SEVERAL local growers were among the winners at the Queensland Rose Society’s Spring Show, held on September 30 and October 1 at the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens Auditorium.
Shirley Dance from Marburg and Rosewood’s Steve Towson were awarded several first and second prizes for their exquisite blooms.
The competition was considerable as there were many hundreds of entries, with novice and more experienced growers selecting their best spring flowers for their looks or scent.
Exhibits ranged from individual cuts or stems, to more complex classes requiring multiple types of roses in a vase.
President and Director of the Australian Cultural Library Steve Towson said that this spring show was a joint affair with the Floral Art Society of Queensland also exhibiting works by artists contesting for best-judged and people’s choice awards.
“I was a first-time entrant and collected three first and three second prizes for plants grown at the Australian Cultural Library on John Street in Rosewood,” he said.
“In advance of commencing regular opening hours in February 2024, the Australian Cultural Library volunteers have been busy establishing a mini botanic garden on site, where more than 60 rose varieties are now grown.
“As experienced growers, Shirley and Bevan Dance generously gave advice and practical help to select, cut and exhibit these roses, passing on valuable knowledge to a newer generation of gardeners and exhibitors.”
