May 30, 2013
Landscape Ontario’s Growers Group will hold its annual Industry Auction on Aug. 14.

This year’s event will be hosted at Sheridan’s Georgetown location, 12266 10th Line, in celebration of the company’s 100th anniversary.

For many people the auction has become an event where you can expect to see anything horticulture related on a skid — and buy it. Typically skids are full of the industry’s best offerings of deciduous shrubs, trees, perennials, ground covers and evergreens. Also available are hard goods and related supplies such as fertilizer, pots, gardening tools, plant tags and labels.

There is no admission fee. The day gets underway at 10 a.m. with wagon tours of the farm, while the Growers Awards of Excellence submissions will be judged near the bidding area from 9 a.m. until 12-noon. Winners will be announced at the end of the bidding, and then those winning skids will go up for auction.

Before the bidding begins, everyone has the opportunity to have lunch and preview the lots. Attendees can sign up for a bidder number, and winning bidders may pay by cash, cheque, Visa or Mastercard. Each person who successfully bids on a lot at the auction will have their name entered into a draw for a special prize. Last year, a lucky attendee won a TV. The lunch menu features food that has been locally grown and produced, and attendees are in for treat — summer barbecue at its best.

This popular event is open to all landscape trades people, and proceeds benefit horticultural research and scholarships. If you want the opportunity to purchase plant material at below-wholesale prices, then bring your staff (and your trailer). All items are ready for pick-up immediately after bidding.

Plant material, hard goods and gift certificates are all welcome and appreciated for donation. Contact Kristen McIntyre at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 321, or auction@landscapeontario.com.