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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.

Meet our July Rock StarAbout the Rock Star AwardThis monthly award is designed to acknowledge employees who demonstrate a sustained high level of performance and inspire others to do their best.This month’s recipient is Kyle Lipsey, ECG’s Shipping Assistant Manager. Several colleagues who nominated Kyle used the phrase “gets it done.” Others described him as helpful, calm, cool, efficient and polite, “even in the craziest of shipping weeks.” Kyle’s been with us for 18 years, all in shipping

We’re not talking about edged implements here. We mean plants that, like the famous multi-function pocket knives, can be deployed in a multitude of situations. Gardeners sometimes need a plant that will thrive wherever it’s put. Or one that fills in like a groundcover, while also preventing erosion on a steep slope.And then there are plants that are content to spend their lives as pretty things in containers, but even happier when inserted into the garden as perennials.We’ve got ‘em. And they’r

Our Rock Star award honors ECG employees who demonstrate a sustained high level of performance and inspire others. Let’s hear it for our latest recipient, Dina Johnson!Dina’s main duties are to manage both the Administration office and the tag office. But despite those time-consuming gigs, she’s quick to volunteer to handle just about anything that pops up. She’s been called “wearer of 1,000 hats.”A co-worker’s nomination described Dina as “genuinely kind-hearted, determined and hard-working.” A

CAN’T WIN IF YOU DON’T PLAYFavorites and ChallengersIn uncertain times, it’s natural (and smart) to gravitate to what works, what you know you can sell. But it’s also smart to inch out a little farther onto that limb. From out there, you can offer your customers a tempting twist on the usual. In previous episodes we’ve discussed perennials, grasses and natives. Today’s hot lick is a native genus that’s traditionally offered just one choice. But your options have doubled!Amsonia hubrichtii