Canna Trials 2008

We are pleased to announce that a trial of new Canna cultivars is taking place in 2008.

The purpose of the trial is to introduce new varieties to growers, collectors and, of course, gardening enthusiasts everywhere. Enties were invited from all countries of the world. Over 50 entries were recieved from cultivars originating in Australia, Japan, South Africa, USA, Israel, France, Belgium, Poland, and England.

Submisions to the trial are now closed, and the entries have been potted up and put into protected growing conditions to allow them to be planted outdoors, when the threat of frost has gone.

The trial is being conducted by Keith Hayward and Malcolm Dalebö (Hart Canna and Claines Canna), who will plant and maintain the entries during the course of the trial alongside the National Collection of Canna. In addition, they will be organising the judging, recording and photographing of each plants progress, as well as updating this web site to allow all interested parties to join in as well.

Judging will be conducted in two ways. Firstly, recognised floral judges will visit the trial on occasions during summer 2008, and will provide a verdict on each of the cultivars entered. Secondly, you, the public, will be allowed to vote on-line for your own favourites, so that we also have a public verdict as well.

Photographs will be taken and posted on this site on a regular basis, to allow you to see the progress being made by each trial entrant.

A feedback discussion group will allow everybody interested to partake in the progress of the trial. It is anticipated that a lively debate will ensue over the merits of various Canna types and cultivars.

A facility will be provided to allow visitors to use the photographs of the trial entrants as e-postcards to send messages to their own loved ones. Happy Canna messages...

Finally, you can download your free official 2008 Canna Trials Screensaver to your own machine and enjoy the trial photographs for many years to come.