President's Message - Landscape Ontario

Spring is in the air

Now, boots are on the ground, and work is starting to ramp up. This is an exciting time of year.

Goals for the next 50 years

We are the nurturers of tomorrow’s entrepreneurial dreams, sustainable environments, tree canopies, and much more.

Keys to long-term success

What does it take for a business to make it to 50 years?

Sustainability is our future

There is an emphasis being driven by landscaping professionals and our clients for more sustainable practices.

Tony DiGiovanni (right) accepts the Green for Life Distinction Award Industry from Lindsay Drake Nightingale.

Embracing change

With the changes this naturally brings, there is also a loss of history and perspective. The same can be said for Landscape Ontario.

Productivity efficiencies

Generally, this is the time of year when business owners and their teams can take a much-needed break.

People — our number one membership benefit

After two years of dealing with all the logistical intricacies of a world living with COVID-19, which in turn created a huge boon for the landscape profession, colleagues are tired.

The garden at Casa Loma in Toronto, Ont.

Take time to enjoy one of the many public gardens Ontario has to offer

We work diligently and for long hours to create beautiful spaces for our clients, but often neglect to take time to enjoy the beauty we create.

Creating a welcoming and inclusive organization

I recently watched a webinar that mentioned three elements that strengthen an organization.

Your success is only as strong as your employees

Our workforce needs to be as diverse as possible with businesses having the nerve to eliminate the barriers rather than leaving them in place.

It’s time to look to the future

How do we propel our businesses and our association into the future?

It’s time we all became exceptional employers

Strive to be the very best employer and everything else will fall into place.

We need to become a destination industry

As my two-year term comes to an end, I am looking back at what we have accomplished as an association, and the issues that persist and continue to challenge us year-after-year.

Trust is embedded in all aspects of our profession

I challenge you to find these niche clients that trust you to do what you are good at, and to build a team that earns your trust to build and maintain your exceptional projects.

Find time to recharge and enjoy your family

I hope you took a moment this summer to take a break.

Adapt, and roll with it

We are almost through the first 100 hectic days of the season.

The danger of using temporary labour agencies

It may seem like a good idea in the moment, but the many, many shades of grey through the process hardly makes it worth it.

Promote careers, not jobs

We need to raise our employment standards to attract people who may already be considering a career in another skilled trade.

Keep learning throughout the year

Congress Connect provides training and learning opportunities throughout 2021.

Continue to take two steps forward

The new year will also bring change. Life will never be exactly the same.

The wonderful world of podcasts

Coronavirus pandemic means sourcing out new ways to get new ideas and to learn.

Make time now to plan for 2021

Rather than wait for the perfect time, now may be as good a time as ever.

Planning is the foundation of success

There are a bunch of programs and landscape industry consultants associated with LO that can help you tackle the strategic planning monster.

Engage your team in a plan for success

Inviting your team members to join the strategic planning process can create almost immediate buy-in and positive energy.

Stick to your plan and don’t let your guard down

Despite a global pandemic, the sun is shining and there is much work to do.

Will this roller coaster ride ever end?

As I look back over the last three months, I see a crazy roller coaster ride with many ups and downs.

Opportunity or threat?

In times like these, the lean will succeed, and anything that’s not, will require intense and intentional change.

Uncertain times call for new measures and planning

Things you can do now to build resilience in your bottom line.

A little bit of sharing can go a long way

You may not agree with sharing everything, but an employee that knows what is going on financially, can help pull things in the right direction.

Lack of balance makes extreme things happen

Life is not a balancing act between work, life, association, sports, and the other million things we have going on. Balance is basically being at rest.

Opportunities are ours for the taking

Building on our legacy to ensure a prosperous future.

A few final thoughts

Wrapping up a term as association president.

Opening Pandora’s Box

Our name sometimes does not properly reflect who we are as an association and what we are trying to achieve.

The feeling you get when you buy something new

LO's newly-renovated building is the start of a new journey toward even greater things.

Association membership gives a 20x return on investment

Financial savings are just one of the many reasons whey members continue to renew membership dues each year.

Lessons from a 19 year-old, home bloggers and an online nursery

The traditional way of selling products is changing.

Watch out for ice bergs, reopening of LO office and a few other tidbits

The weather this spring is nothing to joke about.

A simple way to catch big fish

Changing the way list wages in job posting can help improve your chances at success.

Time to connect the dots

Solutions to our labour challenge will not happen overnight.

Youth and new Canadians are our future

It's time to change the stereotype many students and guidance counsellors have about careers in horticulture.

Marketing is creepy, but it works

Data collected from smartphones is very valuable to big marketing companies

I need your help

Members are needed to help implement strategic plan objectives.

Saying it in just a few words

LO's recent strategic planning session produced a clear mission in simple, easy to understand language.

Waste not, want not

A business owner is responsible for identifying waste in their business.

Every challenge creates an opportunity

A change in market forces means an impact to consumers of road salt.

Charge more and feel younger

A simple formula can help you determine the maximum price clients will pay for your services.

What price should this plant be?

It's time to look at how consumers value plants and the many other products we offer.

Supply and demand justifies a raise in prices

The more we value our products and services, the more the consumer will too.

A lesson from the farm

Marketing a profession to the next generation of landscape professionals.

Attracting more applicants to our profession

The limiting factors to attracting labour to our profession.

Propel your business and career

Mentoring is an invaluable experience for both parties involve

Great conversations at Congress

This year, the topic on everyone’s minds was how to deal with the minimum wage hike.

Adapting to change is key to continuing our success

LO's new president explains why the association is, and will continue to be relevant to members.

The last waltz

Paul Brydges looks back as his two-year term as association president.

Challenges facing the landscape profession

A recent gathering of associations around the Great Lakes helped to identify challenges we all face.

Training offers new ways to create

Communication is the strongest tool we have within a company.

A memorable summer once again

Unpredictable weather and one of the busiest summers on record was not without its challenges.

A newly-planted Vimy Oak from Connon NVK is surrounded by visitors at LO's Milton property.

Vimy oak planted at LO home office

LO's home office in MIlton now boasts a Vimy oak from Connon NVK.

Happy 150th Birthday Canada

Canada continues to be a country envied throughout the world.

Crazy questions from clients

Collaboration is the key to success for all of us.

Keeping busy this season

There is still a lot of work to do on our end for Name Act success, but our collaboration with OALA is a key starting point for success.

Changes heading into spring

Changes from one busy season to another.

The power of collaboration

An update from the recent CNLA national meetings in Toronto.

Welcoming 2017

A recap of association activities at Congress 2017.

Improving an already amazing profession

The association's many activities and events are a great for collaboration and ideas.

Full steam ahead until the end

Even in December, LO members are busy at work.

Bright spotlight on design

Two recent milestones for landscape design in Canada.

A name act for landscape designers

A partnership with OALA is working on obtaining a Name Act for landscape designers.

Keep learning to stay in the game

Contractors must contend with bylaws that vary from one town to the next.

Are you covered in the event of an accident?

What happens if, and when, someone integral to your team gets injured?

Plant it high, never die

In most cases, trees should be planted with the root collar at least three to four inches above grade.

Co-opetition: Cooperation among aligned professionals

Today, sharing virtually all aspects of our business with colleagues is the norm.

Combined efforts go a long way

The LO feature garden at Canada Blooms this year got a lot of attention from visitors to the show.

Positive energy fuels our profession

Several committee projects will help to shape our association in the coming years.

Transforming an industry with one word

A reminder that we are a group of professionals.

Working together benefits our entire profession

Teamwork helps to ensure success.

Drawn together

Landscape Ontario's incoming president outlines his agenda for next two years.

A time to look back

Reflecting on two years of presidency.

Web impressions

Do you like what you see if you Google yourself?

Have you asked for a referral lately?

A study shows referral customers are more loyal and more profitable.

Together we help industry grow

What 40 years of Landscape Ontario means to the success of your business.

Reality TV worth watching

Insight can be gained from watching a TV show about a turning around a struggling business.

Celebrating success

When was the last time you celebrated a success?

Do you have your goals in writing?

Research shows a direct and substantial link between setting goals and future success.

Listening Tour #growingtogether

"Growing Together" is the theme of Dave Braun's presidency.

Hire slowly

Have you ever hired the wrong person? Learn from your mistakes.

New year, old story

A story from a wise man that is worth repeating.

Raising your prices?

Businesses often fail to raise prices because they believe the competition won't.

Did you hear about free legal advice?

All LO members now enjoy free access to legal advice as part of their benefits package.

First impressions

There’s a reason why top companies invest in ensuring that employees reflect their brand vision.

Midnight dinners and all

Missing time with loved ones during busy season simply comes with the territory.

Learn from politicians

Don't make promises you can't possibly keep.

So you’re leaving? Let’s chat

Exit interviews are a good reminder of how important conversations can be.

Customers for life

Customers appreciate dealing with people who are polite.

Why write about the weather?

Don't feel alone. Weather affects us all.

I know you’re better, but can you match their price?

We can't sell ourselves short. We need to take pride in what we do.

Theme for 2014: Growing together

A great deal of LO's success should be credited to home office staff.

It’s been an honour to represent this great association

Outgoing association shares his final thoughts.

Skilled trades shortage is next crisis

Ask any business owner in the green industry what his biggest challenge is, and he will likely single out the problems with hiring good people.

It’s more than saving money

It is so obvious to me that no matter if the company is big or small, there are enormous benefits to be a member of Landscape Ontario.

Flora Niagara is dead...for now

The international horticultural exhibition that was hoped to celebrate Canada's 150th birthday will not take place.

Proper training improves bottom line

The On the Job Training (OJT) program through Landscape Ontario teaches quality and efficiency.

Safety is everyone’s responsibility

Since our firm entered Landscape Ontario’s health and safety program many years ago, I have seen a dramatic improvement in our accident occurrences and WSIB claims.

Does anyone remember the Adopt-a-School program?

Since the Adopt-a-School program was developed in 2007, it has been forgotten by industry members, and that is a crying shame.

More than passion needed to retain employees

Good employees are the lifeline of a successful business. Treat them with utmost respect and you will get the same in return.

The importance of vision

Smart business owners understand the importance of knowing and understanding their business vision.

It’s time for Canada Blooms

Canada’s largest garden and flower festival will embark on its 17th year by celebrating with the theme, The Magic of Spring.

The outlook for 2013

Our industry seems to be surviving the recession quite well.

Time to solve skilled labour shortages

A Statistics Canada study that year found 24 per cent of Canadian companies were not able to find the right talent.

Members help to maintain urban forest

The Trees for Life launch was a very impressive and important event for a number of reasons.

Don’t ignore benefits of vertical

Lately I have been faced with the challenge of landscaping some small spaces, particularly balconies and terraces in high-rise condominiums.

A horticultural extravaganza

For a few days the Canadian delegation and I visited Floriade 2012, a world-class horticultural expo that opened on Apr. 5 and closed Oct. 7.

Booming condo industry

There has been an incredible increase in condo landscape design, construction and maintenance enquiries over the past few years at our offices in Toronto

Some positive news about turf

For some time we have been reading about grass being out of fashion.

Hard work required in tough times

Over the past few years, it has become increasingly difficult to predict business cycles.

What’s wrong with Employment Insurance?

It appears our federal government is looking to amend Employment Insurance (EI).

What a winter! What a spring!

Each year I find the transition from winter to spring a shock to my lifestyle.

Apprenticeship training program is a hidden treasure

The apprenticeship training program is a hidden treasure waiting to give young people a future and a guaranteed job.

The re-birth of Canada Blooms

I find it hard to believe that the Canada Blooms flower and garden festival will be embarking on its 16th annual event this year.

Programs to help you prosper

Many years ago, as a young lad, with a variety of work experience in retail, bars, restaurants and construction, I was struggling to determine a career path.

An opportunity for prosperity

As your incoming president, I wish to start my very first column with encouraging news regarding the potential for a prosperous and profitable year in 2012. Despite everything else, the good news is that in tough times, our association is here to support you with meaningful programs.

Closing thoughts

This will be my last message to you, as my term as president of Landscape Ontario comes to an end.

It’s not business as usual

In developing a plan to survive in the new economy, let’s not forget the fundamentals of sound business practices.

The demographics and relevance of gardening

The slide in gardening interest is exacerbated by the demographics of our aging population.

Fall is the time for renewal

Become engaged with Landscape Ontario. Monitor and measure your efforts as well as your rewards and successes.

It’ll be alright come August

No matter what the spring throws at you, the season will unfold as it should.

Networking at GreenTrade Expo in Ottawa.

The glue that holds us all together

Good communication helps to keep our 10 sectors and nine Chapters cohesive.

An evaluation of LO’s success

Landscape Ontario has been called one of the most successful horticultural associations in the world. Certainly, our numbers might suggest that. But let’s evaluate our success with a look to the future and how we can sustain true long term success.

Spring is a time to be off balance on purpose

We are pulled a thousand different ways, stretched and stressed to the max each spring.

Time to go back to basic communication

Let’s think for a moment about the technological advances in communication in the last 10 years, and how astounding they have been.

What’s your return on investment from membership?

Our association exists to fulfill the perceived needs of our members.

How to be a good volunteer

Our volunteers are at the core of Landscape Ontario’s success.

Energizing our spirit of volunteerism

Landscape Ontario’s longstanding success is founded on the spirit of volunteerism.

My Christmas gift to all of you: humour

A little horticultural humour for our hectic, stressed-filled lives.

Opportunities for growth in the green industry

Don’t you wish you had a crystal ball to help set your course for the future?

The challenge of relevance

One of the many challenges that our green industry will face in the next few years is to keep our activities relevant.

Native plants, and two ideals of beauty

The use of natives in the landscape is a complex issue, the roots of which (no pun intended) go way back in history.

Is this déjà vu all over again?

My observations have been that most sectors have enjoyed a reasonably good spring season, but there are cracks appearing in everyone’s business.

The pros and cons of regulation

All of us, no matter the sector of our industry we operate in, face regulations every day.

An historical perspective of the future

At no time in the history of mankind is the world so quickly changing, as it is right now.

Time to reflect to get respect

We are working on your behalf to reflect the core values that will gain you well-deserved respect.

So, why are you in this business anyway?

Have you ever seriously and reflectively asked yourself why you entered into the green industry, and why you remain in it?

The Landscape Ontario gene

Altruism is the behaviour or act in which an individual sacrifices its own wellbeing for the benefit of others.

HST will affect sectors in different ways

As of July 2010, the provincial government will impose its new Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).

Theme for 2010: Prosperity through Engagement

It is with a great deal of humility and appreciation that I assume the presidency of Landscape Ontario.

Contributions of our members are noticed

Remuneration comes in different ways.

Positive opportunities

It’s a federal tax credit that has finally included our industry. This has never happened in Canadian history.

Looking towards spring

We have made it. Winter is almost over.

Reader agrees with message

Once again a successful Congress has come and gone.

Strong association and positive attitudes will bring a prosperous year

Wow! It never ceases to amaze me what we as an organization can achieve when we put our minds to it.

Zoomers, Xers, Yers and Boomers

Today we divide generations by labels, such as Zoomers, Generation Xers, Boomers, Echo Boomers and Millennials, or more commonly known as Generation Y – “Gen Yers.”

Association membership provides many benefits

When you consider membership with Landscape Ontario, or any organization, do weigh the benefits before making your decision? Ask yourself if it is right for you? What am I going to receive if I am associated with this group of people?

Be thankful for health, family and friends

As I’m sure it is with all of you, trying to juggle one’s business and personal life is sometimes trying at the best.

Commit to higher levels of knowledge

As we continue working to complete commitments to clients for the year, we must not forget ourselves and our families.

Unsung heroes make LO strong

During the past month I had the opportunity to participate in a great community event.

Are you doing all you can to be GREEN?

In an industry that initiates revitalization and beautification of our green spaces, I pose this question: “Are we doing all we can to promote and help our environment — for today and the future?”

LO is a vital resource

With summer well on its way, this month’s message will be short and sweet: “Don’t forget us.”

Energy and enthusiasm evident in all chapters

I took advantage of my downtime during the winter to visit with each chapter of LO.

Getting value from LO: A spring checklist

It’s finally spring again, and those of us lucky enough to be in the green trades are checking off lists.

Members helping members

What does Landscape Ontario mean to me, and why am I a member? Well, let me think back to a couple of scenarios.

Working together for a better tomorrow

The year 2008 is off to a great start. Our biggest show of the year, Congress, was once again a huge success.

Educate and celebrate

Every road has bumps and obstacles along its path.

© 2023 Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association