Rose season kicks off at Victoria Esplanade
Published on 09 November 2023
The enchanting rose season is in full swing once more, as rose enthusiasts begin to show off their blooms at displays and competitions across the country. We're gearing up to commemorate 53 years of the International Rose Trials in late November, right here in the Victoria Esplanade gardens.
Over the past two years, 50 roses submitted by growers and hybridisers from around the world have been grown and cared for by Palmerston North City Council staff at the trials.
John Ford, Chairman of the Trial Ground Committee, says these roses represent the latest trends in the rose industry.
“Rose breeders worldwide are breeding roses with more flowers and improved disease tolerance; plus, more and more varieties have fragrant blooms than ever before.”
The roses are evaluated by a panel of 20 judges on characteristics including colour, fragrance, health, flower form and novelty over a two-year period.
A distinguished panel of 20 judges assess these roses over a two-year period, considering attributes such as colour, fragrance, health, flower form, and novelty. Roses scoring 70 points or more receive Certificates of Merit and are available for commercial purposes. Special awards are bestowed upon roses that stand out for their fragrance or novelty. If a New Zealand bred amateur rose earns an award, it's honoured with the prestigious Silver Star of the City of Palmerston North.
The Gold Star of the South Pacific award is presented annually to the top rose grown in the Esplanade’s International Rose Trial Grounds. Mr Ford emphasizes that this accolade not only provides instant recognition to the rose's breeder and agent but also enhances its marketability throughout New Zealand.
“The ongoing awards reflect the reputation of the city and the Victoria Esplanade Gardens as an internationally recognised rose growing area. This year, we eagerly anticipate hosting a group of rose enthusiasts from overseas during the awards ceremony.”
The rose gardens are a signature part of our Victoria Esplanade, which this year recieved a Highly Commended in the Local Government awards for the wide range of collaboration Council has with key groups and users of the park.
The winning roses will be announced by Mr Ford and Mayor Grant Smith at the gazebo in the Dugald Mackenzie Rose Gardens on Sunday 19 November, at 2.30pm.