January 15, 2008
By Gerald Boot CLP

The beginning of a new year once again puts Canada Blooms on the front burner. In 2008, proceeds from Blooms will be directed to a new garden at the Toronto Botanical Garden, The Woodland Walk. It is just about time for the festival to take place.

The Toronto Flower and Garden Festival will take place from March 12-16, with the opening night gala on March 11. The Canada Blooms gala is the industry’s best party — be sure to be there. Anyone wishing to help with the move in or move out is asked to contact David Turnbull or Charlie Dobbin at the Blooms’ office at (416) 447-8655. Once again all the plant material for the show is being forced at BTN. Many thanks to the growers who donated plant material again this year. We are still looking for boxwoods, yews and cedars. Thank you!
 

Volunteer at the show

Many volunteers are needed during the show. People wishing to volunteer their expertise, may register at the newly upgraded Canada Blooms website. Be sure to check it out!  

Thursday, March 13 is industry night at Canada Blooms. The “Landscape Ontario Industry Night” is sponsored by Lombard, our endorsed insurance provider. All LO members will be offered two tickets for the event. This includes admission to Canada Blooms. There will be a reception, along with an awards program and some industry speakers. This is another great opportunity to see the show and to network with your peers — and it’s free!

Remember Canada Blooms is Landscape Ontario’s biggest showcase to the public. During the day, on March 13, LO is also hosting a leadership conference for the industry, featuring Jim Paluch as the presenter. To register, visit www.horttrades.com/paluch. Hope to see you at Blooms!