Garden centers were top venue for spring
More consumers shopped at garden centers than mass merchants this spring, according to the 2007 Summer Gardening Trends Research Report released by Garden Writers Assoc. Foundation (GWAF). In early spring, GWAF asked consumers where they planned to buy most of their spring plants. Garden centers were cited by 47% of respondents, while 44% said they'd be buying from big boxes. In a June survey, consumers were asked where they actually made their spring purchases. Garden centers still came out ahead, with 43%. Mass merchants snagged second place with 39%.

New minimum wage poster available
A new minimum wage poster that reflects changes effective July 24 is now available on the U.S. Dept. of Labor Web site. Every employer subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act's minimum wage provisions must post this notice in a conspicuous place where employees can easily access it. The federal minimum wage goes up to $5.85 per hour starting today. In 2008, the wage increases to $6.55, and in 2009 it goes up to $7.25 per hour.

Organic lawn care gets consumers talking
Consumers are expressing more interest in organic lawn care. Homeowners are looking for organic products and lawn care services.
• Organic growth. Savannah Morning News
• Demand rising. Wisconsin State Journal
• Organic elements. Newsday.com

Dangerous lead levels found in garden hoses
Some garden hoses have lead levels that exceed U.S. EPA standards, ABC News reported. A network affiliate in Phoenix tested 10 hoses bought from local mass merchants and discovered 5 of them had high lead content. In 2004, 3 hose manufacturers were sued by the Center for Environmental Health for having high lead levels in products. The companies have agreed to significantly reduce lead levels in hoses by July 31 of this year.

Crocs confound the fashion savvy
What a bunch of Crocs! The shoes once used solely for gardening and boating are now everywhere. Check out what the media is saying about the clunky clogs.
• Fad won't fade. Boston Globe
• Croc epidemic. Slate
• Hot Crocs. Canada.com

Boston Gift presents outdoor living seminar
Retailers can take advantage of education seminars at Boston Gift Show, Sept. 15-18 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. "Outdoor Rooms -- To Grow In," will be presented by Garden Center assistant editor Sarah Martinez on Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. Boston Gift Show is launching its new Outdoor Living division this year, which will showcase decorative accessories and specialty items for the garden market.

Gnomes stage a comeback. Again.
Garden gnomes are experiencing a resurgence of popularity, Detroit Free Press reported. Tim Travis, owner of Goldner Walsh Nursery, is part of the new breed of avid gnome collectors. He has paid up to $150 for a vintage ceramic gnome. Travis keeps his gnomes at home and sees them as classic folk art.

View from a blog
Didn't make it to the Atlanta market? We've got the trends for you. Open Register

Worth a visit
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