New in the Garden

The Master Plan for the Central Park Rose Garden was adopted in October, 2005

The plan to be implemented over a 10 year period would aim at taking the garden from a state of maintenance to a fully designed horticultural treasure.  The following features have been successfully completed.

• Irrigation System (2007)
• Lawn and Tent Area (2007)
• Spring Pond and Perennial Flower Bed (2008)
• Memorial Benches (2008)
• Trash Receptacles (2008)
• Gate House (Spring 2009)
• Grand Staircase (Spring 2009)
• Information and Memorial Kiosk (TBA)

EarthKind™ Roses

EarthKind™ is a program started in the early 1990’s to identify and test roses and other plants that could survive using the kindest practices to the earth. The roses must be able to grow in acid or alkaline soils, be pest tolerant, hardy to heat / cold and drought tolerant once established.

Growing EarthKind™ roses gives you the opportunity to enjoy beautiful flowers with a very minimum of effort while preserving the environment. A great deal of thanks goes out to Dr. Steve George, the father of the EarthKind™ movement and the Texas A&M Agri Life Extension Service.

In the spring of 2010, the Central Park Rose Garden was selected to participate in a multi-year trial with eight other rose gardens in the northern zone to test roses to qualify for EarthKind™ status. This is a most unique opportunity to feature EarthKind™ roses in the garden as well as be involved in new agricultural technology.

Rose bushes have been planted three to a bed on six foot centers. 15 different cultivars have been planted for a total of 45 rose bushes. They received four inches of mulch and only will receive water under dry conditions. Rose bushes will not receive fertilizer, be sprayed or deadheaded. Bushes will not be winterized.

Roses will be tested starting in 2011 for three years. Testing will be done monthly during the growing season identifying hardiness, bloom production, fragrance and pest resistance. At the completion of the test period, a list of EarthKind™ roses for the northern climate will be published. More information about Earthkind Roses

Fountain Project

The Rose Garden Restoration Committee is currently in the process of fundraising for the garden's newest feature, a fountain, which will be located in the center of the garden.

Large gifts by individuals or corporations may be eligible for naming opportunities. Individuals with questions or interested in making a contribution towards the fountain may contact us at 355-5798.