PLANT COLLECTIONS AND EVALUATION PROGRAM: THE UT GARDENS

• Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Project Status: COMPLETE
• Funding Source: HATCH
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 0204048
• Project Start Date: Mar 1, 2005
• Project End Date: Sep 30, 2009
• Program Code: [(N/A)]- (N/A)

Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE
2621 MORGAN CIR
KNOXVILLE,TN 37996-4540

Performing Department
PLANT SCIENCES

Non Technical Summary
KES and WTES UT Gardens exist to advance ornamental horticulture by providing unbiased evaluations of landscape plant performance in the Mid-South region of the United States to enhance the profitability of Tennessees Green Industry. End-users include the gardening public, commercial nursery and greenhouse growers, contracting and management firms providing landscape services, and independent garden centers, home improvement centers, and mass merchandisers/chain retail stores.

Animal Health Component

100%

Research Effort Categories

Basic

(N/A)

Applied

100%

Developmental

(N/A)

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
204	2110	1060	15%
204	2120	1060	15%
204	2123	1060	55%
204	2199	1060	15%

Knowledge Area
204 - Plant Product Quality and Utility (Preharvest);

Subject Of Investigation
2110 - Ornamental trees and shrubs; 2199 - Ornamentals and turf, general/other; 2123 - Bedding/garden plants; 2120 - Herbaceous perennials and decorative greens;

Field Of Science
1060 - Biology (whole systems);

Keywords

plant collection

gardens

public lands

ornamentals

pre harvest

product quality

herbs

perennial plants

trees

shrubs

grasses

vegetables

orchards

grape vines

aquatic plants

tropical plants

ground cover plants

nurseries

economic development

profitability

economic viability

Goals / Objectives
1. To determine the landscape performance and potential uses of experimental or new ornamental landscape plants ( perennials, herbs, trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses, vegetables, home orchard and vineyard plants, aquatics, tropicals, and groundcovers ) on the market and their potential to increase the economic and environmental sustainability of Tennessees green industry. 2. To develop and build a variety of plant collections (perennials, herbs, trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses, vegetables, home orchard and vineyard plants, aquatics, tropicals, and groundcovers), with interpretation, relevant to commercial landscaping for resource and education to aid in the economic development and sustainability of Tennessees green industry. 3. To increase awareness and information of selected outstanding plants from the program among professionals and consumers of Tennessees green industry to also support its economic profitability and environmental sustainability.

Project Methods
Industry standards set by the commercial seed and propagation companies, as well as procedures used by similar university plant evaluation programs will be followed. The following universities host similar herbaceous plant evaluations programs as UT: NC State: http://www.ncsu.edu/jcraulstonarboretum/ Colorado State: http://www.flowertrials.colostate.edu/index.htm Penn State: http://hortweb.cas.psu.edu/research/trial.html Between 12-36 plants are planted in single evaluation plots. Plots are not replicated as in traditional quantitative research. All of the plants within the plot are to be evaluated collectively (as a single display unit) from a landscapers perspective using the following scale: 5 Excellent (No insects or disease present. Plants uniform in flower form, growth habit, flower color; profuse blooming. Overall, the pinnacle of perfection- hard to imagine any aspect in which the plant could be better.) 4 Very good (No insects or disease present. Plants fairly uniform in flower form, growth habit, flower color; fairly profuse blooming. Close to perfect but some aspect could be even better.) 3 Good (Minimal insect and/or disease damage. Plants fairly uniform in flower form, growth habit, flower color; satisfactory blooming. Overall, not spectacular, just an average plant.) 2 Fair (Moderate insect and/or disease damage. Plants poorly uniform in flower form, growth habit, flower color; poor blooming. Overall, not a satisfactory plant.) 1 Poor (Extensive insect and/or disease damage. Plants not uniform in flower form, growth habit, flower color; Little to no blooming. Overall, a plant that you would not want in your garden or landscape.) 0 Failed (Plants have died. Field notes provide interpretation for likely reason) Plants are given this visual rating three times throughout the growing season (the end of June, July, and August) by the same person or staff members. The three different ratings are averaged giving each plant an overall landscape performance rating for the growing season. Field notes are recorded throughout the season. All relevant information is included in the summary section for each plant entry in the final report.

Progress 03/01/05 to 09/30/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: To determine the landscape performance and potential uses of experimental or new landscape annuals on the market and their potential to increase the economic and environmental sustainability of Tennessees green industry, 342 different selections were evaluated between May and September of 2009 at two experiment stations representative of the different climatic regions in Tennessee. Evaluation criteria was from a landscape contractors perspective and is standard to other variety trial evaluation programs around the nation. In addition to evaluation data for all plants, four categories of plant performance were created to promote and market the choice plant performers from the study. They include: Best in Show, Best New 2009 Variety, Best Old Variety, and Top 5 Performers. These data with all plant performance information were published on-line and in hard-copy publications. The study is ongoing. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
New and improved plants and cultivars are a constant stimulus to the green industry. The vast majority of new ornamental plants are bred, produced, and introduced in climatic regions other than the South. As a result, little to no information exists about plant performance in Tennessee and Mid-South transition zone landscapes. New plant performance information is important to Tennessee's commercial growers, landscape contractors, and consumers regarding their growing and purchasing decisions. Positive results of purchasing decisions based upon UT's plant performance information stimulates repeat sales and growth of Tennessee's green industry.

Publications

• Willis E. and S. Hamilton. 2009. The University of Tennessee 2009 Summer Annual Trial Garden Performance Report. Institute of Agriculture AES Research Report. (Sponsor: KES and 13 commercial seed and plant companies) On-line report at: http://utgardens.tennessee.edu/annual_trials.html
• Willis, E. and S. Hamilton. January 2009. Best Plants Report: The 2009 Variety Trial Results from the UT Gardens. The UT Gardens Magazine. http://utgardens.tennessee.edu/magazines/2010springsummer.pdf.
• White, J., C. Beytes, and S. Hamilton. Nov. 2009. Best in the Field. Grower Talks. On-line http://www.ballpublishing.com/GrowerTalks/ViewArticle.aspxarticleID= 14859&highlight=2009+field+trials
• Willis, E. Oct. 2009. Field trials report names best performers. http://www.greenhousemanagementonline.com/gm_1009_field_trials.aspx

Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: To determine the landscape performance and potential uses of experimental or new landscape annuals on the market and their potential to increase the economic and environmental sustainability of Tennessee's green industry, 365 different selections were evaluated between May and September of 2008 at two experiment stations representative of the different climatic regions in Tennessee. Evaluation criteria was from a landscape contractor's perspective and is standard to other variety trial evaluation programs around the nation. In addition to evaluation data for all plants, four categories of plant performance were created to promote and market the choice plant performers from the study. They include: Best in Show, Best New 2008 Variety, Best Old Variety, and Top 5 Performers. These data with all plant performance information were published on-line and in hard-copy publications. The study is ongoing. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
New and improved plants and cultivars are a constant stimulus to the green industry. The vast majority of new ornamental plants are bred, produced, and introduced in climatic regions other than the South. As a result, little to no information exists about plant performance in Tennessee and Mid-South transition zone landscapes. New plant performance information is important to Tennessees commercial growers, landscape contractors, and consumers regarding their growing and purchasing decisions. Positive results of purchasing decisions based upon UTs plant performance information stimulates repeat sales and growth of Tennessees green industry.

Publications

• Hamilton, S.L. 2008. The University of Tennessee 2008 Summer Annual Trial Garden Performance Report. Institute of Agriculture AES Research Report. (Sponsor: KES and 8 commercial seed and plant companies) On-line report at: http://utgardens.tennessee.edu/annual_trials.html
• Hamilton, S.L. 2008. The University of Tennessee 2008 Winter Trial Garden Performance Report. Institute of Agriculture AES Research Report. (Sponsor: KES and 4 commercial seed and plant companies)
• Hamilton, S.L. January 2008. Best Plants Report: The 2008 Variety Trial Results from the UT Gardens. The Garden Post. Friends of the UT Gardens.
• Polanz, J. and S.L. Hamilton. Oct. 2008. Greenhouse Grower: 2008 Field Trials: Putting Newcomers to the Test. University Field Trials. Greenhouse Grower on-line. http://www.greenhousegrower.com/varietycentral/storyid=1502&style=1
• White, J., C. Beytes, and S. Hamilton. Sept. 2008. Field Trials: Field Tested. Grower Talks. On-line www.ballpublishing.com field trials.
• Rodda, K. and Hamilton, S.L. Oct. 2008. Field trial managers rank. the latest and the greatest. www.nurserybusiness.com/GMPro/pdf/2008/10/page%2026.pdf.

Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07

Outputs
To determine the landscape performance and potential uses of experimental or new landscape annuals on the market and their potential to increase the economic and environmental sustainability of Tennessee's green industry, 350 different selections were evaluated between May and September of 2007 at two experiment stations representative of the different climatic regions in Tennessee. Evaluation criteria was from a landscape contractor's perspective and is standard to other variety trial evaluation programs around the nation. In addition to evaluation data for all plants, four categories of plant performance were created to promote and market the choice plant performers from the study. They include: Best in Show, Best New 2006 Variety, Best Old Variety, and Top 5 Performers. These data with all plant performance information were published on-line and in hard-copy publications. The study is ongoing.

Impacts
New and improved plants and cultivars are a constant stimulus to the green industry. The vast majority of new ornamental plants are bred, produced, and introduced in climatic regions other than the South. As a result, little to no information exists about plant performance in Tennessee and Mid-South transition zone landscapes. New plant performance information is important to Tennessee's commercial growers, landscape contractors, and consumers regarding their growing and purchasing decisions. Positive results of purchasing decisions based upon UT's plant performance information stimulates repeat sales and growth of Tennessee's green industry.

Publications

• Hamilton, S.L. 2007. The University of Tennessee 2007 Summer Annual Trial Garden Performance Report. Institute of Agriculture AES Research Report. (Sponsor: KES and 9 commercial seed and plant companies)
• Hamilton, S.L. 2007. The University of Tennessee 2007 Winter Trial Garden Performance Report. Institute of Agriculture AES Research Report. (Sponsor: KES and 4 commercial seed and plant companies)
• Hamilton, S.L. 2007. An American Tradition. Tennessee Home & Farm Illustrated. Pgs. 34-35.
• Hamilton, S.L. 2007. Versatile Vines. Tennessee Home & Farm Illustrated. Pgs. 28-29.
• Hamilton, S.L. 2007. Pretty & Hot Peppers. Tennessee Home & Farm Illustrated. Pgs. 32-33.
• Hamilton, S.L. 2007. The Gardener's - Not Cat's Meow. Tennessee Home & Farm Illustrated. Pgs. 28-29.
• Henne, L. and S. L. Hamilton. 2007. University Field Trials. Greenhouse Grower on-line. http://www.greenhousegrower.com/grower_tools/200710_fieldtrials.html
• White, J., C. Beytes, and S. Hamilton. 2007. Outstanding In The Field. Grower Talks. Pgs. 22-30.
• Rodda, K. and S.L. Hamilton, S.L. 2007. Field Trial Raves and Faves. GMPro. Pg. 20-26.
• Hamilton, S.L. 2007. University of Tennessee Gardens Best Plants Report. Tennessee Greentimes. Vol 8, No. 1. pgs. 32-34.

Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06

Outputs
To determine the landscape performance and potential uses of experimental or new landscape annuals on the market and their potential to increase the economic and environmental sustainability of Tennessee's green industry, 484 different selections were evaluated between May and September of 2006 at two experiment stations representative of the different climatic regions in Tennessee. Evaluation criteria was from a landscape contractor's perspective and is standard to other variety trial evaluation programs around the nation. In addition to evaluation data for all plants, four categories of plant performance were created to promote and market the choice plant performers from the study. They include: Best in Show, Best New 2006 Variety, Best Old Variety, and Top 5 Performers. These data with all plant performance information were published on-line and in hard-copy publications. The study is ongoing.

Impacts
New and improved plants and cultivars are a constant stimulus to the green industry. The vast majority of new ornamental plants are bred, produced, and introduced in climatic regions other than the South. As a result, little to no information exists about plant performance in Tennessee and Mid-South transition zone landscapes. New plant performance information is important to Tennessee's commercial growers, landscape contractors, and consumers regarding their growing and purchasing decisions. Positive results of purchasing decisions based upon UT's plant performance information stimulates repeat sales and growth of Tennessee's green industry.

Publications

• Hamilton, S., J. Reeves, and J. Newburn. 2006. The 2006 UT Gardens Annual Variety Trial Report. http://utgardens.tennessee.edu/trials.html
• Henne, L. and S. L. Hamilton. Oct. 2006. Passing The Test. Greenhouse Grower. Pgs. 38 -51.
• White, J., C. Beytes, and S. Hamilton. Nov. 2006. Outstanding In The Field. Grower Talks. Pgs. 22-30.
• Rodda, K. and S.L. Hamilton, S.L. Oct. 2006. Field Trial Raves and Faves. GMPro. Pg. 20-26.

Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05

Outputs
To determine the landscape performance and potential uses of experimental or new landscape annuals on the market and their potential to increase the economic and environmental sustainability of Tennessees green industry, 484 different selections were evaluated between May and September of 2005 at two experiment stations representative of the different climatic regions in Tennessee. Evaluation criteria was from a landscape contractors perspective and is standard to other variety trial evaluation programs around the nation. In addition to evaluation data for all plants, four categories of plant performance were created to promote and market the choice plant performers from the study. They included: Best in Show, Best New 2005 Variety, Best Old Variety, and Top 5 Performers. These data with all plant performance information were published on-line and in hard-copy publications. The study is ongoing.

Impacts
New and improved plants and cultivars are a constant stimulus to the green industry. The vast majority of new ornamental plants are bred, produced, and introduced in climatic regions other than the South. As a result, little to no information exists about plant performance in Tennessee and Mid-South transition zone landscapes. New plant performance information is important to Tennessees commercial growers, landscape contractors, and consumers regarding their growing and purchasing decisions. Purchasing decisions each year are directly correlated to performance in UT trials. This leads to repeat sales and growth of Tennessees green industry.

Publications

• Hamilton, S., J. Reeves, and J. Newburn. 2005. The 2005 UT Gardens Annual Variety Trial Report. http://utgardens.tennessee.edu/trials.html
• Henne, L. and S. L. Hamilton. Oct. 2005. Tried & True. Greenhouse Grower. Pgs.40-49.
• White, J., C. Beytes, and S. Hamilton. Nov. 2005. Best In The Field. Grower Talks. Pgs. 31-36.
• Rodda, K. and S.L. Hamilton, S.L. Oct. 2005. Field Trial Fanfare. GMPro. Pgs. 30-36.