2026 GISC Exhibitor Feedback Survey
We depend on our exhibitor's feedback to make improvements to GISC every year! Please provide your feedback below.
LA Nursery Producers Auction November 2026
Landscape Alberta Nursery Producers Auction Donation Form 2026
Phishing Alert
Over the last several weeks there have been a series of industry members that have had their emails compromised and sent out wide reaching phishing emails regarding "Bid Submission" and or "Project Details" that include a link for more information. This will likely come from a well known contact - please call (do not email back - if the scammer has email access they will set up replies to legitimize the request) and Delete the email without clicking on anything. This appears to be a well targeted approach that relies on using existing contacts and preying on busy small business types. Please be alert and if you're not sure, pickup the phone and verify with the company/contact.
Sign up for City of Calgary Water Updates – 2026
If you are business in the Calgary area and want to ensure you receive up-to-date information on the Calgary Water Crisis, including what Landscape Alberta is doing on your behalf, please sign up below.
Grow the Future of Garden Retail
Supporting the Future of Garden Retail Leadership
GCC introduces two funding opportunities designed to elevate leadership in Canada’s garden centre community.
Introducing the PLANT Forward Bursaries
Garden Centres Canada (GCC) is pleased to introduce the PLANT Forward Bursaries, two national programs created to support and advance professionals across the Canadian garden centre retail sector.
Future Leader Bursary
Provides up to $3,000 to candidates aged 40 or younger to attend the Garden Centres Canada Summit, supporting early-career professionals with exceptional promise.
Retail Leadership Bursary
Provides up to $7,000 for retail employees or owners who demonstrate outstanding leadership to attend the International Garden Centre Association Congress, an international forum for innovation, networking, and global best practices.
Rooted in the values of Professional Leadership Advancement and Networking for Talent, both bursaries provide recipients with opportunities to grow their careers through:
- Professional development funding
- Mentorship from experienced industry leaders
- Access to GCC events, workshops, and national networks
Designed to help the next generation grow boldly and lead with purpose, these bursaries strengthen both individual career pathways and the long-term vitality of independent garden centres across Canada.
“The future of garden retail will be shaped by the individuals we empower today. The PLANT Forward Bursary is our commitment to supporting passionate, innovative professionals who will lead our industry forward.”
Robin Godfrey, Chair of Garden Centres Canada.
The inaugural application period is now open. Full details, eligibility, and application guidelines are available at:
https://www.cnla.ca/news/plant-forward-bursery-announce
For retailers looking to encourage internal talent or nominate rising leaders, these bursaries offer a meaningful opportunity to invest in your team and in the future of our industry.
Landscape Alberta Membership Interest Form
About Us
Landscape Alberta (Landscape Alberta Nursery Trades Association) proudly serves members who operate businesses and organizations in the horticulture industry in Alberta. Please complete and submit the form below so that our Member Services team can with follow-up with you about the benefits of joining your industry association.
Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of Landscape Alberta
Part of the application process for Active membership (landscape contractors, growers, or garden centres) includes verification that your business holds appropriate insurance (liability and WCB), as well as 2 sponsors that can attest to your experience in the industry along with a few more details about the services and products your business provides. Our staff will be in touch very soon to discuss the next steps to make the member application process as easy as possible.
Your Ultimate Guide to GISC 2025
🌿 Your Ultimate Guide to GISC 2025
Ready. Set. Grow.
Get ready to experience the largest horticultural trade show in Western Canada—GISC 2025 is back and bigger than ever! Held in the heart of the Prairies, this premier industry event is your gateway to growth, connection, and innovation.
Whether you're aiming to attract new clients, energize your team, or elevate your professional impact, GISC 2025 delivers the insights, tools, and inspiration to help you thrive.
🌟 What to Expect
- 100+ Exhibitors showcasing the latest in landscape and horticulture
- 25+ Educational Sessions led by industry thought leaders
- 1500+ Attendees from across the green industry spectrum
This year’s theme, Ready. Set. Grow., reflects the dynamic momentum of our industry—from cutting-edge business strategies and safety culture to AI, sustainability, and the newest plant introductions. If you're looking to stay ahead of the curve, this is the place to be.
🎉 Can’t-Miss Social & Networking Events
Beyond the trade show floor, GISC 2025 offers four signature events designed to spark connections and celebrate our vibrant community:
🌱 Landscape Alberta Nursery Producers Auction
📍 Red Deer Resort & Casino
📅 Wednesday, November 12
Enjoy a lively evening of bidding and camaraderie at this annual favorite, featuring both live and silent auctions plus a delicious dinner.
🛻 The Tailgate Party
📍 Trade Show Floor Seating Area
📅 Thursday, November 13 at 4:00 PM
Grab a drink, enjoy some snacks, and mingle with fellow exhibitors in this relaxed, high-energy gathering.
🌸 AGGA Garden Party
📍 Red Deer Resort & Casino
Celebrate excellence in horticulture with food, drinks, and networking. Awards for Grower of the Year, Meritorious Service, and the Herb Knodel Award will be announced.
🍸 The After Party
📍 Garden Terrace Lounge, Red Deer Resort & Casino
Unwind after Day 1 with a drink and great company. It’s the perfect way to cap off a productive day.
💼 More Ways to Engage
- Job Board: Post or explore career opportunities right on the trade show floor.
- Passport Program: Visit participating exhibitors, collect stamps, and enter to win exciting prizes.
- Continuing Education Credits: Earn CEUs for ISA, LHCP, and Pesticide Applicator Re-certification through select sessions.
🌍 Powered by Landscape Alberta
GISC is proudly managed by Landscape Alberta, a voluntary trade association committed to advancing the ornamental horticulture industry across Alberta and Canada.
Join the movement at GISC 2025. Connect with innovators, grow your vision, and help build the future of the green industry in Western Canada one professional at a time.
Alberta Youth Employment (AYE) Incentive Announced
September 11, 2025 - The Alberta Government today announced a new incentive program to help combat youth unemployment in Alberta. This partnership with Careers the Next Generation (a non-profit who will administer the funding) aims to create new youth focused roles in small businesses to ensure youth have a great start to their working careers. For many, their first job is the one that teaches lessons of responsibility and consciousness. The horticultural industry has a long history working with young people and teaching lessons for life (and love of plants and people). In fact, the announcement was made at long-time member garden centre and landscape firm, Classic Landscape (Ellerslie Gift and Gardens) right here in Edmonton. Our friend Perry Stothart spoke after the Premiere and Minister regarding the positive impacts a first job in horticultural has had on hundreds and hundreds of youth over the years. (Way to go Perry and the Payne family!)
Program Overview for Eligible Businesses
The Alberta Youth Employment Incentive program provides financial assistance to registered for-profit businesses to hire young Albertans aged 16 to 24. This program is an excellent opportunity for small businesses to expand their workforce while significantly reducing hiring costs.
The funding structure is tiered based on the number of youth hired and the total hours they work:
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$4,000 for hiring 1 to 2 youth who collectively work a minimum of 400 hours.
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$7,500 for hiring 3 to 5 youth who collectively work a minimum of 750 hours.
A key benefit for businesses with multiple locations is that they can apply for the maximum funding for each location.
How Landscape, Greenhouse, and Horticultural Businesses Can Best Take Advantage
Businesses in these sectors are perfectly positioned to benefit from this program because they are registered for-profit businesses that are operational in Alberta. The seasonal nature of the work often requires a flexible and expanding workforce, making young, energetic talent an ideal fit.
To maximize the benefits, these businesses should:
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Plan Ahead: Align hiring needs with the program's funding tiers. For example, if a business needs three extra hands for the busy spring and summer seasons, they could target the $7,500 incentive by hiring three youth to work at least 250 hours each.
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Meet the Hour Requirements: Ensure that hired youth are scheduled to work enough hours to meet the minimum threshold (400 or 750 combined hours).
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Leverage Multiple Locations: If a business has more than one garden center or greenhouse, it can apply for funding for each location, potentially multiplying the total incentive received.
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Invest in Long-Term Talent: Use the program as a way to "test" potential long-term employees. The provided information notes that hiring youth helps "build a pipeline of skilled, job-ready workers," which is crucial for retaining a talented workforce in these industries.
Suggested Job Roles for Youth
The program highlights the benefits of youth employment, including their tech savviness, energy, and adaptability. Small businesses can leverage these qualities by creating entry-level and hands-on roles that also incorporate modern tools and systems.
In the landscape and horticultural industries, suitable jobs for youth could include:
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Horticultural Assistant: Assisting with planting, pruning, weeding, and general plant care.
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Greenhouse Technician/Nursery Assistant: Helping with watering, transplanting, and maintaining plant stock.
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Gardener/Landscaping Crew Member: Performing tasks such as mowing, trimming, mulching, and planting for residential or commercial clients.
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Customer Service & Retail Sales Associate: Working in a garden center to assist customers, manage inventory, and handle point-of-sale transactions.
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Delivery and Logistics Assistant: Helping with the loading and delivery of plants, soil, and other landscaping supplies.
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Social Media & Digital Marketing Assistant: Utilizing their tech skills to manage the company's social media presence, create promotional content, and update the website with new products or services. This is a great way to "spark growth" and "keep your business current" as mentioned in the program details.
For more info please visit - https://ayeincentive.ca/
We expect this program to be highly subscribed and as such are suggesting to apply early, even if the intent is to have positions start in 2026.
National Award winners announced at gala in Regina, Saskatchewan
August 13, Regina, SK — The 22nd annual National Awards of Landscape Excellence (NALE) winners were announced live on August 12, 2025, during a special gala at Delta Hotels Regina in Saskatchewan. The event welcomed over 100 industry members from across the country, representing a broad cross-section of the horticultural trades.
This year, two Alberta companies received a National Award. Congratulations to Land Tec Landscape Contractors and Visionscapes! And a shout out to all of the other winners for their exceptional contributions to advancing professionalism in the landscape industry!
Home Depot Award for Commercial Landscape Maintenance
Winner: Land Tec Landscape Contractors
For: Uline Edmonton
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Outstanding Achievement Award for Landscape Feature
Winner: VisionScapes
For: Creating an innovative landscape that includes a river flowing throughout VisionScapes’ Exquisite Solitude in the Foothills project, leading to a fire pit and seating area surrounded by a moat.
Location: Calgary, Alberta
The National Awards of Landscape Excellence (NALE) celebrate Canadian companies that have made significant strides in raising professionalism within the landscape industry. Each province nominates members from their Provincial Awards of Excellence, who then compete at the national level. Provinces can enter up to three submissions per category, comprising fifteen entries per association, in five categories: commercial landscape construction, residential landscape construction, commercial landscape maintenance, residential landscape maintenance, and landscape design.
The top projects in each of the five categories were awarded the Circle of Excellence. Three Outstanding Achievement awards were given to companies whose projects best exemplified green innovation, use of plants, and landscape features. Additional recognitions include the Green My City award, the Communities in Bloom award of distinction, and the Green for Life Community award.
Caterpillar Award for Commercial Landscape Construction, Rutherford Contracting, Innisfil, ON
Caterpillar Award for Residential Landscape Construction, Swick’s Landscaping, Vancouver, BC
Intrigue Media Award for Landscape Design, Lavish Gardens, Stirling, ON
HortProtect Award for Residential Landscape Maintenance, The Landmark Group, Thornbury, ON
Outstanding Achievement Award for Green Innovation, Clintar of London, London, ON
Outstanding Achievement Award for Use of Plants, Swick’s Landscaping, Vancouver, BC
Caterpillar Green for Life Community Award, Summerside and Area Garden Club, Summerside, PEI
Green My City Award, Brookmill Blvd. Jr. Public School, Toronto District School Board
Communities in Bloom Award of Distinction, Ville de Rosemère
