ANLA urges immigration comments
Senators need to hear from constituents in support of comprehensive immigration reform, said Craig Regelbrugge, ANLA's v.p. for gov't. relations. Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid tabled reform debate earlier this month, citing the need for Republicans to gather more support for the legislation. Experts suggest that failure to achieve comprehensive reform will result in widespread nonfederal action, much of it targeting employers and immigrant employees. "We will all be well-served by a system that is fair, rewards work and restores the rule of law," Regelbrugge said.

Article spotlights gardening waste
Plastic pots, bags and bottles — refuse of the gardening public — came under scrutiny in a recent Chicago Tribune article. The story details difficulties in recycling packaging used for garden goods. Most plastics end up in landfills or hazardous waste incinerators.

Tesco to buy Dobbies
British retail giant Tesco will acquire Dobbies Garden Centres, a chain of 21 stores in the United Kingdom. In a report on Earthtimes.org, Tescos chief executive Terry Leahy said garden centers were an attractive proposition, based on increasing interest in environmentally friendly products.

Dutch growers fight hosta virus X
Dutch growers, exporters and an independent inspection service are working to resolve problems related to hosta virus X (HVX), according to a report from Plant Publicity Holland. Growers can now submit hosta stock to the inspection service, where it is specifically tested for the virus. Exporters can ask for test results to ensure that only top-quality material is shipped. HVX causes leaf mottling, stunting, twisting and puckering of leaves.

Plants at Work changes name
Plants at Work, a program promoting benefits of interior plants, has a new name: Green Plants for Green Buildings. New posters and POP materials are being developed. A new URL for the organization's Web site is also forthcoming.

SafeLawns.org plans fall seminars
SafeLawns.org is planning a series of fall seminars to promote organic lawn care. The sessions will be held over 2 days — 1 day for professionals and 1 day for consumers. Seminars will be held in the New York City area Sept. 14-15, Philadelphia area Sept. 21-22 and Washington, D.C., Oct. 19-20.

Kay Berry sues TomiJon Wholesale
Kay Berry, a cast stone manufacturer and distributor, is suing TomiJon Wholesale for copyright infringement. The suit alleges that TomiJon is selling unauthorized reproductions through its Web site and wholesale showrooms in Ohio. In a statement, Kay Berry said TomiJon is offering knockoffs of designs from its Genuine Cast Stone Accents and Lizbeth's Accents in Stone product lines.

View from a blog
Green may not mean go. Open Register

Worth a visit
Are you as good as you think? Retail consultant Robert Hendrickson says look at your store from the customer's point of view. Only on GreenBeam.com.