July-August 2025
President's Message
Landscaping the industry together
Your involvement in Landscape Ontario not only benefits your own business, but also helps strengthen our entire industry.
Association News
Communities in Bloom Ontario: A season of growth and beauty
An update on activities for Communities in Bloom Ontario (CiB Ontario).
Remembering Melissa Spearing
David Milne reflects on the passing of Melissa Spearing and shares her message on the need for more young people to enter the profession.
Showcase your best work in Landscape Ontario’s Awards of Excellence program
Landscape Ontario members are encouraged to start planning ahead by capturing high-quality photos of their latest projects and reviewing updates to this year’s awards categories.
New member benefit: Greenworks equipment
Landscape Ontario members now have exclusive discounts available on a wide range of ride-on and hand-held electric equipment from Greenworks Commerical.
Every employer’s dream employee
For three decades, Robert Ellidge has been a cornerstone of Landscape Ontario (LO).
Volunteer Profile
Tanya Olsen: Rooted in tradition, growing the future
Third-generation nursery owner is also a professor at Humber College.
Member Profile
Silverfern Landscaping: A marriage of service and skill
Carl Anso and Carla Oskam owe much of their success to the hospitality industry and making genuine connections with clients.
Professional News
New long-term illness leave
New changes and requirements fall under the Employment Standards Act.
Ontario introduces seventh Working for Workers Act
Proposals are part of a larger package that include actions across six previous Acts since 2021.
Do you know what spotted lanternfly looks like?
It is not yet established in Ontario, but now is the time to inspect trees and shrubs for small black/white spotted nymphs that are pretty jumpy when disturbed.
Ontario increasing minimum wage to $17.60 per hour
Latest increase will bring Ontario’s minimum wage to the second highest provincial rate in Canada.
Executive Desk
It takes a village to drive Landscape Ontario
My heartfelt gratitude extends to Landscape Ontario's volunteers who are the lifeblood of this organization.
Membership
Ottawa Chapter: Supporting the community for over two decades
Landscape Ontario’s Ottawa Chapter continues to raise the bar on supporting various charitable organizations and outdoor green spaces in our nation’s capital.
The Ground Up
It’s not just who you know, it’s who you grow with
You can build a solid company on your own. But if you want to build a resilient, respected and future-ready one, you do that in the right company.
Social Snapshot
Social success without spending much time or money
With the right free tools, landscaping companies can maintain a consistent and professional social media presence without draining their time or budget.
Grow Success Story
Art Vanden Enden builds trust and confidence in skills of newcomers
After 44 years in the garden centre business, Vanden Enden was getting ready to retire and wanted to give back to the industry he’d enjoyed for decades.