Outdoor Trial Season Begins in Michigan.
The outdoor trial season kicked off on June 3, 2024, aligning with the first Monday of week 23. For years, this has marked the time when we begin moving plants from the greenhouse. During this week, we transplant into beds and window boxes, followed by the transfer of hanging baskets and decorative pots in week 24. The final mono genera pots are completed by week 25.
A dry June benefits our efforts, allowing us to use liquid fertilizer effectively as the primary water source for the plants. Heavy rain can leach nutrients from the soil, so we often reapply irrigation shortly after rainfall to ensure plants receive adequate fertilization. The first four weeks are crucial for establishing the plants.
From June 3 to around June 20, the weather was dry, with minimal rainfall. Following this period, substantial rain helped replenish the soil, allowing us to add fertilizer once the plants were well-rooted.
The summer weather in Michigan was typical, featuring hot, dry days with temperatures reaching 90°F, followed by milder conditions. The plants quickly recovered from heat stress when temperatures dropped.
As of mid-September, our trials continued amidst a stretch of sunny days with temperatures between 80°F and 90°F.
The Trial Garden
Our trial garden serves as a living catalog, showcasing about 2,100 varieties of plants available for sale. It also features around 500 mixed planters, including hanging baskets, deco pots, and window boxes.
Top-Rated Varieties
Voted by Visitors:
Coleus ‘Flame Thrower Adobo Pink’ (Ball FloraPlant)
Gomphrena ‘Ping Pong Purple’ (Sakata Ornamentals)
Helianthus ‘Sunfinity Double Yellow’ (Syngenta Flowers)
Angelonia ‘Angelflare Black’ (Ball FloraPlant)
Tradescantia ‘Bridal Veil Purple’ (Danziger)
Voted by Staff:
Kwik Kombo Blueberry Twist (Syngenta Flowers)
Agastache ‘Mexicana Summerlong Lemon’ (Darwin Perennials)
Petunia ‘Capella Fuchsia Diamond’ (Danziger)
Petunia ‘Dekko Pinwheel Purple’ (Syngenta Flowers)
Calibrachoa ‘Lia Abstract Lemon Cherry’ (Danziger)
New Trials
This year, we introduced two feature trials based on common questions from growers and homeowners.
Plants Per Pot Trial: We tested how many plants to include in 16-inch pots. While we typically use five plants, the trial confirmed that four plants per pot yield attractive results.
Fertilizer Trial: We examined different feeding methods. One group received daily feed at 150 ppm, while another received slow-release fertilizer with only water. A third group got no slow-release fertilizer, also with just water. The results showed that regular feeding benefits plant health, especially for coleus and begonias.
Landscape Beds
Our garden includes 20 landscape beds, established over 20 years. In fall 2022, we replaced the soil in 11 beds due to disease concerns.
However, by summer 2023, those beds performed better than the remaining nine beds.
Concerns about liquid feed delivery led our team to adjust irrigation times and methods, improving nutrient delivery. By summer’s end, plant performance across all beds had balanced out.
Notable Plants
A few standout plants from 2024 include:
Gomphrena ‘Ping Pong Purple’: Originally intended for cut flower programs, this plant garnered much attention as a stand-alone variety due to its vibrant appearance and performance.
Helianthus ‘Sunfinity Double Yellow’: This plant thrived throughout summer, showcasing consistent blooms without breaking apart.
Petunia ‘Painted Love Purple’: Planted atop a pergola, this variety flourished all summer, displaying unique flowers that captured attention.
Community Engagement
For the first time in our 20 years, we hosted a homeowner night in collaboration with local retailers. Nearly 300 attendees enjoyed the event, and feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The goal was to demonstrate that with proper care, plants can thrive all summer long.
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