This year saw the highest number of trade visitors attend the Ball Colegrave Summer Showcase for several years, with a significant increase coming from the Retail sector. Plant novelties and colour theming look set to stimulate 2017 retail sales.
Over 3,000 visitors attended the 3 week showcase, including Growers, Retailers, Parks, Landscapers, Plant Breeders, Garden Writers, Trade Associations, Students, Home Gardeners and even the BBC to film a Gardeners World programme on bedding plants.
Most visitors attending took the opportunity to vote for their favourite variety and colour scheme using a blue marker flag. With over 1300 catalogue varieties, 300 new varieties, 700 experimental products and 12 ‘Trends’ colour themes on show, there was certainly plenty to choose from.
The winners of this years Summer Showcase ‘Blue Flag Favourite Varieties’ have been announced as:
1st: NEW 2016 Petunia ‘NightSky’
2nd: NEW 2016 Calla Lily ‘Callafornia Red’
3rd: NEW 2017 Argyranthemum ‘Grandaisy Pink Halo’
It?s not surprising, these are all new varieties, just demonstrating how important visiting plant variety trials is to identify promising new varieties and see ‘first hand’ their true garden performance.
For more information contact the Customer Services Team on order@ballcolegrave.com or call 01295 811833.
