Executive Desk - Landscape Ontario

Building resilience in Ontario's landscape industry

Throughout history people have weathered countless storms such as war, environmental catastrophes and economic downturns by standing together to support one another.

New strategic plan will take us to 2030

Landscape Ontario recently completed a journey to update our strategic plan to help guide the focus of our energy and attention for the next five years.

The story of my first visit to Congress

Landscape Ontario's executive director share the story of his first visit to Congress.

A call to action for our members

It can be very lonely during tough economic times. That’s exactly why it’s more important than ever to be there for each other.

Working toward a zero-emissions future

Landscape Ontario is educating cities, municipalities and government on the realities of banning gas-powered equipment.

Do you have the watch?

Understanding how what we do impacts our teams is vital to our ability to lead.

Making it easier to do business in Ontario

Over the last few months, Landscape Ontario’s Provincial Board of Directors and staff have been working hard to drive the association’s strategic priorities forward.

The power of leaning on your peers in challenging times

With tough economic times upon us, including higher interest rates, and business and regulatory challenges, it’s easy to feel down as the weight of these pressures settle on our shoulders.

A vision for a state-of-the-art training facility

We’re looking at dismantling our existing 17,700 square-foot greenhouse to make space for a world-class landscape horticulture training facility.

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.

Government advocacy work is crucial

Landscape Ontario engages in government advocacy to influence policy decisions and create a favourable business environment for the profession.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thank you for enhancing my life

Tony DiGiovanni bids farewell in his last column as association Executive Director.

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.

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.

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.

The value of trust

A few interesting approaches to empowering your team with trust.

Resilience

This is the second year we were unable to host our most popular event due to public health restrictions.

Examples of the best our profession has to offer

Collectively, our efforts build a prosperous, professional, ethical, respected, valued and contribution focused profession.

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.

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.

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.

Bill Putzer

Memories of Bill Putzer

Bill was the owner of M. Putzer Nursery, a well-respected supplier of top quality plants to the landscape profession.

Landscape Ontario members have created many memorable feature gardens over the 25 year history of Canada Blooms.

Memories of Canada Blooms

A look back at 25 years of Canada Blooms.

Remembering Ed Bryant

On Jan. 28, 2021, the landscape profession lost Ed Bryant, the founder of Unilock.

The tradition continues at Congress Connect

The Congress Connect Marketplace has just begun.

Turn off the news and plant a garden

From a profession perspective, Covid is a blessing mixed with a little guilt.

Mark, Rick, Case and Neil Vanderkruk pictured here at the company’s 100th anniversary celebration in 2006.

Remembering Neil Vanderkruk

Last month Neil passed away at home surrounded by family. He was 84 years old.

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.

What do members need from their association?

A summary of responses from assocations around the Great Lakes.

What we can do about insurance going up

Tools to help business owners reach out to MPPs to fix the insurance crisis.

Reflections on John Paul Lamarche — a wonderful industry leader

Many of you were touched by John Paul Lamarche of JPL Consulting.

Positive aspects of the global pandemic

Covid has energized, stimulated, challenged, forced change and created many opportunities.

The LO COVID-19 Task Force has been holding Town Hall webinars each Tuesday to keep members up-to-date.

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.

Margaret Stinson

Mentors lead through selfless contribution

Where do mentors get their energy, passion and drive from?

Opportunity

Last year was one of renewal. This year is about opportunity.

Ways to help minimize the insurance crisis

And update and resources for snow removal contractors.

We succeed because we care

We really are in the business of caring. Landscape and horticulture are simply the conduit.

Landscape Ontario staff were all smiles when the first plants for LO’s living wall arrived in the new building in mid-September.

Realizing the dreams of the previous generation

The new LO is much more than bricks and mortar.

Box tree moth is the new pest in town

Your help is needed to control this serious pest.

The LO Building Committee recently met at the newly-renovated home office for a tour and to discuss the landscaping plan for the site.

The new Landscape Ontario

A look back at the humble beginnings of the LO home office.

A bronze statue of Len Cullen in Whitby, Ont., serves as a lasting tribute to his legacy and vision.

A fitting tribute to Len Cullen

Many leaders of the profession today got their start working for an industry pioneer.

Reflections

Funerals and retirements are a time for reflection.

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.

Spring and renewal

The idea of gardening as an environmental and social movement is catching on.

The future is bright

Committees to guide association resources and plans in regards to the strategic plan are shaping up.

Our members and staff team are amazing

Great input from readers on the challenges ahead.

A forefather of Landscape Ontario, Clarence Beuving recently offered some concerns and advice for future success.

I love meeting with members

A reminder to stay true to our founding principles.

Strategic plan for the future

Clear association-wide goals exist for the next quarter-century.

We've got your back

Business owners are able to help one another through participation in Landscape Ontario.

Value proposition

What benefit of LO membership has the highest value to you?

Salt inventory shortage

Contractors should prepare for a shortage of salt this coming winter.

Look in the mirror

What employers can to do make employees want to work for them.

Landscape Ontario promotes the career paths available in the profession to thousands of students at Skills Ontario.

What to do about labour

Attracting more skilled labour requires employers to first take ownership of the issue.

The power of story

How clearly are you marketing your products and services?

Memories of Paul Olsen

Tony shares his memories of the late founder and industry leader.

Business owners in LO’s Peer to Peer Network see the value in taking time to attend sessions throughout the year.

Take time to save time

Members work together to find solutions to important issues.

Listen

Profound and moving stories are all around us — if we just take time to listen.

What employees love and hate about their jobs

Anything you can do to give employees some autonomy helps to make them happier.

Focus on labour

Association activities to help increase the amount of available skilled labour.

Planting trees along the Highway of Heroes will help to raise awareness of the expertise and passion of Landscape Ontario members.

Help showcase our contribution ethic to the world

Tree planting campaign resonates with communities and politicians.

Update on proposed changes to Labour Standards Act

How changes in labour laws will affect the profession.

In praise of living landscapes

The environmental, energy, health and economic benefits of the green profession.

LO member, Phil Dickie, donated time, equipment and labour to plant memorial trees at LO’s home office.

The “why” of membership

The many reasons why people belong to associations.

Let’s cure plant blindness

Grey to Green Conference helps to promote benefits of our profession to government and policy makers.

Our profession builds communities

Some LO members recently made their case in front of the Ontario Municipal Board, and won.

Discover your purpose

The purpose of Landscape Ontario.

Building trust in a profession

A formula by Stephen Covey helps to define the purpose of Landscape Ontario.

What is the purpose of Congress?

Word of the year for 2017 guide staff activities.

Make a life-long impression on actions alone

People may always remember how you made them feel.

Thank you

Our wonderful members and volunteers are what make our association so special.

Let’s talk about trees

Making the right selections for success.

Gord Shuttleworth speaking at a retirement party in his honour.

Values that connect generations

Family businesses allow the values of one generation to be passed down to the next.

Apprenticeship a gift for you

Benefits to both employers and employees.

Norway maple

Right plant, right place

It is time for municipal arborists, landscape architects and others to reexamine “native-only” and seed zone restriction policies.

Why members belong to our association

Our membership team asked 30 members why they are part of the LO community.

Alia is teaching her grandfather some great life lessons.

Learning from Alia

The importance of honest and direct communication.

Canada Blooms — 20 years of celebrating our profession

A look back at the origins of Canada Blooms.

An industry of selfless sharing

Doing favours without expecting something in return is what our community is all about.

John Putzer

Remembering John Putzer

A look at how John Putzer has helped to influence those in the profession today.

The roundtable discussions at this year’s Governance meeting resulted in personal growth for many in attendance.

We are better together

Volunteers explain why they give so freely.

Proud of Landscape Ontario innovators

Technology and the sharing economy are changing the landscape.

Three families were present for the dedication services. Pictured here is the van Maris family.

Baseball and landscaping

The image communicated volumes about integrity, contribution, mentorship, purpose, collaboration and positive competition.

Employees, suppliers, officials and industry associates came together on a lovely Sept. 17 to celebrate Gelderman Landscape Services’ 60th anniversary, at the company’s Waterdown headquarters. Pictured, from left, are Nathan and Michelle Helder, and Ali, Hank, Jacoba and Harry Gelderman. During his remarks, president Nathan Helder gave credit for the success GLS and its families have enjoyed where credit belongs: to the Almighty.

Inspiring members

This association is blessed with amazing, passionate, awe-inspiring, contribution-oriented and caring members.

Do you have problems finding good employees?

Finding good employees is a huge issue for our industry.

Canada Blooms is a very effective way to communicate to the public.

Many benefits to being a member

Why are you a member of Landscape Ontario?

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.

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).

Canada Blooms is a great opportunity for our industry to show what passion builds.

Musings from Canada Blooms 2015

Canada Blooms is community accelerated. Vision becomes reality in five days of construction.

Mark Cullen motivated members with his pledge of $30,000 towards scholarships for young people interested in a green industry career. He’s challenged LO members to raise $100,000 to put towards the scholarship program.

What is the purpose of Landscape Ontario?

Over the years I have observed members communicate our purpose in many ways.

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.

The proposed Mother Canada monument in Nova Scotia.

Never Forgotten National Memorial

Actions reflect well on all of us.

Jacki and Tim.

Matchmaking is now an LO benefit

I have always thought of Landscape Ontario as a family.

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?

Dean McClellan and a crew from the Saugeen Shores First Nations did an amazing job at building the dry stone steps at LO home office at the entrance to Vanden Bussche Irrigation.

Summer highlights

I know it’s a cliché, however, it is incredible how fast the time goes.

Respond with kindness

Conflict is part of life. How you respond says a lot about you.

What's the difference?

Leadership style can lead to success or disaster.

Margaret and Ivan Stinson are an inspiring couple, who organized the Garden Day event that celebrated the University of Guelph’s 50th anniversary.

Contribution, legacy and turning 60

Many people are motivated by a desire to make a positive difference.

LO continues to put the message out to media about the benefits of plants, gardens, landscapes and green infrastructure, as well as the professionalism, creativity, expertise and character of our membership.

Race to the bottom vs. selling value and benefit

Pricing pressure is real. Too many members are working too hard for too little.

Join the family and friends of the late Perry Molema for the official opening of the garden dedicated to his memory, on May 31 in Chatham.

Enhancing quality of life through what you do for a living

A lesson from the late Perry Molema.

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.

Connected by a thread

If we speak the same language, we will be more effective at communicating.

Culture of care

A behind the scenes look at a memorable Congress 2014.

It’s better being a member

There are many reasons why members continue to belong to the association.

Leadership

The road to relevance and prosperity is engagement and leadership.

Statistics show industry provides great benefit to Canada. Download these graphics and more at www.horttrades.com/cnla-infographics.

Pictures are worth thousands of words

A simple way to communicate a message.

Why should you renew your LO membership?

Association's membership renewal rate has been consistently over 90 per cent for many years.

Leadership defined

Leadership can be spotted a mile away.

Judges’ Choice Award for best overall garden in 2013 went to Holbrook and Associates Landscape Architects of Toronto, for its playful, yet beautifully crafted, entry.

Canada Blooms communicates your talent and creativity

Are you interested in showcasing your talent and passion at Canada Blooms?

Education has improved safety habits for the landscape industry.

The importance of safety

Landscape Ontario has made safety a priority.

Debating a regulated trade

We now have another opportunity to study the issue of mandatory regulation.

The future of Canada Blooms

I am always amazed and inspired by the strong opinions about Canada Blooms.

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.

Coincidences, relevancy and purpose

Coincidences are a pleasant mystery to me. They sometimes feel like spiritual communication.

Perry Molema

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.

January renewal

Can you believe it’s 2013? Landscape Ontario turns 40 this year.

David Wright presents the first Waterloo Chapter scholarship to recipient Brandy Suchostowsky.

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.

LO members, Jason Dietrich of Ace Lawncare, Thomas Blatter of Dreamestate Landscaping and Don Prosser of Don Prosser Landscape Design help students with the ribbon cutting at St. James Catholic High School garden.

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.

From left, LO family members help Jose Melo celebrate his company’s 40th anniversary: Eddie Almeida of Almeida and Almeida Landscaping, Woodbridge; Jose Melo, Pat Lamanna, G&L Group of Companies, Concord; Charlie Wilson, president of Bruce Wilson Landscaping, Kleinburg.

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.

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.

Mornflake Garden in the U.K.

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.

The family nature of Landscape Ontario

Landscape Ontario has a distinct family feel to it.

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.

Diagram illustrates the structure of Landscape Ontario in order to facilitate prosperity.

Why does Landscape Ontario exist?

Associations are built on synergy.

Memories from Canada Blooms

If you visited Canada Blooms, you saw the spectacular gardens created by Landscape Ontario members.

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.

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.

St. James Park extreme makeover

I have just been through an amazing and inspiring experience. It’s something I will not soon forget.

Members give back

December is a time for reflection.

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.

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.

Promoting your company and the industry at the same time

Some tools to help you (and us) tell our amazing story to the public.

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.

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.

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.

Great appreciation for members’ vision and leadership

Business owners provide a source of inspiration.

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.

Members come together at Canada Blooms.

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.

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.

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.

LO members make a positive difference

"What do all those people at Landscape Ontario do anyway?”

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.

Importance of telling our story

It seems we humans are hard-wired to tell and listen to stories.

State of the economy – part two

Survey data from the rest of the sectors in the landscape industry on the state of the economy.

How are you doing this year?

Some data on how the garden centre sector is doing so far this year.

Public image and landscape professionals

One of the central problems of our industry is the lack of public image and awareness.

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.

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.

Passion

"Passion” was the theme of this year’s Canada Blooms and it showed in the work of our members.

Sometimes one simple word speaks volumes

I recently had an opportunity to visit the home office for Sunshine Grounds Care in Orangeville, Ontario.

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.

How do we make LO more relevant in your community?

I believe we need to re-think chapters.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Random thoughts on association life

We are a fortunate association, or should I say we are a fortunate community.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thriving and surviving in all economies

History teaches us that everything goes in cycles.

Help to tell LO’s story to the government

One of the main jobs of any association is to create positive government relations.

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.

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.

Pesticide issue polarizes industry

No matter the audience, industry or public, the word “pesticide” immediately polarizes people.

He came with the building

Honouring Terry Murphy on his retirement

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.

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.

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.

Spring in January

For Landscape Ontario, the period between November and April is our “spring.” We cluster many activities and programs into this period, before you get too busy to participate.

Greening the green industry

Lately I have been haunted by the question: Why is the industry that is responsible for the design, installation, maintenance, growing and supplying of society’s gardens, landscapes and green spaces not recognized by the public as the green industry?

© 2025 Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association