Minimum wage increase fails in Senate
The Senate defeated an amendment that would gradually raise the federal minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25. The vote was 52-46 in favor, short of the 60 votes needed for passage. Congressional Democrats see minimum wage as a top election-year issue. About 20 states have minimum wages above the federal level.

Soggy weather plagues N.H. nurseries
A report in the Union Leader sheds some light on weather conditions that are putting a damper on New Hampshire nursery sales. Rain has caused a significant drop in business in this part of the country. Faulkner's Landscaping and Nursery, Demers Garden Center, Osborne's Agway and Cole Gardens are reporting sluggish sales thanks to inclement weather. Robert Demers, co-owner of Demers Garden Center, told the paper he's seeing a 25% to 35% average decrease. Osborne's was forced to close for 3 days in May -- including Mother's Day -- due to flooded roads.

Report sheds light on summer trends
Thanks to the high price of gasoline, 47% of American households plan to decrease summer travel and spend more time on home and garden projects -- according to the latest summer trends report from Garden Writers Assoc. Foundation. And it appears that these homebodies will be adorning patios with container gardens. Almost half of the survey respondents (43%) do some form of container gardening, with 25% citing outdoor decoration as the leading reason. Chemical weed control will be practiced by 28% of households, while 24% plan to use more mulch and 54% plan to weed by hand.

Innovations help horticulture stay relevant
Today's mature floriculture industry will need to be creative to retain a youthful growth pattern, according to Charles Hall, Univ. of Tenn. ext. ag. economist. A report in North Texas e-News recapped comments he presented during a lecture at Texas A&M Univ. Independent retailers can get an edge over the competition with specialized services and unique selections, Hall said. However, the long-term outlook is uncertain. "It's imperative that we continue to recognize and closely monitor consumer expectations, tastes and preferences," Hall said.

FNGLA snags cable TV coverage
Fla. Nursery, Growers & Landscape Assoc. jumped at the chance to showcase plants on "Property Ladder" a program on cable network TLC. The show follows a process known as "flipping," where investors buy a house, fix it up quick and resell it for a handsome profit. When FNGLA got word that the show was filming near its Orlando office, it quickly rallied the troops. Members rehabilitated the landscape, installed an irrigation system and provided tropical plants for the interior. The new season of "Property Ladder" debuted in June, and the program featuring FNGLA's efforts is scheduled to air this fall.

Worth a visit
Learn about Araucaria araucana, the monkey-puzzle tree, which makes an intriguing specialty item. Only on GreenBeam.com.