All-America Selections (AAS), with over 90 years of trials and award winners, is the only national, non-profit plant trialing program in North America. Reiman Gardens is proud to be both a trial site for ornamentals, edibles, and perennials showcased as both in-ground and containerized trials and a display garden highlighting recent winners. Check out the AAS website for trial and display sites, winners, blogs, and so much more!
If you enjoy reading about AAS winners and want to learn even more about these plants and the process of trialing at Reiman Gardens, I will be presenting two sessions at this Saturday's Linn County Master Gardeners' Winter Gardening Fair. If you are unable to attend but still looking for a last-minute Valentine's Day gift, maybe one of these new AAS winners will suit your sweetie.
Brassica oleracea 'Murasaki Fioretto 70': I know when you think of romance, the first thing that comes to mind is cauliflower. No? Well, 'Murasaki Fioretto 70' just might change your mind. This purple cauliflower is stunning in any preparation and will woo everyone on a crudité platter wi'h its striking appearance. Judges noted that compact habit and early season maturity are perfect for the home garden; tender texture and sweet flavor are worthy of any plate.
Celosia plumosa 'Flamma Pink': Another winner in the Flamma series, 'Flamma Pink' joins 'Flamma Orange' in the hearts of AAS Judges throughout the country. 'Flamma Pink' grows 14-18" tall and blooms from summer through fall when comparisons had flagged. The celosias in this series have a large central bloom accented by multiple smaller side blooms, creating a beautiful effect throughout the season. If you were a child of the 60s or 90s, you can probably figure out why I used to call this celosia style "troll heads"--the two winners in this series perfectly resemble the toys of my youth.
Ocimum basilicum 'Piedmont': You surely cannot plan a home-cooked dinner, romantic or not, without the addition of fresh basil. 'Piedmont' has an outstanding disease package that ensures plenty of fresh, delicious basil to harvest all season. At up to 24" tall, this plant would be perfect in a pot on a patio for ease of collection. Even with infrequent harvest, our trial showed later flowering than the comparisons, keeping the basil tender and tasty longer. Basil is so fun and easy to grow with delicious rewards; you really should ask 'Piedmont' to "be mine!"
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