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Welcome to the backyard zoo! Don’t look now, but critters have taken root in your garden. Relax, they’re friendly – and they’re animals in name only. Let’s meet one.Echinacea: This popular native genus is so named because its spiky central seed cone reminded a botanist of the echidna, a.k.a. the spiny anteater. A quirky animal from Down Under, the echidna has spikes like a porcupine and lays eggs like a bird.That critter’s namesake perennial, a.k.a. coneflower, has burst out in in a stagger

Meet our September Rock StarAbout the Rock Star AwardOur Rock Star award honors ECG employees who demonstrate a sustained high level of performance and inspire others.This month we honor Jonah Camp.Jonah came on board in 2017 as general greenhouse labor and rose to the position of assistant perennial grower at the Milton farm. He lives on site and is a night watchman in addition to his plant care duties.Jonah’s manager and colleagues had lots of good things to say about this young man, especiall

GARDENS OF THE GODSArtemisia(Wormwood)Artemis, Greek goddess of the hunt, was the daughter of Zeus and the twin sister of Apollo. Often depicted with bow and arrow, she drove a chariot pulled by golden-horned stags.None of which explains why a genus of soft, silvery perennials, medicinals and annuals is named for her. Or even if it is: Some say the name honors Artemisia II of Caria, a botanist, doctor and queen of Anatolia in the 4th century BC. Take your pick!Artemisia encompasses tarragon (A.

Meet our August Rock StarAbout the Rock Star AwardOur Rock Star award honors ECG employees who demonstrate a sustained high level of performance and inspire others.This month we pause to applaud David Whitfield, Assistant Manager at the Milton farm.During his eight years at ECG, David has been a leader in production, field work, and in the vital role of picking manager. In the last year he’s taken on a wider range of duties as the location manager’s right-hand man.David has some loyal fans among

GARDENS OF THE GODSChelone(Turtlehead)In Greek mythology, the nymph Chelone was invited to the wedding of Zeus and Hera. But she couldn’t be bothered, preferring to stay home.Miffed, the gods flung Chelone and her precious house into a river and transformed both into a hybrid: a turtle. She would never have to (or be able to) leave home again.That legend lives on in the perennial palette as Chelone, a.k.a. “turtlehead” due to the beaked flower. You have to squint a little to see the resemblance.