Encore Azalea Extends Deadline for Gulf Coast Restoration Project

To allow for even greater participation from cities still coping with the effects of Gulf Coast hurricanes, Encore Azalea has extended until Nov. 1, 2007, the deadline for its Gulf Coast Hurricane Restoration Project.

Encore Azalea, the only patented brand of azaleas to bloom in spring, summer, and fall, announced in March the initiative designed to aid those affected by hurricanes along the Gulf Coast.

Applications will be accepted from institutional planners interested in including the 23 varieties of Encore Azalea in their landscape designs. Approved projects will include public gardens, parks, or other public spaces (for example, libraries, government buildings, museum grounds, or city medians). Projects will be considered along the Gulf Coast, from Houston, Texas, to Panama City, Fla.

Ten cities have submitted applications for the Encore Azalea® Gulf Coast Hurricane Restoration Project: Atmore, Ala.; Biloxi, Miss., Bogalusa, La.; Dauphin Island, Ala.; Franklinton, La.; Gulfport, Miss.; Long Beach, Miss.; Pascagoula, Miss.; Ocean Springs, Miss.; and Orange Beach, Ala.

Interested applicants should submit project applications (available at www.EncoreAzalea.com), a site plan, and site photographs. Applicants should include a written explanation of why Encore Azaleas would be an ideal choice for the project. The chosen sites must verify the existence of an adequate irrigation system and insure the adherence to proper planting and care techniques for the plants to be donated.

The only patented brand of azalea that blooms three times a year, Encore Azaleas begin blooming each spring like a traditional azalea. Once this initial blooming concludes, new shoots begin to grow and set buds. Then blooms emerge again in mid-summer and continue in many areas until first frost; a feat no other azalea can consistently achieve. Fall is an ideal time to plant Encore Azaleas.

Encore Azaleas were developed and invented by plant breeder Robert E. "Buddy" Lee of Independence, La. Plant Development Services Inc. assisted Lee with the extensive testing and 15-year selection process. Currently, PDSI manages the Encore Azalea brand and the wholesale grower group responsible for growing and distributing Encore Azaleas to local garden centers throughout the United States. Encore Azaleas are also available via the web at www.plantsbymail.com.

For more information about Encore Azalea or to download a project application, visit www.EncoreAzalea.com.