March 8, 2021
Awards announced for greatest landscapes in Ontario
Carson Arthur, master of ceremonies, with aerialist Elizabeth Dawn Snell during the filming of the awards ceremony.
The 48th Annual Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence winners were announced in an online presentation on Feb. 4, 2021. Over 400 people streamed the show, which was hosted by Canadian gardening expert Carson Arthur.

Filmed in mid-December at the Landscape Ontario home office in Milton, Ont., the show began with opening remarks by Dave Wright, LO President, followed by an opening sequence featuring an aerial silk acrobat dangling from the high ceiling in front of the LO office’s living wall. Set to orchestral music and mixed with stunning images of winning landscape projects, the acrobat appeared to be performing within the amazing landscapes.

Some of those watching online were so moved by the opening sequence that they posted comments via the online chat about just how entertaining and beautiful the sequence was, and how proud it made them feel about being a part of the professional association.

The 80-minute event revealed winners in the various programs, including: garden centre, construction, maintenance and design, plus irrigation and lighting projects.
group of people in an online meetingLandscape Ontario’s Covid-19 Task Force members received the Community Leadership Award.
man in a blue shirtThe ceremony included videos on the top winning projects from last year. Pictured here is Steve Snider, Snider Turf & Landscape Care.
Each year the program also recognizes the outstanding contributions of individuals who work tirelessly to advance the landscape and horticulture profession. Individuals who received awards include: LO's Covid-19 Task Force, Mark Cullen, Frank Ferragine, Jacki Hart, Sean James, Alice Power, and Paul Zammit.

The new Employer of Choice Award which involves a number of requirements, including a company-wide survey, was won by Rockscape, and Wentworth Landscapes.

Rockscape and Kent Ford Design Group each earned “Green Stamps,” which are given to “projects that exemplify green practices, using quality construction, maintenance and design, in sustainable landscapes.” Green Stamps also recognize projects that utilize “permeable paving, native plantings, water conservation strategies, and green roof technology.”

Winners of the top three awards were announced toward the conclusion of the event. They are:
  • Nature’s Choice Landscape Construction, 2021 Dunington-Grubb Award, for the most outstanding and highest overall scoring project in the various construction categories.
  • Parkscape, winner, 2021 Casey van Maris Award, for the project with the highest marks for execution of unique and innovative design in landscaping.
  • The Cultivated Garden, 2021 Don Salivan Grounds Management Award, for the project that protects or even enhances the value of the original landscape investment from all entries in the various maintenance categories.
The top three winners go on to represent Ontario at the CNLA National Awards of Landscape Excellence to be held later this summer.

Landscape Ontario would like to thank the volunteer judges who spent many hours reviewing each entry, as well as the following sponsors: G&L Group (presenting sponsor), and Connon Nurseries, Bobcat, SiteOne Landscape Supply and Miller Compost (supporting sponsors).

Congratulations to Gerald Boot, winner of a one-week stay at a luxury, three-bedroom condo in Mt. Tremblant, Que., courtesy of the G&L Group. All those who attended the virtual LO President's Reception held prior to the Awards Ceremony were entered into the prize draw.

Entries for the 49th annual LO Awards of Excellence Program will open July 1 for the Construction, Maintenance and Design program. Details and a replay of the awards ceremony, plus all winners, can be found online at LOawards.com.
 
WATCH CEREMONY
SEE WINNERS