THE Australian Cultural Library in Rosewood won several prizes at the recent Darling Downs annual Rose Show.
Library members entered 10 roses in the Show which was held at the Toowoomba Rose Cottage.
Head Gardener and President and Director of the Library, Steve Towson, said one of the entries was a Floribunda rose, known as the La Sevillana. It won first prize.
The results mean that the ACL can now claim that the Library’s rose garden is a multi award winner.
“It’s something that has been an objective of the members and supporters of the ACL for several years,” Mr Towson said.
“From bitumen, broken concrete and a gravel yard, the outdoor space at the ACL has now been transformed into a mini botanical garden to help create a botanical and bibliographical oasis in the heart of this beautiful region.
“I have no idea what I am doing, most of the roses are growing in potting mix placed over bitumen or gravel, it is pretty much the worst possible conditions to grow roses in but I keep them regularly watered, mulched and fertilised.
“I do the best that I can to help them survive and blossom despite the harsh conditions.”
There’s a determination in his gardening.
“At one stage several plants appeared to be almost dead, but I kept on caring for them and they pulled through,” he explained.
“On behalf of the ACL, we want to say a special thank you to Shirley and Bevan Dance of Marburg for their help and guidance.
“The ACL would not have been capable of entering any of the roses in the exhibitions without their support.”
The garden now boasts more than 70 varieties of roses, 12 different edible native plants as well as citrus, herbs, vegetables and fruit.
“It is an amazing achievement for this small completely volunteer run, independent organisation that plans to open to the public in early 2024,” Mr Towson said.
