By Shirley D. Smith, Somervell County Master Gardener
As I look out on the many, many plants I have in my garden, it is really hard to pick out just one that I like over all the others. However, there is probably one that stands out for me. My Earth-Kind® Roses would have to be at the top of my list. I learned about Earth-Kind® Roses when I joined the Somervell County Master Gardeners. I had never even considered planting roses before because I thought they were just too much trouble. However, after listening to some learned folks who raised Earth-Kind® Roses and knew about them, I changed my mind and decided to give them a try. Oh, I am so glad I did! I have planted at least 6 different types and they have done wonderfully for me. I have forgotten the names of all of them but I do remember one that I like particularly and that is Belinda’s Dream. It was the first rose to be designated Earth-Kind® by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. It is a beautiful pink shrub rose. This particular rose can be grown in a pot, as a hedge or just by itself. Mine has beautiful blooms (when the deer leave it alone) and they smell wonderfully! It looks like what I think a rose should look like. I do very little to my roses other than fertilize them once or twice a year (if I remember) and add a layer of compost around them in the spring. If I have time (and feel like it), I will deadhead them, but for the most part they are on their own. Of course, I give them supplemental water when the weather turns hot and dry. But, these are tough roses and have been grown to be tough. So, if you are like me and have not tried roses because of misinformation, then give these Earth-Kind® Roses a try. You will not be sorry you did. You can find out more about the Earth-Kind® Roses by looking them up on line or contact one of your local Master Gardeners. We will be happy to share our knowledge with you and we have a lovely brochure on them you can have for free!