Georgia growers work to save spring sales
Ga. Green Industry Assoc. is working with other state ag. groups to urge legislators to pass HB 1281. The bill would prohibit local government restrictions on outdoor water use during periods of drought that are more restrictive than those imposed by the state. The bill is in response to cities and counties that have continued to enforce Level 4 water restrictions after the governor lifted them. GGIA along with member associations of Ga. Urban Ag Council are soliciting funds from members through a Capital Campaign. Money collected will be used to help sponsor a series of radio and print ads in north Georgia to inform the public of a new watering variance program that takes effect April 1 and to encourage planting this spring. GGIA has also requested staff and financial assistance from the ag. commissioner to implement programs.

4 win 2009 AAS honors
All-America Selections announced 4 award winners for 2009. 'Rain Blue and Purple' viola is the only flower. Bred by Tokita Seed Co., it is a Cool Season Bedding Plant Award Winner. This weather-tolerant F₁-hybrid produces flowers that change from purple and white to purple and blue as they mature. 'Gretel' is an F₁-hybrid eggplant bred by Seminis Vegetable Seeds. It is the earliest white eggplant, producing 3- to 4-inch-long fruit in 55 days. 'Lambkin' is an F₁ specialty Piel de Sapo (Christmas-type) melon. Bred by Known-You Seed Co., it produces 2- to 4-pound fruit with smooth yellow skin and green mottling. 'Honey Bear' is a winter acorn squash from Univ. of New Hampshire. This compact, bushy F₁-hybrid is powdery mildew tolerant and produces 3-5 dark-green squash weighing 1 pound.

Takii acquires Global Flowers
Takii & Co., headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, acquired Global Flowers A/S in Odense, Denmark. This is the 2nd acquisition of a European flower breeding company by Takii, which acquired K Sahin Zaden in Alphen aan den Rijn, Netherlands, in Sept. 2007. The 12-year-old Global Flowers develops pot plants, bedding plants and cut flowers. It exports flower seed to more than 60 countries.

Flower Power recycles flowers to those most deserving
The March 3 "NBC Nightly News" Making a Difference story featured Flower Power, a 5-year-old nonprofit organization that has collected more than $2.5 million worth of donated flowers, reassembled them and given them to thousands of elderly, sick and terminally ill people in hospitals, assisted living facilities and crisis centers in New York City and Los Angeles. Flower donations have come from the wedding of "Law & Order: SVU" actress Mariska Hargitay, the Waldorf Astoria, the Lincoln Center, the Hort. Society of New York and Bride's Magazine. Flower Power founder and pres. Nancy Lawlor said the organization is looking to expand its activities to other cities.

Ecke Ranch launches Geraniums Forum
Ecke Ranch has launched its Geraniums Forum, which joins its Poinsettia and Annuals Forums on the Tech Help Bulletin Board. Growers can use the forum to ask questions and share info about geranium culture, growth regulators, crop scheduling, pest control and variety selection. Users will receive a response from Ecke Ranch Tech Help within 24 business hours.

Production info update on Diamond Frost
In the March GMPRO Notebook: Variety that featured Euphorbia Diamond Frost from Proven Winners, some of the cultural information was incorrect. Florel should not be applied; it will defoliate the plant. Plants are fuller with a shearing under low light. Pinching isn’t needed under high light. No vernalization is necessary. For fastest growth, use high light and temperatures.

• OHP
• Walters Gardens
• Fine Americas

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.

Elle Plugs Deliver More Green Economical, efficient and environmentally friendly Elle Plugs now available in three sizes. 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.