New Growth Designs Aids Japan Relief Efforts
October 10, 2011
The Daily Reflector
New Growth Designs and Jefferson’s in Greenville made a donation from which funds were raised to aid those affected by the devastating disasters in Japan that began with the Great East Japan earthquake on March 11 and the subsequent tsunami and nuclear power plant emergency.
New Growth Designs is a manufacturer of high-end permanent botanicals. The Glenn family owns New Growth Designs and also Jefferson’s florist on Evans Street. Jefferson’s has been in business since 1946.
New Growth Designs’ management and employees created 100 Lenton Rose Hellebores permanent botanical arrangements that were shipped to Puff Corp. in Japan. Puff had arranged to donate the 100 arrangements to the Remember Kobe and Higashi-Nihon event on July 28 to raise funds for the relief efforts. Dr. Ryoko Dozono, who chaired the event, said the funds generated by the New Growth Designs and Jefferson’s donation were used to purchase a micro-bus for transporting individuals lacking personal transportation for critical medical appointments.
“We have a long friendship with the people of Japan and a special relationship with Puff who has successfully retailed our products for many years,” Ed Glenn, president of New Growth Designs, said. “When we saw the devastation and heartache in Japan during the disaster, we felt compelled to help.
“We specifically selected the Lenton Rose plant for several reasons,” he said. “The traditional blue and white porcelain container is popular in Japan. Also, the Lenton Rose plant dates back to 1400 BC and has a rich history. It is often called the Christmas Rose, springing from a legend that it sprouted in the snow from the tears of a young girl who had no gift to give the Christ child in Bethlehem.”
The Lenton Rose arrangement in a blue and white container is in the New Growth Designs line and continues to be a popular product.
New Growth Designs and Jefferson’s employ 20 people locally and have been involved in many local organizations and causes for 50-plus years.
New Growth Designs draws inspiration and insight through the knowledge and experience of working in the fresh flower business. Glenn started the company in response to a need for high-quality, life-like permanent florals. The focus is simple: to copy nature’s beauty by creating life-like artificial flowers, fruit, plants and trees made from the best quality materials. The botanicals are designed by Glenn and assembled in Greenville.
New Growth Designs creations are available through specialty stores, architects and interior designers worldwide. The company has showrooms in High Point and at the America’s Mart in Atlanta and also exhibits on the At Home Pier 94 during the New York International Gift Fair.
