Each year, rosarians from all across Australia come together for the Australian Rose Championships. The event brings together passionate individuals to hear from experts, admire stunning rose displays, visit local gardens and share in a spirit of camaraderie and learning. This year, the Rose Society of Victoria has the honour of hosting the event, making it a memorable gathering for all.
A standout moment of the event was the lecture delivered by Stefanie Williams, the International Business Development Manager at David Austin Roses. With her deep knowledge, enthusiasm, and love for roses, Stefanie captivated the audience. She provided an exciting glimpse into the future, showcasing some remarkable new rose varieties that we can expect to see in the coming years.
The event also featured a glamorous gala dinner, where numerous well-deserving members were honoured with awards. Among those recognized were Colin Hollis, Meryl and Ted Morphett, Janet and Graham Wright from the Rose Society of NSW, and Diane vom Berg from the Rose Society of South Australia. These individuals have made significant contributions to the rose community, and it was wonderful to see them receive the recognition they deserve.
One of the highlights of the weekend was the show bench, which was simply stunning, particularly considering the challenging weather conditions many states had faced in the lead-up to the event. The dedication of exhibitors, particularly those who travelled from interstate to present their roses, was truly remarkable. Special congratulations go to Ian Banks-Smith, the winner of the Australian Grand Champion Award. Ian’s exhibit, a beautiful bunch of Floribunda roses titled Leonardo da Vinci, stole the show and was a worthy winner.
Delegates also had the privilege of visiting two exceptional gardens: the Mornington Botanic Rose Garden and Broughton Hall in Jindivik. The Mornington garden is primarily dedicated to roses, while Broughton Hall blends roses with rare and unusual perennials. Both gardens left a lasting impression on visitors, sparking lively discussions and admiration long after the visits.
The National Rose Society of Australia (NRSA) has been supporting and promoting rose cultivation in Australia since its formation on 4th November 1972. This national body has played a key role in uniting state rose societies and ensuring that Australia remains at the forefront of the global rose community. As a result, NRSA members receive the Australian Rose Annual, a beautiful journal featuring the latest rose varieties and industry news, keeping everyone connected and informed.
NRSA’s membership in the World Federation of Rose Societies (WFRS) also allows Australian rose lovers to engage with the global rose community. Every three years, an international rose convention is hosted by a member country, and in 2022 (held in 2020), Australia had the honour of hosting the event in Adelaide. These conventions provide invaluable opportunities to connect with international rosarians, exchange knowledge, and explore new ideas for rose cultivation.