Cool Begonias At Ball Seed Trial Gardens

One of the features of the Ball Seed Trial Gardens (West Chicago, IL) that I've always enjoyed are the begonias. I have visited these gardens a half dozen times over the years and always seek out the foliage-type (or Rex) begonias as they have such neat leaves. I photographed every one they had at the gardens (from our bus tour there this past Thursday, August 4th) and included ten cool ones here to give you a taste. From top to bottom, respectively, are 'Red Fred' (directly above), 'Mirage', 'Omaha Beefsteak', 'Fedor', 'Frosty', 'Cancun Christmas', 'Houston Fiesta', 'Tangalooma', 'Phoe's Cleo' and 'Sinbad'. Interesting names to be sure but no doubt the foliage of these begonias can be a huge asset in the part shade garden, particularly in a container.