Landscape Ontario's Horticulture Review Online

Landscape Ontario's Horticulture Review Online http://www.horttrades.com/news.php en-ca The voice of Landscape Ontario, Horticulture Review's online news feed.Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:11:58 -0500 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:11:58 -0500 http://www.horttrades.com/new-online-tool-helps-with-employees-hours New online tool helps with employees hours New online tool helps with employees hours

The Ministry of Labour has launched an online tool to help employers confirm and comply with specific rules concerning employee hours of work.

The launch on Feb. 2 of the Ministry of Labour's Hours of Work and Overtime Tool completes a suite of interactive tools available on the ministry's website.

The Hours of Work and Overtime (HOW) Tool will help employers to determine compliance for a range of standards such as daily rest, overtime, averaging and rest between shifts. The tool will also allow employees to understand their entitlements.

The HOW Tool features tutorials and calculators and serves as an introduction and link to the online forms required for requesting excess hours and overtime averaging. ]]> Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:11:58 -0500 http://www.horttrades.com/in-memoriam-christopher-robert-graham In memoriam: Christopher Robert Graham In memoriam: Christopher Robert Graham

On Jan. 14, 2012, Chris Graham of Flesherton, in his 61st year, passed away. A recognized plantsman and mentor to many in the green industry, Chris Graham worked at the Royal Botanical Gardens for many years, first as a student, then foreman, superintendent and Director of Horticulture. He was a member and volunteer in a number of LO activities. A memorial visitation in celebration of his life was held at Corbett Funeral Home, 95 Dundas Street N., Cambridge, on Sat., Jan. 21. Cremation has taken place. As an expression of sympathy, a donation may be made to the horticultural society of your choice. ]]> Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:07:23 -0500 http://www.horttrades.com/c-buxicola-positive-find-in-canada C. buxicola positive find in Canada C. buxicola positive find in Canada
Cylindrocladium buxicola (also known as C. pseudonaviculatum) and commonly known as box blight or boxwood leaf drop is a fungus that has been reported to occur on all Buxus species and cultivars. C. buxicola has been a serious pest of boxwood in the UK, Europe and New Zealand since the mid 1990s. The first detections in the US were made in Connecticut in October 2011. Since then it has been found in eight US states, including North Carolina, Connecticut, Virginia, Rhode Island, Maryland, Massachusetts, Oregon and New York.

On Jan. 6, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed a positive find of Cylindrocladium buxicola at a B.C. nursery. The original source of infection has not yet been confirmed. Further surveys will be conducted by CFIA to determine the possible spread of this disease throughout the rest of Canada.

C. buxicola is not a regulated pest, but in view of the popularity and economic importance of this ornamental crop, it is considered to be a disease of great concern. CNLA will be working with growers across Canada to establish Best Management Practices for the control of this disease through the Clean Plants program.

As an immediate precautionary measure, all growers are advised to be very aware of their sources of incoming boxwood shipments. Growers should also be aware that certain varieties such as Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruiticosa' (English boxwood) and B. sempervirens (American boxwood) appear to be highly susceptible. However, even those species that do not appear to be susceptible can carry the fungus and it is now believed that asymptomatic plants have been responsible for some of the spread of C. buxicola throughout nurseries and into garden centres and the landscape.
The following links provide more information on C. buxicola.
Boxwood Blight - A New Disease (Journal of Plant Pathology)
Study on Control of C. buxicola using Fungicides and Host Resistance

Boxwood growers are especially encouraged to download and view the webinar that was hosted on Jan. 5 by North Carolina University Extension Services. Boxwood Blight Webinar with Kelly Ivors, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist Department of Plant Pathology, NC State University
]]> Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:44:50 -0500 http://www.horttrades.com/canada-blooms-2012-ticket-offer Discounted Canada Blooms tickets available to LO members
Ticket packages are available from Kathleen Pugliese at 1-800-265-5656 ext. 309 or kpugliese@landscapeontario.com. Download the ticket order form.

In 2012, Canada Blooms is co-locating with the National Home Show at the Direct Energy Centre. One ticket will admit guests to both events.
]]> Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:47:50 -0500 http://www.horttrades.com/in-memoriam-bill-schreiber Im memoriam: Bill Schreiber
Bill was a man of many talents, and a pioneer of the horticulture industry in Ontario. With partner John Northwood, he built Lakeshore Landscaping, which was recognized as an innovative and leading edge landscape company for many years, before being purchased by Aldershot Landscape Contractors. During his retirement his garden, carpenter friends, church and community kept him occupied. His love of wild and natural places such as the Niagara Escarpment and Georgian Bay were captured by his camera and paintbrush for all to see.

A memorial gathering took place at Boston Presbyterian Church in Milton on Sun., Dec. 11. In lieu of flowers, as expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
]]> Mon, 12 Dec 2011 09:30:55 -0500 http://www.horttrades.com/list-of-urban-tolerant-trees-for-nurseries-now-online List of urban-tolerant trees for nurseries now online List of urban-tolerant trees for nurseries now online

A list of 29 alternative trees to white and green ash (Fraxinus americana and F. pennsylvanica) and Norway maple (Acer platanoides) is now featured online.

Emerald ash borer (EAB) is destroying white and green ash in record numbers throughout North America. Market demand has dramatically declined at this stage of the EAB infestation. Norway maple is accused of naturalizing in many areas both in the U.S. and in Ontario, placing Acer platanoides on several invasive plant lists. Some research claims cultivars may not be invasive, but the popularity of Norway maples has declined because of the issue.

Finding alternative trees became a concern for nursery growers. This sparked the formation of the research group to develop a list of urban tolerant trees as good alternatives to ash and Norway maple. Information was gathered through surveys with industry groups and a literature search into urban tolerant trees. Through funding from the Farm Innovation Program, Landscape Ontario Growers' Sector Group initiated the research project to develop a list of urban-tolerant trees that could be offered to the Ontario landscape industry. The project team, led by Thelma Kessel of Lacewing Horticulture, included Sean Fox, assistant manager, University of Guelph Arboretum, Jennifer Llewellyn, OMAFRA nursery crops specialist, and Dr. Glen Lumis, Professor Emeritus, University of Guelph.

The 29 trees on the list are considered suitable for an Ontario urban setting, while encouraging species diversity. The research group feels the trees on this list have tolerance to urban situations, along with aesthetics and relative freedom from pests and diseases. The trees are similar to ash in size and form. Smaller specimens were included for sites where ash would be too large. Unlike today where a few specimens dominate the landscape, the group felt that a broad list of replacements will allow future urban forests to have a better opportunity to resist major pest infestations, and reduce the risk of future widespread problems.

Acer campestre - hedge maple
Acer x freemanii - Freeman's maple
Acer ginnala (A. tataricum subsp. ginnala) - Amur maple
Acer platanoides - Norway maple only cvs.:

'Columnare'
'Crimson King'
'Globosum'
'Royal Red'

Acer triflorum - three flowered maple
Aesculus flava (octandra) - yellow buckeye
Amelanchier spp. - serviceberry
Carya cordiformis - bitternut hickory
Carya ovata - shagbark hickory
Celtis occidentalis - hackberry
Fraxinus quadrangulata - blue ash
Ginkgo biloba - ginkgo
Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis cvs - honeylocust
Gymnocladus dioica - Kentucky coffeetree
Maclura pomifera - Osage orange
Malus spp./cvs. - crabapple
Ostrya virginiana - ironwood
Phellodendron amurense and/or sachalinense - Amur corktree
Pyrus calleryana cvs. - Callery pear
Quercus bicolor - swamp white oak
Quercus ellipsoidalis - northern pin oak
Quercus macrocarpa - bur oak
Quercus muehlenbergii - chinquapin oak
Quercus shumardii - shumard oak
Syringa reticulata and/or pekinensis spp./cvs - Japanese tree lilac
Taxodium distichum - baldcypress
Tilia americana - basswood
Tilia cordata - littleleaf linden
Ulmus americana - American elm

As of November, factsheets are available for each tree with specific data and photographs. The information is accessible at www.landscapeontario.com/trees-for-urban-landscapes.

Like a shaggy dog, the more you get to know shagbark hickory, the more you will like it.

Perhaps one of Ontario's toughest native trees, this species can often be found growing in dry, rocky conditions in natural areas. It is an important component of the oak-hickory forest for habitat and food source.

Shagbark hickory becomes a stately shade tree. It can reach 22 metres with a narrowly cylindrical shape and open branching. Carya ovata is interesting throughout the year. As the leaf buds unfurl, reddish bracts are revealed that appear as if flowers. In May, the showy male catkins bloom.

Compound leaves provide a strong, almost coarse texture to the summer landscape. Pinching the leaves reveals a slight apple scent. Fall is perhaps the most striking time with foliage turning shades of yellow and golden brown. In winter, the shagbark hickory is appreciated for the tree's stately shape and the fantastic exfoliating bark that is so shaggy, it defies description.

The shagbark hickory grows slowly, building an extensive root system that enables it to tolerate tough conditions, such as heat and drought on a wide range of soils. As demand for hickories increases, nursery growers will find techniques to overcome the challenges of transplanting this taproot species.

The name ovata describes the egg shape of the nut husk. The often-plentiful nuts are the choice food for wildlife, and most edible of the hickories. Hardy to zone 5 and perhaps zone 4, the shagbark hickory has few serious pests or diseases. The tree has some wonderful features, but it should be carefully located. It may be sensitive to deicing salt, and should not be planted in highly maintained turf areas. Dropping petioles, nuts, leaves and exfoliating bark may be regarded as a maintenance nuisance. Planted where it can develop in all its beauty, Carya ovata is a valuable contribution to the urban forest.

]]> Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:55:51 -0500 http://www.horttrades.com/calvin-chong-memorium In Memoriam Calvin Chong

Calvin Chong Memorium

Dr. Calvin Chong passed away Nov. 26, after a long battle with lymphoma. Dr. Chong was a long-time supporter and contributor to the horticulture industry. His research work and passion for horticulture was unmatched. His research work enhanced many of the industry's practices especially with respect to container growing. Among several awards, Dr. Chong was elected as a Fellow of the International Plant Propagators Society (1999) for his many contributions in the area of plant propagation. He was a great communicator and cared a great deal about the people he worked with. He made a very positive difference in the horticultural community and will be remembered fondly.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Dec. 2nd from 7 to 9 p.m. at Highland Funeral Home, 10 Cachet Woods Court, Markham.

Funeral service will be held on Sat, Dec. 3, at 10 a.m. at Highland Funeral Home followed by interment at the Holy Cross Cemetery, 8361 Yonge St., Thornhill. A reception will be held following the interment. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association. ]]> Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:19:56 -0500 http://www.horttrades.com/tools-for-the-trade-all-at-congress-2012 Tools for the trade all available at Congress Tools for the trade all at Congress 2012

Trim your costs, sharpen your skills and build your professional edge; don't miss the Conference at Congress 2012.

Mark January 9, 10, 11 and 12 on your calendar.

Monday's pre-trade show events include the 47th annual IPM Symposium at the Congress Centre's Cohen Ballroom. The program has been revamped to add more value and be more relevant than ever - for lawn and tree care companies, as well as municipalities.

The 2012 theme Managing Turf, Trees and Expectations will see industry professionals enlighten the audience. Attendees will earn 8 IPM Council of Canada CEC's. New this year, the IPM Person of the Year Award will be presented. The day's events will conclude with a complementary networking reception for all registered attendees.

The Landscape Designer Conference will again take place at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel's International Ballroom. It will include a sponsor showcase and full-day of sessions, followed by a networking reception. The line-up is a must-attend event for landscape design professionals.

Ontario Parks Association's 56th Annual Parks Educational Forum will also be held at the Doubletree. 'Turning Grey to Green, 75 Years of Protecting Tomorrow Today' has a fantastic line-up which includes the operations manager from the City of Cambridge, to the head of horticulture at the Royal Botanical Garden, to the City of Chicago's director of green initiatives. This annual event attracts parks and open space professionals from across the province, including front line staff, directors and elected officials.

The Certified Landscape Professional Study Group will gather on Monday, with an exam writing option at the end of the day. Human resources and leadership will be the focus. The irrigation conference has been reformatted and will move to Wednesday afternoon, and include lunch. This will allow attendees to enjoy the trade show in the morning and network at the irrigation conference in the afternoon.

The Tuesday to Thursday sessions at Congress 2012 Conference will focus on prosperity for both business owners/operators and employees. Relevant business development and enhancement are key issues and will be highlights of the schedule. The speaker line-up has been reformatted - sessions run mornings to allow attendees time for networking opportunities on the trade show floor. Most of the presenters are new to Congress, but well-recognized in the industry. The program features internationally acclaimed industry and business experts, such as Jeff Mowatt, Ron Koudys, Jody Shilan, Steven Peck, Bill Arman and many more. With more than 33 sessions to choose from, including a few three-hour workshops for owners-only, attendees have many options to expand their knowledge.

Also new this year, all conference pass holders are invited to lunch sessions with business oriented chat sessions as part of a value added initiative. Each day will also feature a 2 p.m. session - free to all trade show attendees. Green Roofs for Healthy Cities will hold three of its workshops in conjunction with the conference - all on Thursday afternoon.

Look for detailed information in the Conference Guide. ]]> Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:44:09 -0500 http://www.horttrades.com/downy-mildew-on-impatiens Downy mildew killing impatiens in the landscape Downy mildew observed on impatiens
Contractors who were frustrated with impatiens dying out in the landscape this summer can learn from a statement just released from Ball Horticultural Company. "The occurrence of impatiens downy mildew in North American landscapes this season has prompted Ball Horticultural Company to issue an alert to the landscape trade in an effort to slow the spread of impatiens downy mildew," says Dr. Colleen Warfield, company plant pathologist. Impatiens walleriana can become infected by short-lived aerial spores that are easily dispersed by wind currents and splashing water, or by oospores that may survive the winter in the soil.

To slow the spread of disease, the company is advising landscape contractors to closely inspect beds of Impatiens walleriana, promptly remove infected plants, and to plant alternative flowers and foliage for the next two seasons in beds with a history of this disease.

The downy mildew infecting impatiens is specific to Impatiens walleriana (garden impatiens) and will not infect other plants. All seed and vegetative varieties of Impatiens walleriana are susceptible to downy mildew. However, New Guinea impatiens is highly tolerant of this disease. Cool temperatures, especially at night, are ideal for rapid disease development. Moist air, rainy weather or irrigation practices that extend the amount of time moisture remains on the leaves also encourage the development and expression of downy mildew.

Downy mildew symptoms on Impatiens walleriana typically start with a few leaves that appear slightly chlorotic or stippled, and become completely yellow over time. Some varieties will have subtle gray markings on the upper leaf surface. A white, downy-like growth may be present on the underside of primarily yellow leaves, but can also be found on the underside of green leaves. As the disease progresses, premature leaf drop results in bare, leafless stems. Eventually these stems can become soft and the plant collapses, similar to frost damage.

To help contractors, Ball has posted a list of frequently asked questions and suggested alternative plants on its website.
]]> Tue, 11 Oct 2011 12:32:50 -0400 http://www.horttrades.com/chapter-enters-agreement-to-honour-veterans Chapter enters into agreement to honour veterans Community News, CTV, London News and London Free Press.
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