November 2021
President's Message
We need to become a destination industry
As my two-year term comes to an end, I am looking back at what we have accomplished as an association, and the issues that persist and continue to challenge us year-after-year.
Association News
Landscape Ontario Congress is returning for its 49th year
Congress Redefined will look different compared to previous years, with some events spread out across two weeks in January.
The Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation creates the Neil Vanderkruk Innovation & Scholarship Fund
The Foundation has created the Neil Vanderkruk Innovation & Scholarship Fund, which has the mandate to support initiatives “that contribute to a prosperous future for Ontario’s landscape and horticultural sector.”
The history of Canada Blooms
Canada Blooms is the largest flower and garden festival in the country. However, the event began as an idea for an advertising campaign to promote the landscaping industry.
Trees for Life helps university reduce its carbon footprint
The University of Guelph partnered with Trees for Life to plant about 700 trees.
Teamwork shines as bright as the landscaping at London Chapter Garden Makeover
When volunteers from the London Chapter of Landscape Ontario arrived at Lisa Fernandes’ home to begin work on her garden makeover, she gave them free
In Memoriam – Larry Sherk
Larry Sherk passed away in his sleep in hospital in Toronto on Sept. 4. Sherk worked as the chief horticulturist at Sheridan Nurseries before retirement.
Member Profile
Sandhill Nursery has become known for more than plants
Sandhill Nursery is more than just a place to buy plants: it has also become a destination, a spot that appeals even to those with little knowledge or interest in landscaping or gardening.
Professional News
LMN introduces new features in latest update
Landscape Management Network (LMN) has unveiled its 21.10 product update, the company’s most significant revamp in recent years.
Durham College launches urban agriculture centre
Durham College has unveiled The Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture.
WSIB rates to decrease in 2022
The average premium rate for businesses will be reduced by 5.1 per cent for 2022.
Executive Desk
Consider donating to the Neil Vanderkruk Innovation and Scholarship Fund
Families honour and recognize the legacy of their pioneers. One way we do this is by creating a named scholarship fund within the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation.
Membership
There’s light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel
Through the amazing work of the highly-dedicated Landscape Ontario COVID-19 Task Force, we have been able to keep our community up-to-date on the latest developments and resources.
Foundation Report
2021 Foundation Report
The Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation 2021 report, as well as its annual scholarship recipients.
Smart About Salt
Implementing BMPs can reduce salt use and reduce environmental damage
Since it’s almost impossible to stop salt derived chlorides once they are introduced to the environment, the best way to address environmental problems from excessive salt use is with source controls.
Prosperity Partners
Defining your ideal client avatar
When red flags pop-up as warning signs for the sales and design team, they act on it, using their intuition to inform decisions whether or not to take on a client.
New Members
New Members November 2021
Landscape Ontario welcomes 41 new members this month.
