Pamela J. Bennett, Ohio State University Extension, Horticulture, Clark County.
Clark County Extension Master Gardener volunteers have planted, maintained, and evaluated annual plant varieties since 1995. Carolyn Allen and Barbara Brown are Master Gardener volunteer co-chairs of the project. The field trial plots are located at the Gateway Learning Gardens at the Clark County Extension Office in Springfield, Ohio. They are planted and maintained by volunteers.
The plots are typical of the west-central Ohio area. The soil is predominantly clay with a pH of 7.3. The current plots were established in the fall of 1996. The beds were tilled to a depth of 14" and 2" of compost was added. Compost is added when a new bed is established and again in three years. There is approximately 5,000 square feet of bed space in full sun and approximately 1,000 square feet in shade.
The selection of plants to be studied in the garden varies from year to year. The selection is based on performance in prior years, on current trends, and on industry recommendations. This section presents the performance results for the plants. The data reflect the growing conditions during 2002.
The purpose of the evaluation is to provide growers, landscapers, and homeowners a guide for plant selection for Ohio.