Hines Horticulture Inc

* Irvine-based Hines Horticulture Inc., which produces and distributes shrubs and plants across the nation through its nursery facilities in nine states, reported net sales for the first quarter of $64 million, up 6% from $60.4 million a year ago. Net loss for the quarter ended March 31 increased to $1.7 million, or 8 cents a share, versus a loss of $1.1 million, or 5 cents, for the same period a year earlier.