I interviewed Sam Hoadley Manager of Horticultural Research at Mt. Cuba Center to explore how their plant trials are helping gardeners make more informed, ecologically sound decisions. Sam shared behind-the-scenes insights into how plant trials are structured, what makes a plant a top performer, and how Mt. Cuba balances aesthetic value with wildlife support. We took a dive into the results of reports released like Helenium, Echinacea, Hydrangea arborescens, Carex, Amsonia, and Vernonia, and how certain cultivars still provide substantial ecological benefit. Sam explains how their team interprets plant data for real-world use and why home gardeners might benefit from running their own micro trials. He also teases a few exciting upcoming reports, including evaluations of goldenrods, ferns, oakleaf hydrangeas, and bluestem grasses.