Vote for your favorite plant on display at the American Garden Award exhibit at the Garfield Park Arts Center in Indianapolis. (C) Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp
Want to have your voice heard in the gardening industry?
The public is invited to vote for favorite new plants on display in a garden at the Garfield Park Arts Center on Indianapolis’ south side.
The Arts Center is one of 24 sites in the United States participating in the American Garden Award. The goal is to have gardens in all 50 states, said Diane Blazek, head of the interactive, not-for-profit, three-year-old program.
Garfield Park Master Gardens accepted the challenge to plant the steep hill at the Arts Center. (C) Photo courtesy Jay Hagenow
In Indianapolis, 18 members of Garfield Park Master Gardeners tallied about 100 volunteer hours on the project, says Jay Hagenow, president of the group.
Plants or seeds were donated by the American Garden Award program and grown locally at no charge by a commercial grower. The Friends of Garfield Park, Inc., purchased planting mix, soaker hoses, mulch and other supplies. (For full disclosure, I’m president of the Friends’ board.)
Master Gardener Thomas Graham designed the garden based on the number of plants, their size and horticultural needs. He and others weeded the steep hill, hauled 8 cubic yards of planter’s mix, planted, laid soaker hoses and installed mulch.
“As you might imagine, the opportunity to work with plants that aren’t yet available to the general public is very exciting for Master Gardeners,” Hagenow says.
Awaiting your votes are six annuals and one perennial. Dahlinova Hypnotica Lavender Dahlia, Easy Wave Neon Rose Petunia, Picobella Rose Star (Petunia milliflora), Surdiva Light Blue fan flower (Scaevola) and a spreading white SunPatiens (Impatiens) are the annuals. The perennial is the fragrant Kahori Dianthus.
“I am so pleased with the improved look of the garden beds surrounding our entrance,” says Lesley Meier, manager of the arts center. She says the public and Indy Parks’ staff have been complimentary.
“Encouraging visitors to pick their favorite planting has provided an extra point of interest to compliment summer exhibits” and other park activities, she says.
Kahori cheddar pink dianthus.
Dahlinova Hynotica dahlia.
Uchu ornamental pepper.
Surdiva Scaevola fanflower.
Variegated White SunPatiens.
Picobella Rose Star petunia.
Easy Wave Neon Rose petunia.
I’m trying to get a showcase garden going here. Are you able to track the number of voters that view and select their favorites on the site?