He abuses roses, on purpose. Garey Wylie plants bushes of April Moon or Winter Sunset roses and doesn't water them after the first year. If they get pests, he doesn't spray them. If any diseased yellow leaves appear, he ignores them.

The Cleburne, Texas, man, caretaker of a rose trial garden, is on a rigorous path toward changing the way America gardens. Wylie is taking on the notoriously finicky rose.

He's on the hunt to find genetically tough roses that are easy on the planet and low-maintenance for the gardener.