-
Picking Winning Plants
Filed under Flower GuideMay 30winner in your garden.
A few guidelines will help you make a better decision. Know the growing conditions of your garden. Will the plants be in full sun shine all day? How much water is available from both rain and watering? What is the type of soil in your garden? Try to arm yourself with knowledge from plant reference books, authority internet sites, or local public gardens or universities. Your local land-grant university is working with the horticulture Cooperative Extension Service for your area. They may have plant databases, ongoing plant trials, new plant introductions, or recommendations which you can use.
Another great tool to narrow the field of choices can be a plant awards list. These awards are given to plants wich have proven to be good performing in different regions. Those awards help set the standard for plant breeders and can also be used by the public as a quick reference for superior performers. A good source is for example the U.S. National Arboretum, which has introduced several award winners of its own.
Recommendations and awards may be based on popularity polls, trials, horticultural society competitions, conventions of professional organizations, and the experience of amateur growers. Plant trials are usually completed by professional plant growers, botanic gardens, universities, or other horticultural institutions. Plants are rated on various features, such as disease resistance and of course ornamental value.
Choosing plants from the award lists can really add to your gardening success. So, next time you’re stumped, you should really think about adding some tried and tested award winning plants to your garden. And for those of you thinking about starting your own business: These lists could even get you started being a professional garden designer. Happy planting!
