November 1, 2019
Nova Scotia Update November 2019
Landscape Trades runs occasional updates on the activities of Canada’s provincial trade associations. This issue features Landscape Nova Scotia.
These past twelve months have proven very busy for Landscape Nova Scotia, as we set our sights on growing the association and becoming more involved with the public.
In November 2018, Landscape Nova Scotia partnered once again with neighbouring friends at Landscape New Brunswick (LNB), for the 2018 HortEast Conference and Trade Show. The conference and trade show was held Nov. 27-28 at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre in Truro, N.S., and featured great speakers and exhibitors.
As the winter of 2019 was roaring in Nova Scotia, Landscape Nova Scotia held its Annual General Meeting and Awards of Landscape Excellence on Feb. 22 at Casino Nova Scotia. There was good member representation at the meeting, and the following members were elected for 2019 and 2020 terms. President: Lauren Fry, Down to Earth; Vice President: Chris Janes, Clintar; Treasurer: Steve Smith, Nutri-Lawn; and Past President: David Thompson, Weed Man. Additional board members elected were Matt Giles, Nova Turf; Laura Coupar, Elmsdale Landscaping; Paul Doggett, Battlefield CAT; Andrew Palmer, Blomidon Nurseries; Dave Smith, Wilson Equipment; and Barry Stone, Irri-Plus. Landscape Nova Scotia hosted a cocktail hour following the AGM which gave everyone an opportunity to relax and catch up before the Awards of Landscape Excellence Gala began.
A good turnout and great hosts spelled success for this year’s LNS Summer Social.
This year at the Awards of Landscape Excellence, Landscape Nova Scotia presented eight awards in the following categories: Residential Installation Under $25,000, Down to Earth Landscaping for the Bentley Residence; Residential Installation Over $75,000, Joe Bidermann Landscape Design for the Watchman’s House; Commercial Installation Over $100,000, Trim Landscaping for BIO Courtyard; and Speciality Feature Natural Stone, Joe Bidermann Landscape Design for the Watchman’s House. Merit awards winners included Industry Champion Award, Christene LeVatte of Highland Landscapes for Lifestyles; and Rookie Company of the Year, Green Peak Landscape Professionals. Elmsdale Landscaping received the Safety Award, and the Environmental Stewardship award went to Joe Bidermann Landscape Design. Landscape Nova Scotia also recognized the 2018 National Skills Landscape Gardening Gold Medal Award Winners from Nova Scotia, Diana Davison and Chad Merrett.
As spring started to appear, Landscape Nova Scotia hosted the 2019 Garden and Patio Show in late March at the Ideal Home Show at the Halifax Exhibition Centre. Participation from members was good, and attendance for the show was on par with previous years. Seed Survivor was a big attraction with children and their parents. Landscape Nova Scotia has signed a new contract with Master Promotions for the 2020 Garden and Patio Show, which is taking place March 27-29.
With the arrival of a new landscaping season came the Skills Canada National Competition, which was held May 28-29 in Halifax, N.S. After two days of intense competition, 7,000 visitors, and over 1,000 participating in the Try-A-Trade Paver Puzzle and Plant ID Challenge, the event was declared a huge success. Nova Scotia delegates Diana Davison and Chad Merrett took home the Skills Canada Landscape Gardening bronze medal. Landscape Nova Scotia sends a huge thank you to all of the volunteers and sponsors of Try-A-Trade.
The LNS Awards of Landscape Excellence program recognizes outstanding craftsmanship and leadership.
July 26 proved to be a perfect day, as Landscape Nova Scotia held a Summer Social, hosted by member Nutri-Lawn. Our host provided great food and refreshments. Members had the opportunity to socialize and participate in some games and win prizes. Each year, a member company will be given the opportunity to host the Landscape Nova Scotia Summer Social.
Diana Davison and Chad Merrett made Nova Scotia proud at Skills Canada.
At this time, Landscape Nova Scotia is once again gearing up for 2019 HortEast Conference and Trade Show, Nov. 20-22, which is being held at Casino New Brunswick, Moncton.
With almost a year under their belts, new Landscape Nova Scotia staff members Christine Finn, Executive Director, and Jan Loner, Associate Executive Director, are keeping themselves busy. Prior to joining Landscape Nova Scotia, Christine had been part of the team at the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association for over seven years. During her time at the CNLA, she worked with Member Service Programs, Government Relations and Landscape Saskatchewan. Christine is currently working as Executive Director of Landscape Nova Scotia and Landscape NL Horticultural Association. Jan joined Landscape Nova Scotia with various skills and years of experience that has proved to be a wonderful asset to the association. Jan’s previous work included working with boards of directors, marketing initiatives, preparing budgets and communications.