In summer 1998 we began at Miami University a program aimed at the scientific evaluation and public demonstration of available warm-climate plants under Zone 6 conditions, and the development and commercialization of ‘next generation’ cultivars with even better cold hardiness characteristics. These include palms and a wide assortment of broadleaved evergreens, bamboo, crape myrtles, bananas, and other warm-temperate plants.

Our overarching goal is to find, develop, and transfer good winter hardy cultivars that can be moved to colder zones (North) from warmer zones (South), hence the development of the trademark Midwestern Tropical Nursery ®.