Consumer Day returns to CSU’s Trial Gardens Aug. 10

Contact for reporters:
Jennifer Dimas
jennifer.dimas@colostate.edu
(970) 491-1543

Back by popular demand, Colorado State University’s expansive Flower Trial Garden  invites the public to pick their favorites from this year’s blooms during Consumer Day. The free event will be held at the Annual Trial Garden, 1401 Remington St., from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 10. Free parking will be available on CSU campus in the lot northeast of the University Center for the Arts at the corner of Matthews and E. Pitkin streets.

Each year, industry experts descend upon the Trial Garden to judge the annuals and perennials that perform best in Rocky Mountain growing conditions. This process has a heavy influence on which varieties of flowers bloom from trial status to retail outlets. Last year – for the first time ever – consumers were invited to weigh in on their favorites. This year, consumers can consider more than 1,000 varieties of flowers.

Consumer Day will once again feature family-fun activities for kids and resident green-thumbs. Free tours of the gardens will take place at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., and 11 a.m. The event will also feature free children’s flower planting activities, door prizes throughout the day, and free refreshments. No registration is needed.

About the Trial Gardens

Located across Remington Street from the UCA, the Trial Gardens spans more than three acres, making it the largest university trial garden west of the Mississippi River. Each year, the gardens provide crucial information on the best varieties to grow in the Colorado climate –research that elevates some varieties to the retail space and, eventually, to home gardens across the state.

For more about the Trial Gardens, visit its main website.