felt about Congress 2013.

Celebration of life: Perry Molema

I attended Perry Molema’s Celebration of Life tribute in December. Perry was a lifetime member and supporterwho tragically passed away in a car accident just before Christmas.

Awards of Excellence winners 2013

The talents and creativity of landscape construction, maintenance and design contractors were celebrated at the Awards of Excellence gala on January 8, 2013 at Congress.

Landscape Ontario celebrates 40 years – 2002

Growth and change have marked Landscape Ontario’s history, but pride in the association shines throughout. The year 2013 is occasion for special pride, as your association’s 40th year.

Research may bring white elm back to streets

Many people today have little experience with the incredible canopy that the American, or white, elm (Ulmus americana) once produced over our cities and rural roads.

New program requires safety awareness training

New requirements will force employers to ensure that all workers and supervisors complete occupational health and safety awareness training programs.

Lawn care certification exam now available

The Landscape Industry Certified Lawn Care Technician exam is now available to members of the sector.

U. of G. research examines winter survival of green roofs

A new University of Guelph study shows growers how they can help green roof plants survive southern Ontario winters without unnecessary fertilizer costs.

Allison achieves certification first

John Allison is the first in Ontario to achieve Landscape Industry Certified Technician, Designer and Manager designations.

Appreciation for Congress success

I would like to thank everyone who gave of their time and provided great ideas to ensure the success of the Landscape Ontario 40th anniversary.

A challenge to take on squash champ

The Upper Canada Chapter is hosting its annual I Was There Squash Tournament in Picton, on Feb. 28.

Promote yourself

It’s not bragging. It’s good business!

Congress is great start to 2013

Congress 2013 was a fantastic, all-round success!

Seminars prevent underground hits

Executing with efficiency and having your staff understand your business technical details contributes to your company’s success.

Forest health review

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) hosts the Annual Forest Health Review in Orillia each fall.

Great reviews for Effective Management Short Course

During Warm-up Monday in our Congress Week, the latest Prosperity Partners offering the Effective Management Short Course brought many new tools, ideas and group dialogue around the challenges of management.

Fall fertilization revisited

Many of our turf agronomic practices need to be revisited to focus on minimizing the environmental impact on water quality.