hortwest_2008-06

When BCLNA’s board fi rst created the Environment Portfolio in 1997, it did so with great foresight, and the encouragement of Allan O’Connor of Creative Garden Services, an early adopter of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices. The BCLNA action had arrived on the heels of British Columbia’s fi rst big environmental awareness push. The late 1980’s had brought about a small but vocal upsurge of grassroots environmental groups; public education through schools and Earth Day events was growing, and the landscape industry answered the call for environmental sen-sitivity by reducing their purchases of pesticides by 40% between 1992 and 1997. What O’Connor and the board recognized was three-fold: fi rst, public demand for conscientious landscapepractices would certainly continue to grow; second, the P.R. surrounding pesticide use had the potential to become greatly politicized; third, this province’s horticulture community has an intrinsic concern for healthy environments and a role as envi-ronmental stewards. Given a little support and education, the vast majority would opt to do no harm.

The progression to 2008 is a complex one. It consists of tireless efforts to pro-pose, consult, educate, negotiate, engage, and partner, largely under the leadership of Jane Stock, then Executive Director. Stock’s vision for the BCLNA was to tread

lightly on the tenuous relationshipbetween industry, environmentalists,and government, and to make headway by means of dialogue. Processes were to be open and transparent. They needed to equally consider all perspectives. And they needed to be cooperative in orderto gain public trust. The result is that PlantHealthBC is now piloting an IPM-based Pest Management Accreditation program for landscape, which has been jointly developed and supported byindustry, municipal, provincial andfederal governments, environmental groups, educational institutions, and health organizations.

PlantHealthBC looks at pest management from an ecological point of view, and to that end, has created a standard that is widely accepted by each of these stakeholders. Municipalities have a high level of buy-in, and these communities are encouraging their neighbours to come on board. Further, the initial six councils (Kelowna, Kamloops, Burnaby, Richmond, Anmore, District of North Vancouver) will play key roles in promoting the program through their various communication vehicles to the general public.

PlantHealthBC Rooted in Cooperative Environmentalism

PlantHealthBC is looking for 20 companies interested in initiating pest management accreditation. Early participants will assist the organization in honing processes for greatest effi ciency. If you wish to apply for accreditation, visit www.planthealthbc.ca or contact Barbara Gorman for details: 604 599-3163 or [email protected].

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 • J U N E 2 0 0 8

3BCLNA Board Highlights

4Certification

6Events Calendar

7Industry Bits

8 Landscape & Retail News

11 BCMAL Report

14Grower Updates

continued on page 5

HortWestJun08.indd 1HortWestJun08.indd 1 10/23/08 11:22:56 AM10/23/08 11:22:56 AM

2

Message from the President

JUNE 2008

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 the horticultural 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 & Nursery Association, and is published 10 times a year. Views expressed inside do not necessarily refl ect the attitudes of the Association but are those of the writer concerned. Material may not be reprinted from this magazine without the 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 Globe Printers.

HortWest

Our industry has been proactive in addressing environmental con-cerns, working with key stakeholders, and dev-eloping new products and methodologiesfor accomplishingthe tasks required to

enhance our wonderful industry.

Landscape contractors have developed ways of working effi ciently without over-use of pesticides and fuel-burning equipment. Homeowners are well-informed, and are often willing to accept additional costs for the sake of the environment. To highlight companies that employenvironmentally sound practices, BCLNAand our partners have developed

PlantHealthBC Accreditation. Read this issue’s cover story for details.

The Environmental Farm Plan program is assisting growers to fund projects that lessen their businesses’ environmental impact, and Hon. Minister Pat Bell has just invested $1 million more. In addition, BCLNA, with the support of the Investment Agriculture Foundation, has been working on scientifi c studies to fi nd ways growers can cope with existing pest and disease problems using bio-controls and other less-harmful pest control methods; the Grower Updatessection provides some details.

Retailers too, are benefi ting as we work toward a handbook of environmentally responsible business tips through our Retail Environment Strategy, currently underway.

With the support of key stakeholders, the principle one being you, the horticulture professional, we will continue to develop new strategic ways in which our work will contribute to a healthier environment.

We are the Green Industry and we will continue to move the bar higher for other industries. Get involved and fi nd the benefi ts of being on the front line on the issue of “Environment”.

Green Industry Contributes to a Healthier EnvironmentGreen Industry Contributes to a Healthier Environment

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


BCLNA Board Highlights NewBCLNA Members

Tuesday, May 20, 2008Correspondence Richard Desmarteau of Fairfi eld Tree Nurseries Inc. has agreed to represent BCLNA and Western Canada Turfgrass Association on the Fraser Valley Agricultural Advisory Committee for another year. This committee serves as a liaison between the agriculture community and the Fraser Valley Regional District.

Growers Labour There is a trend to move workers under the existing SAWP program to the “Low Skilled Foreign Worker” program. The latter enables more fl exibility in work schedules, costs less to transport and keep workers, enables workers to be paid a reasonable wage, and workers can stay for up to two years.

Carbon Tax The carbon tax will take effect on July 1, 2008, with annual increases during the next four years. Hon. Minister Pat Bell has been asked to put together a Task Team through the BCAgriculture Council to review how the tax can be offset for producers.

Nursery Production & IPM Guide Hot off the press! Call the offi ce to order your copy; order form available at BCLNA.com. Click on “Publications”.

Environmental Farm Planning Hon. Minister Pat Bell has added $1 million to the existing $2.3 million fund to help

growers with capital expenditures for Best Management Practices.

Landscape The June 19 commodity meeting will be held at Evergro Canada. A PlantHealthBC workshop will be offered prior to the meeting.

Retail Home Depot has recentlyannounced they will not be sellingpesticide concentrates or any product that requires a usage license.

CanWest Hort Show An Extraordinary General Meeting has been called for Tuesday, June 24 at 10:00 am at Redwoods Golf Course in Langley to requestapproval to borrow money for the purchase of UFG’s shares in the CanWest Hort Show.

Membership Dues will increase by 5% for the 2008-2009 season to cover in-creased costs.

IGCA Congress Local members are encouraged to participate. Daily rates are offered for BCLNA members. Contact Renata Triveri for details ([email protected] or 604 523-0235).

Labour Landscape horticulture should receive Red Seal approval by Fall 2008, about two years earlier than anticipated.

3

March 17, 2008 Board Meeting

Final Approval

The BCLNA welcomes the following new members:

Great Gardens, Mickie Hale, Roberts Creek, Active Landscaper

Sancor Irrigation and Landscaping Inc., Cory & Sandy Persson, Chilliwack, Active Landscaper

Schmidt Tree House, Stewart & Gwen Schmidt, Abbotsford, Active Grower

Silhouette Landscape Lights Ltd., Bill Converse, Surrey, Associate

Solid Rock Custom Stonework & Landscapes Ltd., Jason Manley, Delta,Active Landscaper

Valleyside Contracting Services Limited,Cris & Sarah Blair, Langley, Active Landscaper

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:

Amanda Gibb, Langley, Individual

CRD Water Services, Monique Van den Boomen, Victoria, Associate

Gidge Contracting, Kevin Gidge, Port Coquitlam, Active Landscaper

Outside Design, Kyle Yakimovitch, Surrey, Active Landscaper (Interim)

Wajax Industries, Mike Bottom, Langley, Associate

With Impact Enterprises Ltd., Tracey Bureyko, Richmond, Active Landscaper (Interim)

2008

It’s Show TimeAnd we need your help!

For more information, contact Karen at the BCLNA:604 574-7772 or [email protected].

We need sales-savvy people to help out at the booth for two-hour shifts!Your role is to promote BC nurseries and the CanWest Hort Show.

CanWest requires a wide variety talents are required for various tasks.Be part of the team dedicated to making CanWest a world-class show!

It’s Show TimeAnd we need your help!FarWest Show • August 21 – 23

We need sales-savvy people to help out at the booth for two-hour shifts!Your role is to promote BC nurseries and the CanWest Hort Show.

CanWest Hort Show • September 17 – 18

CanWest requires a wide variety talents are required for various tasks.Be part of the team dedicated to making CanWest a world-class show!

For more information, contact Karen at the BCLNA:604 574-7772 or [email protected].


4

Certifi cation is Good Business

CHT Test MoreRelevantThe BC Certifi cation committee is excited to run a new version of the Landscape Certifi ed Horticultural Technician (CHT) test for the fi rst time in July. Like before, the CHT for Landscape program is divided into two areas of expertise: installation or maintenance. However, as a result of the test revisions, candidates may work toward a more specifi c endorsement and choose between four new modules, the successful completion of which will result in a CHT designation: Hardscape Installation, Softscape Installation, Ornamental Main-tenance or Turf Maintenance. These new options make earning a designation more occupationally relevant and achievable.

Certifi cation Chair Cable Baker anticipates that the changes will increase industry interest in the program.

“We will likely see a big surge in individu-als who are eager to participate now that they won’t be required to perform tasks that simply aren’t part of their everyday jobs;” says Baker. “I didn’t fi nd the old Installation module personally relevant because although I install gardens,I don’t lay pavers. Now that there is

a Softscape Installation module I will defi nitely take it to supplement my Maintenance designation.”

What does this mean for existing desig-nates? The good news is that anyone who currently holds a CHT-Maintenance orCHT-Installation certifi cate will be given credit for two of the four new specialties.

The deadline to register for the July 11-12 exam at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (Langley Campus) is June 24, but it is expected to reach maximum capacity early. Contact Heidi Henderson at the BCLNA to register right away; hhenderson@ bclna.com or 604 574-7772.

Just Certifi edAs a result of the test revisions, we are pleased to announce that British Columbia now has eight new CHTs:

Turf & Ornamental MaintenanceMark McDonald, Bartlett Tree Experts

Softscape InstallationKathryn Robson, Lotus Botanicals John Van Kammen, Jovak Landscape & DesignEric Chipperfi eld, Chipperfi eld’s Landscaping

Daniel Vander Pol, Vandenberg’s Landscape DesignGavin Scorer, Summerfi eld Landscape Company

Softscape Installation & Ornamental MaintenanceJohn deMelo, JDS Landscape

Ornamental MaintenanceLuke Chandler, Eucalyptus Tree Service Landscaping & Design

Certifi cation Exam DatesJuly 11 & 12

CHT, CLD, CLPKwantlen Polytechnic University, Langley

October 3 & 4

CHT, CLD, CLPKwantlen Polytechnic University, Langley

October 17 & 18

CHTPacifi c Horticulture College, Victoria at Glendale and Woodlands.

Hardscape Installation

Written Exams:• Common Core• Hardscape Plan Reading• Hardscape Principles &

Calculations

Practical Exams:• Chainsaw• Grading & Drainage• Instrument• Paver Installation• Skid Steer Operation

Softscape Installation

Written Exams:• Common Core• Softscape Plan Reading• Softscape Principles &

Calculations• Irrigation Components

Practical Exams:• Plant Identifi cation• Sod Installation• Basic Program Controller• Lateral Repair & Head

Adjustment• Tree Planting & Staking• Plant Layout• Rototiller Operation

Ornamental Maintenance

Written Exams:• Common Core• Ornamental Principles• Ornamental Calculations• Irrigation Components &

Principles

Practical Exams:• Plant Identifi cation• Basic Program Controller• Lateral Repair &

Head Adjustment• Tree Planting & Staking• Chainsaw• Pruning • Power Blower

Turf Maintenance

Written Exams:• Common Core• Turf Principles• Turf Calculations• Irrigation Components

& Principles

Practical Exams:• Basic Program Controller• Lateral Repair &

Head Adjustment• 21” Mower• Intermediate Walk-Behind

Mower• Riding Mower • Edger & Trimmer• Power Blower• Aerator• Turf Fertilizer

New Landscape CHT Modules


5

For landscapers, accreditation will protect and build their businesses while commu-nicating the companies’ environmental responsibility to both the public, garden retailers, and municipal agencies that are instituting pesticide usage bylaws. Organic practitioners, whose methods already meet the highest standards of ecological sensitivity, will fi nd it critically important in obtaining recognition for their leadership and specialized knowledge. It is essential to note that businessowners will receive immediate recognition and support: companies that initiate accreditation will be shown as “in progress” on PlantHealthBC.com, and will receive assistance to develop the knowledge and systems necessary to follow recognized IPM methods. To this end, Getting Started and IPM Basics courses have been developed.

PlantHealthBC is not the BCLNA’s fi rst, nor will it be its last initiative toward environmental sustainability. It is, however, a singular example of how our industry’s visionaries have worked with the greater community to fi ll a multifaceted need, and how our industry can and must grow in light of changing wisdom and social consciousness. ■

continued from cover

Retailers • Growers • Landscapers• Brokers • Architects

Are you buying fromP. ramorum

certifi ed nurseries? Do your part to minimize the spread of this disease,and protect your company and your clients’ landscapes.

For a list of certified nurseries, go to www.CanadaNursery.com and click

on Nursery Programs.


BCLNA OFFICE: 604-574-7772; 800-421-7963

Industry

eventsand programs

BCLNA Landscape Commodity MeetingJune 19Evergro / WestgroDelta, BCwww.bclna.com

BCLNA Golf Tournament & Extraordinary General MeetingJune 24Redwoods Golf CourseLangley, BCwww.bclna.com

CHT, CLD, CLP Exam DayJuly 11-12Kwantlen Polytechnic UniversityLangely, BCwww.bclna.com

BCLNA Landscape Commodity MeetingAugust 14Ames Tile & StoneBurnaby, BCwww.bclna.com

IGCA Congress 2008September 7-12Vancouver, BCwww.bclna.com

CanWest Hort ShowSeptember 17-18Vancouver Trade & Convention CentreVancouver, BCwww.canwesthortshow.com

Out of province:Ohio Short CourseJuly 12-15Columbia, OHwww.ofa.org

Perennial Plant SymposiumJuly 20-26Philadelphia, PAwww.perennialplant.org

CGTA Fall Gift ShowAugust 10-14Toronto Congress CentreToronto, ONwww.cgta.org

2008 ANLA Landscape Operations TourAugust 18-21Kansas City, KSwww.anla.org

FarWest ShowAugust 21-23Oregon Convention CentrePortland, ORwww.farwestshow.com


7

Industry Bits

Legendary landscaping family, T. Moscone & Bros, celebrated the company’s 60th anniversary by accepting a prestigious award from the BCLandscape Architects last month. The BCLA presented its Community Service Award to founding father, Angelo Moscone, and his nephews, Michael and Sandro, who run the company today, for consistent demonstration of high quality, professionalism, workmanship, and pride in their work. The prize builds on the Moscones’ impressive repertoire of major projects and awards, which includes a CNLA National Landscape Award of Excellence (2005).

BCLA Identity & Call for PapersThe BC Society of Landscape Architects have approved a name change, and will now be referred to as British Columbia Landscape Architects or BCLA. The new name was the recommendation of Elio Creative Inc., which believes a simplifi ed moniker will assist in improving public awareness. A new logo will be launched in the coming months.

The BCLA’s 2009 BC Land Summit is inviting proposals for presentations, papers, multi-media proposals, and other program elements related to the conference themes. Prospects are encouraged to download the call for proposals at www.bclandsummit.com. All proposals must be received by June 27.

VanDusenAppoints New Garden DirectorThe Vancouver Park Board and VanDusen Botanical Garden Association announced the appointment of Harry Jongerden to the position of Garden Director, VanDusen Botanical Garden. Jongerden comes to VanDusen with30 years’ experience in ornamental horticulture and botanical gardens, having most recently served at Royal Botanical Gardens in Ontario. Jongerden fi lls the vacancy created last October by the resignation of Chris Woods.

VanDusen also announced the election of its 2008 Board of Governors. Among the ranks are Henry Hawthorn (President), Jim Brookes (Vice President), BCLNA member Lynne Chrismas, and GardenWorks™ botanist Dr. Alan Reid.

While the original proposal for a formal botanical garden was over-ruled by council, Langley Township has approved a plan to create the Derek Doubelday Arboretum and nature park on a 12-hectare farm located in the 21200 block of Fraser Highway. The project, led by Rotarian, nurseryman, and former BCLNA member Les Clay, is anticipated to bring in a better sumof long-term grant money than would a botanical garden. Clay will now work with the local RotaryClub to seek funding, and createan association that will develop, operate, and maintain the arboretum and park.

Given its proximity to Kwantlen Polytechnic University and Trinity Western University, it is hoped that the two institutions will participate in the project; Clay also hopes to obtain plant material donations from industry, funding from philanthropic organizations, and participation from the nursery industry. Further information on the project can be obtained by contacting Les at 604 530-5188 or [email protected].

Langley TownshipEndorsesPark Plans

T. MosconeCelebratesMilestone


8

Landscape & Retail News

When BCLNA launched its Landscape Awards of Excellence program to acknowl-edge industry’s top performers, little did the committee know how much press the program would eventually bring to its winners.

While the awards committee has honed the program to offer signifi cant exposure to participants, it is the stunning achievement of entrants that has garnered unprecedented recognition in recent years.

Says Annika Ingram, who coordinates the program at BCLNA, “Our committee members have always been very proactive in fi nding ways to let the public and industry peers know about the workmanship of the award winners. We place banners and photos on display at the CanWest Show, the province’s home and garden shows, Landscape Expo, and at BCLNA com-modity meetings. Winners are highlight-ed in a two-page spread in GardenWise Healthy Garden Guide, are profi led in HortWest, and on BCLNA.com and GardenWiseOnline.com. Plus, we purchase an ad in the Vancouver Sun to supplement

the press releases that go out. This year, it seems like magazine after magazine has been picking up the winners’ stories—it says a lot about the quality of the winning projects and about the care people take in putting together their photo submissions.”

GardenWise Magazine, an ardent BCLNA supporter, ran ten full pages in its early spring edition. Gardening Life picked up Watermark Gardens’ national award-winning project in a detailed spread just last month. Meanwhile, Landscape Trades Magazine placed Pacifi ca Landscape Works’ ocean-side oasis photo on its cover.

Dennis Wilkinson of The Third Little Pig Contracting Ltd., comments, “The positive exposure has resulted in quality leads, increased sales, and greater public confi dence in my work. I have also been successful in selling jobs because we are award winners and the competition isn’t.” Wilkinson’s company received a full-page profi le in the North Shore News’ special home and garden insert as a result of his award.

Jeff Foley of Para Space Landscaping Inc. adds, “Being an award winner has improved our ability to attract new clients,

bolstered our image with current ones, and instilled pride in our hard working staff and their families.”

If you see award-winning potential in one of your landscape installation or maintenance projects, contact Annika Ingram to request an entry package. The entry deadline is Tuesday, August 12 at 4:00 pm; judging will take place on Wednesday, August 20.

LandscapeMeeting at Evergro on June 19If you haven’t already registered for the landscape meeting on June 19,do it now because space is limited! Evergro Canada will be hosting and sponsoring this event at their Delta branch, located at 7430 Hopcott Road from 4:30 to 8:00 pm. This will be your fi rst opportunity to meet BCLNA’s new executive director, Werner Knittel, and check out the newest edi-tion of the BC Landscape Standard, hot off the press.

Landscape AwardsNet P.R. Rewards h Th b l


9

Evergro is also generously co-sponsoring a seminar on “IPM Basics for the Landscape” from 1:30 to 4:00 pm at the Delta Town & Country Inn on the same day. This important session is co-hosted by PlantHealthBC and Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Institute for Sustainable Horticulture.

We extend a big thank you to Evergro Canada, and all our sponsors. To register, contact Krista Manton; [email protected] or 604 574-7772.

Industry MovesToward Red SealThe timing of White Spot Restaurants’ Red Seal ad campaign couldn’t be better for BC’s landscapers. The eatery recently launched a series of television ads and public relations activities to promote the skill of its chefs, who are Red Seal trades people. It is expected that the campaign will bring top-of-mind public awareness to the concept of “Red Seal Trades”, and could have good outcomes for the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association’s efforts to advance landscaping as a Red Seal trade.

Having completed a National Occupational Standard on the landscape trade, the CNLA met with the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA) which is responsible for the inter-provincial standards of the Red Seal Program. CCDA staff was pleased to see input from all provincial associations, which have been working co-operatively toward a national curriculum for Red Seal Apprenticeship and better recognition of skilled landscape professionals. If the process goes smoothly, Red Seal for landscape apprentices could be a reality as early as this fall. For more information on Red Seal, visit www.red-seal.ca.

continued on page 11


✓

✓✓

Redwoods Golf Course 22011 - 88th Avenue, Langley

www.redwoods-golf.com

To register your foursome or donate a prize call, contact Heidi or Barb at the BCLNA: 604-574-7772 or [email protected]. For more info, see this month’s Extras!

at BCLNA’s AnnualGolf TournamentJune 24, 2008

Safety CheckIan Turnbull, Damage Prevention andEmergency Services Manager

Sponsored by Terasen Gas

Before you lift a shovel, pick up the phone

Before you lift a shovel, pick up the phone

H itting a buried gas line doesn’t only happen in construction. If you are a homeowner, a landscaper, or

general contractor, you need to know where the gas lines are prior to digging. Call BC One Call fi rst. They’ll arrange for Terasen Gas to send you the informa-tion you need to fi nd the pipe, and dig safely. This practice is your responsibil-ity. And it’s the law. Before you begin your major yard work this summer— like moving a tree, building a fence, laying foundation, or building a patio, you need to know where the gas lines are fi rst. And you need to use safe digging practices. Provincial regulations say you must hand dig to confi rm the exact location of the gas pipe. Call BC One Call and always hand dig so you know it’s safe. Then you can use mechanical equipment to fi nish the work quickly, effi ciently and safely. Take these three steps before you or your contractor start digging in your yard:

1. Call BC One Call at 1-800-474-6886 or *6886 to request underground gas line information.2. Use the map information you receive to identify the location of the gas line.3. Hand dig to expose the gas line before using mechanical equipment. If you do hit an underground gas pipeline or damage the pipe wrapping, stop what you’re doing right away. Never try to cover up the damage. Call Terasen Gas at 1-800-663-9911. For a copy of our Excavation Safety brochure, call 1-888-224-2710 or visit the Safety section of www.terasengas.com.


11

BCMAL ReportLandscape & Retail News

Dave Woodske, BCMAL Industry Specialist

The Effect of Live Plants and Window Views of Green Spaces on Employee Perceptions of Job Satisfaction (HortScience 43(1):183-187) – 552 employees from offi ces throughout the U.S. were surveyed. Job satisfaction was infl uenced by the presence of plants in the offi ce. Employees in offi ces with interior plants had a “suitable level” of job satisfaction, whereas those without plants had a “poor level”. The only employees that categorized themselves as “miserable” and “dissatisfi ed” with their quality of life were those from offi ces with no interior plants and no windows. No signifi cant differences were found between different demographic groups. In general, the fi ndings indicate that employees from offi ces with interior plants and windows felt better about their job and the work they performed, and reported higher overall quality-of-life scores.

Infl uence of Container Mulches on Irrigation and Nutrient Management(J. Environ. Hort. 25(4):234-238) – Organic (Biotop, coco discs, hazelnut shells, and sawdust) and inorganic (crumb rubber, geotextile discs, and plastic discs) mulches were trialed on freshly potted hydrangeas in #1 containers. The fi rst trial ran for 15 weeks in 2005 and the second ran for 27 weeks in 2006. In 2005, Osmocote 15N-3.9P-9.9K (8-9 month release) was applied at 19 g per container. In 2006, Acer 17N-2.6P-9.9K (12-14 month release) was applied at 16 g per container. The major fi nding was placement of controlled release fertilizer above versus below the mulch reduced hydrangea growth and quality. Foliar N and P levels were also lower when the fertilizer was placed above mulches. The authors suggested nutrient immobilization by the mulch and/or reduced fertilizer release from surface-applied prills were responsible for the differences. The mulches had little effect on water loss from the containers.

CNLA Focuses onLandscapeThe Canadian Nursery Landscape Association will be holding a national landscape summit to survey the sector’s common issues. Five members from each province have been selected toparticipate in the August 13 event.

In addition, the national landscapecommittee has just approved the hiring of a Landscape Issues Specialist. It is hoped that this position will be fi lled in time for the Landscape Summit. The full-time CNLA position is intended to bring focus and added value to the commodity on a national scale. The ideal candidate is anticipated to have 10 years experience or more in com-mercial and residential landscaping, and would be responsible for such tasks as working with Service Canada, HRSDC, and the Ministry of the Environment on behalf of Canada’s landscapers. For complete details of this posting, visit www.canadanursery.com.

Coloured Fuel forLandscaper UseAs fuel prices soar, BCLNA reminds landscape members that coloured fuel use is permitted:

a) Off-highway in forklifts, front-end loaders, bulldozers, backhoes, lumber carriers, shovels, graders, earth compacters, rollers, crushers, grass mowers, skidders, and any machine equipped with caterpillar tracks;

b) In a stationary or portable engine not designed to be self-propelled, or designed to be picked up, moved, and used in motion; this includes residential

lawn mowers, brush cutters, chainsaws and rototillers.

If a landscaper uses a walk-behind irriga-tion trencher, this qualifi es as a “portable engine” and they can be powered by coloured fuel. However, riding trenchers only qualify for coloured fuel use if they are equipped with metal caterpillar tracks. Quads for landscape applications are not allowed coloured fuel use.

For more detailed information, please contact the Ministry of Small Business and Revenue website at www.rev.gov.bc.ca/ctb or call the Taxpayer Services Line at 1 877-388-4440.

Offi cial Bloggerto Join IGCACongressOrganizers of the International Garden Centre Association Congress are pleased to announce a new partnership with Today’s Garden Center Magazine. Ann-Marie Conroy, editor of the Ohio-based publication, will be joining Congress and issuing an offi cial daily blog to share highlights of the event with the magazine’s readership, BCLNA and CNLA members, and the international community.

Watch for Ann-Marie’s blog in your email inbox daily from September 7 through 12; to be sure you’ll get a copy, go to www.igcaCongress.com and sign up for the Congress Communicator newsletter. Or, join the fun and register to attend! Local residents can take advantage of special daily rates. To find out how, contact Renata Triveri; [email protected] or 604 523-0235 (home office). For more about Today’s Garden Center Magazine, visit www.todaysgardencenter.com.

Research Snippets


Advertisein Marketplace

by callingBarb Nelson at BCLNA

(604) 574-7772

theclassifi eds

For SaleBusiness and home for sale in a much desired area of Princeton. Turnkey operation with very successful small nursery (no competition) on 1.6 acre parcel. 36 x 20 double poly house with propane heat. Large recently renovated and updated 40 x 20 shop with attached glass house and many more extras. Callfor details and pictures 250 295-0629;Fax: 250 295-1690 Email: [email protected]. Asking price $525,000.

Help WantedSales AgentA growing international industrial textile company is seeking the services of a professional Sales Agency to represent it in the British Columbia and Alberta nursery and landscape market. The candidate is a result oriented, self-starting agency with the ability to promote the company’s horticultural and geotextile product line in the landscaping industry. Knowledge of the markets and of the concept of geotextile would be a defi nite asset. This is a business opportunity with compensation based on commission of sales. Please communicate your interest at [email protected]

Deluxe Landscape Supply & Garden Centre is inviting applicants for our Store Manager position. We are seeking a dynamic individual with management level experience in a retail garden centre environment. This full time year round position requires some weekend work. Horticultural certifi cation, pesticide dispensing license, and/or experience operating equipment such as bobcat or forklift would be a defi nite asset. Please forward your qualifi cations to PO Box 1341 Sechelt, BC V0N 3A0 or F. 604-885-9293 or PH. 604-885-9070

Inline Nurseries Inc., a fast-paced and dynamic wholesale nursery in Chilliwack, BC is seeking experienced Grower for a wide range of ornamental plants. Responsibilities include (but not limited to):- Water management of all crops.- Plant health monitoring and Pest control.- Crop Scheduling - Pruning management- Plant QualitySuccessful candidate must be energetic, self motivated and a team player with a minimum of 5 years of ornamental growing experience. Full benefi t package and competitive wage, based on experience, available. Please sub-mit resume to [email protected]. No phone calls please.


Acacia Landscape is looking to add to their team: Construction / Crew Foreman, Horticulturalists, Maintenance Crews, Bobcat, Excavator & truck operators, Masons, Carpenters, Irrigation Specialists and General Labourers. BCDL required. Ex-perience an asset. Please send your resume via fax to 250-479-2575 or email: [email protected].

Are you looking for a challenge in a dynamic, growing company?We are a wholesale nursery located in the beautiful Fraser Valley of British Columbia, serving Wholesalers and Garden Centers across the continent of North America. As our company continues to expand, we have openings in the following full-time, year-round positions:

Assistant GrowerRequirements:• Three to fi ve years of hands-on experience in ornamental production

• A pesticide applicator’s license or be able to qualify for one.

• Self-motivation; ability to work independently• Ability to work as a team, taking on a leader-ship role.

• Computer literate• Weekend fl exibility The assistant grower is responsible for all aspects of production including pest control, watering, nutrition management and ap-plication, production scheduling, monitoring and control of greenhouse environment and product quality.

Supervisor/ Section ManagerRequirements:• Experience in managing both skilled and unskilled labor as part of a multilingual team. Hands-on work expected.

• Highly motivated • Work to deadlines• Basic computer familiarity • A pesticide applicator’s license or be able to quality for one.

The Supervisor is responsible to organize and plan daily and seasonal activities in the operation of the nursery. Competitive wage based on experience and education, and benefi ts package available. If you meet requirements of this position please forward your resume to [email protected] or by fax to 604.794.3378.


Help Host the World! Help Host the World! Suppliers: show your industry pride and capitalize on a unique marketing opportunity by becoming an IGCA sponsor!

• Help a host retailer with merchandising

• Sponsor a special event• Showcase your product in a

Congress Guidebook ad

To learn more about IGCA Congress or its sponsorship potential, visit www.igcaCongress.com or contact Renata Triveri: telephone (604) 523-0235 or email [email protected].

14

Grower Updates

BCLNA’s growers received nearly $9000 in matching funds from the Investment Agriculture Foundation to study the effi cacy of a predatory insect on spider mites, which could reduce or replace pesticide use.

The mite study, to be completed by E.S.Cropconsult Ltd. and Elmhirst Diagnostics and Research, will take place at three different nurseries on susceptible plants, including Sambucus racemosa, Potentilla‘Goldstar’, Euonymus alata compacta, and Thuja woodwardii. Other crops will be considered if they are a specifi c problem for the co-operating grower.

The use of bio-controls is being integrated into Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs with signifi cant reductions in pesticide use without compromising crop quality. A number of nursery growers are interested in extending bio-control use, and there is a good probability that for spider mites (and perhaps spruce mite), bio-controls could be employed successfully. A relationship between broad spectrum insecticidal sprays and spider mite outbreaks has been clearly recognized in berry crops: these chemicals kill mite predators but not spider mites, often resulting in population explosions. This can be avoided when the predators are conserved, and the grower chooses the least harmful products while applying supplemental releases of predators at appropriate times.

A further $10,000 in matching funds was awarded to identify aphid species common to local nursery crops and to survey natural predators in the area, with the aim of better understanding them and their best available bio-control methods; a literature review will be conducted following the survey to provide growers with more specifi c solutions to their varied aphid infestations. On both projects, cost comparisons between bio

control versus standard pest controls will be completed.

Work on both studies commenced last month, and completion is anticipated by spring of 2009. BCLNA sincerely thanks the Investment Agriculture Foundation for its ongoing support of this and other important studies, which benefi t both our industry and our environment.BCLNA’s portion of the funding will come from the Industry Development Council, to which growers contribute.

Pest ManagementGuide Re-ReleasedBCLNA, in conjunction with the BC Ministry of Agriculture & Lands, has released a brand new edition of the Nursery & Landscape Pest Management and Production Guide. This new edition features updated full-colour Pest Alert pages for easy identifi cation, and freshly revised text courtesy of the BCMAL. The guide is just $35 plus GST and any applicable shipping and handling, or $30 per copy when you buy six or more.

Acrobat® 50WP Fungicide, from BASF Canada, has received a minor use label expansion to help in the reduction of downy mildew in greenhouse ornamentals when used as part of an integrated pest management program. Always consult the product label and take care to follow application directions. For more information, visit www.agsolutions.ca or call 1 866-613-3336.

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Downy MildewRegistration

Bio-Control Projects


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