Image Galleries - Annuals

The centerpiece of the UT Gardens is the Annual Trials showcased in the free form beds in the upper and lower sections of the Gardens. The annual trials have been the backbone of the Gardens since 1983 and are the reason for their existence. It was in that year that UT was selected as a site by the prestigious All-America Selections (AAS) organization to become a test site for bedding plant and flower trials. AAS is one of the oldest seed grown plant evaluating organizations in the country and the UT Gardens are one of only 38 trial sites in North America.

In these beds plants are evaluated for their flower appeal, heat tolerance, disease and insect resistance, growth habit, and other desirable qualities. In addition to the AAS entries many US and international plant breeders and seed companies request that UT evaluate their new introductions as well. Typically between 500 to 600 varieties of annuals are grown in these beds each year often with unusual tropical and foliage plants serving as a background plants. Here you'll find test plants that are not commercially available growing next to proven favorites for comparison purposes. Data is collected on the performance of test varieties and compared to that of known varieties each season. This information is used to compile an annual report that is available to the public and commercial growers and landscapers on the UT Gardens website and through other publications. This area is a great place to visit to get a sneak preview at annuals, biennials, and perennials that may be available in the next few years.