Discover the story of Ball Colegrave and its summer gardening showcase trials, in the words of our head gardener, Peter McDermott:
“Let me take you on a journey through time, across continents, and right into the heart of Oxfordshire, where the Ball Colegrave Summer Showcase Trials set the gold standard for gardening and garden plants in the UK. But this isn’t just a story about flowers – it’s about how a shared passion for plants brought two companies together to revolutionise our gardens.
How Ball Colegrave Came To Be
We start by rewinding to the 1960s. In the heart of England, the visionary John Colegrave founded Colegrave Seeds, a business dedicated to supplying seeds to nurseries and growers. Known for its
innovation and high-quality varieties, the company quickly became a trusted name in British horticulture.
Meanwhile, across ‘the pond’, the Ball family was making waves in the plant world. Ball Horticultural Company began in 1905 as a small seed business in the USA, specialising in sweet peas. Over the decades,
it grew into a global leader in plant breeding, introducing countless beloved varieties that transformed gardens worldwide.
In 2001, the stars aligned. Colegrave Seeds joined forces with Ball Horticultural, creating Ball Colegrave. This partnership combined British expertise with American innovation, setting the stage for a horticultural
powerhouse. Today, Ball Colegrave is at the forefront of developing and distributing some of the most exciting and reliable plants for UK gardens.
A Gardener’s Paradise
If you’ve ever wondered how those stunning plants end up in your local garden centre, the answer lies in the Ball Colegrave Summer Showcase Trials.
Every summer, the company’s Adderbury headquarters transforms into a living, breathing canvas of horticultural excellence. Imagine strolling through four acres of vibrant blooms, hanging baskets and trial gardens – it’s like stepping into a gardener’s dream!
But this isn’t just about creating a pretty picture. The trials serve a vital purpose: testing and selecting the very best plant varieties for UK gardens. It’s a rigorous process designed to ensure that every plant can thrive in our unique conditions. And let’s face it, with British weather being what it is, that’s no easy feat!
The Art And Science Of Breeding
At the heart of the trials is the fascinating process of plant breeding. Here’s how it works: plant breeders identify desirable traits, such as vibrant colours, disease resistance or a compact growth habit, and
cross-pollinate parent plants to create new varieties. Think of it as matchmaking for plants – but with a scientific twist.
Once a new variety is developed, the real work begins. It’s planted alongside existing favourites to see how it measures up. Does it bloom longer? Is it more weather-resistant? Does it offer something truly unique?
Only varieties that excel in these comparisons make it through to the next stage.
What sets Ball Colegrave apart is its commitment to real-world testing. The plants are grown in settings that mimic home gardens, exposed to the same rain, wind and occasional heatwaves that we all contend with. This ensures the plants you buy are as tough as they are beautiful.
Why Does It Matter?
So, what does all this mean for you? It’s simple: better plants, better gardens. By the time a plant variety reaches your local garden centre, it’s been through the horticultural equivalent of boot camp. You can trust that it will perform brilliantly, whether it’s in a hanging basket, patio container or flower border.
Take, for example, Begonia ‘Sweet Spice Citrus’. This fragrant beauty isn’t just a feast for the eyes and nose – it’s been bred and trialled to thrive in shadier spots, making it a game-changer for tricky corners of the garden.
Or consider the impatiens ‘Beacon’ Series, which offers vibrant, mildew-resistant blooms, ensuring your display stays stunning all summer long. The Ball Colegrave trials are about more than just aesthetics. They’re a promise to UK gardeners that the plants they choose will deliver on quality, reliability and sheer joy. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a green-fingered novice, you can trust that these plants help you
to create a garden to be proud of.
Plan A Visit (Or Keep An Eye Out!)
While the showcase isn’t open to the public all year, it does host special open days for gardeners and industry professionals. If you ever get the chance to visit, don’t miss it! It’s a masterclass in horticulture and an inspiring day out. And if you can’t make it, don’t worry – the results of these trials are already making their way to garden centres near you.
So next time you pick up a tray of bedding plants or a hanging basket, spare a thought for the journey they’ve been on – from the careful hands of breeders to the unpredictable British weather in Adderbury,
all to ensure your garden is nothing short of spectacular.”
