Monroe County Master Gardener Association

Story & Photos by Gail K

Earlier this year, Josh from Four Star extended an invitation to visit.  We have enjoyed our relationship with Four Star for many, many years; so, we gladly accepted.

Today, Josh would share Four Star’s “product research “techniques & how it impacts our gardens.

Open to the public, FOUR STAR is a research-based garden& they enjoy getting feedback on their products.

When I say product-I mean product.  Rows and rows of PW pots, filled with various plants- recognized for “quality assurance”

Following his talk, he encouraged us to enjoy the gardens & share our opinions by completing a survey.

The Milan gals wasted no time in picking out one of interest; they are active in many projects. NICE choice ladies!!

Hey there Barb, what did you find??

       2022 list: so many,many to choose from & these are just the annuals……..

In smaller groups-we wandered off, looking at the various displays which sparked our interests.  Spoiler alert-I don’t do annuals, but I love to look & will share what we saw.

OK so the underlying “structures” may be but the

plantings & groupings are not–let me show you.
I love this bridge!!!

They even incorporate water ways-they want us to envision these plants & groupings in our own gardens.

Their displays whether hanging or just sitting; are planted using the filler, thriller & spiller technique.

They blend, they contrast & they highlight*
So, so many color combos!!!

Looking around-you experience “a full spectrum” in both: the types of plants & the combo of colors — the only thing left is your imagination & how YOU want to use them.

Such variety & I even spotted some that Josh brought to our meeting earlier in the year.  Hey, do ya have any extra covered bridges???

I like this display– it looks like anyone’s backyard.

Again, look at the colors!!!!

If you can see past the explosion of “IN YOUR FACE” color-

note in the background– pots, lined up in an orderly way-

 compare

to a casual grassy path softened by using just the right plants.

Looking at all these plants can be confusing.

We spotted Joan using the ID board….HEY JOAN,

whatcha’ looking for???   I hope she found it!   

                I have an idea-It’s HOT!

Many of us spent a couple of hours walking around.

Linda & I have more pictures to share; so let’s cool off &

we’ll do this in 2 parts……g & L