As a grower, I am always on the lookout for new plants. It is my pleasure to grow new plants, and it is my duty as a retailer to offer my customers the best of what the garden has to offer. Over the years, I have introduced hundreds of plants to my menu; some stay, some go but I am always learning.

As much as I enjoy discovering new plants, I really love to rediscover a old friend. Its a little like falling in love all over again, with the same partner! You have grown the same plant for many seasons, but you suddenly see it in a different way. It has reawakened the gardener in you!

Morning Glories are one of my favorites a vigorous, problem free sun loving annual. It is hardy, fast-growing and a reminder of summer days. Heavenly Blue, with its large blooms and mellow blue hues against the dark green foliage, has always been one of my favorites. Until now.

My wife was anxious to cover our dingy light post, and decided to raid my greenhouses. She gathered a number of low growing annuals, but chose Minibar Rose morning glory to run up the unsightly post. However, as in all well-laid plans, she did not do much about helping the vine to attach itself to the post. In the weeks that followed, the fast growing vine created a wonderful groundcover.

Minibar Rose is a a wonderful dwarf variety. It has small, heart shaped leaves that almost look like the leaf of an ivy. This distinctive foliage combines with the rosey-crimson 2 blooms to create a dense, trailing mat of groundcover that attracts both bees and butterflies. Combined with Athens Rose Latana, this small patch of ground has been transformed into a heat tolerant, every blooming, easy to care for summer garden that has reminded me of how much old friends have to offer.