Natural Gardener wins 2008 Innovator Award
John Dromgoole, owner of Natural Gardener in Austin, Texas, is a man on a mission. He wants to prove that natural methods develop stronger gardens, work with nature and are a sound, profitable business tactic. Congratulations, Natural Gardener! The Innovator Award is presented by Garden Center Magazine and sponsored by Garden Market Expo.

Consumers consider eco impact of products
A majority of American households are concerned about the environmental impact of gardening products, according to the 2008 Late Spring Gardening Trends Research Report released by Garden Writers Assoc. Foundation. The survey found that 68% of households were either very concerned (34%) or somewhat concerned (34%) about the environmental impact of gardening products they buy. Respondents also said they're recycling more: 48% always recycle plastic nursery pots/trays, 48% always mulch or compost grass clippings and 41% always mulch or compost waste. Get more details on the report here.

Clever marketing schemes debut at pack trials
Innovative (and eye-opening) marketing materials were on display at the California pack trials in April. A provocative display at the Fides trial had everyone buzzing, said David Kuack, editor of GMPRO. Check out an overview of the out-there promotion ideas on our blog, Open Register.

Last chance at Baldwin's England tour
A handful of spaces are left to shop and ship at Glee and tour English garden centers with Ian Baldwin, Sept. 17-23. The tour will take a hiatus in 2009 when the International Garden Centre Association Congress visits the area. Due to the weak dollar and other factors, future tours aren't currently planned. Full registration details are available on Baldwin's Web site.

Bailey Nurseries launches promotion contest
Bailey Nurseries wants to hear about strategies retailers are using to promote the company's "Trees are Cool" campaign. The store with the most creative tactics will win a 2-day trip to Bailey's facilities in Minnesota or Oregon. Entries must be received by July 1. Send photos and descriptions to 1325 Bailey Road, Newport, MN 55055.

Garden centers offer preview of Oprah rose
Some garden centers in California's Bay Area received pre-release shipments of the new Legends rose, featured on the cover of O, Oprah Winfrey's magazine. Winfrey named the rose in honor of 25 influential African-American women. Matt Lepow, owner of Almaden Valley Nursery in San Jose, told the Mercury News he's taking pre-orders for the plant — which is one of the largest hybrid tea roses ever created. Regan Nursery in Fremont will also carry the rose.

Garden Center Group hosts fall event
The Garden Center Group will host its fall event Aug. 18-22 in Portland, Ore. Activities include a visit to the Farwest trade show, which runs Aug. 21-23. Attendees will also participate in workshops, tours and a P&L study review. A complete schedule of events and registration details can be found here.

Mixed containers command higher prices
Container gardens are premium products and should be priced accordingly by growers and retailers, said Terri Starman, Texas AgriLife Research horticulturist. "Charge for the expertise, the time it took to grow them and design them and for the looks." Starman polled consumers about price, harmony of color and info. provided with container gardens. Her study appeared in the April 2008 issue of HortScience. She learned consumers will pay more for a mixed container when it comes with extensive care info. Consumers also said they'd return to the garden center to replenish plants in a mixed container. This "filler material" could be another way to market plant material.

Are nandinas invasive?
There has been much debate about whether nandinas are invasive in various parts of the country. Behnke Nurseries Co. chairman John Peter Thompson decided to investigate what current data are available. Thompson takes an exhaustive look and presents information that both supports and rebuts the claim.

View from a blog
• Ohio retailer Jeff Griff captures the wonder of a garden at dawn. Open Register
• Are rain barrels the "it" product of the spring? Project: Green Industry