Is it hot enough for you?  I am willing to bet you have heard that question in the past week or two.  That, or a comment about the state office elections, or about the oil spill, or the economy, or…?  Seems like there is a lot going on, I hope that some of you have had comments about all the orders you have been getting or contracts you have been writing.

    Did July show up early?  Or just July’s temperatures?  By the time you read this, it may be hot and dry, early August, or feeling like September.  Watering newly installed landscapes is essential and perhaps obvious, but don’t forget about the customer you shipped to or installed plants for this past winter and spring.  An e-mail or phone call reminder about watering will go a long way when that customer gets ready to make their next purchase.  While you are at it remind them to be conservative and don’t overwater.  Thankfully we aren’t in a drought situation now, but keep educating and maybe we will be better prepared when that problem looms again.

    The weather may be one of our favorite subjects, or it may be right behind politics.  I hope you took the opportunity to vote in the primary elections and I hope you will plan on voting in the general elections this fall.  Encourage your friends and employees to take advantage of this precious right, no matter which political party or candidate they may support.  Hopefully the new Commissioner of Agriculture will be willing to work closely with our industry on issues that affect us and our businesses.

    Many thanks to Harvey Cotten and the North Alabama Nurseries and members that helped make our summer education sessions and meeting successful.  The speaker, Linda Talley, was enthusiastic and interesting.  It is good to get away from the office every now and then to learn something new and network with other industry professionals.

    A few events to keep on your calendar:

    The Auburn Horticulture department will be hosting their annual Landscape School August 10^th and 11^th.

    Sign up to host a tailgate party at the Nursery House for one of the Auburn home games.   All proceeds benefit our scholarship program.

    GSHE is rapidly approaching, January 19^th thru 21^st, sign up for exhibit space now.

Information about all these events can be found on www.alnla.org.

I hope you have a prosperous and fun summer.

Phillip Hunter