Eberly & Collard Public Relations Launches New Brand, Media Channels

Press Release � For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Eberly & Collard Public Relations, 404-574-2900
Don Eberly, deberly@eberlycollardpr.com
Jeff Collard, jcollard@eberlycollardpr.com

Eberly & Collard Public Relations Announces New Brand, Company Name,
Web Site, and Social Media Channels

Industry Public Relations Firm, Specializing in the Home, Garden, Design, and Agribusiness Industries, Launches New Brand and Introduces Advanced Ways for Media and Clients to Interface.

Atlanta � July 10, 2009 � Eberly & Collard Public Relations, a public / media relations and advertising firm specializing in the Home, Garden, Design, and Agribusiness Industries, announced today its rebranded company name and online media channels. The company, formally operating as Eberly Public Relations, will enact its new brand effectively immediately. With the introduction of the new name, Eberly & Collard Public Relations is expanding to include a range of online and Social Media devises to enhance communicative activities for the firm and its clients. The changes will enable Eberly & Collard Public Relations personnel and clients to increase publicity levels with the use of multi-platform technology.

An overarching component of the new brand is the company�s name. The addition of Jeff Collard�s last name was an obvious and necessary change. Even though Don Eberly, president and chief executive officer, founded the firm nearly eight years ago, Jeff Collard, who serves as vice president and chief financial officer, joined the firm only six months after the original inception. Eberly and Collard decided to wait to change the name of the company until the firm was well established and widely known.

�With continuous growth and new client accounts over the years, the time for a brand and name change was well overdue,� said Eberly. �Jeff�s work background and education in horticulture and design always have been, and continue to be, the perfect match to complement our service structure.� Eberly�s career path and degree includes a mix of public relations, journalism and education.

As part of the brand launch, the firm has just released a new Web site (www.eberlycollardpr.com) as a means of communicating information about its services, capabilities, and clients� company and product / service information. The new site was designed with easy-to-access press and product releases along with the ability to follow related news and information through a RSS feed on the Home page.

The site also provides visitors the ability to access Eberly & Collard Public Relations� four key Social Media channels. These include the firm�s ongoing posts on Twitter, a free social networking and micro-blogging service that enables the company�s personnel to send and receive updates, known as tweets; Flickr, a photo-sharing site on which the firm places photography of its clients� products and design work; a customized blog on which staff members share how-to narratives quoting clients, product photos, event information, and client-based trend news; a Face book fan page that is used to connect with industry contacts, initiate online discussions, and communicate information about happenings of the firm.

�By embracing and interlocking all of the new social media networks and launching our new Web site, Eberly & Collard Public Relations plans to continue building communications and relationships with industry friends across the globe,� said Collard.

The new brand and its related changes will generate a gamut of features representing a high level of marketing support for clients and the latest technologies, but in a simplified format that addresses the information-sharing needs of the company�s clients and media contacts.

Log onto the new Web site and each of the new media channels which can be easily located on the site�s Home page in a box entitled, �Our Media Channels.�

For more information, contact Don Eberly at deberly@eberlycollardpr.com.

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Notes for Editors, Reporters, Garden Writers, and Other Members of the Media:

Members of the media and writers may seek supplemental information and advanced interviews by contacting Eberly & Collard Public Relations at the phone number and / or email address at the top of this release.

Novalis Introduces Exclusive Products, Edibles Line

Press Release � For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Eberly & Collard Public Relations, 404-574-2900

Don Eberly, deberly@eberlycollardpr.com

Novalis� Announces 2010 Plant Programs and New Edibles Line

Grower network introduces perennials, woody ornamental shrubs, annuals, trees, and edibles categorized in application-based programs and collections.

Moncks Corner � S.C., July 12, 2009 � Novalis�, a consortium of professional growers who market exclusively to independent garden centers, re-wholesalers and landscape professionals, announced today its 2010 Plants that Work� variety and program introductions. Selections are part of an overall product assortment including specialized exclusive plants and programs only available through participating Novalis� growers. Additionally, following a soft launch of its herb line in 2009, Novalis� officially announced its Plants that Work� In the Kitchen� program, which is being expanded with new edible fruit and veggie plants.

�Our new product line-up for 2010 embodies the Novalis� brand promise of premium plants and programs coupled with strategic marketing for independent garden center retailers and landscapers,� says J. Guy, manager and founder of the network.

As part of the Plants that Work� branded product offering, Novalis��s new 2010 products have been grouped in solution-oriented programs. Mainstays of the brand include plants that provide texture, color, foliage and seasonal interest. Chosen varieties received inclusion after having been regionally trialed to demonstrate ease-of-care and low-maintenance characteristics.

The announcement included 29 exclusive woody ornamental shrubs. Notable features are Weigela Rainbow Sensation�, an improved, compact and variegated variety with dense clusters of soft-pink and funnel-shaped blooms that attract hummingbirds; Weigela Shining Sensation�, a fast-growing shrub boasting burgundy foliage and pink flowers; Hydrangea White Diamonds�, a smaller and more manageable summer-blooming paniculata hydrangea with increased heat and drought tolerance; Mahonia �Soft Caress,� a medium-size evergreen shrub that shows off bamboo-like foliage and bright-yellow blooms; Acer �Ryusen� showcasing a weeping and cascading form that provides the fall landscape with bright-yellow and orange foliage; and Diervilla Cool Splash�, the first ever variegated form and well-suited for mass plantings with panicles of yellow trumpets in May and June.

Novalis� expanded its exclusive perennial selections to seven diverse and garden-ready varieties. These include Aloe Hedgehog�, an upright low-maintenance succulent with soft spiny leaves perfect for dry and hot climates; Bletilla Chinese Butterfly�, one of a few plants from the orchid family suitable for outdoor gardens offering creamy-yellow blooms accented by a dotted maroon lip; Echinacea �Hot Summer� (PPAF), bearing mango blooms during the hottest months; and the Phlox Candy Store� Series, the most mildew-resistant phlox available in four named varieties to include �Grape Lollipop,� �Cotton Candy,� �Coral Cr�me Drop,� and �Bubblegum Pink.�

Two other outstanding variety features include Chasmanthium �River Mist,� a native plant with variegated foliage and long-term flowering capacity beginning mid-summer with white heads that hold their striking appearance through winter, and Leucanthemum �Banana Cream,� a new herbaceous perennial Shasta Daisy with bright-yellow flowers and disease-free foliage.

Following the backyard-to-table trend in 2009, Novalis� has formally announced its Plants that Work� In the Kitchen� program for early spring 2010. The concept entails every aspect of the kitchen garden such as herbs, small fruits and retail-ready veggies. The existing herb selections will be expanded in the coming months, and such products as blueberries, raspberries and figs will be offered. Veggies will encompass popular varieties and heirloom plants like eggplant, beans, peppers, and tomatoes. Packaging for the line includes convenient 6-pack trays so independent retailers can offer customers medleys of garden herbs, while the fruits and veggies will be available in large containers.

�Novalis� has developed innovative packaging for use with Plants that Work� In the Kitchen�,� says Guy. �Brand-based bench displays with engaging header signs, inviting bench cards and large-format mesh banners can be custom printed for retailers.�

Previous programs have been enhanced to address landscape application needs and produce higher profit margins for retailers and landscape contractors. Plants that Work� Bring on the Heat� is a long-standing collection of perennials, shrubs, tropicals, and heirloom bulbs that thrive in the heat and humidity of summer. The line has been updated to include 80 selections. For shady and cooler gardens, Plants that Work� In the Shade� has been heightened to comprise over 70 regional varieties in 1- and 3-gallon containers. The network of growers designed the program for visual impact from early spring through fall.

Plants that Work� In Nooks & Crannies�, an innovative program with a complete mix of small-stature varieties for compact spaces and special applications, has been extended with over 250 selections in convenient 8-pack carrying trays. Propagated for optimum performance in USDA Zones 3 through 10, there are many choices for both sun and shade.

Other programs with new updates include Plants that Work� Bamboo, with 14 running and clumping varieties offering uniformity and predictability other bamboo lines do not provide; Plants that Work� Lily Looks, a new collection of genetically shorter lilies in six color variations, 18 varieties and spanning two series called Tiny (short Asiatics) and Sunny (short Orientals); Twice as Nice� Daylilies, Novalis�� award-winning collection of repeat-blooming Hemerocallis, with 25 colorful options; Plants that Work� by Color�, numbering now at 250 annuals and supplying world-class plant genetics in color and form; and Plants that Work� Quarts, with more than 500 sun and shade perennial choices specifically suited for all regions of the country.

Marketing support for 2010 at the retail level additionally has been redeveloped to provide retailers with new branded bench systems, POP signage, modular space-saving options, and labeled pots, tags and carrying trays. Novalis� will also execute ongoing public relations campaigns to drive growing consumer interest in Plants that Work�.

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Notes for Editors, Reporters, Garden Writers, and Other Members of the Media:

Please see the enclosed CD and corresponding media kit materials. High-resolution images of the aforesaid plants can be found on the CD. Or, request a full media kit by contacting Eberly & Collard Public Relations.
Professional growers, landscapers, and independent garden center owners / personnel can learn more at www.novalis.com.
Homeowners / gardeners can locate independent garden centers that sell Novalis� Plants that Work� at www.plantsthatwork.com.
Members of the media and garden writers may seek supplemental information and advanced interviews by contacting Eberly & Collard Public Relations at the phone number and / or email address at the top of this release.

Terra Nova Nurseries Announces Breeding Breakthroughs, New Collections

Press Release � For Immediate Release

Media Contact(s): Eberly& Collard Public Relations, 404-574-2900

Leslie Kirk, lkirk@eberlycollardpr.com

Terra Nova Nurseries Unveils Breakthrough New Plants and Collections for 2010

Terra Nova Nurseries announces industry breakthroughs in breeding with new and improved 2010 introductions as well as four new specialized genera collections.

Canby, Ore. � July 12, 2008 � Terra Nova Nurseries, a world leader in plant breeding technology, has announced 54 new plant introductions for 2010 and four specialized collections that set new industry standards in coreopsis, tiarella, helleborus, and agastache.

�In today�s market, it is not just about the word �new� written on the label,� says Dan Heims, co-founder and president of Terra Nova Nurseries. �Wholesalers, re-wholesalers, retailers, and landscape professionals are all looking for plants that offer the complete package. They want novelty, superior quality and advanced vigor. Anything less will not hold up to their expectations.�

In order to satisfy customer needs, Terra Nova Nurseries has selected plants for 2010 that offer unique, superior improvements over past cultivars. Extended bloom time, exclusive color and form, unique application abilities, and higher tolerance to extreme conditions are key plant traits of these and other Terra Nova Nurseries new introductions.

A few noteworthy introductions include Ajuga �Sparkler�, the most vigorous and variegated ajuga ever offered in Terra Nova Nurseries� extensive collection; Pulmonaria �Silver Bouquet�, a superior, mildew-resistant hybrid with spectacular silver foliage all year; Heuchera �Electra�, a new unrivaled heuchera being introduced this year with shocking, blood-red veins on electric golden leaves; Leucanthemum �Paladin�, a unique Shasta Daisy with three rows of ruffled petals on stiff, upright stems and no disagreeable odor; and Echinacea �Flame Thrower�, an incredibly long-lasting, early- and re-blooming echinacea with two-tone orange and yellow flowers that do not fade.

�While Terra Nova Nurseries has been known for introducing high-interest varieties to the global market for over 15 years, 2010 marks a benchmark year for the brand as it reaches several target goals in breakthrough breeding of coreopsis, tiarella, helleborus, and agastache,� explains Ken Brown, co-founder of Terra Nova Nurseries.

Terra Nova Nurseries has categorized four new special collections in a newly published 2010 catalog to make purchasing decisions easier. They include Summer Agastache, Punch Coreopsis, Winter Jewels� Helleborus and Trailing Tiarella. Each collection epitomizes unique attributes that have been trialed, tested and perfected for the genera.

The new plant collections from Terra Nova Nurseries in 2010 will include the following:

Summer Agastache Collection � A new series of five agastache varieties bred with the longest lasting flowers in the industry, as evidenced by trials. Terra Nova Nurseries bred the plants in an exclusive color palette with calyces that do not brown like most agastache varieties. Therefore, blooms boast healthier, extended color all season long. Members of this collection are more weather resistant and grow with a bountiful, compact habit of 20-inch-high flower spikes.

Punch Coreopsis Collection � A new series of annual coreopsis available in an array of brilliant colors. The coreopsis plants in this series have an unusually high flower count from May to frost and are perfect alternatives to the traditional mum market. The plants are easy and low-cost to grow, and offer superior, consistent compact growth habits. They are self-cleaning and will re-bloom continuously all summer with little care and attention.

Winter Jewels� Helleborus Collection � A new series of 10 extremely large, double hellebores that grow ina variety of rare forms. The strains are available in an exclusive range of individual colors rather than mixes, offering wholesalers, retailers and landscapers more color blocking options over previous hellebore selections. Winter Jewels� Helleborus are available as 30-cell jumbo plugs to ensure added growth potential and, eventually, higher levels of shade landscape application success.

Trailing Tiarella Collection � A new series of tiarella that offers vigorous growth, novel leaf shapes and attractive leaf patterns. These tiarellas are extremely drought-tolerant and can blanket dry, shady areas with newfound interest. Their trailing habits make them highly unique and perfect additions for containers, hanging baskets and landscapes.

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Notes for Editors, Reporters, Garden Writers, and Other Members of the Media:

Professional wholesalers, re-wholesalers, landscapers and independent garden center owners / personnel can learn more at www.terranovanursies.com.

Members of the media and garden writers may seek supplemental information and advanced interviews by contacting Eberly & Collard Public Relations at the phone number and / or email addresses at the top of this release.

Silver Vase, Inc. Announces Sustainable IPM Practices

Press Release � For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Eberly & Collard Public Relations, 404-574-2900

Don Eberly, deberly@eberlycollardpr.com

Silver Vase Inc. Announces Clean & Green Integrated Pest Management Program

Grower of Premium Bromeliads and Orchids Addresses Sustainability Needs of Customers With Minimal Pesticide Use and Beneficial Species.

April 28, 2009 � Homestead, Fla. � Silver Vase Inc., a leading grower of orchids and bromeliads, officially announced today its Clean & Green Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program. Silver Vase, Inc. management created the program to address customer and end-user need for chemical residue-free and sustainable plant material. The announcement was made to share valuable information about the program and its related benefits to customers of the company which include independent garden centers, mass merchants, florists, floral designers, landscapers, and interiorscapers.

Silver Vase, Inc.�s IPM program was developed a decade ago to deliver fresh, healthy and �green� products for wholesale customers looking to sell live goods that satisfy consumers� trend-based demand for sustainable merchandise. Objectives of the program also included ensuring a clean environment for the company�s employees and customers. Today�s trend-based market interests related to clean and green growing practices led to the company�s decision to widely communicate the program in 2009.

Instead of depending primarily on pesticides like many other bromeliad and orchid growers, Silver Vase, Inc.�s IPM program uses information about pests� life cycles to control them, with fewer hazards to people and the surroundings. IPM staff carefully limit the use of pesticides on plants and rely on the clean environment in the greenhouses to produce untainted products. Beneficial insect species are incorporated at strategic and timed intervals to control unwanted pest infestations. These practices guarantee delivery of residue-free plants to the consumer, removing pesticide dangers in the home.

�As a leader in IPM technological advancements through the years, Silver Vase, Inc. is intimately familiar with the importance of an integrated pest management program,� said Marcella Lucio, director of marketing for Silver Vase, Inc. �With our advanced IPM program and vision for continually enhancing sustainability for our customers, we have seen new interest from retailers and landscapers facing the challenges related to being green.�

Components of Silver Vase, Inc.�s IPM program include the following measures:

Measure # 1: All new and young live goods are brought in bare-rooted; this allows Silver Vase, Inc. to create its own soil media for their orchids / bromeliads. Soil mites are added to the mixtures in stage one to prevent and eat the larva that produces fungus gnats. The beneficial mites are released to live amid the greenhouses for two to three months. Additionally, all orchids are originally sourced from Floricultura, a European market leader specializing in the tissue culture and propagation of quality orchid plant material.
Unlike many specimens imported from other countries, these young orchids from Holland are naturally strong and disease resistant. Their premium origin combined with the IPM program measures equate to quality products that are clean and safe for home usage.

Measure # 2: Because it is impossible to entirely eliminate fungus gnats, spraying is still a necessary practice for most greenhouses. However, Silver Vase, Inc. chooses to take extra precautions to ensure that early-process spraying is reduced to a minimum of once or twice each year, and only the safest chemicals and procedures are permitted by the production managers.

Measure # 3: Because spraying is a rare occurrence for Silver Vase, Inc. and chemicals are not used on the plants regularly, natural predators are a decisive application as part of stages two and three in the greenhouses. The beneficials do not hurt the plants; rather, they combat the pests that could possibly affect the orchids / bromeliads which is a staple of the company�s overall IPM practices. Production and IPM staff allow for �friendly� predatory flies within the orchid greenhouses, while bromeliads naturally tend to attract helpful spiders.

Measure # 4: To ensure buyers that Silver Vase, Inc. products are residue free upon receipt, no chemicals are used on plants that are scheduled to be shipped within 10 weeks. If there is a pest problem, Silver Vase, Inc. will treat it another way, but chemicals are off-limits within this �Period of Protection.�

�Ongoing chemical spraying is how the average greenhouse controls pests and keeps plants protected,� said Lucio. �Many growers spray on average every two to three weeks. Given Silver Vase, Inc.�s IPM measures, we only spray crops an average of one to two times in an entire year.�

Additionally, plants are provided to retailers with laminated cards that state, �We Grow Clean and Green with Integrated Pest Management� and promote the product as pesticide residue free. Recently, retailers in higher numbers have told Lucio they prefer using these tags, since their mark of sustainability offers consumers the information they seek regarding safe products for gift-giving and the home.

More about Silver Vase, Inc.

Silver Vase Inc. is a privately owned, Florida-based corporation in the wholesale greenhouse industry with distribution across North America. Silver Vase, Inc. specializes in florist-quality, blooming and double-spiked Phalaenopsis orchids and 11 unique varieties of bromeliads that are available 52 weeks a year. The company has been in operation since 1988, and its principals and employee team members have extensive years of experience in the ornamental horticulture industry. Silver Vase, Inc. is the exclusive United States supplier of diverse European orchid varieties ranging in unique colors.

For more information about Silver Vase, Inc., log onto www.silvervase.com.

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Notes for Editors, Reporters, Garden Writers, and Other Members of the Media:

Please see the enclosed CD and corresponding media kit materials. High-resolution images of the aforesaid plants can be found on the CD. Or, request a full media kit by contacting Eberly & Collard Public Relations.
Members of the media and garden writers may seek supplemental information and advanced interviews by contacting Eberly & Collard Public Relations at the phone number and / or email address at the top of this release.

Recent News from eberlycollardpr.com

Eberly & Collard Public Relations Launches New Brand, Media Channels

Novalis Introduces Exclusive Products, Edibles Line

Terra Nova Nurseries Announces Breeding Breakthroughs, New Collections

Silver Vase, Inc. Announces Sustainable IPM Practices