The 2025 Autumn Rose Show and People’s Choice Weekend took place at the end of April, and what a turnout it was! Visitors enjoyed a stunning display of roses and had the chance to vote for their favourites, helping to decide which varieties might soon appear on the Australian market.

The National Rose Trial Garden, established in 1996, plays a vital role in identifying new roses suited to Australia’s unique climate. It is the first garden of its kind in the country and is a collaboration between the Botanic Gardens of South Australia, the National Rose Society of Australia, and the rose industry. Thousands of volunteer hours, alongside expert botanic garden staff, help maintain this rose trial garden.

Each trial runs over two growing seasons, with all plants treated equally. Entries, depending on rose type, consist of three, four, or six plants identified only by a code. Their true identity is known only to the Trial Coordinator and the entry agent. Throughout the trial, a panel of ten experienced rosarians judges the roses monthly, awarding points based on health, vigour, hardiness, and pest and disease tolerance just to name a few.

Each year, the public is invited to inspect the new cultivars and vote for their favourites, usually timed with the Rose Society of South Australia’s Autumn Rose Show.

This year, Neutrog proudly sponsored a photo competition to help showcase the National Rose Trial Garden to the world. Visitors submitted their best photos for the chance to win a cash prize. We received a fantastic range of entries, capturing both the beauty of the garden and the joy it brings to visitors of all ages.