Jun 29, 2016

Michigan Garden Plant Tour to Take Place July 25-August 5

By Erik Runkle, Michigan State University

Since 2004, Michigan State University has coordinated an annual garden plant tour with leading young plant producers in the state. Commercial greenhouse and nursery growers, garden center retailers, and landscapers are invited to participate in the Michigan Garden Plant Tour which will take place July 25 through August 5.

The objective of the tour is to educate growers and industry professionals about new and existing plant selections and how they perform in different settings, both in the landscape and in containers. Expect to see impressive displays of flowering material, including most of the commercial brands of annuals and perennials. This is a terrific way to observe plant performance at different locations, and grown under various conditions, throughout Michigan.

In addition to the Michigan State Horticulture Gardens in East Lansing, the participating Tour sites are C. Raker and Sons (Litchfield), Four Star Greenhouse (Carleton), Mast Young Plants (Walker) and Walters Gardens (Zeeland).

The Michigan Garden Plant Tour is free, but the companies would appreciate a call or E-mail in advance to know you’ll be coming. For much more information on the tour, including highlights of each stop, visit planttour.hrt.msu.edu.

Last year, the Tour also launched a Facebook page, which contains frequent updates and photos of some of the most exciting new plant introductions. See the plants as they grow, from the plants being produced in greenhouses to being transplanted outdoors to forming lovely displays. A direct link to the Facebook page is www.facebook.com/miplanttour.

You are also welcome to participate in the annual MSU Plant Trial Field Day on Tuesday, August 2. This is probably the best opportunity to visit the MSU Trial Gardens to learn about and evaluate a wide range of annuals, perennials, vegetables, and native plants.

In addition to walking through the trial gardens, hear presentations from Art Cameron (MSU Gardens Director) and Daedre McGrath (MSU Trial Garden Manager) about top-performing plants this year. Bridget Behe will discuss insights about consumer purchases and Tom Fernandez will present great landscape shrubs for Michigan. Finally, Bethany Troy (the new Perennial Trials Manager) will join Cameron in discussing great herbaceous perennials, both recent introductions and old favorites.

Registration is required for this event and the early rate ends on July 28. Lunch, refreshments, parking, and a trial booklet are included in this one-day event.

Click here to register. We encourage ornamental plant businesses to participate in the Tour – it’s a great way to train your employees about garden plants and how they grow in the landscape.