Invasive plants get more scrutiny
Expect more discussions about invasive plants in 2007. Scientists and conservation groups are scrutinizing the impact plants have on the environment and economy.
→ Prevention brings benefits. Nature Conservancy
→ Import screening is cost effective. Union of Concerned Scientists
→ Calif. creates invasive list. PlantRight

Landscape architects identify 2007 trends
Homeowners will be adding firepits and fireplaces for outdoor entertaining in 2007, according to a survey of Amer. Society of Landscape Architects members. People will also be paying a lot more attention to environmentally friendly landscape options, such as adding native plants and managing stormwater more effectively. Homeowners are requesting landscape architects design outdoor rooms complete with kitchens and bars for entertaining. Water features such as koi ponds, pools and fountains also continue to be popular.

Weston Nurseries' land to be developed
Weston Nurseries, a 900-plus-acre nursery outside of Boston, will sell 742 acres to a development company, according to a report in Boston/SF. Boulder Capital is planning to build a mix of residences, condos, retail sites and other commercial spaces. Weston Nurseries will continue to operate retail and growing divisions on 150 acres. The sale is part of a bankruptcy reorganization plan submitted Dec. 1.

Media monopolizes free time
It's a wonder anyone has time for gardening. USA Today recently reported statistics released by the U.S. Census Bureau showing Americans will devote half their lives to forms of media in 2007. This year, Americans will spend 3,518 hours with their media of choice, including 1,555 hours in front of the TV. Leo Kivijarv, v.p. of research at PQ Media, told the paper the numbers mean "people want to have -- and almost need to have -- information and entertainment at their fingertips now, 24 hours a day."

ECGC adopts Plants at Work & Home program
ECGC Distributors partnered with Plants at Work and MasterTag on a new point-of-purchase program promoting indoor plants. The program, expected to launch this month, includes eye-catching tags and posters touting the importance of plants in daily life. ECGC is owned by Al's Garden Center, English Gardens, Green View Companies, Homestead Gardens, Mahoney's Garden Center, Martin Viette Nurseries, McDonald Garden Centers, Molbak's, Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Petitti's Garden Centers and Southern Homes & Gardens.

New Zealand hort tour planned for 2007
Perennial grower Valleybrook Gardens is organizing a tour of New Zealand, Nov. 19-Dec. 6, 2007. Stops will include leading garden centers and nurseries, botanical and private gardens. The tour will take visitors from Auckland on the North Island, down to Queenstown at the southern end of the South Island.

Plan now for Perennial Plant Symposium
Perennial Plant Assoc. will host its 25th annual Perennial Plant Symposium Aug. 5-12 in Columbus, Ohio. The week's events include workshops, seminars and tours of gardens, nurseries and garden centers. More details will be posted online in coming months.

Worth a visit
Solutions Source is a 12-month series providing answers to the challenges industry members face today. This month: energy efficiencies. Only on GreenBeam.com.