New & Improved Varieties of Old Favorites

Gardening, like the world of fashion, has trends. Some seem to come and go (think bell bottoms and Boston ferns); others stand the test of time to become beloved classics (think flannel shirts and old-fashioned peonies). But some of these old standards have benefitted from a few significant updates. Every year there is a staggering array of new introductions to sift through. Who wouldn’t want longer bloom times, more compact habits, more intense fragrance, higher pollen and nectar counts to attract pollinators and new and unheard-of color combinations?

“New is not better,” says Kelly Norris, plant breeder and director of horticulture for the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. “But it’s often worth a hard look. I like new things and I’m naturally curious about new varieties. With so many new catmints coming on the market, why not ditch ‘Walker’s Low,’ which