It's the last full week of February and here in Michigan it's warming up and the snow is melting. At least for now. Like much of the east coast, we can get snow and cold clear into April, but it's nice to get these early glimpses of spring.
Speaking of the east coast, last week I attended the Breast Cancer Research Foundation®'s (BCRF) annual partner summit in New York City. It was a spectacular day of learning more about the BCRF and meeting people from other companies that, like Spring Meadow, make philanthropy a part of their corporate culture. Partnering with a reputable charity that has a clear association with what you do is an important part of creating successful cause marketing relationships. We chose the BCRF because it's the highest rated breast cancer organization in the US, and because of its clear connection to women, a group that also has a strong interest in gardening. By including a donation of $1 for every Proven Winners® Invincibelle® Spirit II hydrangea that is sold at retail, we make it easy for people to support an organization that funds research to find a cure for what continues to be the most common cancer in women, worldwide. Not only that, because the BCRF is focused on research, they are helping to advance cures for many other types of cancer as well.
Cause marketing isn't a new concept, but it continues to be one of the most valuable ways a company can connect with their customers via a shared interest in their products, and in making the world a better place.
On to Jane's tip, about a happy little plant that also makes the world a little nicer!
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| Happy, happy, happy! |
I feel the same way about Clematis. I love the flowers, and a beautiful Clematis vine greeting you at the mailbox or arching over a pergola is delightful. But I just don't want to deal with a lot of complicated instructions.
That's why I love that new Clematis breeding has focused on simplicity, as much as vigor and aesthetics. An example of this is Happy Jack® Purple Clematis, an improved 'Jackmanii' that flowers from mid-summer into fall. It has larger (3-5") flowers and intense purple color. Since it flowers on both old and new wood you just need to prune it back to about 2' in spring to have beautiful flowers.
Happy Jack® Purple Clematis is hardy to USDA Zone 5 and grows 6-8' tall. It will grow in full sun or partial shade. Want to know more? Check out this quick video about the plant.
So check out Happy Jack® and the other new Clematis varieties; they're beautiful and far simpler to find success with than older varieties.
Plant of the Week is written by Jane Beggs-Joles
