AARS names 3 winners for 2007
The 3 roses named 2007 All-America Rose Selections were praised for their intense color and outstanding disease resistance. AARS president Steve Hutton said winners will perform well in traditional gardens as well as containers. This year's selections are: Rainbow Knock Out, Moondance and Strike It Rich. Each selection underwent rigorous testing for 2 years in test gardens across the country. This comprehensive testing helps both home gardeners and wholesale growers select the best performers.

Central Garden & Pet acquires Ironite brand
Central Garden & Pet Co. has acquired the rights to the Ironite Products brand of natural soil supplements for approximately $6 million. Ironite produces environmentally friendly soil supplements that promote healthy plant color and deeper root structures. Central has historically served as Ironite's leading distributor. Ironite founder Heinz Brungs will continue to work with Central on marketing and development.

Money Magazine confirms landscaping's worth
A recent article in Money Magazine asserts that trees and shrubs are the best way to heighten curb appeal and boost a home's value. Gerri Willis, contributing columnist and host of CNN's "Open House," said the overall effect produced by mature trees is critical to selling a home and enjoying it while residing there. Willis offers four steps consumers should follow when shopping for trees.

Bachman's rebrands, ditches signature color
Minneapolis-based Bachman's Floral Home & Garden is rebranding and ditching its ubiquitous purple signage and packaging, according to a report in the Star Tribune. A new company logo will also be unveiled soon. The changes aren't just cosmetic. Bachman's recently introduced a gift boutique, called Wink, in its 6 full-service garden centers and a 7th location in downtown Minneapolis. The company hopes the boutique will help them attract and keep younger female customers.

Consumers favor specialty stores for Mom
Greeting card and gift stores, jewelers, florists and electronics stores will be the favorite place to shop this year for Mother's Day gifts, according to the Nat'l. Retail Federation's Mother's Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey. A little over 38% of consumers prefer specialty stores over department stores (29.2%) and discount stores (25.6%). Spending this year is expected to reach $13.8 billion. The average person plans to spend $122.16, up from $104.63 last year. One explanation for the increased spending could be that people are celebrating all the moms they know, including wives, daughters, grandmother, sisters, friends and other relatives.

Hall's Garden Center nominated for Innovator
Congratulations to the 4 finalists for the annual Garden Center Innovator Award. The finalists were selected for innovative business practices. Hall's Garden Center, Berkeley Heights, N.J., is the 2nd finalist. Hall's Garden Center is known for the enormous amount of green goods it turns each year in a single location. The secret lies in confident buying and not being afraid to simplify customers' choices in plants. The award is sponsored by Garden Market Expo.

Worth a visit
Learn about Prunus 'First Lady,' a new cherry that answers the call for smaller flowering trees. Only on GreenBeam.com.