A number of our guests comment at this time of year about what people that work in greenhouses are doing, thinking it must be very slow because of the heat and after all it is the dog days of summer. They must be thinking, “what is there to do besides watering the plants you have on display”. It just so happens that this is a very important time for greenhouses as the staff goes to the many plant trials at the mega greenhouses and public gardens that display many of the new varieties. There we can see them growing in the summer heat side by side. This is a good opportunity to see not only the new varieties but how they perform here in the mid-west compared to the varieties we are currently growing.
Some local greenhouses have rather extensive displays in their landscapes so the public can see how the plants do in their area. It really does pay to take the time to see how plants grow locally so you can select the better varieties for your yard in the future.
Right here in Clark County you can visit the OSU Extension and Master Gardeners trials in Snyder Park, Springfield. Then there is The Ohio State University annual bedding plant trials at the University grounds in Columbus. The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens have extensive plantings of annuals, perennials and pollinator garden plants. In fact, tomorrow, August 18th, is a full day of renowned speakers that will not only entertain but provide very interesting information about varieties that you may not be have seen before.
While visiting the Zoo a week or so ago many new varieties of Begonias and Sunpatiens were observed and they are spectacular, you will certainly want to consider trying some of these new varieties next year. When growers of better quality plants are not actually growing plants for sale they are planning and evaluating what they will be planting in the future. Sometimes it may take a couple of years before the selection process is complete and the decision is made to offer these new introductions to customers. There is a learning curve that must be met before plants can be grown successfully by growers followed by their customers. Go to meadowview.com/test gardens to see photos taken of these new varieties.
Enjoy all the beautiful color that is available all around us at this time of year.
32 years of growing
Meadow View Growers
www.meadowview.com
