Dear Customers,

Ornamental grasses will help the US end its dependence on foreign oil!

Yes, you heard it right.  President Bush in his state of the union speech has called for the cultivation of switch grass (aka Panicum virgatum) for manufacturing ethanol fuel, and it makes sense.  Panicum would require much less “input” to grow, yielding more units of energy per acre than corn or sorghum, the entire plant can be used, not just the grain, and it is native to the US!  So grow grass - not just good for your garden, good for your car and good for the environment too!

Even before this endorsement by the president, the use of ornamental grasses was growing here in the Northwest.  Grasses add color, structure and grace to the garden - it’s no wonder more people are using them.  We are noticing an increasing number of birds visiting our garden every winter to feed on the seed heads.  Add the low maintenance and water requirements of ornamental grass and you have a winning combination.

Bruce has been busy expanding the use of our database, so this year you will find many helpful lists for you and your customers to use.  Grasses, perennials and water plants are now listed by light requirements, height and zones.  He is also starting to add pictures to the website, so be sure to check it out.

As always, I encourage you to visit our farm to view our demo beds and see what we are up to.  Feel free to call me with any questions you might have.  Some plants listed are in short quantities so pre-ordering is a good idea and it also helps us to gauge our production numbers.  I am available to talk to your staff and/or customers at your nursery.  Please call to schedule a time.
 

Thank you again for your support the past 10 years.

Bruce and I look forward to seeing you in 2008.

Karen & Bruce Teper