SNA names Newton new executive
Southern Nursery Assoc. named Steve Newton its new exec. v.p., filling a position vacated by Danny Summers. Newton was selected from more than 100 applicants, according to SNA. Since 2002 Newton has served as state exec. dir. of Georgia Farm Service Agency and as a special assistant for the USDA Farm Service Agency. He has also served as exec. v.p. of the Forest Landowners Assoc. "SNA has found the right leader for our ever-changing marketplace," said SNA president Skeetter McCorkle. "Steve will build on the platform of our past leaders and take SNA to new levels as we serve our members in this great industry. With Steve's skill set and experience, we can expect to see SNA fulfill its mission of becoming an industry-leading forum for commerce, innovation and professionalism."
French group creates international rose award
French Nat'l. Hort. Society (Société Nationale d'horticulture de France) created an int'l. program to recognize outstanding landscape roses. Entrants in Grand Prix De La Rose will be evaluated by more than 70 judges for more than 2 years at test sites across the country. Winners must perform well in many soil types and climates. Winners will be promoted to gardeners as proven, high-quality landscape plants.
Ashdown to preserve, market rare roses
Ashdown Roses Ltd. in Landrum, S.C., and Ashdown West in Morongo Valley, Calif., announced a program to preserve and commercialize rare rose varieties not widely available in the U.S. Many of the varieties will come from collections in Europe. A limited number of these varieties is available at this time.
Wisconsin names plants of the year
Wis. Nursery Assoc. 2007 Plants of the Year are Louisa crabapple (Malus 'Louisa') and lungwort (Pulmonaria longifolia ssp. cevennensis). 'Louisa' crabapple is a weeping variety with red flower buds that open to pink flowers in May. It's scab and fire-blight resistant and hardy to USDA Hardiness Zone 4. Lungwort is a shade-loving perennial with silvery blotched leaves and tubular steel-blue flowers. It's hardy in Zones 4-8.
Invasive screening helps environment, economy
Screening plant species before they're introduced in a new environment can yield big economic benefits, according to a study published late last year. The study examined economic costs and benefits of Australia's screening program, used to screen species proposed for introduction in the country's ornamental plant trade. Species likely to cause unintended damage were prohibited from being introduced in Australia. The efforts paid for themselves with reduced economic damage, according to the study. The program may save the country up to $1.8 billion during the next 50 years. "This study reveals concrete steps we can take to prevent new invasive species introductions and enjoy both economic and environmental benefits," said John Randall, dir. of the Nature Conservancy's Global Invasive Species Initiative.
Worth a visit
The nursery business deserves its own action/adventure serial, "The Great Nursery Adventure: A Year in the Life of Greene Family Nursery." This month, the family faces a shipping emergency. Only on GreenBeam.com.
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