Plant Trials
Perpetual Perennial Performers — 2018 Trials
The quantity of perennials in summer trials has increased substantially. This is the culmination of years of breeding and selection, with significant advances in breeding techniques and a focus on interspecific hybrids. Many of the... more »
Green Fuse Stunners
Each month, industry expert and consultant Vaughn Fletcher shares his take on various plant trials throughout the country. Sometimes he focuses on one specific trial, other times he focuses on one plant category, and sometimes... more »
Green Fuse Botanicals — All Star Summer Performers
Green Fuse Botanicals has made significant wide ranging annual and perennial vegetative introductions since its formation in 2009. The partnership with independent breeders has given them the opportunity to promote and market a diverse annual... more »
Petunias Perfect for Baskets
Spring is here, and Mother's Day is just around the corner. It's that time of year — gardeners, homeowners, gift givers and more will be heading to their local garden center to purchase the perfect... more »
Petunia Basket Medley
In earlier articles, I highlighted new and unique annuals and perennials in last year’s summer trials. My evaluation would be incomplete without an article on the Raker-Roberta’s trial in Litchfield, Michigan. This is one of... more »
Plant Performance, Southern Hospitality Set to Shine at Southern Garden Tour
The 2019 Southern Garden Tour is set to take place June 4-6, in Alabama, Georgia and North Carolina. This is your chance to check out the trial gardens of some of the leading growers and... more »
Walters Gardens: Summer Trial Highlights
One of the most significant and exciting developments in the past few years has been the participation of perennial breeders in the summer trials programs. This increased presence is the result of intensive perennial breeding... more »
Sizzling Summer Combinations
I attended the Southern Plant Tour in June and returned to North Carolina in mid-August to evaluate summer performance. Metrolina Greenhouses trialed more than 250 sun combination baskets with minimal shade under a pergola structure.... more »
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