H
The Newsletter of the Alumni Association of the Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture
ORTICULTURAL
ERALD
In This Issue:
3,8 Rooted in the Garden
Educational Conference
5 Graduate News
9 Association News
10 School News
16 Graduate News
21 Niagara Parks News
22 From the Board
24 Graduate News
25 Industry News
28 Associate News
30 Association Members
31Legacy Prairie Garden Donors
32 Plant ID Quiz
33Events
33 Associate Members
Coming Events
Alumni Association of the
NPC School of Horticulture
Annual General Meeting
Saturday, February 11th, 2017
January 2017 • Vol. 45 Issue 1, Digital Edition
Alumni Association of the
Niagara Parks Commission
School of Horticulture
Celebrating 70 years
in 2017
Happy New Year!
Happy 150th to Canada and Happy 70th Anniversary
to the Alumni Association of the NPC School of Horticulture 1947-2017
From humble beginnings in 1947 ... Alfred Coshever, editor of the Gardening
School Gazette, Spring Edition, Vol II, No. 1, writes,
The birth of the Alumni. Yes, it has come to pass! The dream of yesterday is
the reality of today!! Due to unusual circumstances, the Alumni will not be
made official until the day of graduation, which will be in the latter part of
June. To enable the graduating class to start work at the appropriate time, the
Commissioners and Staff of the School deemed it advisable to allow the students to
leave April 1st.
To give the Alumni the necessary impetus during the intervening months, they
elected yours truly, Alfred Coshever to act as interim secretary, in order to keep in
touch with the school, and also the graduates-to-be. [Alf Coshever '47 would later
become the first President of the Alumni Association.]
On the day of graduation, the boys will return to the school to receive their
diplomas, and also to lay the foundation of our Alumni, by the election of officers.
At that time also, rules and regulations will be adopted. It is indeed unfortunate
that graduates of years gone by, seemed to have forgotten us. Be that as it may, we
will carry on without their help. The road to success is steep and rocky. It is going
to be hard going, much harder without the help and advice of earlier graduates,
but when we finally achieve our goal, we will gaze back through the years, and
say with satisfaction, "It was a tough road, but well worth the climb!" If the old
students of the school happen to read this (we know they will) we have this to say.
You can still be with us! What do you say?
Celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the Alumni Association in 2017
Alumni Board 2016-17
Executive Committee
Honourary President: Bill Snowden ’58
President: Zenia Buzanko ’03
Past President: Charles Hunter ’95
Vice President: Kyle Berwick ’14
Secretary: Cindy Maxwell ’12
Treasurer: Karen Michaud ’84
Alumni Association Mission Statement
The Alumni Association is a diverse team of graduates and friends who celebrate
their affiliation with the Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture through a
variety of programs and services designed to support its members, the School and
the highest professional standards of horticulture.
Committee Chairs
From the President
Blue Book: Karen Michaud ’84
Conference: Kyle Berwick ’14, Charles
Hunter ’95 & Dean Ruhnke ’15
Digital Media: Jon Peter ’04
Historian: Dylan Muileboom ’12
Horticultural Herald: Melissa Spearing ’13
Anne Van Nest ’83 & Zenia Buzanko ’03
Publicity/Promotions: Andrea Weddum ’13
Special Events: Kyle Berwick ’14
Membership: Art Coles ’71
Associates: Andrew Guay ’16 &
Bailey Wilson ’16
School Liaison: Taylor Parks ’17 &
Ryan Van Balkom ’18
By Zenia Buzanko ’03
Executive Secretary
Karen Michaud ’84
Alumni Association of the Niagara Parks
Commission School of Horticulture
8 Hahn Avenue,
Cambridge, ON N3C 2X9
Phone: 519-249-0381
Email: [email protected] or
[email protected]
Foundation Board
President: Jay Todd ’84
Secretary: Randy Lidkea ’67 (ex-officio)
Treasurer: Russ Boles ’68
Alumni President: Zenia Buzanko ’03
SOH Superintendent: Charles Hunter ’95
Alumni Association of the Niagara Parks
Commission School of Horticulture
Foundation
P.O. Box 263, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6T3
Email: [email protected]
Next Deadline: February 15, 2017
© 2017 The Alumni Association of the Niagara
Parks Commission School of Horticulture.
The Horticultural Herald is published 4 times
per year. It is published for the benefit of
Association members. Views expressed are those
of the writers and do not necessarily reflect
the opinion of its Officers or Board members.
Letters on any horticultural or Alumni issues are
welcome. Submissions may be edited for length.
2
Dear Alumni,
Happy New Year Alumni and friends! Wherever you are
across this world I hope you had joyous holidays and are
ready to launch the New Year with the best of intentions.
As the Alumni Association year ends with our Annual
General Meeting February 11th, 2017 it is time to review
the accomplishments of the year behind, and address the
concerns and goals for the upcoming year.
The Year Behind
2016 was the year of celebrating the 80th year of the School of Horticulture. This
event inspired many goals of the Executive last year and a few items were checked off
the to-do list including:
• The 64th Educational Conference that took place on September 11th. It was
held in conjunction with the School’s Rooted in the Garden event and provided
the opportunity to work together with students and staff, and the Niagara Parks
Commission. Despite the less than ideal weather the day was very well attended by
Alumni and the community also. See more coverage of the event in this issue.
• Four timely issues of this newsletter thanks to the hard work of our editor Anne
Marie Van Nest ’83.
• The Legacy Prairie Garden saw the installation of the Council Ring dry-stone
bench and the Bee Hotel, further completing the Phase One design. Next, plans are
under way for the Moon Gate.
• New digital logo designed by Sarah Burt ’14.
What did this year show us? The perennial problem of decreasing paid memberships
and waning interest in this Alumni Association of ours has led to a call for action.
Initiated by membership director Art Coles ’71, there have been many meetings of
Past Presidents and interested individuals resulting in a carefully drafted discussion
paper to be presented at the AGM this year. It was drafted to spur on joint
discussions between the NPC, the School, and the Alumni Association. Key factors
to be addressed are:
• How the Alumni can assist in raising recognition and awareness of the School of
Horticulture.
[continued on page 22]
The Alumni Association is Graduates and Friends
Celebrating
SectionThe
Title
School
Looking Back at a Celebration of the School's 80 Years
Above: Celebrating the 80th anniversary of the School of Horticulture at the Alumni Educational Conference and Rooted in the
Garden last September. Clockwise from top left: Dylan Muileboom ’12 with Cassandra and Felix, Liz Klose, Art Coles ’71, Margaret
and John Helder ’70 and James Lapointe, Byran Norton Essery ’61 and Tom Clancy ’61, Steven Biggs, Andrea Weddum ’13,
Melissa Spearing ’13, and Kyle Berwick ’14, Zenia Buzanko ’03 and Kristi DeLima.
Supporting and Celebrating the School
3
Celebrating
Section 80
Title
Years
Above (clockwise from top left): Celebrating the 80th anniversary of the School of Horticulture at the Alumni Educational
Conference and Rooted in the Garden last September are Kim and Steve Barnhart, and Jennifer Sanderson with Suzette and Dino
McDonnell ’94, Alistair Hugli, class of 2018, Laurie Niven, class of 2019, Tom Clancy ’61, David Hunt ’03, Lorne Fast ’89, Dr.
Allan Armitage, Chris Green, class of 2017, Jason Leavens, Darrell Bley, Dr. Allan Armitage, Lorne Fast, Kathryn Pimmett ’84, Janet
Snaith ’85, Buddy Andres ’67, Dylan Muileboom ’12, Sarah Fraser ’07, Robert Watson ’71 and Andrea Weddum ’13.
4
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G. H. Hamilton Travel Scholarship
Competing in the Prairie Canopy
By Caleb Greisman ’16
While at the School of Horticulture, I was introduced to
many different arboriculture techniques that would shape
my experiences and direct me onto a career in this field.
Instructor, Darrell Bley and the many graduates, Drew
Christie ’14, Kyle Berwick ’14, Hunter Beamish ’15, Dan
Cooper ’08, and Jordan Morgan, class of 2017, are a few of
the people who played a role in cultivating my passion for
arboriculture.
Working as an arborist in Winnipeg, MB since graduating in
March 2016, I have met some incredibly talented climbers.
My employer, Jesse Antonation of Trilogy Tree Services,
encouraged me to compete in the 2016 International Society
of Arboriculture (ISA) Prairie Chapter Tree Climbing
Championship at Olds College in Alberta. He had won
the competition many times, and this year he placed first
in the competition. This success allowed him to compete
in the North American Championship at the School of
Horticulture this past October 1 & 2, 2016. I was in envy
that he was able to visit the school and climb the trees that I
had just spent three years getting to know.
The Prairie Chapter competition was an excellent
opportunity to connect with others who have similar
interests, to develop my climbing knowledge, and to
explore the Olds College campus. Being in the competition
reminded me of being at the School of Horticulture –
surrounded with a buzz of energy created amongst peers.
Above: Climbers during gear check in the BMO Landscape
Pavilion at Olds College. Photo by Caleb Greisman ’16.
horticulture, turfgrass, and arboriculture students of Olds
College during the winter months. There were 28 men
registered to compete in total, and a record-breaking nine
women competing in the championship.
There were five different events that all climbers are required
to complete. All events were based upon the most current
International Tree Climbing Championship Rules, which
can be found at http://www.itcc-isa.com/resources/rules_
ITCC_v2016.pdf
There was a Work Climb event in which climbers worked
through the canopy of a large Ulmus pumila to different
stations performing a variety of simulated tasks. During this
event there was intensity on the air, but it was a fun and
exhilarating event to start my day. All six climbers in my
group were positive and supportive, encouraging each other
with constructive criticism when needed.
The next event was a Static Foot-Lock event in which
climbers ascended 50 feet up a rope suspended from the
canopy of a large Populus sp. Tree. It was a flashy and fast
event, leaving me full of adrenaline! Following that was the
Speed Climb event, another fierce and rapid event, in which
climbers were required to climb 50 feet up a tree without
the use of ropes (other than a safety belay). It was a blur for
me scrambling up the scaffold branches of a Picea glauca,
but it was entertaining to watch others scurry up the tree
before and after me. I competed in the Aerial Rescue event
following the Speed Climb. During the rescue, climbers
had to retrieve an “injured coworker” dummy from within
the canopy of a medium-sized Ulmus pumila in a simulated
emergency. It was a very technical event, with 6 minutes to
alert emergency services, climb into the canopy and lower
the dummy to the ground. I ran out of time three feet off
of the ground, and although it was challenging, it was good
practice. It is important to be well versed in aerial rescues in
case of a real job site emergency. I finished the competition
with the Throw Line event in which I had to set a climbing
line at different marked branch unions in a Populus
tremuloides. I found it to be the most challenging event of
them all because it required keen hand-eye coordination and
I was running out of energy by that point. At the end of the
day, I was happy with my overall 13th place finish.
The top 4 finalists from Saturday’s events competed in a
The competition began with a gear check and event briefing Masters Challenge on Sunday. It was a 25-minute event in
in the BMO Landscape Pavilion. It is a 12,000 sq. ft. building which climbers had to assess the health of a large Populus sp.
used as a study facility by the landscape gardener apprentices, tree, ascend into the canopy, and work through four different
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G. H. Hamilton Travel Scholarship
simulated stations before returning to the ground. It was a
suspenseful event to watch, but it was very motivating seeing
some of the best climbers in the Prairies at work. All of the
competitors were watching and it was a very supportive
and positive environment to be part of. It left me excited to
attend or compete in another tree climbing championship.
Above: Lowering the dummy, "Nathan" from the canopy of an
Ulmus americana in the aerial rescue event.
I spent some spare time exploring the Olds College campus.
It is an attractive site and the Botanic Garden has relatively
diverse collections considering it was only opened in
2013. There was a pleasant rose garden, an ornamental
vegetable garden, and herb garden, to list a few. The number
of relatively large Ulmus americana and Ulmus pumila
throughout the campus is much different than in Niagara.
It was great to see another horticulture school and reflect
on the quality of the Niagara Parks Commission School of
Horticulture. The residence buildings were empty, but I can
imagine there is a similar vibe to the NPC SOH during the
school year.
Above: A competitor preparing to take a shot into a Populus
tremuloides for the throw weight event.
As for the competition, I certainly developed my climbing
knowledge and enjoyed the exposure to other talented
arborists. I encourage everyone reading this to take part in
the next ISA Tree Climbing Championship nearest you!
Some competitors I met had attended Olds College and gave
me some insight into the education they received, noting
how important it is to have a botanic garden to be immersed
within. The arboriculture instructor at the Olds College,
Laurie Newsham, was a competition judge for the weekend.
Seeing the relationship he has with some of the Olds grads
reminded me of the friendships I developed with my own
Above: Beautiful Lupinus spp. in the Olds College Botanic
instructors in Niagara.
Garden. Photos by Caleb Greisman ’16.
6
Supporting and Celebrating the School
Graduate
Section Title
News
In Memory of James Denington ’61
Cemetery. In memory of Jim, donations to the Lakeridge
Health Oshawa Cancer Centre would be appreciated.
Arrangements entrusted to Mount Lawn Funeral Home
905-443-3376.
http://mountlawncemetery.sharingmemories.ca/
content/169/mem/2/8/6/8/6/2/obit/9909fc9f-a5c3-46ee8cad-e8b82239cb2d.jpg?cb=1483120613786
Jim Denington was President of the Alumni Association
from 1968-1969 and in 1972 he was one of the first
graduates to receive an Award of Merit from the Alumni
Association in recognition for his contributions.
September 21, 1936 - May 4, 2016
Jim passed away peacefully surrounded by family at
Lakeridge Health Hospital, Bowmanville on Wednesday,
May 4, 2016 in his 80th year. Jim is survived by his loving
wife Patricia of 37 years. Loving father of Julie Pimentel
( Jeff ), Lisa Denington ( John), Darren Denington
(Shelli), William Rows (Mona), Jeff Denington and the
late Gregg Denington. Proud grandpa of Bryanne, Kyra,
Tanner, Aryann, Logan and William. Dear brother of Bill
Denington ( Joy). Predeceased by his parents Louis and
Gladys Denington. Jim will be forever remembered by his
nieces, nephews, family and friends. As for Jim's wishes a
Above: The graduating Class of 1961. Jim Denington is in the
private family service will take place. Interment Mount Lawn back row (2nd from right).
Board Members Needed for the 2017-2018 Term
The Alumni Association is looking for potential new Board members for the year 2017-18, starting in March
2017. Might this be you or someone you know?
As Board work is challenging and rewarding, new members receive support and are not expected to understand
all the various aspects of governance immediately. An orientation package, an orientation session, and a
mentoring period greatly help new Board members learn the ropes.
We have returning Board members for the next term but have openings for new members. We need a quorum
of at least six members to pass motions, run meetings, etc. There are six meetings per year and members are
required to spend some time travelling to meetings and attending events.
For questions, to learn more about serving on the Board, or to express interest in nominating yourself for a
position, please contact Zenia Buzanko ’03, President via email at [email protected].
7
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Celebrating
Section 80
Title
Years
Above and right: Celebrating the 80th anniversary of the School
of Horticulture at the Alumni Educational Conference and Rooted
in the Garden last September. Top right: Karen Michaud ’84,
Executive Secretary, Bottom right: Audrey and Frank Purkis ’56,
Bottom left: Sarah Burt ’14, Leslie van de Ven ’13, Phill Brickell
’13, Andrew Guay ’16, Andrea Weddum ’13.
8
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Annual
Section
General
Title
Meeting
Annual General Meeting
Saturday, February 11, 2017
Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture Lecture Hall
The Alumni Association and Foundation welcomes all graduates, members and students to the New Lecture
Hall for our Annual General Meetings. Come share your thoughts during a day of creative and inspirational
discussions about opportunities that enhance the relationships of the Alumni Association, Niagara Parks
Commission, and School of Horticulture. David Adames, Niagara Parks Chief Operating Officer will be the
guest speaker presenting on The Commissions Vision for the Botanical Gardens and School of Horticulture.
9-10 Registration and Coffee
10-12
Keynote Presentation and Round Table Discussions
Lunch
1-3
Alumni Association and Foundation Annual General Meetings
3-6
Student Association Event
Your support and input are needed to help guide our Association activities for 2017.
Watch for more details on the Alumni Association website, Facebook page or in your email inbox.
Consider a memorial donation to the Foundation
for the Legacy Garden such as ...
In memory of Dave Gower
In memory of C. H. Henning
In memory of Norm McKenna
In memory of Denis McQuestion
In memory of Keith Overbaugh
In memory of Alf Savage
In memory of Don Schaff
In memory of Charles Simpson
In memory of George Dalby
... or start your own memorial tribute
Email Karen Michaud at [email protected]
for details.
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School
SectionNews
Title
The North American Tree
Climbing Championship
October 1-2, 2016
Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and
School of Horticulture
Above: Professor Elwood Pricklethorn explaining the secret
lives of trees and teaching kids why trees are good!
Below: School of Horticulture Instructor Darrell Bley being
interviewed by local media.
Above: Crowds watching the North American Tree Climbing
Championship in the Old Specimen Area.
Below: A child experiencing a fun tree climb and limb walk.
Above: The Keeping your Crews Safe workshop. All photos
courtesy of ISA.
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SectionNews
Title
Above: First-time Men's champion, Leilak Anderson from the
Quebec Chapter.
Below: Four-time Women's champion, Marilou Dussault from
the Quebec Chapter.
Above: Setting up the competition in the Old Specimen Area.
Left: North American Tree Climbing Champions, Marilou
Dussault (Quebec Chapter) and Leilak Anderson (Quebec
Chapter). All photos courtesy of ISA.
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School
SectionNews
Title
Come Alive Outside Design Challenge
By Samantha Farnham, class of 2017
Obesity in America has gone from six percent in 1980 to
eighteen percent in 2010. This has been contributed to
what is now a technology based society and therefore, more
sedentary lifestyle. The New England Journal of Medicine
has also reported that for the first time in two centuries, the
current generation of children in America may have shorter
life expectancies than their parents. These startling facts need
to be brought to everyone’s attention so that solutions can be
found and this problem can be rectified sooner than later.
Come Alive Outside, a non-profit organization based in the
United States, is looking to do just that – getting people in
North America off their couches and back outside into their
communities. Their mission is to create awareness, intention
and opportunity for people to enjoy the full benefits of
outdoor spaces where they live, work and play. To do this,
Come Alive Outside wants to create sustainable and naturerich cities for the future. To accomplish their goals, they are
putting their efforts into inspiring the current generation of
young people to play an active role in designing, building
and maintaining great outdoor spaces in our urban and
suburban environments.
Toward this objective they have created design challenges,
one of which brought students from the Niagara Parks
Commission School of Horticulture and Seneca College
to participate in a collaborative design charrette to create
concepts for a natural play area at the HUB Child Care
Centre at the Massassaga-Rendersville Elementary School
in Belleville, Ontario. The design challenge goal was to
encourage the attending students to reconnect with nature
in their outdoor learning environments. Since 2013, Come
Above: School of Horticulture students (left to right) Celia Le
Maistre-Matthys, Alastair Hugli, Ryan Van Balkom, Morgan
Robertson, Samantha Farnham and Peter Karas (front) from
the class of 2017 and 2018 at the Come Alive Outside Design
challenge in Picton, Ontario.
Alive Outside has produced this Design Challenge program
in 13 communities across the United States and Canada.
On October 20th, 2016 six NPC School of Horticulture
students: Celia Le Maistre-Matthys, Samantha Farnham
and Peter Karas, Class of 2017, Alastair Hugli, Morgan
Robertson, and Ryan Van Balkom, Class of 2018 travelled up
to Picton, Ontario to participate in a Come Alive Outside
Design challenge. This was an event hosted by Wentworth
Landscapes in partnership with Come Alive Outside and
Landscape Ontario. When the School of Horticulture
students arrived, they were immediately split up into groups
that included students from Seneca College and local
schools, horticulture professionals, and professionals from
the community. Together they all shared ideas and drafted
preliminary designs for the assigned space. Then everyone
presented the preliminary ideas to the community to get
feedback before heading back home to their own schools and
creating the final designs. The long drive home to Niagara
gave the students time to share our experiences and ideas
with each other – in the end they were buzzing with even
more excitement than they had at the beginning of the trip.
During November, the six School of Horticulture students
worked on two designs which will be judged by professionals
in the field of horticulture as well as members of the local
community, and the staff and students at Massassaga-
12
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School
SectionNews
Title
Rednersville Public School and HUB Child Care Centre.
The winning design will be revealed at Landscape Ontario
Congress in January. This design will then be constructed at
the HUB Child Care Centre in the spring and summer of
2017.
The six School of Horticulture students are very grateful
to have been included in this design charrette. Samantha
Farnham, Class of 2017 said, “It was a humbling
experience which left all of us positively charged with hope,
determination and happiness. The opportunity to design
and make an amazing play space for children is the most
rewarding experience I have ever experienced. We learned a
lot about children play spaces, the different needs that need
to be considered when designing them and how important
it is to re-integrate children into nature. I look forward to
seeing the installed design, no matter which design wins,
because I know how excited the students will be to inherit an
amazing outdoor space to learn, grow and play in.”
Speaking on behalf of the six students involved, Samantha
said, “We would also like to thank all of the people involved
with this event, especially the sponsors who made this
wonderful event happen – Landscape Ontario, Wentworth
Landscapes, JP Horizons and Prince Edward County. These
sponsors are all full of genuinely compassionate people.
I’m glad our school could make connections with all of the
people who attended this event. This experience not only
gave us the confidence we needed to realize how much
knowledge we have gained from our time at the School of
Horticulture, but it also let us explore viable options for our
futures.“
generation before them, they spend less time in it. Unhealthy
habits are growing and we are spending more time indoors
with gadgets and other forms of passive entertainment
devices and less time exercising outside in nature. It is time
to make a change, for ourselves and future generations. Let’s
all join everyone at Come Alive Outside and enjoy the full
benefits of our outdoor spaces.
January 2016
Associate Members:
Once again, it is time to place or renew your
advertisement in the School of Horticulture’s quarterly periodical, the
Horticultural Herald. Benefits of marketing your business and products to our
Alumni Association include:
- Access to one of North Americas oldest Horticultural Institutions
- Alumni Readership includes all of our members including graduates,
Fellowship and other Associate Members
- Opportunity to complete a Membership Profile questionnaire which
profiles your business’ history, new products and introductions
- Free submission and publication of any industry related articles
- Published 4 times per year
Size of ad
Business card size
¼ page ad
½ page ad
Full page (inside issue)
Back page
Pamphlet or brochure
insert
Cost per year
$150.00
$250.00
$500.00
$1,000.00
$1,250.00
Cost per issue
$50.00
$60.00
$125.00
$125.00
Thank you for your continued support.
Remit ad copy and payment to:
Karen Michaud, Executive Secretary
8 Hahn Avenue
Cambridge, Ontario
N3C 2X9
Phone: 519-249-0381
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.alumninpcsoh.com
Even though recent generations have a greater academic
understanding of nature and the environment than any other
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School
SectionNews
Title
Two New Faces at the Niagara Parks
relating to masonry, interlock, fabrication, maintenance and
Botanical Gardens and School of Horticulture beautification.
By Steve Barnhart, Senior Director, Parks, Planning & Properties Brett is an Honours Graduate from the Technical Education
Teaching Program at Brock University. Prior to this, he comI am pleased to announce the hiring of Kris Mahoney,
pleted an Automotive Service Technician apprenticeship and
Instructor/Curator (IPM) and Brett Booth, Technical
successfully obtained his Certificate of Qualification.
Instructor, both reporting to Jason Leavens, Assistant
Superintendent, School of Horticulture, effective November Please join me in welcoming Kris and Brett to their new roles
21, 2016.
with Niagara Parks!
In this role, Kris will be responsible for curating selected
garden areas within the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens,
as well as preparing and instructing academic courses at the
School of Horticulture related to plant identification, plant
sciences and Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
Kris Mahoney has over 10 years of experience in the fields
of Plant Sciences and Agriculture and has been a Research
Associate with the University of Guelph since 2013. In this
role, Kris taught academic courses related to Ontario corn
and soybeans and is a Certified Integrated Pest Management
instructor. Prior to his time at the University of Guelph, Kris
was an Assistant Professor at the University of WisconsinPlatteville where he designed and taught introductory and
advanced plant science courses.
Above: Welcome to new Instructors, Kris Mahoney (left) and Brett
Booth (right) who joined the staff at the Niagara Parks Botanical
Gardens and School of Horticulture at the end of November.
Kris possesses a Bachelor of Science in Crop and Weed
Sciences, Plant Protection and a Master of Science in Plant
Sciences from North Dakota State University. In 2006, Kris
received his Ph.D. in Plant Agriculture from the University
of Guelph. In addition to his education, Kris has written over
20 articles related to plant sciences and agriculture.
Brett will be responsible for instructing and evaluating
students at the School of Horticulture on various courses
related to Hard Landscape Construction, Equipment
Maintenance, Equipment Operation and Safety Training,
as well as oversee tractor operation licensing and associated
testing and records.
Brett Booth is a certified teacher with the District School
Board of Niagara and has been an occasional Secondary
School Teacher since 2013. In this role Brett taught a
variety of classes at the Secondary School level relating to
Construction Technology and other trades. In addition
to his teaching experience, Brett has over 20 years of
experience in the Automotive Industry where he was a
Service Technician at Mercedes Benz Canada for 15 years,
as well as a Service Manager at Firestone. Brett’s experience
with landscaping has provided him with a variety of skills
14
Congratulations to the following Niagara Parks retirees in
2016 as they close one chapter of their lives and open an
exciting new one.
Joan Cornelius, Manager Floriculture, Floral Showhouse,
Oakes Garden Theatre
Martin Crysler ’78, Lead Hand, Fort Erie
Dennis Eveleigh, Plant Documentation Coordinator,
Botanical Gardens & School of Horticulture
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School News
Ode to the 21st Century Gardener
By Celia Le Maistre-Matthys, Class of 2017
There is compost in my tea
Cause the only media I own
And compost tea in my soil
Are sand, silt and loam
From grass, to shrub, to tree
No need for Facebook or
Twitter
I drop the proof of my toils
My life long love is my Ranger
And I leave leaves in her bed
Lucky to dirt she’s no stranger
Because foliage I do shed
From my panties when I pee
And from my shirt when I strip
There’s a grass stain on my knee
And there’s mulch on my lip
When I have rakes and leaf litter
Then like it or dislike it,
Doesn’t matter to me
Cause form follows function
And it’s all subjectivity
No dirty looks cast my way
Except from my best buds
When on our beauty day
My coveralls are so basic
We’re making masks of real
mud
Even the limestone can’t
compete
Out waxing our trucks
Yes the outfit is fantastic
And tapping our trees
With the Blundstones it’s
complete
Our brows we will pluck
Before sugaring parties
Both my getup and my trees
Then send them DJs away
Have got 4 seasons’ interest
We have crows and a jay
But neither one you’ll see
The squirrels will chitter chatter
On a site like Pinterest
And the chipmunks will play
Do the sprinkler on organic
matter
But no hip hop on the bedrock
Just drip drop pitter, patter
In the forest please no hard
rock!
Yes in hort there is much to be
done
But one thing everybody knows
When pruning shrubs, rule
number one;
Don’t forget to smell at least one
rose
Gardener of this century
If by this rule you abide
Remove your shoes and be free
The grass is greener on your
side
From the Library
By Ruth Stoner
Bill Snowden sends along a message that the Royal
Botanical Gardens in Burlington, Ontario has published
a book titled People, Plants & Passion: The Story of Ray
Halward by Marie Nagloren Minaker, Volunteer Archivist
and Alex Henderson, Curator of Collections. Cost $14.95.
Available at the RBG. Bill says that the book is well done
and well researched. It may be of interest to many who knew
Ray Halward, RBG's first plant propagator and a graduate of
the Class of 1939.
Ruth will be obtaining a copy of this new tribute book for
the School of Horticulture Library.
Renew your Membership today. Fellowship awaits.
15
Graduate News
The Shortinghuis Garden in Alberta
By Frank Schortinghuis ’67
Three years ago Joyce and I moved to Alberta just east
of Lethbridge where we now live with our eldest son
and his family. We built a new house next to theirs on
two acres of land and installed extensive planting areas
around the property featuring many varieties of perennials,
shrubs and trees. Perennials love it here. We have just
over a hundred different varieties in our garden. Some of
my favorites being: Achillea, Aster, Astrantia, Baptisia,
Chrysanthemum, Cimicifuga, Delphinium, Doronicum,
Eupatorium, Geranium species, Hemerocallis, Monarda,
Paeonia, Rudbeckia, and many more. The real winner,
though is Nepeta racemosa 'Walker’s Low', catmint. It blooms
all summer long. Another favorite is Geranium 'Gerwat'
Rozanne, it also is a continuous bloomer. In 2016 the garden
was entered in the local Communities in Bloom completion
and was chosen as the best garden in the municipal district of
Taber.
Above: The award-winning, three-year-old garden of Frank and
Joyce Schortinghuis. Photos by Frank Schortinghuis ’67.
16
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Graduate
Section Title
News
Above: The award-winning, three-year-old garden of Frank and Joyce Schortinghuis. In 2016 the garden was entered in the local
Communities in Bloom completion and was chosen as the best garden in the municipal district of Taber, Alberta.
Below: Mossy trees in the rainforest near Powel River, B.C. Photos by Frank Schortinghuis ’67.
17
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Graduate
Section Title
News
Congratulations to Kathryn and Jon Peter ’04
Congratulations are extended to Jon and Kathryn on
the birth of their daughter, Clair Elizabeth Peter, born
November 28th at 8:28 am.
Look for the next issue of the Horticultural Herald ...
The Annual General Meeting and more
all to arrive in April
Answers from the Plant ID Quiz in this Issue. All plants from
The Royal Botanical Gardens Cootes Paradise (page 32):
1. Reynoutria sachalinensis (Fallopia sachalinensis/Polygonum
sachalinense), Polygonaceae
2. Ligustrum vulgare, Oleaceae
3. Alliaria petiolata, Brassicaceae
4. Cynanchum rossicum, Asclepiadaceae
5. Rhamnus cathartica, Rhamnaceae
6. Lonicera maackii, Caprifoliaceae
18
Photo credits for this edition of the Horticulture Herald:
Jon Peter, Page 18, 29
Anne Van Nest, Page 4, 8, 9, 14, 21, 25, 29, 31, 32
Bludstone Elastic Sided Boots, Page 15, By AYArktos on en.wikipedia,
Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.
php?curid=1015117
Yourmcmurraymagazine.com, Page 21
Ken Towle, Page 24
Bailey Wilson, Page 3, 4, 8
TIAC.com Page 9
Zenia Buzanko, Page 2
Patricia Denington, Page 7
Jessie Bond, Page 12, 13
Kris Mahoney Facebook, Page 14
Brett Booth Facebook, Page 14
Stan Kochanoff Facebook, Page 24
Niagara Parks School of Horticulture Archives, Page 1, 7
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Graduate
Section Title
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Photographing Big Trees and Little Trees
By Frank Schortinghuis ’67
Some of the largest trees in Canada are found on the
west coast of British Columbia. I lived there for fortytwo years before moving to Alberta recently to be closer
to our grandchildren. I do miss the west coast, especially
Vancouver Island were we lived for twelve years.
Cathedral Grove on Vancouver Island is one of my
favorite spots. It has some of the largest trees which
are predominantly Douglas fir, hemlock, and Western
red cedar. Walking through these giants is an awesome
experience. This last spring I went back to the coast for a
visit. One of my photo shoots was in Cathedral Grove.
Photographing these giant trees is not easy. I picked a
cloudy day for more even light conditions. A sunny day
tends to create harsh shadows and highlights. To emphasize
the scale of these trees I included a person in the picture.
I used a wide-angle lens to exaggerate the large tree in the
foreground and to lead your eye into the picture.
In the rainforest there is a lot of moss. I have included some
images of mossy trees near Powell River, B.C. I also found
an example of real bonsai in nature and took a picture of a
small hemlock growing on the end of a submerged log in
Fairy Lake near Port Renfrew, B.C.
Above: The B.C. rainforest near Powell River, B.C. Right: The
breathtaking beauty of Canada's largest trees in Cathedral Grove
near Horne Lake, B.C. Photos by Frank Schortinghuis ’67.
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Graduate
Section Title
News
Landscape Ontario is Ontario’s premier horticultural
trades association.
• We have more than 2,000 professional members.
• We are the leader in representing, promoting and
fostering the advancement of the horticulture
industry in Ontario.
• Networking is one of our founding principles.
Landscape Ontario offers professional development,
industry trade shows, conferences, consumer events,
and cost-savings benefits.
We are organized into nine chapters: Durham, Georgian
Lakelands, Golden Horseshoe, London, Ottawa, Toronto,
Upper Canada, Waterloo, and Windsor.
Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association
7856 Fifth Line South, RR4, Milton, ON, L9T 2X8 Canada
www.horttrades.com Above: The breathtaking beauty of Canada's largest trees in
Cathedral Grove, MacMillan Provincial Park, B.C. Right: This
small tree is a hemlock growing on the end of a submerged log
in Fairy Lake near Port Renfrew, B.C. This is nature's version of
a bonsai. Photos by Frank Schortinghuis ’67.
20
www.landscapeontario.com Toll Free: 800 265 5656
Phone: 416 848 7575
Fax: 905 875 3942
Celebrating the 80th
www.alumninpcsoh.com
Anniversary of the School of Horticulture
Niagara
Section
Parks
Title
News
to assume the responsibilities of CEO at The Niagara Parks
Commission,” In announcing the appointment, Chair
Thomson said, "Reegan’s long history of collaborating with
community groups and stakeholders to maintain a high
standard of communication, develop customer service
relationships and build economic strength complements the
requirements of the CEO position at NPC,”
Tony Baldinelli said that the CEO will provide direction and
oversight to key corporate administrative functions and take
the lead on short and long term organizational strategies that
support the direction set by the Board.
New CEO at Niagara Parks
By Tony Baldinelli, Senior Manager, Communications and
Stakeholder Relations
Reegan McCullough, currently Executive Director of
Oil Sands Community Alliance in Alberta, has been
appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Niagara
Parks Commission, Chair Janice Thomson announced on
November 7th. Mr. McCullough formerly was the Assistant
Deputy Minister for the Alberta Government.
Responsibility for all day-to-day operational functions
of NPC will be assigned to a new position, that of Chief
Operating Officer (COO). The COO will have direct
supervisory responsibility of the Senior Directors that head
up the business units within NPC.
Chair Thomson announced that David Adames, who is
presently NPC’s Senior Director of Business Development,
has been appointed to the role of Chief Operating Officer.
"This position has overall accountability for the operational
Chair Janice Thomson said, “Reegan’s exceptional experience divisions of the NPC and David’s successful record of
in executive management positions within both the public
achievement in improving all facets of the business gives us
and private sector, focused on large scale operations, strategic confidence that we will continue to see positive achievements
policy and regulatory development, capital construction
against our strategic plan.”
and financial accountability, make him the ideal candidate
Now Available !
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Available to all paid Alumni members. Email your business logo today so
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Send your logo to Karen Michaud at [email protected]
Sample:
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21
From
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Title
[continued from page 2]
• How we can rejuvenate interest and increase membership
in our Alumni Association.
From the Desk of the Secretary
By Karen Michaud ’84
NPC COO David Adames will be our keynote speaker at the
AGM providing a unique opportunity for connection and
communication between ourselves and the Commission and
the School. If you are interested and concerned for the future
of the School and our Alumni Association please attend this
important meeting so you can be involved in and contribute to
the well-being of our organization and our alma mater.
Thank you for getting involved, attending events and paying
your membership dues. Membership is up this year over last
year, so please keep this momentum going and renew. As
an Association we can accomplish great things if we work
together.
The Year Ahead
Renewal forms are attached to your herald, and available
on our website. Payment can be made by cheque, Visa,
MasterCard, and now by E transfer. This is very easy way to
send in your dues … no envelope, no stamp, no paper!
The whole country will be celebrating Canada’s 150th
anniversary in 2017. The Alumni Association has existed for 70
of those years! That is a lot of history. This year will be a time
for reflection on where we’ve come from, what we are today,
and where we want to go in our lives, our work, and with our
Association. We are always asking, what are our values and how
do we manifest those values? Our graduates all share a common
experience from our three years at the School of Horticulture.
No two journeys were alike and yet we understand what each
other went through and appreciate the career that takes shape
afterwards. We are touchstones for each other. The Alumni
Association gives us all a way to stay connected, support and
celebrate each other. I believe this is special and is a valuable
part of my life. I feel that the Alumni Association deserves the
commitment we give it – and must continue to give it.
The AGM is Saturday, February 11th 2017 at the New Lecture
Hall, School of Horticulture. See the notice on page 9. Watch
for further details by email, our face book page, and the website.
We welcome and need new energy and ideas to keep
us dynamic and exciting, so keep in touch through the
Horticultural Herald, on facebook, by updating your Blue
Book information, attending events (or creating your own
events in the far reaches of the country, as done by the fine
folks out in B.C.!), and last but not least, consider joining the
Board of Directors for the Association or the Foundation.
What are your intentions for the year ahead? If you are making
New Year resolutions think about attending (or creating your
own) Alumni events in 2017! Visit the School and Botanical
Gardens when you can. Celebrate your class anniversary. I
hope to see you or hear from you throughout the year.
Memberships are due on March 1st.
Please take the time to send in your contact information
form, even if you are not paying your dues at this time, so we
can make the changes in the Blue Book.
The Blue Book is available in PDF. Those who have paid
their memberships will be emailed the PDF Blue Book,
or mailed, if you have requested a hard copy and paid the
mailing cost.
If you are a paid member, and have your own business, send
me your logo to include in the Blue Book. It will look great
and may increase your business!
As you know, we keep a list of employment opportunities;
please let me know if you see anything out there so we can
post it on our website or pass it on to interested paid up
graduates.
If you have had a change in your life; a new job, a move, a
new baby, or perhaps you know of a fellow graduate who is
celebrating an exciting honour, please contact me and I will
direct the information to the appropriate board member. As
well, don’t forget our friends who are ill.
Karen Michaud ’84 Executive Secretary
8 Hahn Avenue, Cambridge ON, N3C 2X9
Phone: 519-249-0381
Email: [email protected] or executivesec@alumninpcsoh.
com.
Zenia Buzanko ’03, President
22
Celebrating thewww.alumninpcsoh.com
Alumni Association's 70th Anniversary
From
Section
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Title
Horticultural Herald Report
mycorrhizal fungi and organic biostimulant product. Take a
look and support our newest Associate member.
By Anne Van Nest ’83
This issue of the Hort Herald continues the excitement of the
September 10th celebration of the 80th anniversary of the
School of Horticulture thanks to the many photos taken by
Bailey Wilson '16 as she captured the graduates, associates,
family and friends that were in attendance. It was a very
special day to honour the School that ties us all together.
Thanks to Kyle, Charles, Zenia, Karen, Bailey and so many
others for the fond memories of an exceptional day.
This issue also showcases the creative talents of Celia Le
Maistre-Matthys, class of 2017 who wrote a poem about
the modern gardener. Thanks Celia for sharing your love of
writing and horticulture with the Alumni.
Please remember to share your news and views; the
Horticultural Herald is a vital link holding our Alumni
together. Let’s keep it strong!
The next deadline is: February 15, 2017 for March printing.
Send your submissions to [email protected]
This issue also showcases another milestone event at the
Botanical Gardens and School with photos of the North
Let's keep the momentum going with your articles and
American Tree Climbing Championship that took place
pictures.
at the beginning of October. There is also lots of additional
news from the School with new instructors being introduced
and students competing in the Come Alive Outside school
garden design competition (thanks to Sam Farnham, class of
2017 and Jessie Bond, Instructor for the article and photos).
Thanks are also extended to several graduates who submitted
articles of their or other graduates' accomplishments. Don't
miss Frank Schortinghuis' wonderful photos of B.C. trees
and his award-winning home garden as well as Caleb
Greisman's ISA Prairie Tree Climbing Championship article
and photos for the G.H. Hamilton Travelling Scholarship.
Thanks also to Tom Clancy ’61 for highlighting the
achievements recently bestowed upon Stan Kochanoff ’62.
This issue spotlights a new Associate Member, Root Rescue
and introduces Bob Reeves, President and his exciting
Your donation to the Foundation helps serve the purpose of horticultural
education! Make your donation in memory of someone special or fondly
remembered, or as challenge to your classmates and fellow Alumni.
Post Office Box 263
Niagara Falls
Ontario, CANADA
L2E 6T3
Business No. 88839-6660 RR0001
Tax receipts will be issued.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Legacy Prairie Garden Fund
• Educational Fund
Knut Mattais Broman Fund
• Florales Library Fund
William J. Snowden Award Fund
• W. Garfield Weston Fund
Beatrice Catherine Martin Scholarship Fund
Roland Duffy Dwarf Conifer Teaching Garden Fund
Seymour Howard Schott Memorial Seminar Fund
Edward J. Hill NPD ‘48 Memorial Scholarship Fund
Gateman Malloy Scholarship Fund
23Encourage your Classmates
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to Join the Alumni Association
23
Graduate
Section Title
News
Stan Kochanoff ’62 Receives Two Awards
From ISA – Atlantic
By Tom Clancy ’61
Recently in Oromocto, N.B. at the ISA-Atlantic AGM
Stan Kochanoff ’62 received a Life Membership award for
outstanding contributions to the arborist's association and
the Gold Leaf Award for landscape beautification to the
Windsor Tree Canopy Committee and Communities In
Bloom, where he is a national judge.
Stan Kochanoff: Not ready for retirement yet!
Stan Kochanoff (MURP ’94) is the founder and principal
of Environova Planning group. He has over 40 years
of experience as a Landscape Architect, Planner, and
Horticulturist in the landscape and environmental planning
industry in Nova Scotia. Before completing the Master of
Urban and Rural Planning, Stan attended Cornell University
where he earned his BS (Landscape Design and Ornamental
Horticulture) in 1966.
Stan just turned 78 and is still as passionate about the field
as ever before! He continues landscape design planning but
his main preoccupation has become moving large trees and
doing tree and vegetation assessments.
Always a committed volunteer, Stan continues to donate his
time by working in his local communities-in-Bloom group as
the Tree Canopy Coordinator for the Windsor Committee.
He also oversees the Memorial Palliative Memory Garden
for the hospital in Windsor. In July he spent two weeks
going across Canada as a volunteer national judge assessing
Communities-in-Bloom cities in Calgary and Brooks,
Alberta, Coquitlam, BC and St. John’s NF. He enjoyed this
experience, saw amazing things that these cities were doing
to improve their community environments, and met some
great people.
Just recently, Stan was honoured with a life membership
award for his work from the International Society of
Arboriculture chapter ISA-Atlantic. The award reads: “In
recognition of his dedication and passion for promoting the
Professional Practice of Arboriculture in Atlantic Canada
and for his involvement and outstanding contributions to
the chapter”.
Stan jokes that he is on his “Freedom 95 program”. He
remarks, “It is difficult to find younger people to do this type
of work. It needs to be done and I enjoy it, so I will keep
going as long as I can!”
Reprinted from the Dalhousie University Alumni Spotlight,
posted November 8, 2016
https://alumni.dal.ca/alumni-story/stan-kochanoff-murp94-not-ready-retirement-yet/
Left: David Jollymore, President of the ISA-Atlantic chapter
of the International Society of Arboriculture presents Stan
Kochanoff ’62 with a life membership award for his work for
the ISA.
24
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Industry
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Title
The tour was organized to instill a passion for the environment
and a desire to encourage biodiversity in Ontario. Several
Niagara Parks School of Horticulture graduates were in
By Anne Van Nest ’83
attendance (including Melissa Spearing ’13 and Sean James
Horticulture Outreach Collaborative (HOC) is a committee ’91) as well as representatives from local conservation
of the Ontario Invasive Plant Council. HOC was formed in authorities, nurseries, the industry, and garden writers.
2009 when Credit Valley Conservation and Toronto Region
Conservation began discussions about invasive garden plants
infiltrating natural areas. Soon after forming, Landscape
Ontario came on board as a major supporter. The goals of
the HOC are to improve communication and cooperation
among the horticulture industry and conservation agencies;
to reduce the sale, use and spread of invasive plant; and
to increase the sale and use of non-invasive plants. Over
the years the HOC have worked hard on various projects
and resources including the popular Grow Me Instead
(GMI) guides and accompanying GMI nursery recognition
program, bookmarks and seed packets.
Garden Invaders and Alternatives: A Tour for
Growers, Nurseries and Plant Professionals
A few years ago, a tour was held to connect the horticulture
industry with conservation agencies. The tour was very
successful, which is why the HOC wanted to host one
again. The goal of the tour is to learn about the production
and promotion of non-invasive selections and native
plants as well as the effects of garden invaders on natural
areas. Growers and conservationists are asked to advance
this common goal for an economically prosperous and
ecologically healthy Ontario.
Left: Jon Peter ’04,
RBG Curator and
Manager of Plant
Records greets tour
attendees outside
the RBG entrance
before loading the
bus for a tour of the
Arboretum (right).
The most recent tour, held on September 8th would not
have been possible without funding from TD Friends of the
Environment, as well as help from Jon Peter, Curator and
Manager of Plant Records at the Royal Botanical Gardens
and Dan VanderKruk, Owner of AVK Nursery Holdings.
Jon Peter ’04, RBG Curator & Plant Records Manager
started the tour with a welcome and an overview of the
Arboretum. It was originally a family farm with cultivated
land being cropped with raspberries. Planning began in the
1930s with much of it planted in the 1940s. Problems with
invasives have arisen from new introductions arriving via
seed exchanges from around the world. Some plants would
have arrived for the first time in Canada at the RBG. Some of
these could potentially be invasive. Currently the arboretum
is in transition. There are 140 acres and 2 full-time staff to
maintain it. Maintenance is an issue in the Arboretum where
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Industry
Section News
Title
tallgrass areas cultivated for pollinators also brings deer ticks
and Dog Strangling Vine — a very aggressive, invasive plant
that needs mowing consistently to knock it down.
A surprising invasive plant now found escaping the
Arboretum is the Kobus magnolia, a native of Japan.
Katherine Moesker, of the RBG Natural Lands Department
has produced a report, “Invasive Potential of Magnolia kobus
as Demonstrated by Seedling Establishment in Natural
Lands Adjacent to Horticultural Collection” that reflects
Royal Botanical Gardens' present understanding of the
invasive nature and potential ecological impacts of Magnolia
kobus. Kobus magnolia was introduced to the nursery
trade in the mid 1800s. It was the most vigorous and most
hardy magnolia at the time. The RBG planted several in
the 1960s (including in the Arboretum). In 2013 seedlings
were noticed in nearby ravines. They reproduce vegetatively
and root when branches touch the soil. Kobus magnolia is
now listed as an invasive species as close as Delaware. It is
allelopathic and produces biochemicals that influence the
growth of other plants. Robins love Kobus magnolia seeds
and are the main vector to spread the plant to natural areas.
Of all the magnolias in the Arboretum, only the Kobus
magnolia is spreading. Why all of the sudden is it doing
this when it has been growing there for more than 50 years?
Jon Peter said that perhaps warmer temperatures are now
producing more viable seed. Also there are no major limiting
agents for Kobus magnolia at the Arboretum: no deer, no
shade — just hardiness to control it.
There are now several systems to assess the degree of plant
invasiveness. The Weed Risk Assessment from Australia is
one system used around the world. Other locations have
implemented their own strategies. Jon said that at the
Chicago Botanical Garden they grow on new plants for 3
years in a quarantine nursery before planting them out.
australis subsp. australis), and Burning Bush (Euopnymus
alata).
Above: After a tour of the Arboretum to look at the Kobus
magnolia escapees, the group followed trails into Cootes
Paradise Sanctuary, part of the Niagara Escarpment World
Biosphere Reserve, to identify additional invasive species.
Soon to be added to the invasive list at RBG is Porcelainberry (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata) and Amur Cork Tree
(Phellodendron amurense). Lilacs can also be invasive but
Jon said they are not a high priority since mowing around
the plants keeps them under control.
RBG has many control strategies for invasive plants. They
hand pull Garlic Mustard (and make ice cream out of it).
They use a weed wrench to remove woody plants such as
Glossy Buckthorn. They cover larger areas of groundcovers
Another invasive plant is Black Jetbead, Rhodotypos scandens, or grasses (particularly in wet areas) with tarps. And for
Japanese Knotweed, they have found that using a herbicide is
introduced in 1866 as an ornamental from Japan. It is
their best option.
now listed as invasive at the NYBG, Morton Arboretum,
in Michigan and NJ. It is growing at the RBG in the
Dan VanderKruk, Owner of AVK Nursery Holdings is a 3rd
Hendrie Valley and at the Niagara Glen. It has hard nutlets
generation nurseryman and let the group on a tour of one of
that are easily spread by animals. Other invasive plants
their field grown nurseries near Rockton, Ontario. They ship
include honeysuckles Lonicera morrowii and L. tatarica,
plants across the country from Alberta to Newfoundland
Rough Mannagrass (Glyceria maxima), Glossy Buckthorn
and into the United States. The property was weed infested
(Rhamnus cathartica), Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata),
23 years ago. Now it is used to grow oaks and maples that
Privet (Ligustrum vulgare), Japanese Knotweed (Reynoutria prefer a low pH soil. The trees are sold bare root or as caliper
japonica var. japonica), European Common Reed (Phragmites size trees.
26
Celebrating the 70th
www.alumninpcsoh.com
Anniversary of the Alumni Association
Industry
Section News
Title
They source their paper birch seed from Edmonton for
hardiness and earlier white bark colouration. Their Red
Maple (Acer rubrum) seed is sourced from Ottawa. Their
container grown shrubs can be identified to the exact
hardiness zone for Conservation Ontario clients.
Dan suggested that the Medallion cultivar of Norway Maple
(Acer platanoides 'Medzan') be planted as it is seedless and
doesn’t have invasive issues. He also suggested taking the
flowers off Rosa multiflora so they won’t set seed and give the
birds a chance to help it spread.
And as the afternoon tour came to a close, Dan made the
announcement that several people had made searches of the
natural lands adjacent to his growing field and had not found
any escapees. A big round of applause and cheer rang out
to close the very informative and interesting day discussing
garden invaders and alternatives. And lastly, Colleen Cirillo
of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, and
a member of the Grow Me Instead subcommittee of the
Ontario Invasive Plant Council suggested that gardeners
be used as restoration ecologists and make a difference in
stopping invasives, one garden at a time. Spread the word …
Above: Melissa Spearing ’13 examines a flourishing Dog Strangling Vine
growing in the RBG Arboretum. Right: Dan VanderKruk leads the group on
a tour of one of A.V.K. Nursery Holdings Inc. properties.
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Associates
Section Title
News
Meet Our Newest Associate Member –
Root Rescue
By Anne Van Nest ’83
A hearty welcome is extended to Root Rescue, the newest
Associate member of the Alumni Association. Root Rescue
debuted at Rooted in the Garden, the 80th anniversary
celebrations for the School of Horticulture. Root Rescue's
product line features an all-natural plant starter, Root Rescue
Transplanter that puts life back into the soil; restoring and
nurturing the natural beneficial soil organisms that plant rely
on to find water
and nutrients.
of mycorrhizal species, along with additional biostimulants
in the formulation, help offset transplant shock, and reduce
plant stress. Root Rescue’s Transplanter is beneficial for
95% of landscape plants (Ericaceae family members need a
different set of mycorrhizal fungi). A healthy soil supports
plants naturally; reducing or eliminating the need for
synthetic fertilizers or chemicals. Pet and kid safe too.
Root Rescue began as a grant-in-aid research program at the
University of Guelph in the spring of 2009. Then four years
of efficacy testing began where all the test trees were given
the same amount of water – the only difference is that ½ of
the trees were inoculated
with the Transplanter MSCS solution of mycorrhiza
and biostimulants.
Thousands of Thuja
occidentalis ‘Smaragd’
(Emerald Pyramidal
Cedar) and Acer rubrum
‘Brandywine’ (Brandywine
Red Maple) trees were
tested in this manner in
five Ontario different sites.
After four years of testing,
the inoculations did
improve overall drought
tolerance in the plants. A
report of the methodology
and findings was published
in the Acta Horticulturae
publication 06/2015;
1085(1085):119127. DOI:10.17660/
ActaHortic.2015.1085.21:
and is available on the
Root Rescue website
http://www.rootrescue.
Above: Bob Reeves, President of Root Rescue at the 80th anniversary
com/files/ipps2014dixon.
celebrations at Rooted in the Garden. Photo by Anne Van Nest ’83
pdf
Root Rescue
Transplanter
contains beneficial
mycorrhizal
fungi and organic
biostimulants.
Products are
available in sizes
from 90 grams
to 900 grams
to fit the needs
of homeowners
and landscape
professionals.
Root Rescue has
a simple “mix in
water and apply”
formulation. The
contractor, 450
gram tub size
of Transplanter
MS-CS will create
750 L of solution
– enough to treat
400 x 1 gallon pots
of perennials or
20 root balls of 60
mm caliper size trees. The product is watered into the top
30 cm of soil. Root Rescue’s Transplanter contains millions
of natural-sourced beneficial mycorrhizae fungi which
enter into a mutually beneficial symbiosis with the roots,
allowing the plant to gain permanent access to soil water and
nutrients that the roots alone could not find. These 20 types
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For more information contact Bob Reeves, President
51 Mill Street N., PO Box 864, Waterdown, ON L0R 2H0
(416) 995-9050, 1-888-733-2830
[email protected]
www.rootrescure.com
Pay your membership
www.alumninpcsoh.com
dues with e-transfer
Association News
Alumni Association of the
Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture
It’s 2017 Membership Renewal Time
Please Support your Alumni by
Renewing your Annual Dues today!
Graduate $75
Fellowship$85
Associate $100
(Special discounts for those renewing for two years or for married Graduates)
Let us know your Blue Book membership directory preference.
Available as a digital PDF emailed version, included with your
membership or printed version (for a small fee).
Don’t forget to update your Blue Book information. The form is online
at the Alumni website.
New
Alumni Association Travel Mug!
Show the world your proud affiliation while
enjoying your morning coffee. For the graduate on the go or those that want to enjoy
their coffee longer, our travel mug is 20 cm
tall bears the Alumni Association logo, and is
insulated to keep beverages hot or cold.
Help support your
Alumni Association by
ordering yours today.
Email Karen Michaud at
executivesec@alumninpcsoh.
com.
Makes a great gift too.
$10 each.
To renew your Alumni membership contact Karen Michaud,
Executive Secretary at [email protected] or executivesec@
alumninpcsoh.com.
NOW AVAILABLE
REPRINTED COPIES
of
Out of print since 2005 the illustrated second edition
is now available for sale once again.
Cost is $15.00 plus shipping and handling.
This is a fundraiser for your Association.
To request your copy contact
Executive Secretary Karen Michaud :
[email protected]
Our Business
is Growing
Your Business
Leading Provider of
Horticultural Knowledge & Solutions
Seeds • Plants • Tags • Supplies
905.641.5599 • 1.800.665.1642 • www.jvk.net
P.O. Box 910, 1894 Seventh Street • St. Catharines, ON • L2R 6Z4
Tell us about your travelling adventures!
29
Alumni Association Members 2016*
Paid Graduates
Last Name, First Name NPD Year
Amos, Timothy P.
80
Anderson, Kevin
84
Anderson, Michael A.
76
Andres, Buddy
67
Backer, John
02
Battaglia, Mary
91
Baun, Brian
85
Baun, Claudia
85
Bax, Jeff
97
Beeksma, Jim T.C.
70
Berwick, Kyle
14
Boles, Russell A.
68
Bouw, Stephen
85
Bouw, Linda
86
Brain, Harold A.
58
Bryan, Robert
09
Buntsma, Everett
74
Burt, Sarah
14
Buzanko, Zenia
03
Cavanagh, Charles
97
Clarke Powell, Susan E.
79
Coles, Arthur W.
71
Crawford, Harold
54
Crooks, Jodi
99
Curtis, Shane
99
Dalby, J. C. Douglas
69
Dick, John M.
85
Dingwall, Robert J.
47
Donnan, Mike
92
Doyle, Rick
69
Essery, Byran Norton
61
Falls, Wayne
73
Finnigan, George
71
Fraser, Sarah
08
Gifford, Gary A.
71
Goff, Michelle C.
89
Gomme, Russell F.
47
Groves, Bill
67
30
Haight, Arthur
Haight, Scott
Hamersma, Robert
Hamilton, Nathan
Handysides, Dave
Helder, John E.
Helmer, Richard
Hiemstra, Freda
Higgins, Peter A.
Higgs, Allan J.
Hilmayer, Mark
Hunt, David
Hunter, Charles
Hunter, Dan
Hutchinson, Gerry
Hutten, John R. Joyce, Kevin
Julie, George J. Kennedy, Robert F. Kett, Gregory D. Kivell, Jay
Lidkea, B.E. Randy
Martin, Gerry
Maxwell, Cindy
Mayer, Colin
McCullagh, David
McCutcheon, Wayne
McDonnell, Suzette
Meloun, Mark
Merrifield, Paul G. H. Moeyaert, Paul R. Murch, Robert
Oldengarm, Martin
Overdevest, Jason
Peter, Jon
Pimmett, Kathryn D.
Pomeroy, David L.
Price, Hugh
Purkis, Frank
Reid, William M. Richer, Robert
59
84
71
01
78
70
65
90
69
67
93
03
95
99
71
88
86
66
73
72
70
67
65
12
15
82
77
94
88
77
79
77
64
03
04
84
74
79
56
78
75
Robinson, Gary S. 76
Ruhnke, Dean
15
Schmahl, Darren M.
87
Schmahl, Weldon
59
Schuler, Laura
03
Schuler, Steve
02
Sifton, Melanie
06
Snaith, Janet
85
Spearing, Melissa
13
Stafford, Leo
86
Stronge, R. Ernie
78
Swance, Trevor
04
Syer, Lloyd E.
47
Tapper, Alana
04
Tapper, Ian
04
Thompson, Maripat
08
Todd, Jay
84
Tucker, W. Ross
79
Turenne, Paul J.
76
Unger, Cornelius
58
Watson, Robert S. 71
Weddum, Andrea
13
Wiens, Sara
02
Wiersma, Steve
00
Willis, Sarah
86
Yade, Mike
88
Honorary Life Members
Clancy, Thomas
61
Fast, Lorne W.
89
Hook, Richard A.
64
Howard, John W.
75
Hunter, Charles
95
Laviolette, Thomas
81
Learn, Keith F.
65
Michaud, Karen 84
Milloy, Michael
81
Snowden, William J.L.
58
Van Nest, Anne Marie
83
Fellowship
Streadwick, June
Iveson, Peter
Honorary Members
Thomson, Janice
Hunter, Charles
Iammarino, Placido
Johnston, Dan
Klose, Elizabeth
Michaud, Karen
Stoner, Ruth
Trombley, Carolyn
Whitehouse, Deborah
2016 Graduates
Cetnar, Justyna
Elsworthy, Miriam
Greisman, Caleb
Guay, Andrew
Salomons, Willem
Smeja, Mike
Wilson, Bailey
Associates All Treat Farms,
Paul Smith
G.C. Duke Equipment, Andrew Crow
Fast Forest
Phil Dickie
Gro Bark Ont Limited
Bill McKague
Grower's Choice
Jody Leis
Jack Van Klavern,
Robert Murch
Landscape Ontario,
Tony DiGiovanni
Redbud (Root Rescue),
Everett Dejong
* Paid as of December 31st,
2016
Celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the Alumni Association
Legacy Prairie
Section
Garden
Title Donors
Legacy: Above $10,000
Sharon & Tom Laviolette
Gateman-Milloy – Mike Milloy
Lezlie & Bob Murch
Niagara Parks Commission
Anonymous Landowner near the School
Specimen Plant:
$6,000 – $9,999
Molok North America Ltd.
GRO-BARK
TD Evergreen Foundation
Landscape Ontario
Roots: $3,000 – $5,999
Niagara Parks School of Horticulture Alumni
Ontario Parks Association
W. H. Reynolds – Brad Thomson
Plantation Irrigation – Mark Hilmeyer
Anonymous
Canadian Wildlife Federation/
Federation Canadienne de la Faune
Trunk: $1,000 – $2,999
George Dalby
Cecile & Tom Clancy
Jerri & Hans Loewig
Hughes/Peacock Garden – NOTL
Harold Brain
Liz & Gerald Klose
Mike Pascoe
Melissa McKerlie
Frank Anderson
Anonymous
In memory of C. H. Henning
Niagara Falls Horticultural Society
Hugh McCracken
Alf Savage
NPC Class of 1980
Jodi Crooks
Mathis Natvik Inc.
George & Gail Julie
Rain Bird Irrigation
Byran Norton Essery
Lincoln Garden Club
John Lohuis
Main Branches/Limbs:
$500 – $999
Stan Kochanoff
William Snowden
City of Brampton
City of Cambridge
City of Guelph
City of Niagara Falls
Melvin H. Dell
Norman E. McCollum
Ian Bruce – Bruce Tree Service
In memory of Dave Gower
Bruce Savage
Susan & Al Higgs
NPC Class of 1965
Mary Battaglia
Bill Browne
Gary Henderson
Scott & Melanie Haight
Ella & Buddy Andres
NPC Class of 2003
Windsor NPC Alumni Group
Clanmore Montessori School
Stephen & Linda Bouw
Branches: $250 – $499
Garden Club of Niagara
Fay Booker
Gerry Hutchinson
Harold Crawford
Anonymous
Kathy & Vic Hergott
Marg & Dan Costea
Chris Ziemski
Gord Rendell
Lorna & Arthur Haight
Al & Donna Satterthwaite
Cathy Swain
Tessa & Ryan Smith
Janice Thomson
Mark Dykstra
Robert Richer
Peter Higgins
Dave Handysides
Leaves: $99 – $249
Amy Doan
Niagara Saw
John Russell
Alana & Ian Tapper
Cornelius Unger
Carrie Zimmerman
John Morley
Kaarina & Martin Moore
Anonymous
Anne & John Hannah
Blair Abraham Delazzer
Russ Boles & Kim Modesitt
Madeleine & Jay Kivell
Judie & Dave DeShane
John Curtis
Paul Misner
Audrey & Frank Purkis
Lloyd Syer
Gary Moore
Maripat Thompson
In memory of Denis McQuestion
George Finnigan
Jay Todd
Richard Helmer
Zenia Buzanko
Mark Burkett
Janet Snaith
Patricia & Weldon Schmahl
Frank Schortinghuis
Anna Legatt
Michelle Goff
Robert Dingwall
Jim Beeksma
In memory of Don Schaff
In memory of Norm McKenna
In memory of Alf Savage
Melissa Spearing
Les Van Dongen
Gary Robinson
In memory of Charles Simpson
In memory of Keith Overbaugh
Richard Hook
John Helder
In memory of George Dalby
It's never too late to
www.alumninpcsoh.com
donate. For info, [email protected]
31
Test Your
Section
Invasive
TitlePlant ID
1
4
2
5
3
6
Find the answers on page 18. Submit your own puzzling plant id photos to: [email protected]
32
Join
Tellour
us Facebook
aboutwww.alumninpcsoh.com
yourgroup
travelling
for the
adventures!
latest information
32
Events
Upcoming Events
January 10-12, 2017 Landscape Ontario Congress Trade Show and
Conference, Toronto, Ontario www.locongress.com
February 11, 2017 Alumni Association of the Niagara Parks School of
Horticulture Annual General Meeting, Niagara Falls, Ontario
March 10-19, 2017 Canada Blooms, Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place,
Toronto, Ontario www.canadablooms.com
Jobs
Position: Friends of the High Line Seasonal Gardener, New York, New York
For more details, go to job posting http://alumninpcsoh.com/wp-content/
uploads/2011/12/PDF-PosDes_Seasonal-Gardener_2017.pdf
Position: Friends of the High Line Horticulture Intern, New York, New York
For more details, go to job posting http://alumninpcsoh.com/wp-content/
uploads/2011/12/PDF-PosDes_Horticulture_Intern_2017.pdf
Position: City of Edmonton, Full-Time Nursery Worker, Edmonton, Alberta
For more details, go to job posting https://coe.imomentous.com/job/
CITYA000C5215/Nursery-Worker--I?jobsource=indeed&utm_
source=indeed&utm_medium=indeed&utm_campaign=indeedfeed&src=JB-11120
Position: Town of Innisfail, Parks Operator, Innisfail, Alberta
For more details, go to job posting http://innisfail.ca/contact/careers
Associate Members of
the Alumni Association
All Treat Farms
Paul Smith, Arthur, ON
www.alltreat.com
Fast Forest Incorporated
Phil Dickie, Kitchener, ON
www.fastforest.ca
G.C. Duke Equipment Limited
Andrew Crow, Burlington, ON
www.gcduke.com
Gro-Bark (Ontario) Ltd
Bill McKague, Waterloo, ON
www.gro-bark.com
Grower’s Choice
Jody Leis, Kitchener, ON
www.growerschoice.ca
Jack Van Klaveren Limited
Robert Murch, St. Catharines, ON
www.jvk.net
Landscape Ontario
Tony DiGiovanni, Milton, ON
www.landscapeontario.com
Root Rescue
Bob Reeves, Waterdown, ON
www.rootrescue.com
Submit job postings and events: [email protected]
33