Interflora agrees to 3i takeover

Interflora, the UK florist company jointly owned by 1,850 member firms, has agreed a takeover by venture capitalist 3i. It is thought that increasing competition from the supermarkets has persuaded members to vote for the sale.

Despite the competition independent florists believe that they have a bright future since their great strengths are service and skills which cannot be matched by the supermarkets. The florists offer same day delivery, often in a matter of hours, which is a service not offered by the larger outlets. In addition the independents have specialist skills in designing arrangements and displays.

Source: BBC

A point to remember when buying flowers is that they have their own special language so Check the meaning before you buy flowers online.

Gardening trends for 2005

"The topic of gardening trends comes up with each new year" according to Richard Poffenbaugh who lives in Ontario. "One thing is for sure, gardening or landscaping need not be boring. There is plenty of fertile ground for new ideas and ways of doing things." He then lists his top five choices for popular trends. Read more..

Another major trend this year is a form of gardening that was popular in the past and is now being rediscovered in a big way. "Terrariums, those miniature green worlds under glass that gardeners of a certain age remember so well, are making a comeback" says Denise Cowie. "Terrarium-workshop attendance is up; plant stores and gardening catalogs are showcasing fancy containers; the Philadelphia Flower Show has almost doubled the number of competitions for terrariums this year; and one lifestyle magazine even suggests making tiny terrariums out of clear glass ornaments left over from Christmas." Read on..

"Turn off your radio, take off your headsets and listen to the birds" is the advice of Dean Fosdick. "The programming comes commercial-free and the songs, calls and whistles are performed by some of the finest soloists in nature." Read on..

Just to bring you back to earth with a bump, here is some pratical advice from Virginia Hayes on what you should be doing in your yard now. Read more..

And don't forget to check out The Garden Supplies Advisor where new articles are added on a regular basis.

Suggestions for the winter weary gardener

"The thrill of finding something different or unexpected in a gardening catalog helps to make January bearable for many a winter-weary gardener; it's around this time of year that mountains of plant and seed catalogs begin arriving in the mail" according to Denise Cowie. "For some restive, housebound gardeners, the glossy publications are curl-up-by-the-fire wishbooks that offer a comforting promise of spring." Read more..

Bruce Spangenberg suggests some new year resolutions to help your garden perform better in 2005. His advice is contained in five short paragraphs which you can read here.

If you miss your gardening grow some herbs indoors is another suggestion. If you want to know how to grow rosemary, chives, marjoram, basil, dill, thyme, winter savory, sorrel and mint, just follow this link.

Want something else to do on a winter's day? Break a pot. Break lots of pots. "The Complete Mosaic Handbook" not only tells you how but also what you can do with the bits. Read more..

And a Happy New Year!