Virus may be culprit in bee die-offs
USDA scientists have found a possible cause for the widespread honeybee deaths, Science Express (the online version of the journal Science) reported. The virus, Israeli acute paralysis virus, is unlikely to be the only cause for the sudden colony collapse disorder, and research into other reasons continues. To date, the bee die-off has been a mystery. Instead of finding hundreds of bodies in the hives, beekeepers opened hives to find the bees simply were no longer there. The press has had some fun coming up with causes, from cell phone signals to alien abduction.

Health insurance outpaces inflation, wages
Premiums for employer-sponsored health insurance rose an average of 6.1% in 2007, less than the 7.7% increase reported last year but still higher than the increase in workers' wages (3.7%) or the overall inflation rate (2.6%), according to a study released last week by the Kaiser Family Foundation and Health Research and Educational Trust. The average premium for family coverage in 2007 is $12,106, and workers on average pay $3,281 out of their paychecks to cover their share of a family policy.

Wal-Mart won't sell Louisiana cypress mulch
Beginning in January, Wal-Mart stores will no longer offer cypress mulch harvested, bagged or manufactured in Louisiana, according to Save Our Cypress Coalition. Environmentalists are concerned about the effects cypress harvesting has on forests and swamps. The coalition is also pressuring Home Depot and Lowe's to stop selling Louisiana cypress mulch.

'The Victory Garden' gets new host, chef
"The Victory Garden" will launch its 32nd season with a new host and featured chef, The Cincinnati Post reported. Jamie Durie, previously a regular gardening consultant on "Oprah," will host. Michel Nischan, chef and co-owner (with actor Paul Newman) of The Dressing Room -- A Homegrown Restaurant, will be resident chef.

Conservatories are becoming more popular
English-style glass conservatories are becoming more popular, The Star-Ledger reported. Homeowners are using them to extend living spaces rather than just cultivate plants. Average costs for conservatories range from $150,000 to $300,000.

Wal-Mart gets new tagline, logo
Say goodbye to Wal-Mart's ubiquitous happy-face logo. According to Advertising Age (registration required), Wal-Mart plans to ditch the Smiley Guy and do away with the "Always Low Prices" motto. The company's new tagline is "Save Money. Live Better."

Camellia plants go AWOL
More than 200 camellias disappeared from Esposito's Garden Nursery in Tallahassee, Fla., The Penascola News-Journal reported. The plants were infected with or exposed to Phytophthora ramorum, the pathogen responsible for sudden oak death. The nursery said the plants were stolen on March 30, but didn't report this to authorities until April 11. State and federal agricultural officials launched an investigation following the report. In August, Esposito's Garden Nursery was issued a notice of violation, an administrative complaint and a $5,000 fine.

Podcasts offer retail insights
Audio podcasts discussing the importance of customer service are now available at the Retail Leaders Forum. The podcasts preview topics that will be covered at the 2007 Retailing Summit, sponsored by the Center for Retailing Studies at Texas A&M University.

View from a blog
The Youngblood family reaches a gardening milestone. Open Register

Worth a visit
Garden Center editor Carol Miller says a good coach will turn newbie gardeners into hobbyists, a true investment in your future success. Only on GreenBeam.com.