Study determines P. ramorum entry points
Phytopthora ramorum, the pathogen responsible for sudden oak death, originated in 2 California locations: Scotts Valley and Mount Tamalpais in Marin County, The Mercury News reported. Scientists found that pathogens at both locations share identical DNA footprints, indicating that they are related, probably through the nursery trade, said lead investigator Matteo Garbelotto of Univ. of Calif.-Berkeley. "Our study reconstructs the sudden oak death epidemic," Garbelotto said. "Having multiple introductions explains why it is so extensive."

Scotts recalls product
Scotts Miracle-Gro is working with U.S. EPA regarding a nationwide recall of Miracle-Gro Shake 'n Feed with Weed Preventer All Purpose Plant Food. The action was initiated in connection with an investigation of the product's federal registration. Retailers that carry this product are being advised to stop the sale of and remove this product from store shelves. No other Scotts Miracle-Gro Shake 'n Feed products are affected.

Ontario bans lawn, garden pesticides
A ban on many lawn and garden pesticides will go into effect next spring in Ontario, Canada, the Globe and Mail reported. The new law would prohibit 80 chemicals and 300 products that experts say pose a potential health risk. Quebec earlier enacted a similar ban.

Ball launches consolidated Web site
Ball Horticultural has combined information from its 6 formerly independent Web sites into a single, all-new site: www.ballhort.com. The site provides 1 location for retailers, growers, landscapers and consumers to research plants, products and programs. An "Add Your Business" function allows retailers to list their businesses in a searchable database. Garden center operators can also browse the new Sustainable Solutions section with details about Ball's products and programs.

Consumers scale back Mother's Day spending
Americans won't be shelling out quite as much money on Mother's Day gifts this year, according to a survey by Nat'l. Retail Federation. Consumers will spend an average of $138.63 this year, compared to $139.14 last year. Total consumer spending is expected to reach $15.8 billion. "Mom has been saying for decades that it's the thought that counts on Mother's Day, and this year, kids might actually be listening," said NRF president and CEO Tracy Mullin. "Retailers will offer specials on popular items such as digital cameras and gardening tools to make it easy for those who want to surprise mom with a gift."

Are Crocs about to croak?
The future isn't looking so bright for Crocs, makers of colorful plastic clogs. The company has seen sluggish sales, prompting it to lower its earnings forecast. Crocs is also closing a manufacturing plant in Canada, eliminating 600 jobs.
• Crocs stock drops. Bloomberg
• Workers get the boot. Globe and Mail
• Shares stumble. Motley Fool

Garden Center product survey closing soon
The Garden Center Product Survey from Garden Center Magazine will be closing soon. If you are a garden retailer and have not taken it yet, you are invited to participate. The results will be published in the August issue.

Garden Corner named Innovator finalist
The Garden Corner in Tualatin, Ore., is among 4 garden centers to have made the cut to be finalists for the Garden Center Magazine 2008 Innovator Award, sponsored by Garden Market Expo. Jonn Karsseboom doesn't let a small lot in a suburban neighborhood and no permanent structures get in the way of classy retail. A temporary wooden path meanders throughout the property, passing vignette display after display. Any time Karsseboom needs to redecorate, its just a matter of rolling up the aisles and placing it into a new pattern.

View from a blog
• Sid Raisch says to be smart about operating in a weak economy, not afraid. Open Register
• Companies motivated by green ethics perform better than those driven by cost savings. Project: Green Industry