BUZZ: June 2008

Four bidders divvied up the assets of Pike Family Nurseries, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. California-based Armstrong Garden Centers bid nearly $5.2 million for a Pike store in Charlotte, N.C., the right to use the Pike Nursery name, plus other retail locations and inventory assets. Geo. Schofield Co. bid $1.2 million for one store and the hardscape inventory of 2 other stores. Skinner Nurseries bid $1 million for the inventory of two stores. Gary Pike, son of store founder William “Pete” Pike, bid $490,000 for the assets of two Pike stores.

Better Homes & Gardens recently launched Nature’s Garden (www.bhgnaturesgarden.com ), an interactive Web site where users can discuss backyard flora and fauna. Garden retailers are welcome to post information on nature seminars on the site’s events page.

The housing slump is affecting Home Depot’s bottom line, according to USA Today. The retailer’s fourth-quarter report showed net income dropped 27 percent. Sales are expected to decrease as much as 5 percent in 2008. The average customer transaction fell to $54.96 as consumers cut back on large purchases.

Lowe’s delayed the opening of 20 new stores in California, Florida and other markets, Wall Street Journal reported. The move was made in response to the nation’s economic downturn and housing crisis.

People under 35 will breathe new life into gardening, the trade magazine Publishers Weekly reported. Interest in aesthetic improvements and a desire to grow their own food will prompt young consumers to take up trowels. Online gardening information will help make the hobby more accessible to novices.

A bill introduced in the California State Assembly would require the governor to declare a state of emergency before pesticides could be sprayed over cities. Concern over a pheromone sprayed to combat light brown apple moth, a pest threatening nursery crops, prompted the legislation.

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June 2008