As we near the end of 2017, another successful trial garden season has come to a close at the Michigan State University Horticulture Gardens. The purpose of our trial gardens is to grow and evaluate new species and cultivars of a wide range of plants under our mid-Michigan climatic conditions. Every trialing season is different in terms of the plant breeding companies represented, diversity of plant material entered into the trials and the weather conditions. The temperature and rainfall was much closer to the historical average this year and gave us a needed reprieve after the drought conditions of 2016.
Plants were evaluated throughout the growing season based on vigor, uniformity and ornamental value of the flowers and foliage. We also take note of susceptibility to diseases and insects, and tolerance to changes in climatic conditions when appropriate. At the end of the season, we produce trial reports that summarize the six or seven separate evaluations completed throughout the summer. These results are provided to the participating companies and are available to the general public at our MSU Trial Gardens website.
Overall, 2017 was an excellent trialing season. With the help of the cooperative weather, all submitted varieties had a chance to show off their full potential. As a result, our displays were some of the showiest we’ve had in years. Plant varieties that receive full marks at every single evaluation end up in our “Best of the Best” category. These truly outstanding varieties are featured at numerous industry events, in horticultural publications and during presentation with local garden clubs.
To read the rest of the story, please go to: Michigan State University, Department of Horticulture
