California freeze affects nursery stock
Freezing temperatures in Southern California have affected garden centers and nurseries, the Los Angeles Times (registration required) reported. Tom Givven, owner of Marina del Rey Garden Center, told the paper he lost almost all 1- and 5-gallon salvias in stock. Givven also expects shortages on tropicals like hibiscus and gingers. Win Overbach, owner of Island View Nursery in Carpinteria, said high winds blew the roof off a 8,000-sq.-ft. greenhouse, leaving citrus trees and ficus exposed to the elements.

Canadian pesticides go behind the counter
Residents of Prince Edward Island, Canada, won't be able to grab many pesticides off the shelf starting March 1, CBC News reported. New regulations require certain pesticides be displayed behind the counter. Customers will have to specifically request products from employees. Retailers reported some increased costs associated with the new rule, namely the expense of adding shelves behind registers.

Jackson & Perkins unveils Ferraro rose
Jackson & Perkins introduced a hybrid tea rose honoring Geraldine Ferraro, the first woman to be nominated for U.S.'s v.p. by a major party. Fordham Law School hosted a ceremony to introduce the cause rose. 10% of net proceeds from each rose will be donated to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. Ferraro was diagnosed with multiple myeloma -- a form of cancer -- in 1998. "This rose, which will benefit the life-saving work of the MMRF, is both a celebration of the progress we've made so far in fighting this disease, and is also a stark reminder of how far we still have to go in terms of research in treatment," Ferraro said.

Valentine's spending to reach $16.9 billion
The average consumer will spend $119.67 on Valentine's Day this year, up from $100.89 in 2006, according to Nat'l. Retail Federation's Valentine's Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey. With 63.4% of consumers planning to celebrate the holiday, total 2007 spending is expected to reach $16.9 billion. The average male is expected to spend $156.22, nearly double the $85.08 the average female will spend. Flowers remain a popular holiday gift, with 58.3% of men planning to purchase them -- up from 52.3% in 2006.

Nardozzi to preside over NYC garden festival
Charlie Nardozzi, Nat'l. Gardening Assoc. sr. horticulturalist, will be the master of ceremonies for the NYC Grows Garden Festival. The event celebrating National Garden Month will be held at Union Square Park South Plaza in Manhattan on April 28. During the festival, Nardozzi will offer gardening tips and demonstrate container gardening techniques. "It will be a wonderful gathering of gardening experts offering their free advice on everything from garden bugs to gardening with kids," Nardozzi said.

Aussies outraged by gnome massacre
Vandals smashed dozens of garden gnomes at a quirky tourist spot outside of Perth in Western Australia. Six of the gnomes depicted emergency workers, prompting area emergency workers to offer $500 (Au.) for information leading to those responsible for what is being dubbed the "Gnomesville Massacre."

Worth a visit
Learn to grow Cornus kousa 'Wolf Eyes,' a variegated dogwood that shows brilliant hues seasonally. Only on GreenBeam.com.