Scotts-MiracleGro partners with Meijer on in-store garden centers
Meijer, a regional supermarket chain with corporate headquarters in Walker, MI, announced hat it is partnering with Marysville, Ohio-based Scotts-MiracleGro in a pilot program to open 27 garden centers in existing Meijer stores across the Midwest, including 11 in Michigan.
The Garden Marketplace, located inside Meijer’s seasonal department, will feature a variety of Scotts-MiracleGro and Meijer brand products.
More than 20,000 attend Hortiflorexpo IPM Shanghai
The 17th Hortiflorexpo IPM Shanghai took place April 22-24 in China and more than 20,000 visitors attended, according to a news release.
Organized by the China Flower Association, the expo is known to be the largest official trade show in Chinese floriculture and horticulture.
There were over 600 exhibitors from 24 countries in 1,200 booths at the Shanghai New International Exhibition Centre, with two exhibition halls completely sold out. Official country pavilions by 136 foreign exhibitors included Holland, Germany, France, Ecuador, Korea and Taiwan, among others.
Dan Grogan receives WUMFA Lifetime Achievement Award
The Wisconsin & Upper Michigan Florists Association honored Dan Grogan with its first Lifetime Achievement Award at the group’s annual convention in Green Bay, WI, according to a news release. Mr. Grogan was initially nominated for two different awards — Retailer of the Year and Special Services — but the nominations committee decided to create a new category that would encompass all aspects of his career.
Costa Farms reduces carbon footprint via solar panels, reflective paint, sensors
Costa Farms, a large grower of ornamental plants headquartered in Miami, began construction on new solar panels at its company’s headquarters and two other buildings, and by the end of May it was relying on the solar panels for 25 percent of its energy use, according to a news release.
“Sustainability is a top priority for Costa Farms and for the communities where we live and work,” said Jose Smith, president and chief executive officer at Costa Farms, in the release. “With almost 250 days of sun annually, we think Miami could be the leader in solar energy.”
Philadelphia set to host PANTS ‘15 on new dates
The annual Penn Atlantic Nursery Trade Show has, in the past, been a summertime event, but show producer MAC Events announced in a news release that PANTS ‘15 would be held Nov. 4-5 this year in Hall B at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.
Alexandra Farms debuts new wedding guide
Alexandra Farms, a boutique rose farm in Bogota, Colombia, dedicated to growing nostalgic and romantic garden roses, announced the release of its newest Garden Rode Wedding Guide. It features detailed information on over 40 cut garden rose varieties from major breeders including David Austin, Tantau, Kordes, Meilland and Delbard among others, according to a news release.
MFA honors award winners at Great Lakes expo
At the 2015 Great Lakes Floral Expo in Grand Rapids, MI, the Michigan Floral Association honored several industry professionals for their service and expertise, according to a news release.
Boston Flower Exchange members vote to sell its in-demand property
With more than five offers on its prime South End property, the owners of over 76 percent of The Boston Flower Exchange’s shares recently voted to sell its 5.6-acre site on Albany Street in Boston, according to an article in The Boston Globe. It has been the focal point of New England floral trade for over 100 years and currently houses 14 independent wholesale companies that sell domestic and imported cut flowers, foliage, potted plants and supplies to retail shops and supermarket chains.
San Francisco Flower Mart to remain in the heart of the city
The San Francisco Flower Mart has announced a partnership with Kilroy Realty Corp. that will preserve the flower market at its current location in San Francisco at Sixth and Brannan streets in a new, state-of-the-art facility, according to a news release.
Christmas greens production requires year-round planning
While most people are spending their spring and summer planning what to plant in their gardens, or when to have the family picnic, or where to go for vacation; those of us who work in the floral greens industry are planning for Christmas. In fact, once Dec. 25 has passed, we’re already in the early stages of product development for the following year.