ANLA, PLANET merger a no-go
Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) and ANLA decided not to proceed with a merger. "Although we achieved encouraging momentum, we have decided that it is in the best interests of the memberships of both organizations not to merge at this time," said John Gibson, PLANET president. PLANET was formed in 2004 with the merger of Professional Lawn Care Assoc. of America and Associated Landscape Contractors of America. Gibson said PLANET's board of directors is focusing on alignments that are still being solidified from the 2004 merger. ANLA president Buzz Bertolero said the organizations plan to continue working together and will re-examine the possibility of a merger in the future.

Heronswood Nursery abruptly closes
Heronswood Nursery, a renowned rare plant nursery in Kingston, Wa., shut its doors on May 24, according to a report in the Kitsap Sun. Employees were surprised to hear that the nursery's corporate owner, W. Atlee Burpee & Co., was ceasing local operation. Burpee president George Ball flew in to announce Heronwood's closure. Burpee staffers plan to take specimens back to its Pennsylvania facility to work on adapting them to climates other than the Pacific Northwest.

Scotts Miracle-Gro acquires Turf-Seed Inc.
Scotts Miracle-Gro acquired Turf-Seed Inc., a leading manufacturer of commercial turfgrass, for approximately $30 million to $35 million. The transaction includes a partnership with Turf-Seed Europe.

Reduced airline tickets for Baldwin tour ending
The reduced airline ticket offer for Ian Baldwin's English garden center tour and buying trip to the international trade show Glee will expire on June 9. The tickets, from Newark Airport in New Jersey to Birmingham, England, allow retailers to attend Baldwin's tour (Sept. 13-16) and Glee (Sept. 17-18).

Father's Day spending could reach $9 billion
Spending on Father's Day is expected to reach $9 billion this year, up from $8.2 billion in 2005, according to a survey released by Nat'l. Retail Federation. Average spending on dad is still lagging behind mom: $88.80 vs. $122.16. Most shoppers plan to visit department stores (32%) and specialty stores (30.6%) instead of discounters (29.7%). Greeting cards top the list of popular gifts, with almost 69% purchasing at least one card. Home improvement or gardening tools made the list of notable favorites, which were cited by 10.9% of respondents.

Look for two new lilacs in 2008
Two new lilac cultivars were recently released by U.S. National Arboretum. Planting stock for 'Old Glory' and 'Declaration' will be available from a limited number of nurseries this year and should hit retailers in 2008. 'Old Glory' features abundant, fragrant, bluish-purple flowers, a rounded growth habit and disease-tolerant foliage. 'Declaration' boasts fragrant, dark reddish-purple flowers, nearly foot-long flower clusters and open, upright growth habit.

Worth a visit
Learn about Leucadendron discolor 'Pom Pom,' a South African native that adds an exotic touch to temperate landscapes. Only on GreenBeam.com.