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TRADES LANDSCAPE
NEW PRODUCTS FOR 2025
CANADA’S PREMIER HORTICULTURAL TRADE PUBLICATION
FEBRUARY 2025
Introducing the new AZA 700 Series Zero-Turn Battery Mower. ƒ
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2 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
18
28
32
Features 18 NEW PRODUCTS FOR 2025
28 GLOWING PLANTS
Our 2025 new product roundup features high-tech tools, eco-friendly materials and fresh design ideas for landscape professionals.
Showstopping trend or curious fad? A garden centre owner weighs in. BY JILL VANDUYVENDYK
19 CONSTRUCTION 21 MAINTENANCE 23 SNOW & ICE 24 SOFTSCAPE & DESIGN 26 LIGHTING 27 PROTECTIVE GEAR
32 INSIDE SCOOP
S easoned professional, Hella Keppo, shares what it’s like to design, install and care for interior plantscapes in a post-COVID world. BY KARINA SINCLAIR
FEBRUARY 2025 | 3
February 2025 VOL. 47, NO. 1 LANDSCAPETRADES.COM LANDSCAPE TRADES
42
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Penny Tantakis CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mike Wasilewski MANAGING EDITOR, MULTIMEDIA Karina Sinclair ASSISTANT EDITOR Robert Ellidge GRAPHIC DESIGN ASSOCIATE Aisha Shaikh ACCOUNT MANAGER Greg Sumsion ACCOUNT MANAGER Liz Lant COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Angela Lindsay DIGITAL MARKETING SPECIALIST Laura Fox
Columns 6 GREEN PENCIL
With the darkest days of winter behind us, there’s plenty to look forward to. BY KARINA SINCLAIR
34 GROWING YOUR BUSINESS
Involve all staff in financial decision making to boost buy-in and employee engagement. BY RYAN MARKEWICH
36 ART OF GARDENING Garden centres have the opportunity to set and support upcoming trends. BY ART VANDEN ENDEN
ACCOUNTANT Joe Sabatino STAFF CONTACT INFO AT LANDSCAPETRADES.COM/CONTACT ADVISORY COMMITTEE Gerald Boot CLM , Lindsay Drake Nightingale, Jeremy Feenstra, Mark Fisher, Hank Gelderman CHT , Vanessa McQuade Landscape Trades is published by Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 comments@landscapetrades.com www.landscapetrades.com Landscape Trades is published six times a year: February, March, May, August, October and December. SUBSCRIPTION RATES: One year – $46.90 | Two years – $84.74 | Three years – $118.64 HST included. U.S. and international please add $20.00 per year for postage and handling. Subscribe at www.landscapetrades.com Copyright 2025. All rights are reserved. Material may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. Landscape Trades assumes no responsibility for, and does not endorse the contents of, any advertisements herein. All representations or warranties made are those of the advertiser and not the publication. Views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the association or its members, but are those of the writer concerned.
40 INTERNET OF NATURE
T he Urban Jungle Project offers a blueprint for modern-day rewilding. We just have to look up. BY DR. NADINA GALLE
42 DESIGNERS CORNER H ow artificial intelligence helps designers create better landscapes. BY HAIG SEFERIAN
44 LEGAL MATTERS
Don’t make these common legal mistakes. BY LAI-KING HUM
Departments 8
PROFESSIONAL CONFESSIONAL What do you wish the general public understood about snow and ice management?
10 NEWSSCAPE 47 CNLA NEWS 50 MENTOR MOMENT
Succession planning: Chartered accountant Jacqui Teske offers steps to secure your legacy.
ISSN 0225-6398 PUBLICATIONS MAIL SALES AGREEMENT 40013519 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT LANDSCAPE TRADES MAGAZINE 7856 FIFTH LINE SOUTH, MILTON, ON L9T 2X8 CANADA
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GREENPENCIL 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
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,
we've made it through the darkest time of year. The five weeks leading up to the Winter Solstice (Dec. 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
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! LT
6 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
MAKE LIGHT WORK OF HEAVY SNOW. THE FORECAST CALLS FOR ONE TOUGH ANIMAL ® . When nature tests you, you can push back with Bobcat ® loaders and an extensive lineup of snow removal attachments.
BOBCAT OF TORONTO Brampton 416-679-4172 Scarborough 416-679-4171 www.OakenEquipment.ca Equipment World Inc. Thunder bay 807-623-9561 www.Bobcat-tbay.com
BOBCAT OF PETERBOROUGH Peterborough 705-748-9199 www.BobcatofPeterborough.com BOBCAT OF SAULT STE. MARIE Sault Ste. Marie 705-949-7379 www.Bobcat-ssm.com BOBCAT OF STRATFORD Stratford 519-393-6040 www.BobcatofStratford.ca BOBCAT OF THE TRI-CITIES, LTD.
ADVANTAGE FARM EQUIPMENT Wyoming 1-866-713-6656 BOBCAT OF BARRIE Barrie 705-726-2228 www.OakenEquipment.ca BOBCAT OF BRANTFORD, INC. Brantford 519-752-7900 www.BobcatofBrantford.com BOBCAT OF DURHAM EAST, LTD. Courtice 905-404-9990 www.BobcatofDurhamEast.com BOBCAT OF GREY BRUCE Owen Sound 519-372-9100 www.BobcatofTC.com
BOBCAT OF HAMILTON, LTD. Stoney Creek 905-643-3177 www.BobcatofHamilton.com BOBCAT OF HURON Walton 877-887-6365 BOBCAT OF LONDON, LTD. London 519-455-4900 www.BobcatofLondon.ca BOBCAT OF MUSKOKA Muskoka 249-390-7000 www.OakenEquipment.ca BOBCAT OF PARRY SOUND Nobel 705-342-1717 www.BobcatofParrySound.com
JOHN'S EQUIPMENT SALES & SERVICE, LTD. Frankford 613-398-6522 www.JohnsEquipmentSales.com
Kitchener 519-579-9100 www.BobcatofTC.com BOBCAT OF WINDSOR Windsor 844-807-0120 www.OakenEquipment.ca
Bobcat ® and the Bobcat logo are registered trademarks of Bobcat Company in the United States and various other countries. ©2022 Bobcat Company. All rights reserved. Bobcat Company is a member of the Doosan Group. Doosan is a global leader in construction, grounds maintenance and material handling equipment, power and water solutions, and engineering that has proudly served customers and communities for more than a century. Bobcat ® , the Bobcat logo and the colors of the Bobcat machine are registered trademarks of Bobcat Company in the United States and various other countries. ©2025 Bobcat Company. All rights reserved. | 19572
FEBRUARY 2025 | 7
PROFESSIONAL CONFESSIONAL Snow & Ice Management
What do you wish the general public understood about snow and ice management? S now and ice management professionals face a lot of challenges — from insurance issues to unpredictable weather, to sharing the road with impatient drivers. Landscape Trades asked snow and ice professionals to describe their biggest challenges to the general public.
“We're going as fast as we can! Everyone wants to be your first stop. It's an incredibly labour intensive job and we want nothing more than to get the job done promptly.” - Michelle.
“I wish people (general public and property management professionals) knew that every snow and ice event is unique. There is no 'one' solution for everything.” - Carm.
“I wish that the general public would better understand that parking lots and sidewalks can not be 100 per cent clear at all times during a snow or ice event. Our crews work relentlessly in tough conditions for long hours to keep customers' properties as safe as possible but, without fail, some people will complain about even a minor accumulation of snow. The snow business is extremely capital intensive with insurance, fuel, equipment and wages. Even in low snow seasons the majority of expenses are still there. My hat is off to all the professional snow and ice fighters out there. It takes a special breed of person to do the type of work we do. It is a rewarding living and a great team building business.” - Mike.
“I’d like my clients to understand that they are not paying me to push snow. They are paying me to ensure their business is open, they are paying me to keep their clients, staff and the general public safe. My price is based on many factors including the rising costs of labour and equipment. When you hire a professional you are ensuring you are getting someone that is trained, has insurance and the proper equipment. You can not treat all quotes the same, as it is not always apples to apples. When you hire a licensed snowfighter, you are buying an insurance policy against the snow. We will keep you open and keep you safe.” - Jeremy.
“Allocate spots for snow, design buildings with an allocation for snow storage, realize there is a service window — it isn’t immediate, that you pay based on the level of service, it's not 24-hour monitoring on site unless you pay for that! It’s an emergency event, please stop trying to sue for slip and fall. If you can’t walk in a tornado, why do you think you're going to be ok with ice/snow on the ground? Snow removal operators are not magical fairies who can prevent a slip and fall. We help reduce it — that’s the best we can do.” - Kerri.
“Some properties need to be hand shoveled, and sometimes people get upset when it's not done first thing in the morning. I wish people would realize that a lot of snow removal companies are short staffed and we're always looking for more people. And you're not the only property we have to get to. I think last year we had nine properties on our route. We had our order, but sometimes we don't get there as fast as we want to. And it's the same with the city plows. You always have multiple properties to go to. You always have multiple people to care for. And it just takes time.” - Lexi.
8 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
STRIATO & NOLITA WALLS MIST & HUSKY
Innovation in wall design
Rinox has established itself as a pioneer in the design and creation of innovative retaining walls. By combining cutting-edge engineering with modern design trends, Rinox offers solutions that are as durable as they are visually appealing.
RINOX.COM
FEBRUARY 2025 | 9
NEWSSCAPE
Planting for Tomorrow Program funding opportunity
For tree-planting projects, eligibility is determined by a project commitment to plant native trees and shrubs, and to report on the number of native trees planted, number of volunteers participating and a mapped boundary of the actual land area planted. In general, to be eligible, the group or organization must be authorized to undertake planting on the planned project site(s); the planting project must not be required under law or regulation or as a condition of any permit or permission; and the planting project will result in permanent additions to the tree canopy and will be maintained by the group for a minimum of two years. For more information or to apply, visit: gfl.me/hbQ3.
Supported by the federal 2 Billion Trees program, Trans Canada Trail's Planting for Tomorrow Program (PTP) provides funding for native tree- planting, invasive species removal, seed collection and seed starting projects that contribute to nature-based solutions to improve ecosystems, enhance biodiversity and engage the local community in volunteerism and participation. The program covers up to 50 per cent of project costs. The goals: • Increase tree cover in communities along or near the Trans Canada Trail. • Limit site preparation involved. • Increase forest resilience to climate change. • Contribute to increased biodiversity or ecological health of the Trans Canada Trail. • Engage community members with the Trans Canada Trail and the outdoors.
10 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
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FEBRUARY 2025 | 11
NEWSSCAPE
GROW25 is the place to be for Manitoba landscape pros
Connect and learn with fellow professionals in the landscape and horticulture industry at GROW25 — Manitoba’s premiere green industry conference and trade show. The event will run Feb. 14 at Canad Inns Polo Park in Winnipeg. GROW25 has a fantastic line up of industry leaders ready to share their knowledge. A diverse blend of speakers will cover topics including: the role of soil in tackling climate change, nursery inventory management, urban forestry strategies, native plants, new plant varieties, artificial turf, leadership and much more. For more information or to register, visit mbnla.com/grow.
hlaattachments.com View our full lineup of products at JOB DONE RIGHT. Swale Bucket Landscape Stone Picker (with Power Reel)
Concrete Hopper Bucket
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12 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
FEBRUARY 2025 | 13
NEWSSCAPE
New grant for urban greenspace creation The Green Cities Foundation (GCF) has a new grant program to support the creation and restoration of urban Grant details: Greenspaces are vital for creating healthier and more resilient communities by:
• Grant amount: Up to $150,000. • Eligibility: This grant is for greenspace projects that will be completed in 2025. • The grant provides up to 50 per cent matching funds through cash, in-kind material and/or labour donations to support selected projects. • Each project will be evaluated based on its alignment with the Foundation’s mission and the benefits it brings to the local community.
• Slowing down climate change. • Managing stormwater areas. • Providing local wildlife with habitat essential to their survival. • Increasing individual mental and physical well-being. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information or to apply, visit gfl.me/hbQ5.
greenspaces across Canada. The program aims to provide resources and funding to bring meaningful green infrastructure to communities, enhancing resilience, biodiversity and overall well-being. Eligible spaces include parks, community gardens, playgrounds, sports fields and open public spaces.
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14 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
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Kubota celebrates 50 Years of growth in Canada
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Kubota Canada Ltd. is proudly celebrating its fiftieth year in Canada. In a recent press release, the company shared this significant milestone reflects the engineering excellence, focus on quality and the dedication of Kubota’s employees along with its locally owned and operated dealer network — all of whom are dedicated to serving Kubota’s customers in communities across the country. “We are exceptionally proud of our half century of continued growth in Canada”, said Yannick Montagano, president of Kubota Canada. “When we launched in Canada 50 years ago, our goal was to sell compact agricultural tractors to Canadians. Since then, we have significantly expanded our award-winning product line-up to meet the evolving needs of a broad range of markets and individuals. We launched the first-ever heavy equipment cold weather testing facility in Timmins, Ont., in 2013, which is now the global gold standard for Kubota, ensuring our machinery consistently lives up to real-life conditions.” The local demand for Kubota products and the associated company growth also led to an investment exceeding $80 million in a new, state-of-the-art 65,000 sq. ft. corporate office and 500,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Pickering, Ont., in 2022. Today, the company directly and by extension, employs over 1,500 Canadians, reflecting its sustained growth since 1975 by meeting the equipment needs of Canadians. Montagano further remarked, “I am immensely proud of the work we do here in Canada, and Kubota looks forward to working with a new generation of Canadian customers and businesses for the next 50 years and beyond.”
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16 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
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Built with productivity in mind. This mower can do both autonomous jobs with Greenzie technology and can also be operated manually as a fully functioning Stander ZK to meet the needs of each property. technology and can also be operated manually as a fully functioning Stander ZK to meet the needs of each property. Autonomous ZK Built with productivity in mind. This mower can do both autonomous jobs with Greenzie technology and can also be operated manually as a fully functioning Stander ZK to meet the needs of each property. Autonomous ZK Built with productivity in mind. This mower can do both autonomous jobs with Greenzie Autonomous ZK
FEBRUARY 2025 | 17
NEW PRODUCTS FOR 2025
With spring just around the corner, Landscape Trades’ annual roundup of new equipment and product is sure to get you geared up for a productive year.
18 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
COMPACT TRACK LOADERS Both the VT-80 and VT-80 Forestry are part of ASV’s redesigned line of mid-sized compact track loaders. They feature ASV’s patented Posi-Track undercarriage with dual-level suspension for smooth traversal over rough terrain. No matter the season, operators will stay comfortable inside the cab of these MAX- Series models featuring premium 360-degree visibility, enhanced ergonomics and a pressurized cab to keep dust and debris out. ASV asvi.com
CONSTRUCTION
COMPACT WHEEL LOADER The Cat 903 compact wheel loader makes work easier with its Cat C1.7 engine, offering 17 per cent more horsepower than the previous model. The increase in power delivers improved performance when pushing, operating on grades, and using drive, steer and lift functions simultaneously. The cab design offers spacious legroom, easy entry/exit and all-day comfort. Cat cat.com
TELEHANDLER Bobcat introduces its all-new TL623 telehandler, a telescopic tool carrier loaded with premium performance and comfort features. The TL623 offers the extended reach and superior lift capacity of a heavy-
COMPACT TRACK LOADER The midsize machine is the smallest in Yanmar’s current lineup and is an ideal fit for tighter job sites where operators need to balance power and maneuverability. Operators can work longer in comfort with the machine’s standard mechanical suspended seat; and a state-of-the-art seven-inch touchscreen display provides convenience on the job. Yanmar Compact Equipment yanmarCE.com
duty telescoping boom combined
with a smooth drive mode that’s ideal for maneuvering across job sites with mild acceleration and deceleration while carrying loads. Bobcat bobcat.com
FEBRUARY 2025 | 19
HEAVY-DUTY POST POUNDER STAG PP102 Max with 50cc Honda engine is for the serious contractor or municipality who needs fast installation of any type of post. Features thick composite damper, a constant lubricating system from an oil reservoir, reinforced engine mount, hammer safety lock, helical gears and roller bearings for longer life and 300 hours between service intervals. Deer Fence Canada deerfencecanada.com
MINI EXCAVATOR Yanmar introduced the ViO35-7 mini excavator, featuring significant productivity, configuration and operator experience improvements. The 24.4 hp true zero tail swing excavator includes leading 360-degree visibility, a 25 per cent increase in travel speed under load and a seven per cent improvement in excavator efficiency. Yanmar Compact Equipment yanmarCE.com
COMPACT TRACK LOADER Standard features include switchable EH joystick controls, two-speed travel with auto shift, colour display and battery disconnect which provide comfort and performance to the operator. Low mounted tilted cylinders, low profile lift arms, large door, sloped rear engine compartment and large side windows create a panoramic view of the work site. Wacker Neuson wackerneuson.com/ca
COMPACT TRACK LOADER Caterpillar introduces four new
TREE SPADE Swantech presents a lightweight and durable 26-in. Kompact Tree Spade for efficient and precise tree transplantation. Made in Ontario, this tree spade quickly and easily attaches to compact tractors, skid steers and even mini skid steers. Swantech Industries swantechindustries.ca
compact track loader (CTL) models: Cat 275 (shown), 275 XE, 285 and 285 XE. All next generation CTLs feature a larger cab design with 22 per cent more overall volume and 26 per cent additional foot space. Cat cat.com
UNDERGROUND UTILITY LOCATOR Cansel presents the Radiodetection RD8200SG Precision Cable and Pipe Locator with SurveyGrade GPS. The unit includes a USB-C cable, rechargeable battery and charger. The RD8200SG is useful for locating and mapping the position/path of buried cables and pipes, detecting and pinpointing their insulation faults, and creating survey records of buried cables and pipes locations. Cansel Survey cansel.ca
20 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
STAND-ON MOWER The new Gravely Pro-Stance Ultra stand-on mower features a wide, curved operator pad extending below knee height to eliminate the potential for knee impact and allows operators to lean into hills confidently. Fifteen-inch caster wheels make curb hopping easier, while the pitched, forward- facing controls are angled to reduce wrist strain. The high-capacity 16-gallon fuel tank reduces fill-up breaks on the job. Gravely gravely.com/en-us
MAINTENANCE
RAPID BATTERY CHARGER The M18 Six Bay Daisy Chain Rapid Charger offers crews the ability to have a centralized charging hub. By daisy- chaining up to 10 chargers and switching into overnight charge mode, users can efficiently charge up to 60 M18 battery packs overnight on a single 15A circuit. By eliminating the need to manage limited outlet availability, this system ensures crews can grab and go with the charger and batteries they need to
HIGH-PERFORMANCE SWEEPER The Lynx 5000 delivers powerful, large- scale sweeping suited for extensive urban and industrial spaces. Engineered for heavy-duty use, it combines advanced filtration with a spacious debris hopper, ensuring long intervals between emptying. Its robust design, paired with comfortable operator controls, maximizes efficiency and reliability for sustained, eco-friendly performance across demanding environments. AMT Advanced Municipal Technologies Inc. amt-na.com
power their workday. Milwaukee Tool milwaukeetool.ca
TOP-HANDLE CHAINSAW The Kress Commercial KC320.9 60V Top-Handle Chainsaw was developed with the power and precision needed for professional arborists. Rivaling 45cc chainsaws and boasting 2.4kW of power, the top-handle chainsaw weighs less than eight pounds and its optional 30-, 35- or 40-cm bar has a chain speed of 24 m/s. Kress kress.com/en-ca
FEBRUARY 2025 | 21
TURF MAINTENANCE The Turf Pro is a state-of-the-art autonomous rough mower that can mow up to 18.5 acres with precision and efficiency. The Range Pro is an autonomous golf ball picking robot designed to streamline the labour-intensive task of collecting golf balls from a driving range. Capable of collecting over 15,000 balls in 24 hours, the Range Pro enables crews to focus on other critical tasks throughout the day. Toro toro.com
WIRELESS ROBOTIC MOWER The Navimow i110 is a wire-free, smart robotic lawn mower that recharges and keeps mowing until the job is done. It identifies the edges of your lawn during mapping and automatically navigates and maps the entire work area. The i110 changes mowing direction after 100 per cent coverage, so your lawn stays healthy and looks fresh. Tait Distributors Ltd. taitdistributors.ca
WATERING ARM The METEC Watering Arm WA is a versatile tractor attachment designed for precise and efficient watering of urban landscapes, including city parks, medians and roadside greenery. This attachment easily mounts to tractors, transforming them into eco-friendly watering solutions that save time and resources across urban environments. AMT Advanced Municipal Technologies Inc. amt-na.com
TURF TIRES OTR Engineered Solutions has
expanded its successful line of turf tires with the new Grass Master XT for riding, stand-on and zero-turn mowers. The updated tire has a higher tread-to-void ratio to provide increased traction in challenging conditions while maintaining a turf- friendly design that won’t damage lawns. Available in eight sizes. OTR otrwheel.com
HEDGE TRIMMER The new M18 FUEL Hedge Trimmer is powered by the innovative Powerstate Brushless Motor, providing the capability to cut through branches up to 1-¼-in. thick. The five-position rotating handle and 24- or 30-in. double-sided dual sharpened blades provide optimal maneuverability, ensuring clean, precise cuts. A short pole option is also available. Milwaukee Tool milwaukeetool.ca
22 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
SWEEPER ATTACHMENT The RASCO SX is a powerful sweeper attachment, designed to convert standard tractors into efficient urban cleaning machines. This compact attachment combines high suction and dust filtration for eco-friendly performance. It ensures thorough cleaning without needing a dedicated sweeper. AMT Advanced Municipal Technologies Inc. amt-na.com
SNOW & ICE
COMBI SPREADER The Hilltip IceStriker 8000 CM Combi
Spreader offers an industry-leading capacity of eight cu. ft., making it ideal for contractors servicing large worksites and long routes, as well as municipal customers. The 8000 CM is a fully electric-powered spreader with an integrated liquid tank for pre-wetting material or spraying brine directly on driving surfaces. Hilltip hilltip.com/en
SNOW BLOWER The KSB-1170's powerful 11 hp engine is ideal for fast snow removal. Equipped with a large tine (54x71cm), this blower allows snow to be thrown up to 15m. Adjust the deposit height according to the snow height by simply pressing the hood on the hand box. Equipped with nine LED lights, snow removal is easy even in the dark. International Power Systems ipspower.com
HYDRAULIC-WING PUSHER PLOW The Storm Boxx HX Hydraulic Wing Pusher Plow turns a skid steer, loader or backhoe into a snow clearing machine by allowing the operator to adjust its wings into numerous positions to tackle the variety of obstacles a property presents. Fisher Engineering fisherplows.com
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POLLINATOR-FRIENDLY ECHINACEA Echinacea Revelation ‘Coral’ boasts striking, extra-large coral-pink flowers that are long- lasting and highly effective at attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators. This deciduous perennial, bred for sturdy stems and a mounding habit with excellent foliage coverage, brings a vibrant pop of colour to
nearly any landscape setting. Terra Nova Nurseries terranovanurseries.com
SOFTSCAPE & DESIGN
FAST-GROWING HIBISCUS Gardeners will love the on-trend and unique double blooms of Chateau de Saumur Rose of Sharon, featuring fluffy peony-like flowers. This fast-growing Hibiscus syriacus quickly reaches six feet tall and four feet wide. Monrovia monrovia.com
FERTILIZER AND SEED BLEND Bare Repair is a natural organic-based fertilizer and quick-germinating seed blend that is highly versatile for any season. The easy to use, nutrient-rich formula replenishes organic matter and improves soil structure. It is ideal for overseeding lawns and repairing dog spots, bare spots, insect damage and high traffic areas. Speare Seeds Limited speareseeds.ca
COMPACT ROSE With a compact size, bright blooms and superb disease resistance, the Rosa Brick House Orange is a solid garden performer. The punchy orange flowers do not fade and look great in the landscape or in a patio container. Star Roses and Plants starrosesandplants.com
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PORCELAIN PAVERS Natural Stone Traders offers a new selection of durable porcelain pavers that look like wood. Deckwood Caramel and Deckwood Amber pavers are 20 mm thick and are 120 cm x 30 cm. Natural Stone Traders nstporcelain.com
WATER FEATURE Create the ultimate fountain display by adding Aquascape’s gigantic Stacked Slate Sphere to any design and make a big statement. Measuring five feet tall and six feet wide, this sphere can be the focal point of any fountain display or an addition to existing ponds or waterfalls. Aquascape aquascapeinc.com
CONTEMPORARY PLANTER The Join Geo planter brings a modern edge with its clean lines and structured angles, adding a distinct focal point to any space. Available in robust materials like aluminum and weathering steel, this planter is customizable in size and finish. It’s a versatile choice for contemporary spaces that call for bold, geometric accents.
PORCELAIN TILE Porcea Casablanca (60x120x2 cm) is a beautiful cool white-grey Porcea Stone with subtle veining and fleuri to mimic natural stone.
Porcea Stone porceastone.com
Green Theory greentheory.com
COMPOSITE FENCING The TruNorth Slide & Go Fence System is designed for effortless installation and enduring beauty. Manufactured from premium, eco-friendly materials, this system features TruNorth's signature composite boards, which resist fading, warping and weather damage, ensuring a long-lasting, low-maintenance finish. TruNorth Composites trunorthdecking.com
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LOW-VOLTAGE PATH LIGHT The Dax Low is a unique low voltage path light. At 23 cm tall, this dark, compact and sleek fixture is designed to cast warm and distinct triangular beams of light outwards and backwards on any path, driveway and surrounding softscape. Adjust and tilt the light source as desired to achieve the perfect light angle and distribution for any application. BOLD | Best Outdoor Living Design boldpros.com
LIGHTING
MODERN PATH LIGHT The Dax Up Down is a modern and compact low-voltage wall light. It has two light sources and casts a distinct V-beam. Encased in high-end black powder-coated anodized aluminum, this elegant fixture plays an essential part in creating unique wall lighting designs. Use the included lens cap to cover the top or bottom light source to create unique lighting effects. BOLD Best Outdoor Living Design boldpros.com
BOLLARD PATH LIGHT The Cube Low is a futuristic and bolder version of your standard short bollard path light. At 35.5 cm tall, the Cube Low's compact size, geometrical shape and diffused 360-degree glow will accent any path, driveway and surrounding softscape. Cube path lights are available in two heights to choose from (high and low). BOLD | Best Outdoor Living Design boldpros.com
UNDERCAP LIGHT The Edge 7 is a sleek and modern
undercap light. This 18 cm low-voltage fixture has a partially hidden light source and comes included with an installation bracket for hardscape applications. Ideal for hardscape steps, pillars, outdoor kitchens and retaining walls, the Edge is available in two sizes and in two styles for hardscape or decking applications. BOLD | Best Outdoor Living Design boldpros.com
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RECESSED LANDSCAPE LIGHT The Ruby Mini Square Stainless Steel Ring is a high-end and versatile 22 mm recessed fixture. Framed with a square cast 304 stainless steel ring, this compact light casts a soft and diffused glow that's suitable for deck risers and around social areas such as patios and fire features. The Ruby Mini series comes in four different ring styles and in two different finishes. BOLD | Best Outdoor Living Design boldpros.com
EXOSKELETON The Biolift exoskeleton uses mechanical springs to redirect strain away from the lower back when bending and lifting. As the user bends down, the springs compress and create a lifting force on the torso and the legs. By supporting up to 60 pounds, the lumbar exoskeleton relieves your back in the heaviest and most demanding tasks. Biolift biolift.co
PROTECTIVE
WALL LIGHT The Hero of all hardscapes, this black powder-coated anodized aluminum square fixture is a go-to wall light to illuminate decks, walls, fences and privacy screens. With a 94 CRI, this sleek wall light will enhance the colours and textures of rock, wood, composite and stone in your outdoor spaces at night. BOLD | Best Outdoor Living Design boldpros.com
WORK GLOVES Milwaukee announces two new Anti-Vibration Gloves designed for carpentry, masonry, maintenance and mechanical tradespeople. The Anti-Vibration Work Gloves provide dexterity and comfort with a breathable lining and built-in terry cloth sweat wipe, keeping hands cool and dry throughout the day. The High-Dexterity Nitrile Dipped Gloves provide full hand vibration reduction and impact protection, as well as a Cut Level 4 rating to protect from lacerations and meet safety requirements on the jobsite. Milwaukee Tool milwaukeetool.ca
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Glowing plants
ARE THEY THE NEXT BIG THING?
BY JILL VANDUYVENDYK A fter more than 20 years in the garden centre world, I still get a thrill every time I see the latest plant breeder catalogues, visit plant trials or head to conventions to scope out what’s new. It’s like being a kid in a candy store. Over the years, I’ve seen trends bloom and fade, exciting new varieties emerge and plants bred to be tougher, more colourful and better suited for smaller urban spaces. But one thing creating a buzz lately isn’t a new flower colour or a hardier shrub — it’s glowing plants. Yes, that’s right. Plants that glow. So, are glowing plants just a fun gimmick, or could they actually take gardening in a whole new direction? I first came across these glowing petunias a couple of years ago, flipping through catalogues I picked up at an industry event. They made their U.S. debut last year, but we haven’t seen them in Canada yet. Still, they’re sparking plenty of chatter in horticulture and it’s beginning to reach consumers too.
continued >
Photos supplied by Light Bio.
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HOW ARE THESE PLANTS POSSIBLE? There are two main ways these plants are made. The first uses genetic modification (think petunias from Light.bio) to add bioluminescent genes from organisms like fireflies and fungi. The second involves treating plants with UV-reactive compounds (like Glow Plant’s houseplants) that hold a charge after being exposed to light. This one is newer to me and I'm excited to learn more about it this year. What’s cool about this trend is how it might connect with the younger generation. Kids and teens today aren’t necessarily into gardening the way their parents were. They’re into quirky, unusual plants, asking “why” and “how,” and even naming their greenery (you know it’s true!). A glowing plant? That would absolutely grab their attention, and it might even bring in non- gardeners who’ve never thought about plants before. In the garden centre world, it’s all about creating an experience. Glowing plants could be a showstopper — the ultimate conversation piece. Picture this: a glow-in-the-dark garden party. Sounds like fun, right? PRACTICAL OR JUST A GIMMICK? But here’s where I slow down and ask myself some questions. In Saskatchewan, our long summer days mean it doesn’t get dark until about 10 p.m. And let’s be
real — most of us aren’t staying up that late to enjoy our gardens (at least, I’m not anymore!). Most of us garden enthusiasts and designers are creating that luminous look by adding white and chartreuse colours that give a glow-like appearance. There’s also the price tag to consider: would someone drop $40 to 50 on a glowing petunia that is an annual? Sure, we see rare houseplants selling for high prices, but those are usually collector's items, not something you plant in your yard for one season. And since our temperatures fluctuate so much, I'm thinking the Glow Plants may have to stay as an indoor item for us Northerners — but who knows what the future holds; this is only the beginning. And then there are the bigger questions: Is it ethical to play with genetics and create glowing plants? Should those research dollars go toward solving bigger problems in the world like food security or environmental issues? And what about the risks of releasing genetically modified organisms into the environment? All questions I ask
myself and I’m sure others do too — and questions I don’t have the answers for. All that said, I can’t help but be intrigued. Glowing plants are fun, they’re different and they’re making people talk about gardening in a new way. They challenge us to think outside the box. It reminds me of past trends that seemed a little out there at first. Remember when hybrid plants or vertical gardening were new? People doubted those trends, but now they’ve become staples. Who’s to say glowing plants couldn’t find their place? THE NEXT BIG THING? So, will glowing plants become the next ‘bubble gum petunia’? Probably not. Will they save the world? Definitely not. But they do what I think every good gardening trend should — they spark curiosity, creativity and conversation. And if they inspire more people to get their hands in the soil, I’m all for it. I can’t wait to see where this glowing trend leads — and what other surprises the future of gardening has in store. LT
Jill VanDuyvendyk is a proud third-generation owner of Dutch Growers Garden Centre in Saskatoon, Sask. With a passion for the creativity and beauty plants bring to any space, she thrives on networking to introduce new ideas and trends.
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FEBRUARY 2025 | 31
The challenges, opportunities and benefits of interior landscaping
INTERVIEW WITH HELLA KEPPO, CHT STEMS INTERIOR LANDSCAPING INC.
BY KARINA SINCLAIR
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
I nterior plantscaping is a niche within the green industry that combines horticulture, design and wellness to create indoor environments that inspire and rejuvenate. While the thought of landscaping often brings to mind outdoor gardens, the transformation of interior spaces with plants is equally impactful. This excerpt from the Landscape Ontario podcast (January 2025), highlights a conversation with Hella Keppo, founder of Stems Interior Landscaping in Toronto, Ont. Keppo turned her passion for plants into a career that not only beautifies indoor environments but also delivers real benefits — cleaner air, reduced stress and enhanced creativity, to name just a few. From moss art and blooming displays to impressive living walls, Keppo and her team are transforming spaces and changing how people experience their work environments.
Explain what it is like to have an interior plantscaping business.
What are some of the unique challenges of interior landscaping? One of the big complications, especially when designers or a client has existing containers, is we cannot have those containers leak. A lot of the cheaper big ceramic pots have a drainage hole in them. You just can't water a plant and have a hole in the bottom in the indoor environment because that water is just going to pour through. Then you have a risk of mold growing under the container, like if it's on carpet, or even slips and falls if there's a puddle on a hardwood floor. Our containers are completely watertight, so that's one of the big challenges. Some of the other ones are pests. A lot of the plants will get spider mites, mealybugs, scale, fungus gnats and all of those we're able to deal with and
The main thing we do is install and maintain indoor office plants. It all starts with putting the right plant in the right spot, which sounds simple, but it takes a lot of years of trial and error — seeing what works and what doesn’t in certain circumstances. For most of our clients, we’ll do an initial walkthrough with their floor plan in hand and figure out which plants to put where. Then we go back, do a proposal, send it off and once it’s approved, the real work begins. We deliver all the plants. It’s funny because when we deliver them, people will literally come out of their offices and ask, “Do I get one in my office too?” People just get so excited when this cart of plants rolls by their door.
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make sure that everything is clean. We can't spray anything because it's indoors. We're not allowed to use pesticides or anything. So most of the treatment for pests is just physically wiping them off the leaf. Sometimes we can spray with soapy water, literally a drop of dish soap in a sprayer, and clean the leaf off. That’s the best way we can control insects. I do use some IPM (integrated pest management). If it's a larger atrium area or a solarium, then we can release some biological insects that are tiny. They're as small as the plant bugs, and the regular person wouldn't even know there's a bug there at all. So sometimes we can use that. How did COVID-19 lockdowns affect your ability to operate in office buildings? Getting into the offices was a huge challenge. As the world knows, we were locked out for at least four weeks. Before the lockouts began, it was all hands on deck. I told my staff to just flood everything. We need them to get through these next two to three weeks. And so we did that. Luckily, Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association was a huge benefit, rallying the government to try and get landscapers deemed essential. A couple of our clients were hospitals, and they basically said, “get back over here.” So I got that in writing, and we were able to start doing our work again. Then, of course, the next challenge was actually gaining access to the offices. Many clients were great. Most of them had security, and the ones that didn’t would meet us to let us in or gave us fobs. We have a lot of trust with our clients, and they did allow us to get access again. What’s it like working with clients who now have a hybrid workspace model? That's a challenge. Monday and Friday are skeleton staff. I think that's pretty typical. Wednesdays seem to be the day that all the meetings occur. Getting into meeting rooms and
boardrooms has become a challenge. When that happens, we’ll first try to get into meeting rooms that we know are always busy, especially if there are obviously plants in there. If we can't get in, then we'll do our other work at that office, check in again, and if we still can't get into water, we sometimes ask the receptionist if they can throw some water on there. Otherwise, sometimes, depending on if that plant requires more care, we'll make a special trip back. How do you care for plants year round, including those that may be in vulnerable locations? Yes, we're year-round in the indoor environment. You think it doesn't change much, but it really does. As soon as fall comes and the temperatures outside start to go down, the heaters come on in the buildings. That just dries the plants out so quickly. It's pretty shocking sometimes. The air in the office starts to get really dry as well. Obviously, in the winter, it gets very dry. February is bad for that, but at least then it's lower light as well, so it starts to balance off a little bit. In the spring, when the air conditioners come on, it's the opposite. We get cold breezes, and the plants don't dry out as quickly. Although then, with the longer days and more sunshine, it starts to work itself out again. What sorts of issues might a plant experience when being displayed in an atrium or near a building entrance? In the winter, it's terrible. Especially at these big entrances to big buildings and lobbies with automatic doors. I have had plants freeze solid. Well, maybe not quite solid, but they definitely turned black from the
freezing cold air hitting them. It does not take long. Tropical plants are as perishable as a head of lettuce. If you freeze it and then thaw it, it just goes to mush. How does biophilic design fit into your business model? Biophilia literally translates into love of life. It’s the innate, biologically driven need to interact with other forms of life, such as animals and plants. The mission of Stems, my company, is to connect people to nature with lush, thriving tropical plants. And that’s really important because we need to be connected to nature. I mean, that’s what biophilia is all about, connecting with nature. The problem is that we spend 80 to 90 per cent of our time inside. So how do you connect to nature? We’re Canadians. We love nature. We love going outside and experiencing it — canoe trips, hiking and everything. But how often can you do that? We have winter here. That’s why I figured it’s best to connect with nature where we spend our time, and that’s by bringing plants indoors. What do you think are some of the most important skills needed for somebody who wants to run a business focused on interior landscaping? The first thing you need is a passion for plants. The second thing is you need to love people because it’s not like an outdoor landscape job where you’re outside not even seeing the homeowner or business owners. We’re inside their office, inside their buildings. And we need to be approachable and, yet, also very quiet and get our work done without too much chitchat. We like to be efficient. LT
This interview was adapted from an episode of the Landscape Ontario podcast, published on January 2, 2025. To hear the whole interview, visit landscapeontario.com/podcast, or search for it on your favourite podcast app.
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