Looking forward to brighter days
By Karina Sinclair
Working to bring all the content together for the February issue of Landscape Trades allows little time for gazing out the window. But as I write this, I see the afternoon light lingering a smidge longer than it did even just a week ago. Now that we’ve passed the end of January, we can finally say we've made it through the darkest time of year. The five weeks leading up to the Winter Solstice (December 21) and the five weeks following are the darkest of the year, and they can be tough on everyone.
For many of us, the lack of sunlight can lead to feelings of sadness, fatigue and irritability. Hang in there — there’s so much to look forward to! Spring is coming, and with it, longer days and more sunshine. And for landscapers, it means a return to the work that brings you so much pride and satisfaction. I can hardly wait to see what transformative projects you complete this year.
While you finalize designs and assemble crews for the season, you might also be looking for new tools and equipment to complete tasks more quickly, safely and efficiently. Or perhaps you’re on the lookout for innovative materials and plants to stand out from the crowd. You’re in luck because we’ve packed this issue with all kinds of new products — from hand tools to tele-handlers, and compact track loaders to compact roses. You might just find the solution to your problems in the New Products feature on page 18.
Speaking of new, our Art of Gardening column offers advice for independent garden centres (IGC) for setting and staying ahead of retail trends. Turn to page 36 to see what industry veteran Art Vanden Enden is excited about. Hint: there’s lots of room for creativity while addressing climate change. And on page 28, Saskatoon-based, garden centre owner Jill VanDuyvendyk offers a thought-provoking take on the emerging trend of plants modified to glow in the dark.
Ryan Markewich describes how his crew members contribute to major decisions, such as when to buy new equipment in the Growing Your Business column on page 34. You’ll learn how his entire staff works together to strategize — and sacrifice — to raise company profits to build a new home base they can all enjoy.
Award-winning landscape architect Haig Seferian explores how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing landscape design with streamlined collaboration, enhanced visualization of maturing landscapes and incorporated climate models. Skip to Designers Corner on page 42 for those insights. And if you’re looking for innovative sustainability opportunities, don’t miss Internet of Nature on page 40, where Dr. Nadina Galle climbs up, up, up to report on the positive environmental impacts of rooftop “urban jungles.”
Landscaping is always evolving, so staying ahead of the curve is key. No matter the green sector you work in, we think you'll find this issue packed with useful info and inspiration. I hope it offers you a compelling distraction while we wait for temperatures to climb, the soil to soften and the shadows to grow longer.
Sincerely,
Karina Sinclair
Managing Editor, Multimedia
We’d love to hear your feedback, story ideas and thoughts for future issues. Reach out to editor@landscapetrades.com and let’s chat!