I know I’m probably getting a bit repetitive, but I’ll say it again … I can’t stress enough how wonderful it is to see everyone’s faces and enjoy their enthusiasm and learn about all the new beautiful variety introductions in person. What a refreshing experience!

Our third day was spent in Santa Paula where we began our tour at Ball. We finally got to see and learn more about the much-talked-about ‘Bee’s Knees’ petunia, which was Ball FloraPlant’s big introduction last year and presents an incredible deep yellow coloration.

Another introduction from last year that I was happy to see was PanAmerican Seed’s Kitchen Minis program. These are great little veggie varieties that are meant to be enjoyed tabletop for four to six weeks. I think they’ll do great as an impulse or gift item at retail.

And, of course, I can’t forgot about all the beautiful new perennial introductions from Kieft and Darwin. From lobelia to leucanthemum to buddleia to echinacea, they had everything out in a trial bed with the bees just feasting!

We ended the day at Armstrong Growers, where we got to catch up with the folks at Suntory, Plant Haven and Vivero.

Suntory’s Granvia Gold bracteantha looked outstanding, and they are experimenting with new colors to add to the collection. They are also adding new Mixers; we loved the ones that incorporated Soiree Kawaii catharanthus.

Plant Haven always has such a unique selection of genetics, and this year was no different. Lots of varieties with a tropical look or houseplant appeal; that trend is not going anywhere. We loved their hedera ‘Tropical Blizzard’.

We have one more day of our tour, so stay tuned for our final report tomorrow!