The raised beds on the southeastern corner of the garden contain the NDSU annual flower trials. The trials showcase the latest flower cultivars to hit the market. As a comparison, old favorites and recent winners of the All America Selections Trial are also planted in the garden. These beds are an official display garden of All-America Selections.
Each year, NDSU starts 200 to 300 flower cultivars by seed in the greenhouse between January and April. After Memorial Day, six to twelve plants of each cultivar are planted in the raised beds and in the shade garden. Plants are fertilized three times during the growing season and drip irrigated. All cultivars are evaluated for bloom, vigor, and uniformity in mid-summer and in late summer. Cultivars that receive excellent ratings at both evaluation times are considered star performers.
The flower trials are an educational resource for the community. The general public can walk through the garden and take notes on which cultivars did well in the local climate. Conversely, it is equally important to see which cultivars performed poorly. Consumers can avoid purchasing these plants and thereby save money and hassle.
