The Weekly Dirt - 01-15-08

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	JANUARY 15, 2008 Drought forces Habersham Gardens to close Atlanta-based Habersham Gardens will close until March, Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. The store also laid off 40 percent of its 85 employees. Slow sales caused by the area's historic drought prompted the temporary closure. The company has no plans to file for bankruptcy. Storms destroy Alden Lane's historic oak Severe storms in Livermore, Calif., toppled a centuries-old oak at Alden Lane Nursery earlier this month, San Jose Mercury News reported. The ancient oak was at the store's main entrance and served as an icon for the nursery. PPA names Plant of the Year Perennial Plant Assoc. named Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' (golden Japanese forest grass) as its 2009 Perennial Plant of the Year. This clump-forming deciduous grass produces arching, linear leaves that are bright yellow with narrow, longitudinal lime-green stripes. The leaves often develop a reddish tinge in fall. Plants reach 12-18 inches tall and 18-36 inches wide. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9. Geranium 'Rozanne' is the 2008 Perennial Plant of the Year. Landscape architects name top trends Homeowners will add entire great rooms outdoors this year, according to a survey of American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) members. Outdoor kitchens and fire pits continue to be popular requests. However, more homeowners are asking for outdoor "great rooms" incorporating the living room, dining room and kitchen. ASLA members also anticipate a revival of the garden. Lawn maintenance costs — especially irrigation — will lead homeowners to consider water-saving features and less of the traditional grass lawn. Contrasts characterize Dutch garden trends Gardening in 2008 will be a study in contrasts, according to Stichting Tuinpromotie Nederland (STN), the Dutch garden promotion foundation. A report from Plant Publicity Holland outlines 4 types of gardening consumers and their preferred styles. Social gardeners want a "fresh and weathered" garden. Proud garden owners are looking for "imperial inspiration." Eccentric gardeners require elements of fantasy, while prestige garden owners want a "rough and refined" outdoor space. Sears adds Snapper brand to its lineup Sears will become the exclusive national retailer for Briggs & Stratton's Snapper brand beginning this spring. Green Bay Packers QB Brett Favre will serve as the brand's spokesperson, promoting 3 new mowers, 2 new lawn tractors and a new zero-turn riding mower in a national ad campaign. Bad weather contributed to weak holiday sales Bad weather was a big contributor to the lackluster Christmas sales season, according to consulting firm Weather Trends International. Dec. 2-Jan. 5 was the 3rd-coldest shopping season in 15 years and the snowiest in 7 years, causing major disruptions for consumers and retailers. Winter weather caused a rush for items like ice melt, auto batteries and snow accessories at the expense of holiday gifts. View from a blog • Industry insider Clint Albin released his most recent The Next Big Thing column, a collection of intriguing consumer developments that retailers should watch. Open Register • Organic retailer Tish Llaneza is doing her best to navigate the sustainability rapids. Check out her first-hand account on the challenges of product selection and customer education. Project: Green Industry Worth a visit Struggling with how to communicate sustainability issues to your clients? Garden Center editor Carol Miller suggests you decide on a simple message that you can back up. Only on GreenBeam.com.

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