See plants on trial in Fort Collins - Brief Article

Sunset, July, 2000 by Marcia Tatroe

For a chance to observe hundreds of new flower introductions, visit the trial garden for annuals at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. Twenty-five seed and plant companies provide nearly 950 varieties of annuals for evaluation in this challenging High Plains environment. Flowers must withstand intense sunlight, severe hailstorms, drying winds, large daily temperature fluctuations, and heavy clay soils.

Peak viewing runs from mid-July through mid-August. The photo at right shows a sampling of the 125-plus zonal geraniums displayed in the 2acre trial garden. Magenta 'Brazil 99' was chosen as the best zonal geranium last season. Among the ivy geraniums, 'Picasso', with bicolored burgundy and white flowers, was judged the favorite, while the overall best of show was a mildew-free giant zinnia, Benary's Giant Formula Mix. Ninety percent of the varieties tested are commercially available; others should become available within a year or two.

The trial garden is located on the southwest corner of the CSU campus. You can also view the adjoining test plots for vegetables and turf grasses. There is a 1-acre perennial display garden, an ornamental grass garden, and an arboretum that showcases more than 1,000 different varieties of trees and shrubs. The grounds are open during daylight hours year-round. Free. 630 W Lake St.; (970) 491-7019.