Bush promotes immigration reform
President Bush pushed his agenda for immigration reform during last week's State of the Union address. Reforms highlighted include border security; a workable worksite enforcement system; a temporary worker program; a program to allow some current illegal aliens to earn legal status by meeting certain criteria; and expanded efforts to promote assimilation of immigrants into society. "With his leadership, we are confident that Congress can follow the principles laid out by the president and pass comprehensive immigration reform this year," said John Farner, ANLA dir. of legislative relations.
PLNA partners with law enforcement for truck safety
Pa. Landscape and Nursery Assoc. is partnering with law enforcement officials in Allegheney County to teach truck and trailer safety. The first workshop was Jan. 19 in Pittsburgh. Since a fatal accident in April, law enforcement officials have increasingly targeted drivers in several industries, including the green industry. "We are pleased that PLNA is working with us to help educate and inform drivers in service-related industries. This is how we prefer to do law enforcement: by preventing tragedies before they happen," said Bob Amann, northern regional police chief. (717) 238-1673.
2 roses named EarthKind
Ducher and Georgetown Tea join the ranks of the EarthKind roses, a program instituted by Texas A&M Univ. EarthKind showcases hardy roses that are highly tolerant of drought, heat, pests and diseases. Ducher is a white China rose hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-11. It grows 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Georgetown Tea features dark-salmon, somewhat star-shaped flowers that fade to lilac pink. It grows 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide and is hardy in Zones 7-9.
Connecticut earmarks funds for programs
Conn. Invasive Plants Council asked the state Legislature to allocate $500,000 to manage the invasive plant issue. The funds would include $175,000 for control, $125,000 for early detection and response, $90,000 for a coordinator salary, $65,000 for education and outreach, $30,000 for inspections and $15,000 for administration. "The irony is this invasive species battle has been going on in Connecticut for 8 years, and the state hasn't appropriated one penny for invasive plants," said Bob Heffernan, Conn. Nursery & Landscape Assoc. exec. sec. The council's proposal also calls for an extension of the 5-year pre-emption of cities and towns banning invasive plants.
Missouri names Plants of Merit
Missouri Botanical Garden's Plants of Merit program updated its 2007 selections, including perennials, trees, shrubs, vines and annuals. The 2007 additions are Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, Dianthus Firewitch, Narcissus 'Tahiti,' Lagerstroemia 'Acoma,' Lonicera sempervirens, Rhododendron 'My Mary,' Thuja 'Green Giant,' Asclepias curassavica, Brassica oleracea 'Redbor,' Melinis nerviglumis 'Pink Crystals,' Tradescantia pallida 'Purpurea' and Tecoma stans 'Gold Star.' The program markets selections that grow well in Missouri, central and southern Illinois, and the Kansas City area. It's operated by Missouri Botanical Garden, Powell Gardens, Mizzou Botanic Gardens and Missouri Extension.
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