HortWest 2007-03

Following suit with federal and provincialpolitics’ green fever, the National Awardsof Landscape Excellence were chargedwith messages of sustainability. Said JaneStock, Executive Director of the BCLNA,“We wanted to send a clear message togovernments and our community thatour industry is working hard and workingtogether to lead the way to sustainableenvironments.”

It was apparent that the effort did not gounnoticed. In his address to the group of

environmental alliance and ornamentalhorticulture representatives, MinisterPat Bell recognized industry initiativesthat are underlined by the sustainabilityobjective. His comments also referencedkey points from Premier Campbell’sThrone Speech, with particular focus ontree-planting, striving to find a solution forpine beetle devastation, recycling beetle-damaged timber for energy generation,and working for long-range solutions toemissions issues.

The Honourable Pat Bell, Minister of Agricultureand Lands (Left), addressed a diverse group of industryprofessionals and related associations at the recent NationalAwards of Landscape Excellence. Nearly 200 peopleturned out for the event, which highlighted the industry’smany supporters.

3BCLNA Board Highlights

4BCLNA News Bulletins

5Grower Notes

6Landscape & Retail News

8New for Spring

9Associations at Work

13HortEducationBC

13BCMAL Report

14Industry Bits

continued on page 5

Ag Minister Talks Green

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 • M A R C H 2 0 0 7

HortWestMar07 3/13/07 12:26 PM Page 2

2

Message from the President

Reporting on whathappened at theBCLNA last month,it is clear that oursis a vibrant andsocially consciousorganization. We arenot simply talkinggreen, we are takingsteps to create a

more sustainable environment throughmanageable and effective initiatives. Wedon’t just think about helping out, wecome together to accomplish sharedgoals. We don’t just talk about commu-nity, we work collaboratively with otherassociations to achieve a more unifiedvoice. In these ways, the BCLNA is itsown “sustainable community,” and itserves the needs of our membership well.

A case study presented last month to theInternational Garden Centre Associationon the CNLA reflected this co-operation.The study accumulated the CNLA’sprograms, benefits, and interactionswith both affiliate and complementaryassociations; the result showed a stronglywoven web of support that impressedthose delegates whose associations arestruggling. If we were to chart BCLNA’sinteractivity, you would be equallyastounded at the network of which thisorganization is a part.

In this, there are lessons to be learnedfor our own businesses. Retaining staffrequires us to create a “sustainablecommunity” in our workplaces—anatmosphere that fosters collaboration is asafer, more efficient, and more enjoyable

place to work. Being socially and envi-ronmentally conscious isn’t a cost ofdoing business, it’s a responsibility, astrength, and a mark of professionalism.Finally, learning opportunities existall around us: take advantage of theknowledge that your colleagues andthe various associations have to offer,share your own talents, and you willstrengthen your company’s foundation.

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

BCLNA is its Own Sustainable Community


President’s Report: President Giesbrechtmet with the Ministry of Environment andothers to provide input into the practicalityof the Ministry’s ‘Guidelines,’ which areintended to clarify the landscape requirementswithin the IPM Act. Fred was impressed withhow receptive the Ministry was to industry’srecommendations.

Island: A Pest Management Accreditationmeeting was held on February 22 to indicatehow the program is being fast-tracked.The Victoria Home & Garden Show hada significant Island Chapter presence.

Labour: The CNLA, BCLNA and HortEduca-tionBC are prioritizing labour recruitmentactivities, as are the federal and provincialgovernments. More detail will be available formembers on www.bclna.com in mid-March.

3

HortEducationBC: The selection processfor a new half-time president is underway,and will be complete by time of publishing.

Health and Safety: Safety trainingprograms for nursery and landscape areexpected to be completed by fall 2007.BCLNA is working with FARSHA toaddress some grower safety concerns.

Environment: BCLNA did a presentationat the annual Invasive Plant Councilmeeting in January raising awarenessof the industry’s overall support forthis initiative as well as its needs.

CNLA/Governance: Peter Levelton,BCLNA’s new representative on theCanadian Nursery Landscape Association’sBoard, reported that the meetings held

in Vancouver were well run andproductive. Labour shortage is a majorissue throughout the country, withprovincial associations workingtogether to develop a detailed CNLAHuman Resource strategy. Bill Hardyis the co-chair of the group. CNLA isleaving the Canadian HorticultureCouncil (CHC) as a new CanadianOrnamental Horticulture Association(COHA) is expected to be more effectivevehicle. COHA is comprised of CNLA,Flowers Canada, and the Quebechorticulture association. CHC and thefederal government are supportive ofthe change, with Ag Canada assuringCOHA that this change will not jeopar-dize ornamental growers’ position as aprimary producer. Peter was appointedthe CNLA Environment chair. ■

BCLNA Board Highlights

MARCH 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

North Shore Richmond Pitt Meadows

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Monday, February 19, 2007


The CNLA winter board meeting washeld in BC last month, electing newofficers and evaluating and assigningportfolios. Among this year’s changesto the board are the designation of theEnvironment Portfolio to BCLNA pastpresident, Peter Levelton. In addition,Bruce Hunter, CLP, CHT, became theLandscape Canada Chair, good newsfor BC’s landscape industry, while BillHardy, CLP and Harold Deenen, CLP(Ontario) now share the HumanResources portfolio. Cary Van Zantenassumes the role of Treasurer.

A number of initiatives were announcedduring the meetings:• CNLA launched a new charitable

organization called Project Evergreen,which will draw on the marketingresources of its established US affiliateand use its slogan “Because GreenMatters”. The aim of both organiza-tions is to promote the environmental,economic and lifestyle benefits of greenspaces. Project Evergreen Canada will beindependently run from Project Evergreenin the US and is owned by CNLA.

• Landscape “on-sites” are close tocompletion. The program will providetailgate-training tools to CNLAmembers, and will be available throughthe association by summer.

• CNLA dropped its membership inthe Canadian Hort Council, and hasjoined the Canadian OrnamentalHorticulture Alliance (COHA)instead. COHA is a new alliancebetween the CNLA, Flowers Canada,and Fédération Interdisciplinaire del’Horticulture Ornementale du Québec,created to address governmental issuesaffecting the ornamental horticultureindustry.

• The hiring of a marketing directorwas approved in order to increase mem-ber participation in the HortProtectinsurance program. This program isresponsible for providing CNLA

with significant funding to supportindustry initiatives without raisingmembership dues.

Volunteers Now Executive Director,Mary MacKillop, addressed the IGCASecretariat along with invitees from theUBC Friends of the Garden, WorldRose Convention 2009, BCLNA,CNLA, and Evergreen Foundation.Her enthusiastic presentation, onepart motivation and one part how-to,highlighted the need for volunteerismin today’s society, noting that approxi-mately 1.4 million British Columbiansvolunteer their time in charitable ornot-for-profit organizations includingsport, culture, arts, literacy, education,health and a vast array of communitysettings.

“That number,” said MacKillop, “is onthe decline. About 1 million fewer peopleacross Canada volunteer today than in1997.” She added that addressing a short-age of volunteers requires a refreshed lookat how we recruit people for these tasks.Among her tips were the following points:

• Volunteering is a job. Make it ameaningful one.

• Give something in return. Volunteerswho go unrewarded and unrecognizedwill volunteer less than those whofeel appreciated.

• Recruit specific talents for specifictasks. Getting volunteers is easier andmore successful when both the taskand the required skills are defined.

• Start them young. Students are requiredto put in certain levels of volunteer timeprior to graduation. Studies show thatchildren who are active in their com-munities are more likely to stay active

and volunteer as adults. Contact highschool career counselors for information,but be clear in defining your needsand the job’s requirements.

• Use www.volweb.ca, a great onlineresource for seeking volunteers.

Many nurseries have provided theirfacilities’ P. ramorum Nursery Certificationmanuals as required by the March 2deadline. Over the busy season, thesemanuals will be reviewed and any issueswill be addressed with the grower.After the busy season, an audit will berequired of all nurseries participating inthe program, based on the informationprovided in the nursery’s own manual.For further information regarding theP. ramorum Nursery Certificationprogram, contact Hedy Dyck at theBCLNA: [email protected].

S p e c i a lT h a n k s …

BCLNA staff would like torecognize the many memberswho worked so hard to assistwith last month’s many labour-intensive events. Without them,the National Awards of LandscapeExcellence, the Home & GardenShow presence, BCLNA’s fund-raising auction, and numerousother seminars and events couldnot have been accomplished withthe same degree of professionalismand outcome as was experienced. ■

4

BCLNA News Bulletins

CNLA Meets inVancouver

Spirited SpeakerEnthusiasticAbout Volunteers P. ramorum

Manuals & AuditsRequired


The landscape sector in BC is estimatedto contribute more than $1 billion annuallyto the provincial economy, while theentire ornamental horticulture sector(including nurseries, greenhouses, retailgarden centres and parks) is thought todouble that figure. Given industry effortsat establishing green roof technology,creating invasive plant control strategies,demanding integrated pest managementpractices, and having taken a lead role incountless other ecology-first activities, itis clear why, as Paul Olsen (immediatePast-President of the CNLA) asserted,“we are the original green industry!”

Under current CAIS guidelines, growersproducing forestry seedlings are noteligible for that program’s benefits becausethey are considered to have guaranteedpurchasers, and fall under the ‘forestry’rather than the ‘agricultural’ sector.Because many agricultural commoditiessell to other sectors, and many commodi-ties also have guaranteed purchasers, thegrounds for this disallowance is underdiscussion. BCLNA has been in com-munication with concerned membernurseries and will be supporting theinclusion of forest seedling nurseries inthe agricultural sector in a letter toMinisters Chuck Strahl and Pat Bell.

In other CAIS news, a new transitioninitiative called ‘ CITI’ (CAIS InventoryTransitional Initiative) has been developed.This initiative will address issues ofinventory values and fluctuations, alarge concern in the nursery sector. Allproducers will automatically have theirCAIS files reviewed, retroactive to 2003.

5

continued from Cover

BCLNA Rootingfor Forest SeedlingNurseries

Grower Notes

Join hosts John and Kelly Schroeder ona horticultural tour of a lifetime. For all

the details, see thisissue’s Extras or goto Valleybrook Gardensonline at www.valleybrook.com

A New ZealandOdyssey


SpectrumPrunes GardenDivisionSpectrum Brands Inc., the ownerof familiar garden brands such asC-I-L, Schultz, Pickseed, Plant Prod,Garden Safe, Vigoro and others,announced first quarter net sales of$564.6 million and a net loss of $0.38per share for the quarter endedDecember 31, 2006. Reported netsales exclude sales from the company’sHome & Garden division, which isbeing discontinued pending completionof an ongoing sale process. A loss of$22.2 million ($0.43 per share) hasbeen attributed to this division, withproceeds of the sale being directedto reducing debt and strengtheningprofitable markets, including a growingpet supply segment. At time of print,the purchaser had not been formallyidentified, however the buyer wasrumoured to be seeking diversificationfor its existing swimming pool supplyfocus.

Sun GroAcquiresCA CompaniesSun Gro Horticulture Canada Ltd.has agreed to purchase all outstandingshares of Sun-Up Forest ProductsInc. of Sacramento, and Kellogg-Rich Grow LLC of Santa Maria,California. The transactions addthree bark and peat mixing plantsand one bark processing plant to SunGro’s existing 17 production facili-ties. Sun Gro was founded in 1929 inVancouver, BC and is North America’slargest producer of sphagnum peatand peat products in the US andCanada. Approximately 80% of thecompany’s volume is attributed toUS sales.

n enthusiastic crowd,including 32 horticulturestudents, turned out atlast month’s LandscapeCommodity meeting to

participate in a “speed interviewing”session with members looking forspring staff. Students came armed withresumes, employers with company infosheets, to efficiently assess one another in2.5-minute meetings.

Grant Cameron of Beaver Landscapeswas enthusiastic about the evening’sprogram, saying, “This has been fantastic!I can easily spend a thousand dollars onadvertising in a year and not generate asmany resumes as I’ve collected in onehour here tonight.” A Capilano Collegestudent summed up her experience: “Evenin the few minutes, I got to know what the

employer did and who they were lookingfor, quickly tell if we would be able to gofurther and really discuss the job potentialor we could just relax and talk.” JerryIngram, of Kwantlen University Collegeadded “It just doesn’t get any easier forstudents to meet landscape companies.”

Daltile kindly hosted the event at its beau-tiful showroom in Vancouver; TerraLinkHorticulture Inc. and Inline NurseriesInc. co-sponsored the dinner. Very specialthanks to all three companies for sharingin the success of a great evening.

6

Landscape & Retail News

HortEduca-tionBC andWorkSafeBCare pleasedto announcethat thesafetytraining

manual developedfor new garden centreemployees is now com-

plete and available fordownloading fromwww.horteducationbc.com.WCB Industry Liaison,Rose McDonald said,“We want to continueworking with industryassociations to developpractical and relevanthealth and safety infor-mation for workers and

employers. Our ultimategoal is to reduce workplaceinjuries in BC. This bookletwas done in partnershipwith the BCLNA and theirmembers to ensure theinformation would addressspecific issues in gardencentres and provide prac-tical solutions to preventcommon injuries.”

Retail Manual Provides Safety Solutions

Jamie Napper and AmandaGibb of Treefrog GardensInc. (below left and centre),take a few seconds to lookover a student’s resume atlast month’s speed interviewspicture at left.

A

Local Landscape Labour Addressed


The InternationalGarden CentreAssociation met inVancouver to pre-view the location ofthe 2008 Congress,touring MinterCountry Garden,Southlands Nurseryand GardenWorksstores during theirstay. The group’sreaction is keyto the success ofCongress, whichwill be co-hosted byBCLNA and CNLA from September 8-12of that year. Held in conjunction withthat association’s annual meeting, thepreview event welcomed garden centre

owners from England, Ireland, Ger-many, Spain, Poland, Denmark, SouthAfrica, Japan and the US, each of whomexpressed delight with their stay.

Spectacularevergreenmagnolias are now atERNI - call

for details andpricing.

Teddy Bear

D.D. Blanchard

Bracken’s BrownBeauty

Edith Bogue

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!

7

IGCA Secretariat Keen on Canada

Brian Minter welcomes international visitors to his garden centre.

Northern Roots Landscaping incorporateda koi pond into their BC Home & GardenShow display. Numerous landscapecompanies use the show as their keymarketing tool each year, and BCLNAmembers figured prominently. Arcon Rock& Waterscapes, The Great CanadianLandscaping Company, Waterscene,Think Green Landscaping, Vandenberg'sLandscape Design, and Jovak Landscape,each created stunning features, whileThink Green Landscaping, AccurateCedar, and Davey Tree Experts joinedforce to create their display garden.

Newly Certified ProfessionalsCongratulations to the following candidates for achieving their certificationdesignations last month:

Audriana Vanderwerf, CLD, GardenWorks™

Tom Meyer, CLP, Contour Landscaping Ltd.Colin McCrea, CLP, Horizon Nurseries ■


Plant BibleRe-Released

The 8th edition ofSunset WesternGarden Book wasreleased last month,boasting a new,easy-to-readdesign, more plantphotography,larger illustra-tions, and morethan 8,000

plant listings—500 ofthem new. The tome, which specificallyaddresses garden issues applicable tothe west coast of North America, hasalso been updated to include refreshedWestern climate zones and plantselection guides, and to improve its‘Practical Guide to Gardening’. Thislatest edition also introduces a sectionof gardening tips from respected plantexperts throughout the West. Editorsat Sunset have been busily rampingup for spring, also re-releasing acollection of books on small-space,hillside, patio, deck, and water gardens.For a complete listing of titles, visitwww.sunset.com.

Watering Can Fitsthe ‘Green’ Theme

Fashion meets function in XL Design’sDiablo Watering Can, featured in thecompany’s 2007 Garden Utility catalogue.The contemporary hourglass containerwas developed to collect rainwater whileproviding a garden-art aesthetic, andhas created an online stir in gardenblogs. We tracked the new product toa Belgian wholesaler’s Garden Utilitycatalogue, available on the web atwww.gardenutility.be.

Eco-HealthyProgram Aimedat LandscapersBall Seed launched its first ‘sustainable’program to growers last October, butlandscapers will see it first this springunder the EasyScape™ label. SaidDr. Marvin Miller, Market ResearchManager at Ball Horticultural, to theIGCA Secretariat, “The market isdemanding a greener approach.”

EasyScape™ pairs environmentalsensibilities with labour reductionperks. Plants can be installed inlandscapes pot-and-all, becausethey are grown in bottomless paper“Ellepots,” thereby reducing plantingtime and eliminating plastics disposal.Certified EasyScape™ growers are alsorequired to use a prescribed organicfertilizer. A wide selection of annualsand perennials, tested at Ball’s trialgardens, is available.

Landscapers interested in EasyScape™

products should contact their favouritebedding plant grower, or contact BallSeed to find a supplier.

8

New for Spring

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.


The UBC Botanical Garden Collectors’Plant Auction, coming up on April 26,will make some 400 specialty plantsavailable to the industry and thegardening public. Net proceeds fromthe evening will support the garden’sGarry Oak Meadow and CarolinianForest projects currently underway.A maximum of 400 tickets are avail-able at $125 each, and will include ahosted bar and cocktail buffet. Topurchase tickets, contact Liz Haan at(604) 261-6933. ■

Grants are availablefrom the Perennial PlantAssociation (PPA) tobe used for research.Although the basic crite-rion for research proposalsis a direct relationship tothe herbaceous perennial industry,preference will be given to qualityproposals for research on slow-release fertilizers, height reductionby growth regulators, techniques toincrease bud (eye) production, propa-gation techniques, and invasivespecies. The grants are available toany recognized non-profit entity inthe United States or Canada. Nooverhead will be paid to the institu-tion on these grants. Although theresearcher may publish the results in

a refereed journal, he orshe is expected to makea written report of thefindings to the PPA.The report will bepublished, all or in part,in Perennial Plants, the

PPA journal. When results are pub-lished elsewhere, mention must bemade of support by the PerennialPlant Association.

Proposals must be sent electronicallyby June 15, 2007 to Dr. Steven Still([email protected]), and willbe evaluated by the PPA ResearchCommittee. Applicants will be notifiedof the decisions by August 30, 2007.Awards will be mailed to recipients inSeptember, 2007. >>

9

Associations at WorkTwo collections oftricyrtis are on theUBC Collectors’Plant Auction block,including Tricyrtis‘Mine-no-yuki.’

Phot

o co

urte

sy o

f Pho

enix

Per

enni

als.

Plant AuctionShares Rarities

PPA Makes Grants Available


People, Plants andPride GrowingTogetherCommunities in Bloom will be acceptingnew program participants until March 31,and the organization encourages BCLNAmembers to help support their respectivetowns’ efforts. The community-drivenprogram fosters civic pride, environmen-tal responsibility and beautification.Previous participants have expressed itseffectiveness in engaging citizens of allages, service groups, businesses andassociations in a spirited collaborativeeffort to have their communities recog-nized and beautified.

BC’s best will go on to compete withsimilarly populated communities across

Canada, and top national participantswill partake in an international competition.

For more information, contactCatherine Kennedy at (604) 576-6506or [email protected]. ■

10

Associations at Work

The District of Kent, pictured here, placed 1st in its population category during the2006 Communities in Bloom competition.


P. ramorum Certification & EnvironmentalFarm Planning WorkshopsVarious dates and locations. Contact BCLNA for details.

Irrigation Field Repair WorkshopMarch 9North Vancouver, BCwww.horteducationbc.com

BCLNA Golf TourneyJune 19Swan-e-set Resort Pitt Meadows, [email protected]

CHT ExamJuly 13-14Langley, BCwww.horteducationbc.com

CanWest Hort ShowSeptember 12-13Vancouver, BCwww.canwesthortshow.com

Out of Province EventsCanada BloomsMarch 7-11Toronto, ONwww.canadablooms.com

ANLA Retail RoadshowJune 20-24Seattle, WAwww.anla.org

OFA Short CourseJuly 14-17Columbus, OHwww.ofa.org

Perennial Plant SymposiumAugust 5-12Columbus, OHwww.perennialplant.org

CGTA Fall Gift ShowAugust 12-15Toronto, ONwww.cgta.org

Farwest ShowAugust 23-25Portland, ORwww.farwestshow.com

GLEESeptember 16-18Birmingham, Englandwww.gleebirmingham.com

Communities in Bloom AwardsSeptember 19-22Moncton, NBwww.communitiesinbloom.ca

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

Industry

&&programseven t s


Advertisein Marketplace

by callingBarb Nelson at BCLNA

(604) 574-7772

12

Call us for all yournative and ornamental

plant needs

3666 - 224th Street, Langley, BC V2Z 2G7 Canada

Tel: 604-533-8281Fax: 604-533-8246

1-888-327-7705email: [email protected]

LINNAEANURSERIES LTD.

Help Wanted

WHAT’S GROWING ON?

PARKLAND NURSERY & LANDSCAPESERVICES LTD. is a wholesale nurserybased just east of Red Deer, Alberta.We supply local landscapers and con-tractors, as well as the westernprovinces with caliper shade andconifer trees, shrubs, perennials andhard goods. We are currently lookingfor people to join our team in the fol-lowing positions as we continuallyexpand our business.

Assistant Supervisors (Field & Land-scape) – Responsibilities include thesupervision and monitoring of dailyactivities of work crews. Candidatesshould have a two year degree in Hor-ticulture or related field.

In-House Sales Representative –This position requires an up-beat, selfstarter, professional person with a verygood knowledge of plant material withexperience in computers, accountingand inventory control.

Laborers – Physically fit people whoenjoy working outdoors are always indemand.

For more information on these or otherpossible employment opportunities,please contact Laurie Wright [email protected] or fax403-340-8759.

Agent presently calling on GardenCenters and Chain Stores would liketo represent a wholesale supplier oftree, shrubs and perenials to compli-ment existing business in Alberta. Ican be reached at 780-464-6908 [email protected]

"HARD GOODS & PLANT MATERIALFROM THE WORLD'SFINEST SOURCES"

• ITML & KORD CONTAINERS• PLUG TRAYS: LANDMARK & TLC• ITML NURSERY CONTAINERS• JIFFY & PREFORMA GROWING SYSTEMS

8168 River Way, Delta, B.C. V4G 1K5

Tel: 604-946-5641Fax: 604-946-0234

Toll Free: 1-800-498-7403www.crofton.ca

GROWER SERVICES LTD.

theclassifieds

Help Wanted

Work Wanted


13

The HortEducationBC team is in themidst of planning the summer andautumn slate of educational programs.If you are interested in a particularworkshop or short course topic, be sureto contact Krista Manton to submityour suggestions. HortEducationBC is

committed to providing a variety ofeducational opportunities to industryprofessionals. If your organization isholding its own horticulture-relatedprograms this summer, be sure tosend them along for posting:[email protected]

Is Your Elm StockCertified?Dutch elm disease (DED) (Ophiostomaulmi) is an exotic fungal wilt disease thathas destroyed most American elms(Ulmus americana) in North America.Alberta and BC remain two of the onlyregions where DED is not present.To preserve and protect their elmsfrom this destructive disease, Albertahas developed an exceptional preventionprogram that is led by the Society toPrevent Dutch Elm Disease (STOPDED),and BC nurseries are preferred suppliersof elm nursery stock because of theprovince’s DED-free status.

DED is spread to healthy trees byeither root grafting or by elm barkbeetles; insect vectors are presentin Alberta and in BC, and their pres-ence continues to be a concern toSTOPDED.

To reduce the risk of elm bark beetlesentering Alberta on nursery stock from BC,a certification program was established inthe 1990s for elms exported to Alberta. Theprogram’s aim is to ensure all stock is free ofelm bark beetles, in compliance with theregulations of the Alberta Pest Control Act.The certification program encompasses thefollowing best management practices:• Apply insecticides,• Set elm bark beetle traps,• Monitor nursery stock for evidence of

elm bark beetles,• Remove dead limbs and unmanaged

elm trees to eliminate beetle breedingsites,

• Submit samples of symptomatic stockfor DED diagnosis.

For additional information on the elmcertification program, please contactGarfield Marshall, Advance Orchards(250 442-5291) or David Woodske,BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands(604 556-3044).

Distance (pyriproxyfen) is nowregistered in Canada to control silver-leaf, sweet potato, and greenhousewhiteflies on greenhouse ornamentalcrops. Distance is an insect growthregulator that affects all life stages ofwhiteflies, including eggs, nymphs,pupae and adults. It does not controladults, but reduces their productionof viable eggs. It rapidly penetratesthe upper leaf surface and can subse-quently be ingested by insectsfeeding on the lower leaf surface.Distance is phytotoxic on someornamental plants. The label recom-mends to test the product on a limitedscale and to observe for phytotoxicityfor two weeks before making large-scale applications. Please refer to thelabel for directions on how to useDistance. ■

BCMAL Report

DistanceRegistered

Seminar Ideas?

NewIPM Degree

s HortEducationBC

If you missed the last round of Certification testing, you have plenty of time to preparefor the next scheduled test day. HortEducationBC will be offering CHT, CLD andCLP exams on Friday, July 13 at Kwantlen University College. To register, and toorder study materials, visit www.horteducationbc.com.

While the primary focus of Certification is to have professionals’ skills recognized andassured, it is also a valuable marketing tool. Incorporate the CHT, CLP and CLD logosin your advertising! To obtain electronic copies of these logos, contact Joel Beatson atthe Canadian Nursery Landscape Association: [email protected].

July Certification

Kwantlen University Collegeis now offering a Bachelor ofScience degree in Integrated PestManagement. The combined scienceand horticulture study will includepest suppression techniques incorpo-rating pest biology, plant quality,sustainability and the environment,and will also include economic,ecological and aesthetic interests.Candidates can create a specializeddegree in nursery or greenhouseproduction, landscape trades orturf management. For moreinformation, contact Brian Carrat [email protected], orvisit the institution’s website:www.kwantlen.ca.


Dedicated Sales Rep RetiresJim Hunter, a salesman in the Lower Mainland for 32 loyal and dedicated years,retired from Eddi’s Wholesale Garden Supplies Ltd. last month. A dinner and ‘roast’was held in his honour at Eaglequest Coyote Creek Golf Club, with 50 people inattendance. Jim’s colleagues at Eddi’s Wholesale thank him for his long service tothe company and his customers, and wish him the best in the future.

New BCLNAMembers

F i n a l A p p r o v a lJanuary 15, 2007 Board Meeting

GLE Green Landscape Experts Ltd.,Paul Walker/Geoff Hoogstra, Langley,Active Landscaper (Interim)

Janscape Property Services Inc., AlanJanssens, Langley, Active Landscaper (Interim)

John Drost, Salt Spring Island, Individual

Te n t a t i v e A p p r o v a lBeneath Your Feet Landscaping, RobertTurner, Maple Ridge, Active Landscaper(Interim)

Fretter Design Inc., Gordon Fretter,Surrey, Active Landscaper

Greenpath Mowing and YardMaintenance, William Anyebuno, NewWestminster, Active Landscaper (Interim)

Island Growers, Glen Dawson, NanooseBay, Active Grower (Interim)

Qualicum Beach Garden Centre, ErikDuivenvoorde, Qualicum Beach, ActiveRetail (Interim)

Jacqueline Moss, Surrey, Student

F i n a l A p p r o v a lFebruary 17, 2007 Board Meeting

Beneath Your Feet Landscaping, RobertTurner, Maple Ridge, Active Landscaper(Interim)

Fretter Design Inc., Gordon Fretter,Surrey, Active Landscaper

Greenpath Mowing and YardMaintenance, William Anyebuno, NewWestminster, Active Landscaper (Interim)

Island Growers, Glen Dawson, NanooseBay, Active Grower (Interim)

Qualicum Beach Garden Centre, ErikDuivenvoorde, Qualicum Beach, ActiveRetail (Interim)

Jacqueline Moss, Surrey, Student

Te n t a t i v e A p p r o v a lAbsolute Landscaping Ltd., Dean Ogden,Vancouver, Active Landscaper

Avalon Gardens, Heath Bunting, Victoria,Active Landscaper

b. jegard landscaping, Brian Jegard,Vancouver, Active Landscaper (Interim)

Bella Terra Landscape Ltd., Robert &Nathan Douglas, Langley, ActiveLandscaper (Interim)

14

Industry Bits

In recognition of their outstanding work,Specimen Trees Wholesale Nurseriesannounced promotions for two key staffmembers. Walt Pinder assumes the roleof Project Manager, drawing on his manyyears of experience in the horticulturalindustry and his expertise in plant varietyand sourcing. Walt will continue to pro-vide on-site presentations to showcasenew plant introductions and valuablestand-bys. Daniel Meyer, with Specimen

since 2005, has becomethe Regional Sales Man-ager. Dan will workclosely with sales staff asthe company enhancesits product availabilityand delivery opportuni-ties to VancouverIsland, Sunshine Coast,and the Whistler-Squamish area.

Pinder, Meyer Promoted

After 42 years as owner-operators ofKato’s Nursery, George and SarahKato have decided to retire, at least parttime. The Katos wish to thank everyonein the industry including their cus-tomers, suppliers, competitors, andnumerous staff that has helped to makeKato’s Nursery a successful company

over the years. Day to day operationsand ownership will transition to theirson, Michael; however, George andSarah have assured everyone that theywill still be around, especially duringspring and special industry events.

Katos Turn OverDay-to-Day Ops

Walt PinderProject Manager

Daniel MeyerRegional Sales Manager

Walt PinderProject Manager

George & Sarah KatoGeorge & Sarah Kato

Daniel MeyerRegional Sales Manager

Growing Flokstra FamilyTeresa and Andrew Flokstra(Inline Nurseries Inc. andBCLNA’s Industry DevelopmentDirector) announced the birth oftheir second child on January 31.Baby Aaron Jacob, weighing 7 lb14 oz at birth, is a welcome play-mate to Teresa and Andrew’sdaughter Regan.

Birth Announcement


City of Abbotsford, Dave Van der Put,Abbotsford, Individual

City of Parksville, Peter Crawshaw,Parksville, Individual

Coligny Hill Farms Ltd., Garnet Etsell,Abbotsford, Active Grower (Interim)

Como Lake Garden Centre Ltd., BillPastorek, Port Coquitlam, Active Retailer

Curb-Ease, Warren & Denise Kinney,Parksville, Active Landscaper (Interim)

Ferrier’s Land & Waterscapes Inc., RickFerrier, Invermere, Active Landscaper

Garden Décor & Design Group, CatarinaVan Vliet, Delta, Active Landscaper

Garden Xscape, Ardath Breton, Coquitlam,Active Landscaper

Green Spirit Landscape Arts, HildeNeustadter, Abbotsford, Active Landscaper

Higher Ground Landscaping and Design,Mike Vandergugten, Surrey, ActiveLandscaper (Interim)

Kwantlen University College, Eve Mix,Surrey, Individual

New Landscapes, Janice New, Duncan,Active Landscaper

Outside Contemporary Garden Design,Lalieth White, Vancouver, Active Landscaper(Interim)

Park’s Plants & Pots, Graham Park, CoalHarbour, Active Retailer (Interim)

Premier Tech Biotechnologies, SimonMartineau, Rivier-du-Loup, Out of Province

Pure Landscapes Ltd., Nate Begin,Vancouver, Active Landscaper (Interim)

Sequoia Landscape Services, Tyler Parke,North Vancouver, Active Landscaper

Siji Gardening, Jianxin Qian & YingmoreYao, Vancouver, Active Landscaper (Interim)

Symbiota Horticultural Services, JacobKerkhoff, Rosedale, Associate

True Earth Gardening, Kit St. John &Tobin Brown, Victoria, Active Landscaper(Interim)

The Urban Lumberjack, Scott & NatalieMcConkey, Maple Ridge, Active Landscaper

Whitebeach Garden Service Ltd., TomShirahama, Burnaby, Active Landscaper

Lynne Christmas, North Vancouver,Individual

Herve Bedard, North Vancouver, Student

Colin Black, Richmond, Student

Sarah Delaney, Vancouver, Student

Ryan Donohoe, Burnaby, Student

Ryan Herbstreit, Surrey, Student

Eva McFadyen, Delta, Student

Raegen Olmstead, Vancouver, Student

Kuriakos Pawchuk, Nanaimo, Student

Geoff Petrie, North Vancouver, Student

Neil Pretty, North Vancouver, Student

Helen Sebelius, Parksville, Student

Sarah Verstraete, North Vancouver, Student

15

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]

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]


O.B. Cover


Documents

HortWest 2007-03