The Trial Gardens

We were thrilled to host the GGIA After Hours Social, and we would like to thank Georgia Green Industry Assoc for hosting a spectacular Southeast Green Conference this year in Athens!

Thanks to all who came out for the tour and the Social. We enjoyed the event, and hope to be a host for many more!

The winners of the night:
Abutilon 'Biltmore Ball Gown' (adorable!)
Hardy Hibiscus 'Blush' by Ruter
Melampodium 'Jackpot Gold' by American Takii

The UGA Trial Garden welcomes you to visit on Saturday, June 20th for our Public Open House from 9am - 12pm!

Plants for sale will include our unique antique dish gardens filled with colorful combos of flowers and succulents! Each one is made with care by our Volunteer, Bj, and friends.

This annual event will provide an opportunity to view and vote for your favorite plants in this year's garden.

We will offer guided tours of the Trial Gardens at 9:30am and 10:30am.

Dr. Allan Armitage will also be here to sign copies of new newest book, The Common-Sense Gardener! "A unique blend of storytelling and hands-on gardening advice by renowned horticulturist Dr. Allan Armitage."


This event is open to the public, and we hope you will join us to kick-start the 2026 growing season!

UGA Trial Garden
220 W. Green St.
Athens, GA

Congratulations to Dr. John Ruter, Allan Armitage Endowed Professor of Horticulture and Director of the UGA Trial Garden, on your induction as a Fellow into National Academy of Inventors in Hollywood, CA!

This recognition is presented to academic inventors who have impacted quality of life, economic development, and the welfare of society. Dr. Ruter has patented ornamental cultivars through plant breeding focused on aesthetics, resilience, and sustainability.

Bravo, Dr. Ruter!

Our Industry Open House had fabulous weather and wonderful people to share it with! Thanks to everyone for making the trip, and we hope you enjoyed the 2026 Southern Garden Tour. Industry's Choice winners will be announced after our Public Open House June 20th. 🏆

The UGA Trial Garden Industry Open House is around the corner! Join us, and our counterparts on the Southern Garden Tour this June, Metrolina in North Carolina and Young's Plant Farm in Alabama.

This Industry focused event provides an opportunity to view the latest plants ornamental horticulture- a living catalog for 2026!

We welcome members of the green industry to gather and meet at the Trial Garden on Wednesday, June 3rd from 8am-12pm. Attendees will select the winners of the Industry's Choice Award.

Registration is free for members of the green industry. Parking is available in the South Campus Deck.

Contact [email protected] for more info, and visit https://www.southerngardentour.com/
for more info about the tour.

Thank you to our 2026 Trial sponsors, and we are looking forward to seeing you all at this event!

The UGA Trial Garden will host our Industry Open House on Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026 for professionals in the Green Industry.

Our Public Open house will be held on Saturday, June 20th, 2026 and is open to all!

Premier trial gardens in three Southern states will host members of the horticulture industry as part of the Southern Garden Tour, June 2-4, 2026.

Tour hosts – Young’s Plant Farm in Auburn, Alabama, the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia and Metrolina Greenhouses in Huntersville, North Carolina – welcome growers, plant breeders, plant brokers, educators, landscapers and allied trade members of the horticulture industry to evaluate hundreds of new variety introductions in their respective Trial Garden Open Houses throughout the first week of June during the annual event.

Complete event details and registration information for the Industry Open House are available at www.southerngardentour.com.

Thank you Clarke Central Agricultural Education Horticulture students for coming to visit and helping us to plant our Zinnia trials!
Come out and visit the Trial Garden this summer to see them grow! 🌼🏵🌸

Registration Now Open for the 2026 Southern Garden Tour The Southern Garden Tour takes place the first week of June 2026 and features stops at Young’s Plant Farm, the University of Georgia, and Metrolina Greenhouses.