All-American Selections (AAS) is an organization whose mission statement reads: “To promote new garden seed varieties with superior garden performance judged in impartial trials in North America.”
To accomplish this, AAS have trial gardens across North America. In Alberta they are located at Bowden and Devon.
Each spring bedding-plants are transplanted into the trial garden to be monitored by one or more trained volunteers. At the end of the season, results are collected from all locations and compared. If the plant does well in comparison to other similar plants already on the market it is observed for one or two more years. If the plant doesn’t show that is superior to what is already on the market, it is removed from the trials.
The trials are stringent and the plant must do well in all locations to be considered an AAS winner.
This year nine different plants were chosen: eight flowers and one vegetable.
Echinacea purpurea (PowWow Wild Berry) was the only perennial chosen.
The plant branches more than typical echinacea plants, which means more flowers and a bushier plant. Expect the plant to reach a height of 24 inches (60 cm) in full sun.
Planting the seed by the end of January ensures the plant will bloom the first season. The plant must be large enough to set buds when the days are 14 hours long.
Gallardia (Mesa Yellow) also known as Blanket Flower, is the first F1 gallardia that can be reproduced from seed. This bright yellow flower will bloom all summer reaching a height of 22 inches (54 cm) in full sun.
The plants growth habit, along with a continuous show of flowers, won the hearts of the judges. The plant is compact and controlled unlike similar plants that are already on the market.
African marigold Moonsong Deep Orange was chosen for its bright unmatchable colour as well as its ability look good even in the worst growing conditions. Expect the plant to reach 15 inches (37 cm) in height.
Snapdragon Twinny Peach is a double butterfly snapdragon that brings new shades of yellow, light orange and peach to the garden. This variety produces many branches and flowers throughout the season with very little maintenance.
Viola Endurio Sky Blue Martien is a cool season plant that gives colour in the fringe seasons: early spring and late fall. Plant in the fall to allow the plant to spread, then wait for the spectacular colour next spring.
In the past, zinnias have been plagued by diseases. This year the three AAS winners will bring the plants back into the garden. Double Zahara Cherry’, Double Zahara Fire and Zahara Starlight Rose are all disease resistant. Be sure to start them early and plant in a warm, sunny location.
Watermelon Shiny Boy is hailed for its taste and slightly shorter season. It will take at least 75 days from transplant to produce edible fruit. Plant in a warm sunny location and provide protection from the cool nights.
Look for the seeds to any of these plants in seed catalogues and be the first on the block to try the new varieties.
For those that would like to view the plants, there are a number of display gardens in Alberta. The closest is the Olds College Botanical Gardens. Other display gardens that are definitely worth a day trip are the Calgary Zoo Botanical Gardens and the Muttart Conservatory.
For those travelling further, Lloydminister has a display in the Bud Miller All Season Park, as does the Rotary Park in Medicine Hat.
Linda Tomlinson is a horticulturalist and educator living in Rocky Mountain House. You can contact her at your_garden@hotmail.com