As many of you know, the Trial Gardens had its annual Public Open House just a couple of weeks ago on July 13th. We had a great turn out this year, as we expected with all there was to see. This year not only did the beautiful plants draw a crowd, but also the celebration of the retirement of Trial Gardens co-founder Dr. Allan Armitage had people coming in herds. In addition to Dr. A’s famous Garden tours, there were plants for sale, and several special people spoke on Dr A’s behalf. We welcomed our new director, Dr. John Ruter, giving the public a chance to meet the new guy in charge. You can probably tell this was a great day to be at the Gardens.
In order to maintain the Open House tradition, guests were given flags upon arrival which they were to use to identify their favorite plants. After scouting and collecting flags for the last couple of weeks, I am ready to announce the top plants as chosen by the public. Enjoy!
(By the way, these are in no particular order.)
Begonia ‘BIG Red with Bronze Leaf’ – Benary
Coleus ‘Colorblaze Marooned’ – Proven Winners
Coleus ‘Stained Glassworks Luminesce’ – Ecke
Cuphea ‘Batface’ – Almost Eden
Echinacea ‘Pure Green Jewel’ – Darwin Perennials
Evolvulus ‘Blue My Mind’ – Proven Winners
Bouvardia ternifolia Firecracker bush
Hibiscus ‘Panama Red’ – UGA
Hydrangea ‘Pinky Winky’ – Proven Winners
Portulaca ‘Pazazz Tangerine’ – Danziger
