Fresno County residents can view new varieties of flowering plants and vegetables at the All-America Selections demonstration area in the UC Master Gardeners’ Garden of the Sun, according to a March 18 announcement. The display features plants bred by the nursery industry that are tested for performance under local conditions.
The event highlights how different plant varieties perform in Fresno’s climate, which is part of the West/Northwest region defined by All-America Selections. This region extends from British Columbia to California’s San Joaquin Valley, with selections sent to gardens throughout this area for evaluation.
“Sometimes they haven’t thrived in our climate,” said Master Gardener Carol Giovacchini, who manages the demonstration area with Karen Basso. However, many new plants have shown extended blooming periods, unique colors, pleasant fragrances, and resistance to disease and insects. “I like the Pinto Premium White to Rose geranium,” Basso said. “I even have a couple now at home.” She also mentioned several rudbeckias that have performed well, including Indian Summer, Prairie Sun and Cherokee Sunset. Giovacchini listed her favorites as Bees Knees and Carmine Velour petunias, Mad Hatter peppers and Queeny Lemon Peach zinnias.
Not all selections are available locally, but some will be sold during the Spring Plant Sale on March 19-21 at 907 E. Pico Ave., Fresno. “We plan on selling many cultivars, including petunias, rudbeckias, daisies, verbenas and dianthus, along with AAS tomatoes and peppers,” Giovacchini said.
The Garden of the Sun is open to visitors Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings as well as select Saturdays for special events in spring. More information about open dates can be found on the Master Gardener website or Facebook page.
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