HortWest 2007-02

B . C . L A N D S C A P E & N U R S E R Y A S S O C I A T I O N P U B L I C A T I O N • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 0 7

The local horticulture trades hostedCanada to celebrate the National Awardsof Landscape Excellence. The gala eventlauded last season’s top landscape maintenance and construction projects,and focused government and industryon the role of landscapes in creatingsustainable communities.

A panel of eleven judges including industryprofessionals, educators and garden writersfrom across the country, reviewed 29 topnotch projects, which were submitted bythe provincial associations from their ownawards programs. Juergen Partridge Ltd.

continued on page 14

National Award ofExcellence for

LandscapeConstruction:

Juergen PartridgeLtd.’s landscape

construction projectperfected the viewfrom this Ontario

Garden.

National Award ofExcellence forLandscapeInstallation:InternationalLandscaping Inc.maintains ‘HollywoodNorth’ to impeccablestandards.

BCLNA Hosts Canada

3BCLNA BoardHighlights

4BCLNA News Bulletins

6HortEducationBC

8Equipment Toy Chest

9Commercial VehicleSafety

10Landscape & RetailNews

11Grower Notes

14Green Pages

HortWest February 07 2/8/07 9:21 AM

2

Message from the President

The warm sunshinemakes today feellike spring, but it’sFebruary and timeto plan for anothergreat year. Whatcan we build on?

This winter sawnumerous BCLNA accomplishmentsand events:• The Landscape Commodity ended

2006 with a great Christmas partywhere Certification Chair, CableBaker, acknowledged 77 individualswho took on the challenge of CHT,CLD and CLP programs.

• The Growers’ Commodity enjoyed aDecember meeting attended by 60.Growers have been dealing with many

issues over the last couple of years andwith consistent, cooperative effort havebeen successful on many fronts. Theirdetermination to deal with issuesquickly and effectively will continue toenable them to overcome the manychallenges that are facing them —Invasive Alien Species, labour shortagesand the Canadian dollar to name justa few.

• Retailers have nearly completeddevelopment of their safety manualand training will commence thisspring throughout the province.

• The Interior Chapter held twolandscape-focused meetings beforeChristmas while the Island Chapterheld two meetings and got togetherfor a social evening in Victoria tocelebrate the year’s successes. With

renewed support, structure andenthusiasm, these chapters are workingwell and developing regional meetingsand events.

Reflecting on the good things thathappened last year invigorates us to presson with our success for the 2007 season.Volunteering has brought a great deal ofjoy to many in our association, developinglong-term business relationships andfriendships. If you would like help pleasecall the BCLNA at 604-574-7772.

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

Past Successes Create Building Blocks for 2007


Labour: BC’s medical rates for workersemployed through the Seasonal AgricultureWorker Program have been subsidized bythe other provinces; the subsidy relievesBC farmers of a high insurance premiumotherwise out-of-line with the rest of thecountry. Progress is being made in theformation of a BC organization formanaging SAWP. BC tried to getCaribbean workers this year but must havea national contract, which is in the works.

Environment: BCLNA received notifi-cation in December that the AgricultureEnvironment Partnership Initiative hasapproved funding development ofIntegrated Pest Management training

modules. Many will be useful for growers,retailers and landscape while othersmay apply specifically to landscapepest management service providers.The goal is to have training accessiblethroughout the province. Completionis expected in early 2008.

Export Market Development: A focusgroup of export growers met in Decemberas part of the export marketing strategy;a broader survey of export growers isnow underway. Portions of the BuyersGuide will be placed on line once it isconfirmed that it can be done in auser-friendly manner.

Inside BC Market Development: Itwas recommended that BCLNA shouldpurchase a booth at the Vancouver SunGarden Show rather than doing a displaygarden. It was agreed that BCLNAshould not make a contribution towardthe Stanley Park recovery fund as someindividual members have already doneso, and many other parks and publicspaces suffered major tree loss duringthe winter storms.

Green Roof Standard: The BCLNABoard accepted the Green Roof Standard asprepared by the Development Committee.Work is underway on layout and otherdistribution issues. ■

3

Monday, January 15, 2007

BCLNA Board Highlights

FEBRUARY 2007

MANAGING EDITOR Renata Triveri

ADVERTISING Barb NelsonPhone: (604) 574-7772Fax: (604) 574-7773

HortWest is the Newsletter of the B.C.Landscape & Nursery Association for thehorticultural trade in Western Canada. For further information, contact us at:Suite 102, 5783 – 176A StreetSurrey, B.C., Canada V3S 6S6Telephone (604) 574-7772 Fax (604) 574-7773

HortWest is owned by the B.C. Landscape & NurseryAssociation, and is published 10 times a year. Viewsexpressed inside do not necessarily reflect the attitudesof the Association but are those of the writer concerned.Material may not be reprinted from this magazinewithout the consent of the publisher.

All advertising and editorial material are to be receivedone month in advance of mail out date.

HortWest is mailed under Canadian Publications MailProduct Sales Agreement N. 0288608

This magazine is printed in Canada by Globe Printers.

HortWest


Pathogen PossibleKey to ChaferControlA group studying European Chafer mayhave stumbled across a natural control.The Institute for Sustainable Horticultureat Kwantlen University College isinvestigating reasons why Chafer larvaewere smaller and harder to locate in2006 than typical, and why controlledstudy plots had poor survival rates.

The Institute’s studies suggest that apathogen may be present in soil whereChafer larvae have been established for afew years, resulting in natural mortality.While early observations have generatedhope, the cause has not yet been identified.Lab work is ongoing to isolate thispathogen and to determine efficacy. Amore accurate idea of whether or not itcan be used in a biological control isanticipated next month.

Industry Provides“Re-Leaf”Uncharacteristically stormy weather hasleft a path of destruction through BC’scoastal parks and landscapes, and thelocal green industry is on the front line.

Landscapers have been struggling tokeep up with growing demand for yardmaintenance while recovering from snow-day delays. In addition to fielding callsfrom homeowners, the media has alsoboosted interest in the industry’s expertise.CHT and arborist, Paul Buikema, recentlygranted an interview to CBC’s Priya Ramuon what tree-care homeowners can dothemselves and when to hire an arborist,while the Vancouver Parks Board’s per-sonnel have been inundated with querieson Stanley Park’s damage and repair.

Well before federal funding of $2million was announced last month for

Stanley Park’s restoration, localgrower, Rod Nataros, made a quiet butsignificant contribution. AndreaMarinello, Marketing Manager ofNATS Nursery Ltd., remarked, “Weat NATS were heartbroken to see thelevel of destruction in Vancouver’sStanley Park.” As a result, the businessoffered to donate some 3000 indigenousseedlings and 500 trees – a gift valued at$13,500 – to help reforestation efforts.

Similar donations will serve othercommunities’ restoration projects. SaidMichael Rosen, Vice President of TreeCanada, “We are urging Canadians toshow the same generosity they showedduring the BC Fires in 2003 and HurricaneJuan in the Maritimes.” Tree Canada’s“ReLeaf” Funds are launched acrossCanada in times of devastation, notablyafter the BC wildfires, during the DutchElm Disease outbreak, and followingthe ice storms of 1998. Donations can bemade through the Tree Canada websiteat www.tcf-fca.ca.

PST ExemptionsReviewedDue to frustration with the lengthy andoutdated PST exemption list, the BCAgriculture Council (BCAC) has proposedan option that both industry and theMinistry of Provincial Revenue agreemerits consideration, but which requiresinput from stakeholders.

The proposed system suggests streamliningwhereby:• Producers pay PST on farm inputs

and are eligible to claim a rebate onthe expenses

• All bona fide farms are eligible regardlessof size

• The decision process on eligible farminputs would be removed from retailers

• Refunds would be for PST paid on allpurchases of eligible expenses andcapital purchases

• Refund applications would be based

on purchases and expenditures thatare reported for federal income taxand/or CAIS applications

• A processing fee would be chargedfor each rebate application to offsetthe administrative costs; the totalprocessing fee would be capped.

To provide feedback, contact Hedy Dyckat the BCLNA ([email protected]). Yourinput will be provided to the BC Ministryof Small Business and Revenue andincluded in the decision-making process.

BCLNA Contributesto Robson RevampVancouver’s tired Robson Square willsoon receive a facelift to house some 5000media people during the 2010 OlympicGames. The area’s revitalization will addoffice space for non-accredited media, actas headquarters for VANOC, and is tobecome part of the post-games legacy.

At the request of Ken Veldman, VANOC’sBusiness Connections Manager, a group ofBCLNA members assessed the space andprovided input on plants and buildingmaterials for winter interest. Said BCLNAPast President, Peter Levelton, “I met[Veldman’s] group at a VANOC presen-tation to encourage BC companies to getinvolved in the Olympics, and was asked totour the site with some of our members toget a flavour for the project.” The sugges-tions will be turned over to the square’soriginal architect, Arthur Erickson, whowill work on its final design. AddedLevelton, “What VANOC was looking forwas a broad sense of BC’s outdoor spacesas opposed to following a single vision.”

Victoria ShowRefreshedThe Victoria Home Show, run by thatcity’s branch of the Canadian HomeBuilders’ Association, received its own

4

BCLNA News Bulletins


new home for 2007. Slated to run fromMarch 2 to 4, the Home Show will beheld in the Save-on-Foods MemorialCentre, and will feature a full complementof renovation, building, garden andlandscape displays.

Said Reuben Butterfield, Island ChapterChair, “Last year was my first in the show.It was phenomenally successful — I got70 to 80 strong leads and closed salesthroughout following months.” The newvenue promises to attract a more sophisti-cated crowd with more qualified buyers.

BCLNA members are encouraged toparticipate, and a reduced booth ratehas been offered. For information,contact Reuben Butterfield [email protected] orBrian Russell, Island Chapter Treasurerat [email protected].

BC Spring Home& Garden ShowThe premier marketing tool for manyBC landscapers, the Spring Home &Garden Show returns this year fromFebruary 21 to 25. Featuring a new lay-out for the BCLNA Garden Zone, anoutdoor entertaining stage, numerousHGTV celebrities, and the VancouverSun Gardener’s Stage, the show attractssome 60,000 visitors each year. Volunteersto help build displays, and to staff theBCLNA garden are welcome! Call theBCLNA at 604 574-7772 to help.

5

¿Hablas español?The Minnesota Landscape & NurseryAssociation has developed Spanish-Englishdictionary for the green industry,invaluable for growers hosting seasonalworkers from Mexico. Booklets can bepurchased for $12.00 plus tax—be sure toorder enough for your key staff and Span-ish-speaking workers. To order, contactthe BCLNA at 604 574-7772.


6

HortEducationBC

The face of certification ischanging in Canada underthe visionary direction of theCNLA certification com-mittee. Two programs havebeen approved for adop-tion by the InternationalCertification Council(ICC) after two years ofdevelopment. Piloted

through the first half of 2006, they arethe Educational Integration program forCHT, and the Passport to Certification,which is applicable to all the CNLAcertification programs.

The Educational Integration program isa process that allows post-secondary

schools to offer the CertifiedHorticultural Technician (CHT)program in their curricula. Schools willundergo an application that includes anevaluation of the program(s) and a sitevisit by industry members. Approvedschools can offer CHT mini-tests(three to eight stations) as a way ofcreating more employable graduates.Students may not attempt or be offeredevery station in the CHT exam throughtheir school but can complete themafter graduation along with therequired 2,000 hours of industryexperience.

“The integration of CHT into theeducation system will provide a betterquality employee to the industry andhelp to create better links between ourindustry and the education system. It istruly a win-win-win situation!” said JoelBeatson, CLP, Professional DevelopmentManager at CNLA; “This new deliverysystem will increase the number ofcandidates entering the CHT programand improve accessibility to testing byoffering more potential test and re-testopportunities.”

The CNLA Passport to Certificationwill compliment the education integrationprogram, and will track each section ofany certification program (CHT, CLD,CLP), creating a ladder of progression.Phil Paxton, CHT, CLP, Chair of theCNLA Certification Committee andPresident of the Alpha Better Group inCalgary commented, “this will single-handedly flip the focus of certification;until now the perception is a candidatehasn’t achieved anything until theypass everything. Now we will be ableto recognize every success a personachieves”. All certified individuals willreceive a passport to replace the walletcards as proof of current status. Thepassport stays with an individual as newcertifications or classifications are

added, and it can then be produced atjob interviews or client meetings.Candidates will be required to bringtheir passport to exams for updating.

Approval of both initiatives was gainedat the recent ICC meetings in Columbus,Ohio. Upon unanimous approval, thegallery (mostly US and Canadian association and volunteer representatives)gave a loud round of applause. Bothprograms launch in early 2007 and arethe first of many exciting projects theCNLA Certification Committee isworking on to increase the value of thecertification programs to individualsand employers. For questions on anyof CNLA’s certification programs, contactJoel Beatson, CLP at 1-888-446-3499, ext.8610 or [email protected].

Newly CertifiedProfessionalsCongratulations toReuben Butterfield ofHelios LandscapingInc. for completinghis CLP designation, and to David Amodeoof Meridian Landscaping and SpencerJeffrey of Heartwood Landscaping forachieving their CHT designations inLandscape Maintenance and LandscapeInstallation respectively! ■

HortEducationBC’swebsite has beenupdated!Browse the extensive list oflearning opportunities atwww.HortEducationBC.com,and click on Short CourseSchedule.

Canada Leads Changes to International Certification Programs


7

42481 Industrial Way, Chilliwack, B.C. 604.823-6688

Sumas Gro–Media Ltd. • Raw materials purchased in advancehelps to ensure product consistencyand availability.

• Multiple computerscontrol the dosing equipment,increasing accuracyand speed. Thismakes it easier tooffer competitivelypriced products.

• Non-invasive mixing equipment protects the structure and consistency of the media.

• Fast, reliable delivery.

Sumas Gro–Media specializes in the productionof specialty crop mixes for the nursery, bedding

plants, perennial and blueberry crops. We also have seedling and propagation soils.

Premium raw ingredients produce a consistent end product every time.

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Safety is no accident, nor is gettinginjured at work. Keeping your businessinjury-free requires the same consistenteffort as keeping your clients satisfied.

Most landscaping work requires crewsat several different locations each day.As an employer, you are required todo a site assessment at each site toidentify hazards. Before starting work ateach location, inform your employeesof any hazards and review safe workprocedures at the same time as youreview the work that needs to bedone.

Train and supervise your employees toensure they work safely and efficiently.Never assume anything is “commonsense”. Make a point to be consistentand lead by example. If you tell youremployees to wear hearing protection,then make sure you wear them yourself.A safe crew is a productive crew: keep

yourself and your employees safe for theentire season. As a small business in theservice industry, you understandthe importance of keeping yourselfand your employees’ safe on the jobsite. Your business depends on it.

WorkSafeBC has developed one-page safety tips to help landscaperswork safely. There are six tipsincluding:• Safety clothing and equipment• Lifting safely from your vehicle• Preventing back injuries• Using step ladders safely• Preventing mowing injuries• Preventing slips, trips and falls• Preventing hand injuries

You can use these tips as part ofregular crew talks with youremployees and post them whereyou store you equipment toremind you to talk about them.

To view and print your own copiesof the landscaping safety tips, go toWorkSafeBC.com and search for“landscaping”. ■

Safety CheckTerri Holizki, WorkSafeBC Industry & Labour Services Manager for Small Business

Consistency Key to Safe Job Sites


9

Finning Drives Vehicle SafetyBCLNA members will once again havethe opportunity to shore-up theircommercial vehicle safety skills thanksto Finning (Canada).

The equipment supplier and ardentBCLNA supporter is sponsoring theCommercial Vehicle Safety Seminar forthe fourth time at the company’s Surreylocation (19100-94th Avenue) on Saturday,March 3. Said Ray Gerein, “BCLNAmembers want to be positive examplesof safe and professional drivers. Manylandscapers tow trailers and equipmentbehind their vehicles, and this courseis essential in teaching what they needto know when they are stopped byCommercial Vehicle Inspectors.”

The seminar will provide an opportunity

to learn the rules and regulations associ-ated with towing large commercial andindustrial equipment. Attendees willacquire practical vehicle safety knowledge,learning why a “Restriction 20” is neededon a Class 5 license to tow a trailer, andfinding out the legal requirements forchaining equipment; participants canalso weigh their vehicle units on portablescales and “play” on Caterpillar compactconstruction equipment. Finning (Canada)is also hosting lunch for the group. Thesession will be presented by commercialvehicle inspectors, who appreciate theopportunity to teach the required skillsin a positive learning environment.

Commented Gerein, “Finning (Canada)is proud to sponsor events of this kind toreinforce safe driving practices because we

take safety very seriously. The companyrecently announced a policy that bans theuse of cell phones while operating a vehi-cle for company business.” Studies haveconfirmed that driver distraction fromcell phones increases the risk of motorvehicle crashes by four to six times. Gereinadded that Finning (Canada) encouragesits clients and colleagues to do supporta similar initiative in their own companies;“driving while using a cell phone is adanger to our employees and jeopardizesthe safety of other drivers and pedestrians.Think about it and consider adding thispolicy. We all know this is the right thingto do!”

For more information, and to registerto attend, contact Ray Gerein at604 881-2648 or [email protected].

Commercial Vehicle Safety


Members, their spouses and theiremployees, enjoyed the LandscapeCommodity Christmas party held at

Burnaby Mountain Golf Course andgenerously sponsored by Waterscene,Aquascape Inc. and Finning (Canada).

10

Landscape & Retail News

“I was a little nervous about going tothe meeting as I am so new to theindustry, and I only knew one personthere, but was pleasantly surprised thatI immediately felt welcome and sup-ported!” recounted Marie Samsonfrom Flora Sophia Designs Ltd. Sam-son added that she “was impressed withthe professionalism as well as theamount of commitment to continuallyimproving both the industry itself andthe consumer experience of it.”

The year’s 77 new and in-progressCHTs, CLPs and CLDs were celebrated.Attendees reminisced with a slide showthat highlighted landscape events ofthe past year, and staff acknowledgedthose members who are dedicated tomore association committees than canbe counted on one hand! BCLNA staffwouldn’t survive without them, butthey will need a break soon. Theyencourage you to get involved inwhatever way you can.

RetailWorkSafeBCRate CapApprovedA successful consultation betweenretail members and WorkSafeBC lastsummer has resulted in their Board ofDirectors approving a less dramaticinsurance premium hike for 2007.Their initially proposed increase to$2.04 (20% higher than 2006) willinstead be capped at $1.84 (8%). RetailChair, Mary Ann Van Den Bergeadded, “No increase would have beenmore favorable, but this smallerincrease is far better than what wasoriginally on the table. If we wishfurther reductions in the followingyears we need fewer claims. Considerongoing employee training anddiligent supervision to avert anaccident before it happens.” ■

Sanitize with certaintySanitization can be very costly if not done effectively.

• Iotron takes sanitization to a new level, offeringNursery Growers unparalleled results.

• Iotron utilizes irradiation technology to eliminatePathogens, fungi and molds on pots, trays, andstyroblocks.

• Iotron's sanitization method fully penetrates materialslike an X-ray, effectively sterilizing the material.

Field trials have proven that the sanitization level of pots prior to planting can affect plant yields.

Money does grow on trees!Be confident that your pots, trays or styroblocks are

the cleanest they can be from the start. A diseasefree environment creates disease free plants.

Benefits• Re-use old pots, trays & styroblock• Increase plant yields• Reduce maintenance on plants• Environmentally friendly process• No more need for harsh chemicals, steam or hot water

If your sanitization method leaves you uncertain, then it's definitely time to make a change.

For more information please contact Iotron Technologies Corp. 1425 Kebet Way, Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 6L3

Ph. (604)945-8838 Fax. (604)945-8827Website www.Iotron.com Email: [email protected]

Sanitize with certaintySanitization can be very costly if not done effectively.

• Iotron takes sanitization to a new level, offeringNursery Growers unparalleled results.

• Iotron utilizes irradiation technology to eliminatePathogens, fungi and molds on pots, trays, andstyroblocks.

• Iotron's sanitization method fully penetrates materialslike an X-ray, effectively sterilizing the material.

Field trials have proven that the sanitization level of pots prior to planting can affect plant yields.

Money does grow on trees!Be confident that your pots, trays or styroblocks are

the cleanest they can be from the start. A diseasefree environment creates disease free plants.

Benefits• Re-use old pots, trays & styroblock• Increase plant yields• Reduce maintenance on plants• Environmentally friendly process• No more need for harsh chemicals, steam or hot water

If your sanitization method leaves you uncertain, then it's definitely time to make a change.

For more information please contact Iotron Technologies Corp. 1425 Kebet Way, Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 6L3

Ph. (604)945-8838 Fax. (604)945-8827Website www.Iotron.com Email: [email protected]

Lots for Landscape to Celebrate


11

Help Wanted

Garden Centres Staff WantedF/T position available immediately for busy nursery& garden center. Heavy lifting required. Retailgarden centre experience an asset. Knowledgeof plant material required but will train the rightmature candidate. Apply with resume to Teresaat Art Knapp Plantland & Florist 1300 DominionAvenue, Port Coquitlam. No phone calls please.

Well Established Landscape Companyin Vancouver is looking to hire a person experiencedin garden maintenance. Should have a goodknowledge of plants, be physically fit and havea valid BC Driver’s license. Wage will reflectknowledge and experience. Please fax resumeto 604-736-4359.

GardenWorks Ocean Park - AssistantStore ManagerKey role in vibrant garden centre business. Candidates should have solid horticulture back-ground, with experience in retail & in managingand motivating a TEAM! Ideal candidate shoulddemonstrate a passion for providing outstandingcustomer service. Great benefits! Fax / email604.299.4403 / [email protected]

What’s Growing On?Parkland Nursery & Landscape Services Ltd. is awholesale nursery based just east of Red Deer,Alberta. We supply local landscapers and contrac-tors, as well as the western provinces with calipershade and conifer trees, shrubs, perennials andhard goods. We are currently looking for people tojoin our team in the following positions as we con-tinually expand our business.

Assistant Supervisors (Field & Landscape)Responsibilities include the supervision andmonitoring of daily activities of work crews. Candidates should have a two year degree in horticulture or related field.

In-House Sales RepresentativeThis position requires an up-beat, self starter,professional person with a very good knowledgeof plant material with experience in computers,accounting and inventory control.

Laborers – Physically fit people who enjoy workingoutdoors are always in demand.

For more information on these or other possibleemployment opportunities, please contact LaurieWright at [email protected] or fax403-340-8759.

theclassifiedsNursery Foreman WantedArt Knapp’s Plantland in Penticton has an opening for anursery foreman. The job includes being responsiblefor all nursery stock receiving, our offsite nursery(which includes potting bare root shrubs, perennials,grasses and our pot in pot trees as well as some annualproduction), the display gardens and usual nurserymaintenance as well as customer service. The ideal can-didate would have a love of horticulture as well as beingself motivated and a leader. The benefits are a lifestylein the Okanagan coupled with employment at a leadinggarden centre whose staff is recognized, rewarded andcontent. Please email [email protected] or mail resumeto Art Knapp’s Plantland, 670 Duncan Avenue West,Penticton, BC V2A 7N1

Come Join Our Sales Team!Specimen Trees Wholesale Nurseries Ltd. is lookingfor an outside Sales Associate. This is a great careeropportunity. We are a well established, leading wholesalenursery in Pitt Meadows looking for a self-motivatedsales person. A basic knowledge of the nursery/landscaping Industry an asset, but must have some salesexperience and/or sales training. Position requiresphysical activity and regular travel throughout the lowermainland, Whistler and Vancouver Island. Preferencewill be given to those that possess strong interpersonalskills and enjoy working as part of a team. Wage tobe determined by work experience. Please providereferences with resume. Fax resume to 604-465-8100or email to [email protected]

Grower Notes

Regulation MayHinder ImportsWorking from a government directiveconcerning genetically modified plants(GMOs), the CFIA is in the process ofregulating the import of “Plants withNovel Traits” (PNTs). While manycountries regulate GMOs, the expandedmandate in Canada causes all plantsexhibiting different traits, regardless ofthe process used to develop the new vari-ety, to be scrutinized.

PNTs include most ornamental plantssold in our industry, and while suchregulation is beneficial in minimizing thespread of new invasive alien species, itcould have a detrimental effect on growers’access to new varieties developed aroundthe world.

In the interest of protecting access to newplants in an environmentally responsibleway, the Canadian Ornamental PlantFoundation is working with the PlantBiosafety Office to develop a database ofgenera and species already existing inthe Canadian market. It is hoped that itwill establish that the majority of theseplants have not caused negative environ-mental impacts.

The database is a compilation of Canadiannurseries’ and botanical gardens’ plant lists,and is dependent on industry contributions.If you sell unique or unusual plants,please send your list to Renata Triveri([email protected]). An Excel file, indicatinggenus and species only, is preferred, butother formats are accepted. As the data-base will be divided into perennials,woody plants and annuals, it is requestedthat separate files be sent for each.

DFO TakesGrowers intoAccountThe federal government has tabledlegislation for a new Fisheries Act thatmakes the process more transparent andworkable. A consultation process will takeplace to include agricultural groups acrossCanada; the BC Agriculture Councilwill continue to lead the discussions forproducers in BC.

As many growers know, the issue ofdrainage ditches being designated as‘fish bearing streams’ is one example ofhow the old Act affected producerswhen they were fined after cleaning outditches to ensure adequate drainage forcrops. ■

SEE

EXTRASFOR MORE

CLASSIFIEDS


I

In MemoriamMARIA PANNELL-NAPPER

JULY 25, 1969 -DECEMBER 25, 2006

It is with great sorrow that we announcethe death of Maria Pannell-Napper after ashort but fierce battle with cancer. She issurvived by her husband and business part-ner, Jamie, mother Stella, sister Jane,twin daughters Emma and Pippa (7 years)and son Nicholas (1.5 years).

Maria was a gifted and passionate land-scape designer whose enthusiasm forplants and gardening started early underthe guidance of her father, an ardent Eng-lish gardener. After pursuing a degree atSimon Fraser University, majoring inbotany, she completed Kwantlen’s Land-scape Design & Maintenance programexpanding on her love of all things botanicalwhilst honing her artistic flair.

After graduating, she worked for variousnurseries, then landed a job with Penin-sula Landscape Works. In 1999, she enteredinto business with her husband Jamie andbegan a family. Treefrog Gardens Inc.grew into a very successful company due toMaria’s enthusiasm, creativity, knowl-edge, charisma and her husband’s sweat.

Maria further indulged her horticulturalpassions with a modest greenhouse andgarden of her own on their Langleyacreage. When time allowed, she volun-teered with the BCLNA. A short stintwith Gardens West Magazine allowedher to marry her linguistic and horticul-tural talents.

Maria was an amazing woman: strongspirit, beautiful heart and funny, funny,funny. She will be missed by all whoknew her. If you have memories or pho-tos to share, send them [email protected], and they will becompiled into a book for her children.

A RESP has been set up for each ofMaria & Jamie’s three children. If youwould like to contribute, please makeyour cheque payable to Glenwood Ele-mentary PAC. In the memo, write “InTrust for Emma, Philippa & NicholasNapper” (the PAC will divide donationsevenly for each child). All cheques may bemailed to Dawne Edwards at 992-212Street, Langley, B.C. V2Z 1T1.

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&&even t sIndustry

programs

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

P. ramorumCertification &Environmental Farm Planning WorkshopsVarious dates and locations. Contact BCLNAfor details.

BCRPA Parks & Grounds Spring TrainingCoast Hotel & Convention CentreLangley, BCwww.bcrpa.bc.ca

February 19BCRPA Playground Safety Awareness

February 20Horticulture Day Presenters

February 21Maintenance Day Presenters

BC Home & Garden ShowFebruary 21-25BC Place StadiumVancouver, BCwww.bchomeandgardenshow.com

WCTA Conference & ShowFebruary 25-27 Victoria Conference CentreVictoria, BCwww.wctaturf.com

BCLNA 20th Anniversary AuctionFebruary 27United Flower Growers AuctionBurnaby, BC

Victoria Home & Garden ShowMarch 2-4Save-on-Foods Memorial ArenaVictoria, [email protected]

Out of ProvinceEventsCanadian International Turfgrass Assoc.Conference and Trade ShowMarch 1-6Montreal, QC

Gardens of California & Mexico WithDavid TarrantMarch 4-13Contact: [email protected]

Canada BloomsMarch 7-11Metro Toronto Convention CentreToronto, ONwww.canadablooms.com

ANLA Retail RoadshowJune 20-24Seattle, WA


of Caledon, Ontario and InternationalLandscaping Inc. of Hornby, Ontariotopped the construction/installation andmaintenance categories respectively.Principals of both businesses wereexcited to attend the gala in Vancouver,and enjoyed industry tours with AllanO’Connor (one of last year’s NationalAward winners) and Cable Baker(BC’s Landscape Awards Chair),during their stay.

Said Jane Stock, “We were so pleased toshowcase the quality and professionalismof these landscape companies, especiallywith BCLNA’s recent focus on landscapestandards and sustainability. It was signif-icant that a number of very importantorganizations like BCSLA were alsopresent. We sent a strong message togovernment and Canada that BC’s greenindustry places an extremely high valueon achieving sustainable communitiesand we must, can and will work togetherto do so.”

The Regional DistrictOkanagan-Similkameen(RDOS) has launched apilot program aimed atrecycling ground crop,greenhouse, tubing andirrigation, silage andbaler twine, and otheragricultural plastics. Theprogram is funded throughthe Agriculture EnvironmentPartnership Initiative (an Agri-FoodFutures Program through BC AgricultureCouncil), RDOS, and the Ministries ofEnvironment and Agriculture & Lands.

Special collection bags and informationsheets have been made availableat that region’s landfills locatedin Penticton, OK Falls, Oliver,Keremeos, the municipal landfills inPrinceton, Summerland and Osoyoos,and at TerraLink South Valley Sales in

Oliver and Keremeous. Once filled,these bags can be delivered to theselandfills with no tipping fee. Please note

that chemical containers arecovered by a separate program

and must be triple-rinsedand returned to thevendor with caps andbooklets removed. Aprogram to recycle growerpots is under review.

Watch for informationon that initiative in the

coming months.

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Green Pages

AgriculturalPlastics RecyclingPiloted

Coastal InvasivePlants GainNotorietyIn efforts to enhance public andindustry awareness of invasiveplants, the Coastal InvasivePlant Committee has launcheda website, which details thoseplants considered top priority tocontrol. To access this website, visitwww.coastalinvasiveplants.com.For more information on BCLNA’sparticipation in efforts to controlinvasive alien species, contactdirector Rod Nataros, EnvironmentPortfolio: [email protected].

continued from cover

Rapidly spreading Orange Hawkweed

IAF HiresNew DirectorThe Investment Agriculture Foundation(IAF) announced that Peter Donkers willreplace Al Helmersen as that organiza-tion’s Executive Director. Helmersen,who put his retirement on hold to fill thevacancy, turns the position over followingan extensive search. Donkers will repre-sent the Foundation in relations withBC’s agriculture and food industries,government funding partners, andother stakeholders. He will also manageday-to-day operations, including staff,funding programs and initiatives, andmillions of dollars in assets. Donkersjoins the IAF with an extensive back-ground as an executive, having servedover 20 years in private, public, and non-profit education-related sectors.


Vancouver Shores UpBeachesUsing salvaged construction materialsand plants that support the naturalcoastal ecology, the Vancouver Board ofParks & Recreation recently completedthe English Bay Shoreline ProtectionProject, an endeavour that granted thedepartment BCLNA’s EnvironmentalStewardship Award and stabilized thesignificant erosion on Kitsilano andJericho Beaches and Spanish Bank Park.

The Parks Board retained the services ofKerr Wood Leidal Associates, a consult-ing and engineering company, and Rain-coast Applied Ecology, which assessed theseverity of erosion at Kitsilano Beach anddeveloped a plan to protect exposed areaswhile maximizing the density of riparianvegetation and minimizing the footprinton inter-tidal areas. At Jericho Beach and

Spanish Banks, theycreated a naturallyadjusting system to tolerate the near shorecoastal processes. Thebeach was given morearea to adjust, drainageutilities were relocated,and riprap was used forstability.

Generously sponsoredby Linnae NurseriesLtd., and Peel’s Nurseries Ltd., theEnvironmental Stew-ardship Award is presented annually to acommercial, public or non-profit organi-zation, or individual for outstanding

achievement in promoting or maintaininga sustainable environment.

Rose Midge Control—Rose midge is aDipteran fly that lays eggs in rose flowerand leaf buds. Larvae feed within budscausing them to blacken, drop, or resultin misshapen flowers.

Dr. Janice Elmhirst has been researchingrose midge with support from SelectRoses Ltd., N.A.T.S. Nursery Ltd.,CNLA, BCLNA, the BC InvestmentAgriculture Foundation, VancouverRose Society, and manufacturers suchas Evergro/Westgro. Her early resultsindicated that pyrethroid productsappear to have the best efficacy. Monthlysoil sprays and foliar mists with DoktorDoom™ provided good control with nocrop injury. As a result, rose midge hasbeen added to the domestic label forthis product.

Elmhirst carried out further trials in2006, finding that Doktor Doom™ as afoliar/soil drench was most effective, but

foliar sprays of both AVID 1.9 EC(abamectin) in a solution acidified to pH5.0, and MATATOR (cyhalothrin-lambda) were effective also. Steinerne-ma feltiae predatory nematodes andHypoaspis sp. predatory mites provedineffective.

Black Vine Weevil Trapping—BCLNA, with funding from the BCInvestment Agriculture Foundation,supported a project to evaluate trappingof black vine weevil (BVW). Due to costof traps and lack of suitable sites, trapswere evaluated at only one Langleynursery. Traps were replicated alonga hedgerow and monitored weekly.Only two adult weevils were caught:one in a burlap sack trap and one onyellow sticky tape laid across thewooden entrance to the greenhouse,opposite the hedgerow. No weevilswere caught in pitfall or EXOTIOR™traps.

A degree-day model predicting time fromadult emergence to egg-laying based onair temperatures predicted the presenceof larvae within one week of their obser-vation in late August. This suggests thatpredatory nematodes may need to beapplied earlier than generally expectedto kill larvae before damage occurs, andthat regional degree-day temperaturesmay provide a guideline to larval hatchand feeding. The model should be furthertested in 2007. Within greenhouses, noneof the traps attracted the adults,which were easily seen hidingunder pots. Similar trialsundertaken by PheroTech InternationalInc. showed nosuccess in trap-ping BVWseither.

Courtesyof ElmhirstDiagnostics &Research

Elmhirst Completes Bug Studies

15

Before

After


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HortWest 2007-02

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Transcript of HortWest 2007-02