Great New Annuals and Perennials To Feed Your Plant Habit

The need for “New” extends to more than automobiles and electronic gadgets. New horticultural varieties are the lifeblood of a healthy industry, and to maintain interest by gardeners. The popularity of annuals, from the lowly Petunia and Setcrasea to Ruellia and Osteospermum, has been nothing short of spectacular. Sustained interest in perennials is evidenced by the outpouring of varieties of Echinacea, Brunnera, and Heuchera, among others. And look what is happening with the grassroots movement in native plants! Interest in these plants has been followed with research and breeding dollars that are allowing natives to become widely available to American gardeners. Although he has been evaluating new plants around the country and working with plant breeders for over two decades, Allan Armitage has often noted that “just because it is new does not mean it is better.” Join this renowned plantsman as he shares his thoughts on his favorite plants, along with some humorous stories and more than a few opinions.

Thursday, March 5, 2009, 7-8:30 pm