Countdown to Spring Trials — Vol. 1
The countdown to the 2018 California Spring Trials has officially begun. In just 45 days, we’ll begin our trek down the California coast to check out all the new products and varieties making their debut next season.
I’ve been attending the Spring Trials for a decade now, and the excitement leading up to the event never wears off. It’s quite an experience learning about all the new breeding breakthroughs that have been in the works and are finally making their way to market.
Will you be traveling to California this April? If so, have you finalized (or even begun) your travel plans — from airfare and hotel reservations to mapping your route and scheduling appointments? It’s quite the task managing all the logistics, so if you need a hand be sure to check out GPN’s Spring Trials Companion. You can find information on all the exhibitor locations, along with contact information … and even dining recommendations (because it doesn’t have to be all work and no play!).
I hope I see you along the coast. In the meantime, here are some sneak peeks of the new varieties that you’ll be able to admire in just 45 days!
Hydrangea ‘Kanmara’
Ball Ingenuity
Brought to Ball from experts at the Hydrangea Breeder Association, ‘Kanmara’ is a new generation of hydrangea with large, majestic blooms in unique shades and elegant foliage. It is ideal for the terrace, doorstep or balcony.
Begonia Dreams
Beekenkamp
With a wide assortment of begonia, Beekenkamp is making it easier for the trade and consumer with a tool positioning their begonias with the label Dreams. Easy to understand and easy to use.
Viola ‘Corina Deep Blue and White’
Hem Genetics
Deep Blue and White is one of three new colors added to the Corina series for the 2018-19 season. This vividly colored and patterned introduction is striking in the garden as a border or accent, or in mixed containers for the patio.
Gerbera ‘Garvinea Sweet Fiesta’
Florist Holland
With its pink-white two-tone flowers, ‘Garvinea Sweet Fiesta’ brings colorful festivities to the garden. Bees and butterflies will join the party too! It has the same Garvinea robustness and disease resistance growers and retailers expect.
Salvia ‘Sky Blue Marvel’
Darwin Perennials
Sky Blue is a light-blue addition to the Marvel family, with the same great habit and large flowers as Blue and Rose Marvel. Enjoy the stunning display of color in spring and summer. Little to no maintenance is required in the garden.
Geranium Reach Out
Floranova
This new ivy geranium series boasts superb branching and short internodes, and produces lots of flowers on a full but tidy habit. The dense branching provides for excellent garden performance all season long, maturing into full and impressive trailing baskets. Six colors are available.
Which new varieties are you most excited about? Where do you see demand in your business? Shoot me an email and let me know. I’d love to hear from you.
Be on the lookout for additional newsletters, where I’ll share even more sneak peeks with you!