USDA adds plants to P. ramorum list
Effective Oct. 1, 8 more plants will be regulated for Phytophthora ramorum. The plants are: Castanopsis orthacantha; Cornus kousa x capitata; Distylium myricoides; Eucalyptus haemastoma; Ilex purpurea; Loropetalum chinense; Manglietia insignis; and Parakmeria lotungensis. Koch's postulates were completed for 4 species -- Acer pseudoplatanus, Aesculus hippocastanum, Laurus nobilis and Michelia doltsopa -- and were added to the USDA's "Proven Hosts Regulated for P. ramorum" list.
Study reveals consumer knowledge
Project EverGreen, a nat'l. campaign promoting the benefits of landscapes, conducted a survey this spring. Some 90% of respondents said landscaping is important to improving a home's value at sale time and 70% agreed that green spaces and parks improve property values. However, 70% disagreed, did not know or had no opinion that improving landscapes can reduce energy costs. 55% disagreed, didn't know or had no opinion that trees shading homes can reduce attic temps by as much as 40 degrees.
Farwest debuts New Varieties Showcase
Ore. Assoc. of Nurseries' 2006 Farwest Show featured its 1st-ever New Varieties Showcase. Judges chose 3 outstanding plants: 1st place went to Weigela florida 'Verweig' My Monet from Proven Winners ColorChoice; 2nd place was awarded to Euphorbia Blackbird 'Nothowlee' from Skagit Gardens; and 3rd place went to Ficus carica 'Violetta' from T&L Nursery.
Peat shortage on the horizon, association warns
Watch for a peat shortage by spring 2007. Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Assoc. cites a "very poor" harvest in eastern Canada because of an "exceptionally wet summer" and an average harvest in western Canada. As of Aug. 31, only 66% of this year's requirements have been harvested in Canada. Reducing the daily harvest also increases the cost per bale.
Group ranks most, least expensive cities
The Kosmont-Rose Institute Cost of Doing Business survey ranked 398 cities in 49 states based on the cost of doing business. Some of the most expensive cities: Philadelphia; Akron, Ohio; Yonkers, N.Y.; Nashville-Davidson, Tenn.; Minneapolis; Los Angeles; Indianapolis; and Des Moines. Some of the least expensive cities: Las Vegas; Aurora, Colo.; Fort Worth, Texas; Seattle; Raleigh, N.C.; Honolulu; Anchorage; and Oklahoma City. The survey is based on fees, taxes, costs and incentives that affect business.
Worth a visit
ANLA's John Farner explains the process being undertaken during congressional hearings on immigration. Only on GreenBeam.com.
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