Hurricanes don't deter Florida nursery growth
Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Assoc. reported that industry sales rose to $15.2 billion last year, despite problems caused by 8 major hurricanes that hit the state in 2004-05. The industry grew 54% over the past 5 years. Garden center retail sales contributed $6.97 billion to total growth. Florida's green industry employs 294,000 people statewide.

America in Bloom announces 2006 winners
America in Bloom, a national community beautification contest, announced the winners of this year's competition Sept. 30. Awards were presented in 5 population categories. The top business districts and college campus were also recognized. This year's community winners are: Eureka Springs, Ark.; Oberlin, Ohio; Wickliffe, Ohio; Greenfield, Ind.; Columbus, Ind., and Fayetteville, Ark. Lincoln Square and Columbus Avenue -- both in New York City -- claimed the business district prizes. Univ. of Missouri Columbus was awarded the college campus prize. AIB judges visited participants this summer to evaluate accomplishments made with landscapes, urban forestry, turf and groundcover areas, floral displays, heritage conservation, environmental awareness and community involvement.

Sampling most popular in-store promotion
In-store product sampling is the best way to influence purchase decisions, according to a report from market intelligence firm BIGresearch. More than half of respondents (52.4%) said samples prompt purchases. Product labels (cited by 43.2%), shelf coupons (39.5%), special displays (35.5%) and loyalty cards (33.1%) round out the top 5.

Laura Bush rose debuts
Jackson & Perkins introduced a commemorative floribunda rose in honor of first lady Laura Bush. The coral rose features a distinctive spicy fragrance and was specifically chosen by Bush. The rose is part of J&P's First Ladies Rose Series and joins roses named for Nancy Reagan and Barbara Bush. A rose named for Lady Bird Johnson is next in the series. The Laura Bush rose is available online and in J&P's October 2006 catalog.

Luxury buys should be big this Christmas
Projections from Unity Marketing show luxury consumers will spend more than $1,000 this year on Christmas gifts. "Early Christmas shopping may well lead to more gift purchases and spending," said Pam Danziger, Unity Marketing pres. "People are thinking about choices earlier in the season and the more they shop, the more they will ultimately buy, despite their intentions to keep spending down." Danziger predicts that gift certificates, specialty food items, personal care products and fragrances will be top gift choices this year.

Deadline nears for GCA Holiday Tour
Oct. 11 is the last day retailers can snag a reduced room rate for Garden Centers of America's 2006 Holiday Tour, Nov. 13-16. Attendees will visit leading Chicago-area retailers including Platt Hill Nursery, Atrium Garden Center, Sid's Greenhouses, Pasquesi Home and Gardens, Chalet Nursery and Gethsemane Garden Center. Doug Hoerr, designer for Chicago's citywide greening project and Ball Horticultural Co.'s anniversary garden, will be a featured speaker.

Worth a visit
Follow along as we take you to Garden Centers of America's Fashion in Bloom on the Eastern Seaboard. Only on GreenBeam.com.