October 2001 Green is Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association Alex McClumpha Memorial Tournament Japanese beetles are on the move The sandman CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT No. 40027105 Postmaster: Please return undeliyerable copies to Thè OGSA, 328 Victoria Rd. S., Guelph, ON N1H 6H8 Rapidcore The depth ofpenetration is simple to adjust by winding the two side jacks up and down. The Redexim Charterhouse Rapidcore is one of the fastest aerators available on the market with speeds up to 3-1/2 mph, the Rapidcore can finish a green in less than 30 minutes. Available with two types of tine holders allowing for 6 tine types, the Rapidcore can produce square hole patterns ranging from 1-1/4" to 5". The Rapidcore stands on its front roller and adjustable rear storage stand, which ensures the correct height for easy 3-point hitch connection. Service and maintenance is made easy due to the minimum of moving parts. For more information or a free demonstration, please contact our sales office. 1184 PLAINS ROAD EAST BURLINGTON, ONTARIO L7S 1W6 Burlington Area: 905-637-5216 Toronto Area: 905-338-2404 All Other Ontario Areas: 800-883-0761 Fax: 905-637-2009 Contents Green is ALEX McCLUMPHA MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT............. 12 Aeration ........................................................................................... 14 Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association Announcements........................................................................ 16 C.G.S.A. news ................................................................................. 7 Cyber super ..................................................................................... 10 Easy way to control pond algae.................................................. 7 Golf course highlight - The Briars Golf Club ................................ 11 Health & safety .............................................................................. 8 In praise of lawns and grass ......................................................... 10 Japanese beetles are on the move............................................... 18 Looking back ................................................................................... 23 Mechanic's corner........................................................................... 15 New Turfgrass faculty member .......................... 5 Off the fairway ............................................................................... 20 President's message ...................................................................... 4 Take me out to the ballgame! ...................................................... 17 The perfect pumpkin..................................................................... 6 The referee ...................................................................................... 17 COVER PICTURE The sandman ................................................................................... 22 Autumn at Midland Golf & Country Club Turf or consequences ..................................................................... 21 Photo by: Dorothy Hills Welcome! ........................................................................................ 5 Advertisers Albion Golf Cars and Turf Equipment.......................................... 14 Almack & Associates ..................................................................... 5 Bartlett Tree Experts ...................................................................... 15 Braemar Building Systems ........................................................... 8 Burnside Golf Services ................................................................... 15 Century Rain Aid............................................................................ 9 G.C. Duke Equipment Ltd............................................................... 2 Maple Turf Supply ......................................................................... 6 Nu-Gro Corporation........................................................................ 17 OSC Seeds ........................................................................................ 15 Penguin Golf Associates ................................................................ 14 The P.E.S.T. Institute........................................................................ 15 Plant Products Turf ......................................................................... 16 OGSA is committed to Pumptronics Incorporated............................................................. 19 serving its members, Skyway Lawn Equipment Limited................................................ 17 advancing their profession, Turf Care Products Canada - Irrigation Division........................ 6 Turf Care Products Canada ............................................................ 24 and United Horticultural Supply .......................................................... 23 enriching the quality Vanden Bussche Irrigation & Equipment Limited ...................... 20 of golf Zander Sod Co. Limited.................................................................... 6 and its environment. President's message It's more than just about the turf The year 2001 may play-out as one of the most important years in the long history of the OGSA with respect to the issues that threaten our profession. These are the times in history when you want to be a member of an association that can effectively represent the golf superintendent’s profession ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS' throughout the province of Ontario. ASSOCIATION Because of the decision in the Supreme Court of Guelph Turfgrass Institute 328 Victoria Road South Canada that upheld a by-law in the town of Hudson, Guelph, ON N1H6H8 Quebec, municipalities were given the power to Ph: 519-767-3341 implement by-laws limiting the use of pesticide Toll Free: 877-824-6472 products within their municipal boundaries. In Fax: 519-766-1704 Ontario, no municipality has brought such a by-law to fruition, though there are a Email: ogsa@gti.uoguelph.ca large number who have begun the process and will need to be watched carefully to Website: www.golfsupers.on.ca avoid a precedent setting case in Ontario. Some of the municipalities considering banning pesticides at the present time include Caledon, Toronto, London, BOARD OF DIRECTORS Peterborough, Waterloo, Muskoka Region and Ottawa. Several other municipalities PRESIDENT John Gravett are taking the ‘wait and see’ approach to determine if banning pesticides will be PAST PRESIDENT Keith Bartlett successful in other jurisdictions. VICE-PRESIDENT Jim Flett TREASURER Mark Piccolo Municipalities are currently waiting for the release of the new Ontario Municipal SECRETARY Rob Ackerman Act to be introduced in the provincial legislature this fall. This act may give DIRECTORS Dean Baker municipalities the power (as in Hudson, Quebec) to determine whether or not Jeff Burgess pesticides could be used on golf courses, parks, etc. in their communities. The Bob Burrows OGSA is currently involved with various strategies at the provincial level and Mike Courneya municipal government levels. The Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association has Sean DeSilva teamed up with the Royal Canadian Golf Assocation, Golf Association of Ontario & Paul Scenna National Golf Course Owners Association to address the pesticide issues at the OFFICE provincial government level. A professional lobby group has been retained to ADMINISTRATOR Dorothy Hills conduct strategy-planning sessions to immediately initiate discussions with the provincial government vis-à-vis the Ontario. Municipal Act and the ability of municipalities to enact by-laws limiting the use of pesticides on privately held lands. We have been successful in securing key meetings with various ministries (including the Ministry of Environment) and have made some good progress. Our immediate objective is for the golf industry to impress upon the provincial government the depth, complexity and ramifications of this issue and the need for them to take a “go-slow” approach. This issue is more than just about the turf. It’s about economics, taxes, employment, tourism and many other issues. Until this issue can be fully vetted with interested stakeholders, the provincial government (we believe) should restrict the ability of municipalities to implement by-laws banning the use of pesticides in their jurisdictions. In the absence of proven effective alternative products, there is a need in the golf industry for the legitimate, responsible, and GREEN IS BEAUTIFUL EDITORIAL controlled use of pesticide products in Ontario. COMMITTEE At the municipal level, it is imperative that each superintendent in that particular Jeff Stauffer, Editor region voices their concerns over this issue and increase pressure on individual Bob Burrows, Liaison municipalities that are considering banning pesticides. The OGSA has plenty of Dorothy Hills, Coordinating Manager information available to our members that will help you with your presentation. As Randy Booker well, the OGSA is setting up a team of regional representatives across Ontario to Angelo Capannelli help facilitate municipal requests for information and presentations. This list will be Scott Horsburgh made available to you in the near future. The key to any success at the municipal Greg O'Heron level thus far is ensuring that you attend these pesticide meetings locally. Local Mark Piccolo governments have been ‘brain-washed’ by the anti-pesticide folks, and they need to Mark Prieur hear from you. They want to know how you will get along without the use of Mark Schneider pesticides in your community. They want to hear from YOU, not the ‘hired-guns’. There are some successes to share with you year-to-date. Our meetings with MOE officials have resulted in the request for our industry to draft a by-law that pertains to pesticide use on golf courses. This is a great opportunity for us to help the provincial government develop a model by-law Green is Beautiful 2001 that they could take to the municipalities to avoid radically "Green is Beautiful" is Printed on Although every effort is made to check different by-laws from town to town in Ontario. Various material for publication, the association is municipalities have contacted us to help them draft potential Recycled Paper not responsible for material published on by-laws in their communities for pesticide use of golf courses. behalf of its contributors. This is our opportunity to show town officials that we are the All rights are reserved by the publisher and any reproduction in whole or part true environmental stewards of the land. without the written permission of the Small battle victories in an uphill war. publisher is prohibited. New Turfgrass faculty member appointed at University of Guelph The Guelph Turfgrass Institute at the University of Guelph is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Julie Dionne to the position of Turf Management Faculty with the Department of Plant Agriculture. Welcome! Dr. Dionne completed her Ph.D. O.G.S.A. Welcomes in Plant Science at Laval University, Quebec, in the spring of 2001. She our newest members also received her B.Sc. from Laval in Luis Gonzales Class C 1993. Julie grew up in a horticulture Kleinburg Golf Club Ltd. family. Her parents owned a garden centre, nursery and landscaping Mark Pickering Class C company and her grandparents were Crosswinds Coif & CC greenhouse flower growers. Since 1999, Julie was the Stacy Brian Reardon Class C coordinator of the turf program at Deer Creek Golf & Country Estates the Horticultural Research Centre at Laval University. She currently co­ Darryl William Shaw Class B supervises five graduate students information and an educational Deer Creek Golf & working in Quebec on different opportunity for participating Country Estates aspects of turf management. Two of industry professionals.” those graduate students will be Julie will divide her time between Chelsea Stroud Class F joining Julie at Guelph in January. an office in the Bovey Building on Westmount Golf & CC Julie looks forward to working with the University of Guelph campus and the Guelph Turfgrass Institute’s the Guelph Turfgrass Institute. She research team and developing a can be contacted by telephone at strong research program addressing (519) 824-4120 ext. 2232 or by e-mail both applied and basic research at jdionne@uoguelph.ca. challenges. Her research interests For more information, please include the physiology and contact Dr. Dionne or myself, Rob ecophysiology of turfgrass species in Witherspoon, Director Guelph relation to environmental stress Turfgrass Institute & Environmental tolerance to extreme temperature, Research Centre, University of drought and anaerobic conditions. Guelph, Guelph, Ontario Canada PRECIPITATION IN “I think it is very important to work (519) 824-4120 Ext. 6886 Fax (519) ONTARIO REGION closely with the turfgrass industry”, Measured at Pearson International Airport 766-1704 Provided by Ministry of the Environment says Dionne, “and there is Free On-line Advisory Bulletin: tremendous potential for the http:/ / gti.uoguelph.ca/advisor YEAR 2001 development of on-site research Updated every two weeks through Average Actual projects that provide both important January the season. (rain) 18.5 mm 21.0 mm (snow) January 32.3 cm 10.8 cm January (total) 45.6 mm 31.2 mm February (rain) 20.8 mm 55.6 mm (February snow) 25.9 cm 36.0 cm February (total) 45.5 mm 94.0 mm March (rain) 35.1 mm 8.8 mm (snow) March 19.9 cm 26.4 cm March (total) 56.9 mm 31.4 mm April (rain) 56.0 mm 35.8 mm (snow) April 7.3 cm 0.6 cm April (total) 64.0 mm 36.4 mm Corrie Almack, P.Ag. May 66.0 mm 92.2 mm June 68.9 mm 61.8 mm July 76.6 mm 34.0 mm ALMACK & ASSOCIATES Tel: (905) 689-6174 Box 256, Carlisle, Ontario Fax: (905) 689-8522 August 84.2 mm 34.6 mm LOR 1HO Email: C.Almack@sympatico.ca September 74.2 mm 50.4 mm The Perfect Pumpkin Brett Murray Due to the summer drought most of Ontario Technical Sales experienced, Plant Products decided not to hold a Pumpkin contest this year. Despite the poor growing Maple Turf Supply Business: (905) 857-2000 conditions Dean Baker, superintendent at North 8112 King Rd. W. Fax: (905) 857-8215 Halton Golf 8c Country Club and his staff fought the P.O. Box 370 Mobile: (416)616-8112 odds and grew some gorgeous gourds. Here’s Dean Bolton, Ontario 1-800-268-4425 L7E 5T3 mapleturf@attcanada.net sitting in the Pumpkin Patch, on the hill beside the maintenance shop at North Halton. 17525 Jane St., R.R. #1 Kettleby, Ontario L0G 1J0 Tel.: (416) 364-5700 (905) 727-2100 Fax: (905) 727-8546 E-mail: info@zandersod.com Website: www.zandersod.com TURF CARE Prism™ Pocket-PC Remote Irrigation System Manager Hand-held central control • Fast • Accurate • Fits in the palm of your hand The best tool you will ever purchase for your irrigation system. Call your Turf Care Representative for more details at 1-800-561-1432. A Tradition of Ask about our GPS Surveying. Dependability Turf Care Products Canada 200 Pony Drive, Newmarket, Ontario, L3Y 7B6 Ph: (905) 836-0988 Fax: (905) 836-6442 www.turfcare.ca Canadian Golf Superintendents Association news by Robert Burrows Rosedale Golf Club The tragic Superintendent, Tim Harkness and his Selection Committee as all of the events on staff, for providing a great course. candidates were well qualified. Dean is a September 11th Thanks also to the tournament well known and long-time supporter of in the US affec­ sponsors, Toro and John Deere, for our profession as well as a past President ted the ability of generously contributing to the Fall of the CGSA. many CGSA Classic. The regularly scheduled pre­ Watch your mail for information on members across tournament CGSA Board meetings were the CGSA Quebec City Conference. This Canada to fly in postponed until October. Under the promises to be a very special venue. The for the Fall field circumstances, our Board business can new conference and hotel sites are day in Bromont wait until things return to some sense connected and are absolutely first-class. Quebec. This was of normalcy. This historic city is one of the world’s best certainly a sad Congratulations to the 2002 Score tourist destinations with lots of apres- day. The tournament was held on the Superintendent of the Year award work activities. 17th, although primarily with members recipient, Mr. Dean Morrison of the See you at the CGSA Regional seminar from Ontario eastward who were driving Calgary Country Club. This was no in November near Pearson International to the tournament. Thank you to host doubt a difficult decision for the airport with Dr. Frank Rossi. Easy way to control pond algae by Marie Meyer Here is a simple, inexpensive and spring, before algal growth begins. Here Wheat straw is easy to find and works organic method for controlling algae, a are a few guidelines for using the barley nearly as well, but you’ll have to common pond problem, using straw method. First, estimate your pond’s increase the quantities and replace the barley straw. surface area in square yards. Decide the straw more frequently. DO NOT USE This solution seems to have been a amount of straw according to your pond’s HAY. It is high in nutrients (feeding the well kept secret in North America, even needs, and multiply by pond surface: algae) and rots quickly (robbing the though researchers in the British isles • Clear water with little algae and or mud: water of oxygen). have been using barley straw to control Use .03 oz. of straw per square yard. Here are some of the benefits of using algae for over 15 years. Perhaps it’s too • Muddy water with heavy algae the straw method: simple to be believed. Algae, a normal infestation: 1.7 oz. of straw per square • increased growth of submerged plants part of pond life, are tiny aquatic plants yard. such as wild celery, thereby decreasing that beneficially produce food and • Problem algae: First dose is up to 3.5 oz. the need for future straw treatments; release oxygen into the water. However, per square yard. • increase in invertebrate animals such as algae can run rampant, causing Loosely fill mesh bags or crabtrap-like water shrimp, which decompose problems. Algae’s decay can deplete the cages with straw, and distribute. For lakes, organic matter, graze on algae, and water’s oxygen; they may clog drainage use numerous bundles spaced about 35 provide food for young ducklings and systems, pumps and filters; and they can yards apart for even coverage. For small fish; turn the water a strange colour and ponds, place the bags in the center of the • improved growth and vigour of fish in produce an unpleasant odour. Some pond. Place bags near moving water, if the pond or lake; forms of algae make the water poisonous possible. Anchor bags with bricks and • clearer water and improved light for humans, wildlife and livestock. float with buoys or capped plastic pop penetration makes for better feeding Controlling algae can be tricky. Raking bottles filled with water. In cold water, environment for pond residents; is recommended for the hairlike and straw takes six to eight weeks to become • ducks and other waterfowl nest and clumping varieties, but does not work for active in controlling algae. Replace the roost on floating straw baskets. the tiny particulate algae. Herbicides straw before it is completely rotted, about If you know someone who grows aren’t a good idea either, because they are every six months (although if the straw barley, you may be able to get straw harmful to fish and wildlife, and shouldn’t starts to smell you should remove it at locally. Wheat straw is available at most be added to water used for irrigation. The once). In the event that you have put in feed and farm supply stores. The straw chemicals may also kill higher plants, too much straw for your pond, don’t method may require some trial and error giving algae free rein with no remove old straw until the new straw before you get your pond algae under competition, once the herbicide is gone. starts to work. Don’t add straw during control, but the results are promising - The barley straw method doesn’t kill prolonged hot spells in summer (during and earth-friendly. Researchers find straw higher plants or the existing algae, but it the spring and fall is best). Rake out algae is effective in most, but unfortunately not does prevent new algal growth. Dr. mats about one month after straw all, ponds, but considering the benefits, Jonathan Newman, Senior Research application. Filamentous algae may need it’s worth a try. Scientist for the Center for Aquatic Plant extra discouragement. Management, recommends starting the Although barley straw works best and Reprinted from: The Almanac for treatment in autumn, winter or early lasts longer, it may be hard to find. Farmers and City Folk, 2001 Health & safety Chainsaw Operation by DougJohnson, SAFETAID and Health and Safety Consulting First Aid and Safety Supplies and WHMS Training Another summer coming to a close issued guidelines for employers to use exhaust, (American Industrial and now we look forward to another when determining the need to train. Hygiene Association Journal October new year. Construction and refurbishing These guidelines basically indicate that 1997), has indicated that there may be is upon us. This means a different if you have a worker who is using a an issue with the inhalation of Carbon vigilance to your work. chainsaw, then you had better ensure Monoxide while working with In March, 2000 I wrote a bit about that the worker is competent. This chainsaws. It seems that there are some of the things you should do to means that the worker must be trained. issues with the inhalation of the ensure that chainsaw use was being Training courses are available exhaust fumes and these problems are handled properly. I thought that since throughout the province. You should particularly apparent in work areas we are now entering the construction contact the Ontario Forestry Safe where the operator is working in season, it might be a good idea to revisit Workplace Association at 1-705-474-7233 situations where air movement is the chainsaw issue. or the OGSA in Guelph to find a restricted. This might occur in an area The Occupational Health and Safety qualified trainer available near you. where there are other trees and Act (the Act) does not specifically What some of the clubs have done is shrubbery surrounding the work area. discuss the use of chainsaws. The Act work together to get a trainer in so that The study noted that there were does however specifically state that all they have a reasonable group of particular issues if the worker was supervisors must ensure that they are participants. This way you can keep the required to work in a “leaning or doing everything reasonable to ensure cost per participant down while squatting position” as this brought the the safety of their workers. The Act also ensuring that you are meeting or operator into closer proximity to indicates that anyone operating exceeding your legal obligations. the exhaust. equipment that might be hazardous We are attempting to put together a It is important to ensure that you are must be competent and capable of list of qualified trainers that you can taking the necessary precautions for operating the equipment. access through the OGSA. your workers. Meet or exceed the One of the things that the Ontario Another issue that you should note requirements of the Act and have a Ministry of Labour (OMoL) has done is is that a recent study on chain saw great Autumn! STORAGE FACILITIES • WAREHOUSES • NEW BUILDINGS •WOOD & STEEL STRUCTURES • ADDITIONS • RENOVATIONS Experience... That’s the Braemar Difference. For your FREE estimates please call Rick Brenzil, Harold Bundy or Jack Brenzil Toll Free: I -800-215-1996 RRI,York, Ontario NOA IR0 - Telephone:(905) 772.3351 • Fax: (905) 772.3422 Email: rbrenzil@braemarbldg.com • www.braemarbldg.com Call Century for Solutions Golf Course Irrigation ❖ Pump Stations Controller Board Repairs/Replacements ❖ Fountains/Lighting and More At Century Rain Aid, we have been HUNTER GOLF FOUNTAINS, CLUBHOUSE LIGHTING working with golf course superinten­ With Hunter rotors, valves and central Water features and landscape lighting dents for more than 25 years helping control systems you can achieve can enhance your course. Talk with your them solve irrigation problems. Your reliable, water-efficient irrigation Century Golf rep for ideas on making local Century Golf specialist can help throughout the course. your site more attractive year-round. you replace a few rotors, update your PUMP STATIONS BOARDTRONICS existing system or plan new construc­ An updated pump station can solve CONTROLLER BOARD REPAIRS tion. Century represents the industry's many site problems. Your local Replace worn or outdated boards leading manufacturers and we offer a Century Golf rep can help you for Toro® and Rain Bird® controllers. wide range of solutions to meet your design and install a cost-effective Fast 48-hour repair service: budget and renovation schedule. pumping system. 888-855-9132. Century has the solutions . . . call today for an on-site consultation. Hunter Golf Pump Stations Water Features BoardTronics Repairs Canada: Concord, 140A Bowes Rd, 905-881-4794 Burlington, 944 Zelco Dr, 905-639-7980 800-347-4272 • www.rainaid.com • email: rainaid@rainaid.com Controller Board Repairs and Replacements 888-855-9132 Cyber super by Mark Prieur, Assistant Superintendent Markland Wood Country Club A picture is worth a thousand things it does is enable you to lighten filters, red eye reduction and photo words. Digital photography is indeed pictures that would normally be too dark. rotation. It is not as showy as Photo becoming a part of the superintendent’s Also you can use filters, rotate, sharpen Wizard but again, it is free. bag-o’-tricks to explain graphically to its etc. In addition, you can post the pictures Remember to keep the camera going. membership what they do. These on the web and do fun stuff like calendars Green is Beautiful “Photo of the Year” photos can be used in email, and sports cards. It is simple software and contest is open to all OGSA members. powerpoint presentations or to show it is free. However, keep in mind that for before/after scenarios. The second site is publication in the magazine DO NOT Adobe Photoshop or other digital www.printroom.com. I think it was sharpen your photograph, either by enhancing software is available for originally designed to share your photos default or manually. Sharpening gives purchase but there are other options. The on the web. As a user you have to register contrast to the photo and makes it look web is full of shareware (read: free stuff) (answer some questions, including your great on your screen, but when it is and digital-enhancing software is one of email address) and then you can printed, it puts a black line around those items that you can use to give your download an exe. File (a file that runs everything, which is not acceptable for presentation the “polished look.” itself). Once this is complete you run the use in our magazine. Also, once a picture The first program Photo Wizard is file and your computer automatically sets is sharpened, it cannot be erased. So... if available at www.photocountry.com. up PhotoGenetics. Basically you can you are snapping a shot for Green is Photo Wizard is fairly flexible; one of the evolve the picture and do things like Beautiful, turn off the default sharpener! In praise of lawns and grass by Gordon Witteveen My first exposure to lawns was when I contained in that thatch layer and never Their next step will be to seek a ban on watched my father scythe the grass in our seep through into the soil and ground fertilizers, and finally to convert all lawns yard. The razor-sharp scythe cut the grass water. Mother Nature takes over with her and sports fields - including golf courses - to perfection and the result was a smooth loving hands and the medicines are to naturalized areas. green sward. Even as a youngster the sight decomposed. This amazing fact has been Pest control products are the and the scent of the freshly mown grass proven again and again at Research medicines of grass care. When grass gets its was extraordinary and I remember Stations all across North America. version of the measles it receives a small touching the turf and feeling its softness. I Most people don’t realize that an acre dose of an antidote and the grass recovers. knew right then that lawns were of grass generates far more oxygen than Since such medicine is expensive, as little something special. Scythes have long since an acre of any other cover, including trees. as possible is used and it is applied very been replaced by power lawn mowers but In fact, a 50 ft. square lawn produces carefully. As we all know the best way for a newly mown lawn has never lost its enough oxygen for a family of four. Grass mankind to combat sickness of any kind is appeal to me. has a cooling effect on our climate and it to remain healthy and so it is with grass. Some years later at the Ontario also traps dust and smoke particles and Grass is fed and watered and medicines Agricultural College I learned that there thus cleans the air that we breathe. are applied only as needed. My own lawn is was much more to growing and mowing On an average 18-hole golf course only a showcase of that philosophy. grass than one might suspect. I studied about half the primary playing area is used I can’t imagine what life would be like chemistry and physics and the properties by the golfers. The other half is often left without grass if our children and of soils and plants. In the summer I in a naturalized condition where it grandchildren can’t play on grass, if we are worked on lawns and eventually on a golf becomes a haven for wildlife. Many golf unable to play golf and if people can’t course. For the next 42 years I grew and courses add bird boxes to further picnic in parks. maintained golf courses that provided encourage wildlife. Let me encourage all of you, friends, pleasure to thousands of golfers. I watched Besides the nearly 20 million people in neighbours and anyone who appreciates my three children grow up and play North America who play and enjoy golf healthy lawns - in the strongest possible frisbee and croquet and pitch their tent on regularly, there are many millions more terms to recognize the threat of the best lawn in the neighbourhood. who play soccer, baseball and all kinds of shortsighted, politically correct activists Meanwhile, my studies continued and I other sports that use grass as a playing and to promote and to protect our learned that a sward of green grass had field. People picnic on grass, run, walk and turfgrass and our lawns. many benefits. Grass is the best form of even make love on grass, all of these Gordon Witteveen was the longtime erosion control imaginable. Its thick mass activities without ill effects. superintendent at the Board of Trade Country of roots and leaves traps runoff water and In spite of the many benefits of grass Club in Woodbridge, Ont. He has written three prevents the formation of erosion gullies and lawns and playing fields, a movement books on grass and greenkeeping, one of which in the landscape. The grass mat includes a has sprung up to do away with grass and has been translated into Spanish. He writes for layer of thatch that is the best possible lawns. This misinformed radical magazines and lectures globally about his filtration system. Medicines that are movement has as its first priority the passion, the care and joy of grass. He resides in applied to grass when it is sick are elimination of pest control products. Richmond Hill, Ontario. Golf course highlight The Briars Golf Club P.O. Box 111, Jackson's Point, Ontario L0E 1L0 email: briarsg@ils.net COURSE PROFILE WHAT COUNTY IS YOUR CLUB LOCATED IN? Georgina Township, Region of York IS YOUR CLUB PRIVATE, SEMI PRIVATE, PUBLIC, RESORT ,MUNICIPAL? Semi-Private and Municipal SIZE OF MEMBERSHIP? 328 NUMBER OF ROUNDS? 21,000 to 24,000 TYPICAL OPENING AND CLOSING DATE? 3rd week in April - November 1 NAME OF SUPERINTENDENT? Paul White HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN A SUPERINTENDENT? 33 years ARE YOU CGCS OR MASTER SUPERINTENDENT.? Master Superintendent and CGCS LIST OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS (AUDUBON, BOARD SERVICE ETC.) OGSA and CGCS HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN AN O.G.S.A.. WHAT TYPE OF IRRIGATION SYSTEM? Edger MEMBER? Toro system - automatic on Tees and Honda 5 hp pressure washer 25 years + Greens - 28 years old Seeder Manual watering on fairways Toro Bunker Rake HOW MANY YEAR ROUND STAFF? Jacobsen TriKing 1900D WHAT IS THE SIZE OF THE GREENS, TEES AND 2 (1 mechanic and 1 assistant) Reel Grinder FAIRWAYS? HOW MANY SEASONAL STAFF? 120,000 sq.ft, greens, 88,000 sq.ft, tees Hoist 10 and 21 acres of fairways COURSE PROJECTS HOW MANY MECHANICS AND ASSISTANTS? WHAT IS YOUR PREDOMINANT GRASS? 1 mechanic and 1 assistant Poa Bent WHAT PROJECTS HAVE YOU RECENTLY COMPLETED? New bunkers on 4, 5 and 15 HOW MANY USGA GREENS AND HOW MANY LOAM COURSE STATISTICS GREENS? Asphalted all cart paths 2 USGA greens and 17 loam greens Drainage installed on 10 greens and HOW MANY HOLES? 12 fairways 18 WHAT IS THE PREDOMINANT SOIL TYPE? WHAT IS THE YARDAGE FROM BACK TEES AND Sandy Loam LONG RANGE PLANS FORWARD TEES? WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU HAVE IN INVENTORY? WHAT LONG RANGE PLANS FOR RENOVATION DO 6285 yards 2 Fairway Mowers YOU HAVE IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS? 5211 yard 2 Green Triplexes Reconstruction of all tees and bunkers HOW MANY PONDS, AND/OR HOW MANY TIMES Sprayer Re-piping of irrigation system DOES WATER COME INTO PLAY? Fertilizer Spreader Automation of fairway irrigation 8 Flymo WHO WAS THE ORIGINAL ARCHITECT? Massey Tractor CHALLENGES Stanley Thompson Rotary ARE THERE ANY PARTICULAR CHALLENGES YOU FACE 3 Greens Mowers WHAT WAS THE YEAR OF ORIGINAL CONSTRUCTION? WITH YOUR PROPERTY? 5 Trimmers 1922 4th and 5th tees are in complete 3 Blowers shade BY WHOM AND WHEN WAS THE COURSE Sod Cutter REMODELLED? 4 Power Carts Robbie Robinson in 1973 Chevrolet Pick-up truck S10 SUCCESS STORIES Cushman 3 Wheel Truckster DO YOU HAVE AN SUCCESS STORIES? WHAT MAJOR TOURNAMENTS HELD? Cushman 4 Wheel Truckster Greens drainage has saved greens None Toro Aerifier WHAT IS THE SIZE OF YOUR MAINTENANCE SHOP? Stihl Chainsaw 50’ by 40’ Alex McClumpha Memorial Tournament by Dean Baker & Paul Scenna O. G. S. A. Golf & Meetings ou could not have picked a better Y moved into her new position of Turf Equipment was 1st low net. Jamie Scott day for the Annual Alex McClumpha Management Faculty with the won the annual putting competition, and Memorial Golf Tournament. The Department of Plant Agriculture, for some strange reason the prize has October 1st date was picture perfect for University of Guelph/G.T.L. Another always been “a putter”? Al Schwemler weather, and our host Paul White pulled notable mention was Art Dodson who from Toronto Golf Club won a D.V.D. out all the stops. The Briars Golf Club helped found this annual event. Player for closest to the hole. Donated was a wonderful setting for this year’s The big winner of the day, with the by Vanden Bussche Irrigation, and a event. With the season coming to an low gross score was Ted Ellis from Blue fishing trip for two donated by Vito end, the small Briars staff catered to just Springs Golf Club. Bruce Burger, from Cirone, from Burnside Golf Services was over 120 participants on this wonderful Lakeview Golf Club won the George awarded to Scchwemler, from The resort course. Brad Johnson and his golf Darou trophy for low gross Super­ Toronto Golf Club. The question is does shop staff got us off to a great start; intendent over 50 years of age. This is Al really like fishing? Congratulations to Mary Wilkinson and her staff of only also better known as the “finely aged” all our winners! four served up an incredible meal; and Superintendent category. Dave Stevens, The O.G.S.A. sends a big thanks to our of course, our host Superintendent Paul from Beaverbrook Golf Course, rounded associate members for all their support White took care of the beautiful off the Superintendent & Assistant flight throughout the years, and of course “the weather, and a terrific golf course to by taking home the lowest net score. For prizes”. We would also like to thank all play. The O.G.S.A. would also like to our Associates 8c Guests, Cliff Deering, the participants for coming up to thank Dr. Julie Dionne for coming out from Cliff’s Tree Care Ltd. was 1st low Jackson’s Point for the day and enjoying for dinner. Dr. Dionne has officially gross, and Mike Smith from Duke Lawn the Briars’ hospitality. Aeration by Chris Lecour Assistant Superintendent, Toronto Board of Trade Country Club The hot and dry conditions experienced throughout Ontario the number of times the greens need to be aerified each season. during August had many golf course managers scrambling to However, the larger holes left behind will fill in much more keep enough water on the turf. Some courses may have felt the slowly than mini-tine holes, the stress on the green is often effects of 38°C temperatures more than others if they suffer from increased and the cleanup can be more extensive. Usually the shallow root systems and excessive thatch on their greens. Now is disturbance to golfers will increase and play can be affected for a the time to plan ahead for next year’s anticipated high tempera­ longer period of time. At the Board of Trade, we are limited by tures and evaluate your current aeration program. several factors as to when we can aerate our greens. As a result, There are a number of aeration options available for the golf the last week of July and the first week of August is our best course superintendent: hollow core, solid core, deep-tine, mini­ window of opportunity to aerate our tees and greens. Despite the tine, hydroject, dryject, etc. Superintendents may be limited by scorching temperatures and lack of rainfall this year, the their budget, the amount of traffic their course experiences, or disturbance to the turf was minimal, due in large part to the size the management philosophy of their club. However, the need for of tines used. a committed aeration program is crucial to the success of any club’s greens. Options are available for almost any budget to help reduce thatch and promote deeper root systems, while Deep Solid Core Aeration causing negligible interference to golfers. Mini-tine and deep solid core aerating have been the “weapons of choice” at the Instead of using a hollow core tine to remove a section of the Toronto Board of Trade Country Club for several seasons now, turf, a solid core tine can be used to simply punch a deep hole in and for thatch reduction and deeper root systems, the results the green, leaving the putting surface practically undisturbed. have been outstanding. The larger diameter tines (1/2" or 5/8") are spaced further apart than mini-tines (anywhere from 3"X3" to 3"X5"), thus affecting only between 2 to 4% of the surface area of the green. Mini-Tine Aeration The benefit in deep solid core aerating is the depth the tine can penetrate (usually up to 8") and the “shatter” effect that some Mini-tine aeration involves the use of a 1/4" hollow core tine aerators, such as the Soil Reliever, can achieve. By penetrating 8" to penetrate just below the turf (approximately 2-3" deep) so a into the green and employing a “kickback” action that serves to small core can be removed. The cores can be swept or blown shatter subsurface layers, compaction problems can be alleviated from the surface and the holes filled with a soil amendment. over time. As a result of increased water infiltration, thicker roots Alternatively, the cores can be broken up on the surface and can be observed at greater depths on greens that had been the organic matter blown off the green; the remaining soil can plagued by shallow root systems. An additional benefit, as far as be dragged back into the holes, relatively free of unwanted play is concerned, is the amount of cleanup required after the organic matter. aerator has passed over the green. Usually rolling the green The operator can adjust the speed of the aerator to increase or immediately afterward will smooth any ridges created by the tines. decrease the number of cores removed from the surface. The average golfer will not notice any adverse affect on the According to a USGA report, using 1/4" tines with 1" X 2" spacing putting surface after rolling. We have had great success deep core will impact almost 2.5% of the surface being aerated; altering the tine aerating all of our greens in early to mid October; the holes spacing to 1" X 1" will double that figure to almost 5%. The have a chance to recover before the turf stops growing and the advantage of using mini-tines is the relatively minor disturbance deep roots observed by the hole changer the following spring are to golfers. Two to three days after being aerated with mini-tines, proof that deep core aerating is an effective tool. the holes on a putting green will already begin to fill in; after one Mini-tine and deep solid core aerating are two of the various week, the consistency and smoothness of the greens should be methods of greens aerification available for golf courses. They back to normal and the ball should roll as it did before the green offer the course manager a simple, effective means of removing was aerated. This reasonably trouble-free method can allow the thatch, breaking up subsurface layers and initiating deeper root superintendent to aerate two or even three times per year. systems. Their effect on everyday play is minimal while their long­ Using a larger diameter tine (1/2" to 5/8") will affect a term benefits on putting surfaces make them invaluable tools for greater percentage of the putting surface and possibly reduce many superintendents. 29 ADVANCE ROAD Penguin Golf Associates TORONTO, ONTARIO M8Z2S6 PHONE: (416) 236-1001 GPS Surveys and Engineering FAX: (416)236-4654 www.albiongolfcars.com Jim Firth P.Eng. BRUCE MCDONALD www.penguingolf.com jim@penguingolf.com 1 High Crest Road, Bolton, Ontario L7E 5R7 Tel.:(905)880-7070 Fax:(905)880-9450 Cell: (416) 884-GOLF(4653) Mechanic's çprner Engineers, Hydrogeologists, Environmental Burnside Golf Services Consultants A DIVISION OF R. J. BURNSIDE & ASSOCIATES LIMITED by Larry A. Murray, Pheasant Run Golf Club The ninth annual G.E.T.A.O. Serving the Needs of the GolfIndustry Golf Tournament was held at Westview Golf Club on September Contact Vito Cirone We can help with: Tel: (905) 953-8967 • Approvals for Golf Course Development 18, 2001. The winning team from Toll Free: (877) 799-8499 and Operations Islington Golf club comprised of Fax: (905) 953-8945 • Hydrogeology and Stormwater Management E-mail: Dan McGrade, (mechanic) Sean vcirone @ rjburnside.com • Sewage Treatment and Disposal Kelly, Tony Mantel, and John Website: • Environmental Management Plans Rowley. They are the first team to www.burnsidegolf.com • Building and Clubhouse Design • Irrigation Design and Consulting be engraved on the new trophy. • Environmental Impact Assessment Also, a draw for an all expense trip to the Toro Service School was won by Warren Wybenga from Donalda Golf Club. Congratulations to all winners! The membership of G.E.T.A.O. would like to thank John Gravett, Dorothy Hills, and the O.G.S.A. for their assistance and contribution to the tournament. This is the time of the year the equipment we use comes into question; the question of “To trade or not to trade”. Perhaps there is money left in this year’s budget and a beneficial decision needs to be made soon. All too often, the tax man is the main influential person in the decision process. Within the framework of a team, why not consult with your equipment professional, your mechanic. Your Offices located throughout Ontario mechanic may have knowledge of a new product or perhaps Members of OGSA, CGSA and NGCOA he has knowledge of a product or equipment by being in contact with his peers. A good mechanic is capable of making any piece of machinery operate properly, however is the functional value really there? If you THE P.E.S.T INSTITUTE need more value for dollar, then SPECIALIZING IN PESTICIDE EDUCATION & SERVICE TECHNOLOGY capitalize with the help of your mechanic. For information on the LAND mechanic’s association, please e-mail EXTERMINATOR (LANDSCAPE CATEGORY) me at l.a.murray@sympatico.ca. PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION COURSES NORTH YORK: November 26 - 30, 2001 January 21 - 25, 2002 February 18 -22,2002 When Falling Leaves March 11 - 15,2002 Will Let Us See... March 25 - 29, 2002 April 8 - 12,2002 Dead, dying, weak and diseased May 7- 11,2002 branches should be removed or supported to: MILTON: • reduce wind resistance April 1 - 5, 2002 For All Your LONDON: • provide less surface for heavy ice and snow Golf Course Needs! December 3 - 7, 2001 • remove entry points for insect March 18-22,2002 and disease pathogens Turf seed, Pesticides, Nutrite Fertilizers OTTAWA: and Bayco Golf Accessories Take advantage of our FREE March 4 - 8, 2002 Inspection program. Gov't exam held on Monday following each course. P.O. Box 7, Waterloo, Ont. N2J 3Z6 Tel: (519) 886-0557 Fax: (519) 886-0605 Instructor: Paul G. Pilley, B.Sc., M. P. M. Bracebridge • (705) 646-8733 Gravenhurst • (705) 687-0696 1-800-465-5849 Email: seeds@oscseeds.com Huntsville • (705) 789-0929 For more information and a brochure contact: www.bartlett.com Victor Freiberg Ken Graham P.O. Box 1021 Lindsay, Ontario K9V 5N4 E-mail: pgp_pest@lindsaynet.com BACKED BY THE BARTLETT TREE RESEARCH Trevor Hunter A. Kent McDonald Tel: (705) 324-PEST (7378) Fax: (705) 324-9729 LABORATORIES AND EXPERIMENTAL David Schmelefske GROUNDS, CHARLOTTE, NC Announcements NEW O.G.S.A. STAFF OGSA would like to give a warm welcome to Pat Thomas, who has recently joined the office team. Pat is a resident of Guelph, and brings with her, not only office skills, but also a great deal of experience in the opportunities and challenges that working for a small office can provide. When Pat is not working for OGSA and The Big Sister Association of Guelph, she likes to spend her free time renovating her house and walking her dog. So, if you hear a new voice on the telephone the next time you call, say hello to Pat. OTS EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS Conference Half Day Seminar - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 Title: "Effective Cultural Management/Soil Amendment Program" instructor Bud White has been replaced with: Title: "Preparing Your Golf Course for Tournaments" Description: This seminar covers preparing the golf course for golf tournaments including outings, club championships, member guests, and professional tournaments. The focus is on planning, communication, course set-up, preparing for the event, having a successful event and then evaluating the event. Participants will discuss keeping the golf course in top condition while hosting multiple events and how to get the job done on a daily basis when there is an event every day. Instructor: John C. Miller, CGCS, at The Golf Club at Yankee Trace in Centerville, Ohio is a 1983 graduate of Ohio State University in Agronomy. He has experience in private and public golf and was the host superintendent for the 1999 Nike Dayton Open and the 2000 and 2001 buy.com Dayton Open. You can register directly on line at www.open.uoguelph.ca/ots What you need! When you need it! Technically Trained Sales Staff Full Offering of Quality Products Superior Customer Service and Efficient Delivery Plant-Prod Soluble Fertilizers, Nu-Gro Professional Fertilizer Products, Emerald Isle Fertilizers, Fungicides, Insecticides, Herbicides Standard, Par Aide and Accuform Accessories Call the Plant Products Turf Team! Plant Products Co. Ltd • 1-800-387-2449 • turf@plantprod.com • www.plantprod.com We can also be contacted at: 314 Orenda Road, Brampton, Ontario, Canada L6T 1G1 • 905-793-7000 • fax:905-793-9632 The referee by Bob Leggiti Rules Chairman, O.G.A. felt that We A. The ball is through the green and our members the drain is in a water hazard. might be inter­ B. The ball and the drain cover are ested in a mini both in a bunker. C. A ball lies on a paved cart path. quiz on ‘rule of C. The ball is on a putting green and D. A ball lies in casual water. play’, and there­ the drain cover is on the fringe of 4. Bill hits his tee shot out of bounds. Not fore are offering the green. realizing the ball was out of bounds he the first segment D. The ball is in bounds and the drain plays his second shot with the ball lying of questions. If cover is out of bounds. out of bounds. He is then informed that any member has 2. If Bill’s ball is lost in casual water he must return to the tee and play again any concerns through the green, the reference from there. He does so and scores four about ‘rule of play’ fax or email them to point for taking relief is where the ball with the second ball. His score for the Dorothy Hills at O.G.S.A.... splashed in the water. hole is eight. email: ogsa@gti.uoguelph.ca TRUE FALSE TRUE FALSE fax: (519) 766-1704 3. For which of the following situations 5. If Bill’s ball lies on the fringe of the must a player take relief according to putting green, he is not entitled to relief 1. Bill’s ball comes to rest in an area where the Rules of golf ? from ground under repair on the a drain cover (an immovable obstruc­ A. A ball lies on a wrong putting green. putting green. tion ) interferes with his stance. He is B. A ball is embedded in its own pitch TRUE FALSE not entitled to relief without penalty if: mark. ANSWERS ON PAGE 22 Take me out to the ballgame! he Plant Products 2001 Annual Slow Pitch Tournament was T once again a great success. This year was our biggest year yet with 39 teams playing a total of 55 games. The participants took to the field for the first games at 9:00 am on July 14 at Turner Park in Hamilton on what turned out to be a beautiful, warm, sunny day. Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to meet and compete with other golf course teams from across the province. After several exciting and hard fought games throughout the day, once again, Toronto Golf Club won the “A” division final by defeating Oakdale Golf Club 16 to 6. Both of these teams won their respective finals last year. Chippewa Creek Golf Club won the “B” division final by default over Burlington Golf Club.. Chippewa Creek was a previous winner in 1999. Congratulations to all on your victories! We would like to thank our sponsors for their support in hosting this tournament as well as St Johns Ambulance, the umpires and the girls from the Ancaster Minor Girls Softball Association for scorekeeping. We look forward to 2002 where we will see if this years winners will be able to defend their titles. Toronto Golf Club Team Nu-Gro Corporation 1067 Beach Boulevard Hamilton, Ontario L8H 6Z9 Telephone 905-545-5363 Fax 905-545-2647 CAN-USA 1-800-263-8606 Brian Rosenberg Express Dual Technical Sales Representative & AngleMaster Cell: (519) 574-2013 Reel Mower Fax: (519) 743-6849 Sharpeners brosenberg@nu-gro.ca Japanese beetles are on the move by Pam Charbonneau, OMAFRA Turfgrass Specialist It came to me as quite a surprise to into new areas, I thought it might be a Damage find out that Japanese beetles have good idea to give just a bit of a spread from the area where they were refresher on these scarab beetles, what Unlike the other scarab beetles first discovered, namely: Niagara; they look like, what they feed on and found in Ontario, the Japanese beetle Haldiman-Norfolk and Hamilton- their life cycle. adults feed on foliage of over 300 Wentworth to many new areas in the species of plants. The preferred hosts last few years. The counties that have are maple, birch, mountain ash, linden been added to this list include: Description and fruit trees such as cherries, Middlesex county; Ottawa; Simcoe peaches, plums, grapes and county and Kent county. The adult Japanese beetles are very blueberries. It came to my attention that they distinctive. They are roughly 1.0- As with all the scarab species, the were in the Midland area (Simcoe 1.25cm long. They have a bright, grub stage feeds on grass roots. county) this year after a conversation metallic green thorax and copper Damage first appears as wilted turf. As with the Executive Assistant of your coloured wing covers. They have six the feeding progresses the turf roots association, Dorothy Hills. In a tufts of whitish/ yellow hairs along the are completely severed from the conversation with one of the golf outside edges of their wing covers that shoots. Damaged grass can be peeled course staff, at the Midland Golf Club look like tiny paintbrushes (Figure 1). back to reveal the grubs beneath. she was told that there was a very They are by far the most attractive of Japanese beetle grubs have also been serious invasion of Japanese beetles at the scarab beetle adults. The grubs known to feed on the roots of the golf course. Dorothy came back resemble all the scarab grubs. They ornamental plants and vegetables. into the office on the following are white with the characteristic C- Often, the greatest damage to the turf Monday and was asking me about shape. They have brown heads and is caused by secondary predators like these beetles. Not knowing that they three pairs of legs. At maturity the skunks, raccoons and starlings. The had been found in the Midland area, Japanese beetle grubs measure 2.0-2.5 skunks and raccoons especially will I thought that the golf course cm in length. The rastral pattern on pull up the turf in search of grubs. employee might have been talking the Japanese beetle grub is a shallow V Starlings will pull out tufts of turf in about the Asian lady bird beetles. The made up of two short rows of stout search of grubs. lady bird beetles have been all over spines with a crescent shape anal the news over the last couple of opening (Figure 2). The grubs go months. They have been in through three larval instars before Life Cycle abundance this summer because they pupate. To determine which grub there has been a soybean aphid instar you are finding, you can look at Japanese beetles have one epidemic. Aphids are a major food the head capsule width. The first generation per year. Adults emerge source for lady bird beetles. instars have a head capsule width of from the soil in July. Adults feed for 30- Because the Japanese beetle 1.0mm, 2nd instar is 2.0mm and the 45 days. Adult emergence coincides population seems to be expanding third instar is 3.0mm. with the flowering of hydrangea, Canada thistle and Queen Anne’s lace. Beetles usually feed and mate in the morning and return to the soil in the late afternoon and evening. Large numbers of males may be attracted to one female in an attempt to mate. The result is a ball of Japanese beetles rolling around on the grass. Egg-laying takes place in late July to early August. Eggs hatch in two weeks. These newly hatched larvae go through three instars during the late summer to late fall. As the larvae increase in size from second to third instar, they also increase their feeding. By the time they reach the beginning of the third instar the damage to the turf is evident. In early October the grubs begin to move deeper in the soil where they will remain during the winter. It is believed that the factor that limits their spread in Ontario is the soil temperature during the winter. Once spring arrives and the Figure 1. Japanese beetle adults shown skeletonizing a tree leaf. soil temperatures warm up to about 10°C, the Japanese beetle grubs move up to the turf root zone Agency web site at: www.inspection.gc.ca/english/ppc/ and feed briefly. By late May to early June they pupate. The science/pps/sit2000e.shtml. For more information on the cycle begins again in July when the adults emerge. biology, identification, damage and control of Japanese beetle you can visit the OMAFRA web site at: www.gov.on.ca/OMAFRA/english/ crops/facts/92-105.htm. Monitoring and Control There are Japanese beetle traps available commercially. These rely on both female sex attractants and a floral scent to lure the beetles to the trap. If large numbers of adult beetles are found in traps it is a good idea to consider a pesticide application. Merit is registered for preventative control Japanese beetles in Ontario. The window for Merit application is from June 1st to Aug. 1st. Merit must be watered in to be effective and can only be applied once a year. For curative control once grubs are found in an area, insecticides such as diazinon and Sevin XLR Plus are registered. For all insecticide application, consult the pesticide label for more information. For more information on Japanese beetle locations in the province you can visit the Canadian Food Inspection Figure 2. Rastral pattern on hind end of Japanese beetle. Variable Speed Pump Stations Slow Fill, Automatic Ramp, Soft Flow 18-1290 Speers Road, Oakville, Ontario, L6L 2X4 Phone 905-469-6444 Fax 905-825-8139 Toll Free 1-888-222-6676 Email paulp@pumptronics.ca www.pumptronics.ca Off the fairway Priorities for the fall garden by Daisy Moore One of the most plants and leaving the attractive seed like to use the early-flowering or species beneficial things heads of some and bronzed or coloured tulips as accents in small gardens or you can do for foliage of others. Rose hips, grasses, rockeries. ‘Orange Emperor’ is an early your gardens in hydrangea flowers, any ‘umbel’ producing tulip which was highly praised in the the fall is to top- plant and so many others are lovely in gardens at King Valley G.C. Another hit dress the soil with their senescence. Grasses and their flowers at King Valley G.C. was a grouping of the compost or are bursting with colour in the fall and can hot pink lily-flowered tulip ‘Mariette’ manure. I don’t and should be left until spring. with another grouping of the single even mind if Leaving the seed heads on after the white tulip ‘City of Vancouver’. Last but there are small flowers die is the recommended not least, ornamental onions, Allium twigs, straw or procedure when growing a ‘natural ‘Purple Sensation’ were a highlight in chunky bits mixed in because they too are habitat’ garden. The seeds are food for the weeks prior and after the first frost helpful components of the soil where the birds and wildlife and the remaining seed free date. These bridged the gap plants make their home. Organic matter will be naturally dispersed by mother between the end of the tulips and the is a key component in ornamental nature. There are many native and non­ planting of the annuals. gardens. native perennials and annuals which Fall rains are a welcome site to the I have managed to develop a fairly colonize this way. With any luck, the gardener. Dividing, planting and good composting system in my garden garden will start to look after itself! transplanting, all require a moist which provides me with a steady supply of Stalks of perennial plants should not workable soil and a generous supply of nutritious muck. It is useful throughout be cut back to ground level. Leaving at compost. You can create new beds and the season and handy to have on hand. It least 6-8 inches of stalk will attract snow plant shrubs, add rocks or do whatever is takes a few years to master the art of and help to naturally insulate the roots necessary to shape the bed. Planting is an composting so the earlier you get started, beneath. It also reminds you where plants on-going procedure when you want your the better. If it is possible to combine are the following spring. The gaps in gardens to look good. Putting the grass clippings, weeds, garden waste and between the perennials are where you gardens to bed properly and investing the kitchen scraps (from the clubhouse) need to plant spring flowering bulbs. time and thought into how the gardens together, it would be a worthwhile You will thank yourself in the spring if will develop next spring make the fall a investment for the gardens. Bribe the you plant spring flowering bulbs now. busy and critical time in the garden. chef, as you will need their co-operation, They bring the garden to life early and with promises of fresh herbs! You need to give the later performing plants time to Daisy hosts 'The Garden Clinic' on turn the compost pile at least twice a year become established. There is such Saturday mornings at 9:00am. Tune in to and you will eventually have it in bulk and diversity in flowering time, colour, size the station nearest you: am900 on hand. and shape of spring bulbs. I like to plant Hamilton, am980 London or am1350 Perennial gardens are tended in the masses of blue bells or grape hyacinth for Oshawa. Visit her website at fall by selectively cutting back ‘spent’ an extraordinary blanket of blue. I also www. daisymoore. com Support Rotors Renovation & Upgrades Central Controllers Vanden Bussche Irrigation & Equipment Limited 7856 Fifth Line South Milton, ON L9T 2X8 1-800-263-4112 Accessories Visit us at: www.vandenbussche.com Controllers Turf or consequences by Doug Breen, Superintendent Conestoga Golf Course According to the plaque on the to live, and I could escape the bad wall of my office, Conestoga Golf Club Karma of putting one of his cousins is an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. through a baler in 1981. I must admit that when I first read the At another course, we had a four thing I wasn’t sure what it meant, but I year battle with one of the most was pretty sure that my days of remarkable pairs of rodents in the shooting squirrels with a pellet gun history of buck teeth. “Wally the Sewer and putting cherry bombs in frogs Beaver” evaded all of our best plans nines is actually called the Goose Run. were over. In truth, I haven’t killed while he cut down half the trees on the They call it that because by the middle anything since I sent a groundhog to golf course and dragged them into the of the summer, there are about 8 the great hayfield in the sky with a Guelph storm sewer system. “Marmot billion of them out there and they will pitchfork, when I was twelve, back on Bomb” was another woodchuck who kill you if you don’t run away from the family farm. The whole experience gained the nickname after he survived them. Anything within five yards of a of having to shake the thing off the not just one, but an entire package of nest is a lost ball, or a lost arm if you go tines so I could stab it again was fairly the rodent removers. He was also run after it. It’s like a Hitchcock movie out nauseating and I instantly became a over periodically by golfers in carts, there, and they leave this slimy, smelly, Hindu. Now, don’t start calling the but, as far as I know, he is still sunning greenish trail of, slippery when wet, Humane Society on me; it was 23 years himself on the ninth fairway. booby traps for you which make ago and I learned my lesson... a shovel In western Canada, superintendents fleeing nearly impossible. After they is infinitely more effective. trade stories of the best way to collect started eating the greens, and the Since that time, I have tried to elk droppings, and how to remove third junior member disappeared, we develop a symbiotic relationship with bears who don’t meet the dress code. decided to do something about it. the little forest creatures and as a Golf More recently, near-sighted rutting Every golfer in the world has a story Course Superintendent I have tried to moose have taken to doing their about how someone they know got rid balance the needs of the flora versus annual pre-copulatory rhumba with of their geese by chasing them with the fauna on the various tracks which the flag sticks on greens. Moose dogs or pinning one to the ground have employed me. There was “Chuck” researchers at the University of Alberta with a bow and arrow and leaving it the groundhog that lived under the have concluded that “Either they can’t there for a month. There are workbench. Sometime in the mid see very well or they like their cows numerous companies who will, for a eighties he tunnelled in from the skinny... Ally MacBeal skinny.” (OK, I fee, chase the aviary infestation away outside wall of the shop and raised made the U of A bit up) with fireworks, dogs, electric fences, himself a fine family of rodents right Which brings me to the Canadian falcons, or my personal favourite, there at my feet. We had a deal. He got Geese at Conestoga. One of the three psychology. There are people who will take your money to “get inside the heads” of their marble sized brains. None of these techniques will work on Conestoga geese. They are the Alpha geese. They laugh at my dog. Actually, everyone laughs at my dog; he is an idiot. We tried plastic dead geese decoys which were guaranteed by the manufacturer (guaranteed to look like dead geese, not to scare live ones), and within a week the Conestoga Supergeese were bringing them to life through a process of galvanization, you know, like Frankenstein. We did manage to keep them off the greens with a product made of grape pits, which had the pleasant side effect of making the course smell like grape Bubblicious, but as usual the animals prevailed. The Audubon Society has it right though; it’s all about symbiosis and cooperation. We all have to get along with each other and respect each other’s habitats. Of course, I do have an alternate theory that old Mr. Audubon only started the whole conservancy thing when he realized he couldn’t get the dam birds out of his backyard anyway. The sandman Local businessman finds fame supplying Australia's 2000 Olympics by Anthony Firth When it particles to certain sizes, and remove the the Canadian Beach Volley Ball Association comes to clichés, dust as well. This became one of the made the Hutcheson formulation its Bob Hutcheson secrets of our success,” he says. This ability regulation formula for all competitions. has heard them to classify, grade, screen as well as clean From the national scene it was but a all. “It’s like the sand with a machine that can run hop-skip-and-a-jump to international selling fridges to 3,300 gallons of water a minute through competition and tournaments. When the the Eskimos,” the load, allows Hutcheson to guarantee Brazilians, the beach volleyball world they’d say, or even the size and consistency of sand for a champions, declared it the best sand they’d “selling coal to variety of uses - one of the reasons his ever played on, Hutcheson Sand and Newcastle.” Truth company now supplies 600 golf courses in Gravel had really proved itself “World is, such clichés America with specially-formulated sands Class”. Its sand became the regulation really do apply to for bunkers and greens. formula for all international competitions the 73-year-old Lately, the company has got into the sanctioned by the Federation International Huntsville, Ont., building of artificial beaches, such as the de Beach Volley Ball, including the resident. Hutcheson’s made quite a name Mandalay Beach Resort in Las Vegas. forthcoming Olympics. While Hutcheson for himself selling sand - wait for it! - to Admittedly, it does seem a little weird that doesn’t know yet whether he’ll personally the Australians. In fact, Hutcheson’s sand is a resort located in the desert should call in supervise the sand formulation at Sydney, so darned good it was used for the 2000 a company from the snowy North to the thought makes him chuckle: “It would Summer Olympics in Sydney. But how does produce the right kind of sand - but that’s be kind of ironic for someone from a local boy - who began his career growing the sand business. The way things worked Canada to tell the Aussies, with the famous and selling Christmas trees - end up out was not quite as far-fetched as it seems. Bondi Beach right next door, how to make accomplishing such a coup? In the case of Nevada and other exotic and a good beach.” Perhaps. But knowing the For several generations, the Hutcheson far-away locations, Hutcheson doesn’t sandman, anything’s possible. family were the largest Christmas Tree actually ship the sand from Northern farmers in the Muskoka region and son Ontario. Instead, he sends a team of "Reprinted with permisión from Bob was all set to carry on the family experts - with the appropriate high-tech CARPNews FiftyPlus, the magazine of tradition. To this end, he studied forestry at equipment - to adapt as much locally- Canada's Association for the 50Plus" the University of Toronto. But things didn’t found sand as possible for the client’s go smoothly for the young Hutcheson. He purpose. From beach resorts it was only a came down with polio and for two years short step to the latest Olympic sport: was bedridden, his future on “hold”. Upon beach volleyball. Like most new sports, Rule of Play Answers recovery, Hutcheson was once more in a beach volleyball had modest beginnings. position to get involved in the family You just set up a net - the same height as a 1. D. Rule 24- Definitions states that business. However, soon after embarking volleyball net - on a suitable piece of any part of an immovable on his new career, he began to suffer from beach, and start hitting a ball around. But artificial object which is out of serious allergies which made it increasingly for a leisure activity to become a real sport, bounds is not an obstruction. difficult to work. Eventually, it was you have to ensure playing conditions are 2. FALSE. Rule 25.C says that if a ball discovered he was allergic to the very thing consistent everywhere - whether you’re is lost in casual water the spot on which his livelihood depended - playing in Canada, the Caribbean or where the ball last entered the Christmas trees. But it was to be this Australia. Having made a name for its sand casual water shall be determined unfortunate allergic reaction that would in Canada, it was inevitable that its quality and the ball shall be deemed to lead Hutcheson to a more lucrative and and flexibility wouldn’t remain a secret for lie at that spot. less risky, in terms of his health - business. long. While working on a golf course in 3. A. Rule 25-3 states that if a player Without a clear idea of what to do next, Calgary, a group of beach volleyball has interference by a wrong Hutcheson arranged for the Christmas players checked out the sand in the putting green, the player must trees to be cut down. Underneath, it was bunkers and became convinced it was the take relief. discovered, lay some of the finest sand to ideal playing surface needed for their be found anywhere. To the uninitiated, sport. It had all the qualities they’d been 4. TRUE- Rule 15-3 States that if a sand is just, well... sand. But to those in the looking for - it was soft, it was safe (the player plays any strokes with a know, sand comes in many varieties, whose players’ feet wouldn’t get stuck in it), and, wrong ball he incurs a two stroke characteristics differ greatly. Sand for road if it got rained on, would dry in half an penalty. A ball lying out of building, for example is fairly coarse - but hour, allowing play to resume with bounds is no longer in play and that used in the mixing of cement for minimum delay. therefore is a wrong ball. The building construction is fine. Hutcheson realized immediately that player must then return to the tee At about the time Hutcheson faced his fate had smiled on him again, and he and play again with a stroke and dilemma, specially-formulated sands were started promoting his “beach sand” to distance penalty. He would be beginning to grow in importance. Seeing clients in his neighbourhood. He was even playing five from the tee. an opportunity for his company, able to persuade the North Beach Volley 5. TRUE- Rule 25-1 Interference says Hutcheson turned his attention to the Ball Club, an indoor facility on Railside that intervention on the line of development of specialty sands for golf Road in northeast Toronto, to use it. play is not interference under this courses. “I invested $3 million - which I Eventually, Hutcheson’s sand became Rule. It is only interference if the persuaded the bank to lend me - in high- the court surface of choice for the leading ball lies on the putting green. tech machinery that can grind sand Canadian volleyball clubs and, soon after, Lookingback here's why balanced Fifteen years ago today chain methylene urea by Barry Endicott, Nobleton Lakes Golf Club is such a great Board of Directors of the OGSA in 1986 were as follows: The nitrogen source Barry Endicott (pres.), Caledon, Robert Kennedy (vice.), Balanced Chain Methylene Urea (BCMU™) Garden City, Hugh Kirkpatrick (past pres.) Westmount, Rhod is United Horticultural Supply's own Trainor, St. Thomas, Neil Acton (editor), Brooklea, Ron Heesen, formulation of short, intermediate and long- Beachgrove, Gordon Nimmo, Sarnia, Scott Dodson, Chedoke, chain methylene urea and is an integral part of Thom Charters, Islington, Ed Farnsworth, Deerhurst, Mark UHS Signature Brand Fertilizers. Hagen, Wyldewood and Dave Gourlay (jr.), Toronto Ladies. 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