Groups debate real, artificial tree merits
The battle over real vs. artificial trees rages on, The New York Times reported. Special-interest groups, tree farmers and manufacturers are speaking out in this seasonal debate. About half the trees put up in American homes are plastic, according to industry experts.

Mid-Am plans move for 2009
The Mid-America Horticultural Trade Show (Mid-Am) will get new digs in 2009. The show will move to the new McCormick Place West in Chicago. The facility features a 470,000-sq.-ft. exhibition hall, more meeting rooms and a centralized transportation center at ground level. This year's show will be held at Lakeside Center in Chicago's McCormick Place Convention Center, Jan. 16-18, 2008.

Retail group supports Internet sales tax
A witness testifying on behalf of Nat.'l. Retail Federation earlier this month urged a congressional committee to approve measures simplifying online collection of sales tax. Under a 1992 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, remote sellers are only required to collect sales tax from customers in states where they have a physical presence such as a store, office or distribution center. The NRF representative said this puts local businesses at a disadvantage and forces state and local governments to make up for lost revenue.

Blue Iris is 2008 color of the year
The color experts at Pantone selected Blue Iris as the 2008 color of the year. The blue-purple hue was described as emotionally anchoring and meditative with a touch of magic. The shade effectively combines with deeper plums, red-browns, yellow-greens, grapes and grays.

Mass merchants plan international expansions
Big-box proliferation continues, this time outside of the U.S. Lowe's recently opened its first Canadian store. Home Depot and Wal-Mart are working to branch out abroad.
• Lowe's Canadian launch. Lowes.com
• HD eyes U.K. chain. Atlanta Journal-Constitution
• Wal-Mart in Japan. MarketWatch

Univ. of Conn. to host perennial conference
Univ. of Conn.'s Storrs campus will host it annual perennial plant conference March 13, 2008, at the Lewis B. Rome Commons. The conference will cover perennial production tips, landscape design trends and retail marketing. Ian Baldwin, consultant and columnist for Garden Center Magazine, will present two talks: "Updating your garden center" and "Making money with tomorrow's demographics." Conference registration fee is $80 per person. For more information, contact Donna Ellis.

Trade shows highlight green products
Eco-friendly products will be showcased at Nat.'l. Hardware Show, May 6-8, 2008. The new Green Product World will feature merchandise that's easy on the environment. The show will also host Lawn & Garden World — an area dedicated to gardening and outdoor products. California Gift Show, Jan. 18-21, 2008, will also tout Earth-conscious options. An "ECO" designation on show directories and signs will highlight sustainable, recycled and fair-trade items.

View from a blog
• What do you think of using computerized assessment tests to screen job applicants at your garden center? Garden Center assistant editor Sarah Martinez would like to know. Open Register
• Steven Cline at Missouri Botanical Garden has created perhaps the most successful horticultural plastics recycling program in the country. Project: Green Industry