$45 billion spent on lawn, landscape services
A new market research study by Nat'l. Gardening Assoc. found that homeowners spent a record $44.7 billion to hire professional lawn and landscape services in 2006. 30% of all households, or an estimated 34.5 million households, hire at least 1 type of lawn and landscape service. Lawn care and landscape maintenance services, hired by 27.8 million households last year, were the most popular services. Tree care services came in 2nd, hired by 11.5 million households. Installation and construction services were hired by 6.9 million households. Landscape design services were hired by 2.3 million households.

Monrovia, Dan Hinkley partner
Dan Hinkley, respected plant hunter and founder of Heronswood Nursery in Kingston, Wash., joined Monrovia's new plant team last week. Hinkley will help identify new and unusual plants for production. Monrovia will sponsor events featuring Hinkley. He will address a variety of topics including landscape design, unusual and underappreciated plants, plant hunting, the importance of foliage and texture in the garden, drought-tolerant plants and xeric garden design.

Homeowners bank on landscape value
A slow housing market is prompting sellers to take a close look at curb appeal. A recent article in The Wall Street Journal discussed how landscaping increases the perceived value of homes. Realtors generally agree a nice yard is a plus. But experts have a hard time assigning specific dollar figures to trees, shrubs and flowers.

Housing market dampens consumer spending
The Deloitte Research Leading Index fell to 2.67% this month, prompting a forecast of weak spending in the coming weeks. "The housing market is beginning to have a substantial impact on consumer spending," said Carl Steidtmann, author of the monthly index. An abundance of houses on the market has caused home prices to fall, much to the dismay of sellers. Meanwhile, mortgage rates are rising and refinancing money is drying up. More of consumers' money is going toward mortgage payments, Steidtmann said, and less money is left over for discretionary spending.

Holiday season gets a head start
What? You haven't broken out the tinsel and holly yet? Several leading decor and craft retailers are already gearing up for the Christmas season, Houston Chronicle reported. Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts started displaying holiday goods in May, while Hobby Lobby made room for Santa and his reindeer in June.

Proven Winners hits the road
The Proven Winners Roadshow kicks off Oct. 2 in Richmond, Va. Other stops: Chicago, Cincinnati, Syracuse, N.Y., Vancouver, B.C., Salt Lake City and Memphis. Attendees will learn about new PW varieties and display techniques. Registration forms and details are available online.

Frustrated gardeners go faux
More homeowners are filling pots with fake flowers, according to Newsday.com. New, realistic-looking artificial flowers are encouraging people to display silks outdoors. Proponents claim the faux specimens look just as good and require practically no maintenance.

View from a blog
Chinese recalls make for wary customers. Open Register

Worth a visit
Retail consultant Robert Hendrickson presents a silent version of what he's been yelling about — er, discussing with — clients in the area of garden center marketing. Only on GreenBeam.com.