Kohlrabi Konstance in the AAS Winner Display Garden

photos from the 2024 AAS Display Garden

AAS, All America Selections, was founded in 1932. This network of seed companies, trial gardens with judges, and display gardens, come together to promote new varieties of edible plants-  veggies and ornamental flowers- across all of North America. A few rules about the plants are they must be NEW, never before sold varieties, and they must not be genetically modified. Then they are compared to the industry standard varieties. The AAS winners are usually more disease resistant, have more pest tolerance, or are simply bigger or more beautiful! The ones that earn the “AAS” name are chosen by the judges at the trial gardens for their region or as a national winner.

Juniper Gardens Training Farm is an AAS display garden. This year before the growing season really kicked off, I received a box of free seeds.  In my role as Cultivate KC’s Farmer Trainer in the New Roots program, I teach farmers in training about how to grow and sell these varieties. Seeing is believing, and that’s why display gardens exist. Farmers, staff, and visitors can see the plants growing and learn more about AAS in the staff plot at JGTF.

This year AAS asked the display gardens to send in a glamour shot of an AAS winner growing in the garden. I sent in the photo of a beautiful purple kohlrabi called Konstance, and NOW its voting time for the photo contest! Visit their website, look for Kohlrabi Kontance in the group, and VOTE HERE. We’re proud that it’s the only veggie in the collection!

written by Haley Drake, Juniper Gardens Training Farm Farmer Trainer