Chicago Botanic Garden

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Plant Evaluation Gardens

PHOTO: shade plant evaluation garden PHOTO: sun plant evaluation garden PHOTO: shade plant evaluation garden

Two garden areas serve as living laboratories for the evaluation of plants in the Plant Evaluation Program: the Pullman Shade Plant Evaluation Garden tests shade-loving plants; the Lavin Sun Plant Evaluation Garden is for plants requiring full-sun conditions.

Perennials, shrubs and vines are trialed side by side for four to six years. Overall plant performance, winter hardiness, resistance to disease and insects, and more are recorded. At the end of the evaluation period, the detailed findings are published in Plant Evaluation Notes.

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