b'of people looking to the trust imparted in award-winning seeds and plants, explains Lizotte. EVERYONE WINS WHEN THEY GARDEN!The industry also benefits from large shows like ASTA because they get a chance to network, learn about trends fromWhile seeds are literally a growth industry, there is also a growth mindset for other regions, meet breeders, and discuss new solutions toconsumers when it comes to spending time in their gardens. The mental health inventory, and climate while finding new ways to engage andbenefits of gardening, including starting plants from seeds, have been studied inform home gardeners. for years. Even more so during the past few years as we created our recreation Lizotte has many regional-specific meadow blends which he has found resonates with gardeners looking to incorporate nativespace at home, often as a more solitary activity. Whether we are eating our species into their plans knowing they also will fit better with theirown produce or enjoying the flower garden there is a lot of good to be found.climate, geography and growing goals.Just for ones healthit is very necessary to work in the garden and to see the People find many benefits in gardening and the resurgenceflowers growing.Vincent van Goghof individuals discovering [or rediscovering] gardening is a trend that continues to grow, says Lizotte, We find that so exciting!Since 1932, All-America Selections has been offering awards to trial-based varieties submitted from around the world. With over 20 countries submitting seeds and plants for trials, and over 80 trial sites, this non-profit takes its work seriously. People find many benefits in gardening and the Recognizing that trial varieties, submitted by breeders, are driven by industry and consumer demand they strive to offerresurgence of individuals discovering [or rediscovering] the best in all areas from taste, look, yield, germination, how easygardening is a trend that continues to grow. they are to grow, and most critically they have to be new.New and unique varieties are grown in seven different trials, Mike Lizottealongside comparison varieties, and rated on a five-point scale, with five being the highest ranking. Trial judges are experts in their areas and currently, there are 92 judges working on sevengarden spaces. Gen X and the Boomers tend towards more tra-trials which have at least 24 sites per trial. ditional gardens but may dabble in new varieties looking for easy An award-winning variety must meet specific criteria to begrowing, good taste and germination as well as higher yields, considered a contender. It must follow the traits specified by thesays Reiber, who has done a number of surveys for AAS.breeder, score higher than the varieties in the comparison trial,Early highlights include the increase of younger garden-and meet the criteria of their type.ers who prefer to grow from seed to the surprising sources of Diane Blazek, the Executive Director at All-Americainformation gardeners learn from. Unlike flower and ornamen-Selections (AAS), is excited about the coming year and thetal gardeners, vegetable gardeners look to their retailers (local results of the current trials.garden centers) for their information and to learn about new Consumers have come to trust the All-America Selectionsvarieties, and for troubleshooting. Both groups also gravitate to awards knowing they represent the best of the best for color,social media, especially YouTube, to learn about tricks, tips and taste, and how easy the variety is to grow, says Blazek, Thatnew ways to make their gardens grow, explains Reiber.trust is based on over 90 years of experience with trials, judgingWhen asked why they choose to grow vegetables from and selecting varieties that are both unique and perform betterseed, most responded that they enjoy the process, it helps save than the comparisons in trials. money, theres better variety selection in seeds and it is tradi-There are three AAS Award types: National, Regional and thetional to grow vegetables from seed.elusive Gold Medal, reserved for breeding breakthroughs. TheThere is a significant number of people who responded who rigorous trials and judging ensure that when a variety is declaredwill continue to garden in 2023, some even looking to expand a winner, its truly earned it. Winning breeders can promote theirtheir gardens. The reasons vary from satisfaction found in the AAS Winner as long as the variety is available for sale. garden, liking the taste of their own produce, and the time out-From ornamentals (from cuttings or seed) and edibles (fruitsside (and exercise) in keeping up the garden.and vegetables from seed) there are seven types of trials cur- Breeders using social media and feedback from retailers rently going across the United States and Canada. can capture early interest and trends from consumers, and they AAS takes consumer trends seriously and supports severalcan use awards to provide proven options for gardeners to try, survey-driven reports each year. This year is the first year Axiomexplains Lizotte. Marketing has done a vegetable-specific survey and the resultsThe trust level in award-winning seeds and plants is high were released in January 2023. among consumers. This sets a high bar for both breeders and Whether its containers or in-ground, the Gen Z and Gen Yorganizations to run trials and award varietiesthey are grow-demographics are looking to have more interesting and diverseing trust as much as they are growing their industry reach.SW12/ SEEDWORLD.COMFEBRUARY 2023'