Dr. Steve Love, University of Idaho Extension Horticulture Team Leader based in Aberdeen, Idaho, recently brought 50 plants of 14 different species to the Idaho Botanical Garden. All plants are native to the western United States. These plants will be tested and evaluated for the horticultural industry over a three year period before being released to nurseries in Idaho and neighboring states. 

The Idaho Botanical Garden will participate with Dr. Love in this unique program over the next several years as additional species will be tested and then selected for the industry. Plants have been placed near the Don Dick Outdoor Classroom area within the Idaho Botanical Garden so visitors may view and participate in the feedback process. 

Winners of the side-by-side field evaluations must have exceptionally beautiful flowers or foliage, grow reliably under commercial production regimes, and thrive with less than a third of the water than most Idaho landscapes receive. Species planted this first go-around include several different agastache from Wyoming and New Mexico, buckwheats from Idaho and Utah, purple sage, three different grasses, and a columbine from Nevada. The second group of plants for testing will be delivered by Dr. Love in June, 2009.





For more information please contact:
Idaho Botanical Garden, 2355 N. Penitentiary Road, Boise, Idaho 83712
Telephone: (208) 343-8649