These display and plant evaluation gardens were created by the Penn State Master Gardeners of Lawrence County in cooperation with the Horticulture Department of Penn State. For more information about gardening contact the Penn State Cooperative Extension Gardening Hort-line at 724-654-8370,
Monday through Friday 8:00-4:00.

What are Gardener Selects?

Since 1932, the Penn State Trial Gardens at University Park have provided independent evaluations of annual and perennial cultivars for commercial plant producers, AAS (All America Selections), seed companies and plant breeders.

The Gardener Selects program started in 1999 to further assist the public in choosing outstanding plants for their gardens. As part of this program, annuals and perennials selected from among the best plants in Penn State's trials, are planted, grown and evaluated by Penn State's Master Gardeners in public display gardens under normal growing conditions. The results are reported back to Penn State.
In the fall of each year, the Penn State program committee compiles the results of the previous growing season. The best plants are reviewed for placement on the Gardener Selects list with the most outstanding plant receiving the title of "Plant of the Year".

2006 Plant of the Year

Asteriscus 'Aurelia Gold'
Heat and drought-tolerant; clouds of airy yellow flowers all season; low maintenance. Plants are 12-18" high by 10-12" wide. Sun or partial shade.

Campanula Punctata 'Cherry Bells'
Plant produces a 6" to 1' clump of basal leaves that can spread to be a groundcover. Flowers stems are 2' tall hung with cherry red hanging blooms from June till frost. Part to full sun.

Echinacia 'Magnus'
Upright 18 -24" plants with large deep pink blooms. Attracts butterflies. Blooms July into August, gold finches love seedheads.

Gaillardia aristata 'Arizona Sun'
Compact plant only 8-10" tall, spreading to about 10-12". Three inch single flowers are mahogany red with bright yellow petal edges. Full sun.

Perovskia
Known as Russian Sage, woody stems grow 3 to 5' in height and 2-4' wide. Stems covered in blue flowers July through October. Full sun only, drought tolerant.

Rudbeckia 'Indian Summer'
Native perennial with large yellow flowers with black centers, great for cutting. Plants grow to 24" and bloom all summer. Sun, attracts butterflies.

The Lawrence County demonstration gardens are planted, maintained and evaluated by the Penn State Master Gardeners of Lawrence County.

This publication is available in alternative media on request.
Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Lawrence County 724-654-8370 in advance of your participation or visit.
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