The Landscape Ontario Podcast

At the Landscape Ontario Congress, Canada’s largest and longest-running trade show and conference for the landscape profession, thousands of people come together to discover new products, make connections, learn from one another and get a sense of where the industry is headed. For this episode, I took my microphone onto the 2026 Congress trade show floor and asked exhibitors from across the landscape and horticulture industry a few questions: Why do you keep coming back? What trends are you noticing? And how hopeful are you about the future of the green trades in Canada? What follows is a collection of voices from the floor — what people were talking about at Congress and what they're seeing in their businesses and across the industry. Guests Gary Kielo, Greenville Planters Ernest Williams, Aquascape Firoz Khan, Banas Stones Dan Harvey, Miska Trailer Factory Mersed Derakovic, DIY Court Canada Ian Armstrong, Snap-on Tools/Bahco Ben Vandeburgt, Van Noort Bulb Co. Erin Fraser, Northern Wildflowers Matt Whittemore, Wolf Lake Timber Works Raymond Josephian, Derco Horticulture John Gibson, Treemendous Trees Jeff Ruttan, J&S Performance and Distribution Jennifer Mills, A.M.A. Horticulture Sheyda Saadatnia, Cedar Infrastructure Vish Parmar, Moasure Cody DesRoches, Digital Terrain Solutions Resources Landscape Ontario Congress Trade Show & Conference Video version of this episode

Spotted lanternfly is getting closer to home — and knowing what to look for could help stop its spread. In this updated replay, host Karina Sinclair talks with Jeanine West, PhD., about spotted lanternfly (SLF), including its lifecycle, preferred host plants, how it can hitchhike into Canada and the damage it can cause. They also debunk common myths and explain what landscapers, nursery professionals and the public can do to help detect and report this invasive pest. With increasing sightings and interceptions in Ontario, now is the time to learn how to spot SLF and help slow its spread. Resources Spotted Lanternfly: OMAFA Crop IPM Spotted lanternfly facts and resources - Landscape Ontario Spotted lanternfly observations in Canada D-24-01: Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) – Domestic and import phytosanitary requirements - inspection.canada.ca Spotted Lanternfly prevention practices for producers | ontario.ca Video version of this episode

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 Buzz on MPG Hives Book: Trees & Shrubs of Mount Pleasant Cemetery by Janet Davis Video version of this episode

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 hidden constraints like drainage, grading, setbacks and swales, addressing misinformation from social media and AI-generated “designs,” and drawing firm lines on construction standards to avoid costly failures. Resources Three Seasons Landscapes Video version of this episode

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, Halton Hills Today Video version of this episode

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 stay ahead in the evolving landscape industry. Resources Nextra Consulting

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 designs for different body types and weather conditions. Learn about the challenges of manufacturing technical workwear, the importance of proper fitting clothing for safety and efficiency, and Dirty Seahorse's advocacy for a PPE rebate for women. Dianne's journey from retirement to becoming a brand ambassador is truly inspiring. Watch this episode to gain insights into the evolution of women’s workwear in the trades industry. Resources Episode Transcription thedirtyseahorse.com