The Gardens get new home at AmericasMart
New construction at AmericasMart Atlanta's Bldg. 2 West Wing opens more than 250,000 additional sq. ft. As part of the expansion and reconfiguration, floors 9 and 10 will become the new home to Living Outdoor/Indoor in a setting that captures the spirit of The Gardens (currently in Bldg. 1, floors 14 and 15) through new spaces employing a 2-story, fiber-optic waterfall. Bldg. 2 West Wing is scheduled for 2008 occupancy and a January 2009 Market opening.

Social Security no-match still on hold
Corey Connors, ANLA dir. of leg. relations, said implementation of a new Social Security no-match regulation is on hold until Thursday. A lawsuit about the requirement is still pending in the 9th District Court of Appeals. The Dept. of Homeland Security plans to send letters to employers regarding workers whose names and Social Security numbers don't match. Discrepancies will have to be resolved in 90 days or employers face hefty fines.

Xeriscape yards strive for acceptance
We haven't heard the last about xeriscaped yards. Consumer media and blogs are still buzzing about this gardening trend that isn't universally embraced.
• Dry all over. Los Angeles Times
• Grass controversy. Talking Plants
• Dry, not drab. North County Times

Report gives snapshot of hort industry
USDA released details from its Floriculture & Nursery Crops Yearbook. Findings are from 2006. Some highlights: Total sales of greenhouse and nursery crops in 2006 increased by $52 million from 2005. All floriculture groups experienced lower sales except cut flowers, herbaceous perennials and cut cultivated greens, which together accounted for 27% of total grower sales in 2006. Foliage plants in pots and hanging baskets for indoor or patio use had 19% lower sales in 2006.

Spectrum sells Canadian garden business
Spectrum Brands has agreed to sell the Canadian division of its home and garden business, The Capital Times reported. Toronto-based investors RoyCap Merchant Banking Group and Clarke Inc. will purchase the business, reducing Spectrum's debt load. The Canadian Nu-Gro garden division offers fertilizer, grass seed and other products. Brand names include Wilson and Canadian Ice Melter. Last year, Spectrum tried to sell its entire home and garden business, including all U.S. holdings, but the deal fell through.

Home Depot tests new format
Home Depot is testing a new store concept catering to females, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Home Depot Design Centers will open later this month in Concord, Calif., and Charlotte, N.C. The stores have a cozy, showroom feel and areas for sit-down consultations.

Want to be a Plant Tycoon?
A new computer game allows players to achieve virtual fame and fortune by breeding plants, USA Today reported. Plant Tycoon features a virtual greenhouse where players have to make the right crosses to develop 6 magic plants. The game earned 3 1/2 out of 5 stars from the newspaper's columnist.

Do you sell organics? We need your help
Garden Center Magazine is looking for retailers to participate in its 2008 yearlong series, Project: Green. Project: Green will tackle barriers that hinder garden centers from using environmentally friendly practices. Volunteers will provide a "reality check" to suggestions made by experts. Contact editor Carol Miller.

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Give a hand for customer service. Open Register

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