In this our final issue of 2008 we need to reflect on the continued globalisation of the young plant sector. Reports from our new ‘Potting Shed ‘ correspondent have stimulated great interest , reaction and plenty of visionary foresight! In our July/August issue we discussed at great length the number of acquisitions taking place within the area of young plant propagation. And now we learn of not one, but two recent acquisitions by Syngenta Flowers of Goldsmith Seeds (see page 46) and as we closed for press, the Chrysanthemum and Aster business from US flower producer Yoder Brothers . Does this mean that the global economic situation will be detrimental to horticulture with less players in the market or actually underpin its future?
 

 The year has seen a significant growth in this magazine. The new style and increased frequency has been met with much praise from the market who appreciate the plant focus we have maintained and developed further. Direct support from various associations and groups including the British Plant Buying Fair, the BPOA and EFIG for their new and re-styled event in 2009 has been most encouraging.
 

We intend to build on this during 2009 and not least to enhance the traffic flow on our website which is now attracting a significant level of enquiries for the Web Directory.

www.gruppotorsanlorenzo.com

The industry appears to be both confident and determined to ride the financial storm. The potential to create and supply that ‘Outdoor Room’ which we have mentioned before has never been greater. We thank you all for your support in 2008 and look forward to next year with relish.