July 2020 - 6

FROM THE EDITOR
WHEN'S THE LAST TIME YOU
VISITED A TRIAL GARDEN?
The year 2020 has been throwing us curveball after curveball, and there is nothing we
could have done to prepare. The first curveball that seemed to really affect our industry
was the cancellation of the California Spring Trials, followed by many businesses closing
due to heavy restrictions, and now many industry events are going virtual.
I think we are finally getting to a point where we want to slowly transition to a
somewhat normal pre-pandemic routine. After missing so much of the first half of the
year, we have some catching up to do!
I have always enjoyed visiting trial gardens. But now more than ever we will need to
rely heavily on their evaluations.
The breeders have done a fantastic job this spring sharing their new variety
presentations with the industry via virtual means, but nothing can replace seeing that
plant in the ground or in a container in-person.
At university, grower and public trial gardens, attendees are able to compare multiple
varieties within the same category side-by-side. Oftentimes, attendees are invited to vote
for their favorites. It's impossible to miss that one plant with dozens of flags.
Each region has its popular destinations. Here, in the Midwest, the Michigan Garden
Plant Tour is very well attended. Between Raker-Roberta's, Mast Young Plants, Four Star
Greenhouse, Walters Gardens and Michigan State University's trial gardens, visitors will
see thousands of varieties, and hundreds of baskets and containers, all in various sun
and shade conditions.
In the South, Metrolina Greenhouses in North Carolina, Costa Farms in Florida and
Young's Plant Farm in Alabama are top grower destinations, along with the Dallas
Arboretum in Texas.
For those on the West Coast, Smith Gardens does a tremendous job. In the Rockies,
there is Colorado State University, and on the East Coast, Penn State is phenomenal.
Those are just a handful, and there are so many more.
That being said, with everything going on, I hope you are all able to visit at least one
trial garden this summer. I know each state has its own set of restrictions, and many
trial gardens' " open house " events may be cancelled. But most should still be open for
appointments and private tours.
If you are able to visit a trial or even conduct your own in-house trial, please share
some of your favorites with me! I obviously can't attend them all and I enjoy learning
about the top performers that always vary by location.
WILL YOU " BE " AT CULTIVATE?
While on the topic of events, the Cultivate Virtual event is right around the corner -
taking place July 13-16! Will you be attending?
GPN and Lawn & Garden Retailer will be exhibiting and I would like
to formally extend an invitation to our readers to stop by and learn
more about our magazines and industry happenings.
Just go to www.cultivatevirtual.org to register if you haven't
already. It's totally free to visit and interact with exhibitors. Once
registered, look up GPN during the event and stop by for a visit. You
can chat with our staff, watch our 40 Under 40 video presentation,
update your subscription and more.
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EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
DIANE BLAZEK NATIONAL GARDEN BUREAU
MARSHALL DIRKS PROVEN WINNERS
PAUL FISHER UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
JUSTIN HANCOCK MONROVIA PLANTS
LELA KELLY DOSATRON
ANNE LEVENTRY PANAMERICAN SEED
DANNY TAKAO TAKAO NURSERY
BRIAN WEESIES MAST YOUNG PLANTS
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July 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of July 2020