Newsscape - Landscape Ontario

Grow West Coast plans 2024 re-launch

The British Columbia Landscape Nursery Association (BCLNA) announced the Grow West Coast Horticulture Trade Show (GWC) will be reimagined for a 2024 re-launch.

Vectorworks Design Scholarship

Global design and BIM software provider Vectorworks invites students to see where their designs can take them by entering the seventh Vectorworks Design Scholarship.

Feds provide 12 million for CAHRC project

The Canadian government announced it is providing the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) just over $12 million for their Growing the Agriculture Workforce of the Future: Cultivating Canada’s Post-Pandemic Recovery Project.

2024 World Green Cities Awards

The AIPH World Green City Awards recognize and celebrate bold and innovative action that harnesses the power of plants and nature to create greener, healthier, and more resilient cities.

Unilock offers $5,000 scholarships

Unilock announced it is continuing the Paving the Future Scholarship program launched last year in celebration of the company’s 50th anniversary.

National Designers Subcommittee

With feedback coming in from our latest survey we are starting to gather a picture of what is really important to designers and where many different types of design offices and professionals are.

Farwest Show celebrates 50th anniversary

The biggest nursery industry trade show in the West, the Farwest Show, will celebrate its 50th anniversary this coming August.

NGB announces 2023 Green Thumb Award winners

The National Garden Bureau (NGB) announced six live goods and two hard goods as winners of the 2023 Green Thumb Award.

GCC Summit heads to Vancouver

Garden Centres Canada’s (GCC) annual national retail Summit is a networking and educational opportunity for independent garden centre owners and managers to come together and discuss the latest trends and patterns, and share innovative ideas.

Green Cities Foundation receives $250K from FedDev Ontario

Representatives from the Green Cities Foundation were joined by Adam van Koeverden, Member of Parliament for Milton, Ont., to announce $250,000 in funding from FedDev Ontario.

Work permits extended to TFW families

The Trudeau government announced Canada is extending work permits to family members of temporary foreign workers.

Landscape Ontario celebrates landscaping excellence

Landscape Ontario’s Awards of Excellence celebrated 50 years of the best landscape projects in Ontario with a sold-out gala celebration on Jan. 10, 2023.

Congress smashes attendance record

Landscape Ontario Congress celebrated its 50th anniversary in style with record-breaking attendance. Over 17,600 visitors flocked to the Toronto Congress Centre Jan. 10-12, 2023 to see what Canada’s largest trade show and conference for landscape horticulture professionals had to offer.

Vineland publishes 2022-23 Innovation Report

Vineland Research and Innovation Centre published its 2022-23 Innovation Report, covering the organization’s latest research and development projects.

Vineland studies propagation trays

What happens in propagation doesn’t stay in propagation, according to a new report titled The Impact of Propagation Trays on Tree Establishment.

Pantone Colour of the Year: Viva Magenta

Pantone announced its Colour of the Year for 2023: Viva Magenta 18-750.

BTN wins AIPH 2023 Grower of the Year

Brookdale Treeland Nurseries (BTN), has been awarded the title of International Grower of the Year (IGOTY) 2023 by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH).

Study published on Clean Air Calculator

In collaboration with the Guelph Turfgrass Institute at the University of Guelph, the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association’s Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) Committee published the paper: Development of an Urban Turfgrass and Tree Carbon Calculator for Northern Temperate Climates.

LO Snow and Ice Sector Group develops training program

Landscape Ontario's Snow and Ice Management Sector Group developed a curriculum and an accreditation system for training employees in the snow and ice industry.

AIPH elects new President and VPs

The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) elected Leonardo Capitanio as its new president. Bill Hardy was elected as the second AIPH vice-president alongside Jianping Zhou from China.

Landscape Ontario announces Reconciliation Grove

Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association (LO) announced plans to launch Reconciliation Grove in 2023. Through its members, LO will connect with every school in Ontario to plant a grove of three trees.

Six new AAS winners coming in 2023

The newest AAS Winners for 2023 are: Coleus Premium Sun Coral Candy; Colocasia Royal Hawaiian Waikiki; Pepper jalapeno San Joaquin; Snapdragon DoubleShot Orange Bicolor; Squash kabocha Sweet Jade; Tomato Zenzei.

AIPH honours 2022 Green City Award Winners

The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) announced the winners of the 2022 Green City Awards at the International Union for Conservation of Nature Leaders Forum in Jeju, Republic of Korea on Oct. 14, 2022.

Yukon Sun joins 49th Parallel Collection LT

Yukon Sun is the latest addition to Vineland’s 49th Parallel Collection of made-in-Canada roses.

Statscan releases sod and nursery workforce and revenue data

Statistics Canada (StatsCan) released data on the sod and nursery sectors in Canada. The dataset compares sales and staff numbers from 2014 to 2021.

Trees for Heroes

Trees for Life recently announced Trees for Heroes. Through this new program, the organization will continue to plant trees to honour many kinds of heroes in our lives and the people who make Canada one of the best places to live in the world.

Kress launches in North America

Kress will launch in North America in Q4 of 2022 in conjunction with Equip Exposition.

Rubeckia American Gold Rush

2023 Perennial Plant of the Year

The Perennial Plant Association (PPA) announced Rudbeckia ‘American Gold Rush’ as Perennial Plant of the Year for 2023.

Caterpillar moves headquarters to Texas

Caterpillar has had a presence in Texas since the 1960s across several areas of the company.

NGB announces 2022 selections

Each year the National Garden Bureau (NGB) selects one annual, one perennial, one bulb crop, one edible, and one shrub as their “Year of the” crops.

TFWP extends advertising requirement suspension

Since January 12, 2022, the minimum advertising requirements for employers applying for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to hire temporary foreign workers in primary agriculture were suspended.

Grow West Coast Show returns to Surrey

The Grow West Coast Horticulture Trade Show will return to the Surrey Civic Plaza in Surrey, B.C. on Sept. 14-15, 2022.

Daedong celebrates 75th anniversary

Daedong Corporation, the South Korea-based agricultural machinery company and parent company to Kioti Tractor, celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2022.

Sakata expands California facilities

The company recently announced plans for two new locations: Salinas Valley and Woodland, Calif.

AIPH announces Green City Awards shortlist

The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) announced the finalists for the inaugural Green City Awards.

Montagano named president of Kubota Canada

A 25-year veteran of Canada’s industrial sector, Montagano steps into the role from his current position as Kubota Canada’s vice president of sales, marketing, service and engineering – a role he’s held since December 2018.

Walters Gardens’ leadership team: Ryan Hop, Christa Steenwyk, John Walters and Karin Walters.

Walters Gardens names leadership team

Walters Gardens announced the leadership transition plan from the current CEO, John Walters, to Karin Walters, his daughter and current vice president of product strategy.

Trees for Life receives $2.4 million from 2BT

With this funding, Trees for Life will engage partners and collaborators on 34 different tree-planting projects.

Vineland names McGrath head of research and development

In her new role, McGrath will guide the direction of Vineland’s innovation portfolio to maximize real-world impact with a team of more than 50 scientists and technicians.

Snowposium returns to Milton Sept. 15

The event provides an opportunity for winter maintenance professionals to learn, network, and meet with suppliers.

Metrolina Greenhouses named 2022 Grower of the Year

Now in its 12th year, the IGOTY Awards recognize best practices in horticulture by the top ornamental production nurseries from around the globe, celebrating the expertise and energy they give to horticulture.

Durastone Plant 1974

Unilock celebrates 50th anniversary

In 1972, Ed Bryant brought the Uni-Stone paving stone to North America — a decision that launched the modern hardscape industry.

STIHL names Terry Horan new CEO

Terrence “Terry” Horan has been named president and CEO of STIHL Incorporated, effective April 1, 2022.

DIRT Report shows improvement

The Canadian Common Ground Alliance’s (CCGA) latest Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) Report shows a three per cent decrease in reported damage events in 2020 compared to 2019.

Wade Hartwell

In memoriam - Wade Hartwell

Wade Hartwell passed away on March 25, 2022, after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Bayer sells environmental science division to Cinven

Bayer and Cinven have entered into a definitive agreement regarding the sale of Bayer’s Environmental Science Professional business for a purchase price of $2.6 billion USD.

Flowers Canada Growers gets federal funding

Canada’s floriculture industry got a boost from the federal government in February.

BTN shortlisted for Grower of the Year

Brookdale Treeland Nurseries (BTN) has been shortlisted for International Grower of the Year 2022.

Carla Qualtrough

New Rules for TFWP

On April 4, 2022, Carla Qualtrough, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion announced the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program Workforce Solutions Road Map.

AAS names six national winners for 2022

All-America Selection (AAS) — North America’s oldest national non-profit plant trialing organization — announced six new national winners for 2022.

Pantone creates 2022 Colour of the Year

For the first time, Pantone has created a new colour for its annual Colour of the Year program.

John Deere buys Kreisel Electric

John Deere has signed a definitive agreement to acquire majority ownership in Kreisel Electric, a battery technology provider based in Austria.

Congress cancels 2022 trade show

Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association cancelled its trade show due to COVID-19. The show had been scheduled for January 11-13, 2022 at the Toronto Congress Centre.

SB&D acquires MTD and Excel

Stanley Black & Decker completed the acquisition of MTD Holdings and Excel Industries. The purchase price for the two transactions totaled $1.9 billion USD.

Floriade Horticulture Expo launches April 2022

Floriade Expo 2022 is set to run April 14 through October 9 in Almere, Netherlands.

Glen Instone Husqvarna

Instone named Husqvarna president

Glen Instone has been appointed president of the Husqvarna Division within Husqvarna Group.

Kam's joins Royal Brinkman Group

Kam’s Growers Supply announced they’ve joined forces with the Royal Brinkman Group of the Netherlands as of January 1, 2022.

Proven Winners announces personnel changes

Proven Winners is excited to announce two personnel changes to strengthen support for independent garden centres.

AIPH and UBHUB partner on World Green Cities awards

The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) and the Urban Biodiversity Hub (UBHub) formalized a partnership to collaborate on the AIPH World Green City Awards.

Toro purchases Intimidator Group

The Toro Company has acquired Intimidator Group for $400 million USD. Based in Batesville, Ark., the Intimidator Group designs and manufactures Spartan Mowers, a professional line of zero turn mowers.

Vineland releases 2021-22 Innovation Report

Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (Vineland) released the 2021-2022 Innovation Report, containing updates on various research projects and highlighting efforts to build a national network for innovation in the agricultural, horticulture and greenhouse growing industries.

American Garden Rose Selections announces 2022 winners

American Garden Rose Selections (AGRS) has crowned four cultivars as its 2022 winners.

Proven Winners to begin marketing houseplants

Proven Winners has announced a partnership with The Plant Company to begin marketing houseplants.

Trees for Life helps university reduce its carbon footprint

The University of Guelph is now home to a future forest, thanks to Trees for Life.

Aspire Software acquires Go iLawn, LandOne Software

Aspire Software has entered into definitive agreements to acquire Go iLawn and LandOne Software.

Montreal Botanical Garden placed second in the 2021 AAS Design Challenge.

AAS awards Quebec gardens in landscape design challenge

All-America Selections’ (AAS) 2021 Landscape Design Challenge has awarded two Quebec gardens with top three finishes in their respective categories.

Plant Health Survey identifies promising global industry investment

The International Association of Horticultural Producers’ (AIPH) International Plant Health Survey 2021 reveals a promising bio-secure future for the ornamental horticulture industry.

LMN acquires Greenius, opens PEI location

Landscape Management Network (LMN) has acquired Greenius, an online training software company specializing in landscaping.

Aspire Software partners with SiteOne Landscape Supply

Aspire Software has partnered with SiteOne Landscape Supply to focus on improving the estimating process in the Aspire Landscape platform.

Brandt acquires Cervus Equipment

Brandt announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire all shares of Cervus Equipment Corporation.

GISC pivots to a virtual event format

The 2021 Green Industry Show & Conference (GISC) will proceed as a virtual event.

Left to right: Marcel van der Voort (owner of Van Schie), Noëlia Mansilla (president EMEA of Dümmen Orange), Mike van Os (global product manager, pot plants for Dümmen Orange) and Hans van Leeuwen (owner of Lionplant).

Dümmen Orange and Chrysanne join forces to further develop Supernova

Dümmen Orange is partnering with Chrysanne to collaborate on the further development of the Supernova series, a disbudded pot chrysanthemum.

Schizachyrium scoparium

Schizachyrium scoparium named Perennial Plant of the Year

The Perennial Plant Association (PPA) named Schizachyrium scoparium — and its cultivars — the 2022 Perennial Plant of the Year.

Urban greening initiative welcomes inaugural members

A new public-private research consortium created to address urban landscape challenges is now open for membership.

Dramm begins construction of new headquarters

Construction is now underway on Dramm Corporation’s new headquarters in Manitowoc, Wis.

Brandt to add more than 1,000 new employees

The Brandt Group of Companies is expanding its workforce by more than 1,000 new employees by the end of the year.

Burnaby green space renovation breaks ground

Steamworks Brewing Company, Para Space Landscaping Inc., the British Columbia Nursery and Landscape Association (BCNLA) and the Green Cities Foundation are collaborating on the renovation of an under-utilized area of Burnaby, B.C.

Volunteers broke ground for the Humbolt Urban Garden Sanctuary in June 2021.

Construction is underway on the Humboldt Urban Garden Sanctuary

More than three years ago, the community of Humboldt, Sask., was forever changed by the tragedy involving the Broncos hockey team.

Nominations open for the International Grower of the Year Awards

The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) is seeking nominations for the 2022 International Grower of the Year (IGOTY) Awards.

In memoriam — Cornelia Hahn Oberlander LT

Canadian landscape architect Cornelia Hahn Oberlander passed away May 22, 2021 at her home in Vancouver, B.C. She was 99 years-old.

BCLNA reinvents its trade show

The British Columbia Landscape & Nursery Association (BCLNA) has rebranded and reimagined its trade show, formerly known as CanWest Horticulture Expo.

CSLA-OALA Congress goes virtual

The CSLA-OALA Congress Planning Committee will be offering the 2021 Congress via an online platform May 27-29, 2021.

Cargill shutters Louisiana salt mine

Cargill announced the permanent end of salt production at its mine in Avery Island, La.

LMN acquires Slice

Landscape Management Network (LMN) is expanding its base with the acquisition of Slice Technologies.

Year of the Garden 2022

The Canadian Garden Council (CGC) is proud to proclaim 2022 as Canada’s Year of the Garden to celebrate the centennial of Canada’s ornamental horticulture sector on the occasion of the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association’s (CNLA) 100-year anniversary.

Techo-Bloc facility gains government funding

Both the Ontario and federal governments announced funding to support Techo-Bloc in opening a production facility in Ayr, Ont.

Canadians support citizenship for TFWs

A strong majority of Canadians support citizenship rights for temporary foreign workers, according to a recent poll.

Hailey Ashbee

Kam’s adds sales rep

Kam’s Growers Supply announced the hiring of Hailey Ashbee as technical sales representative for the Niagara region.

LMN’s 2021 leadership team

LMN announces 2021 leadership team

LMN announced new additions and a reorganization of its leadership team.

Winter maintenance liability bill passes in Ontario

The Ontario provincial legislature passed Bill 118, the Occupiers' Liability Amendment Act, on Dec. 3, 2020.

Feds promise to plant 2 billion trees

The Government of Canada announced its plan to plant two billion trees over 10 years, with an investment of $3.16 billion.

The Green Cities Foundation’s mission is to reduce the effects of climate change, help people breathe, and to improve the quality of life in Canadian cities.

Green Cities Foundation breaks ground

The Green Cities Foundation broke ground on its first outdoor rehabilitation project at St. Matthew’s House in Hamilton, Ont., November 6-7.

Relief for Ontario snow operators

A private members’ bill sponsored by Ontario MPP Norm Miller is now ordered for third reading in the Ontario Legislature.

The 2021 Canada Blooms flower and garden festival has been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Canada Blooms cancels 2021 event

Due to the ongoing concerns surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, the Canada Blooms Horticultural Society made the decision to cancel the 2021 edition of Canada Blooms.

William Dam Seeds wins AAS Award

All-America Selections announced the winners of its 2020 Landscape Design Challenge, including a third place honour for William Dams Seeds.

Aurora Borealis, the latest rose Vineland’s 49th Parallel Collection, is coming to garden centres in 2021.

Canada Blooms names Aurora Borealis rose plant of the year

The latest release in Vineland’s 49th Parallel Collection of bred-in-Canada garden and landscape roses promises to steal the spotlight in Canadian gardens when it is released next spring.

Avant Techno partners with Leguan Lifts

Avant Tecno USA and Leguan Lifts have formally announced their partnership and distribution plans for the North American market.

NGB announces 2021 “Year of the” program

Free promotional marketing materials are now available for the National Garden Bureau’s 2021 “Year of the” program. “

Greg Quigg

Quigg retires from Stihl Limited

Stihl Limited announced president Greg Quigg’s retirement, after 35 years with the company.

COHA funded research on Hybrid Treatment Systems shows promise as an effective water filtration method for greenhouse and nursery growers.

COHA Connections provides research updates

The Canadian Ornamental Horticulture Alliance (COHA) released the quarterly COHA Connections research update on its website.

Stanley Black and Decker supports Children’s Aid

Stanley Black & Decker donated $25,000 to the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada to support the organization’s mission in the fight against Covid-19.

The Green Cities Foundation met with staff from St. Matthews House in Hamilton, Ont. to discuss plans for the first #GreenMyCity project.

Green Cities Foundation rehabilitates Hamilton neighbourhood

The Green Cities Foundation is a community connecting plants and people for a greener healthier urban climate.

Carter-Conneen is new ASLA CEO

The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) recently announced the selection of Torey Carter-Conneen as its new chief executive officer.

Ontario supports Highway of Heroes tree planting

The Ontario Government is honouring members of the Canadian Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country by providing $1 million to plant additional trees along the Highway of Heroes.

Congress 2021 goes virtual: Congress Connect

Canada’s top horticultural trade show and conference, Congress, has been staged since 1979 by Landscape Ontario. The 2020 event hosted over 12,000 participants.

Michael Kester and Mark Schermer.

Syngenta Flowers names global head

Syngenta Flowers announces Michael Kester will retire at the end of 2020 after 42 years at the company. Mark Schermer is appointed as his successor as global head of Syngenta Flowers, effective Sept. 1, 2020.

NGB launches “Year of” marketing campaign

The National Garden Bureau, the non-profit organization promoting gardening in North America on behalf of the horticulture industry and its members, is pleased to announce the five plant classes that will be featured in the 2021 “Year of the” program.

AAS fetes celosia and squash cultivars

All-America Selections, North America’s oldest non-profit plant trialing organization, announced two new AAS Winners for the 2021 garden season.

Vineland seeks board members

Located in the Niagara Region of Ontario, Vineland is a uniquely Canadian results-oriented organization dedicated to horticulture science and innovation.

Green Industry and Equipment Expo.

GIE Expo cancels 2020 event

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and continued regulatory uncertainty, GIE/OPEI, announced the 2020 show will be postponed until next year.

Green Industry Show and Conference.

Alberta’s GISC goes virtual

Uncertainty on pandemic regulations has prompted Landscape Alberta’s leadership to offer its Green Industry Show and Conference (GISC) in a virtual format this fall.

Landscaping and golf job searches skyrocket

The number of job searchers looking for landscape and horticulture positions spiked this spring, Brendon Bernard, an economist at Indeed told Yahoo finance.

AIPH launches Virtual Expo and Conference

The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) announced a Virtual International Expo Conference for Sept. 15, 2020 called Recovery from crisis – the future for ornamentals.

Sunnybrook Hospital promotes pollinators

Toronto’s Sunnybrook Hospital Bayview campus recently became the first Canadian hospital to have an urban apiary on its grounds.

Bobcat partners with radar company

Doosan Bobcat North America announced it has partnered with Ainstein, a radar technologies company headquartered in Lawrence, Kan., to develop next-generation radar sensor systems for Bobcat equipment.

Yanmar appoints board of directors

Yanmar Holdings approved a new Board of Directors as part of the company’s business reorganization.

Joe Salemi

Salemi joins Landscape Ontario

Joe Salemi has taken a newly created position at Landscape Ontario, Deputy Executive Director.

Brendt acquires Geoshack and Sakkia

The Brandt Group of Companies announced they have reached an agreement with U.S.-based Ultara Holdings to acquire the assets of GeoShack Canada Company and the Canadian assets of Inteq Distributors, subject to due diligence.

Native plant resource

A new website, www.can-plant.ca, allows users to search a comprehensive list of plants from across the country based on their growth form and growing conditions.

Landscape Horticulture Certification program launched

The Canadian Nursery and Landscape Association (CNLA) recently launched a revamped nursery and landscape certification program for all of Canada.

Canada Blooms garden builders put heart and soul into beautiful designs.

Canada Blooms cancelled

Canada Blooms, Canada’s largest flower and garden festival, suspended its 2020 festival, which was planned for March 13-22 in Toronto.

Property manager endorses Smart about Salt certification

BGIS, a global real estate management services company, has announces a coast-to-coast partnership with the unique not-for-profit Smart About Salt Council (SASC), that will strive for improved winter maintenance services grounded in best management practices.

Van Belle’s new pots by CTi Plastic, a Canadian company, are made entirely from recycled plastic and post-consumer plastic.

Van Belle moves to eco-friendly pots

Van Belle Nursery announced that as of April 13, 2020, it will be the first company in North America to deliver a live goods program using the new “Flow Pot” by CTi Plastic, made entirely from recycled plastic collected from river and ocean-bound sources, as well as post-consumer plastic.

Provincial coronavirus resources

Canada’s provincial trade associations have assembled information for the green industry in light of the fast-moving virus pandemic.

GCC Summit heads to Edmonton

Garden Centres Canada (GCC) is hosting its second annual GCC Summit in Edmonton, Alta., July 6-8 at the Edmonton Coast Plaza Hotel

Vineland hires director of automation

Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (Vineland) named Hussam Haroun director of automation. In his new role, Haroun will oversee Vineland’s activities related to automation, artificial intelligence and digital agriculture technologies.

The 2020 AIPH International Grower of the Year Award was won by Anthura.

Dutch breeder wins AIPH award

Anthura BV won the International Grower of the Year 2020 Award from the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH).

EPA concludes glyphosate review

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concluded its regulatory review of glyphosate.

Brandt expands dealer network

The Brandt Group of Companies, based in Regina, Sask., has completed the acquisition of Nortrax Canada and Nortrax Quebec to extend its dealer network across the country.

Star Roses launches miniature rose

Star Roses and Plants announced the launch of the first-ever miniature Knock Out rose, Petite Knock Out.

U.S. show and conference changes

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) has announced that in 2022 it will move into 100 percent ownership of GIE+EXPO, the international landscape, outdoor living and equipment exposition held annually in Louisville, Ky.

COHA president Dave Captein with family.

Captein elected COHA president

The Canadian Ornamental Horticulture Alliance (COHA) announced Dave Captein was elected president for a two-year term.

FIHOQ changes name to Quebec Vert

The Fédération interdisciplinaire de l’horticulture ornementale du Québec (FIHOQ) announced it is changing its name to Quebec Vert.

Landscape Ontario’s Awards of Excellence honoured the incredible talents of maintenance, design, construction, lighting and garden centre members who are greening our cities and towns.

Ontario awards celebrate excellence

About 700 landscape and horticulture professionals gathered in Toronto, Ont., Jan. 7 for the Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence ceremony, celebrating the best construction, maintenance, design and landscape lighting from 2019.

Doosan Bobcat acquires Bob-Cat

Doosan Bobcat finalized the acquisition of Bob-Cat Mowers and the Steiner and Ryan brands of grounds maintenance equipment from Schiller Grounds Care.

The Canada Blooms festival features display gardens and landscapes, along with horticulture and floriculture seminars and workshops.

Avian theme highlights Canada Blooms 2020

The 24th annual Canada Blooms brings the theme, “Birds of a Feather” to Toronto’s Enercare Centre, March 13-22, 2020.

Garden Centre Summit coming to Edmonton

The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) is holding the next annual Garden Centre Canada (GCC) Summit in Edmonton, Alta., on July 5-7, 2020.

Congress 2020 offered attendees access to over 600 exhibitors, over 50 hours of education and live demos each day on the show floor.

Green professional enjoy Congress 2020

Over 15,000 landscape and horticulture professionals visited Landscape Ontario Congress at the Toronto Congress Centre, Jan. 7-9, 2020.

Continent-wide salt shortage expected

Salt shortages are expected across Canada and the United States throughout the 2018-19 winter, due in part to strikes at the Goderich, Ont.-based Compass Minerals facility.

AIPH releases grower shortlist

The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) announced the finalists of the International Grower of the Year (IGOTY) Awards 2020, which takes place in January at IPM Essen in Germany.

Pesticide Act amendments proposed by Ontario Government

The Ontario Government is proposing amendments to province’s Pesticide Act, including the removal of the Ontario Pesticide Advisory Committee (OPAC).

Ontario considers changes to slip-and-fall lawsuits

The Ontario government is poised to significantly reduce the statute of limitations for slip-and-fall claims from two years to 10 days.

Miska opens Atlantic pickup location

Miska Trailer Factory has opened a new pickup location in Dartmouth, N.S.

GreenTrade Expo comes to Ottawa

Delegates from the Ontario/Quebec border area are looking forward to GreenTrade Expo, coming to Ottawa’s EY Centre on Feb. 12-13.

A team of researchers at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre discovered a new approach to control invasive plants and weeds.

New approach to controlling invasives

An interdisciplinary team of researchers at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre in Vineland, Ont., discovered a new approach to control and eradicate invasive plants and weeds.

MasonLift and Atlas Polar form ML-Truck Equipment

MasonLift has partnered with Atlas Polar Company to create a new authorized sales and service dealer network for Hiab cranes, Moffett forklifts, and Multilift Hooklifts in British Columbia.

Proven Winners names scholarship recipients

Since 2014, Proven Winners has supported horticulture students with an annual scholarship program.

NGB Therapeutic Garden Grant program aims to expand the knowledge and benefits of gardening to everyone.

Voting opens for NGB garden grant

Voting is now open for the National Garden Bureau’s (NGB) Therapeutic Garden Grant.

RootSmart is a wall-less, bottomless propagation system, which ideal root structure during the early stages of container plant production promotes.

Vineland launches RootSmart guide

Developed through a partnership between Vineland and A.M.A. Horticulture, RootSmart, a research-based solution to root girdling, was introduced in early 2018.

David McIsaac

Toronto Botanical Garden hires CEO

Toronto Botanical Garden announced the appointment of David McIsaac as chief executive officer, following five months in the role on an interim basis.

Yanmar finalizes ASV acquisition

Yanmar Group announced the completion of its acquisition of compact equipment manufacturer ASV Holdings, a designer and manufacturer of compact tracked loaders and skid-steer loaders.

Britt Wood

NALP hires new CEO

The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) has named Britt Wood chief executive officer.

Bob Wilton

Clintar founder Bob Wilton dies

Bob Wilton, well-known and respected in the landscaping and snow removal professions, passed away in September following a battle with cancer.

GISC returns to Calgary

The Green Industry Show and Conference returns to Calgary for 2019 at the BMO Centre at Stampede Park, Nov. 14-15.

Brian Liederbach

Winter Equipment hires VP

Winter Equipment recently announced Brian Liederbach as vice president of sales.

AAS honours herbaceous perennials

All-America Selections, North America’s oldest non-profit plant trialling organization, announced the first winners from its three-winter Herbaceous Perennial Trial.

NGB announces 2020 “Year of” plants

The National Garden Bureau (NGB), a Downers Grove, Ill.-based non-profit organization promoting gardening in North America, announced the plants it will feature in its “Year of” program for 2020.

Fire devastates Pioneer Flower Farms

Starting in the late evening on Aug. 16, 2019, a fire erupted at the St. Catharines, Ont.-based Pioneer Flower Farms, devastating the facilities, including migrant housing, greenhouses, warehouse and coolers.

Solty Garden Centre to close

After 68 years in the landscape and nursery industry, Cookstown, Ont.-based Leslie L. Solty and Sons Limited (LLS), and Solty Garden Centre (SGC) will cease normal business operations effective Dec 20, 2019.

GardenGenetics relaunches Dahlightul brand

GardenGenetics (G2) announced the relaunch of its Dahlightful Dahlia brand through the GardenChoice group.

ASV and Yanmar look to merge

ASV Holdings announced it has entered into a definitive merger agreement with an affiliate of Yanmar Holdings (Yanmar).

Solasbee’s hires outside sales manager

Solasbee’s, a Kinshofer company and manufacturer of heavy equipment attachments, announces the appointment of Lane Scroggins as outside sales manager.

Syngenta buys Varinova cyclamen business

Syngenta Flowers announced in June it has acquired Varinova’s cyclamen business.

Cullens win GardenComm award

GardenComm recently announced the winners of the 2019 Media Awards Silver Medals, a special designation recognizing the top talent in more than 50 competition categories.

Peter Haakman

Dramm adds irrigation and sales specialist

Dramm announced Peter Haakman has joined the company as an irrigation and sales specialist operating out of its Pelham, Ont., office.

Kioti’s new distribution centre is located in Mississauga, Ont.

Kioti opens distribution centre

Kioti Tractor celebrated its new Canadian Distribution Centre with a ribbon-cutting ceremony May 30, 2019.

PanAmerican acquires celosia line

PanAmerican Seed has acquired the complete celosia assortment and breeding research from Celex, b.v., a breeder/selection subsidiary under the Dutch cut flower company Fa. Van Der Boog & Van Den Bosch.

Kreitmaker acquires Vintage Brick

Kreitmaker announced the purchase of Toronto-based brick manufacturer Vintage Brick.

Former Unilock executive passes

Former Unilock executive Joe Kerr passed away in Toronto on June 14, 2019.

Danielle St-Aubin

Tree Canada names CEO

The Board of Tree Canada announced the appointment of Danielle St-Aubin as its Chief Executive Officer, effective July 2, 2019.

Landscape Mangement Network staff pose outside their new headquarters in Markham, Ont.

Feds expand loan program

The Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau announced the federal government has implemented new regulations to strengthen the Advance Payments Program (APP).

LMN moves to new headquarters

LMN (Landscape Management Network) moved into new corporate headquarters in Markham, Ont. on June 3, 2019.

B.C. division of Valleybrook Gardens sold

Josami Holdings announced the purchase of Abbotsford, B.C.-based grower Valleybrook Gardens, in June 2019.

Ontario Landscape Tree Planting Guide

Ontario Landscape Tree Planting Guide released

The newly released Ontario Landscape Tree Planting Guide is the most comprehensive reference document available to the landscape industry.

Snowposium takes place September 26 in Milton, Ont.

Snowpoisum returns to LO home office

Landscape Ontario’s Snowposium, an annual event for snow and ice removal contractors and suppliers, will take place Sept. 26 at the association’s newly renovated home office in Milton, Ont.

The case for zero-carbon buildings

The Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) recently released a report on the value of zero-carbon buildings.

Horticultural tour of the Netherlands

FloraCulture International (FCI), a global trade magazine for the horticulture industry, has developed a program of professional visits to an area of the Netherlands dubbed the country’s Greenhouse Capital.

Beech announces amalgamation

Hall Tree Spading, Beech Nursery West and Beech Nursery Toronto have amalgamated under the name Beech Nursery Group.

Certification update

Since the U.S.-based National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) eliminated hands-on testing for the Landscape Industry Certified (LIC) Technician exam, the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) and provincial nursery and landscape associations have talked with industry stakeholders, and established that most practitioners support a Canadian certification that includes hands-on testing.

Vineland releases Chinook Sunrise rose

Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (Vineland) officially released Chinook Sunrise, the second in Vineland’s 49th Parallel Collection of roses developed for their hardiness and ability to blossom almost anywhere in Canada.

New research leadership at Vineland

The Board of Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, based in Vineland, Ont., has appointed Dr. Ian Potter as Chief Executive Officer.

Dramm partners with Vifra

Dramm announced it is partnering with Vifra, specialists in humidity management, to offer solutions to its North American customers.

SnowEx hires sales manager

SnowEx has announced Tracey Fischer-Gaetz as its new sales manager.

AIPH publishes International Vision Project

The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) has published a brand-new report which investigates the future of the global ornamental horticulture industry.

AAS winners announced

All-America Selections announced seven new AAS Winners at the American Seed Trade Association meeting in Orlando, Fla.

Proven Winners wins Green Thumb Awards

The Direct Gardening Association (formerly called the Mailorder Gardening Association) presented Proven Winners ColorChoice Illuminati Tiny Tower Philadelphus and Peppy Le Pom Punica granatum, with 2019 Green Thumb Awards for best new plants in the plants, bulbs and seeds division.

Selecta One acquires Challet-Hérault

On Jan. 18, 2019, shareholders of German plant breeder and propagator Selecta One acquired a further 40 per cent of the shares in aster and chrysanthemum specialists Challet-Hérault, making the French subsidiary now entirely owned by Selecta One.

Gediflora wins International Grower of the Year

Gediflora of Belgium was named International Grower of the Year (IGOTY) 2019 by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH).

UN Names 2020 International Year of Plant Health

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution proclaiming 2020 as the International Year of Plant Health (IYPH).

Health Canada issues statement on glyphosate

Health Canada issued a public statement in January following objections to its 2017 re-evaluation of glyphosate.

Weed Man USA purchases Canadian territory rights

After nearly 50 years as Weed Man’s president, co-founder Brenda Rice has announced her retirement.

Atlantic Canada’s BBB warns of snowplow scammers

Peter Moorhouse, CEO of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for Atlantic Canada, warned homeowners to be wary of fraudulent snowplow services in an interview with CBC News.

Private sector job vacancy rate rises

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) reports the private sector vacancy rate climbed to 3.3 per cent in the third quarter of 2018.

Halifax on lookout for emerald ash borer

Natural Resources Canada (NRC) is asking Halifax residents to keep a lookout for woodpecker activity.

Miska Trailers acquires Streamline

Hamilton, Ont.-based Miska Trailers recently added Streamline to its line-up of utility trailers.

Syngenta to launch downy mildew-resistant impatiens

Syngenta plans to launch a line of a downy mildew-resistant impatiens at the California Spring Trials in March.

Vancouver boosts parks budget

The Vancouver, B.C., Park Board approved a $63.7-million capital budget for 2019.

Canada Blooms is a feast for the eyes and a preview of the gardening season to come.

Family theme for Canada Blooms 2019

The 23rd annual Canada Blooms brings the theme “A Family Affair” to Toronto’s Enercare Centre, March 8-17, 2019.

Hanington Innovations partners with Optronics

Optronics International, a Tulsa, Okla.-based manufacturer and supplier of heavy-duty LED vehicle lighting, has been named master distributor for Connect-to-Protect Brand Trailer Harness Plug Protectors.

Milwaukee Tool acquires Imperial Blades

Milwaukee Tool, a Wisconsin-based subsidiary of Techtronic Industries, announced the acquisition of the Imperial Blades business, based in Sun Prairie, Wis.

Bobcat researches artificial intelligence

Doosan Bobcat North America has partnered with SafeAI, a startup company located in Silicon Valley, to research how advanced artificial intelligence technologies could be incorporated into Bobcat equipment.

Winter Equipment enters contractor market, adds staff

Winter Equipment, the Willoughby, Ohio-based winter maintenance equipment manufacturer, recently added and promoted several key personnel, as the company expands into the contractor market and continues to experience steady growth.

Bailey Nurseries acquires Carlton Plants

Minneapolis, Minn.-based Bailey Nurseries purchased Dayton, Ore.-based Carlton Plants, a 128-year-old grower of bare root trees, shrubs and rootstocks.

Quebec gardens recognized by AAS

Two Quebec gardens were among the winners of All-America Selections (AAS) 2018 Landscape Design Challenge.

AriensCo expands operations

AriensCo completed the purchase of the former Brillion Iron Works (BIW) property through the formation of a new company, Brillion Works LLC, focused on the redevelopment of the 140-acre property located in the city of Brillion, Wisc.

Emerald ash borer confirmed in Ontario

After five years of trapping and testing, government officials confirmed the presence of emerald ash borers in Owen Sound, Ont.

Derrick Hawley

Canada Blooms hires head of horticulture

Canada Blooms hired Derrick Hawley as the new head of horticulture for the annual Toronto, Ont.-based festival.

New funding for ornamental research

The Canadian Ornamental Horticulture Alliance (COHA) announced Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) has committed funding for a five year research project, “Accelerating Green Plant Innovation for Environmental and Economic Benefit.”

A.M.A. Plastics rebrands to A.M.A. Horticulture

A.M.A. Plastics has changed its corporate name to A.M.A. Horticulture. The Kingsville, Ont.-based company manufactures products for the horticulture industry and has been in business since 1982.

Steve Moyer

New chapter for Landscape Trades sales manager Moyer

After 25 years of service, publication sales manager Steve Moyer is stepping down from sales for Landscape Trades and Landscape Ontario magazines.

GreenTrade Expo coming to Ottawa

Delegates from the Ontario/Quebec border area are looking forward to GreenTrade Expo, coming to Ottawa’s EY Centre on Feb. 13.

Ariens rebrands to AriensCo

Ariens Company, which includes Ariens, Gravely, Countax and Westwood products, is rebranding to AriensCo

Takeuchi-US partners with Alberta-based dealer

Takeuchi-US announced SMS Equipment as a new dealer.

Proven Winners releases recipe guide

Proven Winners has released its 2019 Recipe Guide for professional growers.

Echo receives innovation award

Echo received recognition for three of its newest products in the annual Pro Tool Innovation Awards (PITA) program.

Canadian wins tree climbing event

Krista Strating of Hamilton, Ont., earned the Women’s International Tree Climbing Championship (ITCC) title for 2018.

The green profession gathers for two days of education and connection at GISC.

Edmonton hosts GISC

The Green Industry Show and Conference (GISC) returns to the Edmonton Expo Centre Nov. 15 and 16, 2018.

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