What does it take to manage some of Ontario's most sacred spaces? Join host Karina Sinclair and John Perrotta of Mount Pleasant Group as they discuss the unique, perpetual responsibility of cemetery stewardship. From balancing pristine groundskeeping with ecological innovation — like using goats for invasive control and integrating native pollinator gardens — to navigating the complexities of protecting historic monuments, discover how these remarkable landscapes serve both grieving families and the environment. Resources Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries Goats at Natural Burial Sites The Buz
Trust is at the core of every successful landscape project, and in this episode of the Landscape Ontario Podcast, host Karina Sinclair speaks with Chris Hopkins, owner of Three Seasons Landscapes in Hamilton, Ont., about how to earn it. Chris shares how his company grew from a high school summer business into a 35+ person, year-round operation serving residential, commercial and municipal clients, and explains why over-communication, transparency and client education matter as much as the finished product. The conversation covers setting expectations around budgets and timelines, navigating hi
In this episode, Certified Landscape Designer John Bright reflects on his first year running BRIGHT Design Studio after leaving employment to start his own landscape design business, describing how the decision built up over time and how there’s never a perfect moment to leap. He shares the non-design realities of launching a business, early challenges like inconsistent income, how simplifying contracts and adding a clear value explanation improved sales, and how working for himself redefined his definition of success. Resources BRIGHT Design Studio Video version of this episode
This episode of the Landscape Ontario Podcast explores why “less is more” in a fragmented landscaping industry, arguing that specialization helps companies stand out, protect quality and weather economic change. Frank Bourque, a sought-after coach, speaker and successful former business owner, breaks down the three ways to specialize and explains how to align your whole operation — from your marketing to your crew's roles — to attract better clients and keep your team happy. Resources Frank Bourque Landscape & Hardscape Business Consultant Video version of this episode
Get an exclusive first look at Landscape Ontario’s stunning new world-class training facility in Milton. Landscape architect Haig Seferian reveals the visionary design behind this transformation, showcasing vibrant new hands-on learning labs and breathtaking exterior features. From permeable paving to native habitat creation, see how this project is coming to life to serve the landscape — and local — community for generations to come. Resources Seferian Design Group Letter from Joe Salemi about future training facility, Landscape Ontario Magazine Landscape Ontario breaks ground on new facility
Guests: Breanna Beck & Alec McLennan Resources Branching Out on Spotify Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) Video version of this episode
Karina Sinclair welcomes back Grant Harrison, a landscaping industry veteran and consultant, to the Landscape Ontario Podcast. This episode explores essential advice on choosing and implementing software solutions to improve your landscaping business's efficiency and profitability. From accounting and operational software to HR and fleet management, Grant offers actionable insights on technology adoption and overcoming resistance within your team. Discover the evolving role of AI and learn how to ensure successful software rollouts to help your business thrive. Tune in for expert advice and st
In this episode of the Landscape Ontario Podcast, I’m talking with Dianne Finnigan, the founder of Dirty Seahorse, a company dedicated to creating functional, well-fitting workwear for women in trades. Dianne shares how her daughter Chantel's experience in the trades highlighted the lack of suitable clothing for women, which led to Dianne coming out of retirement to create Dirty Seahorse stitch by stitch. She discusses the rigorous process of researching, designing, and prototyping workwear with the help of women in various trades. Discover the unique features of their products and adaptable d
In this episode of the Landscape Ontario Podcast, host Karina Sinclair and entrepreneur Nathan Helder discuss the dynamic intricacies of taking over a family business, specifically focusing on Nathan's experience purchasing Gelderman Landscape Services from his father-in-law. They cover various challenges such as gaining respect, understanding financial literacy and maintaining family relationships during the transition. The conversation highlights the importance of separating business from family, establishing clear strategies and ensuring proper financial management. The episode is a compreh
Caution: This episode mentions death by suicide and mental health crises. In this episode of the Landscape Ontario Podcast, listeners are introduced to AgTalk, a free online mental health resource tailored for those in agriculture, horticulture and green trades. Hosted by Karina Sinclair, the episode features Merle Massie, executive director of the Do More Agriculture Foundation. Merle discusses the importance of mental health in these industries, the stigma surrounding it and the specific programs offered by the foundation, including workshops and the AgTalk platform. AgTalk is an anonymous,
In this episode of the Landscape Ontario Podcast, host Karina Sinclair speaks with Joe Salemi, the Executive Director of Landscape Ontario, about the association's upcoming project — a new training facility at their head office in Milton, Ontario. This state-of-the-art complex aims to provide world-class training for professionals across the landscape and horticulture sectors. Funded partially by a grant from the provincial government's Skills Development Fund, the facility will offer practical, hands-on training opportunities tailored to various disciplines within the industry. Salemi highlig
In this episode of the Landscape Ontario Podcast, I’m delighted to welcome scientists Dan McKenney and John Pedlar from Natural Resources Canada, who will be discussing the latest revision to Canada's plant hardiness zone map and website, which was last updated in 2014. We'll be delving into the seven climate variables that define these zones, how they differ from the USDA zones, and the potential impact of climate change on invasive species. Additionally, you'll learn about the contributions of citizen science and collaborations with U.S. agencies. Join us to explore the history of these maps
In this episode, host Karina Sinclair discusses the Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive insect, with Jeanine West, PhD., a plant pathology and physiology expert from Landscape Ontario. Jeanine delves into the threat posed by the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) to the agricultural sector, particularly the grape and wine industries in Canada. She outlines the insect's life cycle, preferred hosts and potential damage it can cause. Jeanine emphasizes the importance of early detection and public vigilance to slow its spread. She also discusses the importance of cooperation among the public, industry and gover
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 an
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 protec
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
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 Lands
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 Episo
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.
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 w
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 se
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, Heath
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
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 Intri
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 w
