This month is sweet!

There are untold reasons why April is a month to behold, not the least of which is the fact that this is chocolate eaters’ month. So eat a lot o’ choc-o-late.

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ZONE in!

Stating my case ... FLorida and RHode Island are the only states whose names begin with two consonants. I know what you’re thinking: “Not so fast, my friend. Wyoming also begins with two consonants.”

Normally “w” and “y” would qualify thusly; however, in the case of “ Wyoming,” the “y” is used as a vowel. Meanwhile, in the case of “Yale Youngblood,” the “y” is just used a lot.

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And the Oscar goes to … Actually, this is better than an Oscar because you’re being spared the self-indulgent speeches and faux humility. Monrovia Growers was named the first Vendor of the Year by Armstrong Garden Centers. This new award was started to recognize vendors that provide high-quality products that help define Armstrong centers.

Armstrong CEO Mike Kunce said Monrovia earned the honor for the initiation and rollout of the Monrovia Boutique retail concept. The Boutique, filled with Monrovia plants, draws attention with colorful banners, posters and garden art — all while incorporating the Monrovia brand with extensive plant material and outdoor living products.

For more on Monrovia, visit the Web site, www.monrovia.com. For more on Armstrong, try www.armstronggarden.com.

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Speaking of winners … Winston Company Inc. of Tulsa, OK, recently won the prestigious Addy award for its re-designed CrystalClear® packaging. The CrystalClear packaging beat multiple entries from national campaigns to win “Best Packaging (Campaign).”  

The CrystalClear water gardening product line features black containers, color-coded labeling and easier-than-ever application rates. For more, visit www.winstoncompany.com.

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Gillette Player of the Game … This month, we go out and buy a hat and then tip it to my favorite landscape architect, Bill Leeming of Fort Worth, TX. I’ve known Bill for roughly two decades, and he is that cream that the crop ever-so-occasionally produces, both as a horticulture pro and as a friend.

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Name game … Country Originals, a leader in the gift and home décor industry, has changed its name to Kalalou. The move was made to more accurately reflect the company’s original products, which include the use of natural, often recycled materials to fit many types of décor. You might call this a “hip” hop.

Or not. Anyway, visit www.kalalou.com.

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In closing … A farmer and his wife went to a fair. The farmer was fascinated by the airplanes and asked a pilot how much a ride would cost.

“$10 for three minutes,” replied the pilot.

“That’s too much,” said the farmer.

The pilot thought for a second and then said, “I’ll make you a deal. If you and your wife ride for three minutes without uttering a sound, the ride will be free. But if you make a sound, you’ll have to pay $10.”

The farmer and his wife agreed and went for a wild ride. After they landed, the pilot said to the farmer, “I want to congratulate you for not making a sound. You are a brave man.”

“Maybe so,” said the farmer, “But I gotta tell ya, I almost screamed when my wife fell out.”

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- Yale Youngblood

April 2008