A “Living Catalog” in Michigan
As 2019 comes to an end, you have likely already begun prepping for the 2020 season. What varieties will you offer? Have you added any new 2020 introductions to your catalog?
Over the past few months, I’ve shared multiple results from various plant trials throughout the country. One plant trial that cannot go unmentioned is the Mast Young Plants Trial Garden, which serves as their “living catalog” right in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The garden includes more than 100 genera; 1,600+ varieties; 500+ combination planters, pots and hanging baskets; and 20 raised beds! With its tremendous display, Mast Young Plants has become a must-see stop along the Michigan Garden Plant Tour, which took place this year July 24 to Aug. 4.
The Mast Young Plants Trial Garden presents an open house for greenhouse growers, landscapers, garden center operators and nurserymen where they can learn about a wide range of ornamental crops. This is a perfect opportunity to compare similar varieties and observe plant performance both in ground and in containers.
Last month, Mast Young Plants shared its 2019 trial results and you can even download the complete evaluation on their website at www.mastyoungplants.com.
Some of the top performers that are new to the 2020 program are:
Petunia ‘Shortcake Blueberry’
Syngenta Flowers
Artemesia ‘FanciFillers Sea Salt’
Westhoff
Petunia ‘Midnight Gold’
Ball FloraPlant
Dahlia ‘XXL Cancun’
Dümmen Orange
Some of the consumer favorites from the trial are:
Calibrachoa ‘Candy Shop Fancy Berry’
Westhoff
Scaevola ‘Surdiva White Improved’
Suntory
Osteospermum ‘Zion Purple Sun’
Selecta
Did you attend the Mast Young Plants Trial Garden this year, or even make the journey through the region for the Michigan Garden Plant Tour? Have you attended any other trials this year? Do you have a favorite trial? Are there any new varieties that you are excited to add to your lineup for 2020? Shoot me an email at jdolce@greatamericanpublish.com, and let me know. I’d love to hear from you.
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