Green Pencil

Dec 1, 2020
Peers: There for you
Looking back on the past year, I’m reminded of what it was like when I first started my business.

Oct 3, 2020
Congress lives
Volunteering for Congress is a part of my resume I value a lot. I am chair of its Show Committee this year — isn’t it just like me to get the most unique year ever!

Sep 1, 2020
Ashes to ashes. Invasive pest fells a shy beauty
In the early 2000s, the emerald ash borer was first discovered in Canada. It’s a foreign insect that kills ash trees, and it has spread quickly. But who is noticing?

Aug 1, 2020
Self-defence 101
Documentation is important, although low on the list when avoiding or defending a lawsuit. The first thing is, you don’t want one coming your way.

Apr 1, 2020
Get battle ready
As owners and leaders, continue to hope and remain calm and confident as we make hard decisions today that will bring us out the other side stronger.
Mar 2, 2020
How you treat suppliers affects your bottom line
If you have a salesperson who knows his or her stuff, serves you promptly and professionally, and is respectful of your time, then you have a winner.

Feb 5, 2020
You are never alone. Snow fighters' latest challenge: insurance
Snow fighters are not just contractors — we’re emergency service providers. We save thousands and thousands of lives every year, just by providing this service.

Nov 1, 2019
Necessary endings
One of the best feelings in management or ownership is hiring new people.

Oct 1, 2019
What's in a name? Botanical nomenclature sparks interest in nature
People are taking initiative to learn as much as they can about the trees and plants around them

Sep 3, 2019
Ignorant, negative comments are real, but I don't let them change me!
Remember, if you don't believe in yourself, how can you expect other people to believe in you?

Sep 1, 2019
Green Pencil September 2019
Mr. Piccini has been outstanding in furthering the Highway of Heroes campaign in the Ontario legislature.

Apr 1, 2019
The best succession strategy: Develop your people
Developing great people is the deciding factor on the future success and longevity of your business.

Mar 1, 2019
Productivity drives profit
Efficiency and productivity: the eternal promise of new products.

Feb 1, 2019
Start now with business succession
Any well-defined business plan will have succession as part of its long-term planning.

Jan 1, 2019
Energize kids outside
Great outdoor spaces engage all of our senses and compels us to reach out and touch the natural world.

Aug 1, 2018
Elephant in the room
Canadian landscaping and horticulture business owners are wondering if staying in business will become even more challenging with the legalization of cannabis.

Jun 1, 2018
Bad for Canada
Proposed changes to federal income tax rules threatened small family businesses across the country.

Apr 1, 2018
How high is it?
Knowing the attrition percentage may help new companies in the landscape industry.

Mar 1, 2018
Love: The next killer app
We need to understand the importance of developing and mentoring the next generation. I don’t think we have an industry problem, I think we have a loving and caring issue — from the top down.

Jan 1, 2018
Living respect
Our commitment is to honour Canadians for military service by planting trees along the Highway of Heroes.

Nov 1, 2017
It's a jungle
In the landscape business, you need to decide how to get to the top and realize you will make mistakes getting there. Just like an animal trying to survive, it really is a jungle out there!

Oct 1, 2017
Cooperation enhances safety
Landscape designers and landscape architects are working together to provide better services and public safety.

Sep 1, 2017
Plenty of promise for the garden centre industry
The best-managed garden centres will continue to find a corner of the fiercely competitive retail landscape, and will, through leadership and innovation, succeed into the next generation.

Aug 1, 2017
Passing the torch
I take my hat off to all family-run businesses. Kudos to all involved.

Apr 1, 2017
Green with gratitude
Your products, plants and landscapes actually are, in fact, green. Voila!