Marketplace News

Scotts Miracle-Gro CEO to remain with company
Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. CEO and chairman Jim Hagedorn has changed his plans and is remaining at his posts, the lawn and garden products company announced last month. At the same time, the company said its president and chief operating officer, Mark Baker, has left the company. Hagedorn had announced in 2008 that he planned to retire as CEO during the current fiscal year.

“While I thought I wanted to step aside after I turned 55, I've decided I want to stay engaged in the business and, with the approval of our board of directors, intend to do so,” Hagedorn said in a statement.

The lawn care company offered no explanation in a news release for the departure of Baker, who had also been a board member. Scotts said it named Barry Sanders, executive vice president of the global consumer segment, as its new president.
 

New Growth Marketing changes name to Bailey Signage Solutions
New Growth Marketing has changed its name to Bailey Signage Solutions. The company, founded in 2004, provides custom point-of-purchase materials for independent garden centers.

“The name change more clearly defines our company’s commitment to the independent garden center channel,” said Terri McEnaney, president of Bailey Nurseries. “Research tells us that colorful, customer-friendly signage translates into increased sales. Our goal is to help garden centers create innovative and visually interesting marketing programs that help boost the bottom line.”
 

All-America Selections announces first AAS winners for 2011
All-America Selections (AAS) announced the first seven of the 2011 AAS Winners in November. These varieties are available for immediate sale and distribution for the 2011 seed ordering and gardening season.

• Salvia ‘Summer Jewel Red’: This annual is ideal for full-sun containers, mixed beds and borders where uniformity is desired. Bred by Takii & Co. Ltd.
• Ornamental kale ‘Glamour Red’ F₁: An excellent achievement in breeding for its unique shiny leaves. Bred by Takii & Co. Ltd.
• Viola ‘Shangri-La Marina’ F₁: An early-flowering, mounding viola in a vibrant new color for this type. Bred by Tokita Seed Co. Ltd.
• Gaillardia ‘Arizona Apricot’: Flowers have yellow edges that deepen to a rich apricot in the center. Bred by Ernst Benary of America Inc.
• Pumpkin ‘Hijinks’ F₁: This winning pumpkin variety produces small-sized, 6- to 7-pound fruits, of a very uniform size and shape. Bred by Sakata Seed America Inc.
• Tomato ‘Lizzano’ F₁: Features a low growing, trailing habit excellent for patio containers or hanging baskets. Bred by Pro-Veg Seeds Ltd.
• Tomato ‘Terrenzo’ F₁: A prolific producer on a tidy low-growing, trailing plant. Bred by Pro-Veg Seeds Ltd.
   

Some city trees may discourage ‘shady’ behavior
Along with energy conservation and storm-water reduction, scientists may soon be adding crime-fighting to the list of benefits that urban trees provide. Researchers with the U.S. Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest (PNW) and Southern Research Stations have published a new study that suggests that certain types of city trees may help lower property and violent crime rates. Their study is the first to examine the effects of trees and other factors on crime occurrence in Portland, Ore. “We wanted to find out whether trees, which provide a range of other benefits, could improve quality of life in Portland by reducing crime, and it was exciting to see that they did,” said Geoffrey Donovan, research forester with the PNW Research Station who led the study. “Although a burglar alarm may deter criminals, it won’t provide shade on a hot summer day, and it certainly isn’t as nice to look at as a tree.” Canopy size of both street and yard trees and the number of trees growing on a lot had the most effect on crime occurrence—large trees were associated with crime reduction, while numerous small trees were associated with an increase.