Executive Desk
Sep 5, 2023
Members drive Landscape Ontario’s strategic priorities
After a spring and summer hiatus, Landscape Ontario’s Provincial Board of Directors recently met to discuss our strategic priorities for 2024 and beyond.
Jun 28, 2023
Government advocacy work is crucial
Landscape Ontario engages in government advocacy to influence policy decisions and create a favourable business environment for the profession.
Jun 2, 2023
Connecting with peers can help you to prosper
Steps to build a strong network of peers that can help you grow your business and excel in a highly competitive industry.
Mar 23, 2023
Our strength is our community
Members across the province say the main reason they continue to be so involved with LO is because of the relationships they made by attending one of our events.
Dec 6, 2022
A homecoming for the landscape trades
LO’s Congress Trade Show and Conference is one of those events that involves much more than simply browsing the latest in equipment, products, and services.
Nov 8, 2022
Our path is paved with a solid foundation
My first month as executive director has been filled with chapter events, conferences, government meetings, announcements, celebrations, calls with members, and more. The welcome I have received has been overwhelming and humbling.
Oct 12, 2022
Thank you for enhancing my life
Tony DiGiovanni bids farewell in his last column as association Executive Director.
Aug 30, 2022
Honouring our pioneers
On July 20, with family and friends in attendance, we recognized the contributions of eight pioneers by planting trees in their honour.
Jul 4, 2022
The Depressed Motivational Speaker
In his characteristic contribution-oriented manner, Jim’s book is focused on helping people deal with depression. It provides hope, wisdom and solutions.
Apr 1, 2022
Collective efforts to enhance the profession
A recap of some recent activities Landscape Ontario has been involved with in our collective effort to advance the profession.
Feb 9, 2022
Resilience
This is the second year we were unable to host our most popular event due to public health restrictions.
Jan 12, 2022
Examples of the best our profession has to offer
Collectively, our efforts build a prosperous, professional, ethical, respected, valued and contribution focused profession.
Dec 16, 2021
The best kept secret in the landscape profession
I have personally observed many people who's lives and careers have benefited from the Apprenticeship Program.
Nov 3, 2021
Consider donating to the Neil Vanderkruk Innovation and Scholarship Fund
Families honour and recognize the legacy of their pioneers. One way we do this is by creating a named scholarship fund within the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation.
Oct 12, 2021
Reflecting on the image of the landscape profession
As your association, one of our most important jobs is to reflect what you do and who you are — to the trade and to the public.
Jul 6, 2021
Memories of Bill Putzer
Bill was the owner of M. Putzer Nursery, a well-respected supplier of top quality plants to the landscape profession.
Mar 8, 2021
Remembering Ed Bryant
On Jan. 28, 2021, the landscape profession lost Ed Bryant, the founder of Unilock.
Feb 8, 2021
The tradition continues at Congress Connect
The Congress Connect Marketplace has just begun.
Jan 5, 2021
Turn off the news and plant a garden
From a profession perspective, Covid is a blessing mixed with a little guilt.
Dec 15, 2020
Remembering Neil Vanderkruk
Last month Neil passed away at home surrounded by family. He was 84 years old.
Nov 4, 2020
Our members care
Every chapter of Landscape Ontario is involved in community-greening projects and many members support their community in their own special ways.
Oct 5, 2020
What do members need from their association?
A summary of responses from assocations around the Great Lakes.
Aug 19, 2020
What we can do about insurance going up
Tools to help business owners reach out to MPPs to fix the insurance crisis.
Jun 25, 2020
Reflections on John Paul Lamarche — a wonderful industry leader
Many of you were touched by John Paul Lamarche of JPL Consulting.
Jun 15, 2020
Positive aspects of the global pandemic
Covid has energized, stimulated, challenged, forced change and created many opportunities.
May 6, 2020
Choose to plant hope
Many volunteers have stepped up to volunteer in their community to create a positive message in the turmoil of the Covid-19 crisis.
Mar 15, 2020
Mentors lead through selfless contribution
Where do mentors get their energy, passion and drive from?
Dec 17, 2019
Ways to help minimize the insurance crisis
And update and resources for snow removal contractors.
Dec 15, 2019
We succeed because we care
We really are in the business of caring. Landscape and horticulture are simply the conduit.
Nov 15, 2019
Realizing the dreams of the previous generation
The new LO is much more than bricks and mortar.
Oct 15, 2019
Box tree moth is the new pest in town
Your help is needed to control this serious pest.
Jul 15, 2019
A fitting tribute to Len Cullen
Many leaders of the profession today got their start working for an industry pioneer.
May 6, 2019
Our purpose can help to shape our image
Showing others what our profession contributes to their daily lives can go a long way to changing public perceptions.
Apr 1, 2019
Spring and renewal
The idea of gardening as an environmental and social movement is catching on.
Mar 7, 2019
The future is bright
Committees to guide association resources and plans in regards to the strategic plan are shaping up.
Feb 15, 2019
Our members and staff team are amazing
Great input from readers on the challenges ahead.
Dec 12, 2018
Strategic plan for the future
Clear association-wide goals exist for the next quarter-century.
Nov 6, 2018
We've got your back
Business owners are able to help one another through participation in Landscape Ontario.
Sep 4, 2018
Salt inventory shortage
Contractors should prepare for a shortage of salt this coming winter.
Jun 15, 2018
What to do about labour
Attracting more skilled labour requires employers to first take ownership of the issue.
Apr 5, 2018
Memories of Paul Olsen
Tony shares his memories of the late founder and industry leader.
Jan 15, 2018
What employees love and hate about their jobs
Anything you can do to give employees some autonomy helps to make them happier.
Dec 15, 2017
Focus on labour
Association activities to help increase the amount of available skilled labour.
Nov 8, 2017
Help showcase our contribution ethic to the world
Tree planting campaign resonates with communities and politicians.
Oct 15, 2017
Update on proposed changes to Labour Standards Act
How changes in labour laws will affect the profession.
Sep 15, 2017
In praise of living landscapes
The environmental, energy, health and economic benefits of the green profession.
Jun 15, 2017
Let’s cure plant blindness
Grey to Green Conference helps to promote benefits of our profession to government and policy makers.
May 15, 2017
Our profession builds communities
Some LO members recently made their case in front of the Ontario Municipal Board, and won.
Mar 15, 2017
Building trust in a profession
A formula by Stephen Covey helps to define the purpose of Landscape Ontario.
Jan 15, 2017
Make a life-long impression on actions alone
People may always remember how you made them feel.
Dec 15, 2016
Thank you
Our wonderful members and volunteers are what make our association so special.
Oct 22, 2016
Values that connect generations
Family businesses allow the values of one generation to be passed down to the next.
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Jul 15, 2016
Right plant, right place
It is time for municipal arborists, landscape architects and others to reexamine “native-only” and seed zone restriction policies.
Jun 15, 2016
Why members belong to our association
Our membership team asked 30 members why they are part of the LO community.
Apr 15, 2016
Canada Blooms — 20 years of celebrating our profession
A look back at the origins of Canada Blooms.
Mar 15, 2016
An industry of selfless sharing
Doing favours without expecting something in return is what our community is all about.
Feb 15, 2016
Remembering John Putzer
A look at how John Putzer has helped to influence those in the profession today.
Dec 15, 2015
Proud of Landscape Ontario innovators
Technology and the sharing economy are changing the landscape.
Nov 15, 2015
Baseball and landscaping
The image communicated volumes about integrity, contribution, mentorship, purpose, collaboration and positive competition.
Oct 15, 2015
Inspiring members
This association is blessed with amazing, passionate, awe-inspiring, contribution-oriented and caring members.
Sep 15, 2015
Do you have problems finding good employees?
Finding good employees is a huge issue for our industry.
Jun 15, 2015
Message speaks to graduates and beyond
This month’s column is from the speech given by me at the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture graduation ceremony on Mar. 28, 2015.
May 15, 2015
A couple of important issues that may affect you
A number of members have called asking for clarity about the special rules for Landscape Gardeners within the Labour Standards Act (LSA).
Apr 15, 2015
Musings from Canada Blooms 2015
Canada Blooms is community accelerated. Vision becomes reality in five days of construction.
Mar 15, 2015
What is the purpose of Landscape Ontario?
Over the years I have observed members communicate our purpose in many ways.
Feb 15, 2015
Congress: An inspiring start to 2015
This month I would like to give over my space to Jason Bouwman, founder of Compass Creative in Stoney Creek.
Dec 15, 2014
Matchmaking is now an LO benefit
I have always thought of Landscape Ontario as a family.
Nov 15, 2014
What do you really want?
I have been asking these questions for over 25 years: What do members really want? What is our value proposition?
Oct 15, 2014
Summer highlights
I know it’s a cliché, however, it is incredible how fast the time goes.
Jul 15, 2014
Contribution, legacy and turning 60
Many people are motivated by a desire to make a positive difference.
Jun 15, 2014
Race to the bottom vs. selling value and benefit
Pricing pressure is real. Too many members are working too hard for too little.
May 15, 2014
Enhancing quality of life through what you do for a living
A lesson from the late Perry Molema.
Apr 15, 2014
Canada Blooms build — an inspiration and lifetime impressions
All members of the industry owe a debt of gratitude to members, volunteers and staff participating in Canada Blooms garden build.
Mar 15, 2014
Connected by a thread
If we speak the same language, we will be more effective at communicating.
Jan 24, 2014
It’s better being a member
There are many reasons why members continue to belong to the association.
Oct 15, 2013
Why should you renew your LO membership?
Association's membership renewal rate has been consistently over 90 per cent for many years.
Aug 15, 2013
Canada Blooms communicates your talent and creativity
Are you interested in showcasing your talent and passion at Canada Blooms?
Jun 15, 2013
Debating a regulated trade
We now have another opportunity to study the issue of mandatory regulation.
May 15, 2013
The future of Canada Blooms
I am always amazed and inspired by the strong opinions about Canada Blooms.
Apr 15, 2013
Passion, inspiration and enthusiasm build Canada Blooms
If you have ever had the opportunity to witness the garden build at Canada Blooms, you know that passion, inspiration, enthusiasm and pride are also involved in the process.
Mar 15, 2013
Coincidences, relevancy and purpose
Coincidences are a pleasant mystery to me. They sometimes feel like spiritual communication.
Feb 15, 2013
Celebration of life: Perry Molema
I attended Perry Molema’s Celebration of Life tribute in December. Perry was a lifetime member and supporterwho tragically passed away in a car accident just before Christmas.
Dec 15, 2012
Our members have a common vision
The heart of our association is members who make a choice to work together, to take responsibility, to leave behind something better, to encourage and to support.
Nov 15, 2012
Infected by goodwill
At the risk of repetition, I just want to shout out again that Landscape Ontario members, friends and staff are inspirational and amazing.
Oct 15, 2012
Family
The green industry is comprised of thousands of family-run operations. It is not unusual to see brothers, sons, sisters, fathers, mothers, spouses and even grandchildren and grandparents working together.
Sep 15, 2012
LO and CNLA work to grow industry
As a Landscape Ontario member, you are part of a community of like-minded individuals across Canada who care.
Aug 15, 2012
Something magical about the dry stone walling
I received an email from Dean McLellan of Highland Masonry about a project with which he was involved in the U.K.
Jul 15, 2012
The family nature of Landscape Ontario
Landscape Ontario has a distinct family feel to it.
Jun 15, 2012
People will afford what they want
Recently I heard Dr. Charlie Hall, horticultural industry economist at Texas A&M University, speak about the future of our industry.
Apr 15, 2012
Memories from Canada Blooms
If you visited Canada Blooms, you saw the spectacular gardens created by Landscape Ontario members.
Mar 15, 2012
Management and wisdom are tools
It is intriguing how much can be communicated using a few words, a short story, song lyric, or well chosen image.
Feb 15, 2012
Musings about Congress 2012
The weather is everything in this business. It trumps economic conditions. It can be the key to success and at the same can pose huge challenges.
Jan 15, 2012
St. James Park extreme makeover
I have just been through an amazing and inspiring experience. It’s something I will not soon forget.
Nov 15, 2011
The important things
Sometimes life gets so busy with meetings, emails, phone calls and projects, it’s easy to forget, overlook or take for granted really important things.
Oct 15, 2011
Prosperity Partners concept creates an ideal relationship
During his presidency at Landscape Ontario, Bob Tubby came up with the term Prosperity Partners. The concept described the ideal relationship between you and your association.
Sep 15, 2011
Promoting your company and the industry at the same time
Some tools to help you (and us) tell our amazing story to the public.
Aug 15, 2011
Make them never forget how you made them feel
We are in a very fortunate business, because the products and services of horticulture make people feel good.
Jul 15, 2011
Is the time right for an accredited company designation?
One of the many discussions taking place on Landscape Ontario’s LinkedIn forum involves the merits of an accredited company designation.
Jun 15, 2011
You don’t miss your water ’til the well runs dry
This year, in the middle of one of the wettest springs on record, the well in south Ottawa went dry.
May 15, 2011
Great appreciation for members’ vision and leadership
Business owners provide a source of inspiration.
Apr 15, 2011
Our association is about building community
As the years go by, it becomes clear to me that Landscape Ontario is way more than an advocacy group for the horticulture industry.
Mar 15, 2011
Canada Blooms raises industry’s image
Canada Blooms raises awareness for the economic, environmental, aesthetic, therapeutic, lifestyle, health and spiritual benefits of horticulture and floriculture.
Feb 15, 2011
Congress focus group reveals attitudes about LO
During Congress, well-known industry consultant Jeffrey Scott offered to lead a focus group on membership attitudes towards Landscape Ontario.
Jan 15, 2011
Focus is on leadership in 2011
We are a very fortunate association. There are over 300 active volunteers sitting on the various boards, committees, chapters and sector groups. Chances are you are one of them.
Dec 15, 2010
LO members make a positive difference
"What do all those people at Landscape Ontario do anyway?”
Nov 15, 2010
What are your priorities?
In the hugely busy and stressful lives of entrepreneurs, it is very easy to lose sight of the most important things.
Oct 15, 2010
Importance of telling our story
It seems we humans are hard-wired to tell and listen to stories.
Sep 15, 2010
State of the economy – part two
Survey data from the rest of the sectors in the landscape industry on the state of the economy.
Aug 15, 2010
How are you doing this year?
Some data on how the garden centre sector is doing so far this year.
Jul 15, 2010
Public image and landscape professionals
One of the central problems of our industry is the lack of public image and awareness.
Jun 15, 2010
The original green industry
As the original green industry, we sometimes forget that our occupation has always been based on a foundation of stewardship and improvement.
May 15, 2010
The many friends of LO
I am constantly amazed at the support our Landscape Ontario family enjoys. This industry seems to attract great people who have passion for the horticulture, for their community and each other.
Apr 15, 2010
Passion
"Passion” was the theme of this year’s Canada Blooms and it showed in the work of our members.
Mar 15, 2010
Sometimes one simple word speaks volumes
I recently had an opportunity to visit the home office for Sunshine Grounds Care in Orangeville, Ontario.
Feb 15, 2010
Great energy continues from Congress 2010
This article was written the day after Congress. What a wonderful week it was! Positive energy flowed from approximately 13,000 people.
Jan 15, 2010
How do we make LO more relevant in your community?
I believe we need to re-think chapters.
Dec 15, 2009
Will the green infrastructure movement reinvent the horticultural industry?
A number of years ago we ran a promotion campaign with the message, “Our members make you look good.” This phrase reflects the reality of why most people hire our industry.
Nov 15, 2009
The economy, prosperity and amazing members
Recently, I received a call from Audrey Partridge asking for my “gut” feel in regards to the economy. Rather than give her my views, I decided to ask our members by sending out two surveys, one for landscape construction and the other for landscape maintenance.
Oct 15, 2009
Greening Ontario's highways
About a year ago, Nick Close, landscape architect for the Ministry of Transportation, came by my office with a PowerPoint presentation that depicted many years of plant failures on Ontario highways. As a landscape architect responsible for the plant material, he was frustrated.
Sep 15, 2009
A brand is a promise to the customer
. If a brand is a promise made to the customer, then the promise can only be validated if the customer consistently perceives the brand’s message in the same way it was originally intended.
Aug 15, 2009
Why are you a member of Landscape Ontario?
A new membership recruitment committee, chaired by Warren Patterson, is putting together a plan for this year’s membership drive.
Jul 15, 2009
Random thoughts on association life
We are a fortunate association, or should I say we are a fortunate community.
Jun 15, 2009
It’s an exciting time in the green industry
In many ways, we are instilling a fear of nature into young people. No one knows the long-term effect this will have on the lawn and garden industry.
May 15, 2009
Leaders inspire by their immense contributions
What motivates someone like Tim Kearney from Garden Creations of Ottawa to volunteer to build the LO garden in Toronto?
Apr 15, 2009
One of Canada’s best kept secrets and success stories
I expect most of your customers purchase products and services for aesthetic and prideful reasons.
Mar 15, 2009
Accepted with thanks
In the new proposed budget, the federal government has given our industry a gift in the form of the Home Renovation Tax Credit.
Feb 15, 2009
Jittery? Change the channel
So, here’s a reminder that we have the ability to change the way we see can be helpful and uplifting.
Jan 15, 2009
Pesticide regulations are unfair
Landscape Ontario originally gave conditional support to the cosmetic ban, as long as the regulations allowed limited use of products based on non-cosmetic infestations and IPM Accreditation. We are now withdrawing that support.
Nov 15, 2008
Thriving and surviving in all economies
History teaches us that everything goes in cycles.
Oct 15, 2008
Help to tell LO’s story to the government
One of the main jobs of any association is to create positive government relations.
Sep 15, 2008
We all must work to support our industry
Success is based on your ability to provide benefit for your customers from an emotional, environmental, financial, social, aesthetic, physical and legacy perspective.
Aug 15, 2008
Sometimes, the simple things make a difference…
Recently I purchased a new suit. When I gave the shop owner my business card, he noticed that I worked for Landscape Ontario.
Jul 15, 2008
Pesticide issue polarizes industry
No matter the audience, industry or public, the word “pesticide” immediately polarizes people.
May 15, 2008
Making positive choices
Years ago (as a college student) I was sitting outside the library contemplating what I was going to do in life. At the time the future looked very cloudy.
Apr 15, 2008
What is your mission?
Last month at the CNLA meetings in St. John, N.B., I found myself sitting at a bar having a stimulating conversation with Phil Paxton about the mission of Landscape Ontario.
Mar 15, 2008
Seeing beyond busy
This month I was researching information to write my monthly message, and came across this short article from Jim Paluch that gets the message across more effectively than I could.