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Penn State Schuylkill County
Master Gardeners Trial & Display Gardens

Welcome to the Gardener Selects Trial & Display Garden of Penn State Cooperative Extension of Schuylkill County. The Trial Garden is planted and maintained by Master Gardeners in Schuylkill County.

Since 1932, Penn State University has conducted independent evaluations of plant cultivars for commercial plant producers, seed companies, plant breeders, and All-American Selections. Each year a number of plants in the university trial gardens stand out as superior cultivars. The Gardener Selects program increases awareness of these plants through the establishment of local display and evaluation gardens. The program coordinators select annuals and perennials from among the best plants in the University Park and Landisville trials. Trained Master Gardeners then grow, maintain, and evaluate the plants. After statewide results are compiled in the fall, the best plants are placed on the Gardener Selects List, with the most outstanding plant receiving the title of "Plant of the Year". A plant that has earned a spot on this list grew and flowered well in the evaluation gardens, and is an excellent choice for home gardens and commercial plantings across the Commonwealth. In addition to showcasing the best cultivars for use throughout Schuylkill County, the garden provides an educational resource for Master Gardener training and public programs.

We encourage you to come back and visit the garden often throughout the growing season. Questions about the Trial Garden or the Master Gardener Volunteer Program can be directed to Penn State Cooperative Extension in Schuylkill County at (570) 622-4225. Stop by and enjoy the garden.

Click here for a printer friendly version of the 2008 Geranium Trials Results shown below (PDF - note: it may take a few seconds to download). Click here for a printer friendly version of the 2008 Geranium Trials results (PDF - note: it may take a few seconds to download).

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Thanks to our important contributors:

	Borough of Schuylkill Haven
	Creative Crafts
	Cressona Country Store
	First United Church of Christ, in cooperation with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Committee
	Glen-Gery
	Little Mountain Flower Shop
	Luckenbill Paving
	Natural Soil Products
	Pine Creek Country Gardens
	Spotts Brothers
	Trail Gardens
	Unichem Coatings Factory Paint Store
	And numerous individual supporters

Pennsylvania Gardener Selects is a program of plant selection
and promotion sponsored by:

	The Penn State Horticulture Trial Gardens
	The Pennsylvania Master Gardener Program

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2009 Perennial Plant of the Year

Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'

The Perennial Plant Association (www.perennialplant.org/) Association has awarded the title of Perennial Plant of the Year® to Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola' .

This ornamental grass is a member of the Poaceae family. The species is native to Honshu Island, Japan. The genus derives its name from Hakon , a region in Japan, and chloa , the Greek word for grass. Individual blades are 1/2” wide and bright yellow color with very thin green stripes. In the cooler days of autumn the golden foliage becomes tinged with shades of pink and red. Hakonechloa is used mainly for its golden foliage, although it does produce tiny, inconspicuous flower spikes from late summer through mid autumn.

• Hardiness – USDA Zones 5-8
• Size – 12-18 inches tall, 18-24 inches wide
• Light – Partial shade is optimum in hot climates, more sun is suitable in cooler areas
• Soil – Prefers moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil
• Uses - This long-season ornamental grass may be used as a ground cover, a border-front specimen, a mass planting, or in a patio container.
• Unique Qualities – The plant offers vivid highlights in shaded areas or in evening gardens. This grass is also noted for its movement in breezes, offering a cascading or an undulating behavior.

Perennial Plant Association * 3383 Schirtzinger Road
Hilliard, OH 43026 * 614-771-8431 * www.perennialplant.org

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