Grossmans recognized; Bokashi; NY phosphorus laws; Pruning for health?; Events; IPM jobs

Congrats to Grossmans Garden & Home in Penfield, who made the Today’s Garden Center magazine Revolutionary 100 Garden Center list (again).
Scientists discover half plant, half animal sea slug. The creature uses chlorophyll to produce its own energy from sunlight. Even more fascinating: it’s not born with the necessary gene, but “steals” it from the algae it eats and incorporates it into its own biology.
I came across a new composting term/concept while researching a column the other day and wondered if anyone had heard of or tried it: Bokashi. It involves, as best as I can tell, a sort of a pickling process that makes meats, dairy and other protein-rich and fatty foods more appropriate for the regular compost pile. Thoughts?
Colorado State University biologist develops plants that detect environmental contaminants and explosives. “Professor June Medford and her team in the Department of Biology enabled a computer-designed detection trait to work in a plant by rewiring its natural signaling process so the plant turns from green to white when chemicals are detected in air or soil.” (Via Bates Nursery.)
N.Y. phosphorus lawn restrictions have taken effect. From Lawn & Landscape:

“Use of phosphorus fertilizer on lawns or non-agricultural turf is restricted to when a new lawn is being established or when a soil test indicates additional phosphorus is needed.
“Application of any fertilizer to lawns or non-agricultural turf is prohibited between Dec. 1 and April 1.
“Application of any fertilizer on lawns or non-agricultural turf within 20 feet of a water body or on paved surfaces is restricted.
“Retailers must display phosphorus fertilizers separately from phosphorus-free fertilizer and must post signs notifying customers of the terms of the law.”

Interesting theory about pruning: That it is a more about pleasing our own aesthetic senses than for the health of the plants. Not sure…though I guess there is a point to be considered here.
A few plant and product highlights:

Magnetized flower pot halves can be stuck together with window glass between them.
According to Green Profit, Europeans aren’t afraid of dyed & glittered pla nts. I guess not—check out these succulents and cacti—wow!
From the “taking all the fun out of it” department: Electronic Flowerpot will ease your Gardening work. (Via Bates Nursery.)

For your planning convenience, here is a new, world-wide calendar of green industry events created by Ball Publishing.
Beginning January 24: 2012 Horticulture School and 30 hour D.E.C. Pesticide Education Course.
Feb 14, a fund raising event for the National Garden Festival at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens: Hearts in the Gardens.
Feb. 27: Stink bug, ash borer webinar via Cornell Horticulture.
Students! Jump start your career with the OFA Scholars Program (non-students, please pass along).

From Green Profit magazine: Droll Yankees teams up with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology on some really cool backyard birding merchandise in-store displays. Almost makes me wish I were in retail!