Going Local-Metrolina Trial Garden Open House

 Last week, the Master Gardeners were invited

to a unique event in a nearby town.

The annual Trial Garden Open House

at Metrolina Greenhouses

allowed us (and hundreds of other folks),

to participate in choosing our favorite plants

from an array of annuals, perennials, hanging baskets

and combination displays.

Metrolina is one of the largest greenhouse and growing

operations with two locations spanning over 1,000 acres of total property.

The company was started in 1972 on an acre of land,

and has grown to become one of the biggest suppliers

to Home Depot, Lowe's and Walmart.

You can find out more here.

Although I've lived in the Piedmont for several years,

this was the first time I had heard about this opportunity.

With over 3 acres of plants to choose from,

it was a challenge to pick out our favorites in 4 categories:

1.  Favorite combination planter

2.  Favorite geranium

3.  Favorite hanging basket

4.  Overall favorite.

Several large demonstration gardens were featured,

like this pollinator bed.

There were separate areas for sun or shade loving plants,

hanging baskets and annuals, perennials and 2nd year perennials.

The displays were wonderful for gathering ideas.

So many gorgeous flowers, yes,

but various textures as well.

There were many plants I could identify,

but others that I had never seen before.

It was a real eye-opener.

This salvia was a bee magnet!

It was a fabulous morning for sister and I 

to spend some quality time together.

Here, she is putting her flag into her 

choice for favorite hanging basket.

Afterwards, we went for lunch AND ice cream!

I can't wait for her to retire!

A gentleman from Proven Winners was in a booth,

showing off one of their latest projects.

This planting pot looks like plastic,

but it is actually plant-based.

The whole kit-and-kaboodle can be planted,

or it can be composted and will decompose on its own.

Everyone who attended was gifted a petunia

planted in one of these pots.

It was a bit of walking, 

but we were able to take our time.

What an enjoyable experience.

One I hope we can repeat annually.

Have you ever been to a trial garden event?