Known internationally known as one of the premier places to test plants for extreme weather conditions, especially high heat and humidity, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden held its annual Plant Trials Field Day on June 26 where more than 300 industry professionals attended.  Thousands of plants are tested annually including bulbs, perennials, shrubs, trees, groundcovers and vegetables.

Jenny Wegley, Dallas Arboretum vice president of horticulture, welcomed guests and introduced the various speakers. She discussed landscape and design trends used in plantings, sharing photos from the Dallas Arboretum as examples. 

Megan Proska, Dallas Arboretum horticulture manager, shared unique landscaping plants, showed how they used plants throughout the seasons in creative displays, and announced the annual and perennial winners that received FlameProof® or Arboretum Approved awards– for plants that have thrived and outperformed others. FlameProof is awarded only to plants that survived extreme conditions in the Texas summer. Arboretum Approved is awarded to plants that scored the highest in its class and are the best of its kind during that season. (For a complete list, see attachment).

For more information on Dallas Arboretum’s Trial Program, including the latest winners, visit www.dallasplanttrials.org. 

A special thanks to the following sponsors:

Green Leaf, Suntory Flowers, Ltd., Benary+, Berger Peat Moss, Eason Horticulture, Griffin Greenhouse & Nursery, KBW Supply, Steve’s Leaves, Texas Nursery & Landscape Assoc., Abbot IPCO, Ball Hort, Calloway’s, Green Lake Nursery, J Berry Nursery, PDSI, Proven Winners, Express Seed Co., Living Earth, Southwest Landscape Wholesale Nursery, Syngenta.

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218. The Dallas Arboretum is also the home of the internationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden. The Arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. General admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 65 and older, and $10 for children 2-12 and free for Arboretum members and children under two. On-site parking is $15 or $9, if purchased in advance online. The Dallas Morning News is the principal partner of the Dallas Arboretum. The Arboretum is supported, in part, by funds from the Dallas Park and Recreation Department. WFAA is an official media sponsor for the Dallas Arboretum.