hortwest winter 2012

Winter 2012B.C. Landscape & Nursery Association Publication

Winter Maintenance tips

Jane Stock Foundationscholarship

Winners

Highlights

CanWest

Show

2 | HortWest Winter 2012

winter 2012

EDITOR Michelle Manson DESIGNER Hiwire Creative Group Ltd.ADVERTISING 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. 604.575.3500 | f. 604.574.7773

HortWest is owned by the BC Landscape & Nursery Association, and is published 6 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 New Wave Print & Publishing Inc.

BCLNA DIRECTORY

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

HEDY DYCK Nursery & Retail Industry Development 604.575.3505 / [email protected] Contact for: Grower & Garden Retail issues and advocacy, Education, Labour and Projects

HEIDI HENDERSON Membership 604.575.3502 / [email protected] Contact for: Membership services, CRM administration (Membee), CanWest registration, Special Event Support, Member Awards

JOY DEMELO Certification & Events 604.575.3501 / [email protected] Contact for: Landscape Industry Certification, Landscape Awards of Excellence, Environmental Stewardship Award & Events

KAREN DEJONg - ELLERY CanWest Hort Show / Marketing & Communications Manager 604.575.3504 / [email protected] Contact for: CanWest Hort Show, general marketing

LESLEY TANNEN CEO 604.575.3506 / [email protected] Contact for: Board of Directors

LINDA WINg Bookkeeper 604.575.3507 / [email protected]

MICHELLE LINFORD Industry Services 604.575.3511 / [email protected] Contact for: Grower, Retailer & Landscape Commodity Support, Event Support, Office Administration

SUVAN BREEN Sales & Marketing 604.575.3516 / [email protected] Contact for: HortWest ad sales, CanWest Hort Show booth sales, event sponsorship

ON THE COVER:

Photo of tradeshow display at

CanWest Hort Show 2012.

Photo by Michelle Manson

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

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

Iotron Technologies.indd 1 1/25/11 1:45:05 PM

HortWest Winter 2012 | 3

Thank you for allowing me the privilege to chair the BCLNA Board of Directors. This is a very dedicated and hardworking group of volunteers; I feel lucky to be able to work with so much talent. I want to repre-sent you well, but we need your involvement for that to happen. Consider taking the time to attend commod-ity meetings, or pick up the phone and talk to a board member. You are always welcome to phone or email me as well if something is on your mind. Your involve-ment will ensure that your views, and what matters to your business, are represented at the association level.

Now that the fall rains have washed our memory of the warmth of summer, and winter is imminent, we need to take the time to prepare our equipment for a busy spring. Before you put your equipment away for the winter, don’t forget to do the required mainte-nance to be sure it is ready for the rush. Order spare

parts now and put them on the shelf so they are ready when you need them most. Shorter days afford more time indoors, so use that time to review your business plan for the coming year. Is it what you want? Do you need to revise your goals?

Now is your opportunity to change the little things that make a big difference. Take time for yourself and your hobbies—often the next few months are the only opportunity we get for focused involvement in the things we appreciate most. Also, remember your customers. So often we forage great relationships with them but are too busy in spring to invest more time for focused interaction. Use this time to take someone for coffee, or just a phone call to say hi and see how things are in their world. ✿

Tim Loewen, Board ChairmanB.C. Landscape & Nursery Association

Message froM the board chairMan

The directors reluctantly received the resignation of Cable Baker from the board. Cable has been a solid member volunteer representing his fellow landscap-ers in a number of areas including Certification, Landscape Awards of Excellence, and on the advisory group. Everyone acknowledged that work and family responsibilities are first in everyone’s life and that volunteering, while important, sometimes needs to take a back seat.

Committee portfolios were finalized. Board and staff participated in a workshop with John Noonan to review and discuss how committee chairs can best do their work.

The world of association leadership and management is changing. Board members were asked to read Race for Relevance, by Harrison Coever and Mary Byers before strategic planning work in the New Year.

A number of BCLNA directors, members, and staff have been involved in provincial discussions on topics including packaging, agricultural waste and water legislation.

The next Provincial election, to be held in May 2013, is less than six months away. The major political parties are already active and the following months will include plenty of meetings, much needed coffee, and multiple noshing opportunities. As an industry association we will be asking for your priorities, but in the end it will be up to you, as voters, in your local constituencies to connect with the candidates. Let them hear your expectations, hear their responses, and exercise your franchise. ✿

NOVEMBER 2012

board synopsis


Keep cUrrent

NEW MEMBERSFinal Approval

The BCLNA welcomes the following new members as of the October 15, 2012, board meeting:

Arcom Power Equipment Inc., Cosmin Andor, Surrey, Associate

Arron Evenson, School District 91, Vanderhoof, Horticulturist

Clifty View Nursery, Lon & Kevin Merrifield, Bonners Ferry, Out of Province

Direct Solutions, Rebecca Erickson, Delta, Out of Province

Ecco Chips, Ian Traquair, Calgary, Out of Province

Environmental Farm Planners Ltd., Bruce McTavish & Darrel Zbeetnoff, White Rock, Associate

Foreshore Equipment & Supply, Desmond Early & Al Chrzanecki, Burnaby, Associate

Haney Pottery Sales, Steve Serbie, Delta, Associate

Kerrisdale Equipment Ltd., Ron Russell & Alan Spiers, Vancouver, Associate

Neel’s Nurseries Ltd., Art Neels, Agassiz, Active Grower

New Christie Ventures, Chris Depaolo & Bob Nichols, Alta Loma, Out of Province

Postill Burlap, Gordon & Joanne Postill, Aldergrove, Associate

RTF Water Saver Canada, Alan & Ryan Streatch, New Westminster, Out of Province

Riverside Landscaping & Tractor Service, Richard Holosney, Chilliwack, Active Landscaper

Sandra Marriott, Roberts Creek, Horticulturist

Tentative Approval

The following companies will become BCLNA members at the November 19 board meeting unless a member provides a valid reason for not accepting the application:

CC Equipment Sales Ltd., Arka Chorbajian & Johnny Gosal, Burnaby, Associate

Carlton Plants LLC, Jon Bartch & Lori Spence, Dayton, Out of Province

Fisher Farms, LLC, Bob Terry & Jerry Brown, Gaston, Out of Province

Van’s Nurseries Inc., Bill Vander Zalm, Ladner, Active Grower

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1415 16 17 18 19 BCLNA Industry Christmas Party

www.bclna.com 20 21 22 23 24 2526 27 28 29 30 31

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Landscape Ontario’s Congress Conference and Trade Show www.locongress.com

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1112 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 23 2425 26 27 28 29 30 31

1 2 3 4 5 626th Annual BCLNA Auction, United Flower Growers, Burnaby Preview 3:00pm; auction 4:30pm www.bclna.com7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Growers Short Course, Bradner Hall, Abbotsford, www.bclna.com

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28BC Home & Garden Show www.bchomeandgardenshow.com


SURREY TREE TEAM

bcLna news bULLetin

Do you live in Surrey? Are you, or some-one you know, interested in spreading the word about the importance of trees in your city? If you answered yes then join the Surrey Tree Team. The City of Surrey is looking for volunteers ages 16 years and older to educate residents and promote

proper tree maintenance and health. You will attend special events celebrating trees in Surrey, as well as canvass your neigh-bors giving them tree care tips.

You don’t need to be a tree expert, as all training is provided, and all you need to

do is provide a criminal record check, two references, and attend an interview.

For more information on how you can get involved, please contact: 604-501-5158, or by email: [email protected] ✿

BC LANDSCApE STANDARDS 2012 EDITION

An essential reference for growers, landscape installation and mainte-nance companies, municipalities and anyone buying their services or prod-ucts. Developed by the BC Society of Landscape Architects (BCSLA) and BCLNA, it establishes Best Management Practices to minimize variation in production, manufacturing and/or use.

To order the latest revision, which includes Green Roof specifications, along with the original planting and mainte-nance information, please contact the BCLNA office. ✿

gARDEN CENTRE OF THE YEAR AWARD

The CLNA’s National Awards of Excellence program is introducing a new award sponsored by Chrysler, which will recognize the professional work of member retailers based on a set of criteria.

Entries may come direct to CNLA, but only in the instance where a provin-cial association is not running a garden centre awards program. In provinces that have a program, entries will come direct from the association office.

Deadline for submissions is Friday, November 30, 2012. To find out more, please visit: canadanursery.com ✿


new bcLna board of directors

Cable Baker

Tony Van Oort 2nd Vice-Chair Qualitree Propagators Inc.

Heike Stippler Vice Chair of Environmental Committee Heike Designs Inc.

Blair Veitch Safety Chair Davey Tree Expert Co. of Canada Ltd.

Lee Smith Island Chapter Representative Lee Smith Landscapes

Michelle Pain Marketing Committee Chair TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

Brian Huttema Membership Chair Mijodelu Landscaping and Renovations

Michael Kato CNLA Representative / Special Events Chair Kato’s Nursery (2007) Ltd.

Jeff Foley 1st Vice-Chair / Governance, Interim Certification Chair Para Space Landscaping Inc

Leanne Johnson Retail Chair GardenWorks

Jeff Hicks Labour Chair Pickett’s Nurseries

Anne Kulla Landscape Chair Huckleberry Landscape Design

Tim Loewen Chair Pine Meadows Tree Farms Ltd.

Sandy Mathies Past Chair Cannor Nursery

Len Smit Growers Chair / IDC Chair Bradner’s Growing Concern

Garfield Marshall Treasurer Advance Nursery Co. Ltd.

Sylvia Mosterman Marketing Committee Mosterman Plants Inc.

L-R, see order below. Missing from photo are Garfield Marshall and Sylvia Mosterman


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Nebs provides personalized business solutions to help you start, manage, and grow your business. Quote your CNLA membership code 19959 to receive an additional 15 percent off printed products, now including logo design! Cannot be combined with other offers.

Visit www.nebs.ca or call 1-800-461-7572 today. ✿

MEMBER qUOTE

Michael Kato of Kato’s Nursery (2007) Ltd.

Being a member of the BCLNA brings up the professionalism of the whole industry. We are a very respected association in the eyes of government, which goes a long way in keeping us competitive. The various membership benefits save us a lot of money every year that more than pays our membership dues. But the best part is that you get to meet a lot of excellent people.

MEMBER BENEFIT: NEBS

MeMber benefits


We live and work together as a family. We have had a fantastic start to our new venture, and have already built up a strong client base performing garden designs, installations and maintenance. Our success has been due to a number of factors. My husband, Douglas, and I have been involved in the management of successful businesses both in the UK and Canada. Our son Ben brings a modern, fresh approach to our business, and with our combined experience we developed a business plan and strategy to launch our business efficiently. We incorporated our business, developed a brand image, built a website and an advertising campaign and hit the ground running!

Ben has worked in the horticulture industry for many years with me, he was two weeks old the first day I took him with me to a business meeting with a supplier. He was a permanent feature in the garden centre when he was a baby with regular customers coming in to take him for a walk in his pram. He is also qualified ski instructor and coach during the winter months in Whistler. He works mainly with ski clients who want individual one-on-one ski instruction and is a house advisor in

staff accommodation, helping new employ-ees settle into the Whistler way of life.

Douglas’s financial managerial back-ground is in the set up and management of new business operations relying heavily on networking, sales and marketing which are always key to a successful business. His horticultural experience has been helping me to build our own garden at home in the weekends and evenings. We have been married for 26 years and have moved 12 times with work so he has done it all. The family joke is that once we have created a garden, it is time to move on.

My background is in horticulture (I was going to University to study accountancy when I got a summer job in a garden centre and was hooked). I have a degree in horticulture and a post graduate certificate in Business Management. I Apart from loving plants I am a real people person, I love working with clients and dealing with all of their problems and issues. I will do whatever it takes to keep a client happy, just last week I got a phone call from a client asking me where she could get interior door handles for her home, I asked her what kind of thing

she was looking for, then said give me 30 minutes. I then contacted a friend who is a building contractor, he gave me an couple of web addresses which I checked out, picked one that was most suitable and forwarded it onto my client. The next day she called me with some more work . Coincidence? Who knows but I like to think my two calls to help her out brought me that extra work!

Our philosophy is to provide a profes-sional service to our clients and we strive to deliver that service in a friendly, courteous manner.

We communicate with each other to stay informed on what is happening within the company and to better understand the needs of our clients. By following the business plan, we believe that we will exceed our first year forecast. There is plenty of work to do with our business plan over the winter months and we are looking forward to a fantastic 2013!

Our tips to a successful business:

• Work with what you got, whether it’s your staff, your clients, the rocks in the garden or the rain. Don’t try to change anything, just make it better.

• Training is a vital component. Ensure that you and your employees are suitably qualified for the task at hand. Whether you are designing, installing or maintaining a landscape, everything that you do impacts the future success of the project. Inexperienced, inad-equately trained workers not only make mistakes, but they work at a slower pace, both costing you money. Provide

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mentoring and guidance for new staff backed by a solid training program that tackles all aspects of the work including health and safety, equipment handling, customer service and horticultural skills. This will reap dividends in the long run. Your team will be happier and more confident knowing that you have invested time in their future and your customers will recognize that they are dealing with a professionally run organisation.

• We have clients who have had bad experiences with landscape companies in the past. Sadly, this has made them wary of employ-ing the services of another company. The majority of the public has done their own garden at some point, however, our industry needs to be able to demonstrate that we are true professionals and can make a positive improvement to the clients home and lifestyle.

• We believe that being a member of a professional organisation like the BCLNA adds credence to our company and allows us to keep up-to-date with all aspects of our industry. I have been involved with Horticultural Industry organizations all of my career both in the UK and Canada and have been able to obtain a lot of infor-mation from them and develop industry contacts through them. Douglas was likewise involved with Finance Industry organisations and like me enjoyed the ability to keep up to date on all relevant news legislations along with the opportunity to network with like minded individuals.

• I have been involved in the Horticultural Industry for almost 30 years, for the majority of my career I have managed garden centres in the UK, so it has been intriguing working in the Canadian horti-cultural industry for nearly four years. One of the great opportuni-ties I had was when I was working in Toronto. I knew Eve Tigwell from the time when she carried out GCA inspections in the UK, so it was fantastic getting the opportunity to out with her when she was marking the garden centres in Ontario that were participating in the CNLA organised inspections. It allowed me to see what was happening in the industry here and speak with some wonderful garden centre owners in Canada. The nurseries and garden centres in Canada are very similar to the ones that I started working in at the start of my career. The majority are family owned and operated and I believe that there is a fantastic opportunity for garden centre owners in Canada to develop their businesses into four season destinations similar to those in the UK.

• Be professional at all times. When dealing with clients, suppliers and contractors stay true to your word, be upfront and honest. Build a professional relationship with them and you will gain their trust, respect, and business.

• Enjoy life. Life should be fun and full of challenges. As I type, Come Dine With Me Canada is about to start on the W Network. I loved the programme in the UK, so I decided to apply for the Canadian version. Well, I got onto the show. Five strangers, 5 nights, 5 dinner parties, 5 hangovers. It was recorded the week that we were moving to BC, so I was surrounded by boxes in the daytime and television cameras in the evening. It was fun and everything I imagined it would be. Who won? Me, of course! ✿


At the end of the school year I contacted the Principal of Westwood Elementary, Mr. Brian Leonard, and asked if we could celebrate National Tree Day with his school. He was pleased with the offer and gladly accepted, so at the start of the school year we met with the school district maintenance department to discuss plans.

My husband’s company, Project Lawns, donated a Red Sunset Maple so the children could see the beautiful change of color in the fall. We also wanted a large tree so that there was no chance of vandal-ism, so with a great discount from Specimen Trees Wholesale Nurseries Ltd., we purchased an eight-centimeter, 825-pound Red Sunset Maple. The school district’s maintenance department prepared the site for us.

On National Tree Day, my husband, Nathan, and I did a presen-tation to the two kindergarten classes, and the Principal gave a presentation to the school on the importance of trees. Our son and I put the first shovels of dirt into the hole to signify the tree-planting event, and any child who wished to had the opportunity to shovel dirt into the hole where the tree was planted. It truly was a special day and the school was grateful for this event. ✿

MEMBER ORgANIzES NATIONAL TREE DAY EVENTBy Melissa McKinnon

CALL BEFORE YOU DIg!

2011 AgRISTABILITY STATEMENT A / AgRIINVEST HARMONIzED FORM FINAL SUBMISSION DEADLINE “REMINDER”

indUstry bits

On September 20, 2012 in Vancouver, a construction crew doing work near the intersection of Cambie Street and West 7th punctured a gas main while digging. This rupture forced the evacuation of at least 10 buildings for several hours as the Fortis Gas crews worked to plug the leak. Hundreds of residences and businesses were without gas services for many hours.

It was reported that there were more than 1,200 natural gas leaks caused by excavation work in BC in 2011, and up to 75 percent were from those who didn’t bother, or weren’t aware they needed to inform BC One Call.

By informing BC One Call before you dig, you are taking precautions to ensure your safety, and the safety of those around you. BC One Call will provide you with maps which outline where the natural gas pipe-lines are. They also recommend that once crews have received the map, to hand-dig in several spots along the pipe to expose them so their location isn’t a mystery.

If you are planting a tree, digging post holes on your property, or doing excavation work, contact BC One Call at 1-800-474-6886, or *6886 on your cellphone a minimum of three days before you dig to verify the location of any underground lines. ✿

Producers, who missed the September 30, 2012 deadline to submit their 2011 AgriStability/AgriInvestment Harmonized form, can still do so. The final deadline is December 31, 2012. However, there is a penalty for those who file their forms late. Producers receiving a 2011 benefit will have their payment reduced by $500 for each month the forms are filed late to a maximum of $1,500. Producers who miss the December 31 deadline will not be eligible for a 2011 program year payment.

2012 Program Year Enrolment

Producers who received a 2012 enrolment notice you have until December 31, 2012 to pay your enrolment fee. Please be advised a 20 percent penalty will be applied.

For more information, please visit: agf.gov.bc.ca/agristability. ✿

Westwood Elementary students and Principal,

Brian Leonard

HortWest Winter 2012 | 11Kato.indd 1 10/27/10 2:41:54 PM

18598 Advent RoadPitt Meadows, BC

Canada, V3Y 2G8Toll Free 1-800-471-4448

Phone: 604-465-7122 Fax: 604-465-8100 [email protected] www.specimentrees.com

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The second intake of Level 1 Arborist Technician Apprenticeship will begin January 7, 2013 at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, as part of the Progressive Credential Apprenticeship training system. Level 2 Climbing Arborist and Level 3 Field Arborist will be offered in the near future.

The arborist industry decided it was time to take a good hard look at the state of techniques and safety practices performed currently and decided it was necessary to take steps to bring the trade to a recog-nized level.

Blair Veitch of Davey Tree Expert Co. commented, “the new Arborist Technician Apprenticeship program has enabled the industry to have a unified training program across the province. It has also enabled individuals to access excellent education on many aspects of arboriculture they would never have access to on the job.”

Tax credits are available for both the apprentice and the sponsor. The appren-tice is eligible to receive up to $1,000, and the employer is eligible for 20 percent of the apprentice’s wages, up to a maximum of $4,000 per year for each apprentice, for the first 12 months of registration. For more information, please visit: itabc.ca/grants-tax-credits/tax-credits.

To gain more information about the program, registration, and to understand your next steps in working towards trades training, please visit HortEducationBC.com. For apprentice information, go to the ‘Apprentice Info’ tab. To become a spon-sor, check out the criteria for eligibility, or to obtain an application for Supervision and Sign-off Authority or to challenge the Arborist Technician exam, go to the ‘Employers Info’ tab.

Contact Annika Ingram at [email protected] or call 604.812.5530 for further information. ✿

ARBORIST TECHNICIAN AppRENTICESHIpBy: Annika Ingram


On September 19 and 20, the BCLNA’s annual CanWest Hort Show took place at the Vancouver Convention Center. This year’s show attracted nearly 2,900 delegates and 182 exhibiting companies, who engaged in networking, professional development, while learning about the latest innovations and industry trends.

There was a fairly even distribution of attendees, with growers making up 16 percent, 33 percent from the landscaping industry, and 23 percent coming from the retail garden center sector. With 90 percent of all attendees coming from British Columbia, CanWest establishes itself as critical part of any BC-based green business annual marketing plan.

The show floor was brimming with luscious displays, showing off the talent of the exhibitors as excited attendees swarmed the show in search of new products and business connections. The Around the World Theme brought out displays ranging from elegant to over-the-top masterpieces, with Valleybrook Gardens taking home first place for best overall exhibit.

Of course, it takes a small army of dedicated volunteers to run the show. A special thanks to our wonderful volunteers: John Schroeder, Nico van der Pauw, Mike Kato, Ian van Zanten, Theo Mosterman,

Gord Eckhardt, Cable Baker, Conway Lum, Kwantlen Student Crew, Miles Hunter, Dave Woodske, Annika Ingram, Jeff Foley, Leanne Johnson, Anne Kulla, Catherine Dale, Paul Buikema and Michael Campbell. Photo credit: Michelle Manson. ✿

CANWEST SPONSORS

HortEducationBC

HortProtect

VanBelle Nursery Inc.

Fountain Tire

Inline Nurseries (2010) Inc.

Valleybrook Gardens Ltd.

Kato’s Nursery (2007) Ltd.

Schmunk Gatt Smith & Associates

East Richmond Nurseries Inc.

Skagit Gardens

HUB International Insurance Brokers

CANWEST HORT SHOW 2012 HIgHLIgHTSBy Michelle Manson

canwest show

SAVe tHe DAte!CanWest 2013:

September 18 & 19

Call orToll Free 1.866.788.3426

604.888.3426

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RootShieldBiological Fungicide


CANWEST BEST OF SHOW BOOTH AWARDSBest Exhibit Overall: Valleybrook Gardens Ltd.

Best Nursery Exhibit: East Richmond Nurseries Inc.

Best Floriculture Exhibit: Burnaby Lake Greenhouses Ltd.

Best Horticultural Supplier Exhibit: UFG Floral Supply

Most Original Display: Specimen Trees Wholesale Nurseries Ltd.

Best Small Booth Exhibit: Peel’s Nurseries Ltd.

Best Medium Size Booth Exhibit: Pacific West Perennial Growers Ltd.

Best Large Size Booth Exhibit: Kato’s Nursery (2007) Ltd.

CANWEST CONTAINER COMpETITION

First place: GardenWorks

Second place: Pot Incorporated

Third place: Para Space Landscaping Inc.

Todd Holloway of Pot Inc. accepts 2nd place


Garden DesignUBC Certificate ProgramIn cooperation with the UBC Landscape Architecture Program and the UBC Botanical Garden.

Learn to design outstanding Pacific Northwest residential gardens in this unique part-time program led by prominent Vancouver landscape architect and garden designer Ron Rule.

Program runs March-August 2013.

Information Session: Tue, Jan 15, 2013 Call to reserve your seat.

cstudies.ubc.ca/gdhw604.822.1433

The CanWest Equipment Demo Day was held on Thursday, October 11, 2012 at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds. The venue boasted a natural outdoor space, allowing delegates to test all equipment from driving, digging, mowing and trimming. The Cloverdale Fairgrounds central location made it convenient for everyone to attend.

The event included 15 equipment dealers showcasing the newest products on the market, while three service organizations offered safety tips and advice. West Coast Plastics was onsite, ready to take in and recycle plastic waste. One of Vancouver’s most popu-lar food trucks, Bada Bing, was onsite offering a sinfully scrump-tious lunch. The day wrapped up with a tailgate party generously sponsored by Fountain Tire, followed by the Retail, Grower and Landscape commodity meetings, each simultaneously taking place inside the Agriplex.

Despite the perfect site and eager exhibitors, this event did not draw the number of delegates expected. The show committee will thoroughly evaluate this event to determine why it did not get the take-up that was anticipated. ✿

CANWEST EqUIpMENT DEMO DAY

canwest show

Delegates test out the machinery at the CanWest Equipment Demo Day on October 11, 2012

Fountain Tire (Chilliwack, Port Kells, Delta, Abbotsford)

Avenue Machinery Corporation

Brandt Tractor Ltd.

Bobcat Country Equipment LP

CC Equipment Sales Ltd.

Douglas Lake Equipment Ltd.

Echo Power Equipment (Canada)

Eecol Electric

FARSHA

Finning (Canada)

Fraser Valley Vehicle Inspections

Hino Central/Driving Force

Kerrisdale Equipment Ltd.

Surfwood Equipment LP

Wajax Equipment

West Coast Recycling

Williams Machinery

Zeller & Sons

THANK YOU ExHIBITORS AND SpONSORS!

please be sure to support these companies and organizations because they support you!


At the September 19th, 2012 President’s Banquet, BCLNA members and staff recognized the tireless work and dedication of individuals and businesses in the industry. The level of commitment and professionalism displayed by the award recipients should encourage us all to think differently, be innovative, and provide support when needed.

It is our members who truly make this industry exceptional!

2012 MEMBER AWARD WINNERS & SpONSORSPhotos by Michelle Mason

president's banqUet

Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award: Bill Hardy – Northwest Landscape & Stone Supply Ltd.

Outstanding Member of the Year, sponsored by Cannor Nurseries Ltd:Cable Baker – RCB Garden Service

Marketing & Innovation Award sponsored by Hemlock printers Ltd.:Qualitree Propagators Inc.

Educator of the Year Award sponsored by Landscape Industry Certified:Lindsay Babineau – Ag in the Classroom

garden Communicator of the Year Award sponsored by Clearview Horticultural products:Conway Lum – GardenWorks at Mandeville

Supplier of the Year Award sponsored by Schmunk gatt Smith & Associates:Echo Power Equipment (Canada)

Young Member of the Year Award sponsored by Van Belle Nursery Inc.:Jeff Foley – Para Space Landscaping Inc.

Member of the Year Award sponsored by Northwest Landscape & Stone Supply Ltd.: Rebecca van der Zalm – Art’s Nursery Ltd. ✿

Bill Hardy, Northwest Landscape & Stone Supply Ltd. presented with the

Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award.

Member of the Year Award goes to Rebecca van der Zalm of Art's Nursery Ltd.

The Echo Power Equipment (Canada) team accepts the Supplier of the Year Award

Cable Baker of RCB Garden Services proudly accepts the Outstanding Member of the Year award sponsored by Cannor Nurseries Ltd.

SAVE THE DATE!SHOW: SEPTEMBER 18 - 19, 2013

Vancouver Convention Centre, West2013www.canwesthortshow.com FOR BOOTH SPACE CONTACT SUVAN BREEN: [email protected]; 604.575.3516

CanWestShowAd2013.indd 1 12-11-01 10:19 AM


Jane Stock Foundation’s 2012 Scholarship RecipientsSpencer Bronson

Having spent multiple years working for the family business, Pond Doctor Water Garden Specialists Inc, Spencer has gained an appreciation for the importance of plants and their effects in both the natural and manmade environments. Spencer plans to draw on his background as he spends his next four years at UBC’s Faculty of Forestry, with intent on pursuing a degree in Natural Resource Conservation. In the future, he hopes to help guide society on a more sustainable. Currently, Spencer’s outdoor recreational time is spent racing down trails on his mountain bike, hiking with friends, camping, swimming, and photography.

The Jane Stock Foundation received scholarship applications from 22 qualified, bright young students planning on launching their careers in the green industry by attending BC post secondary institutions.

Out of the many talented applicants, four exceptional recipients were awarded $1,000 scholarships at the President’s Banquet held on September 19th, 2012 at the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel in Vancouver.

Recipients were chosen based on criteria, which included the submission of a formal essay outlining how their course of study will impact the local and global community, as well as community involvement.

The Jane Stock Foundation relies on its generous donors to provide these scholarships, which strengthen the horticulture and green industry in British Columbia.

If you would like to contribute to the Foundation’s scholarship program, please make cheques payable to the Jane Stock Horticulture Foundation, and mail to the attention of Gayle Seguin, Treasurer, c/o BC Landscape & Nursery Association, Suite 102, 5783 – 176A Street, Surrey BC V3S 6S6.

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2012 SCHOLARSHIp RECIpIENTS

Jane stocK foUndation


Acacia Meyer

I grew up in New Westminster, where some of my best childhood memories involve gardening with my family and being out in nature. I graduated from New Westminster Secondary School in the French Immersion program in the spring of 2012. During high school, I played french horn in the concert band, trumpet in the jazz band, and participated in the Environment Club where I helped organize Water Week, which encouraged the use of tap water and reusable water bottles. For the past two summers I have worked as a gardener for Contour Landscaping, where my daily tasks include pruning, weeding, weeding, and more weeding! In the fall of 2012, I entered the UVIC, majoring in Geography and Environmental Studies. I have joined the residence soccer team and play ultimate frisbee. One day I hope to help Canada become a leader in environmental standards. In my spare time I enjoy being outdoors and listening to music.

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Ryan Dejong

I grew up on my family’s nursery budding, pruning and training trees in between catching insects. I owe much of my success to those early years spent at Misty Meadow Nursery, as it was where I developed patience, an eye for detail, and a strong work ethic. I translated those skills into school and extracurricular activities, including soccer, skiing and biking. I have also been involved in various volun-teer activities including participating in blood drives, recycling programs and helping out at local food banks. Working at the nursery has given me great appreciation for science, and so I’m currently study-ing first year science at Simon Fraser University. I am hopeful that my environmental science studies will lead me to a career where I can have a positive impact on our local environment.

Chris Hoegler

As a recent graduate of Seaquam Secondary in Delta, Chris was awarded AA Defensive Lineman for Provincial All-Star Football in 2012. On top of his athletics, Chris has spent the last eight summers working with BC Plant Health Care Inc. This past April, Chris received his ATV Operator Instruction three-year certification through Western Silvicultural Contractor’s Association. Soon after, Chris acquired his 5 year Landscape – IPM Pesticide Applicator Certificate. His volunteer experience includes tree planting at Green Timbers, helping with numerous Arbor Days for the City of Surrey, and Party for the Planet for the past two years. Chris is currently enrolled in the Landscape Design and Installation Diploma program at Kwantlen University, with plans to pursue Plant Health, a Bachelor of Horticulture Science Major, and ISA Arborist Certification. His greatest loves are trees, family, and football. ✿


For more information contact:Sheldon [email protected]

•Well established wholesale tree nursery•Potential for expansion into retail or potting program•Presently ship bare root trees to mostly Western Canada•High fencing surrounding the nursery•Gorgeous mature trees, well landscaped yard•Extensively renovated 1400 sq ft home N 3958

(HortTechnology 21(5):554-557) – Three media were tested including Douglas fir bark amended with 0, 15, or 30 percent pumice. To measure the impact of root growth on the physical properties of the medium, half of the containers had no plant and half had a single plug of ‘Autumn Blush’ coreopsis or ‘Blue Prince’ holly. All of the containers were overhead irrigated. Amending the bark medium with pumice decreased the total porosity and air space, increased the bulk density, and had no effect on container capacity. When the physical proper-ties of the media were measured over time, air space was found to decline while the container capacity

increased. These changes were more pronounced in containers with plants. The reduction of air space in containers without plants was attributed to decom-position of the organic components of the medium. The bulk density of the medium changed little during the one-year trial and shrinkage was catego-rized as minor. It was noted that greater shrinkage was measured in the containers without plants. The data provides further evidence that the physical properties of a potting medium change over time due to decomposition of organic components and the filling of voids with roots. ✿

INFLUENCE OF pUMICE AND pLANT ROOTS ON SUBSTRATE pHYSICAL pROpERTIES OVER TIME By David Woodske, Industry Specialist, BCMA

bcMaL report

RELATIVE EFFECTS OF FERTILIzER NITROgEN FORM AND pHOSpHATE LEVEL ON CONTROL OF BEDDINg pLANT SEEDLINg gROWTH By David Woodske, Industry Specialist, BCMA

(HortScience 47(2):249-253) – The study inves-tigated the impact of the NO3

-:NH4+ ratio and

phosphate supply on shoot growth of bedding plant seedlings (e.g. gomphrena, impatiens, marigold, petunia, and tomato). Two greenhouse trials were conducted. The fertilizer treatments included different rates of phosphate (0%, 3.3%, 6.6%, and 21.8% of the N level) and nitrogen (N) (60%, 87%, 93%, and 100% of total N as NO3

-). Potassium was held constant at 83 percent of the N level for all treatments. All fertilizer treatments were applied at 100 mg/L N. Seedlings were grown in a soilless medium in 288-cell trays. Application of the various fertilizer treatments was begun 10 days after cotyle-don separation and was continued for 34 to 37 days. At all phosphate levels, the dry weight of bedding plants increased when the NO3

- level was increased

from 60 to 100 percent of total N. A large increase in shoot dry weight occurred when the level of phosphate was increased from 0 to 3.3 percent, but relatively small increases occurred at higher rates. Overall, the effect on growth was much greater for phosphate than NO3

-. The study determined that the minimum critical phosphorus level in young bedding plant tissue is 0.6 to 1.3 percent and some-times higher. To produce compact seedlings it was recommended to maintain tissue phosphorus levels below the minimum critical level and in the zone of moderate deficiency. The findings showed that fertilizers with a high level of NO3

- suppress shoot height because they contain little to no phosphate. It is the low rate of phosphate that induces compact-ness. NO3

- levels have a comparatively weak effect on compactness. ✿


Did you know that ethanol in regular gas is the one of the major killers of small engines in trimmers, chainsaws, blowers and lawnmowers? Ethanol is an alcohol that can be particularly damaging to two-stroke engines. Regular gas has the highest etha-nol levels at 10 percent, and is moving towards 15 percent soon.

Two-stroke engines require the oil lubrication in the fuel to lubricate the engine. The engines also ignite the fuel at a certain temperature to ensure complete consumption of the oil in the fuel to prevent tar, varnish and other left behind components gumming up your engine. No matter how much you try, ethanol tends to separate from the gasoline to become a layered mix of alcohol

and gasoline. If you use regular fuel, you are opening up yourself to the following risks:

• Heat scoring of pistons and cylinders from engine washing.

• Carburetors diaphragm degradation

• H2O in Fuel

Engine washing Alcohol displaces oil. Oil bonds to metal components adding a lubricating film similar to when you season a cooking pan prior to use. When there is a high concentration of ethanol in your fuel and it begins to separate, a wave of ethanol can flood the combustion chamber and wash all the present lubricant out of the cylinder, increasing the friction damage to it and the piston. Combine this with the fact that ethanol increases the ignition temperature, and now you have an extreme heat increase in your engine. Both of the issues can lead to heat scoring and premature engine failure even if you think you are doing all the right things such as using proper mix and replacing gas cans each season.

Carburetor Diaphragm Degradation Alcohol dries out rubber and makes it brittle. Carburetors have rubber diaphragms to control the fuel-air mixture process and the fuel flow into your engine. When they become brittle, your machine starts to run lean or rich, negatively effecting performance, consuming fuel faster than normal

and even leading to engine failure due to lack of lubrication. Remember that carb rebuilds are not officially covered under warranties. Some service shops try to cover them, but manufacturers are catching on that the failures are the fault of fuel choice in spite of instructions in operator’s manuals.

H2O in Fuel Ethanol and alcohols attract and convert to water over time. When ethanol in regular gas starts to separate, this process can begin virtually right away, when you fill your Gerry can. This process is even accelerated in the fall because of the increased humidity in the air, leading to faster and greater volumes of water appearing in your fuel. You may know that water in your engine can be a bad thing. When an engine compresses the fluid in a cylinder, it creates heat. Different fluids compress to different amounts. Water resists compression significantly. Water in your fuel can lead to engine failure very quickly. ✿

STEpS TO A LONgER LASTINg MACHINEBy Rick Cleghorn

contractor's corner

How can you prevent these problems in your engines?

1. Use premium fuel. I know you might think that the extra cost is prohibitive, but consider the cost of the last carb rebuild or machine you had to replace. Purchasing high quality fuel in the first place will help mitigate troubles down the road, saving you time and money in the long run.

2. Use a high-quality synthetic oil with an extended life fuel stabilizer. This will resist the process of separation in the fuel. For four-stroke engine fuel, always put a good quality fuel stabilizer in your fuel, regardless of how fast you think you go through your fuel. The process of separation starts quickly and is sped up when in a translucent jerry can sitting in the sun, heating up.

3. Replace your gas cans regularly. Gasoline and alcohol start to break down the polymers in the plastic and that material starts to infect your engine over time.


a year in review

2012 has been a busy year for the BCLNA and its members! From skills training and certification, a ski trip, equipment demo days, the CanWest Hort Show, and even a joint commodity meeting between landscapers and retailers, 2012 seemed to go by so fast. Without our members, none of these exciting, memorable events would be possible.

The BCLNA Board of Directors and staff look forward to another great year in 2013! ✿

Landscape Meeting and Tour at UBC

Polynesian dance lessons at the President’s Awards Banquet

2012 BCLNA Ski day held at Whistler Mountain

Sponsor Fountain Tire at the Equipment Demo Day at the Cloverdale Rodeo Grounds

Brian Minter (l) of Minter Gardens and John Zaplatynsky (r) Garden Works at the Van Dusen Gardens Bloom Gala on Sept 13

Interested In takIng part In an Industry skI trIp In 2013?Please let Heike Stippler know you are interested by sending her an email: [email protected]

everyone Is welcome!

Grower / Retail Panel Discussion


Chris Hoegler enjoying the President’s Banquet

Anne Kulla and Heike Stippler at the East Richmond Nurseries Landscape Commodity Meeting

Sharon McLean of Garden's West wins a brand new iPad at CanWest

Landscape Commodity Meeting held in the greenhouse at East Richmond Nurseries

CLT test on Vancouver Island


OCTOBER 19TH & 20TH @ KWANTLEN pOLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY

Landscape cLippings

A great turnout for the October test with a record number of stations and judges due to the addition of a new Irrigation module. BC is the first province in Canada to offer Irrigation as part of the test.

A huge thank you to all the volunteers who graciously took the time out of their busy schedules to come out and help make the test a success! A special thank you to Rob Welsh and Shelley Murley from Kwantlen who worked tirelessly to create the new Irrigation stations on top of the great amount of work that already goes into running the test site. Cable Baker, Certification Chair, and Jeff Foley, Vice-Certification Chair, who calmly help keep things in order. Julia Ricottone from CNLA who helps organize and administer the test and the always reliable Conway Lum who is there from the beginning to the end of every test filling in any gaps to help keep things running smoothly.

Results were not available at print time. Watch the next HortWest for results of newly certified. Next opportunity to test is 2013 in Victoria and Lower Mainland. Visit www.bclna.com or www.landsca-peindustrycertified.org for more information on the program. ✿

premier Sponsor:

Facility Sponsor:

gold Sponsor:

Silver Sponsor:

Station Sponsor: Para Space Landscaping Inc.

Material Sponsors: Impact Canopies Canada Inc.Creative Embroidery Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Amro Yidegiligne Contour Landscaping Ltd.

Betty Cunin Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Brian Ramor Think Green Landscaping Ltd.

Bryce Anderson Whistler Landscaping

Cable Baker RCB Garden Service

Conway Lum GardenWorks

Delanie Fisher Garden Genie

Dominique Massot Massot Landscaping Ltd.

Don Frantz Western Weed and Tree Care Ltd.

Douglas Luckow Cloverstone Garden Services

Frank Shang MRD Landscaping Inc.

Jamie Lamont GSU Landscaping

Jeff Foley Para Space Landscaping Inc.

Jeff Kilback All Pro Irrigation

Jeff Pope Rakes & Ladders Garden and Property Services

Kelly Townsend Groundworks Design Services Inc.

Kevin Dang Think Green Landscaping Ltd.

Kevin O’Connor Para Space Landscaping Inc.

Lee Smith Lee Smith Landscapes

Lori Snowden Heike Designs Inc.

Michelle Barker

Nicholas Funke Para Space Landscaping Inc.

Rob Welsh Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Rod Greenwood Greenwood Landscaping

Sandra Marriott

Shelley Murley Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Stephen Dee Isidor Landscapes Inc.

Thomas Schneider Dynamic Foodscape

Thank you to the following October sponsors who are dedicated to landscape industry standards and professionalism:


MARKETPLACEcLassifieds

JVK–Western Officeo/a Crofton Grower Services8168 River Way • Delta, BC

Ph: 1-800-498-7403 or 604-946-5641 Fx: [email protected] • www.crofton.ca • www.jvk.net

Our Business is Growing Your Business

• A Wide Variety of Hardgoods Round & Square Pots, Plug Trays, Nursery Containers and More...

• Annuals and Perennials Rooted and Unrooted

• Custom and Stock Tags• Seeds• Sun Gro Soil Mix and Fertilizer

Crofton2012MarketPlaceAd.indd 1 11/5/11 7:25:51 AM

FULL TIME pOSITION - DELTARetail garden center in Delta is seeking a person full time starting in early Jan 2013. This person must have excellent plant knowledge and retail experience. Some heavy lifting and maintenance work and willing to work some weekends.

Salary based on experience approx. $20.00 per hour, please email [email protected].

gREENHOUSE gROWER NEEDEDExperience in propagation and bedding plant production required but we are willing to train the right person with the right attitude. Are you enthusiastic, have a desire to excel, and are looking for a company that values your efforts and rewards you for them? If so, Nordic Nurseries would love to hear from you.

We offer a complete benefit package, full time work, excellent pay and a great group of people to work with. Please email or fax your resume to: [email protected] or (604) 607-7073.

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hortwest winter 2012

Documents

landscape issues

landscape awards of

hortwest ad sales

pm hortwest winter

canwest registration

booth sales

board member

special event support