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Published on 09/25/14

The Trial Gardens at UGA host an "Evening in the Garden"

By Merritt Melancon

After gardening in the blazing sun all day, there is nothing better than enjoying the fruits (or flowers) of your labor in the evening, glass of wine in hand.

Staff members with the Trial Gardens at the University of Georgia are offering gardeners, and garden fans, the chance to experience the fruits of their hard work this summer with the seventh annual “Evening in the Garden,” set for Thursday, Oct. 9, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

The gardens are open to the public daily, but one of the best times to visit the garden is in the evening as the sun is setting—when the garden takes on a relaxing, romantic ambiance. There is no better time to do this than during the “Evening in the Garden” event.

“As the sun is setting low in the sky, the harsh sunlight is filtered and one can really enjoy the vibrant flower colors found in the garden,” said John Ruter, director of the Trial Gardens and a professor in the UGA Department of Horticulture. “Also, with the weather cooling off, many of the flowers that suffered through the heat of the summer will perk up and start blooming again before first frost later in the year.”

Since 1982, the Trial Gardens at the University of Georgia have been used as a literal testing ground for plants from around the world. By testing new breeds of annuals and perennials, the Trial Gardens’ staff has helped introduce new plants to the Southeast’s green industry and the general public.

While the Trial Gardens’ plant evaluations are respected across the globe, the gardens themselves remain a beautiful, secluded getaway in the middle of the university’s bustling campus.

The event will highlight plants that have survived the summer heat and flourish in the fall. Ruter will lead tours of the garden, provide fall gardening advice and share his impressions of this year’s new plants. For gardeners who are planning to add some trees and shrubs to their landscapes this fall, signed copies of Ruter’s latest book, “Landscaping with Conifers and Ginkgo for the Southeast,” will be for sale for $30.

Guests can enjoy a pleasant stroll through the Trial Gardens while experiencing a taste of the Mediterranean, with snacks and wine provided by The Healthy Gourmet in Athens and Oli + Ve’s of Roswell’s collection of olive oil. The Paul Nelson Jazz Combo will provide entertainment, and pottery by Athens potter Elise Binder will be on display.

"An Evening in the Garden" is an event for all ages. A $7 donation is requested and goes to help sustain the gardens. Parking will be available in the McPhaul Center parking lot across from Stegeman Coliseum. The Trial Gardens are located at 220 W. Green St. between Snelling Dining Commons and the UGA Pharmacy Building.

Please RSVP at trial-gardens@uga.edu. For more information, call Juliet Swanson at (770) -298-9151 or email her at trial-gardens@uga.edu.

Merritt Melancon is a public relations manager with UGA's Terry College of Business and previously served as a public relations coordinator for the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and UGA Extension.

Authors:
Merritt Melancon
Experts/Sources:
John Ruter
A crowd browses the Trial Gardens at UGA at an industry open house. The gardens are expected to still be in full bloom for the "Evening in the Garden" on Oct. 9. A crowd browses the Trial Gardens at UGA at an industry open house. The gardens are expected to still be in full bloom for the "Evening in the Garden" on Oct. 9.
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