Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association

2025 AWARD WINNER 🏆🔥🎾 This project by Vaast Landscape Design Studio is a 2025 Award of Excellence winner in the Residential Design category (5,000 sq ft or more). Vaast Landscape Design Studio was tasked with designing a transformation for this 5.28-acre property into a seamless blend of lakeside charm and open field areas, while maintaining privacy around social gathering spaces. Their design features a luxurious spa that offers a tranquil retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation, while the firepit patio area provides a cozy setting for evening gatherings under the stars. The Vaast Landscape Design Studio team was able to overcome site grade challenges, even incorporating the grading to add tiered terraces, and sunken benches in the pavilion area. Granite outcroppings uncovered during excavation led to design adjustments to utilize them as planting beds and around the firepit patio. Expansive terraces extend the living space outdoors, creating a harmonious connection between the interior and the natural surroundings. The clients vision of a large sports court, perfect for tennis, basketball, or other activities, was designed to include a spacious pavilion that can also become a versatile venue for hosting events, whether it's a family celebration or court-side spectators! This thoughtful design ensures that every aspect of outdoor living is enhanced, providing a perfect balance of solitude and social interaction. How would you design your dream outdoor space? 🌿🏡 Congratulations to everyone at Vaast on this stunning estate design! 👏 👉 See all 2025 Awards Winners: https://hubs.li/Q03g07x70 #LOAwards2025 #LandscapeOntario #LandscapeProfessionals #Landscaping #Backyard #Garden #LandscapeDesign #OutdoorLiving #DreamHome

🌿 Safety first! Tune into the latest Landscape Ontario Podcast episode where Peter Guinane shares his 40 years of wisdom on jobsite safety. As the 2025 spring rush approaches, it's crucial to reflect on your company's safety culture. https://hubs.li/Q03fxkD40 Are you ready to keep your team safe? Discover common jobsite injuries and how to handle inspections. Share with your crew and let's make safety a priority together! How does your team ensure safety on the job? 🤔 #LandscapeSafety #LOPodcast #LandscapeOntario #LandscapePodcast #Jobsitesafety

There's no fooling around here at Landscape Ontario.. we've got a jam packed week ahead! 🌳🌷 📅 Tariff Town Hall: April 2 Join us for a free discussion with industry leaders, about how the current tariffs affect the landscape industry. https://hubs.li/Q03fg-6K0 📅 Designers Sector Group + Georgian Lakelands Chapter Coffee Morning: April 3 Join us for coffee at the Wasaga Beach Arena (Rotary Room) and network with other Landscape Designers. https://hubs.li/Q03fg_3C0 📅 Peer to Peer Spring Summit: April 4 Level up your landscape business management skills ahead of the spring busy season. https://hubs.li/Q03fgYs10 📅 Ottawa Chapter Hockey Night: April 6 Catch the Ottawa Senators vs. Columbus Blue Jackets. Join other members and cheer on the Sens together! https://hubs.li/Q03fgXKh0

This weekend Ontario saw a massive freezing rain/ice storm that has taken down many trees and power lines. Many communities in Central and Eastern Ontario are still without power, while also experiencing dangerous road conditions due to ice and downed trees. We urge everyone to stay safe during this storm, especially those that are outside working hard to restore power and clearing the roads. Arborists, tree crews, and skilled workers—your community needs you now more than ever. Check in and lend a hand where you can. We are all stronger when we work together! Stay safe out there.

2025 AWARD WINNER 🏆🔥🌾 This project by TLC Landscaping Design + Pools is a 2025 Award of Excellence winner in the Residential Design category (2,500 - 5,000 sq ft). TLC Landscaping Design + Pools was tasked with transforming a tired landscape into a vibrant oasis. This design masterfully combines forward-thinking ideas with durable materials, seamlessly blending the clients' diverse styles. Nestled on a steep hill, the project overcame a significant grade change, integrating traditional timbers with sleek modern elements. Key features include a custom structure with a wood-burning fireplace, a captivating entryway with stone and composite landings, and a unique open fence system. Water and fire features add to the allure, while keeping open spaces ensures the family dog can roam freely. This landscape is a testament to creativity and collaboration, offering a refreshing escape right at home. Congratulations to everyone at TLC Landscaping Design + Pools on the welcoming vibes in this backyard! 👏 👉 See all 2025 Awards Winners: https://hubs.li/Q03d-rvM0 #LOAwards2025 #LandscapeOntario #Landscaping #LandscapeDesign #OutdoorLiving #DesignInspiration

It's been another busy week at Landscape Ontario! ⚙️ We had an outstanding Gear Up for Spring show at the Ancaster Fairgrounds this past Tuesday, many different Professional Development seminars throughout the week including an Introduction to Tree Pruning with Todd Irvine, and we wrapped up the Apprenticeship Hardscape Skills event today! Don't wait to level up your skills, spring is just around the corner! 🌱🌷☀️ https://hubs.li/Q03dZgbM0

📅 TARIFF TOWN HALL - April 2, 2025 Members are invited to join Landscape Ontario for a discussion about the current tariff situation and its impacts on the green trades, as well as potential mitigation strategies. Hosted by Landscape Ontario executive director Joe Salemi, CAE, the session will include perspectives from Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) executive director Victor Santacruz and Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) executive vice-president of advocacy Corinne Pohlmann. This member event is free of charge and may be attended virtually or in person at LO’s home office in Milton, Ont. https://lnkd.in/gPa7pfUD

Last week, we celebrated the graduation of our GROW New Entrant cohorts in Toronto and Barrie! 🎓 Thanks to the guidance of our amazing instructors, these grads are equipped with professional skills training, the latest safety gear and certifications to kickstart their careers in landscape and horticulture. A huge congratulations to all the graduates! 🎉

The new issue of Landscape Ontario Magazine is now online! ✨🗞️ WHAT WILL YOU FIND INSIDE? 🌳 President's Message from Ed Hansen • Spring is a time of growth and rejuvenation, not just in the projects we build and maintain but also in our community as professionals dedicated to the art and science of horticulture and landscape management. 👷 Member Profile: Elite Concrete • How Marcelo Mancini blends creativity and consistency to set his company apart. 💌 Clients love your work. Do they love your communications? • The best landscape companies are also experts in expectation management. 🏆 2025 Awards of Excellence winners • All the winners in the 2025 Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence program. 🤝 Building resilience in Ontario's landscape industry • Throughout history people have weathered countless storms such as war, environmental catastrophes and economic downturns by standing together to support one another. 👨🏻 Volunteer Profile: Rob Havery • Durham Chapter provincial board representative, Rob Havery, advocates for open communication and community building through his various roles. 📰 Association & Professional News • Ontario finalizes amendments to Excess Soil Regulation • Architects association names new president • Kubota Canada celebrates 50 years of growth and excellence • Ottawa Chapter provides holiday food hampers to families in need • Key takeaways from Landscape Ontario’s AGM • Green Trade Expo succeeds amidst record snowfall 👉 Available for free: https://hubs.li/Q03dk37f0 #LandscapeOntario #Landscaping #LandscapeProfessionals #Ontario #LandscapeHorticulture #Horticulture #LOAwards2025

Spring is around the corner, and it’s a time for hiring and training landscapers. Spring training for owners and drivers in landscaping is a three-hour Zoom course that prepares owners for the upcoming inspection season, including: • How to conduct a pre-trip inspection (PTI) • Load securement – including the new CVSA rules • Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) for landscaping operations and equipment • Distracted and defensive driving • Training options for onboarding new employees and refresher training for existing employees Learn more and register today! 🔗 https://ow.ly/c5cS50VnnEv