Evaluation sites, from West to East (USDA zones from 6a to 8a):

1. Infrastructure and human resources development

The plant evaluation sites are on one-acre plots; those with high animal pressure were deer-proof fenced. All sites have shade structures built and were supplied with conventional and digital equipment for taking biometric records of plants under evaluation. Three of the sites are equipped with VT maintained weather stations linked to a web based network, and two more will have the same type of stations mounted by the end of March 2006. Two of the sites have operational drip irrigation systems in place and four more will be provided with micro-irrigation by the end of the spring of 2006. A total number of about 100 Master Gardiners are involved in data taking, and site management. The Master Gardener teams were delivered comprehensive in-class seminars, followed by hands-on training for biometric, phenological and other data collection. The planting beds were prepared and first 44 genotypes were planted in the fall of 2005.

2. Evaluation forms and protocols

A set of 10 original custom-designed and user-friendly evaluation forms and protocols was developed. The leading philosophy was to create forms comprehensive enough to include data for all major plant characteristics, flexible to fit to all types of plants under evaluation – from trees to herbaceous perennials, yet simplified to be used by non-professionals. Our approach was to separate data collection for genotype-specific plant traits from the characteristics which are subject to change due to the unique weather conditions each year.

3. Plant selection

The Plant selection committee in concert with the Advisory committee (see next paragraph) and the Executive Director is working towards identification and location of new and underutilized plants with high potential, and in acquisition and limited propagation of new and promising germplasm for testing. Two plant lists are being developed each year: Plant Promotion list – which consists of underutilized plants, and Plant Evaluation list – new plants with unknown performance. In Feb 2006 a list of plants to be promoted on a “fast track” was also created, which would enable a promotion campaign initiated in 2007 and marketing campaign in 2008. 

4. Strategic Partnerships  

The Plant Introduction Program has established its Advisory Committee. The main purpose of this body is to advise the Beautiful Gardens’® Plant selection committee on the availability of new plants with high aesthetic value and commercial potential, as well as to provide their professional opinion on preparation of annual plant lists for evaluation and promotion. Current members of the Advisory committee are Dr. Margaret Pooler, Research Geneticist, US National Arboretum, DC; Dr. Todd Lasseigne, Executive Director, Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden, NC; and Dr. David Tay, Director, Ornamental Plant Germplasm Center, OH. Many other connections were established as well (please see attached LIST of contacts).

5. Budget and finances

Beautiful Gardens currently operates with generous in-kind contributions from the partners, Halifax County, businesses and individuals interested in participating in the program. In-cash contributions were committed by the Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association, and the major part of financing comes from a grant provided by the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. A new grant application was made in February 2006, but the goal of the program is to became financially independent as soon as it is reasonable possible.

6. Promotion and marketing

The major accomplishment of the Beautiful Gardens’ P&M committee, was the development of our logo (trademark applied for), and our first full color 3-fold promotional brochure. A two-sided 6’x3’ color banner was also developed and exhibited during MANTS and MAHSC. The banner is on permanent display in the atrium of IALR, Danville, VA. Beautiful Gardens® program was promoted through distributing brochures at the above mentioned regional meetings, and mailing to all 2006 VNLA members. Displays and seminars at several venues (including the Mid-Atlantic Horticulture Short Course) were delivered. A task force of Beautiful Gardens’® Promotion and marketing committee and representatives from the Administrative and Finance, Plant Selection, and Production committees, met on Feb 15 at LGBG to build the VA PIP future marketing model and promotional strategy.

7. Research and development

 - provided by Dr. Rumen Conev