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 • J U N E 2 0 0 9

Looking ahead to CanWest

Progress at PlantHealthBC

Climate, economy have green industry solutions

Aphid biocontrol study released

BB . 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 • J U N E 2 0 0 9

HortWest

3

BCLNA Board Highlights

Monday, May 11, 2009

JUNE 2009

EDITOR Renata Triveri

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

HortWest is the Newsletter of the B.C. Landscape & Nursery Association for the horticultural 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 & Nursery Association, and is published 10 times a year. Views expressed inside do not necessarily reflect the attitudes of the Association but are those of the writer concerned. Material may not be reprinted from this magazine with-out the consent of the publisher.

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

HortWest is mailed under Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement N. 0288608

This magazine is printed in Canada by Globe Printers.

Ruth Olde, President,B.C. Landscape & Nursery Association

Restoring depth and colour to life

2

I read an article in the Globe and Mail about a “paradise regained”. The Babur Garden lies in the heart of Afghanistan’s torn capital of Kabul; it was built in the

early 1600’s but, until recent restoration, was largely left in ruins.

Families from opposing clans and ethnic groups now come and picnic in the garden. Security guards with whistles and batons are necessary as tensions are often high and can erupt. But still, the garden

appears to bring a sense of shared history and culture to a tense, tattered, polluted city. It speaks of the potential of gardens to calm and to restore.

Faith Popcorn’s theory of “cocooning,” first heard of in the 80’s, is now more than ever, coming into its own. As the world gets smaller and the latest information possible about anything, anywhere, is available to us 24/7 at the click of a key, people are seeking refuge, peace and quiet in their own corner of the world.

People seek a sense of calm in the center of the storm—right outside their door. A place to entertain friends and family, a place to

exercise and stay healthy, a place to meditate, renew and relax. A place of beauty, a reflec-tion of their individual tastes and lifestyles.

But none of this happens by accident. It re-quires a carefully considered, well thought-out design. And when all the decisions are painfully made and the spaces are artfully determined, the plants are chosen. They add depth and colour and richness and variety. They are the finishing touches and the reward for a job well done.

We are the people that make that happen. Let’s let everybody know!

Message from the President

President’s Report Congratulations to Werner Knittel for completing and his first year with the BCLNA.

Certification The new greenhouse building for the relocated CHT site at Kwantlen Polytechnic University is under construction. It will be ready for the July 18 test.

Grower Commodity A meeting was held with Assistant Deputy Minister Harvey Sasaki, BCMAL, and Cam Filmer of the Provincial Emergency Program, to discuss the catastrophic winter damage to some nurseries. Snow load, seeping water, and overland flooding damage may be grounds for financial assistance.

A conference call was held with Deputy

Superintendent of Motor Vehicles as well as a rep from ICBC to discuss driver’s license issues pertaining to seasonal workers. Options discussed included tying a driver’s license to his or her tem-porary work permit; this option would require new legislation—a lengthy process.

Landscape Commodity Public re-quests for landscape services will be sent to all landscape members by email, including to those who do not wish to participate in the Landscape Link listserv.

Retail Commodity The Garden Cen-tre Inspection Program will be carried out this summer by experienced consultant, Eve Tigwell of the U.K. Appointments are still available. Call Rebecca at the CNLA

for details: (888) 446-3499.

The “green bag” program will be re-launched this fall with the promise of a trendier colour and design. Stay tuned for bulk pricing on these and on environmen-tally friendly trunk liners.

Labour WALI, in its current format, will be dissolved. This decision was necessary as several key stakeholders would not support the strategic plan and resulting financial commitment asked of them. WALI will continue in a very scaled down version, likely under BCAC, for policy and negotia-tions only. BCLNA is determining how to handle the resulting gap for growers.

Photos above: The Babur Gardens were badly damaged (left) during inter-factional fighting in 1992-3, when most of the trees died or were cut down for firewood. The garden re-opened in the spring of 2002 (right), at the beginning of restoration implemented by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.

Industry Bits

Sumas Gro–Media specializes in the production of specialty crop mixes for the nursery, bedding plants, perennial and blueberry crops. We also have seedling and propagation soils.

• Raw materials purchased in advance helps to ensure product consistency and availability.

• Multiple computers control the dosing equipment, increasing accuracy and speed. This makes it easier to offer competitively priced products.

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

• Fast, reliable delivery.

www.sumasgromedia.ca

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

The Next Generation in Soil MixingAll mixes go through a fi nal screening process before delivery.

Sumas Gro–Media Ltd.

Sumas Gro-Media 1 1/26/09 8:23:51 AM

Nurseries Inc., upon his retirement from the national post. The position will not become official until so moved at the CNLA’s general meeting in August.

British Columbia is well represented at the national level: there are currently five BCLNA members serving on the 19-person board of the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association, including recently appointed President, Cary van Zanten of Pan American Nursery Products Inc.

Ontario launchesgreen for lifeLandscape Ontario has launched the Green for Life consumer outreach program, connecting the public to its 2,000+ members. The program’s tagline and logo now appear on job site signs, sales literature, promotional cards, and vehicles of Landscape Ontario member companies. Major components of the Green for Life campaign include connecting the public to green industry experts, showcasing the province’s landscape award winners, providing how-to advice, and highlighting innova-tive materials and products. Landscape Ontario is willing to roll the program out nation-wide; the provinces are discuss-ing this possibility. To get a taste of the campaign, visit the association’s revamped website: www.landscapeontario.com.

4

goesfor the goldYou can catch the Olympic spirit this year at Western Canada’s largest horticulture event of the year—CanWest! With nearly 70% of the booth space sold, BC’s green industry is showing great optimism for growth and sales in 2010. Show your cus-tomers and prospects that your company is rock solid. There is still time to book your space at the show, but you better hurry for the best possible locations! Contact Ray Gerein at rjgerein@telus.net or (604) 574-7059.

This year’s CanWest launches with two pre-show workshops, followed by two days of seminar sessions, and three spectacular tours. Of course, the show floor will be buzz-ing with excitement as delegates make new business contacts while sourcing new plants, products and equipment for their business. Check out these program highlights:

September 22Home Outside: Creating the Landscape You LoveRenowned landscape designer, author and lecturer, Julie Moir Messervy, presents simple solutions to common landscape challenges through easy to use steps to create a “Home Outside”.

Effective Leadership strategies for Lead Hands & SupervisorsExplore the techniques, tools and skills used by successful front-line supervisors and foremen to build staff support and strengthen individual and team perfor-mance. Kevin Kehoe of Kehoe & Co. has been consulting with the green industry for 25 years providing practical training and performance management.

Spotlight on RetailRetail consultant Ian Baldwin will be presenting four must attend seminars for all levels of your staff: Selling to Today’s Demographics (or Gardening in the I-Pod age); Think Like Customers; Merchandis-ing Magic; Ka-Ching—How Winning Garden Centres are Differentiating and Thriving.

September 23Using the Internet to Your Best AdvantageWe know you have a website—so now what? This four-hour workshop has been designed specifically for wholesale nursery grow-ers. With a 6:30 a.m. start, we’ll have just enough time to cover the details you need to know to get more out of your internet pres-ence, and still give you time to get to your booth before the show opens at 11:30 a.m.

New! Swap ShopYou are the star in this session! Join your colleagues in an energetic setting where you can share ideas that help your

business operate more efficiently, increase profits and satisfy more customers. Two swap shops will be held, one for landscape professionals and one for garden centre retailers. Professionally moderated; lo-cated on the show floor.

September 25Tours – Always a Hit! 1. Gold Medal Gardens: The best gar-

dens in the West! 2. Green Roofs & Living Walls: Featur-

ing a private tour of Canada’s largest green roof, the Vancouver Convention Centre

3. Nursery Tour: Misty Meadow Nursery, Darvonda Nursery, Select Roses, Ground Effects Nursery, Bevo Farms

BCLNA members receive preferred rates for all CanWest events! But register by September 4 to qualify. For all the details, visit CanWestHortShow.com.

National envirochair appointedBill Hardy of Northwest Landscape Supply Ltd. has been appointed the in-terim chair of CNLA’s Environment Com-mittee. Hardy picks up the environment portfolio following his term as Co-Chair of Human Resources, and fills the vacancy left by Peter Levelton, East Richmond

5

One brick at a timeBCLNA members, Steve and Linda Kovacs of Waterscene, recruited 34 friends and colleagues from the industry to assist in constructing orphanage homes for some 500 children in Watoto, Uganda. The project followed a 2008 trek to the same area, when a series of water purification tanks were installed. Photos courtesy of Gunther Blasig.

Orphaned babies live here. More babies than these rooms should hold.

The rooms that were once the palace of Idi Amin.

Older orphans need homes too, and we are eager to start building.

Using homemade bricks. And so we begin.

And continue… Building rooms. Until it’s done.

BCLNA News Bulletins

6

COVER PHOTO: Flower Carpet® Amber is the newest disease-resistant groundcover rose in the Flower Carpet® collection, available from Pan American Nursery Products Inc. Visit the World Rose Festival, June 19-21 to find this and other trouble-free rose introductions from BCLNA member growers Adamson’s Heritage Nursery, Cannor Nursery, GardenWorksTM, Phoenix Perennials, Valleybrook Gardens, and others.

Swing Into SpringAt BCLNA’s Annual Golf TournamentJune 25, 2009Redwoods Golf Course, 22011-88th Ave., Langleywww.redwoods-golf.com

Spaces fi ll up quickly, so register your foursome today! To register to sponsor a hole, contact Heidi or Barb

at the BCLNA: 604-574-7772 or info@bclna.com

BCLNA Golf Tournament 1 4/29/09 10:07:44 AM

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: rkhansen@Iotron.com

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: rkhansen@Iotron.com

PlantHealthBC (PHBC) is in the second of three grant-funded piloting phases to fulfill the objective of advancing ecologi-cally sound urban pest management. Cur-rent efforts are focused on building the program’s municipal partners, accrediting service providers, educating landscapers, and marketing the program.

Municipal interest is on the rise and despite differing constraints and bylaws, partner communities have begun to share information and resources to strengthen the effort. PlantHealthBC is pleased to have Kamloops, Kelowna, Richmond, Burnaby, Anmore, District of North Van-couver, Nanaimo, Surrey, and New West-minster on board as partners. Discussions with at least 10 additional municipalities are underway, including Qualicum Beach, Port Alberni, Saanich, and Okanagan and Sunshine Coast regions.

Accreditation of service providers has been slower than anticipated, however; some may be uncertain of the benefit, causing reluctance in changing their way of doing business. As municipalities bring cosmetic use bylaws into effect, and as PlantHealthBC is written into those by-laws, we anticipate increased participation. Needless to say, industry accreditation is a priority focus.

Linked to accreditation is education. It is unreasonable to expect service providers to implement IPM and use alternate pest management methods based on sound horticulture and plant health if they lack the needed knowledge and skills. Work-shop guidelines and support materials have been developed and piloted for at least 17 aspects of landscaping, from getting started with IPM to pruning, soil fertility, and invasive plant management. Education

programming is scheduled to roll out this fall and winter.

Finally, public understanding of environ-mentally sound pest management is crucial to the success of PlantHealthBC, and so a comprehensive communications plan has been developed. Each partner municipality has been provided with marketing materi-als to aid in preparing brochures, ads and web information about the program. PlantHealthBC has developed a website, currently hosted by Kwantlen Polytechnic University, for which an extensive update is planned. Brochures have been produced for distribution. Communications efforts will build as funding allows.

Landscape professionals, lawn and tree business owners: if you are interested in be-coming accredited, visit www.PlantHealth-BC.ca for further information.

BCLNA News Bulletins continued . . .

An update from PlantHealthBC Dr. Kent Mullinix, Program Manager

Climate, economywoes have green industry solutionsIn late April of this year Corey J. Con-nors, Director of Legislative Relations at the American Nursery & Landscape As-sociation, submitted a report to the U.S. House Committee on Small Business. Connors’ document cited numerous eye-opening statistics on the economic and environmental place of the green industry in that country, and included a policy recommendation for federal investment in managed landscapes.

Connors concluded that, “The benefits provided by trees and landscape plants in combating climate change, from carbon sequestration and associated ecosystems benefits to enhancing energy efficiency and reducing an energy consumer’s reliance on fossil fuels, are among the many reasons that federal policy should include investments in America’s green infrastructure. Investments in landscape systems will also yield visible and high returns in the form of employment, economic and social benefits, and will increase in monetary and environmental value over time.”

Here in Canada, CNLA’s environment committee is working on a parallel Canadian document. The provinces have been involved in various lobbying efforts to make plant material and other green industry inputs tax-exempt, but it is hoped that the national committee will be able to concentrate this and related efforts, and move them forward with the assistance of the national political action committee.

To obtain a copy of the complete “Climate Change Solutions for Small Businesses and Family Farmers” docu-ment, as submitted to the U.S. House of Representatives, please contact Bill Hardy, interim CNLA Environment Chair: bhardy@telus.net.

Did you know?Excerpted from “Climate Change Solutions for Small Business and Family Farmers,” by Corey J. Connors

• The vertically-integrated green industry had an estimated economic impact of $147.8 billion in the U.S. in 2005, employing 1.95 million individuals.

• Nursery and greenhouse crops rank among the top five agricultural commodities in 28 American states, and among the top 10 in all 50 states.

• Carefully positioned trees can save up to 25% of a household’s energy consumption for heating and cooling,

leading to a $250 savings in energy costs each year.

• Well-planned landscapes can reduce an unshaded home’s summer air conditioning costs by as much as 50%.

• According to the USDA Forest Service, a single tree generates $31,250 of oxygen, provides $62,000 worth of air pollution control, recycles $37,500 worth of water, and controls $31,250 worth of erosion in 50 years of life.

• Landscaping can add between 7% and 15% to the value of a home.

• Landscaping can bring a recovery value of 100 to 200% at selling time,

compared to kitchen remodeling, which brings a 75 to 125% recovery rate.

• Landscaping can speed the sale of a home by four to six weeks.

• A single front yard tree is equal to a 1% increase in the sale price of a home.

• Prices of products were 11% higher in well-landscaped retail districts as compared to the same products in retail areas with no trees.

• A tree-lined sidewalk had a 30% higher perceived “quality of product” rating than the same products in retail districts with barren sidewalks.

• In a study of factors determining commercial occupancy rates, landscape amenities had the highest correlation with occupancy, even higher than direct access to arterial routes.

9

Stunning silver medal finish for Camosun.

I love my job!Liz Spring, HortEducationBC

“I can honestly say that at the end of my weekend I truly look forward to going back to work.” A horticulturist at heart, Egan Davis means it. And he is ecstatic about winning in the Environmental Sus-tainability category in The Province’s Top in Trades competition.

Davis became a Certified Horticulturist at Kwantlen College, then apprenticed and received his Certificate of Qualification. Now, Kwantlen Polytechnic University offers Landscape and Production Horti-culturist apprenticeship programs to the many passionate people that the green industry attracts. These programs enable eager apprentices, with the support of their employers, to improve their land-scape and production knowledge and skills.

“We see many companies that want to take their staff’s professionalism to the next level,” says Anne Kadwell, President of

HortEducationBC.

“The level of commitment to an employee and the ongoing support to have educated staff is really what it’s all about”.Institutions throughout BC—including some high schools—offer real skills in the apprenticeship program, that up-and-coming horticulturists can immediately transfer to the workplace. To go along with six weeks of classroom and field lab education, the sponsoring employer has an opportunity to bring company work ethic and standards to the table, so that the apprentice has a well-rounded experience. And with tax incentives for both employee and employer why wouldn’t a company want to have their employees participate? It’s a win-win situation.

For Davis, it’s important that employers encourage careers in horticulture. And to staff and young people considering

apprenticeship, he says, “Every day is a learning experience. It’s like getting paid to have an education. If you’re curious in general, you’ll never stop learning as a gardener.”

For more information about becoming or sponsoring an apprentice, obtaining your Certificate of Qualification, the Top In Trades competition, and how HortEduca-tionBC can help, visit www.horteducationbc.com, call Anne Kadwell at (604) 575-3239 or email akadwell@horteductionbc.com.

8

Stfi

Kwantlen team takes gold!

Girls grab gold at Skills Canada

1.

2.

3.

4.

Egan Davis—Top in Trades!

Green Scene

1. Yellow flag-iris (Iris pseudacorus) forms dense patches that displace native plants, alters wildlife habitat, and restricts water flow. Additionally, yellow flag-iris is poisonous and can sicken livestock when consumed. For these reasons, gardeners should choose plants such as: 2. Oregon iris (Iris tenax), exotic Siberian iris (Iris sibirica), or the native Western blue Iris (Iris missouriensis) for its understated beauty and adaptability.

3. Widely grown and sold is common periwinkle (Vinca minor), which forms dense mats that suppress many other plants, and invades coastal areas and the forest floor. Instead of planting common periwinkle, gardeners can enjoy 4. piggyback plant (Tolmiea menziesii), wild ginger (Asarum caudatum), or Christmas box (Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis).

Beautiful in your garden, but be awareJulianne Leekie, Communications Coordinator, Invasive Plant Council of BC

Skills Canada’s provincial trades competi-tion was held this spring, with two teams vying for a chance to compete at the national event in Charlottetown, PEI.

Winners Mary Jane Duke and Leah Miller of Kwantlen Polytechnic University were thrilled to move on to the May 20 Canadi-an Skills Competition. Congrats to Duke and Miller on their gold medal provincial win, and to Camosun College’s competi-

tors, John Quock-sister & Cheymus McNulty, for a very fine showing and silver-level finish.

HortEduca-tionBC extends sincere thanks to the sponsors and supporters who provided materi-als and volunteer time toward this annual event,

which showcases the landscape trade to young people, and provides an avenue for recognizing the best BC has to offer!

Supply sponsors:Burnco & Abbotsford Concrete ProductsCedar Rim Nursery Ltd.Kwantlen Polytechnic UniversityNorthwest Landscape Supply Ltd.SMS Equipment

Volunteers & judges:Ryan Donohoe, Nor-Wes Landscape & Design Ltd.Bill Hardy, Northwest Landscape Supply Ltd.Brian Huttema, Mijodelu Landscaping & RenovationsJerry Ingram, RCB Garden ServiceMike Vandergugten, Higher Ground Landscaping and DesignDaniel Vanderpol, Timeless Landscaping

BC’s good growing conditions, combined with a dynamic horticulture industry has re-sulted in an increased number of exotic ornamentals available in the marketplace—some of which escape cultivation and become invasive. Knowing, growing, and suggesting plants that perform well, but will not become a menace to surrounding landscapes, is vital to protecting BC’s communities and ecosystems.

Mechanisms to enforce existing invasive plant legislation require improvement. In response to this need, a network of partnerships between the horticulture industry, BCLNA, governments, retailers, invasive plant committees, the Invasive Plant Council of BC, and concerned individuals, is forming to help raise awareness and prevent further introductions of invasive ornamentals.

A recent example of such collaborations is the joint development of the Grow Me In-stead booklet, which helps gardeners make informed choices when selecting plants and seeds. This booklet identifies horticulture’s most “unwanted” invasive plants in BC while providing a variety of native and non-invasive exotic alternatives.

By making informed suggestions, growers and retailers can help reduce the impact of invasive plants while still contributing to vibrant and dynamic gardens. So, before stock-ing a new species, consider the following questions:

1. Will this plant be invasive in the garden? Many plant traits that are desirable to garden-ers—such as easy germination and establishment, tolerance to drought and frost, rapid growth and abundant seed production—enable a plant species to become invasive.

2. If I order a plant from outside BC, could it be invasive in this environment?

3. Is the plant a “fast spreader” or a “vigorous self-seeder” in our planting zone? If so, these are warning signs that the species may be invasive.

4. Is there an alternate plant I can suggest and sell? Refer to the Grow Me Instead booklet for suitable alternative, non-invasive plants, and make sure your customers

The IPCBC is a grassroots, non-profit society working collaboratively to build coopera-tion and coordination of invasive plant management in BC. IPCBC workshops, activi-ties, and events educate the public and professionals about invasive plants, their potential risks and responsible practices.

For more information on how to be “Garden Smart,” how to obtain copies of Grow Me Intead, or to become a member (at no cost) visit www.invasiveplantcouncilbc.ca or call 1-888-WEEDSBC.

classifi edsthe

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

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

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

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

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

GROWER SERVICES LTD.

Full line of exceptional plugs, Full line of exceptional plugs, liners and fi nished nursery stock.liners and fi nished nursery stock.

Contact Info: Contact Info: Phone: 604.856.5552Phone: 604.856.5552

Toll Free: 1.877.857.5552Toll Free: 1.877.857.5552Fax: 604.856.4531Fax: 604.856.4531

Email: sales@jrtnursery.comEmail: sales@jrtnursery.com

jrtnursery.comjrtnursery.com

Where Quality Meets

Excellence

JRT Nursery 1 11/28/08 2:32:09 PM

Call for all wholesale ornamentals, native

plants and ferns.a

900 Bowman RoadAbbotsford, BC V3G 1T1

P.O. Box 2157Abbotsford, BC V2T 3X8

Phone: 604-854-6986Fax: 604-854-6982

CanAmNursery@gmail.com

Can Am Nurseries 1 10/24/08 2:52:00 PM

Call us for all yournative and ornamental

plant needs

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

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

1-888-327-7705email: linnaea@telus.net

LINNAEANURSERIES LTD.

Landscape workers are exposed to a wide range of hazards. Personal protec-tive equipment (PPE) is the final method (after hazard elimination, engineering controls, and safe work procedures) of protecting workers from hazards. Workers are required to provide their own safety headgear, general purpose work gloves, and weather gear or clothing, while the employer must provide, at no expense to the worker, all other PPE. Here are the types of PPE your landscape workers should wear.

Foot protection• Steel-toed boots

when operating or working around mo-bile equipment

• Footwear with ankle support when work-ing on slippery or uneven ground

• Approved safety footwear to protect the toe, ankle, and sole has a CSA green triangle outside and green rectangular label inside.

Hand protection appropriate to the task, such as• Leather or nylon mesh work gloves

when handling manual tools or clearing scrub

• Cut-resistant gloves when pruning

Eye and face protection • Safety glasses with side shields when us-

ing powered equipment

Hearing protection• Earplugs or earmuffs to protect their

hearing whenever they are exposed to high noise levels.

Breathing protection• Respirators, if so indicated on the label or

the material safety data sheets (MSDSs) when handling hazardous materials or controlled products (including those cov-

ered by WHMIS and pesticide regulations). Workers must be fitted for the respirator and trained in its proper use.

Remember, workers must be certified to mix, load, or apply pesticides.

Protective Clothing • Clothing appropriate

for any anticipated weather conditions such as sun, rain, warm or cold tem-peratures.

• Long pants and shirts for protection against debris thrown by powered equipment.

High Visibility Apparel• High visibility apparel when working

around roads or mobile equipment. If the high-visibility apparel could be caught in moving machinery or equip-ment, such as chippers, it must be “tear away” (i.e. fastened with Velcro™ strips).

For more information about health and safety for landscaping work, visit our website at www.worksafebc.com or email smallbiz@worksafebc.com.

Safety CheckLandscape maintenance/install company is looking for an energetic self starter. Clean driver’s license, pesticide license preferred with some landscape experience, weekends off. Call Bill Dunn at Dunn’s Landscaping (778) 840-0464 phone, orfax (604) 421-4130.

Golden Garden Co / Terras-cape BC – Needed ImmediatelyAbbotsford based landscape installation company focused on residential work. Specializing in water features. Work from North & West Vancouver to Chilli-wack. Looking for QUALIFIED Site Foreman. Minimum 5 years experience necessary. Driv-ers License required. Start and fi nish day in Abbotsford. TEAM atmosphere. Growing company with opportunities. Good pay and bonus program.Also – position available for ‘Site Support’. Min 1 year experience necessary. Contact: Graham Arnot. Fax: (604) 853.1270Email: info@goldengarden.ca

ESTIMATOR Hard and soft landscape experi-ence required; hours fl exible.Can work from alternate location.Computer skills required.Compensation negotiable with experience. Respond to bcap@shaw.ca

Landscape Equipment Safety Training100% Online. Proven.www.LandscapeSafety.com

Volunteers Wanted The BCLNA is always looking for positive professionals to help promote the green industry to the public and among landscape, nursery and retail peers. If you can help, contact us: info@bclna.com.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for LandscapingBy Terri Holizki, WorkSafeBC Industry Services Manager, Small Business

12 13

BCMAL Report

Clean Chip Residual as aSubstrate for Perennial Nursery Crop Production (J. Environmental Hort. 26(4):239-246) – Clean chip residual (CCR) is a harvest byproduct that consists of 50% wood, 40% bark, and 10% needles. The study evaluated fresh CCR as a pine bark (PB) replacement for outdoor production of container-grown perennials. The material tested was produced from a 10-year-old loblolly pine plantation. Two sizes of CCR were used (screened to 1.3 cm or 1.9 cm). CCR was used alone or was blended with peat moss. The physical properties of CCR and PB did differ. The air space and total porosity were significantly higher for 100% CCR than 100% PB, bulk density was significantly lower for 100% CCR, and there was no difference in water holding capacity. The pH of 100% CCR was higher than 100% PB at 15, 32 and 63 days after planting, although both media were within recommended levels. The EC of the two media did not differ. There were differences in growth indices

Research SnippetsDavid Woodske, Industry Specialist BCMAL

of the 10 perennials studied. In most cases, perennials grown in CCR lagged behind the other treatments. The growth lag could have been due to the tie-up of nitrogen, but the authors also suggested that it could have been due to differences in substrate physical properties. It was concluded that acceptable growth of perennial plants can be obtained in substrates composed of CCR.

Sensitivity of Five Container-grown Nursery Species toChlorine in Overhead Irrigation Water(HortScience 43(6):1882-1887) – The trial was conducted in the fall with cool tempera-tures. Plants were overhead irrigated one hour per day (100 mL/plant/day) for the dura-tion of the six-week study. All five species showed some foliar injury, including necrotic mottling of leaf margins, premature leaf abscission, leaf discoloration, and/or yellowing and necrosis of leaf margins. The results indicated that the critical free chlorine thresh-old was 2.5 mg/L for Spiraea japonica, Hydrangea paniculata, Weigela florida, and Salix integra and was 5 mg/L for Physocarpus opulifolius. It is unknown whether plant sensitivity to chlorine would be the same during warmer growing conditions. It was concluded that a chlorine concentration less than 2.5 mg/L should not adversely affect plant growth or appearance.

Update: Subdue MAXXOn April 30, the PMRA approved the registration of Subdue MAXX to suppress Sudden Oak Death (P. ramorum) on greenhouse container and field-grown woody ornamentals in nurseries and landscapes. Subdue MAXX is registered for use as a foliar spray on field-grown stock and landscapes, and as a drench on indoor and outdoor container-grown ornamentals. Three applications per season are permitted. Rotate with other labeled fungicides to manage against the development of resistance. Refer to the label for additional information on product application.

Grower Updates

WALI scales downWestern Agriculture Labour Initiative (WALI) has changed its focus from broad-based facilitation of the Temporary Foreign Worker Programs. As of May 6, WALI no longer receives, processes or submits Labour Market Opinion applications on behalf of employers to Service Canada with respect to either the BC Seasonal Agri-cultural Worker Program (BC-Mexico or Commonwealth Caribbean SAWP), or the NOC C&D Temporary Foreign Worker Program (i.e. Low Skill Worker Program) for agricultural workers from Guatemala or other countries.

Employers can continue to access tempo-rary foreign worker information by visiting the WALI website at www.walicanada.com/links.htm and can still arrange Mex-SAWP travel through Mi-Tierra Holidays at (877) 689-5571.

The details of a revised business plan for WALI is still under development, but it is expected that the initiative will now con-centrate on policy and issues management, in conjunction with the BC Agriculture Council and its member organizations.

2009 Buyers

Guide UpdatesPlease make the following updates in your copy for future reference.

Katsura Landscaping104, 215 St. Andrews RoadNorth Vancouver, BC V7L 3K8

Ninety-Nine Nursery & Florist Inc.99nursery@telus.net

Shadow Nurseriesshadownursery@caylix.com

Whistler Landscapingbryce@whistlerlandscaping.ca

S e p t e m b e r 23 - 24

Vancouver Convention & Exhibition CentreVancouver, British Columbia

Western Canada’s premier nursery and landscape trade show.

Phone: 604.574.7772 • bnelson@bclna.com

CanWestHortShow.com

20

09

Book Your Booth Space Now!

CanWest.indd 1 2/20/09 2:46:21 PM

Aphid bio-controls study available

Grower Updates

As growers work to minimize chemical use, an interest in biological control for aphid management has arisen. To better understand the species diversity of aphids and their natural enemies in the nursery environment, and explore potential of conservation practices for natural enemies, BCLNA commissioned a study, which was generously supported by the Investment Agriculture Foundation. Researchers at Elmhirst Diagnostics & Research, E.S. Cropconsult, and the Institute of Sustain-able Horticulture, made the following observations:

• There are 16 commonly occurring spe-cies of aphids in nurseries, and most of these overwinter on spring/summer hosts rather than migrating.

• Ground dwelling natural enemy popula-tions were low in the nursery areas, but higher around nursery perimeters.

• Foliar-active natural enemies were abundant in nursery areas, aphid parasitoid wasps being most common, followed by true bugs and ladybug beetles.

• Bio-control practices are most effective if barley banker plants are used to sup-port introductions of parasitoid wasps. Growers may also experiment with early plantings of coriander, alyssum, phacelia, fennel and yarrow, to build up populations of syrphid flies and other predators and parasitoids.

For a copy of the full study, please contact Hedy Dyck at BCLNA: (604) 574-7772 or hdyck@bclna.com.

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

Industry events and programs

Final Approval

The BCLNA welcomes the following new members as of May 11:

Alnor Excavating Ltd. Albert & Darren Svab, Surrey, Active Landscaper

Brand Equipment / Precision Landscapes Paul Robertson, Victoria, Active Landscaper (Interim)

Charlie’s Bobcat Service Charlie Crosman, Chilliwack, Active Landscaper

Community Composting Inc. Kyle Goulet & Matt Mepham, Victoria, Associate

Crocus Landscaping David Bradshaw, Richmond, Active Landscaper

Enviro Sound Garden & Landscape Patrick Haavisto, Sechelt, Active Landscaper

Greenspace Designs Erin Renwick, Victoria, Active Landscaper

Rooted by the River Farms Jeff & Andrea Lamond, Clearwater, Active Grower

Terracraft Landscape Ltd. Martin Stockley, Whistler, Active Landscaper

Tentative Approval

The following companies will become BCLNA members at the next board meet-ing unless a member provides a valid reason for not accepting the application:

Paulette French Designs Paulette French, Whistler, Active Landscaper

NewBCLNA Members

June18 BCLNA Landscape Commodity MeetingNote change of date!Golden Spruce Nurseries, Langleywww.bclna.com

19-21 World Rose FestivalVancouver Convention Centrewww.worldrosefestival.com

25 BCLNA Golf TournamentRedwoods Golf Course, Langleywww.bclna.com

28 Garden Centres of America Summer TourPortland, ORwww.gardencentersofamerica.org

July17-18 Certification ExamsKwantlen Polytechnic University, Langleywww.bclna.com

19-24 Perennial Plant SymposiumSt Louis, MOwww.perennialplant.org

August5 Landscape Awards of Excellence Entry DeadlineInfo at www.bclna.com

12 BCLNA Landscape Commodity MeetingNorthwest Landscape Supply, Burnabywww.bclna.com

18-20 Independent Garden Center ShowNavy Pier, Chicago, ILwww.igcshow.com

September23-24 CanWest Hort ShowVancouver Convention & Exhibition Centrewww.canwesthortshow.com

October16-18 Certification ExamsKwantlen Polytechnic University, Langleywww.bclna.com

20-21 Garden & Floral ExpoToronto Congress Centrewww.gardenexpo.ca

November12-13 BCLNA Convention & AGMFour Seasons Hotel, Vancouverwww.bclna.com

Blasig Landscape Desgin & Construction Ltd., Landscape Award of Excellence 2008

BCLNA Landscape Awards

of Excellence

Highlight your talents and gain invaluable public recognition for

a job well done!

BCLNA’s team of esteemed judges spot the very best in landscape design and

installation, and landscape maintenance.

Enter your project today!For complete details, visit

www.bclna.com and click on “Awards” or email Annika:

aingram@bclna.com

Nominations close on August 5, 2009.

n

September 23–24

20

09

Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre

Your source for BC’s best nursery and landscape products and supplies

For More Information: BC Landscape & Nursery Association

CanWestHortShow.com

Tours Sept. 25

Exclusive! Two Pre-Show Workshops for Landscape Professionals

Photo by Terra Nova Nurseries www.terranovanurseries.com