MEET OUR SPEAKERS

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 With over a dozen years in the landscaping industry, I have held positions as a laborer for a contractor, territory manager in landscaping for a paver manufacturer (Permacon), and for the past five years, Field Technical Advisor and Strategic Training. I have extensive experience in the various stages of preparation and use of landscaping products.

Sand and Sealer Installation 101:

 This training aims to review the fundamental principles behind the installation of jointing products and the best practices for protecting pavers with a sealer. It includes an overview of the different products available and the differences between each of them  

 Laura Anderson is the Territory Sales Manager in Atlantic Canada for the golf and vegetation management segment with Envu Canada. She has recently completed her MSc. in Agriculture with a specialization in weed science where she focused her research on herbicide resistant weed management strategies. Laura also obtained her BSc. in Plant Science from Dalhousie University’s Agricultural College in 2015. Since then, Laura has worked as an agrologist throughout Canada and internationally in the private and public sectors specializing in field and horticultural crops. In her current position, Laura assists golf course superintendents and vegetation control specialists with pest management control strategies by providing technical product training and support. 

 Hughstin Grimshaw-Surette is from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia and has had a strong interest in insects and plants from an early age. He holds a B.Sc. in Environmental Science and a M.Sc. in Applied Science from Saint Mary’s University. During his master’s degree, Hughstin researched the influence of green roof characteristics on pollinator communities. Before joining the NSISC team, he instructed environmental science classes and labs at Saint Mary’s University. As the Terrestrial Project Coordinator for the NSISC, he is involved with invasive plant and insect surveys, invasive plant management, and outreach activities. He is passionate about working with communities to engage in discussions about invasive species and what we can do to protect native biodiversity.

 Carla Bailey is an HR strategist and leadership coach with over a decade of experience in the landscaping industry. As the proprietor of Solutions by CB (SBC), a boutique consultancy, Carla specializes in bridging the gap for landscaping companies by providing tailored HR solutions, leadership training, and performance management. Her extensive background includes leading HR functions at a large independent landscaping company,

as well as her deep involvement with Landscape Ontario and the GROW Program.

Carla is the co-founder of Women in Landscaping, a nonprofit organization focused on advancing the role of women in the industry. She is recognized for her ability to inspire change and innovation in organizations, helping leaders at all levels navigate complex HR challenges with confidence and clarity. Her approach combines straightforward strategies with a focus on employee growth, resilience, and sustainability.

Known for her practical, personable style, Carla emphasizes aligning business needs with employee well-being. Her TOP Model for career growth and leadership development encourages professionals to focus on their strengths while tackling key challenges. She is a sought-after speaker, known for her engaging presentations that blend HR expertise with hands-on solutions for the unique challenges facing the landscaping industry.

 Grant has spent his entire career in the landscape industry—starting at 15 with a shovel in hand and working his way through every level of the business. From fieldwork to operations, from running his own design/build company to supporting franchise and branch systems, he’s seen it all. Today, he focuses on helping teams build structure, improve profitability, and find real satisfaction in their work. Grant is passionate about growth, both personal and professional, and brings a practical, grounded approach to every conversation.

Paul Brydges is the Senior Landscape Architect, and founder of Brydges Landscape Architecture, established in 2004, with over 40 years of combined horticultural and design/build experience.

Paul is Past President of Landscape Ontario, a member of the AALD, APALA, ASLA, CNLA, CSLA,LNS, OALA, and current chair of the National Designer Sub Committee with CNLA.  He lectures throughout North America on the values of design, the environment and collaboration. 

For Paul, it is truly important to create unique and environmentally responsible designs, not only for aesthetic reasons, but also to align with the company value of "honouring" nature.

 Ken is a graduate of the Maritime Forest Ranger School, now called the Maritime College of Forest Technology. He worked with NSDNR in the inventory and silviculture division after Graduating. In 1998 he and a few from his graduating class went west to Alberta where he had a 22-year career with the Alberta Government in Wildfire Management. This allowed Ken to work in both operational and prevention aspects of Wildfire Management. He returned home to Nova Scotia in 2020 and took my current position as Wildfire Prevention Officer in August 2024.

FireSmart for Landscape Contractors

This presentation will introduce landscape contractors to the FireSmart program, a nationally recognized initiative that provides practical guidelines to help make properties more resilient to wildfire.

With a focus on vegetation management, the session will highlight straightforward, actionable steps that property owners can take—many of which you, as contractors, can support or implement directly as part of your services.

By integrating FireSmart principles into your landscape designs and maintenance work, you can not only help reduce wildfire risk for your clients, but also add value to your business by offering fire-resilient landscaping solutions.

Tara Ralph is a Landscape Designer, Red Seal Horticulturist, and the founder of Canopy Landscape Design Studio. With over 20 years of hands-on design experience and more than 30 years in management and business development, she brings a rare combination of creative energy, intuitive leadership, and grounded expertise to every project. She views her work as an extension of the land, using natural and built elements of the environment to create a space that is engaging and timeless. Tara holds a degree in Landscape Architecture from Dalhousie and two diplomas in horticulture. While her formal education laid the groundwork, it’s the daily rhythm of thoughtful design, collaboration with clients, and adapting to each unique site that fuels her passion. Every project deepens her connection to the craft and reinforces her belief that great landscapes don’t just look good, they should nurture ecosystems, invite connections, enhance well-being, honour nature, and promote resilience.

 For over 48 years, Randy Tumber, APLD, CLD, CHT, ISA has been widely known for excellence in the design and installation of mature, native landscapes, pools & water features that move people & change how his clients live & flourish in their outdoor spaces. This is accomplished by attention to detail and overall project & site planning to create natural-looking environments and waterfeatures, working with natural stone and native habitat restoration.

Randy's work is often acknowledged in the media - including over 120 national and international awards!

Randy quite purposely steers away from many trends in the industry, but endeavours to help his discerning clients decide what mix of design and technology is right for them. His naturalistic designs are built to reflect a statement of permanence and timeless elegance.

 Rob Murray is the Co-founder and CEO of Intrigue Media, a digital marketing company

that has been empowering and growing businesses in the home improvement space for

the last 15 years. Intrigue has been on Canada's Growth 500 list for four years, is a

Google Premier Partner and is Meta Certified. Rob directs the organizational vision,

works with clients to grow their businesses, and ensures that Intrigue has the right

people and the right tools to get results. He is the past President of the Entrepreneurs'

Organization in Southwest Ontario and past digital marketing chair for his local hospital

board.