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!
Produce harvest and donation is in full swing here at Reiman Gardens through our Grow and Give program. Thanks to generous donations from vendors at the Ames Main Street Farmers' Market and area home gardeners and growers, we have collected and distributed over 16,800 pounds of fresh produce to pantries and programs in Story and Boone Counties. Volunteers and staff at Reiman Gardens have harvested approximately 760 pounds of produce from various gardens on site this year! Here's a couple of great producers we've been sharing this summer.
Capsicum annuum 'Dragonfly': This bell pepper matures from green to purple (and eventually to red) with excellent flavor and texture at any harvest stage. Plants stay relatively compact and could be suited for a larger container on a patio or porch. Give 'Dragonfly' a try in your garden and on your dinner table or snack platter!
Solanum lycopersicum 'Zenzei': 'Zenzei' is a regional winner in both the Heartland and Great Lakes, so it's a fantastic addition to any Midwest garden. 'Zenzei' is a Roma perfect for fresh sauces, canning, and freezing. This tomato comes with a great disease-resistance package, meaty, flavorful fruit, and a compact size great for smaller gardens and containers.
Solanum melongena 'Icicle': Time for a confession: I don't like eggplant! However, as an adult, I know it's important to be well-rounded; every year, I try a new eggplant recipe just to see if I've changed my mind. 'Icicle' is my new go-to when I need an eggplant for my annual evaluation. 'Icicle' is beautiful inside and out, with few seeds and a very mild taste. The plants themselves are suitable for a larger container or great in-ground; I've found they rarely need to be staked, even under the weight of many fruits! Feel free to send me your favorite eggplant recipe!
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