Another Plant "Fix"

Yesterday I was up in Madison and was able to spend some time at the West Madison Agricultural Research Station (WMAGRS). Just off of Mineral Point Road (far west side), this facility always has some neat trial beds of annuals, perennials, vegetables and grasses. I'm sure I don't comprehend the total extent of what they manage but I did enjoy seeing some of the plants they had on display. Judy, the manager there, gave the RBG grounds staff a nice tour out there two years ago. I'm always assured of seeing some new varieties and applaud them on growing things so well out there. The gardens are open to the public (donation encouraged) but few are aware of WMAGRS. To the left is the dwarf basil (Ocimum basilicum) called 'Aristotle'. Forming a small, uniform mound, this basil is also good in a container or windowbox and is featured at RBG too. To the right is Russian statice (Psylliostachys surowowii) which I've tried many times, including this year at RBG. I've never has much success with it but was pleased to see such a showy mass of them with arching pink wands of color at a 24" height.

Shown below are just some of the highlights of my brief visit. Directly below is the supertunia (Petunia) called 'Citrus'. Further below is 'Rhythm & Blues', another neat petunia with a sharp white edge.To the left is a wishbone flower (Torenia) called 'Kauai Deep Blue'. The double pink petunia to the right is 'Summer Madness' and further below is the 'Luscious Citrus Blend' lantana (Lantana camara) and a neat purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) at the bottom called 'Pica Bella'.