From Today’s Garden Center In case you haven’t heard, according to CNBC and other media sources, we are in the middle of a gardening boom. Scares from salmonella, a return to an organic lifestyle, a way to save money on the grocery bills, and gardening as an alternative to exotic, pricey vacations are some of the reasons they claim gardening is experiencing a surge in popularity. But as a garden center owner I wonder, could it be more than that? Could it be something as simple as a longing to return to something easier to understand than today’s crazy world? … Read more

Reuters – The outlook for general business conditions moved higher as conditions expected to improve in three to six months. U.S. small businesses grew more optimistic last month on the prospects for economic growth and stronger sales, a survey released by the National Federation of Independent Business stated. The survey said its monthly index of small business optimism rebounded 5.8 points in April to 86.8, breaking a four-month pattern of declines. “Perhaps this is the beginning of the end of the recession,” said William Dunkelberg, chief economist for the NFIB. “However, the report indicated no immediate turnabout as the improved numbers were … Read more

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  MAY 12, 2009  Ball Horticultural Company is pleased to announce the purchase of a majority share of Kieft Seeds Holland (Kieft Pro Seeds), located in Venhuizen, The Netherlands. “Kieft Pro Seeds is a highly strategic acquisition for Ball,” said Anna Ball, Ball Horticultural Company Chairman and CEO. “The addition of the Kieft product line will be complementary to the products in our PanAmerican Seed brand. We view their line of specialty annual and, particularly, perennial products as fitting very well with our product development strategies”. “We not only believe that the depth of experience and the world … Read more

(Cannon Falls, MN – May 11, 2009) – Midwest of Cannon Falls, Inc., a leading designer and manufacturer of the Colonial Candle® and Seasons of Cannon Falls® brand products, and CBK Styles, Inc., a leading wholesaler of quality home and garden décor, gifts and accessories under the CBK Styles® brand, proudly announce today a major merger in the giftware and home décor industries, with the introduction of Midwest-CBK, a premiere home accents company. The newly combined company, Midwest-CBK, unites two renowned and highly respected market leaders, combining the strengths of both companies with best-in-class people, products, service and support into … Read more

From TampaBay.com After the city banned lawn sprinkling in April, Russ Callahan signed up to hook into the city’s reclaimed water system. He was told it would be four to six weeks before the connection, which allows unlimited watering, could be made. But Callahan couldn’t wait. So he hired L. Henry Landscape Maintenance to deliver reclaimed water to his home once a week and water the yard. Only about 8,700 city property owners have access to reclaimed water lines that run through some South Tampa neighborhoods. Most of the city’s highly treated wastewater — about 55 million gallons a day … Read more