The Great Plains and Intermountain region have always been something of a paradox, or perhaps better put, a “perplex” for American horticulture. Sure, these regions hoard the lion’s share of America’s flower-filled national parks and public lands, the Great Plains are not only the breadbasket of North America, but flyover country also encompasses some of the most devoted gardeners anywhere. But these gardeners have to deal with challenges like perennial drought, arctic cold blasts, tornadoes, and epic hail—not to mention a certain degree of isolation: this vast heartland of America is the least populated part of the U.S.A. (if we conveniently forget Alaska, that is!)
