Avoid problems during cloudy, rainy weather
Root rots, foliar diseases and underfed plants from overwatering and tall leggy growth from low light are common problems during prolonged cloudy, rainy weather. During these weather conditions, grow plants on the dry side and spot-water areas to prevent overwatering, Univ. of Mass. Ext. floriculture specialist Tina Smith recommended. Adjust the fertilizer program for spot-watered plants for the extra leaching they receive. They may need to be spot-fertilized as well. At least once a week, randomly inspect plants for root rot if the medium remains wet. If roots don't look healthy, conduct a soil test for soluble salts and test roots for disease, either by sending samples to a lab or by using on-site test kits. To prevent foliar diseases, water in the morning to limit the time leaves stay wet. Reduce humidity by heating and venting several times in the evening and in the morning. Use circulating fans to continuously move air throughout the greenhouse.

Florida partnership program to promote education
FNGLA established a partnership program with Fla. Dept. of Ag. & Consumer Services through a 2-year USDA grant. Programs planned through the partnership include: FNGLA will showcase an interactive educational exhibit at Walt Disney World's 2008 Epcot Int'l. Flower & Garden Festival; FNGLA's online Plant Locator will be transformed into a real-time locator service; a series of public service announcements related to water conservation and plant and landscape resource info will be aired statewide; and FNGLA will work with FDACS and Fla. Dept. of Education to transform the existing hort. curriculum in high schools to provide a pathway to the Certified Hort. Professional program.

Flowers Canada Ontario to represent growers
Ontario's floriculture growers voted to allow Flowers Canada Ontario to be their representative association. Growers will pay a mandatory license fee to fund the organization. The annual fee is 2 cents per sq. ft. of greenhouse space with a max of $13,000. The group is charged with increasing and improving the marketing of Ontario's greenhouse floriculture crops. Only growers with at least 20,000 sq. ft. of greenhouse space of cuts, potted plants, annuals and/or propagation material were eligible to vote. Flowers Canada recently launched a campaign to increase awareness, interest and demand for Ontario-grown cut flowers and potted plants. Market research indicates most Ontario consumers are unaware that they can purchase Ontario-grown flowers and plants.

Wal-Mart told to modify savings claims
The Nat'l. Advertising Div. of the Council of Better Business Bureaus has recommended that Wal-Mart modify or discontinue the implied advertising claim that consumers can save $2,500 annually by shopping at Wal-Mart. NAD requested substantiation for certain advertising claims made in advertising. NAD determined that consumers could take away the message that families that shop at Wal-Mart will save $2,500 per year more than families that shop at other stores — a message for which the advertiser provided no support and conceded that there was none. NAD recommended that the company either discontinue the advertising or modify it to expressly convey the message that savings are based on Wal-Mart's impact on the economy and that the savings would be realized no matter where the consumer shops.

Discovering the world of sustainability
What's going on with bees, Jyme Mariani wonders. Project: Green Industry

Worth a visit
Learn to grow Carex buchananii f. viridis 'Green Twist' (leatherleaf sedge), a selection from Jelitto Seed that originated in New Zealand. Only on GreenBeamPro.com.

• Southern Living Plant Collection
• OHP
• Yoder
• NAHSA
• Southeast Greenhouse Conference

Initial Release Purple Diamond® Loropetalum, Purple Pixie ™ Loropetalum, Bigfoot™ Cleyera, Bronze Beauty™ Cleyera, LeAnn™ Cleyera, Spring Sonata™ Indian Hawthorn, Oakland™ Holly, Robin™ Holly.

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.

Keepsake® Azaleas are grown fresh weekly, 52 weeks a year. Consistent florist quality in assorted colors and in braided trees. Order now for Christmas.

The North American Horticultural Supply Association is committed to strengthening the horticultural industry supply chain through education, networking and advocacy. Visit us to learn more.