For Release: Aug . 20, 2007
Viewers g o behind the scenes at Churchill Downs when the weekly series Garden Smart features the landscaping by chief horticulturist John Backert at the home of the Kentucky Derby. The program airs Saturday, Se pt. 8 at noon/11 a.m. CT on KET 2.In this program, viewers learn about the amount of work that goes into preparing the grounds for the Derby, including the selection of plants for optimal blooming the first Saturday in May. The program opens in the Aristides Garden, named for the first Kentucky Derby winner. Here, tulips abound and Backert has selected Tulipa "Burgundy lace," the latest-blooming tulip he can find.
Of course one can't talk about plants at the Derby without talking about roses. The early blooming Rosa Double Knock Out comes on with great color, has abundant petals and can handle abuse -- Kentucky's spring weather can be fickle and late freezes are not uncommon. Other cold-tolerant flowers such as petunias are also on display.
Over in the Winner's Circle, the track's focal point and where all eyes are directed after the fastest two minutes in sport, the geranium is traditionally planted. Viewers lea r n how the soil is prepared, with a blend of organic material to retain moisture, and how Backert's goal is to ach ieve "a nice, friable soil" -- o ne which crumbles easily, providing enough air space for the roots to integrate into the soil.
Garden Smart , air ing each Saturday on KET2 , features experts from gardens nationwide. Each program offer s horticulturists' firsthand knowledge and gardening experiences, providing viewers with a wide range of practical, helpful advice.
Garden Smart is produced by Jim McCutcheon and the Garden Show Production Company. More information about KET programming and education services, as well as how to support KET, can be found at www.ket.org.