Some test gardeners’ results are recorded in a more formal manner than others, but most growers are happy to make recommendations.
Ann Caffey
Caffey prizes plants that are hard to kill for her Zone 4 organic garden in Huerfano County, where all water must be hauled (she doesn’t have a well or a ditch to draw from.) Her five best include:
Crimson red rhubarb. It’s easy to find and easy to grow.
Red valerian (Centranthus rubra). You can’t kill it, but it’s not invasive.
Agastache, above. There are lots of types, but any “garden variety” will do.
American plum (Prunus Americana). This grows wild in Colorado.
“Coral Canyon” Twinspur, below. She grows this in beds that are caged to keep the sheep out.
Frank Stonaker
Stonaker collects data through the Specialty Crops Program; results are posted at specialtycrops . In addition to easy-to-understand info about ideal growing conditions for many of the plants, you’ll also find notes about quality and yields of crops intended for Colorado State University’s Community Supported Agriculture program, as well as details on perennial fruits, such as grapes, raspberries and blackberries.
Jim Klett
Klett’s findings are all public information. He keeps results — and pictures — at .lostate . His growing conditions are less challenging than Caffey’s because his manicured gardens, at the corner of Remington and East Lake streets just east of South College Avenue in Fort Collins, are serviced by an extensive irrigation system. Whether you grow in containers or in beds, Klett’s got you covered. Five faves from 2007:
Cleome “Spirit Appleblossom,” from Proven Winners. Delicate white and pink flowers, above, bloom all summer. Good for sunny locations.
Dahlia “Mystic Illusion,” from Proven Winners. Bright yellow flowers, left, against the dark purple foliage. May grow to 30 inches tall. Performs well in full sun and partial shade.
Begonia (hiemalis type) “Solenia Dusty Rose,” from Ecke Geraniums. Prolific rose-colored flowers, abundant through September. Dark green foliage.
Dianthus “Supra Red,” left, from Hem Genetics. Unique petal form and taller than ordinary dianthus.
Impatiens (double), “Fiesta Sparkler Hot Pink” from Ball FloraPlant. Large, very double flowers, below, resemble small roses.
