Spring 2009 Grenis Beautifl The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association Know Your Nitrogen: Finding the Source That Fits Your Needs Also in this issue... Audubon Certification Habitat for Humanity Entomopathogenic nematodes CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT No. 40027105 Postmaster: Please return undeliverable copies to The OGSA, 328 Victoria Rd. S., R.R. # 2 Guelph, ON N1H 6H8 Now Registered! Velocity is a resistered trademark of Valent U.S.A. Corporation. ©2008 Valent Corporation. All rights reserved. As a superintendent of creeping bentgrass fairways, you can hear a lot from the greens committee. Especially about Poa. There’s never been a postemergent herbicide to control it. But now there’s Velocitv®SP Herbicide. It gradually eliminates Poa annua and Poa trivialis for results sure to be noticed. Even if a clean, Poa-free fairway is all the thanks you need. www.valent.com | 519-822-7043 Read and follow the label instructions before using. 1-866-613-3336 President's message lGobal Warming - ha! I don’t know about you but I’ve yet to see any signs of it in 2009. Maybe Mother Nature just received her first copy of Scientific Journal and decided to squash the rumours. After a long drawn out winter we thought ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS’ it was time to let the snow melt, dust off the equipment and by Randy Booker ASSOCIATION Otter Creek Golf Club Guelph Turfgrass Institute pull the covers for another season. I write this in early May 328 Victoria Road South Guelph, ON N1H6H8 and I’ve yet to see the temperatures meet the norm for any Ph: 519-767-3341 length of time, not exactly what we wanted to see as we began ourjourney. Many Toll Free: 877-824-6472 Fax: 519-766-1704 if not most of us have had our hands full trying to recover from nature’s wrath Email: ogsa@gti.uoguelph.ca and really didn’t need anything else thrown on top of our heaping plates. With Website: www.golfsupers.on.ca economic fears and worries along with the struggles to continue our increasing BOARD OF DIRECTORS President: Randy Booker demands for perfect conditions while cutting our expenses; pesticide bans Past President: Jeff Stauffer and IPM accreditation, more paper work and office time to go along with the Vice-President: Jeff Alexander decreased staffing and dollars, it seems like a pretty bleak picture, doesn’t it? Treasurer: Chris Andrejicka Secretary: Doug Breen Well the challenge has been thrown! We’ve all made mention as to how large Directors: Jarrod Barakett golf is in the world yet how small and tight knit we are as a group. Never has Phil Brown Rob Gatto there been a time to come together and take advantage of our association ties Scott Heron and friendships. It’s pretty easy to pick up the phone and call a fellow OGSA Stu Leachman member to share thoughts, ideas, worries, concerns and stories. We all need Jennifer Pendrith Phil Scully to hold our heads high and show the golf world that the behind the scene bodies are the glue to the game. One of the best catch phrases of our time “if Executive Mgr Dorothy Hills Office Staff Pat Thomas you build it they will come” has never had more meaning both for the game Deborah Badger and our association. We’ve spent many years building our association and the friendships that came along, we’ve become the true professionals that our predecessors had in mind. Now more than ever we need to make full use of the hard work and come together to show the non-believers that golf is stronger than ever. We’ve been pushed hard by Mother Nature, the environmental movement and our governing body. Let’s show the world what we’re made of, GREEN IS BEAUTIFUL EDITORIAL let the professional in all of us come out - dedicated individuals with a method COMMITTEE to our madness. Dorothy Hills May spring turn to summer and the thoughts of full courses reappear to squash Greig Barker Tom Brain Mother Nature and show her who is truly stronger. Now get out there and win one Paul Grotier for the duffer! Jason Hanna Rafik Lang-Bismillah Scott Horsburgh Brett Murray Direct Line 416-659-1020 Manager Fax Line 519-941-0931 Justin Parsons “Green is Beautiful” Andy Sandilands P.O. Box 218 is Printed on Recycled Orangeville, ON Paper Green is Beautiful 2009 L9W 2Z6 Although every effort is made to check material for publication, the association is not responsible for material published on behalf of its contributors. All rights are reserved by the publisher and any reproduction in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Although some trade names may be mentioned brettmurray@primus.ca in articles contained in this publication, no endorsement is intended or implied by the Ontario Golf Superintendents' Association. Contents Green is KNOW YOUR NITROGEN: Finding the Source That Fits Your Needs .................................... 20 Beautiful 10 Great Words......................................................................... 12 The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association 2009 CAN/AM Challenge .......................................................... 18 Aububon Certification - Royal Ottawa GC............................... 14 Above the hole......................................................................... 26 Editorial message ..................................................................... 5 From roots to shoots................................................................. 8 Golf course highlight - Essex Golf & CC.................................. 19 Habitat for Humanity ............................................................... 10 Health & safety ........................................................................ 9 Looking back ............................................................................ 37 Member profile - Peter Lucas.................................................... 17 Off the fairway ........................................................................ 35 OGSA Curling Event.................................................................. 11 On the REEL side of things....................................................... 33 President's message ................................................................. 3 Second to one .......................................................................... 31 The way we were...................................................................... 26 Turf or consequences................................................................ 38 COVER PICTURE University of Guelph Update.................................................... 28 What's new................................................................................ 6 Coming together After a series of unfortunate weather events Advertisers this past winter, the team at Credit Valley Golf & Country Club are making progress towards returning the full course back to the Agrium Advanced Technology - NuGro Golf Art................... 39 members for full play. Agrium Advanced Technology - Sales.................................... 6 Photo by Jeff Stauffer, CGIA Almack Agronomic Services Inc............................................... 8 Aquatrols.................................................................................. 34 Bartlett Tree Experts - Canada................................................ 33 Bayer Envrionmental Science - Innovation is our game ...... 25 Braemar Building Systems...................................................... 13 Burnside Golf Services ............................................................ 36 DCS Agronomic Services ......................................................... 8 Douglas Wood Large Tree Service.......................................... 34 OGSA is committed to Engage Agro Corporation - Velocity ...................................... 2 Fast Forest ................................................................................ 37 serving its members, GC Duke Equipment ................................................................ 5 advancing their profession, Green Horizons Group of Farms ............................................. 34 and H & M Turf Ltd........................................................................... 3 Manderley Turf Products Inc.................................................... 37 enriching the quality Maple Turf Supply ................................................................ 6, 37 of golf Maple Turf Supply - The Andersons - Nutri DG...................... 7 and its environment. Master's Turf Supply Ltd.......................................................... 26 Nutrite - Deep Roots................................................................ 24 Ontario Seed Company ........................................................... 36 Plant Products - Basf Corporate Ad ....................................... 32 Robert Kains Golf Course Design Ltd...................................... 26 Layout, Design & Printing provided by Turf Care Products Canada - Irrigation Div............................. 36 G-R-A-P-H-l-C SERVICES PRINTERS & LITHOGRAPHERS Turf Care Products Canada...................................................... 40 Tel: 519.763.5745 • Fax: 519.763.9532 United Agri Products Inc........................................................... 24 32-34 Essex Street • Guelph, Ontario • N1H 3K8 Vanden Bussche Irrigation ...................................................... 7 e-mail: info @graphicservices. ca Zander Sod Co. Limited........................................................... 36 www.graphicservices.ca Editorial message I write this, your courses have As Dolick. We welcome April Grabell, author of “Above probably been open for some time the hole”, who will also be making submissions to the now and you’ve likely settled into a next three issues, relaying her experience as a second regular routine. I hope that you’ll year turfgrass management student and intern at Guelph have some leisure time to flip through Country Club. this Spring issue and read a few of the This is your magazine and we would like to hear from by Dorothy Hills articles, check out the ads, an take away you, as to what you would like to see in it. Don’t hesitate something you can use in your business and perhaps in to call the office or contact someone on the Editorial your personal lives as well. We try to offer up a varied Committee, listed on page 3 of the magazine. Any selection of articles from the general informative, to the one of them would be happy to discuss your ideas and entertaining, along with those that will peak your interest suggestions. on the research front. With this issue, we have enclosed a copy of the new This issue features a timely article from Bill Martel 2009/2010 Roster. Although this was current at the time on knowing your nitrogen and finding the source that of publication, there are always many changes in the golf fits your needs. Pam Charbonneau updates you on the industry. It’s a handy resource to keep on your desk or in IPM front, a topic everyone has on their mind these your vehicle however, if you are looking for changes since days. Katerina Jordan writes about the benefits of using time of print, keep an eye on the weekly Clippings email nematodes, an article inspired by a submission from bulletin, or go to the Member Roster in the Member’s only Paul Brown at Sarnia Golf & Country Club, where he has section of www.golfsupers.on.ca. Just type in a single name used them with success. Audubon certification is well of a person, club or company and, if they are a member it underway at Royal Ottawa Golf Club, as reported by Alan will bring up their current contact information. NEW Walking TriWave™ TURFCO Overseeder Maximize Germination & Minimize Disruption with the NEW Walking TriWave™ Overseeder. This exceptionally maneuverable overseeder with simple controls makes it easy to operate. The patented WaveBlade™ technology puts seed directly into the slit, reducing waste and increasing germination. With the seed rate consistent regardless of ground speed, it is the first seeder to effectively turn while seeding increasing productivity. New optional green blades available. G.C. Duke Equipment Ltd. Burlington Area: 905-637-5216 1184 Plains Road East Toronto Area: 905-338-2404 Burlington, ON L7S 1W6 Toll Free: 800-883-0761 www.gcduke.com Fax: 905-637-2009 ISO 9001 Registered What's new Mark Your Calendars 2009 OGSA Tournament Schedule Event Date Golf Course Host Supt, Presidents’ Day June 23rd Bigwin Island GC Scott Heron AssistantsTournament Sept 22nd Piper’s Heath GC Tim Muys Alex McClumpha Oct. 5th The Summit GC Phil Brown Dates and details of the above events will appear on our website under both “Events” and “Calendar of Events,” as they are confirmed and further details are available. All events will be announced in our e-bulletin Clippings when registration is open. For your convenience, on line registration will be available again this year with the exception of the Presidents’ Day. SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS For full details on OGSA scholarships check the The 2009 Turfgrass Scholarship program recognizes information in the Roster or go to the members only scholastic acomplishments and potential leadership in section of the website www.golfsupers.on.ca. the field of turfgrass management. We will be accepting applications for this award once the students are back in Congratulations to Alex Barratt! Alex is the winner class this fall. of the 2009 Turfgrass Management Short Course, held Doug Hubble at the GTI during the month of February. This award Sales and Marketing Manager goes to the student with the highest overall average in the 519.770.3157 dhubble@agriumat.com course. John Bladon IPM Coordinator / Technical Sales The 2009 Heritage Award application is now available 519.574.2013 to children and grandchildren of OGSA members, and jbladon@agriumat.com www.turfpro.ca who are studying a curriculum unrelated to turfgrass management. Deadline date for applications is August 31st. The 2009 Hugh Kirkpatrick Bursary application is now Mark Schneider Professional Products Technical Sales available to OGSA Assistant Superintendent members. Deadline date for applications is October 31st. This may Maple Turf Supply Business: (905) 857-2000 8112 King Rd. W. Fax: (905) 857-8215 seem like a long way off, but start thinking about it now... P.O. Box 370 Mobile: (519) 372-5181 Bolton, Ontario 1-800-268-4425 don’t get caught short of time. L7E 5T3 mark@mapleturfsupply.com www.mapleturfsupply.com Welcome! OGSA Welcomes our newest PROVEN 20 YEARS PLUS, members OVER 4,000 WORLDWIDE 8112 KING RD. WEST William Baltessen Class Supt BOLTON, ONTARIO L7E5T3 Chelmsford Golf Course 1-800-2684425 Michael Bradley Class C 1-905-857-2000 Crosswinds Golf & CC WWW.MAPLETURFSUPPLY.COM Mark Conrad Class Supt • Cost Effective Custom Delta Pinestone Resort Blends Rebecca Eggett Class S • Water Soluble, Granular, Hornby Glen GC Liquid & Organic Fertilizers Tom Forsythe Class D • Bulk Spreader Service Golf Thunder Bay • Full Line of Turf Chemicals Jordan Hill Class A Riverstone Golf & CC PROUDLY INTRODUCING: Mark Kay Class A The Andersons Stone Ridge Golf Club Nutri DG Lineup Antonio Kos Class D Homogenous Dispersible Hollinger Golf Club Granules in SGN 75 & 150 sizes Evan Martin Class Supt For more information visit: Links at Pipers Glen Www.nutridg.com Terry McKenzie Class F Innisbrook Golf Course For Further Information Call: David W. Paterson Class D The Royal Ashburn GC Simon George Technical Sales William Robertson Class Supt Central Ontario, GTA & Niagara Region Dentonia Park GC RETROFIT FROM 1-519-841-3378 Peter Stos Class A MANUAL, Huron Pines G & CC SATELLITE AND Mark Schneider Michael Toth Class C COMPETITION Technical Sales Georgian Bay, Lake Simcoe & Muskoka Region Essex Golf & CC 1-519-372-5181 Donald Walinga Class S University of Guelph Doug Webster Class F Lowville Golf Club Grigg Brothers Class E Steve Sweet Evansgolf Corporation Class E Contact Milton 1-800-263-4112 Stephen G. Gray David Mossip (905) 242-5676 John Deere Golf Class E Kory Kopko (519) 871-4545 Neill Smith From roots to shoots IPM Accreditation April 22, 2009 has come and gone that need to be addressed by the Council. One of the first and the sky has not fallen. Fortunately things is to have the IPM-PHC Council of Canada approved by Pam Charbonneau for the golf course industry in Ontario, by the Director of the Ministry of the Environment as the OMAF Turfgrass Specialist the changes that were made to the accredited integrated pest management body. There is Pesticides Act which was amended by the Cosmetic also a need to update the golf IPM accreditation exam, Pesticides Ban Act, 2008 and Regulation 63/09 are going develop a study guide for vegetation managers, develop to be phased in. I am sure that by now, everyone is well clear and transparent guidelines for training that qualifies aware of the legislation and what it means to a golf course for continuing education credits (CEC’s) and the process superintendent. for submitting events to receive CEC’s and develop a With the new legislation, the IPM-PHC Council of template for the reports and annual meetings that are now Canada (the Council) had to be re-invigorated because required under the new legislation. The IPM Advisory one of the stipulations for golf courses to continue to be Committee is also looking at the required qualifications able to use pesticides is that they must be fully accredited for an auditor under the IPM accreditation program. in integrated pest management (IPM) within two years In addition to the activities that have been undertaken of the golf course being registered by an approved IPM by the IPM Advisory Board, there are also plans for the accreditation body. Teri Yamada has taken on the position Guelph Turfgrass Institute, in cooperation with the of Interim Executive Director to insure that the Council Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association, to develop has the IPM Accreditation program rolled out in a timely IPM courses that are designed specifically as preparatory fashion to insure that all golf courses and vegetation courses for the IPM accreditation exam. These courses managers in Ontario can comply with the new legislation. would be similar to the preparation courses that are The Council is comprised of representatives from offered to help prepare individuals to take the MOE various industry sectors including golf, sports turf, licensed exterminator exam. landscape, arboriculture and public works. The Council If anyone has any questions about the activities that is responsible for the overall administration of the IPM are being carried on by the IPM-PHC Council on behalf Accreditation program. An IPM Advisory Committee of Ontario golf courses and golf course superintendents, with members from industry, MOE, OMAFRA and the please contact Teri Yamada at tyamada@ipmphccanada. University of Guelph is responsible for the technical org. Hopefully, the efforts mentioned above will help content and development of the program. insure that golf courses large and small have a smooth There are many areas of the IPM accreditation process transition toward successful IPM accreditation by 2012. David C. Smith, PAg., C.G.C.S. 185 Oriole Crescent Corrie Almack P.Ag. Soil & Turfgrass Consultant Gravenhurst, Ontario PIP 1C6 Almack Agronomic Services Inc. Tel: (905) 689-6174 Office (705) 687-SOIL (7645) Box 256, Carlisle, On Fax: (905) 689-8522 Fox (705) 687-3518 Toll Free 1 -888-607-TURF (8873) LOR 1H0 Email: c.almack@sympatico.ca Cell (905) 512-6004 dave@dcsturf.com Health & safety Is Your Work Place Safe? One of the things that health have been controlled to the point where no unnecessary and safety practitioners promote is exposure to energy is happening? If this is the case, then zero injuries and a number of safety you can say with some confidence “We’re SAFE!” practitioners promote zero injuries as a We know that Zero injuries for a period of time do not measure of the safety of an organization. necessarily mean your club is a safe place to work. If you by DougJohnson Interesting concept! Do zero injuries can show with some certainty how you got there.. .you can SAFETAID - Health and Safety Consulting mean that your workplace is safe? believe! Here are some fundamental beliefs and some of the logic that indicate that “Zero injuries” is not a definition of Here’s a very simple example of the comparison when “safety” and that we need to re-examine what we talk about using outcome injury measures: and what we recognize as success. Injuries are the result of energy hitting a worker with a force greater than a worker can withstand. If that’s the Company A Company B case, then a state of “safe” will be achieved when we can Golf Course Golf Course reasonably expect that uncontrolled energy can’t hit us Kitchen Floor Kitchen Floor and there will be no damage. It’s very much about the Worker Falls smashes head Worker Falls bumps head act of not taking unnecessary risks when we are trying Fatal Injury Minor Injury WSIB Premiums - Up WSIB Premiums - No Change to produce a good or service. So if you set the goal of Bad Press No Press Zero injuries and you don’t have any injuries then you OH&S Conviction No OH&S Conviction must have reached your goal. But wait, you are pleased with the result but it is not logical nor is it even wise to say that you have been “safe” because there have been no Motivate Safety Activity - The Results Will Come injuries. Since you know by now that not being injured So re-examine how you are motivating workers to work while doing risky work happens a great deal of the time. safely because what gets measured gets done. Measure This is like giving workers a safety award for being a “good how you are “creating safety” and not just your success in ducker” and not getting hurt when all the time they have “avoiding injuries”. If rewards and bonuses for your staff been taking terrible risks. A definition of “safe” is not are based on Zero injuries, you will tend to motivate people the absence of injury. So how can “Zero Injuries” be our to hide injuries or you could be rewarding luck. Even definition of safe? worse you could have a large group of people working If a group of workers work for a period of time without very hard on making the workplace “safe” and because of any injuries then one could argue that the workplace a somewhat minor situation lose their celebration of all was “safe”. However there are many examples where their accomplishments. If you are doing the right things people have worked long periods of time without incident and rewarding the act of producing safety...few if any will then experienced a catastrophic event. Often, through get hurt! investigation, it is found that there were terrible risks Work safely and remember “Safety is everybody’s job!” being taken for some time before the incident occurred. So, yes, continue to strive for ZERO, but motivate your SAFETAID workers through measuring and rewarding the activities Making safety your 1st priority! they do to create safety. If you get to a period of time when T. 519-837-0997 • F. 519-837-1996 Consulting, Safety and First Aid Supplies injuries are not happening, ask yourself if you know, with doug@safetaid.ca confidence, why you got that result. Is it because you’ve actually managed the work so any risks you are taking HABITAT FOR HUMANITY AT THE 2009 GOLF INDUSTRY SHOW by Jeff Stouffer and Jason Hanna, Credit Valley Golf and Country Club At the 2009 Golf Industry Show (GIS), attendees joists, decking and begin framing the first floor walls. To were offered the opportunity to volunteer for Habitat for guide this eager group, each house had two representatives Humanity, a not for profit organization founded in 1976, to working for Habitat for Humanity. These knowledgeable rebuild homes and communities affected by natural disasters individuals looked after everything from quality control job and poverty across 90 countries placing over 225,000 families allocation and laying out floor plans. They seemed prepared in new homes. In New Orleans, Habitat for Humanity is for everything except for the “get it done” attitude of the currently helping to rebuild communities most affected by GIS group. By the afternoon, components of walls and hurricane Katrina. completed walls were assembled faster than the floor plans Jeff Stauffer, Dennis Piccolo, and Jason Hanna each could be laid out, with most participants barely breaking for participated in this rare opportunity to help rebuild homes in lunch, our leaders were scrambling to keep the group busy Jefferson Parish, an area that had suffered severe flooding. while taking advantage of the strong work ethic and positive On route to the work area the extent of the damage to attitudes of the participants. most neighbourhoods was still quite apparent even after By the end of the day, both homes had been completely almost 4 years! It was interesting to see both lower income decked, with all walls framed and laid out ready for the wall and wealthier areas each in various stages of rebuilding. raising ceremony later in the week, during which the future Once arriving at the worksite all workers gathered in owners of the homes come out for the day to meet and amongst half a dozen completed homes with two homes work alongside the volunteers as their houses begin to take under construction in the back ground. Looking at these shape. two bare foundations we couldn’t help but think, “I may After cleaning up the worksite and boarding the bus know a thing or two about framing, but I’ve never actually to head home, it was hard to ignore the feeling of great framed a house.” After a brief explanation of where the tools accomplishment, exhaustion and the realization that groups and supplies could be found (tools-bin on the left, supplies- like Habitat for Humanity play an instrumental role in bin on the right) a minute later nearly 60 superintendents, rebuilding these low income neighbourhoods allowing assistants and industry representatives were turned loose volunteers a chance to contribute, as communities are on two unsuspecting foundations to begin laying the floor rebuilt and lives are changed for ever. L-R, Jason Hanna, Jeff Stauffer and Dennis Piccolo. OGSA CURLING EVENT by Dean Baker, Superintendent The Club at North Halton Winning team... The Girls... Cheryl Malignano, Helen Webb, Judy Johnson, Host Dean Baker Tracy Fowler, Kerry Whale (Joanne Smith- gibson absent) It was standing room only at the annual OGSA curling event held at The Club at North Halton March 27th, 2009. With only four sheets, our volunteer skips had to manage up to six eager participants for each team. A great mix of curling alumni and newcomers took to the ice. It became obvious early in the afternoon the teams that really came to play... and the teams that just wanted to take in a good day and socialize. The cream would rise this year on the ladies side. For it was the Kerry Whale (Plant Products) team, that brought home the trophy. The last game on the A side came down to a shoot off to the button. Judy Johnson was the one who put the game away for the ladies with a near draw to the button. Congratulations Gold Broom winners... Muskoka Lakes... RT Heron, Nancy Read, to the winning team of Kerry Whale, Tracy Fowler & Jim Flett, Host Dean Baker, (Trevor Noonan absent) Joanne Smith-gibson (Hamilton Golf & Country Club), Judy Johnson (Yardscapes), and Helen Webb & Cheryl Molignao (North Halton). Not to be out done, the other notable team to win the Golden Broom (most honest) was the team that also came the furthest. Jim Flett and his team from Muskoka Lakes have attended this event several times. We would all like to thank the team for their strong participation and for of course, travelling so far. Special mention to the staff at North Halton for putting on such a great day and to all the folks for bringing in prizes. The prize table was full again this year; thanks very much. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year. Now let’s forget about curling for awhile and concentrate on growing good grass. Hope everyone has a great summer! Happy curlers! 10 GREAT WORDS by Jim Carroll Futurist, Trends & Innovation Expert Inspirational Innovation Insight Try Rapid times require bold change; action is critical. How many of your people have lost their ability to Confront your inability to innovate and change, and you’ve adapt to changing circumstances because they’ve lost got the right frame of mind to take you into the future. their confidence? Developing new skills and career capabilities is critical, given the rapid change occurring Observe around us. Yet too many people have managed to Take the time on a regular basis to look for the key convince themselves that they can’t adapt; they can’t trends that will impact you, the industry you work within change. Don't let that happen - it’s one of the worst or the career you have established. Take the time to learn attitudes for going forward into the future. / about the many automated knowledge discovery tools that exist on the Internet; develop a culture that taps into Empower global collaborative knowledge. In a world of rapid change, you can't expect that Far too many organizations sit back after a dramatic rigidly defined rules will be the appropriate response to change and asked “what happened?”. Make sure that your changing circumstances. A ticked off customer needs organization is one that asks, “what’s about to happen? a solution right now from a front line customer service And what should we do about it?” rep. not some type of follow-up from head office weeks later. A middle manager in a remote location needs Think the ability to make a decision and must commit to it Analyze your observations: spend more time learning today - they can’t afford to wait for the wheels of head from what you see happening around you. If you are like office bureaucracy to churn. Destroy the hierarchy, most organizations, you are responding to trends on a and encourage a culture in which people are given the short term, piecemeal basis: you are reactive, rather than mandate and the power to do what’s right, at the right proactive. Step back, take a deep breath, and analyze what time, for the right reason. trends are telling you. From that, do what really needs to be done. Question Go forward with a different viewpoint by challenging Change assumptions and eliminating habit. If your approach to In a time of rapid change, you can’t expect to get by with the future is based upon your past success, ask yourself what has worked in the past - you must be willing to do whether that will really guarantee you similar results things differently. Abandon routine; adopt an open mind in the future. If you do certain things because “you’ve about the world around you. The world is changing at a always done it that way”, then now is an excellent time furious pace whether you like it or not. Take a look at how to start doing them differently. you do everything - and decide to do things differently. Banish Dare Get rid of the words and phrases that steer you into Have you lost your ability to take risks? Maybe so - yet inaction and indecision: “We can’t do that.” “It won’t risk-taking is critical to innovation and change. Work with work.” “That’s the dumbest thing I ever heard.” These a few of the new ideas that you generate, and try them out. are the innovation killer phrases - watch for them, and That’s the only way that you will be comfortable with what don’t permit them to be used. comes next. Grow Enjoy! Stop focusing strictly on cutting costs - focus on service Through the years, I’ve come to learn that the groups opportunity instead. Don’t stand in fear of what you don’t that pursue innovation are those organizations and know - teach yourself something new. Don’t question your individuals who approach the future with a lot of passion. ability to accomplish something great - grab the bull by These are the folks who tend to wake up every day and the horns and see what you can do! The point is, in a think, wow, I can’t wait to get to work! These are the people world of rapid change, you must continually enhance your who have succeeded with being innovative, in mind, spirit, capabilities and opportunities through innovative thinking. and actions. Change your attitude now, and the rest will come easily. About Jim Carroll Do When the Walt Disney Corporation went lookingfor an expert on the topic Renew your sense of purpose, and restore your of innovation and creativity, they went with Jim Carroll! enthusiasm for the future by taking action. Too many Jim is the author ofReady, Set, Done: How to Innovate When Faster is the organizations, and the people who work within them, are New Fast, and What I Learned From Frogs in Texas: Saving Your Skin with on autopilot. They go into work each day, and do the Forward Thinking Innovation. He is a strategic thinker and "‘thought leader” same things they did the day before, with the belief that with deep insight into trends, thefuture, creativity, and innovation. . everything today is the same as it was yesterday. It isn’t. Jim was recently named by Business Week as one offour leading sourcesfor insight on innovation and creativity, and was a featured expert on the prime Oh, and there’s an time CNBC series, “The Business ofInnovation. ”. 11th great word! This article has been reprinted from CSAE website Braemar Building Systems Custom Design Quality Buildings Competitive Prices • Maintenance Buildings • Storage Facilities • New Buildings • Wood & Steel Structures For your FREE ESTIMATES call us at 1-800-215- 1996 www.braemarbuildings.com AUDUBON CERTIFICATION by Alan Dolick, Technician Royal Ottawa Golf Club In an age when new environmental policies are becoming more important and therefore would enhance becoming more and more a part of the collective the reputation of any golf club as a community and golf conscience, it is better to embrace the shift than to industry leader. question its validity. We as turf managers understand our contributions to environmental outcomes and should Getting started strive to be as environmentally aware as possible. After To be honest, the entire certification process seemed all, many of our actions can have a direct impact on quite intimidating and very labour intensive before I the ecosystems that we manage. During my tenure as a started. But as I began to work my way through the initial student at the University of Guelph I became very aware site assessment and environmental plan, I realized that of the importance of environmental management and the many of the requirements for certification were things practices that can be incorporated into my maintenance that I would consider standard practice for a responsible programs in the future as a superintendent. That is why turf manager. when course superintendent at The Royal Ottawa Golf To start, I performed a site assessment, which was Club, Steve Verrall, approached me with the idea of basically a detailed description of the property that the helping the club obtain certification with the Audubon club was on. We detailed turf types, major soil properties, Society, I jumped at the chance. The Audubon Society gardens, trees and bodies of water on the property. This is an environmental stewardship organization based on information enabled the Audubon Society to better principles of wildlife preservation, the responsible use understand our property and to subsequently aid us in our of pesticides, and the conservation of water. I felt like efforts to become more environmentally accountable. this was not only a great opportunity for me, but for the The second section of the initial phase was the club as a whole to become more conscious of the impact environmental plan. Through a detailed questionnaire, we were having on the property and any surrounding this section not only allowed us to evaluate our current ecology. environmental management practices, but also to determine future conservation projects for the club. Why are we pursuing Audubon certification? Once these two sections were completed, Audubon Certification with the Audubon Society is the next responded with a list of projects that we would have to step in proving to government environmental agencies undertake during the actual certification process. Their that golf clubs are doing their best to mitigate possible suggestions included: adverse effects to the environment. In 2003, The Royal Ottawa Golf Club joined the Coalition for Responsible • Creating a detailed wildlife inventory on the Golf a Quebec based agency concerned with reducing course. the use of pesticides on golf courses. The Coalition • Developing naturalized areas that could be used strongly suggested that we become involved with the as habitat for animals living on the property. Audubon Society to help bolster our involvement in the environmental stewardship movement. • Reducing overall pesticide use. Obtaining Audubon certification will help the golf • Producing a detailed map of the golf course, club gain recognition as an organization that understands highlighting the various landscape features on the importance of environmental preservation. Our the property. involvement carries positive publicity when attracting events or new members to the club. Clearly, in this • Continuing to compile IPM records. day and age, being perceived as a green organization is Chemical use reduction and safety: Ensure the safe storage, application, and handling of chemicals and reduce actual or potential environmental contamination associated with pesticide use. Water conservation: Only using water when needed. Attempt to implement a water-by-ET program to minimize overwatering. Water quality management: Ensure a clean water supply and protect the integrity of the bodies of water on the golf course. This involves the development of naturalized areas around the water features to create ‘buffer zones’ and thus reducing the chance of water contamination. Community outreach programs: Attempt to involve and educate community organizations or school programs in our environmental conservation efforts. Over the winter I worked away at all five of the sections and sent them in as they were completed. Something to remember is that even though the winter months are a great time to complete much of the paper work needed for certification, make sure to go through the handbook and think about what pictures you may need to take while the club is open. Photographs are a very important tool for providing proof that you are actually doing what you said you were in the written sections. Trying to get many of Getting certified these pictures while the course is covered in a foot of snow The Audubon Society divided the certification process may prove to be difficult! into five different sections that would help make things more manageable. They do not require that all of the sections be completed at the same time; rather you can Our achievements and issues to date We, here at The Royal Ottawa Golf Club have been largely finish each section as you please and submit it for individual successful in implementing the practices that the Audubon certification. It is not until you have achieved certification Society has asked of us. First, we have ‘naturalized’ nearly in all five areas are you considered a fully certified member three acres on the course. This was done quite easily; we of the Audubon Society. These five areas are: effectively took some areas that were considered out of play and stopped mowing and irrigating them. We then Wildlife and habitat planted some low maintenance and drought tolerant turf management: Enhance species along with some wild flowers. Being a traditional natural landscaping on the parkland style course for over 100 years, coupled with the golf course to protect and fact that we have a very involved membership meant that sustain native habitats and the some of the areas that were left uncut were met with some wildlife that depend on them opposition. Many members were concerned about the for survival. property losing its well manicured look, and most of all, losing their ball. Steve Verrail, the course superintendent Continued from page 15 ... has done a good job of ensuring members that all of the Since joining the Audubon Society we have constructed areas that have been naturalized will not affect their game nearly 20 bird houses that have been placed around the or the quality of the course conditioning around them. course. These houses provide a place to nest and help to This is not to say that we have been completely successful protect the young from some of the hungry wildlife that in implementing all of the naturalized areas that we regularly patrol the property. had initially planned. Some have been left out for the time being, but the plan is to slowly introduce more Another major achievement is the club’s 28% reduction natural areas to the course over the next several years. In in pesticide use over the last 5 years. Our involvement with making the changes slowly, we hope to quiet much of the the Coalition for Responsible Golf has played a large role in opposition. this reduction. The reduction is measured in kilograms of active ingredient per unit area, not in overall liters used. Under the framework set up by the coalition, even if you were to use a larger volume than in prior years, you could still reduce overall pesticide use by applying a product with a lower percentage of active ingredient, thus reducing overall pesticide output. This summer we plan to perform water quality analysis to prove that we are not adding any pollutants or pesticides to the water on the property. In all likelihood the quality of water leaving the property is better than that entering. We also plan to perform regular irrigation audits to ensure that our irrigation system is as efficient as possible. Overall, the certification process has been embraced by the club and its members. Currently, we are certified in four of the five areas outlined, and should achieve full certification by the end of the golf season. We here on the grounds maintenance team at The Royal Ottawa Golf Club are proud of our achievements and our involvement in such a worthwhile cause. After all, with growing regulations on pesticide use, the more that we can do to prove the environmental accountability of turf managers, the better off the industry will be as a whole. If anyone has any questions or concerns about becoming involved with the Audubon Society, please do not hesitate to contact me at dolick_l@ yahoo.com. I would be happy to relay my experiences, share my newly gained knowledge and help my fellow turf managers contribute to such a worthwhile cause. Member profile Interview with Peter Lucas, Superintendent Watson's Glen Colf Course by Scott Horsburgh Plant Products Co. Ltd. If you have ever spent any time in Eastern Ontario you are sure to know who Peter Lucas is! His career in golf began in 1977 at the Islington Golf Club with Superintendent, Paul Dermott making stops along the way at Galt Country Club, Weston Golf & Country Club and Cedar Brae Golf 8c Country Club. It was then, in the mid nineties, that Peter made his way to Eastern Ontario and assumed his first superintendent ’s position at the Bay of Quinte Golf & Country Club. From there he decided to try it a little further east by moving to Royal Oaks in Moncton, New Brunswick. After a few years out in Eastern Canada he came back to Ontario and became the superintendent at Watson’s Glen Golf Course, where he has been for the past 6 years. Along the way Peter has worked for many great superintendents but cites Thom Charters and his brother Jordan, also a superintendent, as having the biggest influence on his career in turf management. Peter first realized that he wanted to become a superintendent when he figured out that as the boss he would be able to tell people what to do instead of being the person who gets told what to do. He has succeeded by never forgetting what it was like for staff, and always treating others the way you would expect them to treat you. Upon arriving at work everyday the first thing Peter does is check the course himself to see how much things have changed from the previous day. When Peter is not at work he can be found spending time with his wife Liane and 3 kids Hayley 12 and the twins Isaac and Molly 8. He is also involved in coaching his kids’ soccer teams, and when he does get a little quiet time he goes riding on his Harley. If he does get anytime off to travel, anywhere is a good place to vacation but he prefers to go to North Carolina where he has family. "In the Hot Seat" • Favourite major: Masters • Best piece of turf equipment ever: Forklift • Favourite golf designer: Kevin Holmes and Reese Jones • Ultimate foursome: John Daly and two girls from Hooters • Lowest round ever and where: 79 at Palmetto Pines, Sarasota Florida • Stanley Cup pick: Pittsburgh • Favourite movie: Grease • Favourite meal: Ooze burger • Favourite course outside Canada: Connesta Falls, North Carolina • What’s in your CD right now: Alhnan Brothers • Rate your lawn on a scale of 1-10: (1 worst 10 best) 3 • What would you be if not a golf course superintendent: Anything in music 2009 CAN/AM CHALLENGE by Doug Breen, Superintendent Golf North Properties The annual Can-Am Challenge is always a popular event, because not only do we get to play one of the many fine courses in the Windsor/Detroit corridor, but we also get the chance to get together with our colleagues from across the river. Another treat is that Windsor’s Carolinian climate is like driving into a weather time machine. It shows those of us on the wintry side of London what is yet to come. This year’s edition was no exception, as the temperatures flirted with 30 degrees at Essex Golf and Photo by Dorothy Hills Country Club. The big winners of the day were the American team, Our host, Chris Andrejicka had the course in terrific taking the Ryder Cup with a score of 21-17. The trophy shape, the dining room staff, led by Executive Chef, John has crossed the Detroit river, and next spring we’re all Kukuskay supplied wonderful meals and service. Alex looking forward to being hosted by Michigan so we can McIntyre and the pro shop made us feel welcome from win it back. the moment of arrival until we headed for home, or to make a further donation to Caesars Casino. Many thanks to General Manager Michael Chadsey and all of the Essex staff. The US take home the Ryder Cup L-R Gregg Matthews, Randy Booker (OGSA), Tim Dark See you all in Michigan for the 2010 event. Watch for Chris Andrejicka presented with host plaque by OGSA President, announcements of dates and location in the new year. Randy Booker FIRST PLACE TEAMS SECOND PLACE TEAMS INDIVIDUAL PRIZES WENT TO AMERICAN 1ST LOW GROSS AMERICAN 2ND LOW GROSS CLOSEST TO THE PIN - # 5 TEAM - 74 TEAM (78) Dan Friesen Eric Davey & John Kulka Ryan Moore & Jim Higgs CLOSEST TO THE PIN - # 7 CANADIAN 1ST LOW GROSS CANADIAN 2ND LOW GROSS Mike Kehoe TEAM (73) TEAM (74) Angelo Capannelli & Jerry Richard Chris Andrejicka & Randy Booker CLOSEST TO THE PIN - #12 Gary Shultz AMERICAN 1ST LOW NET AMERICAN 2ND LOW NET TEAM (68) TEAM (68) CLOSEST TO THE PIN - #17 Dave Pawluk & Paul Kolbe Brian Mavis & Arthur Hills Eric Davey CANADIAN 1ST LOW NET CANADIAN 2ND LOW NET LONGEST DRIVE - #6 TEAM (63) TEAM (64) Mark Durand Ryan Beauchamp & Todd Currie Kelly Barnett & Tim Steen Golf course highlight Essex Golf & Country Club 7555 Matchette Road LaSalle ON N9J 2S4 Phone: (519) 734-1251 Fax: (519) 734-8800 Golf Course Superintendent: Chris Andrejicka Email: chrisa@essexgolf.com Website: www.essexgolf.com #2 Hole, photo by Bonnie Speed COURSE PROFILE What region is your club located in? What is the yardage from back & forward What is your predominant grass? Essex County tees? Poa 6,703 yards from back tees What is the classification of your club? 5,550 yards from front tees How many USGA greens and loam greens? Private All original push up What is the size of driving range and range Size of membership and number of rounds? tee? What is the predominant soil type? 800 members 3.5 acres Sandy loam 28,000 rounds How many bunkers? What equipment do you have in inventory? 88 4 fairway mowers Typical opening and closing date? April to December 12 greens mower walkers How many ponds, and/or how many times 5 tee mower walkers does water come into play? 4 collar and approach mower walkers Name of Superintendent 2 ponds 4 rough trim mowers Chris Andrejicka 2 fairway aerifiers Who was the original architect? How long have you been a superintendent? 3 greens aerifiers Donald Ross 15 years 2 topdressers 1 material handler What was the year of original construction? How long have you been an OGSA member? 3 chemical sprayers 1902 7 years 1 greens roller 3 utility tractors By who was the course remodeled? List other accomplishments 1 front end loader Donald Ross OGSA Board Member and 9 utility vehicles Current OGSA Treasurer What major tournaments have been held? plus a multitude of small 1976 Canadian Open landscape mowing equipment. How many staff? 1998 DuMaurier Classic LPGA 6 year round staff 2002 Canadian Senior Open 25 seasonal staff Champions Tour COURSE PROJECTS & PLANS 2 gardening staff What type of irrigation system? What projects have you recently completed? How many mechanics and assistants? Rainbird New bunkers, green expansions and Assistant: Mike Toth fairway contouring. Mechanic: Tony Cervi What is the size of your maintenance shop? 10,000 ft2 What long range plans for renovation do you have in the next five years? COURSE STATISTICS What is the size of the greens, tees & Laser leveling tees. fairways? How many holes? Greens: 3.2 acres Are there any particular challenges you face 18 Tees: 4 acres with your property? The hottest, most humid, disease pressure Fairways: 22 acres region in the entire country. Know Your Nitrogen: Finding the Source That Fits Your Needs by Bill Martel, Agrium Advanced Technologies Sales Representative - GTA North The fertilizer world has become complex and can be confusing. New players, improving technologies and extensive marketing that promise everything from the “greatest longevity” to “rapid green-up” to “sunlight in a jug” often leave end users questioning which products best suit their needs. Couple this with generic technical terms; such as polymer coated urea, methylene urea, and stabilized nitrogen and it can become difficult to differentiate the characteristics of competitive products. While fertilizer is a complex subject, there is some basic fundamental information that will help turf managers determine which nitrogen sources best suit their operation. Nitrogen is one of the primary nutritional inputs for turfgrass managers and is responsible for colour, shoot growth and density, root growth, carbohydrate reserves, recuperative potential, wear tolerance, heat, cold and drought tolerance and disease susceptibility. In addition, it is one of the five elements in plant proteins, DNA, and chlorophyll, the chemical needed by plants for photosynthesis. Through fertilization, nitrogen becomes plant available in the ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3-) forms. Ammonium ions bind to the soil’s negatively charged colloids whereas nitrate ions do not; nitrate ions are positively charged and readily go into soil water solution for immediate availability. Ammonium ions not immobilized or removed by plant uptake are rapidly converted into nitrate ions via a process called nitrification. This is a two step process in which NH4+ is first converted to nitrite (N02-), then to nitrate (NO3-) by two separate bacteria groups. A key point to remember is that nitrogen taken up for plant use is always in these two primary forms, regardless of the nitrogen source. Nitrogen is classified into two major groups: soluble and slowly available. The most common water-soluble source is urea but other sources may include nitrate or ammonium. Urea must first undergo hydrolysis in which it is converted to ammonium; nitrate and ammonium soluble forms are immediately plant available. Slow release or slowly available fertilizers include organic, coated, reacted and stabilized forms. Soluble Nitrogen Sources Soluble nitrogen sources can be a valuable tool. First and foremost, they provide a quick green up and stimulate growth, which can be useful in early spring, for recovery or in grow-in situations. Their effect is quick but short lived and they pose a higher burn potential than slow release sources and therefore are most often used to spoon feed. Negatives to soluble nitrogen are flush or inconsistent rates of growth (peaks and valleys), higher clipping yields, and increased thatch production primarily when used at higher rates. Below are various sources of soluble nitrogen: Product Analysis Availability Soil Reaction Comments Ammonium Nitrate 34-0-0 Immediate Acidifying Provides N in two forms, one easily lost by leaching Ammonium Sulphate 21-0-0 Immediate Acidifying Source of sulphur for deficient soils and provides a quick acidifying effect Most common form of Urea 46-0-0 4+ Days Temporarily nitrogen Alkalizing in turf maintenance. Easily volatilized unless watered in. Provides two primary Potassium Nitrate 13-0-44 Immediate Neutral nutrients. Nitrogen is easily leached Coated Nitrogen Sources Sulphur Coated Urea (SCU) Sulphur Coated Urea (SCU) is the oldest coated nitrogen technology. As the name suggests, SCUs are simply particles of urea coated with a layer of sulfur, and usually a sealant as well. The mechanism of release from SCU is by water penetration through micropores and imperfections (i.e. cracks) or incomplete coverage in the coating. This is followed by a rapid release of the dissolved urea from the core of the particle. When wax sealants are used, a dual release mechanism is created. Microbes in the soil environment must attack the sealant to reveal the imperfections in the sulfur coating. Because microbial activity varies with temperature, the release properties of the wax-sealed SCU's are also temperature dependent. The release rate of a single SCU particle is directly affected by the coating thickness and the coating quality. Particles with thicker coatings typically show fewer imperfections and offer and extended and more consistent release rate. There is a risk, however, that particles with sulfur coatings that are too thick will exhibit lock-off, which means they may never effectively release their N. Polymer Coated Sulphur Coated Urea (PCSCU) Polymer-coated sulfur-coated nitrogen sources are hybrid products that utilize both a coating of sulfur and a polymef coat; competitive products differ significantly in construction, coating thickness, and quality of polymer coating. The permeability of the polymer controls the rate of water diffusion either to the nitrogen core or in and out of the? particle. This mechanism provides greater uniformity in nitrogen release compared to the older SCU technology. The agronomic advantages include: reduced surge growth after application, improved consistency and longer residual. Polymer Coated Urea (PCU) Polymer-coated nitrogen represents the most advanced coating technology in terms of controlling product longevity and nutrient efficiency. PCUs release nutrients by diffusion through a polymer membrane and the release rate varies according to permeability of the membrane, coating thickness, moisture and temperature. The type of fertilizer substrate also will influence the rate of N release. A new coating technology known as Reactive Layers Coating (RLC) combines two reactive monomers as they are simultaneously applied to the nitrogen substrate. These reactions create an ultra-thin membrane coating, which controls nutrient release by osmotic diffusion. The RLC process permits application of ultra-thin membrane coating, thus allowing for higher concentrations of nitrogen and improved coverage per bag. This technology distinguishes RLCs from many other PCUs. Continued from page 21... Reacted Nitrogen Sources Methylene Urea (MU) and Ureaformaldehyde (UF) Methylene urea and ureaformaldehyde are slow-release nitrogen sources created by chemically reacting urea and formaldehyde. The nitrogen to formaldehyde ratio differs between the two products as does the reaction time. Both products consist of chains of urea and carbon-hydrogen groups. Nitrogen is released gradually as microorganisms break the chains; nitrogen is made plant available while the carbon becomes a food source for the soil bacteria. Methylene urea has become a generic class of slow release nitrogen, however, not all MUs are created equal. A MU’s release characteristics are determined by the Urea-to-Formaldehyde and Carbon-to-Nitrogen ratios in addition to reaction time during production. The final product is a homogenous nitrogen prill consisting of occluded or water soluble nitrogen (WSN), slowly available water soluble nitrogen (SAWSN) and water insoluble nitrogen (WIN). MUs will have varying concentrations of WSN, SAWSN, and WIN so competitive products will vary significantly in terms of initial availability, rate of release and longevity. Below is a graph of 2 competitive MU, both classed as the same technology but significantly different in release characteristics: Ureaformaldehyde uses a higher concentration of formaldehyde and a longer reaction time that produces slower releasing, longer-chained polymers. Given that the nitrogen release is primarily by microbial degradation, this nitrogen source’s efficiency rate is extremely high as it poses negligible risk of volatilizing or leaching. Stabilized Nitrogen Sources Stabilized nitrogen sources combine N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide, and dicyandiamide with urea to prevent nitrogen loss from volatility and to keep nitrogen in the stable ammoniacal form for a longer period of time. The dicyandiamide prevents microbial oxidation of the ammoniacal form of nitrogen for a period of time. Stabilized products are sometimes labeled as “Stabilized Nitrogen” or “Partially Stabilized Nitrogen”, depending on the concentration of the additives. Organic Sources Organic slow release sources of nitrogen are generated from waste materials which include sewage sludge, poultry or cattle manure, meat processing waste and animal by-products. Most of the nitrogen in such fertilizers is made up of complex chemical compounds that require conversion to ammonium and nitrate by microbial activity. Microbial activity is greatly influenced by soil temperature and thus organic nitrogen sources tend to be poor performers in spring but can offer a consistent feed during the summer and early fall. Organic fertilizers have recently grown in popularity due to added public attention and a push towards “natural” or “eco-friendly” products. Often forgotten, however, is that organic fertilizers contain higher concentrations of phosphorous and relatively low N-P-K analyses; this equates to higher required applications rates, increased bags per acre and more intensive trucking. Methods of Feeding and Application Rates Your method of feeding and application rates should go hand-in-hand with your nitrogen source. Soluble forms of nitrogen require light, frequent applications whereas slow-release technologies offer greater product longevity. Failures often occur when turf managers attempt to spoon feed slow-release nitrogen - the net effect is an inadequate amount of nitrogen to the plant and a nutrient deficiency. See table below: Mean %N released from selected N sources over 189 day incubation period N Source 7% 14% of appliedof N applied release 28%ofNapplied release 56% 84% ofNapplied releaseof applied112N release 140% 189% of applied N ofrelease applied N rele N release % of applied N release UF, 38-0-0 14 18 20 23 28 31 35 38 MU, 40-0-0 28 35 40 45 50 53 56 58 PCU, 44-0-0 12 23 49 75 86 90 93 94 SCU, 37-0-0 30 50 70 84 92 95 98 99 IBDU, 31-0-0 8 13 21 32 42 50 56 63 For example, if a golf course superintendent wishes to feed his turf 1 lb N/1000 sq. ft. (actual nitrogen to the plant) over a 16 week period (112 days), this could be achieved with a 1.11 lb N/1000 application of PCU, 44-0-0. If, however, he chose to use a UF, 38-0-0 his application rate should be 3.22 lbs N/1000 sq. ft. While this rate might seem astronomical, it’s important to note that after 16 weeks, the PCU has almost fully released its nitrogen whereas the UF still has 2.22 lbs N/1000 sq. ft. available that will continue to release over the course of the season. So, how does all of this pull together? By far and large, superintendents use a variety of products and multiple sources to meet their nitrogen fertility goals. By strategically defining needs, we can determine which fertilizer best fits your application. Variables such as labour, budget, golfer traffic, wear 8c tear and recuperative needs all play a part in the decision making process. Although, there is no silver bullet or single product that fits every scenario, an analysis of your course’s needs and a sound product understanding will allow you to tailor a plan for optimal turf performance. CGSA/OGSA 2010 JOINT CONFERENCE 43rd Annual Canadian International Turfgrass PREMIUMWATER MANAGEMENT Conference & Trade Show TOOLS FOR YOUR GOLF COURSE TURF Brought to you through the joint • 2 Formulations Available -Respond 3 Liquid efforts of the CGSA and the OGSA and Respond 3 Granular • Protect your Greens, Tees, and Fairways Mark your calendars now ! from Localized Dry Spot, Drought Stress and Excessive Moisture February 26th to March 2nd 2010 • More Uniform Water Distribution Throughout the Root Zone Toronto Sheraton Centre Distributed by: ALLTURF watch for more details on our web site Master’s Turf Supply Ltd. Mountain View Turf Supply as they become available www.uap.ca Respond 3 is a registered trademark of United Agri Products. Always read and follow label directions. From experience and know-how come the best results. With Nutrite, turf and landscape professionals can rely on premium products, reliable innovation and personal service that is second to none. Success on the green is simple - just look to the people with the deepest roots. 1-800-265-8865 www.nutriteturf.ca Innovation is our game Chipco Triton™ SC Maintaining healthy turf able to withstand the As always, you’re Backed by Bayer. And that Rovral Green® GT daily stress it endures requires an integrated means our team of professionals is your team of Compass™ 50WG management program that includes the use of professionals. All of our research and support is Aliette® Signature plant protection products to prevent against foliar to ensure you have the most effective products Sevin® T&O and root diseases, insects and weeds. available. Superior products and superior support - DeltaGarcFSC Take advantage of Bayer Environmental only from Bayer. Merit® Sciences’ comprehensive line up of products in the Acclaim Super® golf industry. BACKED BY BAYER OFFERS: Dedication, Guaranteed Satisfaction, Added Value, Superior Solutions, and Vision for the Future For more information on Bayer products, contact Bayer Environmental Science www.bayeres.ca 1-888-283-6847 ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTION. Chipco Triton SC, Rovral Green GT, Compass 50WP, Aliette Signature, Sevin T&O, DeltaGard, Merit and Acclaim Super are registered trademarks of Bayer. BACKED by BAYER . Above the hole by April Grabell, Student and Intern Farm Girl Turns to the Turf Industry the year winds down and I prepare to start my As industry because there are not nearly enough! As a female internship I reflect on how far I have come, and what in the program, I feel I can bring a different point of view knowledge I will bring with me for my summer internship to the constantly growing turf program at the University position, as well as throughout my career. Born and raised of Guelph. With this in mind I became a member of the on a beef farm in Southern Ontario, I never thought that class executive this past year and look forward to being a one day I would be sitting down writing an article about member of the executive next semester, to continue to my experiences as a turf management student. I realised improve the relatively new program. that I would like to be in the agricultural industry, I just I believe that I have acquired a vast amount of knowledge never considered the turf aspect of it. This all changed in the past year and the turf program has been quite after working 2 years in the turf industry at the Guelph rewarding! The experience you obtain inside and outside Country Club. I realised that this is where I wanted to be, the classroom is worth so much more than the tuition and quickly applied to become a student for the Fall of you pay. I would recommend that anyone looking to get 2009. I was ecstatic when I received a phone call saying I into the turf industry should get a diploma in Turfgrass was accepted. Management at the University of Guelph. The most At first I was quite nervous thinking that I would important aspect that I will take with me, is the people probably be the only female in my class in a male I have met throughout the program. You have so many dominated industry. Don’t get me wrong, being a female opportunities to meet key players in the industry, as in the industry has been quite an interesting experience. well as you are in a program and classes with potential Walking into orientation at the beginning of the year colleagues, which can be very beneficial down the road in with only one other female besides myself in the entire your career. class of 32 students, was quite overwhelming! Although I look forward to my summer internship where I can this seemed to be quite a challenge at first, I am now just put my knowledge to the test, and prove that there is room “one of the guys”. It seems that everywhere I go industry for more females in the Turfgrass Management Industry! professionals are glad to see another woman in the The way wft-were Robert Kains Golf Course Design Ltd. How good is your memory? Can you identify the follow- Providing the Canadian and Internationalgolf communities ing? with, a progressive design philosophy and dedication to quality • Where the photo was taken? 201-902 8th Street Canmore, Alberta phone: 403-678-6980 Fax: 403-678-3841 • When the photo was taken? Canada Email: kains@kainsgolfdesign.com T1W2B8 Web: www.kainsgolfdesign.com • What was the occasion? • Put names to the faces #1 through 32 Even if you can’t answer all the questions, send in what you know. With combined efforts maybe we can complete the puzzle. Send your answer to: P.O. Box 277, 890 Fairground Road, Langton, On , NOE IGO Dorothy Hills ogsa@gti.uoguelph.ca and we will provide Phone (519) 875-4094 Fax (519) 875-4095 you with the answers in a future publication. Website: mastersturfsupply.com email: mastersturf@hughes.net See the pictures to the right on page 27. University of Guelph update by Katerina Jordan, Assistant Professor, Department of Plant, Agriculture, U of G Entomopathogenic nematodes: What they can do and how to use them? With the passing of the Cosmetic Pesticide Ban Act last to complete with thousands upon thousands of juveniles month, the need for more information on the availability emerging to search for a new host. and efficacy of alternatives to synthetic pesticides is greater than ever. As most of you are aware, golf courses are exempt How effective are they? from the ban, but there is a requirement that all golf Research has shown that entomopathogenic nematodes courses in Ontario become accredited in Integrated Pest can be extremely effective, with efficacy of up to 90% Management (IPM). That means looking to alternatives reported in studies conducted in New Hampshire and to conventional pesticides for the management of diseases, Ohio. In addition to high efficacy, the various nematodes weeds and insects. available infect a number of different insect pests, from One area where a great deal of research has been the scarab beetles (June beetle, Japanese beetle and conducted is in the use of entomopathogenic nematodes European chafer) to the Lepidopteran pests (cutworm and (EPN) for insect pest control. Nematodes are microscopic webworm) and the weevils (billbug and annual bluegrass roundworms that exist in almost every niche on the weevil). So, why don’t we see them used more often? For planet. Some nematodes cause damage to plant roots, but one thing, as an industry we are used to seeing immediate they are different species from the ones that are used as results, as this is what tends to happen when we apply a biological control agents for the management of insects. synthetic pesticide. The EPN take a minimum of 48 hours With all the research that has been done on nematodes for to effectively kill their insect hosts and sometimes an effect insect control, it may be surprising that they are not used is not seen for almost a week. Furthermore, to get efficacy more often on golf courses, especially in environmentally- in the range of 90%, it often takes prolonged or sustained sensitive areas where synthetic pesticides may not be survival of the EPN in the soil. The number of insects that permitted. This is likely due to variability in efficacy that are initially killed upon application is directly dependent has been reported with their use. The purpose of this on the number of nematodes added to the soil. However, article is to introduce you to the mechanisms by which unlike conventional pesticides, the nematodes can persist EPN reduce insect pest populations and to some of the in the soil by reproducing within the insect hosts over and precautions that need to be taken to ensure that maximum over again. Therefore, over time, the population levels efficacy is achieved. of the EPN can rise exponentially and eventually, reduce insect population levels to negligible levels. How they work The entomopathogenic nematodes we use on turf fall within two genera: Heterorhabditis and Steinemema. There are a number of species within these genera that are effective at reducing insect pest populations, and the choice of species is usually related to the target insect host, as some of them are host-specific. Once a suitable insect host is encountered, the nematodes enter the larvae of insects through natural openings (e.g. mouth, anus or spiracles). Inside the body cavity of the insect host, the nematodes release bacteria that are toxic to the insects and usually kill the host within two days. The nematodes then feed on the nutrients within the larval body, and continue to go through their life cycle until all the nutrients are depleted. At that point, the juveniles leave the host body in Damage to golf course turffrom animals routing for grubs. search of new hosts. The entire cycle takes only a few days Photo supplied by Pam Charbonneau One Ontario superintendent who can attest to the try to combat insect issues with nematodes. It is likely that effectiveness of EPN for insect control is Paul Brown, much of that variability can be attributed to improper Sarnia Golf and Curling Club. At the suggestion of a species selection, application method and poor handling of sales associate, Paul began using nematodes in 2006 to the nematodes. Most of the EPN species are very sensitive deal with a problem in his fairways with black turfgrass to environmental factors, including desiccation and ataenius (Ataenius spretulus). Paul states “we simply opened temperature extremes and usually have a relatively short the package, poured the contents into our sprayer, and shelf life (3 to 6 months). The first consideration when sprayed the fairway. Two weeks after spraying, [the sales deciding to use EPN for insect management is making sure associate] dropped back in. We went out [to survey the that you choose the appropriate nematode for your specific fairway] and low and behold, my ataenius were all dead. I pest (Table 1). One of the more stable species of EPN is was very impressed.” Paul used the nematodes again the Steinernema carpocapsae, but it is considered an “ambusher,” next year to combat a very large population of Japanese meaning that it sits and waits for its prey to pass by. As beetle (Popillia japonica) such, it is most effective for mobile insects that travel on In combination with the use of pheromone traps for the the surface of the turf including weevil pests, cutworms and adults, through the use of EPN Paul was able to reduce webworms. In contrast, the EPN Heterorhabditis bacteriophora grub population levels by an estimated 90 percent on his is known as a “cruiser,” meaning it is very mobile and actively fairways. seeks out its prey. This makes it an excellent predator of sedentary insect pests such as the white grubs. Once the species of EPN is chosen based on the target host, proper care must be taken to handle the nematodes properly, both before and after application. The nematodes are shipped in a cooler and must be kept cool (a refrigerator should do) until you are ready to use them. As mentioned above, the nematodes have a relatively short shelf life of 3 to 6 months, so they need to be ordered just before they are ready to be applied (or at least within the same season). They can be applied using a conventional sprayer, but only at relatively low pressure (< 50 psi) and with the use of coarse filter. Of equal importance is ensuring that the soil is moist upon application and even more so, that irrigation is applied immediately post-application. When treating for sub-surface feeders such as white grubs, the nematodes cannot be allowed to dry on the turf surface or they will die. They are sensitive to both ultra-violet light and desiccation, so watering them into the soil is extremely important. Research suggests that approximately 0.25 inches (~ 0.64 cm) should be applied post application to get the nematodes to the target insects and ensure that the soil stays moist. The surface-active species - S. carpocapsae Contents ofpheromone trap indicating large infestation of Japanese beetle is a bit more tolerant of desiccation and although it still on golf course site. needs to be maintained with some moisture, it can survive Photo courtesy of Paul Brown, Sarnia Golf & Country Club on the surface to combat the more mobile surface feeders. Finally, the timing of application is considered important Proper nematode choice, application and as unlike with conventional insecticides, the nematodes are precautions not persistent in soil in the absence of the target host. They Even though the research suggests that use of EPN for are obligate parasites and without a host on which to feed, insects can be extremely effective we still see a great deal they will die and need to be re-applied. of variability out there in the field when turfgrass managers Continued from page 29... Table 1. List of nematode species available for use on turf in Ontario and conditions for their use: Nematode species Type Temperature range for Target pest1 activity Steinemema feltiae Cruiser 10-30C (50-86F) Leather] acket Steinemema Ambusher 12.5-32C (55-90F) Bluegrass billbug, Annual bluegrass carpocapsae weevil, Cutworms, Sod webworms, Armyworms Heterorhabditis Cruiser 12.5-30C (55-86F) Scarab grubs (Oriental beetle, bacteriophora Japanese beetle, European chafer, Black turfgrass ataenius) 1 Please note that mention of target pests does not suggest consistent control in research trials Practical use for the golf course superintendent similar to Paul Brown when he first decided to give the Based on the research and also from stories from some EPN a try. Choose one area - a fairway, a section of fairway, local superintendents, the use of EPN has the potential to an approach, etc. and apply the nematodes to just that be very effective for reducing population levels of insect area. Make sure that you treat these as living organisms pests. However, much more knowledge and thought has to - keep them cool, do not expose them to any extremes in go into their application in order for them to be nearly as temperature, and maintain proper soil moisture. With a effective as synthetic insecticides. There are still a number little trial and error and some experimentation, you may of unanswered questions such as how to successfully use find that you have a sustainable, environmentally friendly these nematodes on a large scale and choosing the correct option for insect management at your disposal. species and application timing to treat insect pests in A special thanks to Pam Charbonneau for her assistance Ontario specifically. Likely your best bet is to do something in writing this article References: Gaugler, R. Know your nematodes. Golf Course Management. December, 1997, p. 64-68. Schumann, G. L., Vittum, P. J., Elliott, M. L. and Cobb, P.P. IPM Handbook for Golf Courses. John Wiley and Sons, New Jersey. Shetlar, D. J., Suleman, P. E. and Georgis, R. Irrigation and use of entomogenous nematodes, Neoaplectana spp. And Heterarhabditis heliothidis (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditiadae), for control of Japanese beetle (Coleóptera: Scarabaeidae) grubs in turfgrass. J. Econ. Entomol. 81:1318-1322. Swier, Stanley R.; Rollins, Alan; Carney, Bryan. 1997. Arthropod Management Tests. 22: p. 371. Summer Patch Study There is currently a study at the University of Guelph being conducted on the disease summer patch, specifically on annual bluegrass. We are looking for volunteers who have had issues with this disease to allow us to come and collect isolates from your golf course. If you are interested in being part of this study, please contact: Melissa Bassoriello (mbassori@uoguelph.ca ) or Katerina Jordan (kjordan@uoguelph.ca , 519-824-4120 x56615). Second to one by Paul Grotier, Assistant Superintendent Donalda Club Truth...Funnier Than Fiction Let's face it, there’s not much cool about working in Toronto and probably not the safest of places to go for in the golf course management business. The long an aimless jaunt. Later, as I was delegating the afternoon hours at work result in higher incidence of male pattern jobs at lunch time, I couldn’t find Igor to give him his next baldness, facial skin that ends up looking like worn leather task. My staff told me that they had not seen him since after years of sun exposure and backhanded comments the 11th hole and were unsure of his whereabouts. Well about spending the summer months as a golf widow. In about two hours later, I found Igor walking down our staff addition, for most involved in the “business” except the entrance, which is probably close to a two kilometre walk superintendent, the only grooming policy is to make sure from where he had disappeared . When asked as politely you brush your teeth before coming to work. Studying as possible where the hell he had been, his answer was “I “turf’ never helped me at the Palace on Friday nights followed my heart like a dog on a leash”. That was Igor’s during my college days. It was easier to try to impress girls last day at Donalda Club. with some ludicrous story my friends and I would conger More than a few years ago now, when I was working on up involving private jets, long walks on the beach and a golf course located north of the island of Montreal, we some exotic location than dare to mention turfgrass. had on staff an individual from an area of Quebec called Recently however, I seem to have found a little niche Abitibi-Temiscamingue. As you have probably judged by of “cool” as it pertains to my job. This niche I refer to is the name, Abitibi is a remote part of the province and the set of stories we assistants acquire over the years when probably not by choice, the employee was a little bit of a being given the responsibility of supervising staff. Lately, loner without many friends. Not that he was ignored by I seem to be a source of entertainment at dinner parties the staff but he seemed to be a person who wanted to be when recounting some of these stories to my friends who accepted by others. On this one particular day, nearing just can’t fathom some of the series of bizarre events or the end of the summer, he was driving down a cart path behaviours that seem only to happen to us. Finally, for a in a utility vehicle with an improperly secured gas can moment, albeit brief, I am the life of the party. The next in the utility box and a lit cigarette in one hand. As he two stories are in honour of assistants past, present and proceeded to drive down the path, gas intermittently was future. being spilled out onto the bed of the box as he would Igor, as he is affectionately known, was quickly gaining speed over bumps. As he finished his cigarette, he threw a reputation for being “different” due to his bizarre the butt behind him, setting the gas and the back of the behaviour and colourful comments. Whether it was utility box on fire drawing the concern of nearby staff who staying late after work to pick apples, rotten or not, from tried to get his attention by waving at him. Completely an apple tree by the fifth green so his mother could later oblivious to what was happening, he was thrilled to have bake pies (which of course, he would proudly bring to staff wave at him and took the waves as friendly gestures work the next day) or sifting through an out of bounds and continued driving, however now with a big smile as area looking for and piling up garbage instead of cutting he probably thought he was finally connecting with some his assigned tees, Igor was pacing himself for his “piece de staff. He had to be chased down a few more holes before resistance”. the fire could be put out. Actually, as I think back, he would sometimes parlay his Now I’m sure that there are some who might doubt the penchant for apple picking into a family outing by inviting authenticity of these stories and think they are things you his family to pick apples with him, as I would watch him would see on TV but I swear they are true. Speaking of from my office window, using a bunker rake (in play, of TV, am I the only person to have thought that a season in course) to knock down some apples as his mother and the grounds department would make for great reality TV? aunt would pick them up. With all the sulk fests, staff romances or those moments Anyway, on this particular day, Igor was assigned the where you just had to be there to believe, it would make job of raking bunkers with three other staff members. As for great viewing. Heck, if “The Flavour of Love” is the story goes and for no apparent reason, halfway into deserving of a sequel, I’m sure a day in the life of golf completing the job, he jumped over the property fence on course maintenance should be given a chance. I think the 11th hole and disappeared. Now this hole runs parallel other assistants would agree. with the Don Valley Parkway, which is a very busy highway Thanks to INSIGNIA®, the NEW game in town is ON the leader Board1 As you know, BASF has been in the chemical business for 140 years, but for BASF, the work continues (innovation is a hard habit to break). Meanwhile, out on the golf courses, Supers are beginning the season with CADENCE®, followed by PREMIS® (contains the best DMI around), unaware of the power of the BetterTurf™ Bundle program. Until now. The fact is, rotate in BASF’s all new INSIGNIA® EG FUNGICIDE with your PREMIS routine and... well... try it. You’ll like what you see! With solutions like INSIGNIA, it’s no wonder Supers have put this new player on their leader board. Can you afford NOT to play with these guys? For more information go to www.BetterTurf.ca BetterTurf™ is a trademark of BASF. CADENCE®, PREMIS® and INSIGNIA® and the BASF logo are registered trademarks of BASF. ©2009 BASF Corporation. All rights reserved. Always read and follow label directions before product use. On the REEL side of things by Warren Wybenga, Equipment Manager Donalda Club WWybenga@donaldaclub.ca (416) 44 7-55 75 x263 Seize the Day Well this may be the spring issue but I do suggest this...know the this can only become a reality if the of Green is Beautiful but by the time machine. Read the operators manual. industry that it was created to support, this goes to print, we will all be right Learn how to set up and adjust it first supports it. I think that most in the thick of another golf season. properly. Understand just what exactly superintendents and turf managers Here in the GTA it seems that this past the machine is designed to do and in Ontario still do not realize that winter has shown to have provided know what its performance parameters they have never been closer to having somewhat less than ideal conditions are. It’s one thing to “push the limits” a first rate; industry created and run for over-wintering turf and it is during but it’s another thing entirely to use training program for turf equipment times like this when machinery such as the wrong machine for the wrong job. technicians, right here in their own aerators, top-dressers and over-seeders That’s not to say that you shouldn’t get back yard! All the government is get to answer the “call of duty” early creative in finding new and inventive waiting for is to see how badly you in the season. Hopefully you had the uses for the equipment you already want it, how badly you need it! It will foresight and opportunity to service possess. Given the current economic only take a few of you to make the these pieces before they were put to climate it has never made more sense. decision to register someone to make bed last fall but if you did not, be sure Nothing sparks creativity like necessity a huge impression on the ministry but to take the time to do it before you and every equipment manufacturer who will it be? Sign up an apprentice haul whatever it is, out to do, whatever should be supportive of exploring your today so that this opportunity does not it is, that you want it to do. It is good, ideas. Don’t hesitate to run them by slip away. As always, don’t hesitate to sound practice if at all possible, to the sales and especially the service reps contact me if you need help contacting NEVER put a neglected machine out from your local dealership and I would your local apprenticeship office. on your course, especially on your suggest that it would be wise to avoid greens! I’ll get off this soap box dealing too much with a company that eventually but by now you should be is closed to new ideas. sensing an underlying theme and that A reminder that the Ontario is that preparation is the key. Over the Apprenticeship Code 421C - Turf years I have found that I spend the vast Equipment Technician Apprentice majority of my time on maintenance is still an option for those who are and a relatively small amount on actual considering hiring on some help for repairs. Yes I am fortunate to have a your turf technician. Enrolment has fairly modern fleet of equipment to been slow in coming and until there ward but what if your fleet is not quite is enough interest in the program as Insects Harming Your Trees? so new and may be showing its age? indicated by an adequate number of Possibly. It takes an expert to really tell. If this is the case then you have never registrants, the Ministry of Training To learn which insects are on your trees and shrubs (none are completely insect needed a Preventative Maintenance Colleges and Universities will not free), have a Bartlett arborist inspect Program more. Just because a piece proceed with the next step which them. There is no charge or obligation. of machinery is old doesn’t necessarily would be to award the program to If control measures are necessary a delivery agent (school). I believe Bartlett will use the safest materials make it unreliable. Older, well - applied properly to protect our maintained machines can be just as that only by having the courage environment. productive as when they were new and and foresight to step up and make When it comes to pest management, should hold more of their value for a commitment to your course, your or general tree and shrub care, rely on the experts - Bartlett Tree Experts! a longer period of time...especially if company and ultimately your own Call for your free inspection today!! you can prove it so remember to keep career by registering an apprentice records for everything you do to every in the program will it have a chance Toronto • (416) 631-8111 Bracebridge • (705) 646-8733 machine. of becoming a regular training vessel Gravenhurst • (705) 687-0696 There are way too many different to service the turf industry in Ontario Huntsville • (705) 789-0929 varieties of what I’ll call turf and potentially the rest of Canada. www.bartlett.com conditioning machines such as the To those of you who have already BACKED BY THE BARTLETT TREE RESEARCH aforementioned over-seeders and top­ signed up I say thank you and please LABORATORIES AND EXPERIMENTAL GROUNDS, CHARLOTTE, NC dressers out there to get into specifics be patient. We are so very close but We Sell & Transplant Large Trees Web Site launch with tree spades ranging from 34-90" www.justsodit.com Members of I.S.A and O.C.S.A. Owner Paul Hanousek certified arborist. Dedicated to the Trade Visit ‘JustSodit’ and Roll-Out the facts. Moving your trees since, 1980 www.douglaswood.ca COMPACT SOD (519) 653-7494 NIAGARA SOD (905) 984-8448 1.800.353.3019 T. CAMBRIDGE ST. CATHARINES HAMILTON SOD (905) 389-1315 HALTON SOD (905) 878-1011 519.856.2771 F. 519.856.1447 HAMILTON / BURLINGTON MILTON P.O. Box 339 Rockwood ONCanada NOB 2KO ONTARIO SOD (905) 849-1915 ONTARIO (905)450-5715 OAKVILLE BRAMPTON Break Free from tied up minerals. • Reduces soil bicarbonate levels • Reduces sodium • Releases calcium, magnesium and other plant nutrients • Increases infiltration Allturf Limited Plant Products Limited Innisfil, Ontario Brampton, Ontario www.aquatrols.com (705)431-0561 (905) 793-7000 Off the fairway ... The Bill 64 Garden The inconsistencies are unmention­ from happening in the first place. Most importantly we must able in the policies and reasoning and in increase the diversity of plants that we use on our properties. what we are being asked to do or not do This will help to support a healthy community of bees, birds with our land. It will be an adjustment and bugs, the good bugs. We will need all these to keep the for everybody to see what happens to the pests out. weed population and the human psyche The prevention of pests is the very best principle to follow as we experience many dandelions this when trying to achieve a low maintenance garden. Weeds that year. arrive must be removed on a regular basis using a technique that In bill 64 we are asked to maintain ensures a complete kill. Tap-rooted weeds such as dandelion, by Daisy Moore our gardens and public landscape without dock and wild carrot should be dug out early to prevent them using pesticides, synthetic pesticides that from going to flower/seed as well as to take advantage of moist is. Lawn care companies are profoundly affected by this law spring soils. Annual and fibrous rooted weeds can be scuffed and will have to come up with other means to generate their off the surface as they arrive. After removing the weed, there income. The movement that put this bill into place, no matter should be some plan as to what will take its place. In a lawn, the consequences, is an environmental movement, and we the dandelion would presumably be replaced by grass, either are a part of it. To fit the bill, gardens need to be good for the expansion of the existing turf or through seeding. In a the environment as well as beautiful. What does good for the garden, the weed would be replaced either by the expansion of environment mean? It means, among other things, self-reliant, the surrounding plants, by the addition of something new and compatible and non-invasive. A good garden contributes and desirable or with a covering or mulch of some sort. As we help adds to the local landscape, rather than taking the resources the desirable plant population expand, the non-desirable types of water and energy. And what does a bill 64 garden look like? are forced out. It is rare to see a dandelion in an ornamental It is colourful and diverse and alive all season long. A season- garden and rarer still to see one in the wild. long butterfly garden maybe. The less human intervention The selection of suitable plants is probably the trickiest the better it seems for an environmentally friendly garden, yet most rewarding part of the process. This is where good except for the gardener of course. gardening skills are needed. The site conditions are the first To achieve this type of garden we need to employ techniques consideration when making a choice. Sun or shade, how that are less invasive and more restorative in their nature. We far from ideal is the soil, what is the competition like, what do this by planting plants that make a permanent and positive is surrounding the garden are all questions that need to be contribution to the landscape. Nurture them along at first and asked. From there, a list of plants, including trees, shrubs and then, other than the odd bit of grooming, mostly leaving them herbaceous plants, can be made from which to choose. A well alone. Native plants are good at this. We also need to combine planned garden will have plants that combine well in form, plants that are good companions to each other, no matter what flower, texture and seasonality. It will illicit surprise, calm and their nationalities. We need to replace the weeds and needy happiness to its viewers. plants with something good, whether this be as a ground I have listed a few plants, in order of flowering, that I cover, as part of a wild area or as part of the ornamental recommend for those who want to expand their plant horizons garden. We must steer clear of plants that are prone to blight a little bit. None of these plants will cause you any grief what­ or beetles. We can do little to help them but prevent things soever. Plant Name Habitat and Characteristics Nationality Blood root Ditches, bogs and low lying areas. Early spring Local Sanguinaria canadensis flower and beautiful leaf. Forms a colony and disappears underground for the summer. Serviceberry Early flowering shrub that lines woodland Local Amelanchier sp. edges. Pretty flowers and nice fall colour. Needs protection from rabbits. Lupin Moist soils, sun or shade. Interesting foliage, great New Brunswick and Lupinus sp flower spikes. Spreads by seed. overseas Poppies Vibrant, showy flowers in early spring. Sunny and Eurasia Papaver sp. dry sites. Form colonies. Disappear in the summer. Columbine Shade and moisture tolerant. Seeds itself. Local Aquilegia canadensis Interesting foliage and flower. Dainty Butterfly milkweed Medium sized perennial with orange flowers. Local Asclepias tuberosa Attracts monarch butterflies. A must have. Daisy is a professional horticulturist. She operates a garden design and consulting business from her home in Elora. Her website: www.daisymoore.com has samples of her work. (877) 727-2100 (416) 364-5700 www.zandersod.com Burnside Serving the Needs of the Golf Industry We can help with: • Approvals for Golf Course Development and Operations Top Quality Turf Products for over 50 Years • Irrigation Water Supply • Sewage Treatment and Disposal No. 1 Kentucky Bluegrass * Bentgrass * Extreme Fescue • Environmental Management Plans Custom Grown Sod Available • Building and Clubhouse Design Services • Irrigation Design and Consulting • Environmental Impact Assessment • Drinking Water Assessment • Project and Construction Management Premium Products for all Toll Free: (877) 799-8499 Your Turf Needs E-mail: vcirone@rjburnside.com Website: www.rjburnside.com PO Box 7 Waterloo, ON N2J 3Z6 Tele 519-886-0557 Fax 519-886-0605 1-800-465-5849 www.oscturf.com Offices located throughout Ontario Members of OGSA, CGSA and Golfmax Suppliers to the NGCOA Toro's DTSeries Sprinklers TURF CARE The Toro DT Series Sprinkler brings together over 40 years of golf irrigation knowledge with the most The most advanced, most durable recent advances in technology and and most flexible golf sprinkler water management. From top to bottom, the DT Series Sprinkler is built for today’s golf courses. the best choice among standard golf sprinklers. For more information Contact your Turf Care sales representative. Turf Care Products Canada 200 PONY DRIVE, NEWMARKET, ON L3Y 7B6 PHONE (905) 836-0988 • FAX (905) 836-6442 1-800-561-8873 London Ph: (519) 668-7664 • Fax:(519)668-3722 Milton Ph: 905-836-0988 • Fax:(905)636-1513 Gloucester Ph: (613) 822-1881 • Fax:(613)822-2099 One great result. visit www.turfcare.ca Looking back 15 Years Ago Today by Barry Endicott The 1994 Board of Directors were Bruce Burger May 30th hosted by Richard Creed. Thom Charters and (president) Lakeview, John Taylor (vice) Twenty Valley, Bruce Burger were tied for low gross with a 73 and John David Gourlay (past) Club Summerlea, Simon George Taylor was low net. (sec.) Oakville, Alex Labelle (tres.) Carlton Golf Club, The Superintendent Pro Tournament was held at Doug Suter (editor) Credit Valley, Rick Serrao, Glendale, Victoria Park on Sept. 6th hosted by David DeCorso. All Ken Nelson, Sutton Creek, Ian Bowen, Oshawa, Paul proceeds were donated to the Canadian Diabetic Society, Dodson, Aurora Highlands, Jerry Richard, Craigowen and in memory of Bill Bowen. Mark Schneider, Owen Sound. The OTRF Golf Tournament was held at Cherry Downs New Members were: Patrick Simms, Thornhill CC (F), hosted by David Cherry. 82 golfers participated with David deHaan, M K Rittenhouse & Sons (E), Caleb Howald, Ernie Hauser winning low gross with a 69 and John Cherry Ariss Valley GC (B), Gord Doi, Doi Turf Restoration (E), coming in second with a 71. Thom Charters was low net Craig Mortimer, Cedar Brae GC (F), Donna Harrison, 69 and Bob Heron second low net 71. Andrew Keffer and Garden City Municipal GC (B), Claudio Vona, Castlemore Doug Cherry were the best ball team winners. GC (F), Gary Allen, Westminister Trails GC (F), Bruce The Alex McClumpha Memorial Tournament Paterson, Angus Glen GC (F), Eric Williamson, Angus Glen was held on Oct. 3rd at Thornhill G&CC, hosted by Keith GC (F), Ernie Amsler, Angus Glen GC (B), Mike Etdes, Bartlett. It was the 50th anniversary and everyone received a Toronto Hunt Club (F), Tim Schaly, Muskoka Lakes (F). nice watch, commemorating the event. Over 100 attended On the move: Alex Labelle moved from the Carleton this shotgun. The winner of the George Darou Trophy Golf and Yacht Club to Merry - Hill GC near Kitchener. for best senior golfer was Roy French of Sturgeon Point Warren Vout left Cedar Brae and went to Brampton GC GC. Other winners were Gord Summerville 1st net 72 of where Blake McMaster has become the general manager Oshawa Airport G C and Robbie Robinson 1st low gross 72 after years of being the superintendent. Steve Hallard of Hidden Lakes G C. took over at Cedar Brae. Ken Graham was the new superintendent at Huntington and Alex McLeod went from Hockley Valley to Spring Lakes. Jim Molenhuis left Lionhead to work at the new Club Link course, Lake Joseph. Jimmy Sera left Trafalgar and took on the position at Carlyle. Dave Schmelefske left Merry-Hill and joined Ontario Seed Company and Everett Nieuwkoop joined LARGE TREE SALES AND RELOCATION McCracken Golf Supplies. Bill Bowen, superintendent at Dalewood GC, passed Phil Dickie- ISA Certified Arborist pdickie@fastforest.ca away at the age of 61. Dr. Jack Eggens is taking early retirement and Sam DePinto retired from Beverley 270 Shoemaker Street, Kitchener, ON N2E 3E1 Phone (519) 748-6610-Fax (519) 748-6626 G&CC. The Spring Field Day was held at the Cutten Club on Simon George Ask us Professional Products Technical Sales about our Maple Turf Supply Business: (905) 857-2000 installation 8112 King Rd. W. Fax: (905) 857-8215 P.O. Box 370 Mobile: (519) 841-3378 services. Bolton, Ontario 1-800-268-4425 L7E 5T3 simon@mapleturfsupply.com www.mapleturfsupply.com 1.800.461.5501 www.manderley.com Turf or consequences by Doug Breen, Superintendent Golf North Properties Pirates There’s been a lot of talk lately about pirates. Like A couple summers back, we had a gang of Grand River most boys, I always dreamed of being a pirate. I spent Pirates. Two guys paddled across the river in a canoe, hours doing remarkably dangerous things with my BB scampered up the bank, and demanded the keys to a golf gun, secretly hoping to “shoot an eye out” so that I could cart from a pair of stunned golfers. What their ultimate wear an eye patch like a Buccaneer. I wore one for most plan was - remains one of the great criminal mysteries of of a week one summer, as an affectation. That was also the our age. What if the twosome had relinquished the keys? week that I learned that it takes two eyes for good depth Then what? A slow speed chase? The 11 mph speed perception. I fell down stairs, walked into walls, tripped limiters don’t exactly get you down the highway in a cloud over furniture... Honestly, I have no idea how those guys of dust. I often wonder what “success” would have looked could swing from the yardarm, shoot a musket, and have like to these two. What were they hoping to plunder? A a sword fight simultaneously; all with no sense of how far sleeve of Pro V’s? A used set of clubs? If they wanted away things are. I think it’s possible that their exploits may to steal a cart, they could have rented one and been in have been exaggerated somewhat. Similarly, I suspect that exactly the same position. How were they planning to get it’s impossible to “scale the rigging” with a peg leg. their canoe back? I was always a big fan of the swashbuckley clothes too, Of course we’ll never know their plan, because the and I think I’d look darned good with a nice puffy shirt criminal masterminds had forgotten that each golfer is and sash - but Krista says that I’d look like the worst float equipped with more than a dozen clubs, any one of which in a Pride Parade. I wanted a parrot to sit on my shoulder could easily be used as a deadly weapon. After a few while I pillaged and looted, but due to parental restraint exchanged profanities, some threats with a five iron, and I ended up with a budgie - not quite the effect that I was some mocking, the would-be thieves scrambled back down looking for. the bank and escaped in their canoe - narrowly escaping So my boyhood dreams of piracy were thwarted by the hail of balls launched by the golfers who had refused a combination of not looking good in the uniform, to be boarded. It was a great day for freedom on the high inadequate avian companions, a marked lack of physical seas, although I must admit that I felt a little bad for them. disabilities, and primarily, an utter dearth of nearby No pirate likes to be laughed at, and having to retreat oceans. I supposed that I could have become a river pirate under a hail of projectiles may have ended their dreams and trolled the mighty Thames for booty and adventure of adventure on the high seas forever. - but the amount of commercial shipping on the Thames (east of London, anyway) is surprisingly limited. Plus, it’s hard to engage in a full-scale naval battle when your dingy keeps running aground. So I’d pretty much forgotten about pirates entirely, until they became the lead story in every newscast a while back. It turns out that pirates may have been falsely represented. Rather than being Robin Hoods of the sea - plundering the holds of ships owned by swishy European monarchs who made their fortunes on the backs of the masses - it turns out that they were actually criminals, bankrupting ordinary citizens by stealing their investments. Kind of like an American bank. Modern pirates are hijacking container ships to get the Asian manufactured running shoes inside to sell on the black market. Not much “romance and honour” in that. We consider it an Art We've been in the turf fertilizer business for more than 15 years, and it shows! When you only have one thing on your mind, you tend to get really good at it. Nu-Gro uses proprietary nitrogen technologies such as Nutralene® Nitroform® and SCU® to give you the best greens, tees, and fairways. Turn to Nu-Gro Golf for maximum results on your high quality turf. The trusted technology behind every bag of Nu-Gro Golf. Nutralene* and Nitroform* are registered trademarks of Nu-Gro America Corp. SCU* is a registered trademark of Zeneca Corp. www.turfpro.ca TURF CARE Revolutionary rotary cutting quality. Turf Care Products Canada 200 PONY DRIVE, NEWMARKET, ONTARIO L3Y 7B6 PHONE 905-836-0988 FAX 905-836-6442 LONDON: Phone:519-668-7664 Fax:519-668-3722 MISSISSAUGA: Phone: 905-890-6290 Fax: 905-890-5598 SCARBOROUGH: Phone: 416-298-2101 Fax: 416-298-8758 GLOUCESTER: Phone: 613-822-1881 Fax: 613-822-2099 The Groundsmaster 4500-D achieves a remarkable quality of cut from the Contour Plus decks. Each free-floating deck closely follows ground contours for an even cut on undulating terrain. Air inlet pockets keep grass standing tall for a clean cut on every blade. To finish the look, heavy-duty rear rollers create a beautiful striping pattern, even in heavy rough. A mulching kit is also available. Contact your Turf Care www.turfcare.ca sales representative for more details.