National Rose Show 2019

The Waikato Rose Society last weekend hosted the New Zealand Rose Show, held in Hamilton Gardens where the Pacific Rosebowl Festival also took place.The blooms were truly magnificent.

Champion exhibition bloom was Sylvia, grown by Janice Walker of Northland and bred in the Kordes nursery (Germany). Photo: Sandra Simpson

Champion large stem, mini-type rose was Irresistible, grown by Irene Taylor of Waikato and bred by Dee Bennett of the US. Photo: Sandra Simpson

Champion small stem, mini-type rose was Luis Desamero, named for a Californian rosarian. This rose was also grown by Irene Taylor. Photo: Sandra Simpson

Champion decorative bloom was Joan Monica, grown by Janet Pike of Waikato. This rose was created by amateur breeder Brian Attfield of Cambridge, so an all-round local win. Photo: Sandra Simpson

Champion of champions mini-type rose and Champion fully open bloom, mini-type was the charming Dinky Pinky, grown by Irene Taylor of Waikato and bred by Patrick Dickson of the UK. Photo: Sandra Simpson

Champion of Champions was Reflections, grown by Sheree Gare of Waikato. This rose was bred by Nola Simpson of Manawatu. Photo: Sandra Simpson

Champion fully open bloom was Hamilton Gardens (bred by Sam McGredy), grown by Jan Lusty of Waikato, while Champion exhibition bloom, mini-type was Chelsea Belle, grown by Janet Pike of Waikato, and bred by Peter and Kay Taylor of the United States.

Champion large stem of roses was Natalie Ann, grown by Violet Forshaw of Northland. Photo: Sandra Simpson

Champion display vase, mini-type was the striking Glowing Amber, grown by Sheree Gare of Waikato, and bred by George Mander of Canada. Photo: Sandra Simpson

Champion decorative bloom, mini-type was Forshaw, grown by (drum-roll) Violet Forshaw of Northland. This patio rose was bred by Rob Somerfield of Tauranga. Photo: Sandra Simpson

Champion display vase was this drop-dead collection of Southern Beauty blooms, grown by Janet Walker of Northland. This is another New Zealand rose, bred by John Ford of Manawatu (Nola Simpson’s nephew). Photo: Sandra Simpson

Apologies to the growers and the show if I’ve missed anything out. The Champions table was full of certificates, sashes and flowers but hopefully, I’ve got it right. Amazing to note that all the winning growers are women and so many of the roses have been bred in New Zealand!

Tauranga Rose Show 2018

This week’s cold snap might have slowed spring growth to almost a halt but BOP Rose Society members were upbeat at their show today and had a fine looking champions table.

Champion of Champions and Champion Small Stem  was Invincible grown by Irene Taylor. Photo: Sandra Simpson

Hamilton Gardens won Champion Full Bloom for Irene Taylor. Photo: Sandra Simpson

Champion Miniature Rose was Glowing Amber grown by Beverly Turnwald. Photo: Sandra Simpson

Joan Monica, grown by Russell Lowe was Champion Decorative Bloom. Photo: Sandra Simpson

Champion Miniature Stem, 4 or more blooms: Patio Prince, grown by Beverly Turnwald. Champion Miniature Stem: Dinky Pinky, grown by Irene Taylor. Champion Miniature Full Bloom: Wee Jock, grown by Janet Pike. Champion Miniature Decorative Bloom: Perfection grown by Janet Pike.

Champion Basket: Dublin Bay and Casino grown by Elizabeth Murphy.

Amore Roses from Hamilton had brought across some of their Piccolo roses (patio-style bush and standard) which are practically thornless.