The planning for this project began in 2000 by then Horticulture Agent Steve Chaney and the Master Gardeners began planting in 2001.
That was no small undertaking. The area to be planted was outside the Extension Service offices, located in the newly built Multi Purpose Events Center. Newly built of course, meant former construction site, on our clay soil. Joy bells must have been ringing in the hearts of all the Master Gardeners…..bless their hearts.
After having a soil test done by Soil Science Laboratory at Texas A&M, the group was ready to add the soil amendments, sort of. In order to get that hard packed clay to a point a rototiller could be used, soaker hoses had to be run all night. Once that was done, and the ground was some what pliable, compost and expanded shale were worked in. That’s when the fun began.
Some of the original plants installed were Gulf Muhly, Purple Three Awn, Little Bluestem, Salvia Greggii, Texas Mock Orange, Winecup, Standing Verbena, Liatris, Moss Verbena, Shadscale, Palo Pinto Lantana, and Desert Willow. Using a wide variety of Xeriscape plants and EarthKind roses, The Master Gardeners took an ugly chunk of dirt and turned it into a beautiful, self sustaing garden for everyone to enjoy. While some of these plants are still growing and thriving, other have gone the way of the Dodo bird.
The Wichita County Master Gardeners have continued to maintain the garden over the last 10 years, weeding and pruning as necessary and keeping a 3 inch layer of hardwood mulch covering the entire bed. The original Zoysia grass path has been replaced by a mulched pathway now, and plants have come and gone as the garden has evolved.
One of the highlights of this garden is the MME. Antoine Marie EarthKind rose. This beautiful lady as surpassed it’s usual growth size and has become Queen of the garden. Even through our hottest, dryest summers, she keeps right on blooming and continues to prove the outstanding abilities of all the EarthKind roses.
When you are in the area, please go by the MPEC location at 1000 5th Street. The garden is located in the front of the building by the loading dock. We are working to get the signage redone to help identify all that is growing in the garden.
