The first stop on the Eastern Performance Trials was Conard Pyle in Westgrove PA. The displays provided by Conard Pyle and other companies was quite impressive. The tour of the nearby growing facility was equally impressive. The following blog was compiled from my recent "worldwind tour" of six different growing facilities, garden centers and horticultural sites on September 21, 22 & 23rd. The displays were built for a one week garden tour by personnel in the horticultural field. I personally was rewarded with many new ideas which I will utilize at Greenscape Gardens. Many new plants were introduced at the Eastern Performance Trials and we will be the first to introduce to the St. Louis marketplace. I drove close to 1000 miles in 3 days to view these outstanding gardens, you'll be able to view my "garden" in minutes but many of these "gardens" will be coming to Greenscape Gardens in the future.

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Purple coneflowers.

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The pines in the foreground are unique but check out the background. This is Conard Pyle's growing farm with 600' long poly houses stretching into the distance.

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Tiger Eyes Rhus at Conard Pyle.

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Great display gardens and signage was outstanding at Conard Pyle.

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Coneflowers galore.

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Awesome containers with gazing ball in the foreground with an array of ornamental grasses and other tropicals creating a great display.

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Double Knockout Roses at Conard Pyle.

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Stop #2 on the Eastern Performance Trials at the American Horticultural Society in Washington D.C.

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Great hanging basket samples.

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Zinnias by Goldsmith Seeds.

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Proven Winners display at the American Horticultural Society East River Farm.

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The "FLOWER MAZE" at the American Horticultural Society East River Farm.

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The flower clock at the American Horticultural Society.

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Nice container gardening with burlap on the ground.

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Stop #3 was at Virginia Growers. The displays at this stop were built in what was originally an open field. Great ideas from several sponsoring companies including Virginia Growers.

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Looks like a scene from Holland but its at Virginia Growers USA.

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Hanging basket support surrounded by Morning Light Maiden grass.

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Susan Koman Garden. Proceeds from the sale of these plants goes to the "Cure".

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"Careful" Duck Crossing.

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The sedum dinosaur in the garden bed.

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A horse of plants.

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Here's a unique idea. A checkers board made of plants.

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Floating flowers on the pond at Virginia Growers.

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Another gardening display at Virginia Growers

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Stop #4 on the Eastern Performance Trials was McDonald's Garden Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia. This garden center has had significant press in the trade journals. Once again, I found quite a few interesting plants and display ideas at this garden center.

The Japanese Garden Display area.

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Great signage on the "Garden Rewards" program.

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Display of indoor plants in the greenhouse at McDonald's Garden center.

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Think outside the greenhouse with the fall display of mums and pumpkins.

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Monrovia display at McDonald's Garden Center.

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Tasteful hanging baskets at McDonald's Garden Center.

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White's Greenhouse in Chesapeake, VA. Old Mill Garden Center is the retail outlet.

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False facade building with fall display of mums.

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Fall display at Old Mill Garden Center

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This is what the Eastern Performance Trials are all about. Finding new and exciting plants to bring back to the St. Louis market.

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New "Festival" Gerbera from Sakata Seed.

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Crescendo Yellow Osteopermum introduction from Ecke Ranch.

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More of the new annual flower introductions for the upcoming year.

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Display gardens and shade structures at Old Mill Garden

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Homestead Gardens and Growers was the last stop on the Eastern Performance Trials that I viewed. This garden center and growing facility is what everyone in this industry should strive for. I was overwhelmed with the layouts in the garden center. You know you're in for something special when you see the Maryland highway attraction sign directing you towards the complex. I actually went to the garden center before heading back to the growing facility. Homestead Gardens is a "destination garden center". Homestead Growers is a state of art.

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Interior view of Homestead Gardens

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Homestead Gardens....Davidsonville, MD approximately 30 miles east of Washington D.C. and Baltimore.

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Snack counter inside the retail greenhouse at Homestead Gardens.

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Glass greenhouse range at Homestead Growers. Outside picture is not flattering but the view inside is incredible.

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Color....color.....color. Homestead Growers.

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Large mimosa tree inside the greenhouse at Homestead Growers.

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New varieties of clematis are shown at Homestead Growers.

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A garden is not complete without ornamental grass. Homestead Growers.

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Crype myrtle at Homestead Growers.

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Color galore at Homestead Growers.

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