In addition to promoting best practices, Beckon believes investing in professional development at all levels is key to elevating the trades. She’s hired people who have completed the GROW program, which she believes “shines a light on this industry.” Like all Allweather managers, Beckon has also completed the GROW Employers of Choice program. “It gives managers a common vocabulary,” she said of the program. “It gets everybody aware of what’s happening out there in the workforce. It was super beneficial for the whole team to get on board so that we’re all speaking the same language, from the top to the bottom.” Beckon’s passion for boosting professionalism — and her desire to build up the Grounds Management Sector Group — brought her to the LO provincial board of directors. She’s excited about the opportunity to stay informed, share her passion for plants, continue to advocate for best practices and increase her dosage of her favourite thing about LO: the connection. “You sit at a table with eight other people and you come away with seven new ideas,” she said. “It’s a good feeling to be a part of something bigger than yourself.”
discussion held last August included discussions on the ban’s implications for both landscape companies and clients. Grounds Management is also looking to create short, digestible demonstration videos on everything from how to get rid of box tree moth, to how to plant a tree, to how to prune different types of roses, that companies can share with their crews and apprentices. “We’ve got a really engaged group that feels strongly about getting out the right message,” Beckon said. “We’re looking to support the training for companies in everyday practice.” Beckon is passionate about this message: she said there’s mountains of content out there offering varying horticultural methods, but she wants to make sure everyone has the resources to learn how to do things the right way. This, she said, will promote professionalism in the trade. “I really, really, feel strongly about promoting professionalism in this industry and raising that level up. If Landscape Ontario can be the go-to place for correct [practices] so we can avoid things like mulch volcanoes… I really want to make an impact or a dent in that.”
Sarah Beckon
WHOLESALE, LANDSCAPE SUPPLY YARD
PLEASE SEND ALL YOUR LANDSCAPE QUOTES DIRECTLY TO JR. jr@gardencentre.com | C: 416-209-8758
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