PRESS RELEASE--October 28, 2002

Longview, Washington - The Port of Longview and the Washington State University Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Foundation of Cowlitz County continued their partnership this month to provide the local community with a piece of Longview’s horticultural heritage.

 On October 24  the Washington State University Master Gardener volunteers took cuttings from the historical rose bushes located at the Port’s West Park industrial park. The cuttings will be rooted by the volunteers and offered to the public at the spring Home and Garden Show.

The historical rose bushes are located at the Port’s 180-acre West Park industrial park. The Port acquired the property in the 1990's, including the former Long-Bell Lumber Company office complex, known as the White House. It is believed that the roses were originally planted by Long-Bell Company developers in the 1920's or 30's, when the City of Longview was newly emerging.

Originally the roses were planted alongside International Way, the main roadway leading to the White House. After acquiring the property, the Port needed to provide better access to the industrial park by widening and improving the roadway, necessitating moving the rose bushes. In 2000, with assistance from the City of Longview, the rose bushes were transplanting to a temporary location behind the White House. Shortly afterwards the Master Gardener volunteers took the first cuttings. Since then they have taken cuttings from the rose bushes each fall, offering the rooted rose plants to the local public each spring at the Home and Garden show. In August 2002 the International Way roadway improvement project was completed.

In the future, the Port plans to transplant the historical rose bushes to permanent homes along International Way, at the main administration building, or next to new industrial tenant buildings at the industrial park. It is expected that the historical significance of the roses will greatly enhance landscaping in the Port’s industrial area.

Very little is known about the roses other than who planted them. The species is not known, although the roses are described as single petal, old fashioned, hardy roses of the Rambling Rose or Shrub Rose variety. If anyone has historical information regarding the roses, they are encouraged to contact the Port’s Communications/Public Affairs at 360-425-3305, or the Wasington State University Cooperative Extension office at 370-577-3014.

Both the Port of Longview and the Washington State University Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Foundation are very pleased to continue their partnership of providing the local community with a small piece of Longview’s horticultural history.

For further information regarding information contained in this press release contact Communications/Public Affairs, 360-425-3305.