2013 Michigan Garden Plant Tour starts July 29

The 10th annual Michigan Garden Plant Tour, a free, coordinated open house of leading young plant producers of ornamentals and Michigan State University, will take place July 29 to Aug. 9, 2013.  The objective of the tour is to educate growers and industry professionals about new and existing plant selections and how they perform in different settings.

Greenhouse growers, landscapers, garden center and nursery  operators are invited to visit each of these participating tour sites during the two-week period.

Expect to learn about a wide range of ornamental crops, including popular commercial brands of annuals, perennials, and shrubs, and to observe plant performance at different locations and grown under various conditions, both in the ground and in containers.

Take a day trip to visit a couple of sites, or complete the entire loop for the full tour. The Michigan Garden Plant Tour is completely free, but growers would appreciate a call ahead to know you'll be coming. 

Attendees are also invited to participate in the MSU Plant Trial Field Day in the Horticulture Gardens on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2013. You'll hear the latest on new annuals and perennials, see unbiased garden performance of ornamentals and hear directly from many of the breeding companies about their favorite plants. Dr. Art Cameron (MSU Gardens Director) and Katie McCarver (MSU Trials Manager) will present the top-performing plants in this year's MSU trials. Check back in May for more information.

BloomaPalooza will also take place during the Plant Tour at the Raker Trial Gardens in Litchfield Aug.1 - 3. This event brings together independent garden retailers with breeders, growers, educators and suppliers from throughout North America. This three-day business event will feature presentations, live music, diverse plant materials and a trade fair that's sure to be fun and informative.

NOTE: As of 7/1/2013, BloomaPalooza 2013 has been canceled. Click here for more information: https://www.gardencentermagazine.com/bloomapalooza-2013-cancelled.aspx

For more information on the Michigan Garden Plant Tour, please contact Tour coordinators Jennifer Sweet 517-355-5191 x1339) or Erik Runkle (517-355-5191 x1350). More information is also available on the plant tour website.