May 21, 2014, East Lansing, Mich. – Commercial greenhouse growers,
retailers, and landscapers of ornamental plants are invited to
participate in the 11th annual Michigan Garden Plant Tour.
May 21, 2014, East Lansing, Mich. – Commercial greenhouse growers, retailers, and landscapers of ornamental plants are invited to participate in the 11th annual Michigan Garden Plant Tour.
This is a free, coordinated open house showcasing leading young plant producers and Michigan State University (MSU). It will run from July 28 to Aug. 8.
The goal is to educate growers and industry professionals about new and existing plant selections and learn about how they perform in a variety of different settings, including in the ground and in containers.
The participating companies are C. Raker and Sons, Four Star Greenhouse, Mast Young Plants, Pell Greenhouses, Spring Meadow Nursery, and Walters Gardens. In addition, the Horticulture Gardens at MSU, and for the first time, the MSU Extension Grand Ideas Garden, offer attractive and unbiased displays of garden plants.
The Michigan Garden Plant Tour is free, but the companies would appreciate a call ahead to know you’re coming. Much more information is on the Tour website.
The gardens at these sites are impressive. Based on a post-Tour survey last year:
• The displays and garden plant trials met or exceeded expectations for 97 per cent of attendees.
• As a result of participating in the Tour, 88 per cent of producers planned to offer new varieties this year.
• Most importantly, 97 per cent of attendees believed they increased their knowledge of plant materials.
Growers are also invited to participate in the MSU Plant Trial Field Day scheduled on Tuesday, Aug. 5. This is probably the best opportunity to visit the MSU Trial Gardens to learn about and evaluate a wide range of annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, and native plants.
Registration is required for the MSU Field Day. Click here for more information.
Dr. Erik Runkle is an associate professor and floriculture extension specialist with Michigan State University.
Print this page
