Cincinnati, Ohio – EHR and the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens (CZBG) are delighted to announce the triumph of their inaugural Breeder Showcase and Trials, a remarkable event that took place on August 30, 2023. This event represents a significant milestone in CZBG’s history of conducting plant trials, thanks to the visionary support of EHR and the collaboration of over 40 sponsors and event supporters.
While CZBG had a tradition of conducting plant trials on a smaller scale, the partnership with EHR opened up new horizons. This ambitious endeavor led to the expansion and development of two magnificent trial sites: the well-established Rockdale Urban Learning Center Gardens and the brand-new Erkenbrecher Gardens site.
Notably, the Erkenbrecher Gardens site, conceived as a trial area in February, showcases CZBG’s agility and dedication. In just a few weeks this spring, CZBG’s horticultural team installed irrigation, prepared the soil, and planted an astounding 50,000 plants, all generously donated by sponsors and breeders. These plants were sourced directly from suppliers or propagated in collaboration with breeders for the trials.
Throughout the season, CZBG diligently evaluated these plant varieties, with plans to release a comprehensive report highlighting their performance at the end of the season. Beyond the trials, CZBG actively engages in community outreach programs, hosting seminars for industry professionals and the public to promote these exceptional plants.
The Breeder Showcase and Trials attracted over 300 plant enthusiasts, positioning CZBG as a prominent horticultural hub for both breeders and end-consumers. In addition to industry visitors, more than one million zoo-goers had the privilege of experiencing the exceptional plant genetics on display, solidifying CZBG’s status as a focal point for horticultural interest.
This year’s event featured an impressive array of over 500 plant genetics. EHR’s partnership with breeders and CZBG’s meticulous selection process allowed visitors to witness new introductions alongside industry staples. These trials serve as a summer comparison of what will perform best for a season-long display. CZBG’s end-of-season trial analysis, set for release in the coming weeks, will include the 2023 editions of Zoo’s Best Container Annuals, Zoo’s Best Annuals, and Zoo’s Hall of Fame.
EHR and CZBG are thrilled by the event’s success and eagerly anticipate making the Breeder Showcase and Trials an annual tradition. Their commitment to the world of horticulture and dedication to fostering innovation in plant breeding remain unwavering, ensuring a bright future for the horticultural community.