Georgia eases water restrictions
Last week, Ga. Gov. Sonny Perdue implemented exemptions to the state's Level 4 Drought Response. Residents may hand water for 25 minutes per day on an odd-even schedule between midnight and 10 a.m. The state also is drafting an Outdoor Water Use Registration Program. Residents who join the program may water newly installed landscapes up to 3 days a week from midnight to 10 a.m. for 10 weeks based on the odd-even schedule. The program is scheduled to start April 1. "These steps will give consumers confidence to buy and plant new trees, turf and shrubbery," Perdue said. "It will give retailers confidence to stock these items, and it will give producers confidence to grow them. This action will lend renewed strength to the landscaping industry in Georgia." Local governments and water utilities in the 61-county Level 4 Drought Response area will still be required to achieve the governor's water-use reduction goal of at least 10%. Perdue emphasized that local governments and water utilities still have the authority to impose restrictions more stringent than state requirements.
Judge upholds Ariz. employer-sanctions law for 3rd time
U.S. District Judge Neil Wake ruled last week in favor of the Legal Arizona Workers Act that gives the state authority to suspend or revoke the business license of any employer found to have knowingly or intentionally hired an illegal immigrant, reports the Arizona Republic. Wake ruled that the law does not overstep the federal government's authority to regulate illegal immigration. The judge dismissed arguments by a coalition of business and Latino civil-rights groups that the law unconstitutionally gives the state control over immigration. The state's 15 county attorneys have the power to enforce the law, but have indicated they don't plan to do so before March 1. Attorneys for the opposing business and civil-rights groups planned to quickly appeal the case.
Grower launches orchid promotion
Rocket Farms, a Salinas, Calif.-based potted plant grower, launched its Be a Babe Magnet Campaign, which focuses on promoting orchids to men for Valentine's Day. The promotion was inspired by a real-life experience encountered by company v.p.. of operations Marc Clark. "The orchid is a babe magnet for the clueless guy," Clark said. Rocket Farms grows 15 orchid varieties. It ships the plants directly to consumers from the greenhouse in a biodegradable box. Multicolored pots are available.
Hotline offers consumer flower care for Valentine's
For the 3rd consecutive year, the Flower Doctor, Mich. St. Univ. hort professor and GMPRO marketing columnist Bridget Behe is back to offer consumers Valentine's Day flower care and handling advice. During the last 2 years Behe has helped thousands of consumers through the FLOWRMD hotline and Web site. Flower recipients and purchasers can receive answers to their cut-flower questions by calling (888) 356-9763 on Feb. 14 and 15 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST or logging onto www.flowrmd.com, hosted by the Flower Promotion Organization.
Civil rights group calls for end to immigration hate talk
Nat'l. Council of La Raza, the largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the U.S., has launched a campaign to end hate speech in the immigration debate. It called on presidential candidates and news networks to divorce themselves from known hate and vigilante groups. It is also seeking to end rhetoric that demonizes immigrants and Hispanic Americans. NCLR president and CEO Janet Murguía chastised cable news television for hosting spokespeople from hate and vigilante groups over the past 3 years, usually identifying them as "anti-immigration advocates." Murguía faulted presidential candidates who talk about immigration issues to avoid other issues such as Iraq and the economy.
Chemical application videos available online
Syngenta has produced a series of brief online videos to assist pest-control applicators to ensure they are applying chemicals correctly and maintaining equipment properly. These videos help to identify equipment in need of repair or replacement, how to test for even coverage and how to apply controls accurately and safely. There is also a video on IPM describing practical methods to prepare to implement better practices. Some of the videos are available in Spanish.
Discovering the world of sustainability
Plan for a green Valentine's Day. Project: Green Industry
Worth a visit
Project: Green examines what defines a sustainable plant. There seem to be as many definitions as there are plant varieties. Only on GreenBeam.com.
|
• OHP
• Walters Gardens
• Fine Americas
• OFA Short Course
OHP, Inc. is pleased to announce the launch of Prescription Solutions, where growers can find program solutions to the pest issues they face. Visit www.ohp.com for more details.
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.
Produce a perfect crop with Piccolo®, the PGR with 0.4% paclobutrazol. Piccolo produces more compact, sturdier plants for more consistent quality and encourages earlier flowering.
Connect with peers, industry leaders, customers, suppliers, and the next generation at the 2008 OFA Short Course!
|
