hortwest_2007-10

B . C . L A N D S C A P E & N U R S E R Y A S S O C I A T I O N P U B L I C A T I O N • O C T O B E R 2 0 0 7

3BCLNA BoardHighlights

5BCLNA News

9Industry Champions

11Safety Check

14Industry Bits

15BCMAL Report

continued on page 7

In a 99% sell-out event,exhibitors at last month’sCanWest Horticulture Showproduced some extraordinarydisplays befitting the themeWest Coast Style, and theirefforts netted results.

Said Karen DeJong, showmanager, “The exhibitorsoutdo themselves every year.From the waterfall built intothe VW van, to the rainingcoffee cups, they really stretch-ed their creativity with thisyear’s theme. We’ve been told that CanWest is the bestlooking tradeshow in NorthAmerica, and the exhibitors’efforts are the reason why.”

Visitor response to the showwas extremely positive, withnew and returning featuresattracting crowds. The addi-tion of the bookstore andcoffee bar created a destination at theshow’s west end, and the educationprogram and industry tours drew record numbers.

“We saw a 60% increase in landscapearchitects visiting the show, and that was largely due to their participation in Owen Dell’s Sustainable Landscapeseminar, and the Mike Lin GraphicDesign Workshop;” commented DeJong.“Actually, all the seminars and tourswere big hits, and attendees left themexcited to try out new ideas.”

CanWest organizers are already workingon CanWest’s 2008 program. As for

the exhibitors, Steve Kovacs and theWaterscene team (of VW van fame andwinners of the Best Exhibit Overall) are already brewing plans for next year.“We have a few ideas for the ‘NurseryRhymes’ theme,” said Kovacs, smiling.“We’re going to have to work hard tobeat this one, though.”

The 2008 CanWest Hort Show, NurseryRhymes, will be held on September 17and 18. To purchase a booth for nextyear, contact Barb Nelson, CanWestExhibitor Relations: [email protected] 604-574-7772.

CanWest Showcases West Coast Style

Over 3,100 delegates attended the 2007 CanWestHorticulture Show held September 12 and 13 at theVancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre.

HortWestOct07 10/15/07 10:53 AM

2

Message from the President

OCTOBER 2007

MANAGING EDITOR Renata Triveri

ADVERTISING Barb NelsonPhone: (604) 574-7772Fax: (604) 574-7773

HortWest is the Newsletter of the B.C.Landscape & Nursery Association for thehorticultural trade in Western Canada. For further information, contact us at:Suite 102, 5783 – 176A StreetSurrey, B.C., Canada V3S 6S6Telephone (604) 574-7772 Fax (604) 574-7773

HortWest is owned by the B.C. Landscape & NurseryAssociation, and is published 10 times a year. Viewsexpressed inside do not necessarily reflect the attitudesof the Association but are those of the writer concerned.Material may not be reprinted from this magazinewithout the consent of the publisher.

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

HortWest is mailed under Canadian Publications MailProduct Sales Agreement N. 0288608

This magazine is printed in Canada by Globe Printers.

HortWest

Fred Giesbrecht, President,B.C. Landscape & Nursery Association

Championing the Landscape & Nursery IndustryThe BCLNA has,from its earliesttimes, had industrychampions. AlthoughI’m a relativelyyoung man, com-pared to many ofyou who regularlyread HortWest Maga-

zine, I have had the privilege of meetingand learning from the greatest horticulturalleaders in our industry over the years.Attending my first AGM in 1968, I quicklylearned how much fun it was to partici-pate in the various BCLNA (then BCNTA)functions with other members who werepassionate about our industry and willing towork towards its betterment. I’ve watchednew generations of industry leaders take thereins to move the association in new directions.

Mentioning industry leaders is dangerousand difficult because I cannot include all who deserve mention. However, thereare two people who I am sure everyonewould agree are two of today’s industryleaders. Mr. Bill Hardy is, and has been,an inspiration and a pillar of support forall of us in the industry, providing timelyadvice on education, labour, CanWest,and computer issues only to mention afew—with Certification being one ofthe greatest accomplishments thatbenefits our industry. And, Mr. BruceHunter’s tireless efforts have lifted thehorticultural profession in BC, andacross Canada, to a new level. This isonly the beginning as our industrycontinues to diligently work towards full recognition as a regulated trade inBritish Columbia.

The time is right for many younger onesto step up and carry on as the industryfaces new challenges, and as we movefurther into the age of environmentalawareness, dealing with greenhouse gasemissions, air quality, invasive plantissues, and major industry labour issues.

Just as we have had notable industryleaders in the past, there will be manywho will come to shape the industry’sfuture. Will you be one of them?

18598 Advent RoadPitt Meadows, BC

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

Phone: 604-465-7122Fax: 604-465-8100

[email protected]

specimentreesWHOLESALE NURSERIES LTD.

www.specimentrees.com


Monday, September 24, 2007TD Canada Trust, a BCLNA member,has proposed a program that wouldenable growers, retailers and land-scapers to provide loan informationand applications to clients who purchasea minimum of $1,000 of products andservices. A brief member survey showedsignificant interest in further exploringthe program. The board agreed to do a program trial until June 2008, atwhich time it will be evaluated andbrought back to the board for approvalas a benefit program. Members inter-ested in participating in the pilot shouldcontact BCLNA.

Growers The US Department ofAgriculture ruled against Canada forshipment of Vaccinium. The Canadian

Food Inspection Agency is negotiatingwith USDA to precisely define what is expected of Canadian growers who wish to ship Vaccinium to the US. Contact BCLNA for updatedinformation.

Thanks to Richard Desmarteau formany years of service on the GreaterVancouver Regional District’s Agri-culture committee. A landscapereplacement is being sought as thecommittee largely deals with urbanlandscape issues.

Safety/WorkSafeBC Nursery rates have decreased from $2.68 to$2.11. Richard Desmarteau thankedTim Loewen, Peter Levelton, Andrew

Flokstra and Hedy Dyck for workingon this significant adjustment. Seepage 5 for all the WorkSafe BCpremium adjustments.

Environment BCLNA volunteers and staff have been working hard onenvironmental issues during the pastfew months. Development of anenvironment strategy and a climatechange strategy is under way and PlantHealth BC: Pest Management Accreditationfor Landscape is about ready to launch.Companies interested in the accredi-tation program should contact KentMullinix: [email protected]. Thewebsite with a downloadable applicationform and program guide will belaunched shortly. ■

3

BCLNA Board Highlights


Jane Stock, BCLNA Executive Director

Climate change conversations havebecome an everyday occurrence. Whilethere are still some skeptics, the expertsagree that climate change is a reality,based on such measures as the warmingof oceans and the melting of polar iceand glaciers.

In the 2007 Throne Speech, the Premiercommitted the Province of British Colum-bia to two main goals: that the governmentitself will be carbon neutral by 2010 andthat by 2020 there will be at least a 33%reduction in greenhouse gas emissions(GHG) throughout the province.

Attaining a carbon neutralgovernment: 2010• In 2007 – 2008, government will

establish methods for measuring GHGemissions so that reductions can beevaluated against a baseline

• In 2008 – 2009, reduction of govern-ment GHG emissions will be underway

• By 2010, government will have begunto offset its emissions through a varietyof strategies.

Attaining a 33% provincialreduction: 2020When the Throne Speech was delivered,the commitments were general sincedetails of the strategy had not yet beendeveloped. The Premier said that thereduction would be at least 33% below2006 levels of GHG emissions. Thework on developing the strategy wouldbe coordinated by a Climate ActionSecretariat that would report to the Premier.

Agriculture’s and BCLNA’sClimate Change RoleOn September 5, 2007, the BCLNA,United Flower Growers and BC Green-house Growers Association, met withBC Agriculture Council and BC Ministryof Agriculture and Lands to discuss adraft climate change strategy for the

ornamental horticulture and greenhousevegetable sectors. To ensure that theurban landscape component was properlyrepresented, Western Canadian TurfgrassAssociation, BC Society of LandscapeArchitects and BC Recreation and ParksAssociation sent representatives.

The two main areas of impacting climatechange are through reducing emissionsand carbon sequestration (storage). Underthese two cornerstones, seven areas wereconsidered during the meeting: energygeneration, energy conservation, plasticsrecycling, engine efficiency, biomass/biofuels, urban agriculture and farmmanagement/production practices.

These action areas are not independent of each other—most are intercon-nected. Participants expressed thefollowing points: • Producers and service providers would

like to receive benefits for assuming costwhere the benefit is for all of society.

• Climate change requires crediblescience for all projects; we need torecognize conflicting science or gaps.Research may need to be a part ofsome actionable items.

• Actionable items should incorporateadaptation process, with realistic time-lines to achieve change.

• We are in a unique position to expandagriculture’s role in the provincialclimate change action plan into theurban setting. We should includeprojects that the urban public canrelate to and participate in.

Examples of a few of the actions thatwere discussed and that could involvethe BC landscape and nursery industryare listed below. They have not yet beenevaluated, and are suggestions only atthis early stage:• Reduce the amount of plastic used and

discarded and therefore fossil fuels usedin plastic manufacturing. This wouldinclude developing recycling programsfor producers and consumers, as well

as alternatives to plastic for horticulturepots and films.

• Increase engine efficiencies to reducethe amount of fossil fuels used andemissions generated. This would includeresolving two-cycle engine landscapeissues and improving farm machinery,such as tractors, pumps, and off-roadvehicle efficiency.

• Focus on opportunities to increasevegetation in the urban landscape:- Increased plantings of ornamentals

and food crops in urban areas- Green roofs and living walls- Improved quality of growing conditions

in urban areas (landscape standards)- Communicate effectively with public

their role in managing climate changein the urban landscape

- Modify farm production practices to reduce emissions and sequestercarbon. The goal is to address theseissues through the EnvironmentalFarm Planning program

- More efficient use of nitrogen toreduce N2O emissions

- Water management to reduce theproduction of N2O

- Increasing plant efficiencies to reducefertilizer use and increase production

- Soil conservation practices to reduceN2O emissions

- Increased plantings for carbonsequestration

- Changing crops to sequester carbon- Planting more trees/plants around farms- Soil conservation practices such as

shelterbelts, grassed waterways- Replanting of marginal land to grass

and trees.

BCLNA members or other HortWestreaders are encouraged to send theirclimate change strategy suggestions [email protected].

Thanks to Christine Koch, BC AgricultureCouncil and Bruce Mackenzie, RichardScott, Dave Woodske, BC Ministry ofAgriculture and Lands for their assistancein climate change planning. ■

4

Green Pages

Climate Change and BC’s Landscape & Nursery Industry


WorkSafeBCRates LargelyDown for 2008WorkSafeBC has just released preliminaryrates for 2008, with premium decreasesannounced for the majority of BCLNAmembership sectors.

The nursery production rates are set fora downward adjustment from $2.58 in2007 to $2.11 for 2008. The decrease isdue in part to a new classification systemthat separates nursery growers from green-house growers, based on the differencein common types of movement and stress.

Andrew Flokstra, Tim Loewen, GordMathies, Peter Levelton and Hedy Dyckmet with the WorkSafeBC staff early in 2007 to provide the nursery industry’sperspective on safety and to promotethe change in classifications. Tim Loewenof Pine Meadows Tree Farms Ltd. wasextremely pleased with the news, “Ourbiggest single line item is payroll, andreducing the cost by almost half a dollarmakes a tremendous difference to thebottom line.”

Lawn maintenance, garden maintenance,and weed control companies (Classifica-tion Unit 764061) and garden or landscapesupply companies (Classification Unit741011) will enjoy similar rate relief, with

the landscape class premiums droppingfrom $2.67 to $2.14, while garden and land-scape supply are reduced from $1.84 to $1.69.

Mary-Margaret Gaye, executive directorof the BC Greenhouse Growers’ Associa-tion, told Country Life in BC reportersthat greenhouse vegetable and floriculture

sectors are working with WorksafeBCto identify steps to reduce injuries andlower premiums in 2009, and may separatesome operations within the greenhouseclassification to further address the applica-tion of fair and accurate premiums. Theanticipated rate increase for greenhouseswill be up 49¢ to $3.07 from $2.58 in 2007.

5

BCLNA News Bulletins


Environment TalkTo Heat Up AGMBCLNA’s annual general meeting(November 1 and 2 at the Ramada Plaza & Conference Centre in Abbotsford) is slated to tackle environmental issuesand the “green” industry’s response to them.

The program will include an industryconsultation session on Invasive PlantManagement, an area in which BCLNAmembers have been actively workingtoward ecological betterment. The somewhat more daunting dilemma ofclimate change will be addressed on the second day, and members areencouraged to attend Andrea Reimer’sInconvenient Truth presentation.Reimer, who is the executive director of the Western Canadian WildernessCommittee and an official “Inconve-nient Truth” spokesperson, will bringlocal examples and awareness to theclimate change challenge.

Attendees will follow up the sessionwith a review of BCLNA’s draft plan forpositive environmental change, createdby a member-driven working group forornamental nursery and greenhousecompanies. Member discussions willfollow in order to draft priorities for the

most practical, achievable, and results-oriented solutions.

This AGM is not to be missed! Look for your registration package in this issue’s Extras and sign on today. For more information, contact Heidi Henderson; 604-574-7772 [email protected].

New Rep forGarden CentresGarden Centres across Canada will behearing a lot more from Anthony O’Neill,current Landscape Newfoundland Presi-dent, as he has recently been appointedas the new Canadian Nursery LandscapeAssociation (CNLA) Garden CentresCanada Chair. In this national positionAnthony will be responsible for growingprosperity of garden centres acrossCanada including developing long termplans, policies and programs to addressgarden centre needs, creating programsto enhance consumer awareness of andinterest in gardening, and will maintaina liaison with the International GardenCentre Association (IGCA).

“In the position of GCC Chair,” saidAnthony, “I am looking forward tolearning more about national activitiesand concerns and meeting with as manymembers as possible.”

With the IGCA congress coming toVancouver in 2008 Anthony feels thatthere is a good wave of excitement to ride on. “I hope that garden centres will take advantage of this event to not only come together as a group but also to re-build membership andimplement strategies that will benefitour garden centers in this rapidlychanging environment.”

O’Neill takes the place of John Zapla-tynsky, president of GardenWorks,™who held the post during the mostrecent years of his 14-year term on theCNLA board.

6

BCLNA News Bulletins NewBCLNA MembersSeptember 24, 2007 Board Meeting

F i n a l A p p r o v a l

The BCLNA welcomes the following newmembers:

Equinox Landscaping Ltd., Glen Campbell, Westbank, ActiveLandscaper (Interim)

Landscaping & Grounds Keeping,John Bleuler, Vancouver, Associate

T e n t a t i v e A p p r o v a l

The following companies will becomeBCLNA members at the next boardmeeting unless a member provides a validreason for not accepting the application:

ATD Waste Systems Inc., John Victor Van Slyke, Vancouver,Associate

Charnell Garden Services, J. Mark Charnell, Vancouver, ActiveLandscaper (Interim)

Garden in Gardens Greenhouse Ltd.,Ming Wu, Richmond, Active Retailer

Handcrafted Pond & Garden,Raymond Lachance, Vancouver,Active Landscaper

Katsura Landscaping Ltd., Scott Haile, West Vancouver, ActiveLandscaper (Interim)

Landeca, Wendy Kay, Victoria, Active Landscaper

Pacific Coast Trees, John McCredie,Surrey, Active Grower

Skyline Nursery, Stuart Robsonand Jonathon Harrison, Chilliwack, Active Grower

Unique Landscapes & Irrigation,Jason Routley, Kelowna, ActiveLandscaper (Interim)

Geina Fournier, Vancouver, Student

50th IGCA CongressSeptember 7– 12, 2008

World-Class TourInternational Networking | Professional Development

Attend the International Garden CentreAssociation Congress in 2008! Become a sponsor and get your message out to leadinggarden retailers from around the world.

For more info:Renata Triveri Congress Coordinator [email protected]

Donna Budd Sponsorship Manager [email protected]


7

CanWest Booth Awardscontinued from cover

For All Your Insurance Needs

Created for the green industry.Protecting the green industry.

Best Exhibit Overall and Most Original ExhibitAquascape & Waterscene

Best Large BoothSpecimen Trees WholesaleNurseries Ltd.

Best Medium BoothCandy Cane Nursery

Best Nursery ExhibitGarden Grove Nursery

Best Small BoothPlant-It Nursery

Best Floriculture ExhibitMorgan Creek Tropicals Ltd.

Best Supplier ExhibitLaguna div. Rolf C. Hagen Inc.

Special ThanksCanWest SponsorsSeminarsBritish Consulate-GeneralCandy Cane NurseryCY Grower Supplies Ltd.East Richmond Nurseries Inc.Inline Nurseries Inc.Kato’s Nursery Ltd.N.A.T.S. Nursery Ltd.Pacific Northwest PropagatorsSkagit GardensSpecimen Trees Wholesale Nurseries Ltd.TerraLink Horticulture Inc.

ToursContech Holdings Canada Inc.Gulick Freight Service LogisticsNorthern InnovatorsValleybrook Gardens Ltd.

Exhibitor ReceptionFairfield Tree Nurseries Inc.Finning (Canada)Qualitree Propagators Inc.

Attendee Prize DrawRoyal Bank

Show, GeneralBob’s WoodworkCreative EmbroideryEast Richmond Nurseries Inc.Jalisco Imports Inc.Norstad Products Inc.

Floral MaterialApko Nurseries Ltd. Blue Magic Greenhouses Ltd.Burnaby Lake Greenhouses Ltd.Floral Direct Wholesale Inc.Forest Gold Products Ltd.Frico FlowersHollandia Greenhouses Ltd.Klahanie Greenhouses Ltd.Mainland Floral DistributorsMaria’s Trading Ltd.Nicomen NurseryQuik’s Farm Ltd.Ravenek Greenhouses Ltd.Scania Greenhouses Ltd.Smit Nursery Ltd.Techni-Gro Greenhouses Inc.Trommel Greenhouses Ltd.V.N. Greenhouses Ltd.Westcan Greenhouses Ltd.


INSTALLATIONSERVICES

Landscape Contractors WantedThe Home Depot is installing residentiallandscapes and is looking for additional

landscape professionals to design and buildlandscapes in Western Canada.

We have great opportunities in Greater Vancouver, Abbotsford, Cranbrook, Kelowna, Kamloops,

Prince George, Vernon, Victoria and West Bank.

If you are interested in finding out moreabout joining the Home Depot landscape

team, please contact:

Lindsay Davidson(604) 463-0075

[email protected]

We offerfull plantservice

Send us your wish listor job and we willsend you a quote –phone, fax or email

EAST RICHMONDNURSERIES INC.

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

Ph. 604 278-0976 Fax 604 244-2924

e-mail [email protected]

ERNI

..Look for our

BIG RED BARN!

P. ramorum Certification & EnvironmentalFarm Planning Workshops

Various dates and locations. Contact BCLNAfor details.

BCLNA AGM & ConventionNovember 1– 2Ramada Plaza & Conference CentreAbbotsford, BCwww.bclna.comBC Landscapers & Contractors ExpoJanuary 22 – 23, 2008BC Place StadiumVancouver, BCwww.landscapingexpo.netWestern Canada Turfgrass Conference & ShowFebruary 24 – 27, 2008Penticton Trade & Convention CentrePenticton, BCwww.wctaturf.comBCLNA Fundraising AuctionFebruary 26, 2008United Flower Growers Co-OpBurnaby, BCwww.bclna.com

Out of Province EventsGarden ExpoOctober 16 –17Toronto, ONwww.gardenexpo.caGarden Centres of America Holiday TourNovember 12 –15Boston, MAwww.gardencentersofamerica.orgInternational Irrigation ShowDecember 9 –11San Diego, CAwww.irrigation.orgCongress 2008January 8 –10, 2008Toronto Congress CentreToronto, ONwww.locongress.comTropical Plant Industry ExhibitionJanuary 17–19Broward County Convention CenterFt. Lauderdale, FLwww.tpie.orgANLA Management ClinicJanuary 30 – February 2, 2008Louisville, KYwww.managementclinic.orgNational Awards of Landscape ExcellenceFebruary 9, 2008St. John, NBwww.canadanursery.com

and programs

Industryeven tsBCLNA OFFICE: 604-574-7772; 800-421-7963


9

IndustryChampionsWhen we began to gather thoughts for the “Industry Champions” issue ofHortWest, the list of people who havecontributed to the health of BC’s nurseryand landscape industry became unwieldy.To catalogue our industry’s supporterswould require an extensive index andcross-reference, because few who becomeinvolved take up just one cause and oursis an industry filled with passionate people.

Certainly, there are those who stand outfrom the crowd. Some would fill tomeswith the members they have recruited(Ed Les with his stack of membershipapplication forms on the sales counter,and George Kato with his persuasive con-versations). Others represented BCLNAwhile maintaining a broader perspective(Gerry Hutchinson managed to balanceprovincial, national and global growerneeds and John Zaplatynsky has represen-ted retailers at the national level for agood many years). There are the oneswho toil fervently when industry threatsarise (Jeff Hicks and Bruce McTavishmade major inroads with P. ramorum,CNCI, SAWP and NAPPO). Others yet

have been integral in raising and promo-ting the skills of our professionals (DonFraser spearheaded the developmentof the landscape standard while BruceHunter, Cable Baker, and others helpedlaunched Certification country-wide).Many more lead by example, and theirbusiness models are to be commended(George & Lea Feddes of PepindaleNursery and Rod Nataros of N.A.T.S.Nursery Ltd. are strides ahead in buildingecologically-sensitive companies).

It is the time of year when those whoworked so tirelessly for the industryreceive token recognition through theMember Awards. Take a few momentsto thank this year’s volunteers, and watchfor Young Member, Member, Supplier,Communicator, and Educator of the Yearaward-recipients at the AGM next month!

BCLNA BoardElectionsBCLNA’s annual general meeting generallysees the nomination and election of a newpanel of directors. Past-president PeterLevelton commented, “This is actually a very quiet year as far as board elections

are concerned. We have four directorswho are up for re-election, and they haveexpressed interest in running again. Theboard’s Executive is voted in each year.”

All members are encouraged to attendthe annual general meeting, and the boardparticularly welcomes new members whowish to get involved in any of BCLNA’svarious committees and projects. Anymembers interested in joining the associa-tion’s directorship in coming yearsshould contact Peter Levelton at EastRichmond Nurseries Inc.; 604-278-0976.Nominations to board positions are alsoaccepted from the floor at the AGM.

BCLNA News Bulletins

42481 Industrial Way, Chilliwack, B.C. 604.823-6688

Sumas Gro–Media Ltd. • Raw materials purchased in advancehelps to ensure product consistencyand availability.

• Multiple computerscontrol the dosing equipment,increasing accuracyand speed. Thismakes it easier tooffer competitivelypriced products.

• Non-invasive mixing equipment protects the structure and consistency of the media.

• Fast, reliable delivery.

Sumas Gro–Media specializes in the productionof specialty crop mixes for the nursery, bedding

plants, perennial and blueberry crops. We also have seedling and propagation soils.

Premium raw ingredients produce a consistent end product every time.

BCLNA Convention &Annual General MeetingPresident’s Reception & BanquetMembership AwardsAwards of Landscape ExcellenceEnvironment ProgramNetworking & Board ReviewPub NightHospitality SuiteNovember 1 & 2

Abbotsford Ramada Plaza & Conference CentreTo register, call 604-574-7772


Know the Ground Rules—Before you Start DiggingI know fall is a popular time for home-owners to plant and landscape, whichmeans your busy season is in full swing.So I wanted to remind you about theground rules—like calling before you dig.

Whether you’re landscaping a yard, layingfoundation or installing a fence, hittingor damaging a pipeline can threaten yoursafety and cost you money. And did youknow provincial regulations require youto obtain location information? That’swhy you must call BC One Call first.They’ll arrange for Terasen Gas to sendyou the information you need.

Here are three steps to remember: • Call BC One Call at 1-800-474-6886

or *6886 to request underground gasline information.

• Use the information to locate the gas line. • Hand dig to expose the gas line before

using any mechanical equipment, likebobcats, backhoes or augers.

It’s also important you know about anotherset of gas lines—the ones homeownersare responsible for. These lines extendpast the meter and include any piping thatruns to detached buildings, pools or out-door appliances. The exact location oflines that homeowners are responsible forwon’t show up on the maps you receive.You need to find these lines and hand digto expose the underground utilities beforeusing any mechanical equipment.

Here’s another tip I recommend you sharewith clients: suggest they have a registeredgas contractor regularly inspect gas linesthat extend past the meter for possible leaksor corrosion. Homeowners can look in theYellow Pages under “Corrosion Control.”

If you do hit or damage an undergroundgas line, stop what you’re doing immedi-ately and callTerasen Gas at1-800-663-9111.To get a copy of our Excavation Safetybrochure, call 1-888-224-2710 or visit theSafety section on www.terasengas.com. ■The Terasen Gas name and logo are trademarks of Terasen Inc.

sponsored by

Safety CheckIan Turnbull, Damage Prevention andEmergency Services Manager


12

For Sale

Cedars1acre of cedars 5–10 ft. tall in the ground.Phone or text for details. 250-442-7388

Cedars Cedars on sale at Hanson’s inChilliwack. Inventory clearance sale ofall field grown cedars 6 – 9 ft. Varietiesincluded are: Smaragd, Pyramidalis,Excelsa, Danica and Golden Globe. CallJohn Hanson at 604-792-5380

Tree SpadesUsed Dutchmasters field potter treespades. Adjustable to 7 gallon and 10 gallon spades. Recently rebuilt.Asking $6,000. Call Ron at 604-794-7096

Erica Enterprises Wholesale Nursery Ltd.Going concern facility, growing nursery stock in rural Pitt Meadows on quiet no thru road. Sale includes:3,800 sq. ft. 3 year old residence,19.49 acres of level land, warehouse,greenhouses, delivery truck and all machinery.

Asking price $4,064,000 Canadian.Plant inventory is not included in saleand can be negotiated separately.

Erica Enterprises Ltd.14021 Rippington Road Pitt Meadows BC V3Y 1Z1Phone: 604-465-6732 Fax: 604-465-2307 Email: [email protected]

JAVO Potting MachineUsed Super JAVO potting machine, in very good working condition.Complete with new pot dispenser incl.2m long conveyor. New pneumatic auto take-off, new 6 m long variablespeed pot conveyor. Pot holders 4", 5", 6", 1 gal, 2 gal and 3 gal. Price $19,800 obo. Phone Peter 604-857-2572

Help WantedGrower Grower Position Available at leadingpropagator and producer of Clematisand Annuals. Successful candidate will have a minimum of a 2-year postsecondary horticultural training and a keen interest in propagation andquality. Greenhouses located in BC’sFraser Valley. Salary will be dependenton experience. Please e-mail resume to [email protected].

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Attracted to the concept by nurserygrowers’ relative success with the program,landscapers are beginning to consideroptions for accessing foreign workers.The concept sparked discussion at therecent landscape commodity meeting heldat Northwest Landscape & Stone Supply,given significant shortages experiencedthroughout the sector this season.

“It is possible,” said Krista Manton, who coordinates landscape and retailcommodity activities at the BCLNA, “if the employer is prepared to jumpthrough all the necessary hoops.”

Landscape sector employers can expectthe process to take a minimum of 12 to 18 weeks, and costs can range from$2500 to $4000 per worker. Employersare also required to pay the workers theprevailing industry wages as determinedby Service Canada and defined by the jobs’National Occupational Classifications.

Bill Hardy, BCLNA labour chair, advised,“If you are considering bringing inforeign workers from Mexico or othercountries, start early. As well as obtaininga labour market opinion from ServiceCanada there are a number of other

qualifications that companies must meetbefore they can enter into a contractwith a worker. All of this takes time, sostarting this fall to obtain workers fornext spring is advisable.”

While there is conflicting informationacross the country, it appears that thenational Seasonal Agricultural WorkerProgram (SAWP) that growers use tostreamline the immigration process isnot currently available to landscapers.However, Mike Wallis, who is theGeneral Manager of the WesternAgricultural Labour Initiative (WALI)told the group that his organization is happy to assist landscapers withapplications through the Canadian LowSkill Worker program. If you would like more information, contact Mikedirectly at 604-854-4450 or by email to [email protected].

If you would prefer to take on the process independently, furtherinformation can be found at Service Canada:Contact Jenny Lo, Regional ForeignWorker Consultant, at 604-666-3535 or 604-666-8920, or by email [email protected]. ■

13

Landscape Retail News

Foreign Workers to Fill Landscape Labour Shortage

Landscapers had agreat time competingin Inukshuk andwater feature buildinggames at the Augustlandscape meetingsponsored and hostedby NorthwestLandscape & StoneSupply.

Prevailing Wages in the Landscape Sector2225 Landscape Horticulture Technicians & Specialists

Low $10.00 High $22.16 Average $15.40

8255 Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance Contractors and Managers

Low $9.00 High $25.12 Average $13.91

8612 Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance Labourers

Low $10.00 High $22.00 Average $15.87

8256 Supervisors, Landscape and Horticulture

Low $10.50 High $21.10 Average $15.90

How to Hire a Foreign Worker Handbookhttp://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/tfw-guide.asp HRSDC Job Bank http://jobbank.gc.ca Average Wages and Descriptions for NOC Codes www.labourmarketinformation.ca


Industry Bits

New Owner forVictoria’s CannorStoresGeneral manager of Cannor Nursery’sRoyal Oak and Sears retail locationssince 1990, Gord Nickel (with WildwoodNurseries Ltd.) recently purchased thetwo garden centres from Sandy andJanet Mathies.

Nickel commented that ownership of theCannor stores was an exciting prospectfor him personally, though he added, “Wewill continue to do business as CannorNursery, and we plan to work closely withSandy and Janet and the other Cannorstores in the future. The Cannor namecarries a lot of goodwill with our custom-ers, and we are really looking forwardto building on that.”

Nickel adds the new endeavour to analready successful career in garden tele-vision. His popular show, Get Up & Grow,just wrapped up its eleventh season withCHEK TV on Vancouver Island, and itsfifth airing nationally on the GlobalNetwork. Get Up & Grow’s new seasonwill be launched in April 2008.

Humes Retiresfrom Helm of PCNAfter more than 31 years at Pacific CoastNurseryman Magazine (PCN), John Humeshas retired from his post as that publica-tion’s managing editor.

A long-time green industry champion,Humes’ career at PCN Magazine beganin 1976 after stints as communicationsdirector of the Agri-Business Council ofOregon, and information director forthe Portland Development Commission.His new role as associate editor was one he took on with great enthusiasm,expanding PCN Magazine’s coverage by

reporting on tradeshows throughout thePacific Northwest, BC, Colorado, Arizona,Utah, Texas, and California. Indeed,Humes never missed a BCLNA AnnualGeneral Meeting, where he proudlysponsored and presented the OutstandingService Award in recognition of theorganization’s most ardent contributors.Humes became Pacific Coast Nurseryman’smanaging editor in 2004, taking overfrom Harold Young. He turns the reinsover to Kathleen Pyle, a horticulturetrade journalist, garden writer and adver-tising copywriter, whose extensiveexperience includes work with GrowerTalksMagazine, Meredith Publishing,garden.com, Jackson & Perkins, andFlowers Magazine. Pyle is also the author of Better Homes & GardensColor Gardens and Bird Gardens.

Says Pyle, “I worked with Harold Youngfor three years and have also workedclosely with John and respect very muchthe examples they set in trade journal-ism. So I look forward to a continuedemphasis on Western nursery industrypeople and events, while helping to ease the magazine into the 21st centurywith fresh new features. I also hope to tackle some top-level issues relevantto the industry.” ■

14

JJohn Phillipo, aged 78, passed away in Winnipeg where he had been livingwith his daughter Mary since 1999.Survived by daughters Judy (Martin)Kanters, Mary (Roc) MacLean, six grand-children and two sisters, John was a muchbeloved husband, father, grandfather,brother, friend and mentor.

Born in Rietveld, Holland, John immi-grated to Canada at the age of 19. Herehe met his Dutch bride and establisheda very successful landscape business in theVancouver area where he spent the next50 years of his life. John and his company,Holland Landscapers Ltd., became wellknown and respected in the local industry,and were responsible for major landscape

installations at Simon Fraser University,the Vancouver Courthouse, the planeta-rium, and Expo ’86 to name just a few.As President of the BC Landscape &Nursery Association (then BC NurseryTrades Association) from 1964 to 1965,John was largely responsible for bringingthe landscape commodity into the

organization, a move that was togalvanize its place in and importance in BC’s green industry.

John was committed to his faith andgenerously served his church and commu-nity through his years in Vancouver, andhe continued to make a valuable contribu-tion to both upon relocating to Winnipeg.

A funeral for John Phillipo was held onSeptember 10 at Gateway ChristianCommunity in Winnipeg, and a memorialservice followed on September 20 at the West Coast Christian Fellowship inVancouver. In lieu of flowers, memorialdonations may be made to The King’sSchool – New Canadian’s Classroom.

IN ME M O R I A MJohn Phillipo

May 6, 1929 – September 5, 2007

John Humes Kathleen Pyle


Research SnippetsPost-transplant Root and ShootGrowth Periodicity of Sugar Maple

( J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 132(2):147-157)The objectives were to determine thetiming and magnitude of first-seasonroot, shoot and trunk growth of field andcontainer-grown sugar maples. The treat-ments included two production methods(B&B and pot-in-pot (PIP)) and five trans-plant dates: leaf drop (Nov. 3), late fall(Dec. 8), early spring (Mar. 16), budbreak(Apr. 13), and budset (July 13). Maximumshoot extension occurred about two weeksafter budbreak. Shoot extension endedthree weeks early and was less than halfthe length for transplanted relative to non-transplanted trees. Shoot extension wassimilar for PIP trees that were transplantedduring the growing season versus non-transplanted. Trunk expansion began asthe rate of shoot extension declined, andmaximum expansion occurred betweenJune7and July5.Trunk expansion was mini-mally affected in transplanted PIP trees,but was reduced in transplanted B&B trees.During the first season after transplanting,maximum root growth occurred betweenMay 17 and June 14. Root growth beganconcurrently with trunk expansion. Trans-planting late in the season ( July) resultedin an unusually late peak in root growth(mid-August). Regardless of transplant date,most trees had about eight weeks of rootgrowth in the first growing season. Rootlength accumulation was greater for trans-planted versus nontransplanted B&B treesin the first growing season after trans-plant. The reduced shoot expansion andincreased root growth in the transplantedB&B stock likely reflects the coordinationof growth to restore a more favourableroot-to-shoot ratio. Increases in rootlength of all treatments were markedlygreater in the first versus the second year.Root mortality was high during the firstwinter following transplanting. This wasnot observed in nontransplanted trees.

Substantial mortality also occurred atthe time of budbreak in the second year.Based on the observations in this study,the authors concluded for sugar maple“there is little advantage to fall and

spring transplanting compared withsummer transplanting regarding post-transplant root regeneration when propersoil moisture is maintained and carefulhandling procedures are practiced.” ■

15

Sanitize with certaintySanitization can be very costly if not done effectively.

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• Iotron's sanitization method fully penetrates materialslike an X-ray, effectively sterilizing the material.

Field trials have proven that the sanitization level of pots prior to planting can affect plant yields.

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Sanitize with certaintySanitization can be very costly if not done effectively.

• Iotron takes sanitization to a new level, offeringNursery Growers unparalleled results.

• Iotron utilizes irradiation technology to eliminatePathogens, fungi and molds on pots, trays, andstyroblocks.

• Iotron's sanitization method fully penetrates materialslike an X-ray, effectively sterilizing the material.

Field trials have proven that the sanitization level of pots prior to planting can affect plant yields.

Money does grow on trees!Be confident that your pots, trays or styroblocks are

the cleanest they can be from the start. A diseasefree environment creates disease free plants.

Benefits• Re-use old pots, trays & styroblock• Increase plant yields• Reduce maintenance on plants• Environmentally friendly process• No more need for harsh chemicals, steam or hot water

If your sanitization method leaves you uncertain, then it's definitely time to make a change.

For more information please contact Iotron Technologies Corp. 1425 Kebet Way, Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 6L3

Ph. (604)945-8838 Fax. (604)945-8827Website www.Iotron.com Email: [email protected]

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