Market Buzz

Another grower caught illegally propagating Knock Out roses
The crackdown continues: The Conard-Pyle Co. (www.conard-pyle.com) recently reached a settlement with a nursery in Central Louisiana found to have infringed its plant-patent rights on the popular Knock Out rose family. Conard-Pyle required the nursery to immediately destroy all infringing plants and to sign a binding agreement, which carries substantial penalties if the nursery repeats the offense. This was the second time in recent weeks that Conard-Pyle took action against a grower for illegal propagation. The company continues to investigate other possible instances of plant-patent infringement.

Proven Winners to host Extravaganzas in 2012
Proven Winners will once again host its Outdoor Living Extravaganzas in 2012. Attendees will participate in garden seminars, enjoy a catered luncheon and take home a gift bag packed with goodies. Cost is $80 per person. Events are scheduled for March 3, San Diego, Calif.; April 14, Grand Rapids, Mich.; April 21, Washington, D.C.; May 12, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. For more info visit www.provenwinners.com.

BFG Supply Co. makes big gains in 2011
BFG Supply Co., a horticulture distributor based in the Midwest, ended 2011 on a high note with the unveiling of its newly redesigned website, www.bfgsupply.com. This online resource includes account management tools, information on all the company's product lines and the new 'BFG Plant Connection' section. In December, BFG Supply announced its acquisition of J.R. Johnson Supply of Roseville, Minn. In August, BFG officially announced the acquisition of Wetsel Inc; an organization with a 100-year history in the industry.

Magnet Works launches 'Focus on Local' program
Magnet Works, (www.mailwraps.com), a provider of indoor and outdoor home décor accessories, will launch its Focus on Local program in January to support specialty retailers and their local communities. The company will debut 40 customizable designs at the winter gift markets. Retailers will be able to customize the decorative flags and mats with the name of their state, town, or a favorite local destination. Magnet Works has also developed a Shop Local-themed flag.

Difference Makers
Technically, Mark Halla is owner of The Mustard Seed, a garden center in Chaska, Minn. But he much prefers to be referred to as steward.

The distinction is manifested daily – in the elementary school curriculum he established at The Mustard Seed to help area youngsters learn how to care for natural resources, as well as in the garden center he and wife Kay helped craft into a 2011 Environmental Initiative Award winner.

His business is firmly linked to his community. Every weekend in June, The Mustard Seed hosted "The Community Farmers Market," and the aforementioned school curriculum gave him a chance to plant a seed, as it were, with young people who might not have had an appreciation for gardening without his program.

At work and everywhere else, Halla's walk is guided by his faith – something that became evident last summer when he was named his state's winner during the inaugural Horticultural Industries Leadership Awards program at the OFA Short Course in Columbus, Ohio.

"Although I am very appreciative of the recognition, God should receive all the glory for the work He has done in my life," Halla said. "There is nothing good in me that He didn't put there."

From our perspective, there is a lot good in Halla. Well done, good and faithful servant.