Breaking news for today:
- National Wildlife Federation teams up with Scotts Miracle-Gro; environmentalists pissed. NWF attempts to defend itself here.
- The USDA released its new Plant Hardiness Zone map today. You’ll want to check it out. The zone I live in has changed from 5b to 6a. Does this mean I can finally grow ‘Tasmanian Angel’ bear’s breeches? No it does not.
Other items of interest:
- The 2012 UGJ Directory is out!
- Long Island company uses plant DNA to authenticate fine wine, money and computer chips.
- Sharon Coates of Rochester-area landscape company Zaretsky and Associates was quoted in an AP story that ran in several papers across the country recently: Here is one instance. Nice going Sharon!
- Into rooftop gardens? Admire this inspiring collection of images.
- Very cool. Stackable plant shippers from Hort Couture.
- DIY kit allows plants to tweet when they’re thirsty. (Via @urbangardens.)
- Lots of local winners at the NYU chapter ASLA awards dinner last week.
- An interesting introduction to Allergy Free Gardening. Sort of embarrassed to admit I didn’t know this stuff.
- From Today’s Garden Center magazine: Why Pinterest Is A No-Brainer For Garden Centers. I know, I know. Another social network. But this one is easy, I promise, and totally visual, and inspiring, and all the rage. Here is my “garden” board.
- Also from Today’s Garden Center, but in their print magazine, this thought: Many of the vegetatively propagated plants available today will not produce pollen and nectar, which is what attracts hummingbirds, butterflies & bees – & this may be an important factor to your customer. — Bob Craft, Sakata Do your customers ask about this?
- Here’s a great read from across the pond. I’ve been on two garden tours in England, and their fascination with American plants is quite noticeable. Thanks to @SuziMcCoyGMG for the find.
- I guess this trend isn’t going away just yet. From Greenhouse Grower, Silver Vase Not The Only ‘Blue Orchid’ Producer.
- While on topic of orchids, have you heard of the ice cube watering trick? I hadn’t. According to Greenhouse Grower, while it is a popular method, it doesn’t always work as advertised. Would love to hear your thoughts.
- From American Nurseryman:“The next time someone phones to ask you if a red maple is a good plant selection for a sunny, hot and wet site, keep in mind the importance of your knowledge of the nuances of plant names. Does the caller really mean red maple (Acer rubrum) or does he mean a red-leaved Japanese maple (such as Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’)? Knowing which is good for that sunny hot, wet site truly matters – that’s the rub.” This article about Linnaeus and botanical Latin is a must read. Even if you already know it all!
- Genevive Schmidt, a blogger in the Pacific Northwest, always puts a cool spin on things. Here is her 2012 trend report and, in case you missed it, a really cool post about using google image search in garden design.
Events:
- There will be a CNLP review class 3/1 & and exam 3/7 @ at the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Rochester. You may print registration materials here and mail with fee to state office ASAP.
- University of Connecticut to host Perennial Plant Conference 3/15/12 (via Garden Center Magazine).
- Cornell Soil Health workshop – Assessment and Management using the Cornell Soil Health Test—3/30/12.
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