Photo: Iowa Arboretum
The Iowa Arboretum and Gardens in Madrid, IA, recently released its 2024 Trial Program Report. Due to a lack of regionally specific research, demonstration, and outreach surrounding newly introduced ornamental plants for Central Iowa, the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens established an ornamental trial garden for the categories of herbaceous perennials and shrubs in the Spring of 2023. This public-facing trial garden provides beauty, education, and outreach to the people of Iowa in a form viewable to the public, allowing for year-round visibility and observation of these plants. The garden is managed by staff from the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens with oversight from the Trial Garden Committee made up of a diverse group of horticulture professionals and enthusiasts.
The purpose of the garden is to evaluate the long-term performance of perennial and shrub varieties in the unique climate of the Central Midwest. Growing conditions are characterized by extreme winds, periods of heavy rainfall, and bitter blizzards. Recently, extreme conditions have included severe drought, flooding, and a devastating derecho that left many without trees. With all of this in mind, plants are evaluated for vigor, uniformity, resilience, and tolerance to environmental and biotic stresses. Data (ratings and photos) were collected every two weeks during the growing season (April–October) by staff as well as monthly by members of the Trial Garden Committee. The data will be reviewed alongside photographs by the committee and arboretum staff in the fall of 2025 to designate varieties as Iowa Arboretum Top Performers. The public also has a chance to have their voice heard by selecting and commenting on their favorite plants when they visit the garden.
Visitors are cordially invited to tour the garden at their leisure to enjoy the beauty and atmosphere of Iowa’s treasured arboretum. Any suggestions for future programs or improvements are strongly encouraged.
You can find a detailed trials report here.
