Georgia eases watering restrictions
Georgia will allow citizens to hand water gardens and landscaping on a limited basis beginning April 1, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. The state had been enforcing a near-total ban on outdoor watering due to the ongoing drought. "If these watering guidelines remain in place and are consistently applied across all north Georgia municipalities, then this should be good news for our industry," said Bill Turk, president of Southern Nursery Assoc., in a letter to members. "While this is only a start at recognizing both the environmental and economic benefits of healthy landscapes, this is clearly a step in the right direction."

European Union may ban patio heaters
The European Union is considering a ban on outdoor patio heaters, The Times reported. Opponents of the appliance claim they are inefficient and eco-unfriendly. The heaters have become increasingly important due to smoking bans that have forced pub-goers outdoors. The appliances have also seen widespread residential use. Several U.K. garden center chains have said they will stop selling patio heaters. A spokesperson for the Horticultural Trades Assoc. told the paper that garden centers were looking at promoting greener alternatives.

Garden retailer's congressional bid on track
Walt Minnick, chairman of the SummerWinds Garden Center chain, has already raised more than $400,000 to fund his Idaho congressional campaign, IdahoStatesman.com reported. Minnick is trying to secure the Democratic nomination in the race.

Last call for Innovator Award nominees
Garden Center Magazine is looking for people reinventing the garden retail business. Tell us about inventive strategies you've implemented in your store. Put yourself in the running for the 2008 Innovator Award! Send an e-mail describing your business to editor Carol Miller. Deadline is Friday, Feb. 15. Watch for the June 2008 issue where we'll unveil this year's inspirational winner.

HRI awards $425,000 in grants, scholarships
The Horticulture Research Institute will distribute $425,000 in grants and scholarships this year. Projects funded include development of new landscape plants, evaluation of bioplastic pots and exploration of radio frequency ID technology. HRI is the research arm of the American Nursery & Landscape Assoc.

Florida orchid grower takes top prizes
The New York Times recently profiled orchid grower Robert Fuchs, a successful and controversial figure. Last month, Fuchs won several top prizes at the 11th annual World Orchid Conference in Miami. His growing operation, R.H. Orchids, is known for its exotic array of orchid specimens.

Green consumers contribute to slowdown
Concerns about global warming and the environment are prompting some consumers to scale back spending, according to a report in BusinessWeek. More Americans are choosing tap water over bottled water, carrying reusable bags and buying locally produced foods, rather than fruits and vegetables that have traveled thousands of miles. "People are saying they don't need more shoes, more clothes or more bags; it's all about using less, consuming less," Patricia Pao, founder of retail consultant The Pao Principle, said in the article.

View from a blog
• The Georgia green industry now has water. What happens next? Open Register
• Plan for a green Valentine's Day. Project: Green Industry

Worth a visit
Project: Green examines what defines a sustainable plant. There seem to be as many definitions as there are plant varieties. Only on GreenBeam.com.