Lori Harms, greenhouse manager at Countryside Flower Shop, Nursery & Garden Center, Crystal Lake

Brett Schaefer, manager of Schaefer Greenhouses, Montgomery

"Our biggest annuals sales in terms of volume were the euphorbia 'Diamond Frost', the chartreuse sweet potato vine and the 'Peach Flambe' coral bells (Heuchera). The sweet potato vine continues to be the number one plant that customers ask for. As for the 'Peach Flambe' we couldn't keep it on the shelf. For next year we think the 'Black Cherry' tomato will continue to grow in popularity."

"This year in our Garden Center Nursery the chartreuse-leaved 'Tiger Eye' sumac sold very well. Clematis in all colors were also very good sellers, as were the 12-inch mixed Proven Winner baskets.

"In 2008 I can see the new Shock Wave petunias from Ball Horticultural Company being hot. This should complement our Wave sales, which have been consistently strong."

Nancy Tholens, manager of Tholens Landscape & Garden Center, Kankakee & Bourbonnais.

Nancy Malkowski, owner of Garden Star, Kenosha, Wisconsin

"We had an increased need for the new variegated 'My Monet' weigela and 'Rainbow' Knock Out roses. The variegated cultivar of our native switch grass (Panicum) was also a big seller. Next year we will stock more low-maintenance shrub roses and floribundas."

"We sell everything for the garden except plants and tools," says Malkowski. Popular this year? "Fountains, especially large fountains, were big sellers. Also, fine art sculptures from local artists in bronze, cast iron and stone. People seem to like individuality." For next year? "Cast iron is selling fast right now and I expect that to continue."