Pacific Plug and Liner

PPL is a multiple supplier stop that contains Histil, Cohen and Jaldety.

Jaldety
Nothing really new to the market, but they had nice specimens of the Sunbathers Gazania in a gallon crop.  They said these were grown in a cold production method.  FYI, Sunbathers are a large flowered gazania that does not close with lack of sunlight, due to is center being so large.

Histil
Great vegetative herb supplier of unique items.  The sales manager assured me that there will be no more availability issues on the Bay Laurel for next season as they have increased their production for 2012.  A couple things caught my eye.

Trailing Mint- pretty sure this is not new, but I haven't noticed this before.  I tasted it, and it had almost a peppery wintergreen flavor.  Doesn't sound that appealing, and I can't say I would eat it again, but it was a different looking plant.

Grafted Basil- Long Foot

The rootstock is a very hardy fast growing Basil and the scion is a small leaf ornamental basil that also has culinary value.  You need to strip the stem of the branches, but the stem turn woody very fats which gives it a great look.  Histil says this product sells great for them in Europe.  You should be able to product a 4.5" in 10-12 weeks form a grafted liner

Primula Innisfree- I am pretty sure I don't like this, but I thought I would share this with you.  The primula leaves look like they have frost damage, but the dark leaves is just how it looks.  Could be an interesting combo item for spring.

Cohen

Cohen has a lot of new varieties that are just color adds to series, but one item stood out as being very different.  Happy Copper continues in the tradition of the last few years of introducing petunia colors that would make you grandma-ma roll her eyes.

Petunia Happy Copper-  Good mounded trailing habit with good sized flowers.  This soft melon petunia has a eye that looks like is has been sprinkled with ash from your fireplace.  Sounds weird to describe it, it look kind of weird too, but I think the consensus of our group was that it is pretty neat.  This antique color could be fun to combo with.

Food:  Salmon, cracked wheat salad, asparagus