November-December 2011 Landscape Trades

Frontline personnel screen headaches, admit opportunities

Laos builds dream botanical garden

Ratios: Spotlight on your company’s financial health

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011

VOL. 33, NO. 9

Inside: Congress ConferenCe guIdePM40013519

NEW Exclusive: Annuals, perennials, woody plants and roses new to the Canadian marketExclusive: Annuals, perennials, woody plants and roses new to the Canadian market

for 2012

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | LANDSCAPE TRADES | 3

PUBLISHER Lee Ann Knudsen CLP | [email protected]

EDItORIAL DIRECtOR sarah Willis | [email protected]

EDItOR Allan dennis | [email protected]

WEB EDItOR robert ellidge | [email protected]

ARt DIRECtOR Melissa steep | [email protected]

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Mike Wasilewski | [email protected]

ACCOUNtANt Joe sabatino | [email protected]

SALES MANAGER, PUBLICAtIONS steve Moyer | [email protected]

COMMUNICAtIONS ASSIStANt shawna Barrett | [email protected]

ADVISORy COMMIttEE gerald Boot CLP, Laura Catalano, Hank gelderman CHTM, Tim Kearney CLP, Marty Lamers, Jan Laurin, Bob Tubby CLP

Landscape Trades is published byLandscape ontario Horticultural Trades Association7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8Phone: (905)875-1805 Email: [email protected]: (905)875-0183 Web site: www.landscapetrades.com

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ISSN 0225-6398 PUBLICATIONS MAIL SALES AGREEMENT 40013519RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO:CIRCULAtION DEPARtMENt LANDSCAPE tRADES MAGAZINE7856 FIFtH LINE SOUtH, MILtON, ON L9t 2X8, CANADA

contentsNOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 VOL. 33, NO. 8

DEPARtMENtS GREEN PENCIL 4 NEW PRODUCTS 22 CNLA NEWS 43 INDUSTRY NEWS 46 COMING EVENTS 48 CLASSIFIEDS 49 WHERE TO FIND IT 50

FEATURES6 Creating a local connectionThe Holes build a communitygathering place in St. AlbertBY SARAH WILLIS

12 Greening the desertHorticultural challenges in DubaiBY MICHAEL PASCOE

16 Mobile marketing Barcodes give customers instant informationBY COLIN BECKINGHAM

39 Protecting green infrastructureAssigning a dollar value to treesBY COLLEEN CIRILLO

colUmnSLEGAL MATTERS

38 Construction liability insurance explainedBY ROBERT KENNALEY

BUILDING BUSINESS

26 Doing business through social channelsBY GEORGE URVARI

ROAD TO SUCCESS

36 Company owners are always ‘on’BY ROD McDONALD

SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPING

44 Investing in organic amendments BY SEAN JAMES

MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS

40 the art of developing managersBY MARK BRADLEY

HIDDEN GEMS

24 Fall foliage standoutsBY DAVID VAN DE VEN

In this issue:The official 2012 Congress Conference Guide

4 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | LANDSCAPE TRADES

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ApprobationDir. Art. :

Format : 8,125˝ x 10,875˝Publication : Landscape TradesParution : Nov. 2011

Pages : 1Impression : R

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Modifi é le : 19/10/11

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permaconpro.ca

MEGA-ARBEL® PAVERS

CANADA’S FIRST CHOICE IN LANDSCAPING PRODUCTS.


Anemone hupehensis Pretty Lady seriesPretty Lady Japanese anemone series

Fall-flowering series of Japanese anemones distinguish themselves with an excellent dwarf habit that is naturally compact. They also have amazing flower power with showy masses of large 5 cm (2 in.) single or double pink blooms. ‘Pretty Lady Diana’ has single pink flowers and ‘Pretty Lady Emily’ blooms with double light pink

flowers. Full sun to part shade. Hardy in Zone 6. In the garden, plants grow to 40 cm (16 in.) tall and 60 cm (24 in.) wide. Blooms of Bressingham, Valleybrook

Aster ‘Blue Autumn’‘Blue Autumn’ aster

Remarkably vivid violet-blue flowers from late-summer to fall set this aster apart. Try them in combination with fall-blooming grasses. This disease-resistant selection delivers great garden performance. Grows 25-30 cm (10-12 in). Zone 5. Valleybrook

new plants

perennials

Match colour with easy care

Landscape Trades offers its annual round-up of some of the new plants for the upcoming season. As homeowners

carefully feather their nests in a subdued economy, research has shown they gravitate to brighter colours. Plant breeders

have delivered with punchy foliage colourand vibrant flowers, to brighten up any outdoor living space. In addition, time-strapped

gardeners will appreciate the new easy-care cultivars that require less water, and are insect- and disease-tolerant.

Source listings appear on page 23.

New cultivars for the Canadian market in 2012:


Baptisia Decadence™ series. Decadence™ false indigo

Decadence™ Baptisias were selected specifically for their shorter, more compact habit and unique flower colour. ‘Blueberry Sundae’ has vibrant indigo flowers. ‘Cherries Jubliee’ has beautiful maroon and yellow flowers held on strong scapes above the foliage. ‘Dutch Chocolate’ has rich velvety chocolate-purple flowers and ‘Lemon Meringue’ has lemon yellow flowers and is a vigorous grower compared with other yellow Baptisias. Zone 5. 75-90 cm (2.5-3 ft.) tall. Walters Gardens

Campanula ‘Summer Time Blues’‘Summer Time Blues’ bellflower

The breeder claims ‘Summer Time Blues’ is the longest blooming Campanula, with masses of silvery-blue flowers on 60 cm (2 ft.) stems all spring, summer and fall. It has a clumping habit

and just gets better every year. Zone 4. Full Sun. Valleybrook

Campanula poscharskyana ‘Blue Rivulet’ ‘Blue Rivulet’ bellflower

Campanula ‘Blue Rivulet’s’ lovely flowers are prolific, typically upward-facing bells of lilac-blue, with a whiter centre eye, carried along the entire stem. A vigorous grower, its long flowering period

(May to June) is further enhanced with renewed flowering when old stems are cut back to the central crown. Grows 15 cm ( 6 in.) tall and 30 cm (12 in.) wide. Zone 5. Sun or part shade. Blooms of Bressingham

Coreopsis verticillata ‘Sweet Marmalade’ ‘Sweet Marmalade’ tickseed

The stunning flowers of this variety open deep orange, and mellow to soft apricot yellow through the season. Bushy mounds of

mid-green, narrow, linear foliage. Blooms summer into early autumn. Tidy habit works beautifully in garden or container. It’s happiest in full sun and in porous, well-drained soil. Zone 6. Grows 30 cm (12 in.) tall and 35 cm (18 in.) wide. Blooms of Bressingham

Cymbalaria muralis ‘Snow Wave’‘Snow Wave’ Kenilworth ivy

The first variegated Kenilworth ivy, Snow Wave has leaves with a broad creamy-white margin. Small white flowers complement the margins. Use as a groundcover between flagstones, in a hanging basket, or in mixed containers. Zone 5. 7.5 cm (3 in.) tall and spreads 30 cm (12 in). Terra Nova Nurseries

Delosperma ‘Fire Spinner’‘Fire Spinner’ delosperma

In bloom, Delosperma offers a shocking colour combination. Apple-green foliage makes a glistening carpet, covered with masses of orange and magenta-pink blooms in spring. Will flower sporadically through the summer. Grows to 7 cm (3 in.) tall. Best in sun to part shade. Zone 5. Paridon Horticultural, Valleybrook

Echinacea ‘Aloha’‘Aloha’ coneflower

One of the Prairie Pillars™ coneflowers, wide melon-yellow petals surround orange cones on this summer to frost bloomer. Grows 55 cm (22 in.) tall and 70 cm (28 in.) wide. Zone 5. Terra Nova Nurseries

Echinacea purpurea Double Scoop™Double Scoop™ coneflower

The double flower form of the Double Scoop™ series of Echinacea from Darwin Perennials will catch your eye in the garden. Very hardy, well-branched

plants will flourish in the summer months. The series has clean foliage and brilliantly coloured blooms. Grows 75 cm (30 in.) wide and 70 cm (28 in.) tall. Available in ‘Bubble Gum’, ‘Orangeberry’ and ‘Raspberry’. Zone 6. Ball Horticultural

Echinacea ‘Leilani’‘Leilani’ coneflower

One of the Prairie Pillars™ series, ‘Leilani’ glows with its clear, yellow flowers that bloom from summer to fall. A strong upright habit that requires no staking. Zone 5. Grows 90 cm (36 in.) tall and 75 cm (30 in ) wide. Terra Nova Nurseries

Echinacea Piccolino‘Piccolino’ coneflowerThe first compact double Echinacea with bright rose-pink double flowers. Very

perennials

Match colour with easy care


perennials

floriferous, fragrant and long bloom time. Flowers in summer through fall. Grows to 28 cm (11 in). Zone 4. Paridon Horticultural, Valleybrook

Echinacea ‘Quills and Thrills’‘Quills and Thrills’ coneflower

Huge flowers with light purple-pink quilled rays. This novelty is a super performer in the garden or vase. Tons of long-lasting flowrs. Zone 5.Grows 55 cm (22 in.) tall and 65 cm (26 in.) wide. Terra Nova Nurseries

Echinacea purpurea ‘Secret Joy’‘Secret Joy’ coneflower

‘Secret Joy’ is one of Terra Nova’s Secret™ series of coneflowers. Pale yellow double flowers that can be used en masse in the border or in a mixed bed. Great as cut flowers. Zone 5. Grows 60 cm (24 in.) tall and 70 cm (28 in.) wide. Terra Nova Nurseries

Echinacea purpurea ‘Secret Pride’‘Secret Pride’ coneflower

Charming, double-white flowers are kissed with butter at their petal tips. Fragrant flowers stand out against dark-green foliage. Zone 5. Grows 50 cm (20 in.) tall and 75 cm (30 in.) wide. Terra Nova Nurseries

Echinacea ‘Solar Flare’‘Solar Flare’ coneflower

A colour breakthrough for Echinacea. Enormous, fragrant flowers are a deep magenta red when they bloom, and deepen to a smoky rose. The 60-90 cm (24-36 in.) stems are strong and sturdy. Deadheading will further extend the long bloom season. One of the Big Sky™ series. Zone 4. Valleybrook

Echinacea purpurea Sombrero™Sombrero™ coneflower

The Sombrero series from Darwin Perennials is a first year-flowering perennial with a well-branched habit. It features sturdy, compact plants with proven hardiness for years of enjoyment in the garden. Very floriferous in bright, rich colours of ‘Hot Coral’, ‘Salsa Red’, and ‘Sandy Yellow’. Zone 6. Grows 60 cm (24 in.) tall and wide. Ball Horticultural

Gaillardia x grandiflora ‘ Arizona Apricot’‘Arizona Apricot’ blanket flower

A 2011 AAS Winner, this bright addition to the ‘Arizona’ Gaillardia series is a must. This perennial thrives under a wide variety of climatic conditions. It blankets the garden with

colour even under hot and dry conditions. ‘Arizona Apricot’ flowers early and uniformly, and continues blooming well into the autumn with a mass of apricot flowers. Benary

Gaillardia x grandiflora Mesa Bright BicolorMesa Bright Bicolor blanket flower

Exciting new Mesa Bright Bicolor debuts from Kieft-Pro-Seeds with outstanding performance. This first year-flowering perennial has

strong, early-flowering and well-branched plants. Mesa is very drought tolerant once established. It shows intense, non-fading colour all season on upright plants that perform well in landscapes and mixed containers. Zone 6. Grows 60 cm (24 in.) tall and 55 cm (22 in.) wide in full sun. Ball Horticultural

Gaillardia x grandiflora ‘Red Sun’‘Red Sun’ blanket flower

Broad petalled ‘suns’ of hot orange-red float over the mounding foliage of this blanket flower. The breeder claims ‘Red Sun’ features the best habit and flower count on the market. Tolerant of poor soil and hot sun. Zone 4. Grows 25 cm (10 in.) tall and 50 cm (20 in.) wide. Terra Nova Nurseries

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Des bordures d’aluminium de qualité supé-rieure pour pavés, asphalte, plates-bandes ou jardins; offertes en plusieurs modèles, couleurs et dimensions. Permaloc est des-tiné aux paysagistes et est exclusif aux jar-dineries spécialisées.

Contains a growth stimulant (Glomus intra-radices) developed exclusively for planting in flower beds, gardens and seedling contai-ners, blended in a mixture of peat moss and humus and respectful of the environment.

Contient un supplément de croissance (Glomus intraradices) développé exclusive-ment pour les plantations de plates-bandes, jardins et contenants, incorporé à un mé-lange de tourbe de sphaigne et humus et respectant l’environnement.

A complete range of 20 high quality ferti-lizers for biodiversity of crops, designed for environmentally friendly consumers. OMRI certified.

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A cedar mulch made of 100% top quality natural cedar, which controls weeds and conserves soil moisture, thus promoting growth and health.

Un paillis de cèdre de qualité supérieure fait de cèdre naturel à 100%, qui contrôle les mauvaises herbes et conserve l’humidité du sol favorisant ainsi la croissance et la santé.

HydraCX2™ Extreme Slope Matrix™ is a high-performance hydraulic mulch designed especially for steep to severe slopes, 2:1 to 1:1

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Guardian Seed Protection Mulch Mat does just what the name implies: it protects seed and soil from being washed or blown away and serves as mulch. Guardian is a better investment than other products because Guardian does it better!

Guardian Seed Protection Mulch Mat est fidèle à son nom : il empêche la germination et le sol d’être emportés par l’eau ou par le vent et est utilisé comme paillis. Compara-tivement aux autres produits, Guardian est le meilleur investissement puisque Guardian offre les meilleurs résultats !

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perennialsGypsophila ‘Danfestar’Festival Star™ baby’s breath

A new look in Gypsophila. Festival Star™ is a compact, tightly mounded version. The plants remain very tidy and uniform over the season, making great garden plants. Dense sprays of pure white flowers are produced on relatively short stems above the grey-green foliage, though they are still long enough for cutting for small posies. Zone 4. Grows 30 cm (12 in.) tall and 40 cm (16 in.) wide. Walters Gardens

Hakonechloa ‘Sunny Delight’‘Sunny Delight’ Japanese forest grass

A reverse variegation of ‘Aureola’ with green blades streaked yellow. Japanese forest grass is a great plant for the shade garden. Slightly taller, but same cascading

form as other types. Zone 5. Valleybrook

Heliopsis ‘Summer Pink’‘Summer Pink’ false sunflower

Dark red stems and pink foliage with purple veins ... and yellow flowers all summer long. Heliopsis prefer full sun and are drought tolerant once established. Zone 4. Grows 55-65 cm (22-26 in.) tall. Valleybrook

Heliopsis helianthoides ‘Tuscan Sun’‘Tuscan Sun’ false sunflower

This beautiful and carefree native cultivar offers a more compact habit and good disease resistance compared to other varieties of Heliopsis. Bright golden yellow, daisy-like flowers with an orange-gold button centre are produced on strong stems from mid- through late summer atop the deep green foliage. Zone 4. Grows 60 cm (24 in.) tall and 50 cm (20 in.) wide. Walters Gardens

Helleborus ‘Peppermint Ice’‘Peppermint Ice’ hellebore

Careful breeding resulted in this beauty. ‘Peppermint Ice’ has double light-pink blooms with darker rose picotee edges. Leathery, evergreen foliage is an added bonus for the shade garden. Grows 50-60 cm (20-24 in.) tall. Zone 4. Valleybrook

Helleborus Rose QuartzRose Quartz double Lenten rose

This double strain has every white petal edged in rose. The first picotee-edged double hellebore. One of Terra Nova’s Winter Jewel’s strain. Zone 6. Grows 30 cm (12 in.) tall and 60 cm (24 in.) wide. Terra Nova Nurseries

Heuchera ‘Apple Crisp’‘Apple Crisp’ coral bells

New in Terra Nova’s Crisp series of coral bells, ‘Apple Crisp’ is blessed with seriously crisped green leaves and a white veil. Features a tight, compact habit and short white flowers. Zone 5. Grows 15 cm (6 in.) tall and spreads 28 cm (11 in.) wide. Terra Nova Nurseries

Heuchera ‘Berry Smoothie’‘Berry Smoothie’ heuchera

A blend of heat-loving H. villosa and cold-tolerant H. americana. ‘Berry Smoothie’ shows a beautiful rose-pink colour all season long. Nice purple-white flowers in summer. Grow in sun to partial shade. Zone 4. Paridon Horticultural

Heuchera ‘Cajun Fire’‘Cajun Fire’ coral bells

This plant changes colour with the seasons; red in spring, black in summer and maroon in fall. They are always attractive, having clean foliage in rounded mounds. White flowers on dark stems hover above the foliage. Zone 5. Grows 22 cm (9 in.) tall and spreads 35 cm (14 in.). Terra Nova Nurseries


perennialsHeuchera ‘Creole Nights’‘Creole Nights’ coral bells

A great landscape plant with large, glossy almost black leaves in a clean dense mound. Short stems of white flowers. Bigger leaves and larger habit than ‘Obsidian’. Zone 5. Grows 22 cm (9 in.) tall and spreads 35 cm (14 in.). Terra Nova Nurseries

Heuchera ‘Spell bound’‘Spellbound’ coral bells

Marvelous ruffled foliage of dazzling silvers with tints of rose purple that will leave you spellbound. Ruffled foliage shows purple underside, which glows in the sun. On the top of the foliage, the purple tones are more prominent in the spring. Silver tones are more prominent in the shade. Zone 5. Grows 22 cm (9 in.) tall and spreads 40 cm (18 in.). Terra Nova Nurseries

Heucherella ‘Solar Eclipse’‘Solar Eclipse’ heucherella foamy bells

Leaves of red brown bordered in lime green, combined with a beautiful habit and broadly scalloped leaf lobes. Can be grown in full sun. Zone 5. Grows 25 cm (10 in.) tall and 35 cm (16 in.) wide. Terra Nova Nurseries

Heuchera ‘Stainless Steel’‘Stainless Steel’ coral bells

Metallic silver-green foliage with purple veins and eggplant-purple undersides, the early spring foliage is almost pure silver. In late spring, sports large white flowers on chocolate brown stalks. Zone 4. Grows to 30 cm (12 in.) tall. Part shade. Paridon Horticultural

Hibiscus ‘Tie Dye’‘Tie Dye’ rose mallow

‘Tie Dye’ is an improved bicolour selection with huge 20-25 cm (8-10 in.) flowers. Showy ruffled, bright pink and white pinwheel flowers with a cherry red eye. Indeterminate bloomer.

Zone 5. Grows 120 cm (4 ft.) tall. Walters Gardens

Hosta ‘Broad Band’‘Broad Band’ hosta

A showy plant that forms a wide clump of attractive heart-shaped leaves with extra wide creamy yellow to creamy white margins that jet into the dark green centre. Near-white flowers. Zone 4. Grows 60 cm (24 in.) tall. Walters Gardens

Hosta ‘Hudson Bay’‘Hudson Bay’ hosta

An improved ‘Eskimo Pie’ with wider, brighter blue margins and apple green jetting contrast nicely with the creamy white centre all season. Zone 4. Grows 60 cm (24 in.) tall. Walters Gardens

Hosta ‘Rainbow’s End’ ‘Rainbow’s End’ hosta

A yellow-centred sport of ‘Obsession’ that features very thick, shiny, rubbery-like dark green leaves. The bright yellow streaked center becomes white by summer. Large lavender flowers on red flower scapes in mid-summer. Grows 28 cm (11 in.) tall. Zone 3. Paridon Horticultural

Iris ‘Anaconda Love’‘Anaconda Love’ German iris

Flowers are an unusual ruffled pink-beetroot purple bi-tone, overlaid with silvery streaks and blotches, and slightly fragrant. Grows 60 cm (24 in.) tall and blooms in early spring. An award-winner. Zone 4. Paridon Horticultural


perennialsLeucanthemum x superbum ‘Bridal Bouquet’‘Bridal Bouquet’ Shasta daisy

Lightly ruffled, double, broad petaled white flowers, which are bright yellow when they first emerge. Multiple branches appear on a single stem. Habit is super-compact and the blooms don’t have that “Shasta smell.” Zone 6. Grows 30 cm (12 in.) tall and 50 cm (20 in.) wide. Terra Nova Nurseries

Ligularia ‘Bottle Rocket’‘Bottle Rocket’ ligularia

A more compact version of ‘Little Rocket.’ A perfectly proportional plant with a dense clump of thicker, serrated leaves and mustard yellow flower spikes held on chocolate stems just above the foliage. Zone 5. Grows 70 cm (28 in.) tall. Walters Gardens

Lilium ‘Magic Star’‘Magic Star’ double oriental lily

The huge double flowers, very rare and unique, set these lilies apart from most orientals. Sturdy plants will add brilliant

late-summer colour to the sunny garden. Zone 4. Grows 80-100 cm (32-40 in.) tall. Paridon Horticultural

Polygonatum odoratum var. pluriflorum ‘Double Stuff’‘Double Stuff’ variegated Solomon’s seal

This variegated Solomon’s seal has double the white margin, making it a new classic beauty for the woodland or shade garden. Each arching red stem carries large leaves with broad white margins and green centres. Zone 4. Grows 65 cm (26 in.) tall and 40 cm (16 in.) wide. Photo: William Lamack. Terra Nova Nurseries

Rudbeckia ‘Little Gold Star’‘Little Gold Star’ black eyed Susan

This is a sport of Goldsturm that is more prolific, yet more compact, than its parent. It looks terrific at retail and in the garden. Poised to become a new industry standard. Grows 30-40 cm (12-14 in.) tall. Zone 4. Valleybrook

Salvia nemorosa Salvia Lyrical™ ‘Silvertone’

The new Lyrical series from Darwin Perennials reblooms in the garden with longer flowering times and has excellent branching for more flowers per container.

Strong, robust plants in eye-catching colours will have high garden impact. Lyrical ‘Silvertone’ is the first bicolour salvia with sky blue blooms and silver edges. It loves the heat. Zone 5. Grows 60 cm (24 in.) tall and wide. Ball Horticultural

Salvia ‘Sweet 16’‘Sweet 16’ perennial salvia

Vibrant rose-purple buds open to bright lavender-pink flowers with a purple lip. Extra branching extends the bloom time. A notable improvement over ‘Eveline.’ Zone 4. Grows 40 cm (16 in.) tall. Walters Gardens

Sedum ‘Garbro’Garnet Brocade™ autumn stonecrop

Garnet Brocade™ adds a deep spot of colour to the landscape or containers with its dark burgundy leaves that transition to burgundy in summer. The upright clump is topped with clusters of red-pink flowers on purple-red stems. Zone 4. Grows 30 cm (12 in.) tall. Walters Gardens



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Sedum ‘Razzleberry’‘Razzleberry’ stonecrop

Giant 22 cm (9 in.) flower heads are the size of volleyballs. Flower colour is brilliant raspberry and visible from 90 meters away. Earlier blooming than most other Sedums, ‘Razzleberry’ is ultra-compact, with 17.5 cm (7 in.) tall smoky blue-gray foliage. Blooms early summer until fall. Zone 4. Paridon Horticultural

Tiarella ‘Pacific Crest’‘Pacific Crest’ foam flower

This cultivar was selected for its highly cut leaves, which are also extremely well patterned and glossy. Use as a ground cover or in a hanging basket in a shady location. Makes a great non-climbing ivy replacement. Zone 5. Grows 15 cm (6 in.) tall and spreads 90 cm (36 in). Terra Nova Nurseries

Veronica ‘Blue Bomb’‘Blue Bomb’ veronica

Uniquely branched flower plumes similar to an astilbe, the flowers open from the bottom to the top resulting in an exceptionally long bloom time. Compact dark green foliage. Grows to 45 cm (18 in.) tall. Sun to partial shade. Zone 4. Paridon Horticultural



new plants

annualsAgeratum houstonianum ‘Everest Blue’Everest Blue floss flower

This outstanding new cut flower Ageratum from Kieft-Pro-Seeds offers a unique, true blue colour and fragrant blooms. The bright, attractive colour on

sturdy stems makes it especially suitable for mixed bouquets. In landscapes, Everest Blue delivers strong colour and season-long flowering. Grows to 65 cm (26 in.) tall and spreads 30 cm (12 in.) in full sun. Ball Horticultural

Angelonia angustifolia Archangel™Archangel™ summer snapdragon

Angelonia is a garden superstar, strong even in extreme heat, humidity and drought. Archangel boasts big blooms, vibrant colours and glossy, dark green foliage for huge summer impact in the landscape and in

mixed and mono containers. Available in Pink, Purple, Raspberry, and White. Grows 30 cm (12 in.) tall and wide. Ball FloraPlant

Angelonia angustifolia Serena® BlueSerena® Blue summer snapdragon

Serena® Angelonia is a tough, yet elegant plant. New Serena Blue adds a true blue variety to meet gardeners’ demands for deep colour.

Serena is a care-free, continuous bloomer that performs well under a wide range of conditions. It’s the perfect choice for home gardeners looking for water-wise, heat-loving plants. Grows 35 cm (14 in.) tall and wide. PanAmerican Seed

Antirrhinum hybrid Acrobat™Acrobat™ snapdragon

Long lasting pink bicolour with good heat tolerance. Grows 10 cm (4 in.) tall and 20 cm (8 in.) wide. Green Fuse Botanicals

Begonia semperflorens Gumdrops™ Red ImprovedGumdrops™ Red Improved begonia

A versatile performer that can be grown in any size container, from 4- to 10-in. pot. A great plant for sun or shade combination planters. Grows 37.5 cm (15 in.) tall and 45 cm (18 in.) wide. Green Fuse Botanicals

Begonia x benariensis‘BIG™ Red Bronze Leaf’ Improved‘Big™ Red Bronze Leaf’ improved begonia

Improvements such as shorter internodes; a more intense flower colour and improved branching make this a

welcome addition to the ‘BIG’™ series. Huge, 8 cm (3.5 in.) blooms stay on top of the deep bronze foliage for even more flower power and crowd stopping, consumer appeal. The outstanding garden performance in shade or sun will keep customers coming back year after year. Benary

Begonia rex hybrid Shadow King™ Shadow King™ Rex begonia

Bred to grow at cooler temperatures to save the producer energy, this shade-loving series requires little watering, so is low-maintenance for the homeowner.

Cultivar Moonlight has silver-white foliage, King Rothko has rich red and black leaf colour and Strawberry Lime features multi-coloured leaves. Grows between 25 and 37.5 cm (10-15 in.) tall and 20 cm (8 in.) wide. Green Fuse Botanicals

Bidens ferulifolia Doubloon™Doubloon™ bidens

Golden yellow flowers on an outstanding mounded habit make a great addition to mixed containers. Good heat tolerance. Grows 15 cm (6 in.) tall and 30 cm (12 in.) wide. Green Fuse Botanicals


annualsCalibrachoa hybrid Cherry StarSuperbells® Cherry Star

Cherry Star offers a unique bloom colour and pattern, with a stable yellow star radiating across the cherry pink petals. Proven Winners

Calibrachoa hybrid Grape PunchSuperbells® Grape Punch

Grape Punch is an addition to the popular two-toned Punch series introduced last year. Large grape blooms with a deep velvet throat and a yellow eye. Proven Winners

Calibrachoa hybrid Miss LilacMiss Lilac® superbells

A prolific bloomer with blush lilac flowers. Exceptional disease resistance makes Miss Lilac a great choice for baskets and containers. Proven Winners

Calibrachoa hybrid Sweet TartSweet Tart superbells

Sweet Tart offers a mounding/trailing habit with cascades of soft pink flowers accented with a large

lemon-yellow eye. Proven Winners

Calibrachoa hybrid Spring Fling™ Raspberry ShuffleSpring Fling™ Raspberry Shuffle calibrachoa

An excellent summer performer with good heat tolerance and vibrant colour. Grows 15 cm (6 in.) tall and 30 cm (12 in.) wide. Green Fuse Botanicals

Dahlia Darkstar seriesDarkstar dahlia series

This series features very dark foliage, with fern-like deeply divided leaves. Single flowers in vibrant colours stand out dramatically against the foliage. Compact growers, up to 30 cm (12 in.) tall. Best in full sun. Paridon Horticultural

Heliotrope hybrid Topaz™Topaz™ heliotrope

Topaz™ heliotrope is a compact variety, great for mixed containers. Slightly fragrant flowers. Grows 15 cm (6 in.) tall and 30 cm (12) in wide. Green Fuse Botanicals

Hibiscus acetosella Mahogany SplendorMahogany Splendor annual hibiscus

PanAmerican Seed’s Mahogany Splendor features deep burgundy, maple-shaped leaves with serrated edges — an attractive

look similar to a Japanese maple. Ideally suited to the landscape, this drought- and heat-resistant variety also combines well in containers with other vigorous, sun-loving plants. Can be grown directly in the water as a pond plant. Grows 90 cm (36 in.) tall and 75 cm (30 in.) wide. Deer resistant. PanAmerican Seed

Impatiens walleriana Patchwork™Impatiens Patchwork™ Lavender

Distinctive Patchwork™ wows with unique, patterned flowers all season long. Brilliant colours make high-impact garden displays in shady containers, baskets and in the landscape. Grows in a mounded,

spreading habit; 30 cm (12 in.) tall and 35 cm (14 in.) wide. Ball FloraPlant

Ipomoea batatas Illusion® Garnet LaceGarnet Lace sweet potato vine

The third addition to the Illusion series has the same compact habit and dense branching, but offers vibrant garnet-red, lacy leaves to the popular series. Proven Winners

Ipomoea batatas Sweet Caroline Raven ImprovedSweet Caroline Raven Improved sweet potato vine

Rich, dark-purple-black foliage. Raven is breathtaking alone, and also makes a great addition to combination planters. Proven Winners


annualsIpomoea batatas Sweet Caroline Bewitched ImprovedSweet Caroline Bewitched Improved sweet potato vine

Improved foliage texture and richer, darker colour make this autumn plant an eye-catching jewel in baskets, containers and the landscape. Proven Winners

Leucanthemum hybrid White Mountain™White Mountain™ shasta daisy

White Mountain™ has a classic daisy flower, but is in a class of its own with 8 cm (3 in.) plus flower size. Grows64 cm (25 in.) tall. Green Fuse Botanicals

Osteospermum ecklonis 3D™Osteospermum 3D™ African daisy

3D™ is a whole new dimension of flower — it’s the osteo that doesn’t close! An all-hours pleaser, watch its button-like, double blooms stay open all day and night for high-impact in the garden. Perfect for cool-season or early spring containers, 3D from Selecta North America is an irresistible purchase. Grows 35 cm (14 in.) tall and 50 cm (20 in.) wide. Available in Silver, Pink and Purple. Ball Horticultural

Pelargonium x hortorum Fantasia® Dark RedFantasia® Dark Red zonal geranium

The Fantasia series of zonal geranium from Ball FloraPlant features large, semi-double flowers and dark green scented foliage. The plants stand out in the landscapes, large pots and baskets.

Fantasia Dark Red is the darkest red geranium in the series. It attracts bees and hummingbirds, is deer-resistant, and tolerates drought and heat. Grows 35 cm (14 in.) tall and wide. Ball FloraPlant

Petunia hybrid Blanket™ seriesBlanket™ petunias

An ideal choice for the landscape, Blanket™ petunias are bred for both container

and garden performance. Midnight Velvet has rich, exceptionally dark purple flowers, while Purple Improved and White Improved flower seven to 10 days earlier than existing varieties.10 cm (4 in.) tall and 50 cm (20 in.) spread. Green Fuse Botanicals

Petunia hybrid Tiny Tunia™ YellowTiny Tunia™ Yellow

The breeder claims Tiny Tunias are much easier to grow than calibrachoas. They can be grown at lower temperatures and higher pH than calis. Yellow is a unique colour for the small flowering class of petunias. Grows 15 cm (6 in.) tall and 30 cm (12) in wide. Green Fuse Botanicals

Petunia hybrid Good and Plenty™Good and Plenty petunia seriesA brand new series from Green Fuse Botanicals, Good and Plenty feature

extra-

early blooming, and a mounded habit that holds its shape. Available in Blue, Purple, Red, Rose, White and Yellow. Mounds 15 cm (6 in.) tall and spreads 30 cm (12 in.) wide. Green Fuse Botanicals

Salvia farinacea Cathedral PurpleCathedral Purple salvia

A great addition to the Cathedral series in purple. Drought tolerant. Grows 50 cm (20 in.) tall and spreads 20 cm (8 in.). Green Fuse Botanicals

Salvia farinacea ‘Evolution® White’Evolution® White salvia

A new eye-catching silvery white colour with the same great garden performance and compact habit as AAS award winner Salvia ‘Evolution’®. Early to flower and very floriferous, Salvia farinacea ‘Evolution®

White’ is sure to create instant consumer demand. Its bright white blooms create a clean, fresh look in the landscape all season long. The compact habit makes this garden beauty easy to produce, rack and ship, reducing production costs. Benary


annualsSolenostemon scutellarioides ’Wasabi’Wasabi coleus

This is one Wasabi you can’t have too much of! Durable and rugged, Wasabi’s brilliant chartreuse, serrated leaves hold up in sun or shade without fading or spotting. Pair this vigorous variety with

Redhead coleus for a spicy, sizzling combination. Grows 65 cm (26 in.) tall and wide. Ball Horticultural

Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Sultana’Sultana coleus

With its large, lacy leaves of bold burgundy and chartreuse, Sultana fills patio pots fast and looks fabulous all season long. Vigorous and featuring a beautiful habit, it’s a perfect addition to any sun or shade garden. Grows to 65 cm (26 in.) tall and 55 cm (22 in.) wide. Ball Horticultural

Sutera hybrid Betty™ seriesBetty™ bacopa

A new series, Betty™ has larger flowers and greater heat tolerance, making it a great summer performer. Available in Blue and White. Green Fuse Botanicals

Tagetes patula Bonanza Deep OrangeBonanza Deep Orange French marigoldThe double crested flowers of Bonanza Deep Orange from PanAmerican Seed are the largest of any in this type — a huge 2 to 2.5 in., or 5 to 6 cm, across. In the garden, the plants are excellent performers under a

wide range of conditions. Bonanza attracts bees, has fragrant blooms and scented foliage, and is heat and frost tolerant. Grows 30 cm (12 in.) tall and 20 cm (8 in.) wide. PanAmerican Seed

Verbena ‘Seabrook’s Lavender’ ‘Seabrook’s Lavender’ verbena

This handsome variety is smothered with clusters of lavender flowers with a darker lavender eye. Very floriferous and long flowering, June until late September. Low growing and spreading habit. Grow in full sun. Blooms of Bressingham

Verbena hybrid Vivid™ seriesVivid™ verbena series

Another new series from Green Fuse Botanicals. Vivid™ verbenas were selected for mildew resistance, bright colours and large flowers. Available colours include Deep Blue, Peach, Rose, White, Red and Zinfandel (deep burgundy). Grows 10 cm (4 in.) tall and spreads 45 cm (18 in.). Green Fuse Botanicals

Viola x wittrockiana Cool Wave®Cool Wave® pansy

Cool Wave® Pansies from PanAmerican Seed spread and trail vigorously to cover hanging baskets and provide quick garden fill in early spring and fall. They feature superior overwintering hardiness, and are an incredible “spiller” in mixed containers. The medium-sized blooms hold up in rain and weather better than larger-flowered pansy. Limited, early-release in spring 2012, with a nationwide rollout in the fall. Cool Wave comes in Yellow, Frost, White, and Violet Wing. PanAmerican Seed

Viola wittrockiana F1 ‘Inspire’® series‘Inspire®’ pansy series

Bred for a wide range of weather conditions, ‘Inspire®’ pansies are ideal for both autumn and spring production. This

year six new and one improved colours have been added to the line, making 29 unique colours in the series. Benary

Viola wittrockiana F1 ‘Thriller® Purple’ ‘Thriller® Purple’ pansy

With this new pansy series Benary launches the earliest flowering XL pansy series for the market. ‘Thriller’® offers large flowers and does not stretch,

even under warm conditions. ‘Thriller’®’s sustainable large blooms continue well into fall, even under short days. ‘Thriller® Purple’ complements the series with six vibrant key colours. Benary


new plants

rosesRosa ‘Bill Reid’Bill Reid shrub rose

Another new introduction in the Canadian Artists™ series. A good clear-yellow shrub rose with single flowers that self-clean well. As with all the Canadian Artists™ roses, Bill Reid is extremely hardy and will do very well in most Canadian climates. A low grower with mild fragrance. JC Bakker & Sons

Rosa DARcanardParty Hardy™ shrub rose

Big, old-fashioned bright pink blooms that arrive in showy clusters. Bred in Canada and has proven to be perfectly adapted for harsh winters. Keeps its clean green foliage to the ground and grows like mad as a result. Excellent disease resistance. Mild apple fragrance. Tall upright to slightly-spreading habit. JC Bakker & Sons

Rosa KORfobaltCinderella Fairy Tale™ shrub rose

Lovely soft colour with the charm of old roses, enchants by its very healthy foliage and nostalgic shape of flowers, decorated with gold medals in Baden-Baden, Geneva and Rome. A fruity fragrance. Will bloom recurrently. JC Bakker & Sons

Rosa FRYextraCloud Nine hybrid tea rose

Gorgeous blooms appear come continuously on a bushy and vigorous growing plant. It is laden with large, classically structured flowers of bright glowing pink that have a superb fragrance. An easy growing, trouble-free variety, that is certain to provide a first class display. Grows to approximately 110 cm (45 in.). Pickering Nurseries

Rosa FRYlovelyThe Wainwright Rose

Long elegantly formed buds that slowly unfurl to form large and flawless high centred blooms of fresh pale lemon. They are carried on strong, stiff

stems in the traditional hybrid tea style, not just singly, but several together too. Growth is robust and vigorous ensuring a plentiful supply of scented flowers throughout the season on an imposing bush with tough leathery foliage and very good resistance to diseases. Grows to approximately 100 cm (40 in.) Pickering Nurseries

Rosa FRYnicheMoody Blue hybrid tea

The flowers are large, beautifully formed and brimming with perfume. At first the colour is a more intense blue-lilac with the petal edges tipped with violet, but as the flower develops the colour softens becoming a much warmer silvery-lilac shade. Unlike most roses in this colour range, Moody Blue has strong, vigorous growth that produces a continuous profusion of bloom that retains its colour even in hot weather. Disease resistance is well above average as well. Grows to approximately 80 cm (32 in). Pickering Nurseries


rosesRosa KORadigelLaguna climbing rose

Another product of Kordes’ highly successful breeding program focusing on disease resistance, Laguna is a beautiful

variety possessing large, fragrant old fashioned blooms in clusters appearing continuously through the growing season. A large and robust growing climber, Laguna will fill arches, arbors and trellis quickly without chemical disease control. Pickering Nurseries

Rosa KORassenetBrothers Grimm Fairy Tale floribunda rose

Hybridized specifically for disease resistance, the Kordes Fairy Tale series are perfect roses for pesticide-free gardens. Lightly-scented large full blooms come continuously on a vigorously growing plant covered in glossy dark green, leathery foliage. Brothers Grimm has proven reliable in Zone 5 with no winter protection. Grows to approximately 90 cm (36 in). Pickering Nurseries

Rosa KORdaturaSweet Vigorosa landscape rose

This bush makes a strong impact in the garden, even from a distance, as a result of continuous and abundant bloom. The extremely

vigorous, low growing bush is suitable for nearly any garden and has proven reliably hardy in zone 5 without winter protection. Grows up to 60 cm (24 in.) tall by 50 cm (20 in.) wide. Pickering Nurseries

Rosa KORorbeApricot Vigorosa landscape rose

Abundant clusters of lightly-scented apricot orange-pink blooms transition to apricot/pink when open. It has exceptional

resistance to black spot and mildew, blooms all summer and is a very vigorous grower. As with all the Vigorosa collection, Apricot Vigorosa is very well suited to bedding and border plantings. Grows up to 80 cm (32 in.) tall and 60 cm (24 in.) wide. Pickering Nurseries

Rosa KORstarnowInnocencia Vigorosa landscape rose

Beautifully formed pure white blooms cover the plant in the early season, then repeat quickly in large

clusters all season long. The compact but vigorous plants have excellent resistance to disease. Ideal for bed or mass planting. Grows up to 50 cm (20 in.) tall by 50 cm (20 in.) wide. Pickering Nurseries

Rosa KORstesgliToscana Vigorosa landscape rose

The frilly, raspberry-red blooms are a perfect contrast to the glossy, dark-green foliage of this variety. This practically disease-free rose blooms nonstop until late fall, making Toscana Vigorosa an

excellent variety for any garden. Grows up to 50 cm (20 in.) tall and 60 cm (24 in.) wide. Pickering Nurseries

Rosa WEKfunkDick Clark™ grandiflora rose

Black-red buds spiral open to show off swirls of cream, edged and washed with vibrant cherry pink. When the

sun strikes the petals, they begin to blush burgundy, finishing as a deep dark red. Easy to grow, great vigour. An AARS 2011 award-winner. Moderate cinnamon spice fragrance. JC Bakker & Sons

Rosa WEKradlerLemon Meringue™ climbing rose

Gives lots of colour and super fragrance, reblooming well in the very first season. High level of hardiness and blackspot resistance. Strong spice and rose

fragrance. A proven performer for all climates. JC Bakker & Sons

Rosa WEKyesirCh-Ching!™ grandiflora rose

A true grandiflora, the very dark green leaves and red stems set off the many showy clusters of blossoms. Scent-sational for a bouquet and beauty-full in the landscape. A clear long-lasting even glowing yellow. Medium-tall, upright bush habit. JC Bakker & Sons


Acer palmatum ‘Shirazz’‘Shirazz’ dwarf Japanese maple

This new Japanese maple variety has multi-coloured leaves ranging from a blend of pinks, greens, and creamy-white. New

growth emerges with hues of striking crimson-pink with white margins. Fall colours are tones of crimson red to scarlet. ‘Shirazz’ is an upright grower at first, then becomes gracefully arching. The plant offers heat resistant foliage and striking variegation. Canadale Nurseries

Buddleia ‘Miss Molly’Miss Molly dwarf butterfly bush

Outstanding flowers of dark sangria-red. A prolific bloomer with a compact habit. Zone 6. Canadale Nurseries

Buxus sempervirens ‘Schmidii’Schmidii boxwood

A fast, pyramidal grower with dark blue-green foliage. Hardy in Chicago. Canadale Nurseries

Cercis canadensis ‘Greswan’Burgundy Hearts™ Redbud

This new redbud selection has new growth that emerges as shimmering red-purple, heart-shaped leaves. Showy

pink-lavender flowers appear before the leaves in spring. Older shaded foliage may revert to green during the season. JC Bakker & Sons

Cercis canadensis ‘Pink Heartbreaker’Pink Heartbreaker weeping redbud

A compact, weeping tree with strong branching habit. Beautiful pink blooms. A nice, small tree. Canadale Nurseries

Cercis canadensis ‘Ruby Falls’Ruby Falls™ Redbud

The rich, purple, heart-shaped leaves open bright ruby-purple in spring, then gradually mature to deep purple, and ultimately change to green as the season progresses. Fall colour on this deciduous

ornamental is yellow until leaf drop in early winter. JC Bakker & Sons

Cornus x ‘Celestial Shadow’Celestial Shadow Chinese dogwood

Clean and bright foliage with beautiful yellow and green variegation. Colour won’t burn out in sun. The fall

colour is a spectacular combination of orange and red. A strong variegated bloomer with large, white flowers. Canadale Nurseries

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Wim’s Red’ Fire & Ice hydrangea

A new hybrid that provides three seasons of colour, large flower clusters open cream, mature to pink in mid-summer and deepen to burgundy in the fall. Grows 120 cm (4 ft.) tall. -35 degrees.

Canadale Nurseries

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Jane’Little Lime hydrangea

A new dwarf form of the popular ‘Limelight’ hydrangea, with the same great flower and

new

woodyplants


colouration, but one-third the size. Zone 4. Grows 90-150 cm (3-5 ft.). Canadale Nurseries

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Robert’Let’s Dance®

Moonlight hydrangeaThe Let’s Dance hydrangeas bloom on both new and old wood, delivering seasons of flowers. Moonlight has rich pink mophead flowers held on strong stems. Zone

6. Grows 60-90 cm (2-3 ft.). Canadale Nurseries

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Berner’Let’s Dance® Big Easy hydrangea

The Let’s Dance hydrangeas bloom on both new and old wood, delivering seasons of flowers. The Big Easy is the largest in the series, and blooms go through a progression of colour changes from pink/green to pink and often back to green. Large mophead flowers held on strong stems. Zone 6. Grows 60-90 cm (2-3 ft.). Canadale Nurseries

Malus x ‘Jefgreen’Emerald Spire® columnar crabapple

Emerald Spire® is a slow-growing small columnar tree with a mature size of 5 m (15 ft.) by 2 m (6 ft.). It produces pink spring flowers and red fruit in late summer. Its disease-free foliage is outstanding throughout the

growing season. It serves as an ideal accent tree or summer privacy screen. It has shown good winter hardiness and excellent disease resistance in Manitoba for the last five years. Jeffries Nurseries

Physocarpus opulifolus ‘Jefam’Amber Jubilee® ninebark

A seedling of the cross ‘Diabolo’ x ‘Darts Gold’, Amber Jubilee® ninebark was named in honour of Queen Elizabeth’s upcoming 2012 Diamond Jubilee. During a visit to Winnipeg in 2010,

her majesty Queen Elizabeth II took part in the ceremonial planting of this new shrub created in her honour. Hardy to Zone 2, Amber Jubilee is a medium shrub reaching a mature height of 2 m (5-6 ft.) and a width of 1.5 m (4 ft.). Amber Jubilee offers a unique blend of foliage colours, including new growth that takes on shades of yellow and orange in summer before turning purple in the fall. Annual pruning of the stem tips will help this plant look its best. Jeffries Nurseries

Pinus flexilis ‘Domingo’Domingo limber pine

A fantasic lawn specimen, fuller than P. flexilis Vanderwolf.Canadale Nurseries

Prunus maackii ‘Jefspur’Goldspur® Amur cherry

Goldspur® is a unique selection of amur cherry with dense, peach-like foliage. Mature plants reach about 5 m (15 ft.) in height with a 9 ft. (3 m) spread; about half of that for typical Prunus maackii seedlings. Creamy white spring flowers

produce compact racemes of tiny black fruit in mid-summer. Goldspur’s golden exfoliating bark is a desirable winter feature. Goldspur is a very distinctive tree with its dwarf growth habit and dense, dark-green foliage. Resistant to black knot fungal disease. Jeffries Nurseries, JC Bakker & Sons

Weigela ‘Bokraspiwi’ Spilled Wine weigela

A new look in purple-leaved weigela, Spilled Wine has dark red, wavy leaves and a spreading habit. Its hot pink-magenta flowers are similar to those of Wine & Roses, but this is a smaller plant that is wider than it is tall. Leaf colour intensifies to near black in late summer, and does not fade to green like some older selections. The tubular flowers attract hummingbirds. Best in full sun. Zone 5. Grows 60-90 cm (2-3 ft.) tall and wide. Canadale Nurseries lt

woody plants

LIST OF SUPPLIERS:Ball Horticultural Companywww.ballseed.comwww.ballfloraplant.com

Blooms of Bressinghamwww.bloomsofbressinghamplants.com

Benarywww.Benary.com

Canadale nurserieswww.canadale.com

green fuse Botanicalswww.green-fuse.com

JC Bakker & sons nurserywww.jcbakker.com

Pan American seedwww.panamseed.com

Paridon Horticulturalwww.paridon.com

Pickering nurserieswww.pickeringnurseries.com

Proven Winnerswww.provenwinners.com

Terra nova nurseries Inc.www.terranovanurseries.com

Valleybrook gardens Inc.www.perennials.com

Walters gardenswww.waltersgardens.com


Dry parched hills, scattered houses punctuated by the odd golden roof temple and the muddy-coloured, silt laden Mekong River snaking through town was my first view of Luang Prabang; a UNESCO world heritage site. I had come to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and one of its three major cities, to view the beginnings of the first botanical garden in the country, and meet its director. Laos is a Communist country, closed to westerners until the early 1990s, and now open for business. In fact, walking down the main street in Luang Prabang (one of three former kingdoms which today comprise Laos), you could be anywhere in southeast Asia. Guest houses abounded, hotels, bars and the perennial backpacking tourists were everywhere. Most of the locals spoke some English, and had a perfect understanding of the Thai language, since I was told the best television shows were beamed across the border from Thailand, their neighbour to the west.

Laos is unique in this region of southeast Asia, and it is one of the few countries that have flown under the radar of western

influence, particularly political. Passing through the small airport in Luang Prabang was a blunt reminder that this was still very much a one-party Communist country, as unsmiling olive-drab soldiers stamped passports and passed them along the line to no fewer than six of their countrymen for further scrutiny. I watched as they stapled my extra submitted passport photo to a rather long, intimidating form to be filed for future reference.

The reclusive Communist government has left Laos behind; it is one of the poorest countries in southeast Asia, with a youthful population of about 6.9 million people. It is not only poor economically, but botanically as well, hence this new botanical garden initiative. Little is known of Laotian flora, except for the few books written under the 1893-1954 French occupation, forcing reliance on botanical texts from neighboring countries such as Thailand and Vietnam. Thus the mission of Pha Tad Ke, the first botanical garden to be established in Laos. I was warned by its director, Rik Gadella, a Dutchman with a long history in Laos, that

what I was to see when I arrived would be quite rustic and primitive. After living in Thailand for three years in the late 1980s, I was prepared — and not disappointed by his warnings.

Laotians have a close connection with nature, especially flora; plants are often utilized on a daily basis of economic necessity. Every plant has a use, the forest is treated as a pharmacy, most houses are made of local materials, baked goods sold in the market are wrapped in leaves and every house has a garden, where fresh herbs and spices are harvested for family meals daily. Even the busiest streets in Luang Prabang are festooned with pots crowding the sidewalks, where gardeners showcase their expertise for all to enjoy.

Gardens taking formPha Tad Ke botanical garden is across the Mekong River from the town of Luang Prabang. Getting there involves riding a sampan across one of the busiest rivers in Asia, and landing between wallowing water buffalos and kids swimming in the Mekong’s

Botanical dream: Laos

At dusk, a local resident tends his street garden in the city

of Luang Prabang.


low, silty ebb. February is the start of the dry season, and the Mekong, the aquatic equivalent of Canada’s Hwy. 401, was at its lowest. Climbing a steep bank, one wonders where the garden is, as all looks quite rustic and untamed — more jungle and a small village than the beginnings of a country’s botanical dream. However, amongst the clutter of an old forest canopy and backed by severe limestone outcroppings, the hand of human cultivation is evident.

There is no heavy construction machinery here clearing paths or moving soil. Everything is done by hand with the simplest of tools; machete, hoe and shovel. I saw one rice paddy tractor, which when I visited had a wheel removed and a belt driving a small sawmill. Here nothing is wasted; trees cut down to clear areas for garden development are milled into lumber for new dormitories.

A rough layout of the garden was already underway and the nursery was fully stocked with an astounding collection of plants, including entire orchid collections donated by noted local experts. Plant collection expeditions had already taken place with

experts from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh. Propagation of many Laotian natives is underway, for this is to be the mission of the garden: showcasing native Laotian flora.

One of the few signs of modernity in the garden is running water. Although not potable, this essential ingredient is readily available. Water is pumped up from the Mekong River some 20 meters below, and held in elevated storage tanks throughout key areas of the garden.

International cooperationNothing is easy in Laos, especially when you are a foreigner. Thus I was amazed to see the connections and linkages that had been forged, both with the local government, colleges and with collaborative institutions such as the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh. Ontario’s Fanshawe College, through its horticulture program, is the first North American institution to partner with Pha Tad Ke.

There are many challenges facing this young botanical garden; financial,

Botanical dream: Laos BY MICHAEL PASCOE

logistical and even the most basic tools are hard to find. I came loaded with Felco secateurs and pocket knives, which were quickly distributed to garden staff as prized possessions. I observed they appeared to have many more uses than the manufacturer intended: Laotian ingenuity prevails!

The slow pace of work and plodding development will not see this garden become a destination in the very near future. However the long-term vision is sustainable and necessary as one of the last frontiers in Asia begins to develop. With only 10 per cent of the land base protected in national parks and few conservation programs within them, the necessity of this garden and vision of Rik Gadella is evident and needs to be supported. lt

Michael Pascoe is professor and academic

program co-ordinator for the Horticulture

Technician and Apprenticeship Horticulture

Programs at Fanshawe College in London

Ont., and director of The Gardens of Fanshawe

College and the A.M. Cuddy Garden.

A view of the Pha Tad Ke garden as it is being cleared in preparation for planting.

The nursery where native plants collected on expeditions are propagated.


I find it interesting, listening to gardening shows and all the folks who call in asking for advice for controlling slugs. As much as I love native plants, I also have quite a number of hostas and other slug-loved plants, and yet no slug problems. In fact, I have no pests or diseases that get out of control, other than the new pear trellis rust, which apparently means I need to cut them down. (No more bushels of pears for ME). I attribute this to the biodiversity in my garden.

Nature, given half a chance, can take care of problems on her own. Balance is her specialty. It’s not that you won’t have any holes in leaves. Holes in leaves are ok if they don’t affect the health or aesthetics of the plant. If any pest population rises beyond a threshold, a predator will move in to bring the levels down. If the soil is kept healthy, mostly by regular mulching with compost or composted pine mulch, plants can fight off diseases fairly effectively. The only support she needs from us is a variety of plants, which support a variety of life.

When I look at traditional landscapes, with large drifts of maybe five different types of plants, I do recognize that they look very elegant, but I see a buffet for insects and diseases waiting to take over. Look around. The plants we overplant end up with horrible diseases sweeping through, making them all but unusable — black pine gets diplodea blight, paper birch gets bronze birch borer, and now there’s hosta virus X and emerald ash borer and I’m just getting a head of steam up.

In my world…So what did I do differently in my garden, and for my customers? I’ll admit that at the beginning it was mostly by accident. I love plants, so I buy and try as many different types as possible. My own garden scares some people. I describe it as English-Cottage-on-Steroids. There are blooms for me and the pollinators from March until December. Keep in mind that pollinators aren’t just good for our

A bird in the bush BY SEAN JAMES

human food chain but many are also excellent predators! There are many different native and non-native species all mixed together, with no concentrations tempting pests to visit. I leave my garden standing throughout the winter and educate my customers to do the same. This provides shelter for all the good insects, amphibians, birds and more, and the seeds that remain also attract birds. I have a mix of trees and shrubs for shelter, so the birds feel safe. I once heard, and I admit that I’ve never tried to determine the accuracy of this info, that one needs 30 per cent shelter plantings to bring in the birds. (Did you know that 87.3 per cent of statistics are made up on the spot?)

Educating your customers is key if you are going to succeed in biodiversity gardening. It doesn’t have to LOOK like biodiversity gardening. The garden should still be designed with good contrast in form, texture and colour and with bloom and interest all year long, even in winter.

I also match my plant choices to the soil to help ensure success. I’ve spent years compiling lists of sand-, clay-, salt-, wet-, drought- and shade-tolerant plants, so I can choose those most likely to succeed without wasting my customer’s money. That’s part of the reason I use so many natives by default. I think to

myself, “Gosh, what would survive in this dry shade?” Based on growing up surrounded by conservation areas, I remember woodland plants which, even when the soil was cracked in high summer, survived year after year and were incredibly beautiful, and I draw on that palette.

The secret agendaIf you haven’t noticed, this month’s column was a not-so-subtle primer on how to design a biodiversity garden. What I’d really like to see is industry setting aside 30 per cent of its land for biodiversity gardens, which are cheaper, easier and better. All that land is sitting right there, and most of it is being mowed — an unpleasant situation for our air and our pocketbooks. Let’s take baby-steps towards designing to attract beneficial creatures. Even a little bit helps.

As always, feel free to email me questions at [email protected] lt

Sean James is owner of an

Ontario-based environmentally-

conscious landscape design/

build/maintenance company. In

addition, he is an eco-consultant

and a popular speaker.

sustainablelandscaping


newproducts


Many of our readers are to the point in their careers where they employ front-end staff. One of the most important people on our team is the ‘gatekeeper.’ I recognize that no one ever advertises that position, nor is ever hired with that job description. Nonetheless, the position exists in every company with more than ten employees.

The gatekeeper has a simple job description. She, and I use the female pronoun as this job is occupied almost exclusively by women, ensures that the owner or manager does not get weighed down by unnecessary calls. Good luck to the telemarketers and cold-call salespeople, because they will never speak to anyone other than her. She is the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end, for most incoming calls.

The gatekeeper knows who gets to move up the chain to the next level, and if you don’t pass the initial inspection, you are left to tread water. In the old days, the Catholic church had a name for this place. It was called purgatory. You get some nice mood music as you hold for what appears to be eternity.

Finding the right levelWhen we are to the point where we employ a gatekeeper, we must be careful: As with our computers, we should not have our walls set too high, or calls that are or should be important to us, do not get through. And that can be more detrimental to our success than the occasional irritation.

I write from personal experience with important calls not getting through. There is a local landscape supply company I have dealt with since they opened their doors, almost 20 years ago. In their early days of business, they often turned to me for support. We had a wonderful relationship. They are now a major player in our market, with trucks delivering their product to every neighborhood; a real success story. They hired

roadtosuccess

The gatekeeper BY ROD McDONALD

a gatekeeper; after all, the two owners should not have to deal with every trivial detail. I get that. The problem was that their gatekeeper was young and she enjoyed the power that comes with the position. One should never employ anyone who enjoys the power of a position, as power must always be dispensed with a judicious and careful manner.

The young gatekeeper and I started out the season on good terms. We were both cordial in our relationship. I was always respectful of her and she in turn, looked after my account. Then one day in August, I needed to speak to one of the owners. I was in charge of a good-sized project that needed a special product, one that was hard to come by and even harder to price. She wouldn’t let me through. She was not only exercising her power, she was enjoying it. Here she was at 21, blocking an established member of the landscape community (me), and she liked it. When I realized I was not going to be allowed through, I called another company I had rarely dealt with. Amazingly (or not), they were pleased that I had called, invited me out to their yard and within 24 hours I had what I wanted, at a decent price. A lost sale for the gatekeepers’ company, not that she was concerned.

A few weeks passed. The owners of the landscape supply company and I had socialized in the past and I have four season tickets to The Regina Symphony. I wanted to invite them to be my guests. I called. Our young gatekeeper blocked me again, even though the nature of the call was clearly personal. This time I insisted the call go through. She put me on hold. Checkmate! I sat there, for ten minutes, in my personal purgatory, eventually getting the point, and hanging up.

This was a clear case of the walls being too high, but I recognize in life, these things happen. My friends, the owners, can read about it here and adjust if they see the importance.

Respect promotes salesIn my own experience, I have always found it to be beneficial to enlist the gatekeeper as an ally. Whenever I contact a new company, I am always willing to explain who I am and what it is I need. I like to establish a relationship. If I don’t know who to ask for, I ask the gatekeeper, “Who in your company would best be able to meet my needs?” I can safely write that 99 per cent of the time, this has always worked in my best interests. The gatekeepers are there to keep the riff-raff out, not the legitimate callers. Seeing as I view myself within the legitimate camp, I always share my story with them.

I have never understood those callers trying to buffalo their way past the gatekeeper by insisting that their call is “important” or “of a personal nature.” Rarely is that the case, and when I have been on the receiving end of those calls, I have failed to realize why someone selling radio ads would proclaim his call to be of a “personal nature.” A personal nature call, to me, is my blood lab calling with the results of my last test.

I had an unfortunate situation several years ago with a local radio station. Their ad department was above all else persistent, and eventually annoying and rude. I didn’t want any more calls from them. I phoned the station and was greeted by their gatekeeper. I told her who I was, which company I was calling from, and I said that I wanted to tell her my story, and only one other person. I asked if I told her my story, would she put my call through to the one person who would resolve my problem. She readily agreed and I told her my story. She put my call through to the right person, because he took care of it; almost text book.

Rookie salespeople often make the mistake of thinking that their call should go right to the top dog in the organization. Experienced salespeople know that there are often


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buyers, other employees than the manager or the owner, who are assigned to carry out purchasing. That is who they want to talk to, not the boss. Thus I repeat, it is important to establish a relationship with the gatekeeper. She will ensure you speak to the right person. She knows who is who within her organization.

Power of empowermentI had an interesting experience this year. One of my nursery suppliers had a salesperson who was supposed to look after my account, but he never returned my emails. I called the office and was greeted by the gatekeeper. She and I had long ago established a good relationship. I asked her about my unreturned emails and she told me that salesperson was terrible at returning emails. How nice? I asked her who was good at returning emails and I was hooked up with another rep, someone who was wonderful to do business with the rest of the summer. Problem solved by the gatekeeper!

Years ago, I took in a party at a green

conference in Winnipeg. It was being hosted by Cary and Marion from Cary’s Wholesale. Seated beside me in their living room was a vendor who sold nursery pots. We started talking about selling, buying and gatekeepers. He told me that his company was quite small and that his wife was the only office staffer, and thus the gatekeeper. He told me that on occasion, a call would arrive where the caller insisted on not providing any information. The caller would not identify himself, his company or the nature of the call. No information was forthcoming and the entire approach was almost an attempt to bully. He finished the story by saying, “So after totally alienating and upsetting my wife, they want me to be receptive to their pitch? The gatekeeper should always be your friend.”

Every garden centre and greenhouse operator knows the phone rings off the hook each May. And each of us know that at least half of those calling are convinced that only the manager or the owner is capable of solving their concerns, even if relatively minor. I did not want to be dealing with those

who wanted to know if there was a discount for buying two apple trees, instead of one. I also did not want to be the one explaining our simple return policy to every person who had a plant that did not make it through the winter. So, I had a gatekeeper. The best thing I ever did for myself and for her, was to instruct her to say the following: “I am authorized to resolve any and all of your concerns. Tell me your problem and if I cannot give you the best answer, I will ensure that someone else will call you right back.” That simple statement gave callers assurance they were being heard by someone who could take care of their needs, and that is all most of us ever want.

Working with gatekeepers, either in our employ or with others, will always keep us on the road to success. lt

Rod McDonald owned and operated Lakeview

Gardens, a successful garden centre/landscape firm

in Regina, Sask., for 28 years. He now works full-

time in the world of fine arts, writing, acting and

producing in film, television and stage.


landscapepriorities

If you were to improve your business from a numbers perspective, what would you look for? Would it be the dollar value changes in your expenses, or would it be the dollar value changes in your labour or materials section? Ironically, more of one and less of the other does not necessarily mean improvement. For example, if fuel costs go up because you bought a second truck, it is not necessarily a bad thing.

What is critical is the relative changes in your ratios as a percentage of sales. If new equipment adds cost but reduces labour, and you are ahead; it is fantastic that your equipment ratio improved.

In Landscape Construction you will have a very difficult time making a profit if the following are true:

Labour costs• exceed 30 per cent Materials• exceed 25 per cent Sub-contractors• exceed 5 per centEquipment and vehicles • (including lease payments, insurance, repairs and fuel) are higher than 15 per centOverhead• is higher than 25 per cent (the benchmark gets lower for larger companies)Your• profits in this scenario are zero.If you are a small company and you

want to make $100,00 per year and your sales are $400,000, you should allocate 40 percent of your salary 40% to Overhead and 60 per cent to Labour. Consider this: To make $66,000 means working 2,200 hours on-site at $30 per hour, and to make $36,000 working on overhead (paperwork) at the same rate, you must work 1,200 hours.

You will have to be 100% correct on every estimate in terms of estimated time to support your $100,000 salary. But keep in mind you would be working 3,400 hours per year, almost two full-time jobs. All paperwork would need to be done in a professional and timely manner. Every single T would need to be crossed and i

Ratios don’t lie BY GEORGE URVARI

would need to be dotted.To earn $100K on a $400K business is very

difficult, because the truth is, it really does take about that many hours to do all the administrative and physical work. A work pace at 3,400 hours per year is sustainable for only so long. To have balance, you could probably work 2,400 hours per year and still have time to have a life!

If you are going to start a new business, I suggest you run numerical scenario where the following is true:

You realize how much you are willing 1. to work.You realize there is no point in doing 2. something poorly and that you are not good at, for example, accounting.You assess the real cost of doing it 3. properly, because if you do not, you will incur unanticipated hidden costs that will destroy your chance for profit. The real cost of doing the books at two in the morning — poorly — are much higher than you think!

Company-wide guidelinesYour company’s expenses as a percentage of your $400,000 sales should look like the following:

Labour 25% ($100K)Breaks down to 15 per cent for you, or

$60K, plus 10 per cent for one worker ($40K) putting in 2,000 hours at $20 per hour

Materials 25% ($100K)Subs 5% ($20K)Equipment 12% ($48K)Overhead Labour (you) 10% ($40K)All other Overhead Costs 15% ($60K)Profit 8% ($32K)It is much easier to figure out how to make

a profit if we look at ratios as a percentage of sales exclusively.

Tips on maintaining ratiosWhen you price a job, if the material costs

are over 25 per cent, it is very likely going to cut into your profits, so you might look at designing with less expensive materials. Raise the price to make up for the difference and you will make more profit. In essence, you are using less expensive materials with higher mark-ups.

You can also do work that increases sales volume with fewer people. Simpler projects are typically way more profitable, as there is less chance for error and a lower skill requirements.

If your equipment ratio climbs that is okay, provided your labour ratio declines by an equal or greater amount. More equipment typically means fewer people to manage, so if you can do the same or more work with fewer people, all the better. Just make sure you have costed and budgeted the equipment properly. Under-used equipment often causes missed profit targets! If it is not working enough, it is costing you.

Sub-contracting ratios can climb, provided labour and material ratios decline.

Volume and vertical integration key to profitIf we look at businesses, there are two ways to make more money; charge a fortune for what you do and get away with it, or be as efficient as possible.

There are only a handful of businesses that can succeed with the first, and yes, there are some, but it comes with risk when economic times go South or the new guy in vogue comes along. An educated guess is, fewer than one percent of the businesses out there might be in this category. Apple Computers are be an example of charging a fortune, but they are efficient, too.

The second scenario is probably the most logical for long-term success. The goal is to build business volume, and reduce all the ratios — except profit.

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owner makes $200,000, his salary represents only five per cent of sales. This leaves lots of room for profit. If you have a $5-million business, and the owner is making $250,00, it still represents only five per cent of sales. At $10-million in sales, the owner could make $500,000; still five per cent of sales. This leaves huge room for profit, especially if overhead can be fixed or even reduced as a percentage of sales.

The size of the business has a huge impact on what an owner can earn and how many hours he or she has to work. This is only true if the ratios are always maintained and improved.

Larger business size allows:•Division of labour.•Expertise in many fields.•Vertical integration to eliminate paying •other for companies’ overhead and profit. This adds profit without adding volume.Much lower overhead as a percentage of •sales, and therefore higher profits.Owners to work on making the business •better, rather than working in the business.

Ratios do not lieWhat you can squeeze out of ratios will determine what you can pay yourself as an owner, and the profits you will have. For smaller businesses, I would rather see fair financial compensation for the owner and lower profits. The reason is that profits disappear quickly with business growth and new investments in people and equipment. Owner must take money off the table, to earn what they are worth. Far too many businesses exist where the owner is woefully underpaid, and the big payback never comes.

Start looking at your business from the perspective of ratios, and you will start making smart choices about investing in the right people, equipment and overhead.

Ratios do not lie! lt

George Urvari has been a partner in

a Toronto-based landscape design-build firm

for over 25 years.


industrynewscanadian landscape architecture students honouredTwo University of Toronto students have won an award of excellence in the American Society of Landscape Architecture’s 2011 Student Awards program. Jeff Powers and Byron White, students in the univeristy’s Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design, won the prestigious award for UPGRADE/RETROFIT: Strategies for Re-urbanization of Haiti’s Hillsides.

PGRADE/RETROFIT is a hybridized architectural and landscape design plan that envisions a new possibility for Haiti’s development, beyond the short-term disaster relief solutions currently in use. Haiti’s population has outstripped its resources, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain modern society; the many problems plaguing Haiti are well documented. It is the poorest nation in the western hemisphere. Powers and White proposed a solution that moves the population off the flood plains to provide safety, and re-establishes an agricultural economy in the alluvial plains.The presentation ceremony took place November 2, at the ASLA’s annual meeting in San Diego, Calif.

Alberta poised for another successful conferenceThe 250-booth Green Industry Show, produced and managed by Landscape Alberta, will be held at the Edmonton Expo Centre at Northlands, Edmonton, Alta., on Nov 17-18, and will showcase 150 leading Canadian and U.S. exhibitors focusing on the latest in environmental horticultural technology,

equipment and supplies. The conference will be held simultaneously

with the trade show, featuring industry-specific workshops for landscape, turf, tree, greenhouse, nursery and garden centre professionals. It features seven workshops accompanied with over seven hours of general sessions, which profile some of the country’s leading researchers, specialists and industry professionals. Topics will include business management, plant introduction, biological insect and disease control, human resource challenges and plant production issues.

The annual Nursery Grower’s Auction will be held on Wed., Nov. 16 at the Ramada Hotel Kingsway Avenue. This pre-conference event raises money for ornamental plant research, and is a must-attend social event.

For more detail, visit www.greenindustryshow.com.

Eastern peat harvest difficult The Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association (CSPMA), whose members represent 95 per cent of North American peat production, reports that harvest has been very difficult this year in the East with only 15 to 30 per cent of historically-targeted requirements having been met. Current conditions are so restricting that the harvest season was effectively completed as of the end of September.

Continuous and heavy rainfall conditions throughout eastern Canadian peat harvest regions have impacted the ability of the industry to harvest expected volumes. The areas hardest hit are the provinces of New Brunswick and Québec. These areas account for 60 to 70 per cent of all of Canada’s peat production. The

outcome is that overall the industry is facing one of its poorest peat harvest seasons.

In western Canada weather conditions have been better and harvest is continuing in some locations.

canadians win interior awardsThe outstanding work of interiorscape companies from across the United States and Canada has been recognized by the Plantscape Industry Alliance (PIA), with 16 companies winning a prestigious Interior Plantscape Award of Excellence or Award of Merit. Two Canadian companies were recognized at a Sept. 1 Gala held during PIA’s Plantscape Industry Expo.

Botany Bay Landscape Services of Surrey, B.C. won for Blossom at Richmond Centre in the $100,001+ category. Air Strength Canada of Winnipeg, Man., won for The Spring Shopping Bag Experience at Polo Park in the $25,001-50,000 category

Interested companies are encouraged to enter the 2012 PIA Interior Plantscape Awards Program and are reminded to take photos for the Holiday and Special Event category over the upcoming holiday season. Entry forms and deadlines will be posted on PIA’s website www.piagrows.org.

neem-based products under scrutinyNeem oil products are not currently registered in Canada as pesticides, but some manufacturers are selling them as ‘leaf shine’ products to get around the rules. The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) has released a statement saying it will “begin to actively take appropriate enforcement relating to


importation, distribution, sale or advertising of these unregistered neem-based products” after December 31, 2012. This action affects all products containing neem oil and/or azadirachtin, the active ingredient.

Peter Isaacson, IPM/minor use co-ordinator for CNLA, continues to look into organic and non-restricted-use options for retailers. If any garden retailer is aware of a product available in the U.S. or elsewhere, and has detailed information including name, ingredients and brand, he asks you to please forward details to [email protected], so the lengthy registration request process can be initiated. This applies to “organic” as well as “non-toxic” and “natural” pest control options.

Beetle confirmed in new BrunswickThe Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of the brown spruce longhorn beetle (BSLB) near a campground within the Kouchibouguac National Park in New Brunswick. This is the first find of BSLB in New

Brunswick, and the first outside of Nova Scotia.

It is suspected that the pest was transported to New Brunswick on firewood. This new find is nearly 165 kilometres

away from the closest positive BSLB site located in Westchester Station, N.S.

Although BSLB does not pose a risk to human health, it is a highly destructive beetle. Since its discovery in 1999 in Point Pleasant Park in Halifax, it has killed thousands of spruce trees in Nova Scotia, and poses an economic and environmental threat to urban and forested areas of North America. The pest has the potential to spread through the spruce forests of North America.

Proven Winners announces advertising campaignIn spring of 2012, Proven Winners will invest nearly a million dollars in advertisements in popular consumer and gardening magazines including Better Homes and Gardens, Country Living, Fine Gardening, Sunset and Martha Stewart Living, generating nearly 50 million impressions that will be seen by gardeners everywhere.

The company has issued a release giving

retailers a head’s up on the promotion. A featured plant combination will be Bermuda Skies, a blend of the popular and colourful annuals Supertunia Bermuda Beach petunia, Laguna Sky Blue lobelia and Superbells Yellow Chiffon calibrachoa.

Pondemonium enhances landmark aquarium Hundreds of distributors, contractors, and retailers from around the world came together for education, networking, and fun at Aquascape’s Pondemonium 2011, held August 18-21 in St. Charles, Ill. This year’s theme was “Building the Future Together” and offered workshops and hands-on training sessions designed to instruct attendees about effective, economical ways to grow their businesses.

The event kicked off with an advanced Build-a-Pond training session held at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium, the third water feature installed at this historic landmark by Aquascape. The new 30- by 15-ft. pond includes a 1,500 gal. sustainable reservoir, a 50-ft. stream and a

wetlands area with aquatic planting bed. This newest water feature will educate visitors about the importance of native habitats and how everyone can make a positive impact on our environment.

Hunter Industries celebrates anniversaryHunter Industries was founded in 1981 by irrigation industry pioneer and entrepreneur Edwin J. Hunter with the help of his sons Paul and Richard, and daughter Ann. In 1983, the small Hunter team introduced the PGP gear-driven rotor, starting what is now referred to as “The Rotor Revolution.” This year Hunter Industries, of San Marcos, Calif., will turn 30.

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Contractors should always establish clearly who is responsible to ensure that planned construction complies with by-law and zoning requirements, and that property lines and utilities are properly located for the purposes of the job. Yet it is not always that simple. A few examples below illustrate some the factors contractors might want to consider in that regard.

Consider Majestic Design & Contracting Inc. v. Bodnar, 54 C.L.R. (3d) 121 (Alta S.C.), a 2006 decision of the Alberta Superior Court. It involved a landscape contractor who had been hired to build a fence and install a decorative brick planter along a municipal side-walk. The contractor spray painted the proposed location for the planter and the owner approved it, knowing it had been located on City property but thinking the City wouldn’t have a problem. The City required it to be moved and the owner back-charged the contractor for that cost, suggesting the contractor should have known better than to install it on City property.

Ultimately, the contractor was successful in the resulting litigation, but only (in part) because the owner was knowledgeable in construction. Had the owner not been knowledgeable in construction, the result may have been different. In addition, although the contractor was successful, it incurred the time, stress and costs thrown away in the litigation. The case, then, is a lesson in how important it is to ensure that responsibility for locating property lines is established clearly in the contract.

We were involved in a similar case several years ago in which our client, a designer,

prepared a landscape design for a backyard abutting a ravine. In accordance with the owner’s instructions, she located a cabana in a far corner. In doing so, she ensured the cabana met the local setback requirements in relation to the property line. She did not, however, assess the extent to which there were other restrictions on the use of the property. It turned out the cabana was constructed in “green-belt” lands, on which no structures could be located. Again, the designer was dragged into litigation over the issue. Whether or not the designer was responsible was beside the point: the matter settled before trial (as the overwhelming majority of cases do) and the designer had to incur costs (through insurance) by way of deductible, and potentially increased premiums, in that regard.

Ensure neighbour’s co-operationThe importance of identifying property lines is closely related to the need to ensure that access to neighbouring properties is properly obtained and that, as between contractor and owner, the responsibility to obtain this access is clearly determined. We have been involved in cases where access through or above (in relation to crane rights) neighbouring lands was counted on, but then denied, such that the project suffered significant delays and costs.

We are also presently involved in a case where a contractor’s excavation in the backyard of a home was not properly planned out, such that a portion of the neighbours’ property subsided and fell into the hole. The neighbours, already upset by the owner’s rather cavalier approach

to construction, flatly refused access to fill in the hole and repair the damage. This put the owner, and its contractor, in the unenviable position of having to fill in part of a hole on their own side, which required them to incur the cost of installing shoring piles, along with all of the engineering costs involved with such an approach. Clearly, had neighbourly relations and the potential for neighbouring impacts been addressed prior to construction, these impacts could most likely have been avoided.

With respect to utility locates, consider the Ontario Court of Appeal decision in R. v. London Excavators & Trucking Ltd., [1998] O.J. No. 6437. In that case, an excavation subcontractor was told by the contractor who hired him to go ahead and dig because the area was “clear” of utility and service lines. The utility locates, however, had not been obtained and a gas line was struck, causing an explosion. As the entity conducting excavation, the subcontractor’s statutory obligation in Ontario (as it is in most provinces) was to ensure that a locate was obtained from the local utilities. The Court held that the subcontractor could not rely on the contractor to do so, and the subcontractor was convicted under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Clarify responsibility for permitsThe lessons to be learned from these examples are many. First, contractors should make it absolutely clear, in their contracts, who is responsible to obtain permits and survey data, etc. Where the owner doesn’t have a survey, and doesn’t want to pay for one, the contract should make it clear

Surveys and locates: Who is responsible? BY ROB KENNALEY

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that the contractor is entitled to rely on the survey information provided by the owner, and that the owner will indemnify the contractor for any costs or damages incurred in the event that such information is inaccurate. The similar precaution should be taken by subcontractors, in relation to contractors under their subcontracts, further down the line.

It should be understood, however, that in some circumstances it is not sufficient to pass survey, utilities and access obligations onto the parties contracted with. A good example is R. v. London Excavators, where the excavator was required by statute to obtain the information itself. In other circumstances, a Court may decide that, notwithstanding what the contract says, the contractor had an independent duty — such as the case where the contractor accesses or encroaches on a neighbour’s property without permission. Finally, it should be remembered that in dealing with these types of issues, the risk is not necessarily limited to your contractual responsibility. Rather, in many circumstances the risk is what someone might say your responsibility was. Even if your contract says the other side is responsible to obtain and provide information as to survey data, zoning issues, locates or access, etc., you should be careful to assess the risk that someone might allege that you were nonetheless negligent in failing to obtain the information or permissions yourself. How you should manage this risk will always depend on the particular circumstances of the project. Our role here is to suggest that while the issue should always be addressed in the contract, in some cases it might be prudent to not offload the responsibility. lt

Rob Kennaley practices construction law in

Toronto. He speaks and writes regularly on

construction law issues and can be reached for

comment at 416-368-2522 or at kennaley@

mclauchlin.ca. This material is for information

purposes and is not intended to provide legal

advice. Readers who have concerns about any

particular circumstance are encouraged to seek

independent legal advice in that regard.


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November 6-8, International Irrigation show, San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, Calif. www.irrigationshow.org

November 16-18, fIHoQ expo, Saint-Hyacinthe, Que.

November 17-18, green Industry show and Conference, Edmonton EXPO Centre (Northlands), Alta. www.greenindustryshow.com

November 21-23, Horteast Conference and Trade show, Moncton Coliseum Complex, Moncton, N.B. www.horteast.ns.ca

November 29-December 1, Croplife Canada Conference, Winnipeg Convention Centre, Winnipeg, Man.www.growcanadaconference.ca

November 29-December 3 Cities Alive! 9th Annual green roof and Wall Conference, Philadelphia, Pa. www.greenroofs.org

November 30-December 2 PM expo, Toronto, Ont. www.pmexpo.com

2012January 4-6, northern green expo, Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, Minn. www.minnesotagreenexpo.com

January 9-11, great Lakes Trade exposition (gLTe), deVos Place, Grand Rapids, Mich. www.glte.org

January 10-12, Congress 2012, Toronto Congress Centre, Toronto, Ont. www.locongress.com

January 11-13, The Mid-Atlantic nursery Trade show, Baltimore Convention Center, Md. www.mants.com

January 11-13, Indiana green expo, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, Ind. www.indianagreenexpo.com

January 18-20, The Tropical Plant Industry exhibition (TPIe), Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. www.fngla.org/tpie

January 18-20, Mid-Am Trade show, Navy Pier, Chicago, Ill. www.midam.org

January 23-25, CenTs, Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, Oh. www.onla.org

January 24-27, International Plant fair, Essen, Germany, www.ipm-messe.de

January 25-28, AnLA Management Clinic, Galt House Hotel, Louisville, Ky. www.managementclinic.org

January 29- February 2, CgTA spring gift show, International Centre and Congress Centre, Toronto, Ont. www.cgta.org lt

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Fax: (905) 761-7959www.fibramulch.com

EmPloYmEnT oPPoRTUnITIES

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING INFORMATIONPayment: All classified ads must be pre-paid by VISA or Mastercard. Rates: $62.15 (includes HST) per column inch (Approx. 25 words). Min. order $62.15. Annual rates also available. Deadlines: The 10th day of the month prior to issue date. (eg: June issue deadline is May 10th). Jan. deadline is Nov. 10. If day falls on weekend or holiday, deadline is the next business day. Space is limited to a first-come, first-served basis. To place an ad: E-mail your name and phone num-ber and your ad to Rob at classifieds@ landscapeontario.com. Also mention the ad is for Landscape Trades. You will be sent a proof/confirmation/payment form by e-mail. Online advertising: All paid ads are posted to our web-site at www.landscapetrades.com/ classifieds for the corresponding calen-dar month. Website only ads are avail-able for $67.80 (HST included) and are posted for 30 days. Additional charge for ads over 325 words.

SALES PERSON WANTEDEstablished Horticultural Broker, looking to expand to Quebec and Eastern provinces.

Must have bilingual skills and an established customer base.

Contact: Mike Tandeski (586) 784-5715

Serving the green industry across CanadaAsk your provincial trade association about the many ways Green for Life can inspire homeowners, connect them with your company and build your sales!

Promoting YOUR business



Thousands of listings at your fingertipsSource Book ONLINE

WWW.LTSOURCEBOOK.COM

The online product guide for Canada’s horticulture industryExclusive listings for the Canadian lawn and landscape industry. Search by product, name, product category — or search the entire Source Book database.

where to find it ADVERTISER PAGE PHONE EMAIL WEBSITE

Atlas Polar Company Ltd 29 888-799-4422 [email protected] www.atlaspolar.com

Beaver Valley Stone 35 416-222-2424 [email protected] www.beavervalleystone.com

Caledon Treeland 36 800-268-9516 [email protected] www.treeland.ca

Dutchmaster Nurseries Limited 39 905-683-8211 [email protected] www.dutchmasternurseries.com

Echo Power Equipment Canada 15 877-324-6660 [email protected] www.echo.ca

Fertilec 9 888-831-1085 [email protected] www.fertilec.com

G & L Group 35 905-669-3938 [email protected] www.gandlgroup.com

Kubota Canada Ltd 2 905-294-7477 [email protected] www.kubota.ca

Lane’s Landscaping 13 905-279-1945 [email protected] www.laneslandscaping.ca

New England Grows Inc 31 508-653-3009 [email protected] www.newenglandgrows.org

Permacon Group Inc 5 800-265-0692 www.permaconpro.ca

Peterbilt of Canada 11 www.peterbilt.com

Stonemen’s Valley Inc 32 905-841-8400 [email protected] www.stonemensvalley.com

Thames Valley Brick & Tile 33 905-637-6997 [email protected] www.thamesvalleybrick.com

Wright Commercial Products 40 301-360-9810 www.wrightmfg.com

Zander Sod Co Ltd 36 877-727-2100 [email protected] www.zandersod.com

DutchmasterN U R S E R I E S L T D .

Vast selection of container plantsSpecialists in caliper trees

40 years of industry experienceVarious nursery supplies for sale

Growing with our customers in mind

T : 905 683 8211F : 905 683 3734E : [email protected]

3735 Sideline 16,Brougham, ON, CanadaL0H 1A0

We make your day easier

All of your nursery needs in one place

www.dutchmasternurseries.com

T H E W R I G H T W AY T O M O W

P R I S T I N E R E S U LT S

A M E R I CA N D E S I G N E D & M A D E

The Wright AERO CORE™ DECK. The New Platform for Excellence.

The AERO CORE™ DECK delivers everything you need for the best possible results. Like a

unique airflow design that creates a powerful vacuum effect, pulling up grass for a clean,

manicured cut. Anti-clumping baffles that prevent debris build-up and improve clipping

dispersal. A space-saving design that yields greater deck strength as well as more room

on the trailer. Recessed caster wheels that allow for a more compact footprint and superior

maneuverability. You get the smooth, even results you want in less time than ever.

Now available in the Large Frame Stander, Stander X, and Sport X models.

To learn more about the Wright AERO CORE™ DECK, call 301.360.9810 or visit www.wrightmfg.com.

A E R O C O R E ™ D E C K

Documents

November-December 2011 Landscape Trades