http://www.horttrades.com/news.php en-ca The voice of Landscape Ontario, Horticulture Review's online news feed.Tue, 07 May 2013 12:08:17 -0400 Tue, 07 May 2013 12:08:17 -0400 http://www.horttrades.com/many-saddened-by-news-of-gerry-ginsbergs-passing Many saddened by news of Gerry Ginsberg’s passing

Many in the industry were saddened by the news that Canada Blooms former general manager Gerry Ginsberg died at his Naples, Fla. home on May 4.

Ginsberg took on the leadership of Canada Blooms in 2007, after working in senior management positions with major Ontario municipalities and private corporations in the areas of special event planning and sponsorship development. Prior to joining Canada Blooms, Ginsberg was the executive director of the Edison Festival of Lights in Florida, and general manager of the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival.

"Gerry will be remembered and celebrated for his dedication, commitment and professionalism,” said Tony DiGiovanni, Landscape Ontario executive director. “He worked tirelessly for the benefit of Canada Blooms and the horticultural industry."

Landscape Ontario is a founding partner of Canada Blooms.

Administrative coordinator at Canada Blooms, Lisa Pascoe, said, “For the past six years, to many when you thought about Canada Blooms: The Flower and Garden Festival, you thought of Gerry Ginsberg. He was so dedicated and full of life that it is hard to take in that he is no longer with us. He will be greatly missed by all of us here at Canada Blooms. Our thoughts go out to his family at this time.”

Ginsberg was born Nov. 9, 1948 in London, Ont. He lived with his wife Barbara in Thornhill, and is survived by two daughters Rachelle and Julie and two grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at Or Shalom Cemetery (corner of Oxford St. and Proudfoot Lane) in London, on Fri., May 10, at 1 p.m. Logan Funeral Home, 371 Dundas St., London, is in charge of arrangements. A tree will be planted as a living memorial to Gerald Ginsberg.

A number of news outlets have written articles on Ginsberg's death. They include Niagara Falls Review, and CHCH.

 
 

]]> Tue, 07 May 2013 12:08:17 -0400 http://www.horttrades.com/research-continues-on-management-of-box-blight Research continues on management of box blight

University of Guelph researchers Tom Hsiang and Sarah Healy are attempting to understand the biology of Cylindrocladium buxicola, or boxwood blight.

Research of the fungus, the cycle of the disease, and ways to improve management is funded by Landscape Ontario and with the assistance of Ontario nurseries.

A new fungus, C. buxicola causes severe disease on boxwood plants and has created great concern for nursery growers in Ontario. The disease seriously impacts the appearance and aesthetics of boxwood, causing the entire foliage becomes blighted, making the plants unusable, and resulting in major economic losses.

Box blight has been observed to occur on many boxwood varieties from several geographic locations, including cultivars commonly grown in Ontario (Green Gem, Green Velvet, Green Mountain, and Green Mound). Symptoms of box blight include dark or light brown spots on leaves with dark borders, black streaks on stems, and bronzed foliage as well as severe defoliation (Figure 3). Signs of the fungus include sporulation under high humidity. This results in fuzzy spore masses forming on the underside of leaves (Figure 1) or over the plant surface.

Management methods The cultural management methods for box blight include obtaining clean (pathogen-free) material, avoiding overhead irrigation, initiating sound sanitation methods, conducting weekly inspections and removing and destroying infected plants. Previous studies have demonstrated that box blight is difficult to control with fungicides, and attempts at fungicide control should be complemented with cultural management methods.                                                                                                                                              

Fungicides registered for emergency use in Ontario, B.C., and Quebec include Switch 62.5WG, and Daconil 2787 until December 31, 2013. In April of 2012, we received two infected Green Mountain plants from a nursery in Southern.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Ontario, and we isolated C. buxicola from these infected samples. The fungus was identified based on DNA tests. Healthy boxwood and pachysandra leaves were inoculated with the fungus to determine if Pachysandra terminalis could be a potential host for box blight and to assess the susceptibilities of young versus old leaves, along with the susceptibilities of the different boxwood cultivars.

So far, we have discovered that C. buxicola can be isolated from inoculated symptomatic pachysandra leaves, which suggests that pachysandra may be a potential host for box blight. We also observed that after one week, inoculated young leaves become severely infected, while inoculated, older leaves show no signs of infection.

We also conducted a temperature growth experiment to determine the optimal temperature for the growth of C. buxicola. Several fungal isolates from different regions were incubated at 4, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30°C and we found that the optimal temperature for growth is 20°C, while there was little or no fungal growth at 4 or 30°C.                                      Figure 3

Analysis of the infection process on detached boxwood leaves revealed that the infection cycle of C. buxicola can be completed in less than three days. Detached Green Mountain leaves were inoculated with a spore suspension and incubated for up to seven days at 23°C . The lower leaf surface was peeled back and dyed with a stain, called trypan blue, to observe the fungal infection process every two hours until sporulation was observed.

The infection process revealed that spore germination occurred three hours after inoculation (Figure 4) and penetration into the plant occurred by 21 hours (Figure 5). Spore production generally started sometime between 72 hours and 120 hours after inoculation. The importance of these results for the nursery industry is confirmation that this disease is present in Ontario and therefore poses a threat to nurseries selling or growing boxwood.

This research also provides more information on the basic biology and optimal growing conditions of C. buxicola, highlighting how rapidly the infection cycle can be completed if the disease becomes established in a nursery setting.

- Sarah Healy and Tom Hsiang, University of Guelph ]]> Mon, 06 May 2013 13:49:43 -0400 http://www.horttrades.com/importing-bamboo-stakes Be aware of new regulations if importing product with bamboo stakes
All growers importing plant material with bamboo stakes into Canada from the U.S. should be aware of new regulations now being enforced by CFIA. Product that is manufactured from bamboo is exempt and split bamboo stakes are exempt.

Bamboo stakes (imported in bulk or associated with plant material) must be treated with methyl bromide and must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate that includes the following information: temperature, dosage, time of treatment/exposure. A copy of the fumigation certificate in lieu of the phyto is not allowed.

If plant shipments are stopped at the border without the appropriate documentation, CFIA advises it might be possible to have the stakes removed to allow entry of the shipment. This alternative would depend on variety of factors including inspection of the plants and stakes, species of associated plant, time of year (ie: emergence of potential pests) etc.

Plants that are refused entry may be detained (pending receipt of an amended phyto) or destroyed.

For more detailed information, refer to D-02-12: Import requirements for non-processed wood and other non-propagative wood products, except solid wood packaging material, from all areas other than the continental United States, available at www.inspection.gc.ca.

Link to CNLA Grower's Update with more information on importing and exporting nursery products associated with bamboo stakes.
]]> Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:09:31 -0400 http://www.horttrades.com/asian-long-horned-beetle-eradicated-from-canada Asian long-horned beetle eradicated from Canada

The Asian long-horned beetle (ALHB) has been successfully eradicated from Canada, following nearly a decade of collaborative efforts between federal, provincial and municipal authorities. As a result, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Natural Resources announce that tree materials, including nursery stock, trees, logs, lumber, wood, and wood and bark chips from tree species that are susceptible to the Asian long-horned beetle, may once again be freely moved out of, or through, the formerly ALHB-regulated area.

The Asian long-horned beetle is not native to Canada and was first detected in the cities of Vaughan and Toronto in 2003. Following the detection, the CFIA conducted visual surveys to determine how widely the pest had spread, and the extent of the damage it had caused to many broadleaf trees, such as maple, birch, elm, poplar and willow.

A Ministerial Order - the Asian Long-Horned beetle Infested Place Order - was established by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) around the southern part of the City of Vaughan and the north east part of the City of Toronto to prevent further spread. As part of the eradication effort, nearly 30,000 trees were also removed from the area. The Ministerial Order has now been repealed.

ALHB was last detected inside the regulated area in December 2007. It has never been detected elsewhere in Canada.

The ALHB has no natural controls, and the only way to eradicate the insect was to remove all susceptible trees within a defined area. In September 2003, when CFIA confirmed the detection of ALHB in the cities of Vaughan and Toronto, all infested and susceptible trees were removed within a 200 or 400 metre radius to eliminate the spread of the beetle to uninfested trees.

Natural Resources minister Joe Oliver said, "Our world-class science and research will continue to support affected regions across Canada for the purposes of eliminating invasive species and protecting Canada's forests."


]]> Tue, 09 Apr 2013 11:12:00 -0400 http://www.horttrades.com/arden-training-video-first-of-its-kind Garden training video first of its kind

Thanks to the Landscape Ontario Garden Centre Sector Group, garden centres across Canada have a new tool to train employees.

Sector group chair Michael Van Dongen CHT says the training program offers a three-tier approach to training. “It provides education for staff, safety compliance training and learning about the business of garden centres.”

The sector group worked with LS Training System to create the the online training video. LO joined with the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association to share 50 per cent of the costs, while LS Training System took on the remaining 50 per cent.

“This training system is the first of its kind in the industry,” says Van Dongen. “The system helps to manage the intake of new staff because long before the start, we can create online profiles they can log into. From here we can monitor their progress and know if they are ready for day one.”

Michael Van Dongen supervises at Van Dongen Garden Centre and Landscaping Services in Hornby. In examining the three tiers, Van Dongen says the customer service training will show new hires the basics of customer service so that they are better prepared when the season begins each May. The second tier will provide information that will ensure compliance with WHMIS and personal safety aspects, such as sun burn, bee stings, and many other basic safety issues.

“The video section on safety will allow garden centres to avoid costly training during the spring rush, and is easily followed up with customizable on the job checklists,” says Van Dongen.

Looking at the third part of the training system, new employees will be educated on both how a garden centre operates and product knowledge. “Areas such as plant information for new staff will allow them to know about some of the exciting elements of our industry,” says Van Dongen.

Costs range from $199. To learn more about the system, or to sample some of the video, or to sign-up for the training system, go to Garden Centre video. ]]> Mon, 01 Apr 2013 11:23:39 -0400 http://www.horttrades.com/overtime-and-landscape-gardeners Overtime and Landscape Gardeners

Employers of Landscape Gardeners are exempt from the requirement to pay overtime. However the Ministry of Labour has a specific interpretation of what constitutes Landscape Gardener work. In general, this type of work includes landscape maintenance, planting, caring for lawns and plants, installing rock gardens and planters, parks work and golf course greens keeping.

When must I, as an employer, pay overtime? If scope of an employee's work falls outside of the MOL's Landscape Gardener definition, employers may be required to pay overtime. There are also special rules concerning construction work which may cover other landscape site work not technically under the landscape gardener exemption. The Ministry maintains an excellent interactive web page that describes the special rules for different occupations.: www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/tools/srt/coverage_construction_employee.php

Most of my work involves irrigation contracting. Must I pay my workers overtime? Yes, irrigation contractors installing irrigation systems, must pay employees overtime.

Is a landscape contractor installing irrigation systems required to pay overtime? It depends. If the employee is installing irrigation systems less than 50 per cent of the time, overtime is not required. If, however, the employee specialized in installing irrigation systems most of his work time, then overtime applies.

I run a lawn care company. Are my employees considered Landscape Gardeners? Yes, and the overtime exemption applies. However, if most of an employee's work is related to vegetation management along railway or transmission lines, payment of overtime is required.

Does the exemption apply to landscape contractors? If an employee of a landscape contractor works mainly on building retaining walls, overtime is required.

From a practical, administrative and level-playing-ground perspective, Landscape Ontario believes that the Ministry of Labour interpretation of the term “Landscape Gardener” is flawed, and should be more comprehensive. Although LO has attempted to convince the Ministry to broaden its interpretation, the association has not been successful to date. Please see www.horttrades.com/defining-landscape-gardener for more information. ]]> Thu, 21 Feb 2013 08:34:27 -0500 http://www.horttrades.com/national-awards-celebrate-industrys-professionalism National awards celebrate industry’s professionalism

Ontario hosted the 10th annual Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) National Awards of Landscape Excellence ceremony at the Hilton Hotel — Fallsview in Niagara Falls on Jan. 30.

Co-hosted by Landscape Ontario's Denis Flanagan CLD and new CNLA president, Christene LeVatte of Sydney, N.S., the evening recognized companies that have actively participated in raising the level of professionalism in the industry. Each province nominates members that are then entered into the national awards.

“It is never an easy decision for the judges, as all entrants displayed a high level of effort and expertise,” said Flanagan.

The Royal Bank of Canada Grower of the Year Award went to Sheridan Nurseries. The company, which is celebrating its centennial this year, was presented the International Grower of the Year Award on Sept. 13, 2012 in Venlo, the Netherlands. Sheridan continued its winning ways at the Niagara Falls event, when it was presented the Chrysler Garden Centre of the Year Award for its Unionville operation.

Other awards presented at the CNLA event in Niagara Falls included the Dynascape Award of Excellence for Landscape Design to The Landmark Group of Thornbury, the John Deere Award of Excellence for Residential Landscape Maintenance to Snider Turf and Landscape Care of Waterloo, the John Deere Award of Excellence for Commercial Landscape Maintenance to The Cultivated Garden of Toronto, and the Caterpillar Award of Excellence for Commercial Landscape Construction/Installation to Flynn Canada of Mississauga.

LO’s work to revitalize St. James Park in downtown Toronto received recognition at the CNLA award night, with the presentation of the Green for Life Community Award. On hand to accept the award were members of the Friends of St. James Park and the St. Lawrence Market BIA.

The Caterpillar Award of Excellence for Residential Landscape Construction/Installation went to Fossil Projects Services of British Columbia and the CNLA President's Award to Gloria Beck of Parkland Nurseries and Garden Centre, Alberta.

Selected winners from Landscape Ontario's 40th anniversary ceremony will be entered into the the next year's National Awards program in 2014. To view this year's LO winners, go to Awards of Excellence. 

More information on the awards night may be found at www.cnla-acpp.ca/awards.]]> Thu, 31 Jan 2013 10:53:43 -0500 http://www.horttrades.com/tips-for-using-irrigation-water-more-efficiently-2 How to Select Irrigation Contractor
]]> Fri, 04 Jan 2013 15:11:14 -0500 http://www.horttrades.com/in-memoriam-perry-molema With heavy hearts the family of Perry Molema announce his passing at Hotel Dieu, Windsor, on Sat., Dec. 22, 2012. Perry is the cherished son of Henry and Elisabeth Molema of Chatham. The beloved husband and best friend of Sherry, and loving father of Melissa and her fiancé Shaun Melo of Toronto, and Lindsay and her companion Dan Golas of Chatham. He is predeceased by his brother Robert.

Perry was employed by Aquascape Designs in Toronto and Chicago. His job incorporated his passion for travel which took him to every corner of the world. He left his mark creating beautiful water features and landscapes that can be enjoyed throughout Chatham and Canada, as well as the U.S., Europe, Egypt, Turkey and Australia. He had many hobbies and enjoyed sharing his life with his family and many friends.

Perry was engaging and compassionate; once you knew Perry you knew you had a friend for life. Perry lived his life to the fullest and touched many hearts. He will be infinitely missed and forever loved and cherished by all who knew him.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Perry’s life at The Armoury, 44 William Street N, Chatham, on Thurs., Dec., 27 from 4 to 8 p.m. Arrangements entrusted to the Alexander & Houle Funeral Home, 245 Wellington West, Chatham. Friends planning an expression of remembrance are asked to consider the Carlo Rossini Memorial Diabetes Foundation and the London Regional Cancer Program. On-line condolences may be left at www.alexanderfuneralhome.ca
]]> Mon, 24 Dec 2012 11:37:01 -0500 http://www.horttrades.com/members-needed-to-ask-politicians-support-of-flora-niagara Members needed to ask politicians’ support of Flora Niagara

Flora Niagara is asking industry members to strongly communicate with their representatives of government.

Landscape Ontario is a major stakeholder in Flora Niagara, along with The Tourism Partnership of Niagara, Hamilton Halton Brant Regional Tourism Association, Royal Botanical Gardens, Centre-South-West region of RDEE Ontario and Vineland Research and Innovation Centre.

A call has gone out for members to talk it up and contact their local, provincial and federal government representatives by telephone, email, Twitter, or mail to show support for the event. This campaign is to encourage the various levels of government to support the event. “I encourage you all to help provide awareness of and encourage funding for this great event, which will provide a true economic stimulus to our industry,” says LO executive director Tony DiGiovanni.

The project will host an International horticultural exhibition in the same year that Canada celebrates its 150th anniversary. It is predicted that over three million people will visit Flora Niagara during the 150-day event from May to October. It is estimated that the celebration will create over 6,500 jobs and leave a legacy of infrastructure and buildings on the primary site of 63 acres on Niagara Parks Commission’s land. Financial estimates to operate the event have been as high as $400-million.

The 2012 event in Holland cost around $200-million, while the 2011 event in China was $500-million and the Taiwan event in 2010 was $400-million. DiGiovanni responds, “It doesn't have to cost that much, but we said this event is going to be a catalyst, so we asked for the wish list,” using the 2012 exhibition in Holland cost of around $200 million, as an example.

The group is working to encourage private financial support for the project. If this is successful, it is expected that government support will follow. Part of that process involves the entire LO membership sending letters to their local politicians to encourage them to support the project.

Organizers are asking members to copy Michel Gauthier at m.gauthier@floraniagara.com when contacting your government official. Two websites to contact federal and provincial members of parliament are http://bit.ly/federalMPs and www.ontariotenants.ca/government/mpp.phtml. Details about the event, including quotes from supporters, can be found in Flora Niagara’s bid document on www.floraniagara.com. ]]> Fri, 21 Dec 2012 12:00:53 -0500