Moonhowl
As an ole Mississippi gal from the days of MS/LA football rivalries, I only found the correlation of the video to the current subject amusing. I would have asked that the post be deleted except that it has made for an informative dialogue.
After seeing the LSU video and reading Dave’s data base entry about his black crepe myrtle, I bought two plants. Did I buy them based on the LSU video and Dave’s data base entry? You betcha! Would I have purchased the Black Diamonds if I had known they may have actually been rebranded Ebony? Probably not, for two reasons. I’ve read about people offering plants to others to grow out and being disappointed (or furious) that one of those trusted people sold their plant to someone to be used as tissue cultures. And for another reason, had I known it wasn’t truly a new introduction, I just wouldn’t have been as interested. They were really expensive for two gallon pots. I would have hunted for the Ebony.
I commend you for sticking up for your friend, but I truly don’t feel his reputation will be damaged by my post. Anyone looking for black crepe myrtles, as I did, can find that video just as easily as they can find ATP. The LSU site only mentions:
“The LSU AgCenter provides important tips to help your garden grow well. Join LSU AgCenter Horticulturist Dan Gill as he explains how to "Get It Growing!" For more information, visit our website at www.lsuagcenter.com.”
Maybe he could mention on the videos that he doesn’t promote the plants he’s featuring. He could even post here!
