Last week, Pam Bennett, the state Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator, told a webinar that it appears the downy mildew problem in walleriana has been eradicated. She did say that doesn't mean those plants might not get it, but that nurseries and greenhouses have become much more proactive in spraying any cuttings or imports from areas prone to downy mildew with fungicides. 

Of course, there are Sunpatiens and New Guinea impatiens, which are both resistant to downy mildew and that have been stalwart stand-ins for the susceptible wallerianas. Breeders have been producing many wonderful hybrids, so don't strike them off your annuals list altogether. Still, the consensus seems to be that our old standby impatiens might be worth another try.

A word of caution: Despite the no-mildew assurances, it is still advisable not to plant the same plant in the same place or container year after year. Just as with vegetable gardening, some plant rotation helps keep your ornamental plants healthy and the soil from becoming depleted.