In the fall of 2005 Permian Basin Master Gardeners were approached with the idea of participating in this national rose research project.  The association agreed to participate.  The research is designed to rigorously test a variety of roses to determine which, if any, can be given the EARTH-KIND™  designation.  Roses earning this label must be able to provide beautiful, productive landscapes which require only minimal maintenance (no pesticides, fertilizer or pruning) while providing maximum protection for the environment.

After considering a number of sites, a site consisting of approximately one-third of an acre at UTPB (Center for Energy and Economic Diversification) was selected.  This site is on the east side of the Center’s building  and is easily accessible.

A number of problems were immediately apparent including, foremost, the source, quantity and quality of water.  After assurances that the water system could be configured so that MG’s could control the water usage, work proceeded.

The area was carefully measured, and a detailed plat of three beds each containing planting sites for thirty roses was prepared.

In August 2006, the area received two good rains (1/2 inch or more) and glyphosate was applied to the entire 1/3 acre.    A second application was applied ten days later after the area received another excellent rain.  After a third application, the grass appears to have been successfully eliminated.

The next step involved bringing in 50 cubic yards of fully decomposed  compost which was tilled into the soil followed by 70 cubic yards for the addition of a  4-inch layer of tree bark mulch.  Also irrigation lines were laid.

Planting time finally arrived.  The middle of October a group of about 20 MG’s, under the supervision of  Dr. Steve George, Landscape Horticulture Specialist of the  Dallas TCE, and Debbie Frost of the Ector and Midland Counties TCE, planted 90 roses (30 cultivars, three of each cultivar).  Planting sites were determined by random drawing.  Interestingly, even with a random drawing several roses appear in the same location in two of the beds.

After the planting, the second major problem had to be resolved.   Rats in the area like to cut the tender canes off at the plant crown.  After considering several solutions, chicken wire cages were made and placed around each rose.  High winds in the area managed to loosen several of the cages  necessitating additional staking to keep them in place.  So far none of the roses have been attacked by the rats.  Rat patrol is now an on-going activity. 

As of the middle of December all roses appear to be adjusting to their new environment.  Monitoring of the roses will not be done until the second year.