EarthKind Rose Trial
Seven cultivars of roses are in the testing phase for certification as EarthKind(TM) roses with one control cultivar for this bed. The control rose is CAREFREE BEAUTY. Other cultivars there include: Double Red Knock Out, Julia Child, Katy Girl, Maytime, Piccolo Pete, Pipe Dreams, Rainbow Knock Out.
Through the support of the community: Texoma Landscapes for the stone edging, Fannin Co. REA for mulch, and Northeast Texas Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D), the Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce and the Multi-Purpose Complex Board of Directors, the Fannin County Master Gardeners have completed the Trial Beds. For three years, these roses will be tested. At the end of that time, those roses that perform outstandingly will receive the EarthKind(TM) designation.
Agricultural Demonstration & Applied Research Project
Agricultural Demonstration & Applied Research Project
Master Gardeners contribute their time as volunteers, working through the AgriLIFE Extension Service to provide horticultural related information to the community. One way they work with the Extension service are Test Projects such as this demonstration bed. With the commitment of the committee and group, the work for this project was made easier by many hands working together.
One bloom from the variety Julia Child. Most of the varieties in the test garden are fragrant and repeat bloomers.
Julia Child
Part of the testing is determining that these roses will do well without being pampered. Deadheading, fertilizing, spraying, and other ‘rose care’ things are not done in this test bed. The first year, the roses are watered to get them established. The second year, the water is cut back quite a bit. The third year, it is even less. Whatever rainfall they get will be all the water given. The purpose of the trial is to establish easy care roses for anybody to grow.
