SDSU Extension and McCrory Gardens to feature rose trial tour and program

SDSU Extension Master Gardener volunteer Kat Murphy evaluates the American Rose Trials for Sustainability (ARTS) Program roses during the 2024 growing season.

BROOKINGS, S.D. – South Dakota State University Extension and McCrory Gardens are pleased to feature the ongoing rose garden trials and research during a special event on Aug. 25, 2025, at McCrory Gardens in Brookings.

This free, family-friendly event is for anyone interested in learning more about roses. Kristine Lang, assistant professor and SDSU Extension Consumer Horticulture Specialist, said green industry professionals, Master Gardener volunteers and home gardeners are especially encouraged to attend.

The tour is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. CDT and will give visitors the opportunity to learn about the history of flower trials at McCrory Gardens, including roses, annuals and perennials. Registration is not required; sign-in is requested upon arrival.

Visitors will also learn about the American Rose Trials for Sustainability (ARTS) Program, which evaluates which plants are the best-suited for each region. They test based on factors like disease and pest resistance and overall plant hardiness. 

Attendees will hear from SDSU Extension faculty and staff, McCrory Gardens staff and an SDSU Extension Master Gardener volunteer about the current rose trial beds and learn how evaluations are conducted and which roses have won in past years. The program will end with a discussion of rose diseases to watch for and management tactics to keep roses healthy. 

For more information, contact Kristine Lang, assistant professor and SDSU Extension Consumer Horticulture Specialist.