Front Row

Middle Row

Back Row

Also on the Team

Beyond the core evaluation team, a wider circle of contributors helps shape the program's direction and deepen its reach. These additional members bring diverse perspectives from across the horticultural community, including growers, landscape designers, and passionate home gardeners. Their collective experience ensures that the perennials under trial are assessed not only for ornamental appeal but also for practical performance in real-world Chicagoland conditions. By pooling knowledge from many corners of the industry, the extended team strengthens the credibility and usefulness of every evaluation, making the findings relevant to both professionals and casual plant enthusiasts alike.

The broader team plays an essential role in site selection and logistical coordination across the numerous trial locations used for the program. Members help identify suitable garden settings that represent the varied soil types, light exposures, and microclimates found throughout the greater metropolitan area. This careful attention to placement ensures that plants are tested under conditions that genuinely reflect what Chicagoland gardeners will encounter in their own yards. Their behind-the-scenes work guarantees that snapshots and data collected over the growing season are consistent, reliable, and meaningful for consumers making informed purchasing decisions.

Industry professionals who join the extended team contribute valuable feedback on underused perennials that may deserve greater attention in regional landscapes. Breeders and growers share insights about plant genetics, disease resistance, and adaptability, while landscape designers offer practical observations about how specific varieties perform in commercial and residential settings. This exchange of specialized knowledge helps the program spotlight plants that might otherwise go unnoticed, giving them a fair chance to prove their worth. The result is a richer, more comprehensive picture of what thrives in the challenging climate of the Chicago area.

The extended team also supports the educational mission of the program by helping communicate findings to the public. Members participate in open garden days, contribute to written summaries, and engage with community groups interested in learning which perennials succeed in local conditions. Their enthusiasm and willingness to share firsthand observations make the evaluation process more transparent and accessible. Through these efforts, the team ensures that the program's work extends far beyond the trial beds themselves, reaching the people who will ultimately benefit from choosing proven, resilient plants for their own landscapes.

Commitment to collaboration defines the culture of the extended evaluation team. Members meet regularly to discuss observations, compare notes across seasons, and refine evaluation protocols based on what they have learned. This ongoing dialogue fosters a sense of shared purpose and continuous improvement, allowing the program to evolve with changing climate patterns and shifting consumer preferences. Whether seasoned horticultural experts or enthusiastic volunteers, every participant contributes to a collective effort that elevates the quality and relevance of perennial recommendations for the Chicagoland region and beyond.