John Deere Landscapes purchases LESCO
John Deere Landscapes announced the purchase of LESCO Inc. in Cleveland. The transaction is subject to LESCO shareholder and regulatory approval. John Deere Landscapes operates 300 distribution centers of nursery stock, irrigation and landscape supplies nationwide. LESCO operates 330 stores distributing lawn care, maintenance and golf course products and also has 114 Stores on Wheels. "It's not just about products anymore," said Dave Werning, John Deere Landscapes pres. "It's about making the contractor's business easier and more profitable. LESCO's model and people know this, and are a natural fit with John Deere Landscapes."
Southern Living, PDSI create partnership
Southern Living magazine and Plant Development Services Inc. (PDSI) will develop and market a collection of plants under the Southern Living brand. Plants will include trees, shrubs, bedding plants, groundcovers, tropicals and ornamental grasses. The program will be introduced to U.S. and Canadian consumers in spring 2008. PDSI, headquartered in Loxley, Ala., is expanding its grower network and evaluating plants in anticipation of consumer demand. New plants for the program come from breeders in North America, Europe and Asia.
Monrovia/Armstrong announce retail program
Monrovia Growers, headquartered in Azusa, Calif., will open 1,200-square-foot Boutiques in each of the 36 Armstrong Garden Centers retail stores in California this spring. The Boutique will promote Monrovia brand plants and hard goods. This concept is similar to what is done in department stores, said Bob Smiland, Monrovia chief sales and marketing officer. "In a department store, if you like a specific designer, you'll see all their clothes in one area. It's a natural way for consumers to shop for their favorite brands," Smiland said.
Hines, hydrangea raise cancer research funds
Hines Horticulture raised more than $17,000 for cancer research in 2006 with its Big Smile hydrangea program. Proceeds from sales of Big Smile went to Curing Children's Cancer Fund, which researches cures for pediatric cancer. "We are ecstatic with the success from this program in 2006," said Hines spokesperson Katie Bromm. "No child deserves to suffer from such a terrible disease and we hope that through our efforts and the kind hearts of everyone who purchased Big Smile, we've made another step toward a cure for pediatric cancer."
Long Island considers invasive plant bans
The Long Island Invasive Species Management Area (LIISMA) is discussing possible county legislation that would prevent the sale of plants identified as invasive or potentially invasive, said Mark Bridgen, director of the Long Island Hort. Research and Extension Center. LIISMA created an extensive list, and Bridgen has the complete inventory. Some of the plants deemed invasive on the "do not sell" list include: Acer platanoides, Berberis thunbergii, Clematis terniflora, Euphorbia cyparissias, Ligustrum obtusifolium, Lonicera japonica, Miscanthus sinensis, Morus alba and Rhamnus frangula. Currently, LIISMA proposes all cultivars of a banned species be included.
Worth a visit
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