Earth-Kind™: More than a Knock Out
By: Brian Puckett, Vice Chairman Helena Beautification Board
The Fairy Rose
(Photo: Chris VanCleave)
Fragrance, beauty and breathtaking blooms are just a few words that can be used to describe the roses that have earned the right to be called Earth-Kind™.
Most people are thinking to themselves, what in the world is an Earth-Kind™ rose? Simply put, they are a select group of roses that have been put through an extensive boot camp of sorts by the Horticulture Department at Texas A&M University. The only way to make it out of the “camp” with this elite distinction is by having great landscape performance, be tolerant to pests and disease and top it off with being sustainable. The idea behind Earth-Kind™ roses is simple. You plant them, water them in until they are established (usually about a month) and then you enjoy year after year. With no more real work!
In the early 1990’s the research began leading to the first phase of Earth-Kind™ roses coming to bloom with 15 varieties earning the distinction and six more being added to the list since then. The most common rose in the list of Earth-Kind™ is the Knock Out Rose, the rose that revolutionized an industry and changed the way we think about growing roses. Its health and vigor along with its ability to quickly repeat bloom has endeared itself to millions of homeowners. Visit any big box home store or local garden center and you are sure to find them, but they are not the only ones that are out there that will give you everything you are looking for.
If its ground cover roses you are wanting, check out “The Fairy”. This dwarf rose shrub will give you small double clusters of blooms from spring to fall. Instead of being like all of your neighbors, get the “Georgetown Tea” as your landscape rose. This elegant shrub will give you great pink blooms that unfurls to a display a pointed edge bloom during spring, summer and fall. But what about that trellis you want covered with amazement? Look no further than the vigorous climber, Reve d’Or. This rose produces tons of light yellow blooms and very little thorns and a strong tea fragrance. Repeatedly blooming throughout the spring, summer and fall the Reve d’Or can grow from 10 to 18 feet high.
Sustainability and low maintenance is key. I believe you should always enjoy your roses rather than having to constantly maintain them. Go ahead, go out and be different than all of your neighbors…. knock them out with beautiful Earth-Kind™ roses.
This Spring, the Helena Beautification Board is planting various varieties of Earth-Kind™ Roses throughout the city to promote the education and sustainability of these beauties. To see what types of Earth-Kind™ roses are throughout City of Helena go to www.helenabeautiful.com/plants_roses.html to learn more about the varieties we’re planting and get more information on how to plant a rose in your own garden.
For more information on Earth-Kind™ go to www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkindroses/
Most people are thinking to themselves, what in the world is an Earth-Kind™ rose? Simply put, they are a select group of roses that have been put through an extensive boot camp of sorts by the Horticulture Department at Texas A&M University. The only way to make it out of the “camp” with this elite distinction is by having great landscape performance, be tolerant to pests and disease and top it off with being sustainable. The idea behind Earth-Kind™ roses is simple. You plant them, water them in until they are established (usually about a month) and then you enjoy year after year. With no more real work!
In the early 1990’s the research began leading to the first phase of Earth-Kind™ roses coming to bloom with 15 varieties earning the distinction and six more being added to the list since then. The most common rose in the list of Earth-Kind™ is the Knock Out Rose, the rose that revolutionized an industry and changed the way we think about growing roses. Its health and vigor along with its ability to quickly repeat bloom has endeared itself to millions of homeowners. Visit any big box home store or local garden center and you are sure to find them, but they are not the only ones that are out there that will give you everything you are looking for.
If its ground cover roses you are wanting, check out “The Fairy”. This dwarf rose shrub will give you small double clusters of blooms from spring to fall. Instead of being like all of your neighbors, get the “Georgetown Tea” as your landscape rose. This elegant shrub will give you great pink blooms that unfurls to a display a pointed edge bloom during spring, summer and fall. But what about that trellis you want covered with amazement? Look no further than the vigorous climber, Reve d’Or. This rose produces tons of light yellow blooms and very little thorns and a strong tea fragrance. Repeatedly blooming throughout the spring, summer and fall the Reve d’Or can grow from 10 to 18 feet high.
Sustainability and low maintenance is key. I believe you should always enjoy your roses rather than having to constantly maintain them. Go ahead, go out and be different than all of your neighbors…. knock them out with beautiful Earth-Kind™ roses.
This Spring, the Helena Beautification Board is planting various varieties of Earth-Kind™ Roses throughout the city to promote the education and sustainability of these beauties. To see what types of Earth-Kind™ roses are throughout City of Helena go to www.helenabeautiful.com/plants_roses.html to learn more about the varieties we’re planting and get more information on how to plant a rose in your own garden.
For more information on Earth-Kind™ go to www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkindroses/
About the Author
A twelve-year resident of Helena, Brian is actively involved in civic and faith based initiatives and is currently serving as Vice Chairman and Secretary of the Helena Beautification Board, Secretary of the Helena Elementary PTO, and a second term on the Riverchase Business Association Board of Directors, where his eye for design has help lead the Riverchase. Brian has an MBA and works at Regions Bank. Mr. Puckett is married with two daughters. With a knack for design, Brian makes ideas come to life. His eye for detail bodes well from small planter flower selections to grandiose projects. A skilled woodcrafter, he recently showcased his skills in the various holiday displays throughout Old Town.