The world of gardening is a treasure trove of hidden gems, and the All-America Selections (AAS) is a shining beacon for plant enthusiasts. This year's winners are a testament to the power of innovation and the beauty of nature's bounty. But what makes these selections truly remarkable is the story behind them, and the impact they can have on our gardens and lives. So, let's dive into the heart of these AAS winners and explore what makes them so special.
The Herb Garden
Herbs are the essence of flavor and fragrance, and the AAS has delivered a trio of herb winners that will elevate any garden. First up is the ‘Treviso’ basil, a compact and highly branched variety that is slow to flower. Its slightly anise-flavored leaves stay tender longer, resisting bitterness and maintaining excellent quality late into the season. This makes it a perfect herb for larger containers, offering a summer-long supply of fresh-tasting pesto. Personally, I think this is a game-changer for home cooks, as it allows us to enjoy the flavors of summer all year round.
Next is the ‘Majesty’ pole bean, a high-yielding variety with superior quality. Its delicious, sweet, and tender pods are straight and uniform in size, making for easy harvest. This variety is a dream for gardeners, as it recovers well from summer heat stress and provides a bountiful harvest from spring through to frost. What makes this particularly fascinating is the fact that it is a pole bean, meaning it can be grown on trellises or arbors, adding a vertical element to your garden and maximizing space.
Finally, we have the ‘Rubyfor F1’ kale, a deep purple variety that is uniform and compact. Its exceptionally tender and non-bitter leaves produce a bountiful harvest from spring through to frost. This variety is a great choice for small spaces, as it is easy to manage and provides a continuous supply of fresh, nutritious leaves. In my opinion, this is a must-have for any garden, as it adds both beauty and nutrition to your plate.
The Vegetable Patch
The AAS has also delivered a trio of vegetable winners that will make your garden the envy of the neighborhood. First up is the ‘Butter Lamp F1’ squash, a mini, pumpkin-shaped butternut squash that is perfect for any garden. It has excellent resistance to powdery mildew, heat, and insect pressure, and produces abundant, uniform 1-2 pound yellow-fleshed fruit on short vines. This variety is a great choice for small gardens, as it requires less space than traditional varieties and is early to ripen with superb storability.
Next is the ‘BadaBing! F1’ tomato, a cherry tomato with excellent early and late blight disease resistance. Despite being an indeterminate type, the plant stays fairly manageable at 40 inches tall, and the large, bright red fruit are crack-resistant. This variety is a dream for gardeners, as it provides a bountiful harvest and is easy to manage. What many people don't realize is that cherry tomatoes are a great source of antioxidants and vitamins, making them a nutritious addition to your diet.
Finally, we have the ‘Rubyfor F1’ kale, which we already discussed in the herb section. However, in the vegetable patch, it shines as a deep purple variety that is uniform and compact. Its exceptionally tender and non-bitter leaves produce a bountiful harvest from spring through to frost, making it a versatile and nutritious addition to your garden.
The Flower Bed
The AAS has also delivered a trio of flower winners that will add color and beauty to your garden. First up is the ‘SunGlobe’ coreopsis, a stunner with tons of fluffy, golden yellow, semi-double flowers produced on sturdy stems from spring through to fall. This variety is ideal for borders and containers, as it is tidy, compact, and densely branched. What makes this particularly fascinating is the fact that it is a coreopsis, meaning it is a member of the daisy family, and its flowers are a reminder of the beauty and resilience of nature.
Next is the ‘Supra Cherry Picotee F1’ dianthus, a compact, bushy plant with excellent heat and drought tolerance. Its unique, fringed blooms open with dark cherry centers and soft pink edges, adding a bright splash of color to beds and containers. This variety is a great choice for gardeners who want to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to their garden, as it is both beautiful and durable.
Finally, we have the ‘Sole Giatto’ heliopsis, a hardy variety that flowers abundantly with gorgeous, long-lasting bright yellow blooms from spring through fall. This variety is not only a visual treat for us humans, but it also attracts pollinators while resisting deer and rabbits. What this really suggests is that the AAS has delivered a trio of flower winners that are not only beautiful but also functional, adding both color and biodiversity to your garden.
The Takeaway
The AAS winners are a testament to the power of innovation and the beauty of nature's bounty. From herbs to vegetables to flowers, these winners offer a range of options for gardeners of all levels. But what makes them truly remarkable is the story behind them, and the impact they can have on our gardens and lives. So, the next time you're out in your garden, take a step back and think about the stories behind the plants. What makes them unique? How can they enhance your life? And most importantly, how can they bring a little bit of magic into your world?
