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Every ornamental grass makes a garden statement.The Royal Collection issues proclamations.It’s time to plant big, bold, fast-growing, traffic-stopping Royal Collection grasses – and stand back, these varieties don’t dawdle! Royal Pennisetum varieties thrive on warm weather and full sun. Nobly bred by award-winning Dr. Wayne Hanna, these bold black beauties fill big-ticket containers with remarkable style and speed.Lined up by height for a Royal Family portrait, they’d arrange themselves thusly:

Doesn’t ‘Lime Zinger’ sound like a sparkling, citrus-y summer cocktail? Perfect for a tailgate party at the polo match, or poolside? Oh, waiter! Another round of Lime Zingers, please!Well, our version is as succulent as it sounds, but it brings a different kind of sparkle to a sunny setting. ‘Lime Zinger’ is one of our favorites from the famous SunSparkler® series of nifty, hardy, low-growing Sedum.Your customers will love the firm, lime-green leaves with nicely-contrasting cherry-red picotee ed

“Balloon Flower”Here’s a garden plant that’s fun for all ages. Growers and gardeners love the flower color, about as close to true blue as a perennial gets. And your customers’ customers’ kids will love popping the inflated buds of this cheerful sun/shade tolerant border beauty .Please, don’t stop ‘em from poppin’ ‘em! Having fun in the garden helps bring them back. A few burst buds is a small price to pay for new gardeners. Think of it as a tiny investment in the green industry’s future.Platyco

About the Rock Star AwardOur Rock Star award honors ECG employees who demonstrate a sustained high level of performance and inspire others.This month’s award goes to assistant grower Luis Villarreal.If there’s a common thread connecting our Rock Star winners, it’s this: They all have a “Can do” attitude, and a “Whatever it takes” work ethic. Luis is no exception.Our April champion scored a first: He was praised by a peer for worn-out teeth -- not in his smile but on the equipment he works to its

This interesting native grass has seed heads that look like oats, rising from foliage that’s reminiscent of bamboo. It tolerates much more shade than most ornamental grasses, and can even handle the infamously inhospitable shade of black walnut trees.The pendulous seed heads emerge green, turning purple/bronze in summer. They’re dazzling in late-afternoon sunlight, and they make a fabulous filler for dried flower arrangements. Height 3 – 4’. Hardy in Zones 5 - 9 The Game of the NameThe vernacul