August 2009

Previous Issues
Association News

Harmonized Sales Tax concerns industry

By Tony DiGiovanni CHT
The Ontario Government announcement that it is moving to a harmonized tax system, beginning July 1, 2010, alarming many of our members.

A letter to Premier McGuinty

LO executive director Tony DiGiovanni has requested that members write Premier McGuinty, asking his government to reconsider an exemption of labour-intensive services in the HST (harmonized tax system) proposals

Scott seminar gives tips on growing your business

Jeffrey Scott is a green business consultant who grew up in the pool and landscape industry.

Xeriscape display now in LO gardens

This summer a xeriscape display was planted as an LO staff initiative in the front island entrance bed on the home office property.

Showcase your talent: take photos now for Awards of Excellence

By Kristen McIntyre CHT
If you submit a project into LO’s Awards of Excellence program, it’s guaranteed that the judges will notice.

Somerville hosting growers’ auction

Landscape Ontario’s Growers Group has a full-day of activities planned at the annual fundraising auction on Thurs., Sept. 10. This year’s event will take place at Somerville Nurseries’ Loretto farm, near Hockley Valley.

Vineland announces new research director

Vineland Research and Innovation Centre announced the appointment of Dr. Michael Brownbridge to the new role of Research Director, Horticultural Production Systems.

LO prepares for snow and ice symposium

The Snow and Ice Sector Group of Landscape Ontario will host its annual symposium and equipment display program on Sept. 15.

Sheridan announces board appointments

Sheridan Nurseries, Georgetown, has announced appointments to the board of directors.

Public and industry members invited to trial gardens’ open house

Industry and the public are invited to attend the open house of the trial gardens at LO’s home office on Aug. 20. The agenda has a full-day of activities.

LO and ministry in partnership offering apprenticeship

Landscape Ontario, in partnership with Ministry Training Colleges and Universities, is now offering the opportunity for members to pre-register their employees to begin the apprenticeship pathway to success in the Landscape Horticulture Trade.

Lindsay Mennen named Young Retailer of the Year

Each year, Green Profit magazine in the U.S. holds its Young Retailer Award competition to recognize the top members in the garden centre industry under the age of 35. This year a Canadian, Lindsay Mennen, won the award.

SMS opens newest Ontario store

SMS Rents opened its doors for business in a 7,000-sq. ft. building in Gormley. The two-acre site backs onto Highway 404, north of Stouffville Road.

Canadale sets national attendance record

LO member Canadale Nurseries now holds a new Canadian record.

Retailers and writers enjoy Valleybrook open house

Valleybrook Gardens held an open house and barbecue at its Niagara-on-the-Lake location on July 16 for customers and garden writers.

Growers’ tour attracts record attendance

A record number of attendees took part in the 2009 LO Nursery Growers’ Tour on July 14.

Over 50 in CHT testing

July 16 and 17 were busy days at LO’s home office in Milton, when 54 candidates took part in CHT certification testing at several stations.

Evaluate your environmental practices in just 10 minutes

Green industry members are invited to evaluate their company’s environmental practices by taking a 10 minute, online survey.

Garden & Floral Expo to host new breakfast programs

Landscape Ontario has added two new breakfast programs to this year’s Garden & Floral Expo, for landscape designers and interiorscapers.