June, So Soon?
Believe it or not, yes. The camera may lie, but the calendar? Never. When June wraps, this year (2022, in case you haven’t been paying attention) will be half over. As will baseball season, unless you’re a fan of the Phillies, in which case by July 1, it’ll probably be time – again -- to say, “Wait ‘til next year.” If the Phillies were a country, that would be its national motto.
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You read that correctly: Our in-house crew has completed a year-long project, the construction of a new production building in Milton. This 15,000 square-foot structure gives workers more elbow room, more space to spread out, and a far more efficient system for bringing grass clumps from field to production line, where we multiply by dividing. That may be a mathematical oxymoron, but it’s the name of the game in the ornamental grass world.
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The new addition also affords better climate control for new divisions, and blends nicely into Milton’s streamlined production cycle, from field to greenhouse to shipping line.
And we accomplished it all in-house, from start to finish. Kudos to Jake and his multitalented team, including Shain, Eric, Colt and Jeff!
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Crew (left to right): Shain, Eric, Jake, Colt, Jeff
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May in PA couldn’t make up its mind, impersonating first March and then July with temperatures yo-yoing from frosty to frying. So it’s comforting in a way to head into June, which so far is more consistent, albeit a tad warmer than we’d like. |
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In the greenhouses the short-day Echinacea are getting their traditional late awakening so you can have fresh flowering pots later in the season. Achillea, Aquilegia, Campanula and Gaillardia are ripe and ready for your restocking pleasure. Imperata ‘Red Baron’ is yours for the asking – and on sale! See What’s Hot! for details.
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About the Rock Star Award
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, Shawn Clark!
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Shawn works as our Soil Production Supervisor at the Milton farm.
President Paul Babikow has called our soil barn crew “Our hidden heroes.” Why? When you look at our products, you see plants. But what’s under those plants is crucial.
The right mix in the right tray ensures that every seedling, cutting, division and TC gets a great start, making our growers’ jobs easier.
Then comes the next step: Getting that tray to the right place at the right time keeps production running smoothly, making everyone’s job easier. Shawn makes it happen, day after day. That’s why his colleagues nominated him – some repeatedly.
“Shawn has a very good work ethic and is the prime example of what you want from an employee. He leads by example and is also doing a great job in training others.”
“I nominate Shawn. He is a great teacher and always moving.”
“I would like to nominate Shawn Clark for the rockstar honor. He continues to impress!”
“Shawn is hard working and a good leader. He sets the pace and is always working!”
“Shawn Clark has consistent levels of awesome production day in and day out. Shawn leads a hidden crew of rock stars in the soil building. He has great attitude, loyalty, and dedication to his job.”
Congratulations, Shawn, and thank you for a difficult job well done. You rock!
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WHAT'S HOT: Imperata 'Red Baron'
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“Japanese blood grass” lights up the landscape like nothing else. This warm-season classic emerges bright green with wine-red tips that gradually spread downward until nearly the whole blade is blood red by fall. And right now, our fat, fit, fast-growing, slick-transplanting 72s are 35% off! You read that correctly, you can save more than a third by ordering now. But wait! There’s more:
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Phalaris arundinacea ‘Picta’
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Phalaris a. ‘Dwarf Garters’
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Sedum ‘Fireglow’ (Fuldaglut)
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PERENNIAL PLANT ASSOCIATION: It's Coming! |
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Coming where? To Lancaster, PA!
Coming when? August 1 – 5!
Yes, you read that correctly, too! You’re on a roll, baby, 3 for 3. Don’t just sit there, go play the lottery! Then go to perennialplant.org to register for the 2022 PPA National Symposium, coming for the first time to beautiful downtown Lancaster. As always, there will be industry-leading educational seminars and networking opportunities, and tours like only PPA can provide to the marvels of Southeastern PA’s horticulture scene. We’ll even dip into Maryland to visit some great growers.
Nobody does it better. If you’re in the hardy plant business, you belong at PPA!
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Emerald Coast Growers - Lancaster, PA Trial Garden
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Andropogon ‘Blackhawks’
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Andropogon ‘Rain Dance’
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Pennisetum ‘Burgundy Bunny’
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Hemerocallis ‘Stella de Oro’
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Rudbeckia ‘American Gold Rush’ PP28498
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Sedum takesimense Atlantis PP27454
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Don’t Wait ‘Til Next Year... |
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...or even next month to get your ducks in a row, crunch your numbers and place your future orders. It’s even better than the lottery: Planning ahead has a guaranteed payoff.
We hope to see you in person at Cultivate in July and PPA in August. If you’re in the MidAtlantic area, perhaps our paths will cross at Star® Roses and Plants Open House this very month, June 14 - 16 in Cochranville, PA. Alternatively, if you’re in the Midwest, catch us at Darwin Perennials Day in West Chicago the following week, June 22.
Wherever you are, we hope your favorite team is having a better season than the Phillies (a.k.a. the Underperforming Millionaires’ Club) -- except of course when the twain meet. We’re keeping the faith for at least another month.
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John Friel
Marketing Manager
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