Pennsylvania pushes deer control
Pa. Rep. Art Hershey introduced legislation that will permit farmers to use all available tools for better wildlife remediation where crops and livelihoods are threatened. HB 550 will extend the right to remove nuisance wildlife -- currently given only to the farmer and full-time employees -- to contractors hired by the farmer for wildlife removal. "We need deer legislation in Pennsylvania. Landscape and nursery businesses are losing on average $20,000 a year due to deer overpopulation, so this is a crucial issue," said Bill H. Wells, a nursery owner in Hershey's Chester County district.

High-tech row covers could save disposal costs
Michigan researchers are developing plastic used for mulch that could be broken down by soil microbes. The biodegradable product would keep unwanted plastic out of landfills and eliminate some disposal costs for growers. Mathieu Ngouajio and Tom Fernandez are working with plastics chemists to develop products for nursery and landscape applications. Biodegradable mulch films will probably cost more than conventional films, but at the end of the use cycle they'll be a more economic alternative. The absence of disposal fees could offset the higher price.

PDSI donates azaleas for hurricane recovery
Plant Development Services Inc. (PDSI) in Loxley, Ala., will donate Encore azaleas to help re-landscape areas in the Southeast still recovering from hurricane damage. The plants will go to gardens, parks and other public spaces. Projects will be considered along the Gulf Coast from Houston to Panama City, Fla. Applications are available at the Encore Web site. Applicants must explain why Encore azaleas would be "an ideal choice" for the project. They must also verify that adequate irrigation systems are available at the planting sites and the plants will be properly cared for.

Garden chooses Great Plant Picks for Northwest
The Elisabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden updated its Great Plant Picks, a selection of plants geared for the Pacific Northwest. Each year the garden chooses dozens of plants from trees and shrubs to perennials and bulbs. Selections include: Pseudolarix amabilis (golden larch), Sorbus aria 'Lutescens' (white beam), Erica carnea 'Porter's Red' (snow heather), Hebe topiaria (hebe), Astrantia major 'Roma' (masterwort) and Ipheion uniflorum 'Wisley Blue' (spring starflower). Selection criteria include ornamental value, ease of care and pest and disease resistance.

Worth a visit
The 12-month Solutions Source series provides solutions to the challenges growers face today. This month: shrinking markets. Only on GreenBeam.com.

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