Novalis adds 3 growers, launches Web site
Fisher Farms (Gaston and Sherwood, Ore.), Hackney Nursery Co. (Greensboro, Fla.) and Windmill Nursery (Folsom, La.) have joined the Novalis network. Novalis also launched a Web site with sections for retailers, garden media and consumers. The site features plant profiles and descriptions of products in the Plants That Work collection.

Greeting card sales hit plateau
The market for stationery goods reached $36 billion in 2004, up 6.3% over industry sales of $33.9 billion in 2002, according to a report from Unity Marketing. While greeting cards account for the largest share of sales ($10.3 billion in 2004), sales of cards declined 3.9% from 2002. Growth in the stationery market is coming from increasing consumer demand for other goods, such as gift wrap, ribbons and party ware, social stationery and paper crafting supplies.

PPA accepting landscape design entries
Perennial Plant Assoc. is accepting applications for the 2006 Landscape Design Awards. Perennial plants should be the prominent project feature. Entrants are encouraged to show effective uses of new cultivars as well as successful manipulation of color, texture and seasonal combinations. Entry fee is $30 per project submitted by PPA members; $50 for nonmembers. Applications are available online and must be postmarked by Feb. 1.

Horticulture class nurtures troubled kids
USA Today recently reported on an innovative horticulture program started by Vincent Lalli for students at Hillside Children's Center in Romulus, N.Y. Pupils tend gardens on the grounds, sell flowers and vegetables at a roadside stand and plan activities for residents of a local nursing home. The horticulture program is part of the center's therapy regimen. The school offers residential care for students dealing with physical and emotional abuse or drug problems.

Ball refreshes Simply Beautiful packaging
Ball Hort. Co. will introduce new eye-catching pots for its Simply Beautiful brand this spring. The pots, offered only to independent garden centers, are available in printed thermoform or picture pot versions. Full-color picture pots are available in pint and gallon sizes. Printed thermoform pots are available in sizes to accommodate different production and display settings. New translucent shuttle trays prevent pots from being obscured. The new pot designs adhere to weights and measures guidelines.

Montreal to host Perennial Plant Symposium
This year's Perennial Plant Symposium will be July 16-22 at the Hyatt Regency in Montreal, Quebec. Tours to gardens, nurseries and garden centers will be hosted before and after the event. Exhibitor information and registration details will be available soon.

Worth a visit
Learn about Fothergilla gardenii 'Blue Shadow,' a vigorous performer that steals the show with its striking foliage. Only on GreenBeam.com.