hortwest may 2012

May 2012B.C. Landscape & Nursery Association Publication

Giving Back:

COMMUNITY PROJECTS

versusBIOCONTAINERS

PLASTIC

2 | HortWest May 2012 Iotron Technologies.indd 1 1/25/11 1:45:05 PM

MAY 2012

EDITOR Michelle MansonDESIGNER Uniquity DesignADVERTISING Suvan Breen | t. 604.575.3516

HortWest is the newsletter of the BC Landscape & Nursery Association. For further information, contact us at:Suite 102, 5783-176A StreetSurrey, BC, Canada V3S 6S6t. 604.575.3502 | f. 604.574.7773

HortWest is owned by the BC Landscape & Nursery Association, and is published 10 times a year. Views expressed inside do not necessarily reflect the attitudes of the Association, but are those of the writer concerned. Material may not be reprinted from this magazine without consent of the publisher.

All advertising and editorial material are to be received one month in advance of mail out date.

HortWest is mailed under Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement N. 0288608. This magazine is printed in Canada by Hemlock Printers.

BCLNA DIRECTORY

COLLEEN SCHAEFER (Intern Student) Special Event Support | 604-575-3503 / [email protected]

DAVID ADKINS Landscape Industry Development Coordinator | 604.575.3510 / [email protected] for: Landscape issues including standards and bylaws, landscape certification programs, Landscape Awards of Excellence

HEDY DYCK Industry Development Manager604.575.3505 / [email protected] for: Grower & Garden Retail issues and advocacy, Education, Labour and Projects

HEIDI HENDERSON Membership Administrator604.575.3502 / [email protected] for: Membership services, CRM administration (Membee), CanWest registration, Special Events, Member Awards

JOY DEMELO Landscape & Certification Administrator | 604.575.3501 / [email protected] for: certification registration, landscape commodity events and meetings, Landscape Awards of Excellence

KAREN DE JONG CanWest Hort Show / Marketing & Communications Manager 604.575.3504 / [email protected] for: CanWest Hort Show, general marketing

LESLEY TANNEN Executive Director 604.575.3506 / [email protected] for: Board of Directors

MARVYN BROWN Finance Manager 604.575.3507 / [email protected]

MICHELLE LINFORD Administrative Coordinator 604.575.3511 / [email protected] for: Grower & Retailer Commodity Support, Event Support, Office Administration

SUVAN BREEN Sales Associate604.575.3516 / [email protected] for: HortWest ad sales, CanWest Hort Show booth sales, event sponsorship

Superior quality structures at competitive pricing - from single house to a full range.

Cold Frame . Freestanding . Herculon Open Roof . Venlo . Benches . Heating

HortWest May 2012 | 3

Boxwood Blight (Cylindrocladium buxicola): Six new positives in BC and two in Ontario. BC sampling is complete; Ontario is in process and Quebec has not yet begun. A C buxicola module is being developed to add on to the Clean Plants domestic phytosanitary certification program.

BCLNA Growers & Retailers Joint Meeting – Monday June 11, 2012. To be held at Redwoods Golf Course, with Terralink Horticulture Inc. sponsoring the dinner. A panel discussion will include opportunities for growers and retailers to review issues of product quality, distribution and industry concerns.

Following the successful lobbying by the floriculture and greenhouse vegetable sectors, the BCLNA Board has approved the allocation of resources to survey the industry for data to support the nursery industry’s inclusion in the carbon tax rebate.

The Issue of Water: Gord Mathies, Cannor Nurseries, attended the Water Act meeting in Kelowna on April 4, representing Fraser Valley growers, with the resulting news that producers should be aware that above ground (streams and ponds) or below ground (aquifer or city) water be licensed and metered. The rate that has been provided is 60 cents for 1,000 cu. ft. of water. Legislation is being drafted to be in effect in 2013.

MONDAY, APRIL 16, 2012

BOARD SYNOPSIS

Busy, busy, busy, that’s what we are. We either help someone run their business, or we operate our own. The consuming tasks of running a business can take up much of your time, which can ultimately distract you from enjoying the reasons you entered this line of work in the first place.

Helping others learn more about the landscape and nursery industry allows us to focus on what is important. It’s the experiences and people we meet along the way that make our industry truly great. Throughout our careers, we end up collecting a lot of complicated knowledge and expertise, as we deal with solving problems and delivering solutions to our customers.

When we take the time to share our experiences and knowledge with others—whether they are just starting out in the industry, or, we are contributing to a community project—we grow as a person. Sharing our skills and contributing to the betterment of our communities reinforces our grounding in the knowledge we have learned. When you teach you learn, and when you share you gain. Simple rules, so let’s make a conscious effort to practice them together, and grow our whole industry.

GIVING BACK HELPS US GROW

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Sandy Mathies, PresidentB.C. Landscape & Nursery Association

ON THE COVER: Euphorbia myrsinites,

taken by Joy Demelo during a guided tour

of the beautiful Butchart Gardens Ltd. in

Victoria, BC.

4 | HortWest May 2012

KEEP CURRENT

NEW MEMBERSFinal Approval The BCLNA welcomes the following new members as of the April 16, 2012, board meeting:

The Grounds Guys – Abbotsford, Chris Draaistra, Abbotsford, Active Landscaper (Interim)

Red Bear Services, Jason Robertson, Lytton, Active Landscaper

Donela Haynes, Surrey, Kwantlen Polytechnic University Student

Stephan Kropf, Langley, Kwantlen Polytechnic University Student

Shari McGillis, Abbotsford, Kwantlen Polytechnic University Student

Tentative Approval

The following companies will become BCLNA members at the next board meeting unless a member provides a valid reason for not accepting the application:

Countryside Landscaping, Richard Thompson, Surrey, Active Landscaper

Eco-Logical Lawn & Gardens Ltd., Gavin Dewar, North Vancouver, Active Landscaper

Sarah Johnson, New Westminster, Active Landscaper (Interim)

Tri-Star Nurseries & Landscape Supplies Ltd., Tony Sourial, Surrey, Active Grower

Deb Becelaere, Town of View Royal, Victoria, Horticulturist

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Soils and Urban Trees Conference 2012 UBC www.ufis.ca/soil2012.phpM

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Landscape Meeting, East Richmond Nurseries, Richmond www.bclna.com

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JULY 51

Landscape Certification Test, Kwantlen University, Langleywww.bclna.ca

A Growing Affair, UBC Botanical Gardenwww.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/growing-affair

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15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22BCLNA Golf Tournament, Redwoods Golf Course, Langley www.bclna.com

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BCLNA Growers Meeting & BBQ, Redwoods Golf Course, Langley www.bclna.com

National Recycling Week June 22-July 1

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BCLNA ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

The BCLNA annual golf tournament, to be held at Redwoods Golf Course on June 19 is rapidly approaching and spaces are filling up fast. Join fellow members and friends on the links to take part in this annual event. The tournament package includes green fee, power cart, tailgate party, deluxe dinner buffet, and plenty of fun. You may even win one of the great prizes!

For more information please contact Heidi Henderson, [email protected] or 604.575.3502. For sponsorship opportunities please contact Suvan Breen, [email protected] or 604.575.3516

Barb Nelson Says Goodbye to BCLNA

April 30 marked the end of an amazing chapter for one of BCLNA’s long-standing employees, Barb Nelson. Barb joined the BCLNA in 1998 as an outside sales rep selling advertising space for BCLNA’s ‘GardenWise Directory’ (now called GreenForLife!). She added bookkeeping to her duties when Brian Sutton retired in 2000. Then, in 2002 Barb stepped into the role of CanWest Exhibitors Relations. She soon realized her passion for event planning and swapped her bookkeeping tasks for coordinating all of BCLNA’s special events in 2006. Barb has been an integral member of the BCLNA team. We will miss her as she starts a new chapter in her life as she joins the United Churches of Langley. Barb is excited to join this brand new organization where four of Langley’s United Churches recently amalgamated under one umbrella. Her new role there will include Financial Administration, Facility Bookings and Communications.

New Member Orientation Meeting

New members gathered at the BCLNA office on the morning of April 24. Commodity and Membership Chairs warmly welcomed the new members, and everyone enjoyed getting to know each other over a delicious warm breakfast. The topics for discussion included the importance of networking, getting involved in the industry, commodity updates and tips on building your business.

The next new member orientation meeting will be held in July for members who have been approved in May, June and July. More information to follow in the Friday Files.

BCLNA NEWS BULLETINS

Highlight your talents and gain recognition for a job well done! Our team of esteemed judges will spot the very best in landscape design, installation and maintenance.

Entry applications will be available soon in the Friday Files and on our website www.bclna.com.

Award entries are due August 9, 2012.

BCLNA 2012 LANDSCAPE AWARDSOF EXCELLENCE

Photo: Landscape 2000 Ltd., Winning project Landscape Award of Excellence 2011

Back row, l-r: Stephan Kropf (Kwantlen Polytechnic University student), Nathanael Meier (Kwantlen Polytechnic University student), Brian Huttema (Mijodelu Landscaping & Renovations & Membership Chair), Len Smit (Bradner’s Growing Concern & Grower’s Chair). Front row, l-r: Chris Draaistra (The Grounds Guys), Donela Haynes (Kwantlen Polytechnic University student), Leanne Johnson (GardenWorks & Retail Chair), Shari McGillis (Kwantlen Polytechnic University student)

Industry Ski Day : Members on top of the world during the first BCLNA ski day held at Whistler on April 14.


The Farwest Show is THE trade show for ideas. Exciting ideas fresh from nursery and

retail experts delivered straight to you. With hundreds of exhibitors, thousands of plants

and products, and dozens of valuable seminars, you’re sure to leave energized and ready to go.

Join your fellow green industry professionals and fill your head with electrifying, practical

and innovative ideas to invigorate your business. Register now!

August 23-25, 2012www.FarwestShow.com

Fresh Ideas

The Farwest Show is THE trade show for ideas. Exciting ideas fresh from nursery and

retail experts delivered straight to you. With hundreds of exhibitors, thousands of plants

and products, and dozens of valuable seminars, you’re sure to leave energized and ready to go.

Join your fellow green industry professionals and fill your head with electrifying, practical

and innovative ideas to invigorate your business. Register now!

August 23-25, 2012www.FarwestShow.com

Fresh Ideas

NEW ONLINE MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL INSTRUCTIONS

INDUSTRY BITS

Make sure that you can receive emails generated via the BCLNA Membee database. This is very important. The process is typically called white listing and it is a list maintained in your email system from domains that you wish to accept emails from. Please ensure that the following domains/IP’s are white listed in your email system to ensure you receive the system-generated e-billing email: 66.11.155.116 and mail.membee.com

Your system may filter emails before they reach your Outlook email application. If you are unsure, please consult your IT professional to determine where an appropriate location is to white list Membee's email domain.

E-bills will be emailed from [email protected] with subject line “Membership Renewal Invoice From BC Landscape & Nursery Association.”

There will be a link within the body of the email “View Invoice #000” (see figure 1). Clicking on the link brings you to the E-billing Invoice screen (see figure 2). Choose your “Method of Payment” from the drop down menu. Clicking “Proceed” brings you a Summary Screen. Click on “Pay Now” and fill in all applicable billing information (see figure 3). Click “Submit” and you will receive your receipt.

If you have questions please contact Heidi Henderson at 604.575.3502 or [email protected]

UBC Botanical Garden to Launch New Horticulture Training Program in September

Vancouver, BC – April 3, 2012 – UBC Botanical Garden, Canada's oldest continuously operated university-based botanical garden, has developed a Horticulture Training Program (HTP) with the endorsement of HortEducation BC, the provincial industry training organization for horticulture. Launching in September 2012, HTP will be the first provincially accredited entry-level practical horticulture training program to be offered in Vancouver.

Running from September to June, this full time program is designed to give students the skills and experience necessary for entering the field of horticulture. Completion of 1,100 hours of classroom and practical instruction, together with 150 hours of supervised practical work, will lead to the provincially recognized Horticultural Technician Certificate and Levels I & II Apprenticeship technical training credit.

“The UBC Horticulture Training Program is special because of its emphasis on fundamentals and practical aspects of horticulture,” states Douglas Justice, Associate Director and Curator of Collections, UBC Botanical Garden. “The gardens and facilities here are beautiful environments for practical learning, and the program will provide excellent opportunities for students to train alongside our industry-leading horticulturists.”

Students will be introduced to principles and techniques of landscape construction and design, garden ecology, plant biology and plant health, the nature and role

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botanicalgarden.ubc.ca

botanicalgarden.ubc.ca



INDUSTRY BITS

604.888.3426 .growingmedia westcreekfarms.com westcreekfarms.com@ .

Peat harvest is underway

of soil in natural and constructed landscapes, aspects of ornamental and food crop management, as well as practical, hands-on landscape and garden management.

“The increasing demands to solve the environmental concerns with urban forestry, agriculture and many other ‘greening’ initiatives of the future are becoming more difficult, especially when the choices for education and training are limited,” states Brian Scott, Superintendent of Operations, Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation. “I feel that the new UBC Horticulture Training Program will benefit our field tremendously by providing graduates who are well prepared to step into these evolving horticultural positions.”

Horticulture instruction will take place at UBC Botanical Garden and other facilities on campus. Instruction will also include off site fieldtrips to horticultural organizations and operations.

For more information on UBC Horticulture Training Program and how to register, please visit www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/horticulture-program

MEMBER BENEFIT Benefit of the Month: Online Training Solutions This is great for your new employees, or for those who are not familiar with certain pieces of equipment. Managers can track employee’s progress. Please visit www.landscapesafety.com for more information, or to view a demo.

BCLNA Members Work Hard For Their Clients! Marie-Claude Laski from Deeply Rooted Landscaping enjoys being a member so she can stay connected with all the latest news and trends of the business. Here is what some of her clients are saying:

"After I did my walk-about on Friday I thought I am very fortunate to be able to come up here on a Friday afternoon and find our garden so well taken care of. Everything looks up-to-date. Many, many thanks to you and your team for consistently doing such a good job all summer. And always with a smile on your faces." - Carol

"Marie-Claude and Crew—thank you so much for all of your great work. We are very grateful that you take care of our garden with such care and love. See you in the spring!" - Dan

EAST RICHMOND NURSERIES INC.

18431 Westminster Hwy., Richmond, B.C. V6V 1B1

Ph. 604 278-0976 Fax 604 244-2924

e-mail [email protected]

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Ph. 604 278-0976 Fax 604 244-2924

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THANK YOU TO ALL OUR LOYAL CUSTOMERS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

25years

CELEBRATING


Para Space Landscaping was proud to volunteer its time and expertise for PLANET Day of Service this past Sunday, April 22nd, Earth Day.

The British Columbia Centre for Ability’s mission is to provide community based services that enhance the quality of life of children, youth and

adults with disabilities and their families in ways that facilitate and build competencies, and foster inclusion in all aspects of life. Para Space’s own Jennifer Portsmouth, Manager of Landscape Maintenance and Personnel Development, is personally connected with the BC Centre for Ability; her son attends its Supported Child Development Program. Jennifer thought the Centre could benefit from more green space, thus the idea was born and plans were made.

The BC Centre for Ability chose three areas for greening – the front entrance, its back patio, and upstairs patio and meeting area. Para Space volunteered the design, managing and building of the project. Specific plants were chosen in the design that meet the Centre’s requirements for non-toxicity and non-fragrance. Sponsors were approached and

include Northwest Landscape Supply, Atlas Pots, East Richmond Nurseries, Valleybrook Gardens, The Answer Garden Products and Kato’s Nursery. Wooden benches were donated by someone connected to the BC Centre for Ability.

These new gardens will provide relaxing spaces for individuals and families. There has been increasing research of the healing, social, and therapeutic benefits that plants convey to human life. Simply put, plants make people happy. Maintainance is being provided on a volunteer basis by the Daily Endeavours (DE) program through the BCCFA. The program uses an individualized approach to provide community-based, one-to-one support for persons who have complex health needs and disabilities.

Since 1979 Para Space has been a leader in the Canadian landscape industry. Our active participation in trade associations has helped advance our industry, especially in the areas of employee training and workplace safety. Para Space is the most accredited landscape firm in British Columbia. We are very proud of our staff’s level of education and the knowledge they bring to the job each day.

PLANET is the association of members who create and maintain the QUALITY OF LIFE in communities across North America. With more than 3,600 member companies and affiliates, these firms and their employees represent more than 100,000 green industry professionals. PLANET Day of Service encourages people working in the green industry to give back on Earth Day through volunteer projects.

If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Kelly Duarte, please call (604) 291-2800 or email [email protected]

GREENING UP BCCFA FOR EARTH DAY

INDUSTRY BITS

Call 1-888-2BRANDT for a demo or visit www.brandttractor.com for more information on our products and financing options.

For 75 years Brandt has proven we understand your business by providing the most versatile landscaping equipment available today – like the 318D and 320D-Series Skid Steers. Maneuver into tight spots with 100% more front glass, 50% larger top window, and lower side windows for best-in-class visibility. The two-speed transmission provides both the torque for heavy lifting, and speed for faster low-load maneuvering. And, with easy-switching Worksite ProTM Attachments you can make quick work of all your multi-season projects. With 21

locations across Western Canada, and Brandt’s uncompromising commitment to after-sales support, you’ll have a machine as reliable as the company that sold it to you. Powerful Value. Delivered.

Improving thelandscape.

Some restrictions apply. See local dealer or visit thanksabillion.ca for details.Offer valid March 1, 2012 – May 31, 2012.

Rebate on 318D & 320D Skid SteersBillion!Thanksa$500

Call 1-888-2BRANDT for a demo or visit www.brandttractor.com for more information on our products and financing options.

For 75 years Brandt has proven we understand your business by providing the most versatile landscaping equipment available today – like the 318D and 320D-Series Skid Steers. Maneuver into tight spots with 100% more front glass, 50% larger top window, and lower side windows for best-in-class visibility. The two-speed transmission provides both the torque for heavy lifting, and speed for faster low-load maneuvering. And, with easy-switching Worksite ProTM Attachments you can make quick work of all your multi-season projects. With 21

locations across Western Canada, and Brandt’s uncompromising commitment to after-sales support, you’ll have a machine as reliable as the company that sold it to you. Powerful Value. Delivered.

Improving thelandscape.

Some restrictions apply. See local dealer or visit thanksabillion.ca for details.Offer valid March 1, 2012 – May 31, 2012.

Rebate on 318D & 320D Skid SteersBillion!Thanksa$500


Trade shows can be exciting, challenging and profitable. Assume that the show is going to be a winner and half your battle is already won. If you can approach your show with this attitude, your positive outlook will rub off on the attendees. The other half of the battle is to get people to your booth. Regardless of how much you spend on great booth attractions or giveaways, you won't capture the audience you desire if you haven’t generated advanced interest. Strong pre-show promotions will drive prospective customers to your booth and ultimately, it will help drive sales.

Think about any show specials or discounts you would like to offer for orders written at the show. Knowing your offer in advance will help prospects plan for such purchases. Invite prospective customers to meet with you at a specified time during the show. Scheduling meetings throughout the show saves you time and money… considering how far you would have to drive or fly to meet each prospective buyer. Consider these pre-show promotional tactics as you prepare for Western Canada’s largest horticulture trade show.

Traditional StrategiesWEBSITE: Announce that you are exhibiting at CanWest and provide your booth number. Add an email link to ‘request a meeting’ time at the show.

EMAIL CAMPAIGN: Email all your customers, and those who have inquired about your products over the past year. Again, add an email link to ‘request a meeting’ time at the show. Send a minimum of three e-blasts leading up to the show.

DIRECT MAIL CAMPAIGN: This is still a great way to reach targeted prospects. Send out an invitation by way of a postcard, letter (or gift contained in a unique

package,) and be sure to include an offer (something they can pick up at your booth).

PRESS RELEASE: Send to key industry media/garden writers and invite them to your booth and to learn more about your products. This is a great way to get third party endorsement and free publicity in their various communication formats. (Talk to show management for a list of media contacts.)

FAX OUT: Yes, there is still a segment in your demographics that appreciate a fax. Send a simple one-page announcement to customers and targeted prospects announcing your presence at the show. Send two to three times in the weeks leading up to the show.

MAIL STUFFERS: Include a flyer or CanWest brochure with your outgoing invoices or special mailouts. Start this now and include through September. You can also provide a ‘show special’ insert with the CanWest Show Guide or in the August issue of HortWest.

ADVERTISE IN SHOW GUIDE: Reach 1,300+ prospects receiving this publication four-weeks prior to the show. Tailor your ad to promote new products, show specials, and more. Be sure to include your booth number on the ad.

UTILIZE YOUR SALES TEAM: Make sure your sales team has all the details so they can promote as they speak with prospects.

LET SHOW MANAGEMENT HELP YOU: Got something exciting to share about your product/presence at the show? Let the CanWest Show team help you communicate your message through the show’s social media tools.

A PROFITABLE SHOW STARTS WITH A POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND STRONG PRE-SHOW PROMOTIONS By Karen De Jong – Ellery, CanWest Trade Show Manager

CANWEST SHOW

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ALL MIXES GO THROUGH A FINAL SCREENING PROCESS BEFORE DELIVERY.

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CANWEST SHOW

Using Social Media FACEBOOK: Create immediate buzz by creating a Facebook page devoted to your company and announcing your appearance at upcoming tradeshows. Interested customers will become your marketing platform by posting comments and forwarding your information to others. Networking with other, non-competitor companies that will also have a presence at the show is a great way to reach untapped customers with your tradeshow marketing.

Offer anyone who mentions your Facebook page, or who comments on one of your threads, an incentive when they stop by your tradeshow booth. It could be a personalized consultation, an extra gift, or any other enticement that makes them feel like they've earned something extra simply by following your Facebook updates.

BLOGS: Encourage dialogue by creating incoming and outgoing links from your blog to other sites. Through this interaction with customers, you can immediately expand the reach of your tradeshow marketing dollars.

YOUTUBE: Launching a new product? Create a demonstration video that can be used as a teaser to draw potential visitors to your booth to learn more.

TWITTER: Make a tweeting schedule to promote your presence at the show and to register for the event. In the days leading up to the show, promote your booth. Don’t wait until the last minute to let everyone know about your trade show display, begin tweeting about it at least a month prior to the event to give them time to plan on attending.

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TRADE SHOW LEADS ARE VALUABLE Studies confirm that trade show leads are superior to leads obtained in other marketing venues for four reasons:

1. They are serious buyers. Ninety percent of attendees use exhibitions as their number one source of purchasing information. They come to shows for a reason. In fact, 76% of them have a pre-set agenda. They know what they want and whom they want to see. From your point of view, you are able to get these leads at half the cost of a traditional field call.

2. They are more receptive. Forty-eight percent only need to hear from you once to make a purchasing decision because they have already seen your products and services and know what you have to offer before your follow up call.

3. They have checked out the competition. The beauty of a show is that it is a one-stop shopping center where all the solution providers are found under one roof.

4. They are ready to buy. Attendees visit a show with an objective. They find and compare various solutions. Fifty-seven percent of these visitors will make a purchasing decision in the next twelve months.

Collecting leads and not following-up is simply hrowing your money in the garbage. Your first contact with a visitor should be within seven days after the show. That's not a long time, but for the visitor looking for solutions to business problems it can seem like a lifetime. They are ready for business and your products and services may be the answer. They are back in their office and excited about what they saw and learned at the show. If the timing of your follow-up coincides with their increased level of interest, the chance of receiving a positive reception is greatly enhanced.



Houston Landscapes is an award winning business known for their quality landscapes, sustainable management practices and commitment to the environment. What isn’t widely known, however, is their impressive ethos with regard to investing in the community.

David Adkins (DA), Industry Development Manager, interview with Jeremy Miller (JM), Principal, Houston Landscapes.

DA: Jeremy, what is your philosophy on community work?

JM: As a quick summary, we believe that giving back to the community in which we live and work is the right thing to do. We're always looking for volunteer projects where our expertise and enthusiasm could make a real difference.

DA: How does your team engage?

JM: For us, if we can send in a small army of professional landscapers for a day on a weekend and do something that an organization would either take a few weeks to do themselves, or would have to spend money they don’t have, it’s a no-brainer.

DA: Can you describe some of the projects Houston has been involved in?

JM: Here’s an overview of some of the projects:

Eastview Park: We built a wheelchair accessible boardwalk through the park and a viewing platform for the children of Eastview Elementary. You can walk over the bog and study the ecosystem from above. This portion of the project was done as a not-for-profit (we were paid our costs to do the work, but donated back our profit). The second-phase was a pure volunteer effort in which we had 25 people out volunteering their time for a day pulling brambles and all invasive species from the park and replanted it with approx $6,000 worth of native plant material. Cedar Rim donated all of the plant material.

HOUSTON LANDSCAPING: INVESTING IN COMMUNITIES By David Adkins

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Jeremy Miller

Soul Food—Inner City Farms: In August of 2009 we had our entire company work with Soul Food to build a community garden in the parking lot of the Astoria Hotel in East Vancouver (this involved building a bunch of wooden planters which were to be handed over to those who cannot afford housing to manage and grow food for resale).

English Bay Beach Cleanup: During the garbage strike of 2007 in which the beaches were not being cleaned after the fireworks, we had our entire company meet up down at English Bay at 5 am to clean up one-kilometre of beach line (we filled over 50 garbage bags with garbage). We were featured on the front page of the Province Newspaper.

GVHBA Ramps Program: A program the Greater Vancouver Home Builders ran that allowed member companies to volunteer to build ramps for people who are wheelchair bound to gain access to their houses. As this typically requires demolition of surrounding areas, we volunteered to landscape around some ramps.

DA: Are there any other ways you support the community?”

JM: Another program that we’ve implemented as a company, as a way to give back to the community, is to donate gift certificates to fundraising organizations that are raising money through auctions. Most recently we donated a $2,000 gift certificate to Dress for Success (dressforsuccess.org) in which they raised over $70,000 to help women from less fortunate circumstances become more prepared to find and maintain a job and hopefully, a longer term career. We have donated over $10,000 in gift certificates for programs similar to this.

DA: How does the community react to your support?

JM: Let me answer by reading a comment from a member of the public:

"I just wanted to drop you a quick line to congratulate Houston on your wonderful display of social responsibility with the volunteering of you and your crew's time for the clean-up after the fireworks. It's great to know there are people and corporations who want to help make ours a better place to live”.

DA: How does your team benefit from this work and what would your advice be to members who are thinking about community projects?

JM: The feedback I receive from the crew after doing a volunteer day is that they really enjoy getting together with all of the employees. They have fun when landscaping with such a large group of people and not being on a typical project. It also feels good to give back—and the burger and beers bought by the company doesn’t make the day worse! I would also encourage members who are thinking about community projects to develop relationships with local organizations, and cities, and similarly network with your suppliers who could potentially partner in a project.

If you have a story or query about community projects and volunteering, please contact:

David Adkins, BCLNA Landscape Industry Development Manager t: 604-575-3510 e: [email protected]



BCMAL REPORT

18598 Advent Road Pitt Meadows, BC Canada, V3Y 2G8 Toll Free 1-800-471-4448 Phone: 604-465-7122 Fax: [email protected]

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GREENHOUSE AND LANDSCAPE PERFORMANCE OF BEDDING PLANTS IN BIOCONTAINERSDavid Woodske, Industry Specialist, BCMA

(HortTechnology 21(2): 155-161)—‘Score Red’ geranium, ‘Grape Cooler’ vinca, and ‘Dazzler Lilac Splash’ impatiens were greenhouse-grown in a variety of pots at Louisiana State University, University of Arkansas, and Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania. Three 5-inch containers (e.g. plastic, starch-based bioplastic (OP47), and rice straw) and eight 4-inch containers (e.g. plastic, Fertil, CowPot, coconut fiber, peat, rice hull, paper, and OP47) were tested.

Seedlings were grown in 288-cell trays and were transplanted into the containers in mid-February or early April. Plants were harvested after four to eight weeks depending on the trial location and crop. Data was collected on shoot dry weight, root dry weight, and root:shoot ratio. None of the containers performed best

for all crops and all locations. For the 4-inch containers, paper containers consistently had high shoot and root dry weight scores, followed by CowPot, plastic, rice, and Fertil containers. Despite differences in plant growth between the containers, it was reported that all containers produced marketable plants.

The study also included a trial on the performance of geranium, impatiens, and vinca plants that were transplanted without removing the biocontainer. The trial was conducted in landscape beds at Longwood Gardens. The pots used were CowPot, coconut fiber, rice straw, peat, and Fertil. Plant growth and establishment for the five ‘plantable’ pots was compared to plants grown in plastic containers in which the containers were removed prior to transplanting.

Eight weeks after transplanting, there was no significant difference in shoot dry weight of geranium and vinca between the different containers. For impatiens, shoot dry weight was significantly greater for Fertil containers than for CowPots and coconut fiber containers. Regarding plant height, geraniums and

impatiens were significantly taller in the plastic and Fertil treatments.

Container type had no effect on the height of vinca or on the width of geraniums, impatiens, and vinca. Based on these results, the authors suggested that ‘plantable’ containers do not inhibit root growth of bedding plants.

Geranium Buds

BCMAL REPORT

Investigating Consumer Preference For Biodegradable Containers (J. Environmental Hort. 28(4):239-243)

The paper presented the findings of an Internet survey that measured consumer preference for biodegradable containers. The containers included in the survey were made from virgin plastic, recycled plastic, wheat starch, rice hulls, straw, coconut coir, resin from poultry feathers, composted cow manure, and peat moss.

The survey asked participants to identify how much more or less they would be willing to pay for each container compared to a virgin plastic pot. The findings were based on responses from 834 individuals. The researchers only used responses from individuals that had purchased ornamental plants in the previous year. The respondents were 52% female and their average age was 47, and they had an average annual household income of ~$50,000. The study determined that consumers were willing to pay 23 to 29 cents more for the wheat starch, rice hull, straw, coir, and peat pots relative to pots made from virgin plastic.

The price premium for the cow manure, poultry feather, and recycled plastic pots was only 10 cents. Female participants were willing to pay more for the alternatives to virgin plastic pots than male participants. The findings provide evidence that consumers are willing to pay more for biodegradable

containers relative to traditional plastic containers. Biodegradable containers provide an opportunity for the green industry to further enhance their sustainability and to meet consumer demand for environmentally-conscious products.

Growth And Development Of Poinsettia In Biodegradable And Compostable Containers(HortTechnology 21(4):419-423)

The study evaluated the growth of ‘Eckespoint Classic Red’ poinsettias in different biocontainers and the suitability of biocontainers for use with a long-term crop. The biocontainers tested were made from rice hulls, straw, sphagnum moss & wood pulp, coir fibers, composted cow manure, wheat starch-derived bioresin (OP47), and molded fiber (recycled paper). Although there were differences in plant growth between the different containers, all of the containers did produce marketable plants. In contrast, there were very noticeable differences in the integrity of the containers.

The rice hull, OP47, and molded fiber containers showed no visible changes at the end of the 14-week production period. In contrast, the visual quality of the straw and coir fiber containers was reduced due to fungal and algal growth. The structural integrity of both groups of pots was not compromised. For the moss & wood pulp and cow manure containers, the visual quality and integrity of the containers were substantially reduced.

The level of degradation was so high that the containers could not be handled at the end of the study. The effect of the container on media pH and EC was also recorded.

The lone difference recorded was an elevated pH in the straw container (7.0). The average pH for the other containers was 6.3. It was concluded that “plant quality was not negatively impacted by any of the 7 containers though marketability of finished plants can be affected by container integrity.”



LANDSCAPE CLIPPINGS

ISLAND CHAPTER MEETING

Lee Smith organized an Island Chapter meeting on the eve of the Certification testing. There was a solid turnout of Islanders who came for some presentations, updates, and best of all — networking.

Thank you to Bartlett Tree Experts for supplying food and Pacific Horticulture College for supplying the room for the meeting.

Another Vancouver Island Test under our Belts

Without the help of volunteers, there would be no test. Thank you to the volunteers from Vancouver Island, and those who came from the Mainland, to donate their time to help. A special thanks to the BCLNA’s Island Chapter Chair, Lee Smith, for his time and effort to get this test up and running.

Thank you to the following Island test sponsors:

Premier Sponsor:

Silver sponsor: BC Safety Authority

Facility Sponsor:Pacific Horticulture College

Station Sponsor:Para Space Landscaping Inc.

Equipment and/or Materials Sponsors:Novus Plants, Pacific Horticulture College, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Richlock Rentals & Sales, Lee Smith Landscapes

Good luck to all the candidates! Test results were not available by the submission deadline.

Head: Upcoming Test Dates:

July 13 & 14 - Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Langley. October 19 & 20 - Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Langley.

Register now and get the early bird rate! Are you due to renew? Certification renewal forms are available on the Certification page at the BCLNA website. www.bclna.com. Questions? Email Julia Ricottone at CNLA: Julia@canadanursery, or, Joy Demelo at BCLNA, [email protected].

Please visit landscapeindustrycertified.org for more information on Certification.

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WESTERN CANADA’S PREMIERLANDSCAPE AND NURSERY TRADE SHOW

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