Insect repellents drive growth in market growth
Robust insect repellent sales contributed to a 5% growth over the past 2 years in the pesticides and fertilizers market, market research firm Kline & Co. reports. Products like citronella candles and coils, rather than sprays or lotions, drove much of the growth. Rising petroleum costs boosted fertilizer prices. Ready-to-use categories, such as hose-end applications of insecticides and herbicides, have taken some market share away from liquid concentrates and granules.

National Garden opens to public
The Nat'l. Garden at the U.S. Botanic Garden opened to the public Oct. 1. The 3-acre site is adjacent to the USBG Conservatory at the foot of Capitol Hill. The garden is a public-private venture authorized by Congress. This new addition to the National Mall is split into 6 distinct areas: Lawn Terrace, Rose Garden, Butterfly Garden, First Ladies' Water Garden, Regional Garden and an open-air amphitheater. The garden is open to the public free of charge.

More candles affected by anti-dumping duty
U.S. Commerce Dept. ruled that mixed-wax candles imported from China containing any amount of petroleum are subject to an anti-dumping duty. Mixed-wax products contain both petroleum and palm or vegetable oil-based waxes. Previously, the duty was only applied to candles made from up to 87.8% non-petroleum wax. In the ruling issued Oct. 2, the Commerce Dept. concluded that candles containing any amount of petroleum are covered by the order.

Flowers build positive attitude, study shows
People feel more compassionate toward others, have less worry and anxiety and feel less depressed when flowers are in the home, according to a behavioral study conducted at Harvard Univ. Society of American Florists and Flower Promotion Organization partnered with Nancy Etcoff of Mass. General Hospital and Harvard Medical School to explore the effects of flowers on people. "As a psychologist, I'm particularly intrigued to find that people who live with flowers report fewer episodes of anxiety and depressed feelings," Etcoff said. "In all, our results suggest that flowers have a positive impact on well being." SAF and FPO launched a public relations campaign this month to share results with consumers.

NASCAR star will promote garden products
Former NASCAR driver Richard Petty is the new spokesperson for 3 Central Garden & Pet brands: AMDRO Fire Ant Bait, Rebel Grass Seed and IRONITE mineral supplement. Petty will appear in TV and radio commercials this fall and in 2007. He will also make personal appearances on behalf of Central Garden & Pet at key trade shows and NASCAR events. The partnership includes ties to Richard Petty Driving Experience, Petty's motorsports entertainment company. Central plans to tout this alliance in consumer and trade promotions.

X-Factor contest winners selected
Congratulations to Collen Oncay of Mendon Greenhouse in Mendon, Mass., Janice Krowicki of Krowicki's Farm Market in New Egypt, N.J., and Nancy D. Glindmyer of Glindmyer Evergreen Nurseries in Glenville, N.Y., who won first, second and third prize, respectively, in the September X-Factor contest and received a prize package from H&H Mfg.. Enter the current contest here.

Worth a visit
Follow along as we take you to Wholesale Nursery Growers of America's Kick the Dirt Tour in the Cleveland area. Only on GreenBeam.com.