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Little Devil ninebark named Garden Idol 2011
After a nationwide vote, First Editions Little Devil ninebark from Bailey Nurseries is the 2011 Garden Idol winner. The plant was presented at Garden Idol event during American Nursery & Landscape Association’s Management Clinic in January. Little Devil features deep burgundy foliage throughout the season and clusters of small white-pink flowers in June. It grows up to 4 feet high and keeps its compact shape without pruning. It’s hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-7.
MVP Group International to acquire Midwest-CBK
MVP Group International, manufacturer of candles and home fragrance products, has agreed to acquire Midwest-CBK, a leading holiday, gift, candle, and décor company. Key brands of Midwest-CBK include Colonial Candle, Seasons of Cannon Falls and CBK. The closing is expected before May 31.
Activant Solutions to be acquired by Apax Partners
Activant Solutions, a technology provider of point-of-sale software serving garden centers and other mid-market retailers, will be acquired by Apax Partners. Activant is currently owned by investment funds affiliated with Hellman & Friedmann, Thoma Bravo, management and JMI Equity. Apax will also acquire Epicor Software Corporation. Apax intends to combine Activant with Epicor. Following the merger, the combined company will be called Epicor Software Corporation.
Hort Couture plants to be featured at PGA event
The Greenbrier, billed as “America’s Resort,” has chosen Hort Couture as the exclusive provider of annual flowers for the grounds and the Old White Golf Course that will host the 2011 PGA Greenbrier Classic, July 25-31. This is a FedEX Cup Event that features the top golfers in the world and coverage on The Golf Channel and CBS Sports, with hundreds of thousands of visitors attending the event.
All-America Rose Selections names Sunshine Daydream its 2012 winner
All-America Rose Selections (www.rose.org) has selected Sunshine Daydream as its 2012 winning rose. The light yellow Grandiflora, the first garden rose to win under no spray conditions, was selected as the best of the best after participating in the rigorous two-year AARS testing cycle.
Sunshine Daydream embodies both great flower color and foliage—with light yellow flowers finishing cream yellow. Its cuplike petals offer the perfect backdrop to its dark green, glossy foliage. Round, bushy and blooming continuously from spring to early frost, Sunshine Daydream was hybridized by Meilland International, which has a record 18 AARS Winners to its credit, including Carefree Spirit and Elle.
Free marketing materials available on National Garden Bureau website
As announced late last year, National Garden Bureau has proclaimed 2011 as the “Year of the Tomato” and the “Year of the Zinnia.” NGB has created an informational brochure and signage for each crop. These useful tools are available to download and print at no charge at www.ngb.org. Simply click on the tab labeled “Downloads.” For each “Year of the” crop there is a multi-page brochure with images and useful growing information, as well as a history and description of that flower or edible. There is a downloadable PDF for both an 8 x 10-inch sign and a 5 x 7-inch sign/bench card. In addition, the two NGB “Year of the” logos are available for downloading for use when promoting these two "Year of the" crops.
Garden Centers of America announces new award for 2011
Garden Centers of America has created a new award to recognize rooms befitting a “throne.” At the association’s annual meeting this summer, GCA will recognize garden centers that have outstanding restrooms.
According to David Williams, GCA president, one of the more important elements in the operation of a garden center is the restrooms. The customer base for independent garden centers is estimated to be 80-percent women, and one of the elements appreciated by women is a clean, fresh and well-designed restroom.
To enter the competition, garden centers must submit the store name, contact person, phone number, e-mail and physical address. Also include several pictures of the restroom in JPG file format and a brief paragraph about the bathroom, why is it designed the way it is and its benefit at the garden center. The information should be sent to info@gardencentersofamerica.org.
The entry deadline is 5 p.m. (EDST), July 15. Membership in GCA is not required to enter the contest. Look for a recap of these award-winning restrooms in an upcoming issue of Garden Center.
Wild Bird Centers of America launches National Dealership Program
Wild Bird Centers of America is launching a new Wild Bird Center National Dealership Program in partnership with Commerce Corporation (www.commercecorp.com), the largest distributor to independent garden centers and nurseries across the United States. This exclusive program makes select Wild Bird Center private label products available to independent retail outlets beyond its franchise organization. The Wild Bird Centers exclusive product line, developed over 25 years, features a wide range of its specialty seed blends, suet cakes, bird feeders, bird houses and accessories, all supported by nationally-recognized marketing programs.
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