By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

Passionate about seeing gardeners grow roses sustainably, Helena resident and rose gardener Chris VanCleave has teamed up with Brian Puckett, curator of the first municipal Earth Kind rose trial, to launch the Rose Kings Sustainability Tour.

This national tour is geared toward teaching the public how to grow roses without using harmful chemicals. Through fun and interactive presentations, this dynamic duo from Helena will show hands-on how to select, plant and care for roses in the garden.

“Consumers today are often confused and ultimately disappointed when it comes to growing roses,” VanCleave, known around the country as America’s Favorite Rose Gardener, said. During the tour, Brian and I will share our extensive knowledge about what types of roses can be grown in your area for maximum color impact without using harmful chemicals in your garden.”

“The need for practical information on sustainable gardening is in full demand and the VanCleave/Puckett partnership is just what our attendees are looking for,” Mari Franco, show manager with Marketplace Events and producer of the Birmingham Home Show, said. “Their easy style and welcoming manner demystified growing roses, making it fun and easy for gardeners of every age. We are super excited to have them kick off their national sustainability tour at the Birmingham Home Show.”

“Innovations in rose breeding have now produced roses that are virtually disease-free, and they bloom like mad,” Puckett, curator of the United States’s first municipal Earth Kind rose trial, said. “During the tour, we’ll reveal the various types of roses, their growth habits as well as the level of care they need so people can make informed decisions for their gardens.”

The tour kicks off in February and will make stops in Birmingham, Chicago and then be heading out west.

“We’re booking additional dates every week,” Puckett said.

Learn more about the Rose Kings Tour and inquire about available speaking dates at Rosekingstour.com.