Flower postcards promote Realtors
Flower Promotion Organization is partnering with NHS Print to offer U.S. Realtors marketing postcards with cut flower design ideas including recipes and care and handling tips. In the coming year, step-by-step designs will be offered seasonally on the NHS Print Web site. Real estate agents can select from 2 card sizes to purchase and customize them with their own logos, photos and contact info. Stan Pohmer of FPO said there are more than 400,000 Realtors in the U.S. On average, 50% send out 5,000 direct-mail pieces each month. NHS will also offer magnets featuring flower care and handling cards.
Disease, insect take aim at rudbeckia
Rainy weather in the Northeast has provided ideal conditions for perennial disease pathogens, reports Univ. of Conn. ext. hort. and greenhouse IPM specialist Leanne Pundt. Septoria leaf spot on rudbeckia, caused by the fungus Septoria rudbeckiae has been reported throughout the Midwest, Northeast and as far south as Mississippi. Symptoms include small, dark-brown spots about 1/8 inch in diameter starting on lower leaves. Leaf spots can coalesce. Flowers are not affected. Also, a bright red-and-white rudbeckia psyllid has been found in OH, NY, NJ and CT. Located on the underside of the leaves, this leafhopperlike insect causes raised large, purple blotches on foliage
Plants at Work to become independent entity
In an effort to create more fundraising opportunities and enhance the Plants at Work program development, Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) is providing Plants at Work with financial support to become separately incorporated and apply for nonprofit status. PLANET will also continue to financially support Plants at Work by matching a portion of pledges from its members. PLANET will maintain its status as founding organizational sponsor and will continue advertising support.
GOP stops minimum wage increase
Senate Republicans thwarted a Democratic effort to raise the minimum wage for the first time since 1997. Despite the failure to raise the hourly wage from $5.15 to $7.25 in 3 steps by Jan. 1, 2009, Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., declared a moral victory. "We stood up and fought to make right an immoral wrong in our country," he said.
AFE meeting to focus on interns, scholarships
American Floral Endowment and OFA will hold an industry roundtable discussion to review existing internship and scholarship programs during the OFA Short Course on July 10 at 10:30 a.m. The discussion will also address methods for increasing participation of floriculture students in current programs. Those interested in attending should register with the Endowment by June 30.
Worth a visit
Help yourself to a comprehensive report on the new varieties introduced and shown at the spring 2006 pack trials. Only on GreenBeam.com.
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Dramm Autofog. Save TIME and CHEMICALS. Kill bugs and disease AUTOMATICALLY!
Blooms of Bressingham is dedicated to carrying on the Blooms family tradition of introducing sturdy garden plants for discriminating growers and gardeners.
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