Activists plan immigrant boycott for May 1
Immigration activists are planning a 2nd-annual day of protest on May 1. Last year millions of immigrants boycotted work and participated in marches in metropolitan areas nationwide. Some nurseries reported absenteeism rates for the day as high as 90%. Last year's immigration protests had mixed results politically, said Craig Regelbrugge, ANLA v.p. for gov't. relations and research. However, he thinks last year's May 1 boycott had "chilling, negative" effects. "It would be regrettable if they choose to go that route again. That event turned off some people that were riding the fence on the immigration issue," Regelbrugge said. Regarding absenteeism, he recommends employers accommodate workers but make clear that the company's normal policies for missing work would be in place. Last year some nurseries made the boycott event an opportunity to help workers organize grass-roots efforts and visit local congressional representatives.
ColorFlash astilbe wins international award
Int'l. Hardy Plant Union in the Netherlands named ColorFlash astilbe the best new perennial for 2006. This plant, sold in the U.S. through Anthony Tesselaar USA, was among hundreds of perennials trialed by the 500-member organization. ColorFlash foliage emerges green and matures to burgundy and purple. Fall color is gold, orange and russet. It's compact and dense with pale-pink flowers. The group also recognized 'Summer Nights' heliopsis and 'Sunburst Amethyst' penstemon for outstanding performance.
Congress introduces specialty agriculture act
A group of U.S. representatives introduced the Equitable Agriculture Today for a Healthy America Act (EAT Healthy America Act). ANLA, a member of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, endorsed the bill as a proactive step for ensuring that specialty crop policy priorities are included in the 2007 Farm Bill. Introducers were Rep. Dennis Cardoza, D-Calif., Randy Kuhl, R-N.Y., John Salazar, D-Colo., Adam Putnam, R-Fla., Rick Larsen, D-Wash., and Kevin McCarthy R-Calif..
New book chronicles Biltmore nursery
History Press has published "The Biltmore Nursery: A Botanical Legacy," a book by Bill Alexander. This nursery was originally created in 1889 to supply plants for the 125,000-acre Biltmore Estate in North Carolina, but became a wholesale supplier. The book includes a reproduction of the 1912 Biltmore Nursery catalog, which included 1,700 varieties of trees and shrubs. The publication also describes how the nursery was destroyed by a flood in 1916.
Project EverGreen reports strong contributions in 2007
Project EverGreen, a nonprofit organization that promotes the values of healthy landscapes, reports receiving healthy contributions during the first quarter of 2007. A near-record 40 individuals and businesses made donations in the period ending March 31. The donations came primarily from the turf/landscape sector of the green industry. "This response is particularly gratifying. Because it indicates a wide range of support from all areas of our industry and will enable us to maintain our educational efforts about the importance of preserving and enhancing green spaces," said exec. dir. Den Gardner.
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