Regional roundup, Jan. 25, 2009

Maryland
Homestead Gardens headquartered in Davidsonville, Md., is opening a new location in Severna Park, Md., HometownAnnapolis.com reported. The Severna Park location will be about one-third the size of the Davidsonville property, with a 15,000-square-foot sales floor and a 23,000-square-foot outdoor area for nursery items. The company is planning to staff the new facility with about 30 employees.

Minnesota
The Forest Lake City Council is considering banning seasonal garden “tent sales,” Forest Lake Times reported. The council is considering an amendment to the zoning code that allows for temporary seasonal sales within the city. Kris Bahr, assistant manager at the Linder’s Flower Mart for the last five years, said she’s heard that the family-owned company is not welcome in town. It has set up a garden center outside Rainbow Foods in Forest Lake for eight years.

Bachman’s, the Minneapolis-based floral, gift and garden center retailer, said it plans to introduce a new gift and home retail area at some of its stores, according to Finance & Commerce. Bachman’s new Gift and Home area will be grouped in areas such as Euro, Modern Country, Cottage, City/Loft and Kids. The Euro area will feature vintage and new items with a European flavor, including ironwork, botanicals, and sophisticated vintage designs.

Nevada
Moana Nursery in Reno has acquired the local Wild Birds Unlimited franchise. All three Moana Nursery locations will now offer specialized wild-bird products.

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