Each year plants are declared All American Selection winners. To become an AAS winner the plants undergo vigorous examinations in many different climates.
Trial gardens are located across Canada and the United States. In Alberta the trial gardens are located at the Devonian Botanic Garden by Edmonton.
Gardeners plant and maintain the plants while judges examine the plants regularly keeping track of how their growth habits.
At the end of the growing season results are tabulated and released. To become an AAS winner the plant must perform well in all locations and climates.
The number of plants that obtain AAS distinction varies depending on the outcome of plant trials.
Display gardens, where one can view winning plants are also located through out Canada and the United States. A Display garden is also located in Kyoto Japan.
Display gardens allow anyone to view the plants and make decisions on what to plant next season.
To become a display garden one must have the ability to start plants from seed and maintain the plants producing an attractive healthy garden.
In Alberta display gardens are at the Muttart Conservatory in Edmonton, The Calgary Zoo, Olds College and Rotary Park in Medicine Hat.
Six different plants have been declared AAS winners for 2013; three flowers and three vegetables.
Canna ‘South Pacific Scarlet’ like all Cannas thrives in a warm moist environment. Start this variety from seed in February for summer blooms.
Plant outside once all danger of frost is past. South Pacific Scarlet will grow tall and should be used at the back of the border or the center of a large pot. Cannas will also thrive in a warm pond.
Echinacea ‘Cheyenne Spirit’ is a tender perennial in Central Alberta. Planting the seeds by the end of January will insure a wide range of colorful blooms from mid summer into the fall. Cheyenne Spirit is a short plant that will withstand most weather including drought conditions.
Geranium ‘Pinto Premium White to Rose’ has unique flowers that start out white and turn pink as they mature. Plant as soon as all danger of frost is past and watch these plants produce a colorful display all season.
Flowering is continuous even without deadheading. For best results fertilize every other week.
Melon ‘Melemon’ is worth a try for those that like a challenge.
Start seeds indoors about a month before they are to be set outside. Once in the garden cover plants with a poly-spun cloth to protect them from the cool evenings. Plant in a warm area where the plants can spread and climb.
Expect small tasty fruit at the end of the growing season. Tomato ‘Jasper’ is a small tomato variety with a sweet, rich taste. Like all tomatoes it requires a warm location with plenty of moisture.
This plant was chosen for the taste and abundance of fruit. Jasper grows tall and requires staking.
Watermelon ‘Harvest Moon’ will be a challenge to any gardener in Central Alberta.
Place seed in a soilless mix about a month before they are to be set out. A temperature of 85 - 90° F is needed to germinate. Plant outside in a well protected area covering the plant with a poly-spun cloth until the plants begin to flower.
Another variety of watermelon must also be planted to insure pollination.
If any of these plants are of interest, go to the All American Selections Web site to locate seeds. all-americaselections.org
Linda Tomlinson is a horticulturalist that lives near Rocky Mountain House. She can be reached at www.igardencanada.com or your_garden@hotmail.com