Trial Gardens a Blast of Color

A visit to the University of Delaware Botanic Gardens the other day turned out to be a colorful trip. The Trial Garden showed what could be done given the restrictions imposed by the gardeners. The plants are watered and fertilized for a week or two after planting, but that's it. Also on display are winners of the All-American Selections award given nationally. Then, every 2 weeks, a UDBG staff member ranks all plants and lists the last few years' winners on their website.  Here are some of the winners in my book!  Clockwise top left: Salvia (my parents always planted these in a border in front of their house along with white alyssum), Ornamental peppers, and 2 Datura or Angel's Trumpets.  First photo: not labeled but looks like an echinacea or coneflower.