UF, FNGLA test new plants for Florida gardens

May 31, 2007

GAINESVILLE, Fla. –– Local gardeners looking for the hottest new plants should look no farther than the UF campus, where ongoing trial gardens offer a glimpse of the latest varieties from the floriculture industry. This weekend, garden staff will be available to answer questions at an open house from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday.

The gardens, behind Fifield Hall off Hull Road, represent a collaborative effort between the University of Florida, the Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association, and international plant breeders to evaluate new plant cultivars that work well in Florida’s challenging climate.

“For the average home gardener, I think it offers an opportunity for them to see the up-and-coming varieties that are out there,” said Julie Markowitz, a spokeswoman for FNGLA.

The trial gardens showcase nearly 800 varieties of ornamental and flowering plants, native plants and ornamental grasses from 19 suppliers. The tested varieties often include the newest colors and flower forms that are being introduced, said Jim Barrett, professor of floriculture.

Researchers at UF plant the cultivars in late March and early April and monitor how well they perform throughout the spring and summer. The final results are then compiled and made available online. The 2006 results and photographs are currently available, and the 2007 results will be available later this year.

The UF trial gardens will continue through the end of the summer and are free and open to the public, though restrooms and water fountains are only available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday when Fifield Hall is open. Parking in the Fifield Hall lot is restricted to UF decal holders weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.