The Landscape Ontario Podcast

In this episode of the Landscape Ontario Podcast, host Karina Sinclair discusses the industry's shift from gas-powered to battery-powered equipment in pursuit of a zero-emissions future. Joined by Joe Salemi, executive director of Landscape Ontario, they delve into the City of Toronto's considerations for banning two-stroke engines and Landscape Ontario's pivotal role in influencing this decision through a comprehensive study. The episode covers challenges faced in adopting battery-powered equipment, the impact on small businesses and strategies for landscapers to prepare for future regulatory changes. They also discuss technological advancements in battery-powered gear, advocating for a collaborative approach to achieving sustainable practices in the landscape industry. Resources Episode Transcription Report: Beyond Gas-Powered Equipment: Exploring a zero-emissions future in landscape horticulture Working toward a zero-emissions future - Landscape Ontario Toronto City Council votes against two-stroke engine ban - Landscape Ontario Green Cities Foundation Trees for Life

In this episode, Joe Steeves shares his journey of working in his dream job within the green trades. Defined not by his cerebral palsy but by his passion for plants, Joe discusses the importance of educator and employer efforts in creating inclusive opportunities. Through a university-level, virtual learning program, Joe has gained knowledge in soil diversity, pest management, plant identification and arboriculture. Additionally, he shares his positive experiences working in the community garden in the town of Riverview, N.B., highlighting the support and accommodations provided by his town and employer. Joe's story emphasizes the rewarding aspects of working outdoors and his hopes for a stable, long-term career in the green trades. This episode highlights the importance of creating inclusive and supportive work environments. Resources Episode Transcription Town of Riverview University of Guelph: Horticulture Certificate Video version of this episode

Before you break ground on your next job, make sure you’re not putting lives — or your business — at risk. In this episode, we’re joined by Jean Lépine, chief strategy officer at Ontario One Call, to talk about the critical importance of getting your locates before you dig. Whether you're planting a tree, building a patio or trenching for irrigation, striking underground infrastructure like gas lines or telecom cables can have serious consequences. Jean breaks down what every landscaper needs to know to stay safe, avoid costly delays and stay on the right side of the law. If you want to protect your crew, your clients and your reputation, you'll want to dig into this episode. Resources Episode Transcription Courses: GroundworkKnow Risk Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance

Safety is the name of the game in this episode of the Landscape Ontario Podcast. Peter Guinane joins me to talk about the importance of jobsite safety. With nearly 40 years in the industry, Peter has developed a strong safety culture at Oriole Landscaping so it’s top of mind every single day. And as we are on the cusp of the 2025 spring rush for landscapers, there’s no better time to pause and consider the safety culture at your company. Whether you’re a business owner, a supervisor or a brand new hire, everyone plays a role in keeping a workplace safe. And not just for yourself, but for your crew mates, too. So listen in and find out what some of the most common injuries on a landscape jobsite are and what to do if an inspector comes around. You might want to share this with your teammates, too, because it never hurts to get a refresher on safety. Resources Episode Transcription Oriole Landscaping Landscape Ontario training and professional development

Get better before you grow is the advice from this episode’s guest, George Uvari. The landscaping veteran turned business consultant talks about saving time and money by outsourcing certain tasks, the value of understanding personality types, finding peace and harmony, and attracting luck to your business. George believes it’s possible for business owners to reclaim time, reduce stress and even have fun running a successful company by shifting priorities from profit to people and processes. If you’re ready to work smarter, not harder, then take some time to learn from this episode of the Landscape Ontario Podcast. Resources Episode Transcription Knowledge Tree Consulting Oriole Landscaping Myers-Briggs Type Indicator The Game with Alex Hormozi podcast

In this episode of the Landscape Ontario podcast, we dive into some of the biggest challenges faced by landscaping professionals — how to price jobs profitably, avoid costly mistakes and overcome the mental blocks that can hold you back. Our guest Weston Zimmerman, CEO of SynkedUP, joins us to share actionable advice on job costing, managing overhead and finding clarity to help you grow your business. Whether you’re struggling with unbillable time or feeling stuck in "entrepreneurial poverty," Weston’s insights will leave you inspired and ready to take control of your business. Resources Episode Transcription SynkedUP How to price my job video course Labour Rate Calculator

In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at the niche sector of interior plantscaping. While lots of landscapers like you might spend much of your time outdoors, many people, including your clients, friends and family, work indoors, surrounded by screens, cubicles and walls that could use a little life. That’s where Hella Keppo comes in. Hella is the founder of Stems Interior Landscaping, a thriving business that brings lush, tropical plants into work spaces throughout the Toronto area. Her mission? To help reconnect people with nature — even if it’s within the walls of an office building. Let’s dive into the world of interior plantscaping with Hella Keppo, as she shares her journey, insights, challenges and skills needed to be successful in this niche sector. Resources Episode Transcription Stems Interior Landscaping Inc: www.stems.ca YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@stemsinteriorlandscaping Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StemsInteriorLandscapingInc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stems_interior_landscaping LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stems-interior-landscaping-inc/ Interiorscape: Green Plants for Green Buildings: https://greenplantsforgreenbuildings.org/ National Interiorscape Network: https://interiorscapenetwork.com/ TPIE (Tropical Plant International Expo): https://tpie2025.smallworldlabs.com/education Nich (National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture) Infographics of plant benefits: https://consumerhort.org/plantsdothat-3/ Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing): ANFT (Association of Nature & Forest Therapy): https://anft.earth/ Article by Roger Ong about the tour in Japan: https://zenbird.media/shinrin-yoku-connections-with-the-forest-its-past-and-our-future/

Have you ever met someone with a giant heart and the boundless energy to tackle anything life throws at them? That’s my guest, Michelle Francis. Michelle is a true powerhouse. In 2020, she was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Accomplished Black Women, recognized for her tireless advocacy for social justice, food security, housing and financial literacy. Her award-winning community gardens reflect her commitment to sustainability and nourishing her neighborhood. A graduate of Landscape Ontario’s GROW program, she’s found healing and purpose in working with nature — something she’s eager to share with others. Her story is one of grace, resilience and embracing life’s challenges with an open heart. She acknowledges that accidents have purpose, and the healing she experienced while spending time in gardens and nature has compelled her to create opportunities for others to discover the transformative power of the outdoors. Resources Episode Transcription Michelle Leong Francis on LinkedIn TTGGROUP.co Landscape Ontario’s GROW training programs Outward Bound

In this episode, we dive into the story of a landscaper who saw a problem in his everyday work and took a bold step to solve it — not just for himself, but for an entire sector. Our guest today is Brandon Comstock, a self-taught entrepreneur in Calgary, Alberta, and co-founder of not just one, but two very different landscape-related businesses. What began as a passion for solving puzzles on the job-site led him to build a software company that now helps other landscaper business owner boost their profit margins. His journey from hands-on, physical labour to creating digital solutions might seem unexpected, but his experience will resonate with entrepreneurs, problem solvers and anyone navigating a career change. Listen and learn how one idea can take you down a whole new path. Resources Episode Transcription Brandon Comstock on LinkedIn LandscapersByNature.com IssueID.io Beer Garden Podcast Jonathan Pototschnik’s Podcast Mark Bradley’s LMN Podcast Contractor Revolution Podcast SIMA Landscape Alberta Green Industry Show & Conference

On today’s episode we are gearing up for the Congress Trade Show and Conference. Hosted by Landscape Ontario, this is Canada's largest and longest-running trade show for landscape and horticulture professionals, happening in Toronto, Ontario, from January 7th to 9th, 2025. If you're in the business of transforming outdoor spaces — whether through landscaping, horticulture, or outdoor design — this is the event you can’t afford to miss. Our guest is Heather MacRae, the trade show director for Congress. With over a decade of experience in bringing this iconic event to life year after year, Heather is here to share what’s new for 2025, some can't-miss features and what makes this trade show a key date on the calendar for industry pros. Stay tuned to the end for a promo code that gets you free tickets to the show. Resources Episode Transcription LOCongress.com Why people love to attend Congress

As students head back to school this month, many are probably wondering what they should be “when they grow up.” While plenty of adults are still trying to figure that out, high schoolers have a great opportunity to explore different topics before planning their post-secondary path. And maybe, just maybe, that’s a garden path. In this episode, we talk about how exposure to horticulture and landscaping at the high school level can inspire youth to explore the green trades as a career option. Guest Darren Schmahl has been engaging grade 11 and 12 students through the Green Industries program for the Niagara Catholic District School Board for the past 15 years. Teaching has allowed Schmahl to witness students of all kinds transform as they discover a passion for working in the landscape, so he wants youth and their parents to understand that a career in this field can be rewarding, lucrative and important as we face an ever-changing climate. Resources Episode Transcription Niagara Catholic District School Board SHSM Niagara Parks School of Horticulture John Brookes book, Room Outside Elliot Alkemade Young Scholarship Profile Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation Scholarships Landscape Ontario Congress Trade Show & Conference Landscape Ontario Youth Engagement Coordinator: 1-800-265-5656 x2335

If you own a small or medium-sized landscaping business, you’re probably juggling a long list of priorities. If marketing tasks are something you keep putting on the back burner, then this episode of the Landscape Ontario Podcast is for you. Vanessa McQuade and Rob Murray from Intrigue Media are here to talk about what it’s like to partner with a marketing agency. And in the same way you’re an expert in landscaping, Rob and Vanessa are experts in helping landscaping companies like yours grow revenue and gain market share. In fact, one of their happy clients stated that since working with Intrigue, their revenues had increased by 68 per cent in six months. So if costs or uncertainty has been holding you back, listen up and take off that marketing hat. Today we’re talking about budget expectations, setting marketing goals and the value of building relationships with external marketing agencies, so you don’t have to do it all by yourself. Resources Episode Transcription Downloadable Rate your marketing partner checklist by Intrigue Media WhatConverts

If you’re looking to explore a career in the green trades but aren’t sure where to start, then this episode is for you. Courtney McCann, the director of workforce development at Landscape Ontario, joins the podcast to outline all the various educational opportunities that are available to people in Ontario looking to gain skills and employment in landscaping, including the GROW program and pre-apprenticeship program at Loyalist College in Belleville. These programs have been designed to help people learn instantly applicable skills and prepare them for genuine, meaningful jobs with companies who share their passion for designing, building and maintaining beautiful landscapes. And did you know they’re all free? If that piques your interest, be sure to listen because Courtney has all the details about these amazing opportunities to grow your career. Resources Episode Transcription Hort Tech Hub grow@landscapeontario.com Pre-apprenticeship at Loyalist College preapprenticeship@landscapeontario.com Other training opportunities through Landscape Ontario

Have you ever wondered if what you’re doing as a landscaper is moving the dial against climate change? The global situation feels so complex, it’s natural to wonder ‘how can I, just one individual, make a difference?’ Bill Hardy joins the Landscape Ontario Podcast to encourage landscapers to think globally and act locally. As a co-owner of an independent retail garden centre in British Columbia, president of the CNLA, and board member for various agencies — such as the Green Cities Foundation and the International Association of Horticulture Producers (AIPH) — Hardy has a wide perspective of how climate change is being addressed by horticulture and landscaping innovations around the world, while also being tapped into what’s happening right here in Canada. In our conversation, we discuss which countries are leading the way by developing innovative green city solutions, and what an individual landscaper can do to contribute to the big picture. We share some awesome websites you’ll want to check out for inspiration, and even introduce you to a new tool you can use to measure the carbon impact of installing and maintaining a landscape. Resources Episode Transcription Grow and Gather AIPH.org Montreal Botanical Garden Phytotechnology Stations CNLA Green Cities Foundation Clean Air Calculator Plants Love You Marketing Campaign COP28 Climate Change Conference Greener Spaces, Better Places

One year ago on this podcast, we met Joe Steeves, a plant enthusiast from New Brunswick. When Joe was born with cerebral palsy, his family had lots of questions about what his future might look like, such as would he be able to hold a job or pursue a post-secondary education? The green trades turned out to be a perfect fit for Joe, and despite his challenges, he has been steadily building a career by working at greenhouses and nurseries. Not willing to stop there, Joe set his sights on gaining a formal education in horticulture and pursuing his dream job. A lot has happened in the past 12 months, so in this episode of the Landscape Ontario Podcast, we follow up with Joe to hear about what’s been happening with his growing career. Resources Joe’s first interview: Diversity and inclusion creates opportunities to bloom for those with physical challenges - Landscape Ontario Town of Riverview MacArthur’s Nurseries Mountain View Growers Diddley-Squash Farm University of Guelph OpenEd Horticulture Certificate

There's a profound beauty in planting a seed and watching its journey from a tiny speck to a flourishing plant. But what if that journey could also nurture the minds and hearts of children? That's exactly what our panel of guests are doing through their charity, Green Thumbs, which is dedicated to teaching schoolchildren the art and science of gardening. Sunday Harrison is the founder and current executive director of Green Thumbs Growing Kids, a Toronto community-based not-for-profit now celebrating its 25th anniversary. Their mission is to cultivate environmental stewardship through hands-on garden and food education for urban children and their communities. Joining Sunday are three Green Thumbs board members. Chanel Harris was an inaugural participant in the school garden program in the early 2000s. Also joining us is Sail Vettivelu, who worked as a summer intern at Green Thumbs in 2009, and has been volunteering with the group ever since. Rounding out the panel is environmentalist and artist, Iris “Ike” Karuna. Ike's relationship with Green Thumbs began as a Child and Youth Care placement student, and continued as a staff member. All of our guests today are passionate about introducing children to the wonders of gardening and all the related life lessons. From patience and responsibility to resilience and the interconnectedness of life, the act of tending to a garden offers invaluable teachings that extend far beyond the boundaries of the garden bed. Join us as Sunday, Chanel, Sail, Ike and I delve into the transformative power of planting an early seed and watching it grow, not just in the garden but in the hearts and minds of our future generations. Resources Episode Transcription Green Thumbs Social handle: @greenthumbsTO Come Alive Outside: Podcast Episode with Scott Wentworth Engaging Children with Landscape Design: Podcast Episode with Heather Jerrard and Dawn-Marie Deagle Wendell Barry: Solving for Pattern

Imagine a world where the very design of our neighbourhoods and public spaces serves as a shield against crime. This is the essence of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, or CPTED for short. CPTED is a concept that underscores the pivotal role landscape professionals, together with law enforcement, have in shaping secure and resilient environments. I’m honoured to be joined by Constable Matthew Hunt, the CPTED coordinator for the Ottawa Police Service, and in this conversation, we unravel the intricate relationship between landscape design and crime prevention, explore the principles of CPTED and uncover practical strategies for landscape and horticulture professionals, like you, to become true guardians of our communities Resources Episode Transcription Design safe surroundings - Crime Prevention Ottawa CPTED Canada The International CPTED Association (ICA) - North America Green Cities Foundation Communities in Bloom CPTED Books recommended by Cst. Matt Hunt 21st Century Security And Cpted: Designing For Critical Infrastructure Protection And Crime Prevention by Randall I. Atlas Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design by Timothy Crowe The Complete Guide To Physical Security by Paul R. Baker, Daniel J. Benny The Death And Life Of Great American Cities: 50th Anniversary Edition by Jane Jacobs

In this episode of Landscape Ontario Podcast, we're stepping into uncharted territory as we explore a groundbreaking concept that's been gaining momentum — the four-day workweek. What would you do with an extra day to yourself? Would you learn a new hobby? Work on a side hustle? Get extra sleep? Play with your kids? Travel? Imagine all the things you could accomplish with that extra day. To learn how a compressed work schedule can work for a landscaping company, we're talking with Jessie Taynton, the HR manager at Dicam Landscaping. Dicam dared to reimagine the workweek back in 2019, and they've launched this benefit for their maintenance crew and office staff. Tune in to hear how DICAM's company culture has been enriched by something Jessie considers "life-changing." Resources Episode Transcription DICAM Landscaping Bankrate Study: Younger workers want a 4-day workweek

If you've ever felt the calming influence of spending time surrounded by nature, then you might be familiar with the notion of horticultural therapy. It can be a pretty profound experience, and not just anecdotally. There are lots of studies that support the healing powers of nature. In this episode, we talk with Guinevere Kern, a horticultural therapy practitioner based in Guelph, Ontario. Guinevere is an active member of the American Horticultural Therapy Association, as well as the Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association, where she also sits on the Education Committee. We explore horticultural therapy as a career and the transformative power plants can have on physical, emotional and mental wellness. Whether you're a seasoned landscaper looking for a new direction or someone fascinated by the idea of helping others through the therapeutic magic of plants, this episode is for you. Resources Episode Transcription Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association Homewood Health Care Centre American Horticultural Therapy Association Guelph Enabling Garden The Lancet Roger Ulrich, PhD 1984 Study Landscape Ontario GROW Program Ontario Parks Association full day course Ontario Building and Construction Tradeswomen Additional resources from LO: The therapeutic value of horticulture The healing power of horticulture

Are you ready to take your career to the next level, or do you know someone who shows management potential? In this episode of the Landscape Ontario Podcast, we talk to Charolette Cascioli, an experienced HR professional who helps landscape-related companies establish better cultures to attract and retain talent. Charolette is also the facilitator of the GROW Supervisory Foundations program offered by Landscape Ontario. In our conversation, she explains how the program helps people develop confidence and improve their communication skills to embrace leadership opportunities. By working through real-life case studies, with peer collaboration and self-reflection, attendees come away equipped to resolve workplace conflict and positively contribute to the overall culture of their companies. Resources Episode Transcription GROW Program New Entrant Supervisory Foundations Skills Employers of Choice StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath (now known as CliftonStrengths) Working Genius by Pat Lencioni Labour Market Impact Assessment Connect with Charolette Cascioli: SimplifiedHRConsulting@gmail.com