The Annual Flower Trial Garden is a horticultural project at the Colorado State University in Fort Collins. Every year, the project sees new varietals of different flowers planted in the garden to assess their ability to develop and grow in the local climate, as well as their flowering characteristics. Located at Lake and Remington across the street from the Colorado State University for the Arts, the Annual Flower Trial Garden are free to the public to visit.

  • What is the mission of the Annual Flower Trial Garden?
    • The mission is to provide a place for students, scholars, educators, industry professionals, and the community to learn about horticulture, flowering bulbs, and plants in the Rocky Mountain/High Plains environment.
  • How did the Annual Flower Trial Garden begin?
    • It began in 2003 as a Pansy Trial program led by Dr. Klett and David Staats at the W. D. Holley Plant Environmental Research Center (PERC) to test the winter survival of pansies and violas in Northern Colorado.
  • Where is the current location of the garden and how large is it?
    • The garden moved to Remington Street and now spans 2.9 acres with 20,000 square feet of bedding space, developed in five phases.
  • What is the main goal of the trial program?
    • The goal is to evaluate plant cultivars for their ability to perform and survive under Rocky Mountain weather conditions, including intense sun, hail, wind, and temperature fluctuations.
  • How are the plants arranged in the garden?
    • Plants are grown in rows arranged by color and grouped by genus to make comparisons easier.
  • When is the garden open and what can visitors expect?
    • The garden is open to the public, free of charge. Annuals are planted from late May through October, and pansies are planted in the fall for early spring bloom.
  • Can the garden be rented for events?
    • Yes, the garden—including the romantic Gazebo—can be rented for special occasions for an additional fee.
  • What other attractions are available in Fort Collins?
    • Fort Collins offers places like Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, the Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures, the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, and the Center for Fine Art Photography.
  • Where is the Annual Flower Trial Garden located?

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