Endangered pine to hit stores on Earth Day
Wollemi pine, an ancient tree growing in Wollemi National Park near Sydney, Australia, will debut in independent garden centers on Earth Day, April 22. National Geographic will offer 10-inch trees in its 2006 holiday catalog for $99.95. A portion of sales goes to a pine conservation group. Independents will offer the tree at a similar price. Garden centers must submit an online application before purchasing plants, and retailers must pass an online exam. Point-of-purchase materials will be available, including banners, signs and dinosaur replicas. Wollemi pine is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-11. Elsewhere, the tree can be grown as a houseplant.

Holiday forecast: subdued spending
Most retail watchers expect a solid, but not exceptional, holiday sales season. Check out these holiday-season forecasts.
Nat'l. Retail Federation
Deloitte & Touche USA
Ernst & Young
Int'l. Council of Shopping Centers
Retail Forward

Beware of Knock Out knock-offs
Conard-Pyle Co. is addressing trademark and patent infringements related to its popular Knock Out rose. Steve Hutton, Conard-Pyle Co. pres., said other varieties are being introduced that claim Knock Out rose genetics. "We're very, very concerned about patent infringement," Hutton said. "We're actively monitoring cases. We've settled probably 5 cases over the last 3 years." Hutton said they are also working to correct trademark transgressions. "One of any trademark owners' biggest concerns is that the trademark becomes generic," he said. "Over time it becomes so prevalent it becomes the name of the invention. We don't want Knock Out to be applied to all shrub roses." Hutton said they are not pursuing any legal action related to trademark infringement. Instead, they're working to educate growers, retailers and consumers about improper trademark use.

Wal-Mart slows expansion
Wal-Mart will curtail capital spending and reduce growth in fiscal 2008, according to a company statement. Capital spending is projected to increase 2% to 4%, compared to 15% to 20% increase forecast for fiscal 2007. Square footage growth is estimated to decrease slightly: from 8% to 7.5%. Beginning Feb. 1, 2007, Wal-Mart plans to open 265-270 Supercenters, 5-10 discount stores, 15-20 Neighborhood Markets and 20-30 Sam's Clubs. In addition, 145 Wal-Mart stores and 15 Sam's Club will be expanded or relocated.

Film documents America's passion for roses
All-America Rose Selections is offering a 26-minute documentary film on its Web site. A DVD of "Love at First Sight: America's Affair with the Rose" can be purchased for $7, which covers shipping and handling. The film examines the work that goes into creating low-maintenance plants and introduces hybridizers.

Simply Beautiful offers rewards
Simply Beautiful brand has introduced a program allowing retailers to collect credits and redeem them for ads and promotions. Credits are earned with purchases from July 1, 2006, through June 30, 2007, and may be used the following season. Accumulated credits can be redeemed for cooperative advertising, customer events, packaging and point-of-purchase materials. For more information, contact a local Ball sales representative or call (800) 879-2255.

Worth a visit
Learn about Vaccinium corymbosum 'Sunshine Blue,' a blueberry bush that's finding favor with Southern and Pacific gardeners. Only on GreenBeam.com.