The Weekly Dirt - 12-04-07

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	DECEMBER 4, 2007 More than a billion trees planted in 2007 The United Nations' Billion Tree campaign met its goal in 2007, the U.N. announced. Ethiopia and Mexico were leaders in the campaign to plant more than 1 billion trees this year, according to a U.N. report. The mass tree planting was inspired by Nobel Peace laureate Wangari Maathai. The effort was spurred by a desire to mitigate effects of pollution and environmental deterioration. Holiday shopping outlook is fuzzy Will consumers scrimp or splurge on Christmas gifts this year? Depends on whom you ask. • Unstoppable shoppers. Slate • Careful spending. Baltimore Sun • No cutbacks. The Dallas Morning News ANLA joins OFA Short Course ANLA will join OFA for its 2008 Short Course in Columbus, Ohio, July 12-15. ANLA will hold its annual meeting before the Short Course. The group will also partner with OFA on several education sessions. "Both of our memberships are selling products through the same supply chain to the same consumers," said OFA president Bobby Barnitz. "That makes this a natural partnership." Real Christmas trees are a green option Consumers can take comfort. Real Christmas trees are an environmentally friendly option, a report on Yahoo! Green confirmed. Farmed trees are a renewable resource and can be recycled after the holidays. Artificial PVC trees were cast in less favorable light, due to pollution caused during production. USDA fines Scotts Co. $500,000 A USDA investigation into a genetically engineered glyphosate-tolerant bentgrass trialed by Scotts Co. has resulted in a $500,000 fine for the company. USDA-APHIS alleged that the grass was accidentally released into surrounding environments during a 2003 Oregon field trial. Scotts failed to notify APHIS of the accidental release. Bentgrass is used largely for golf course greens, tees and fairways. LED Christmas lights are a turn on More cities and shopping districts are opting for energy-saving LED (light-emitting diode) Christmas lights, USA Today reported. The tree at New York City's Rockefeller Center will feature 30,000 LEDs. The national Christmas tree in Washington, D.C., will also be festooned with LEDs. The bulbs are more expensive than incandescent models, but they last longer and are more efficient. Food-grade organic herbicide hits the market Pharm Solutions has received U.S. EPA registration for Weed Pharm, an organic weed and grass killer made from food-grade vinegar. Pharm Solutions is adding the product to its line of USDA-certified organic pesticides. The product is available in 1-liter and 1-gallon sizes as well as 55-gallon drum and truckload quantities. Horticulture magazines available on DVD Here's your chance to winnow down your old magazine pile. Horticulture magazine is offering a DVD with articles from 1997 to 2006. Articles are indexed by garden type, plant type, region, techniques and tools. Price is $49.95, including shipping. View from a blog Christmas trees under attack! Branch Smith's content director, Kevin Neal, found three distressing Christmas tree stories. Open Register Worth a visit Learn to grow Picea abies 'Acrocona,' an unusual Norway spruce that fits into today's landscapes. Only on GreenBeam.com.

• Independent Garden Center Show
• Walters Gardens
• 2008 Management Clinic

Finally, a show tailored specifically to independents! Nursery Retailer and Garden Chic Magazines proudly announce the launch of a new event specifically tailored for you. It’s your show!

Fresh Inspiration 137 new varieties of perennials for '07-'08, developed by our own hybridizers and breeding programs worldwide. For your free color catalog call 1-888-WALTERS.

The ANLA 2008 Management Clinic is coming! February 8-11, 2008 in Louisville, Ken.


Looking for new or alternative sources for what you use or sell? Search our online listings for full company contact information.	Open the register to see what is shaping your business. Carol, Sarah, Yale, Jennifer and Kevin add new material on a regular basis.	What? When? Where? Use our events calendar to plan out your travels for trade shows and conferences.

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