March 1, 2018
CNLA news March 2018
Retail Horticulturist training moves online
Garden Centres Canada is thrilled to announce Landscape Industry Certified Retail Horticulturist training will be moving to an online format in 2018.The program is comprised of 13 modules that contain core readings, videos, and presentations to give participants comprehensive knowledge of the profession. The modules can be taken at one’s own pace and in any order desired. Once a module is completed, a short online quiz shows immediate results, allowing the student to improve on any questions that may have caused trouble. After all modules have been completed, candidates can schedule a written test, followed by a performance evaluation.
When ready, the online course will be available from anywhere, at any time. Hopefully this new program will increase the level of knowledge and performance for all team members. The program is currently in testing, and will be piloted in a few provinces before being released to the rest of the country.
CNLA to manage COPF royalty collections
The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) and the Canadian Ornamental Plant Foundation (COPF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that would transfer management of COPF’s royalty collection and disbursement functions to CNLA, effective early in 2018. This agreement replaces the announcement made by COPF in January 2017, that the Foundation intended to cease business operations.According to CNLA Research Committee chair Vic Krahn, “We believe we can structure a business model that would generate funds to be allocated to the sector’s research priorities. In turn, those funds would be leveraged to obtain additional government funding.”
CNLA and COPF encourage their members to prepare questions and then contact them so all concerns can be addressed. Comments from CNLA members should be addressed to Rita Weerdenburg, rita@cnla-acpp.ca.
Garden Days 2018
The Canadian Garden Council has announced Garden Days 2018 will start on June 16, National Garden Day, and run until June 24.What better way to celebrate the beauty of gardening, then by celebrating it with all provinces across the country? Garden Days is all about promoting the benefits of Canadian gardens, and incorporating gardening activities as integral components of the community.
It’s never too early to register your activity or promotion on gardendays.ca and it’s free. Registrants receive the Garden Days Official Activity logo immediately, which can be used in promotions.
Garden Days promotes the benefits of incorporating gardening activities in communities. Visit gardendays.ca for more information.
Company accreditation program
Congratulations to four companies that have achieved the Landscape Industry Accredited Company designation since the program was launched last year:
Thornbusch Landscaping, Ontario
Para Space Landscaping, British Columbia
Hank Deenen Landscaping, Ontario
Price Landscaping Services, New Brunswick
We expect many more companies to take advantage of this great program to set themselves apart as leaders in the profession.Para Space Landscaping, British Columbia
Hank Deenen Landscaping, Ontario
Price Landscaping Services, New Brunswick
Accredited companies focus on Landscape Industry Certification as a cornerstone of their business practices, conduct their business affairs responsibly, value community and customer relations, and maintain high standards of workmanship and environmental stewardship in residential and commercial settings.
In recognition of their commitment to excellence, the Landscape Industry Accredited Company “Seal of Approval” is awarded to successful applicants who meet superior industry standards (which are verified during the application process), agree to the Pledge of Excellence, and submit to a customer reference verification. The seal requires reaccreditation every three years.
Paul Doornbos CLT CLM, president and CEO of Thornbusch Landscaping, said, “Company accreditation is simply the culmination and validation of the emphasis we have put on training, development and overall professionalism of our company. It is recognition from the profession that what we believe in, and the way in which we conduct our business, is to be aspired to. For our clients, it is one of the reasons they have retained our services. It now has a name within our profession and it means that we have another item to promote and differentiate ourselves when presenting to clients. We have always believed we want to stand out and not blend in; being an accredited company enables us to do that.”
For more information, please visit cnla.ca/training/landscape-industry-accreditation/ or contact Jason Young at 1-888-446-3499 ext. 8620, or email jason@cnla-acpp.ca.
The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association is the federation of Canada’s provincial horticultural trade associations. Visit www.cnla-acpp.ca for more information.