2 years ago
If you have an environment or "green" story you would like to see us cover, drop me a line at andy.parker@wgrz.com or in my blog.
They're called the test gardens and it's where Buffalonians get to have a say in what new flowers will be on the shelves in 2009.Over the past few weeks, growers along with the general public were able place flags by the plants they liked best. Which was an easy choice for Phyllis Preston from Garden Gate Greenhouse in Perrysburg.
It's just beautiful in color it hit me right between the eyes. So I put my flag in there and everyone else is putting theirs in.
The products that receive a high number of flags will influence seed makers to make that plant available for next season. Stanley Swisher is the man that maintains these colorful beds and knows just what folks touring his gardens enjoy.
The people in Western New York like something that's big, bright, strong and brassy. That's the kind of flowers they like.
What Western New York likes is important to seed salesmen like John Jensen who says if you like what you see, just ask for it!
What I would recommend is to come down to the Erie Basin Marina and look at it. If you like it go to your local independent garden center and say I saw it at Test Garden this beautiful product and I want it for next year will you grow it? and they will grow it!
While many of the cross breeds are unique, one in particular the Zinnia Zahara has been selected for an Olympic sized garden!
You're looking at as far as landscaped gardens for the Olympic Committee. I'm sure you're looking at hundreds of acres of landscape with acres with zinnias in it.
The same Zinnia you see in this garden here is the same zinnia you'll be seeing on NBC at the Trial Gardens in China.
So if you are looking for something a little different to add to your landscape you may want to spend a few minutes with Stanley and his gardens.
Meteorologist Andy Parker Channel 2 News.
To learn more about the Zinnia Zahara check out:Ball Horticultural
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