FROM STAFF REPORTS

HELENA – Helena Earth Kind Rose Trial Curator Brian Puckett was awarded the Rising Star Award by the American Rose Society during an awards ceremony at its national convention in San Diego, California the weekend of Oct. 26.

Founded in 1892, The ARS is an educational non-profit organization and the nation’s oldest single plant horticultural society, headquartered in Shreveport, Louisiana. This award was established to recognize and honor the work of a new generation of rosarians for their contributions in supporting the culture and appreciation of the rose.

“This award, given to individuals under the age of 45 that have made outstanding contributions to the world of roses and Brian Puckett has contributed to this worthy cause and to the American Rose Society with his work in establishing the first municipal Earth Kind trial garden in Helena and through his efforts to educate the public and to increase membership in the American Rose Society,” outgoing President of the ARS Pat Shanley said.

Puckett’s achievements in the rose world have been many. In 2016, in his role as vice chairman of the Helena Beautification Board, he helped formulate a plan to revitalize the strip in Old Town Helena with plantings of native perennials and Earth Kind Roses.

In 2017, he spearheaded a partnership with Texas A&M AgriLife research which made Helena the nation’s first municipality to conduct an Earth Kind Rose Trial. The trial was launched in October of 2017 with much fanfare and is now in its second year. In 2018, he embarked on a nationwide speaking tour to educate the public on growing roses chemical free.

“The work to determine easy to grow roses for homeowners is something we can all get behind,” Helena Beautification Board Chairman Chris VanCleave, who has worked with Puckett on these projects, said. “I don’t think people realize how many hours of planning and preparation goes into an effort of this caliber and Puckett was instrumental in ensuring its success; not only for homeowners who will eventually purchase these roses, but for the contribution he’s made locally to enrich the lives of those who live in this great town.”

The Helena Beautification Board is an appointed board of the Helena City Council. The Board believes that people and places are profoundly connected and thriving communities are rooted in individual responsibility and action. They host a variety of opportunities for the community to come together and serve each year. Events are posted on the Helena Beautiful Facebook page and announced via Twitter at @TweetHomeHelena.