Since then we have grown from strength to strength. Our objectives are to encourage, improve and extend the cultivation of the rose in Australia by means of exhibitions, publications and co-ordination of all State Rose Societies and by other means as the Society shall from time to time decree.

Our website has only been recently established (September 2003) and through it we intend to develop it over time as another means for our Society to meet its' objectives.

Please provide feedback on any views or thoughts you may have about the Society in general or what you would like see on this website. This can be done through any of the e-mail links within this website.

President's Message for 2008

At a time when most capital cities of Australia are operating under drought conditions it is critical that all States promote at every opportunity the virtue of the Rose being a drought tolerant and water wise plant.

It has been a wonderful flowering and disease free year in South Australia and particularly in Adelaide as the water restrictions have re-conditioned the Rose growing public to deep water every two weeks rather than frequent light watering.  Interestingly, in my previous garden of one acre under landscape with 350 Roses and a multitude of many other plants, the two plants that died were both natives?

My congratulations to the Rose Society of Victoria for hosting a very friendly and successful 35^th AGM of the National Society in Melbourne.  The food and wine was outstanding, great Rose Show and tours, with the icing on the cake being the visit to the Morwell Centenary Rose Garden.  All Rosarians attending enjoyed the camaraderie and the opportunity to catch up with old friends.  It was a highlight to have from Japan

Dr. Yuki Mikanagi, who gave a special presentation on “Rose Colours – When East Meets West,” an intriguing talk, from a lady with a very bright and cheerful personality.

The strength of the National Society was evident at the AGM with all delegates contributing during discussion of the numerous agenda items.  The financial position of the National Society is in much better shape with the acceptance of the proposal of sponsorship from Neutrog and a percentage of royalties from the sale of “Sudden Impact for Roses” fertiliser from each State being assigned to the National Body.

Congratulations to Mr. Ian Spriggs for being awarded the NRSA Service Award,

Mrs. Margaret Macgregor and Mr. Walter Duncan for being awarded the Australian Rose Award (ARA) also to Dr Bruce Chapman for being awarded the TA Stewart Memorial Award.   They are all very worthy recipients.

During my time in office, it is my intention to encourage and help all States to include and/or increase the participation of the younger generation in our Rose Shows.  We have to find ways of enticing our kids, even for a short time, away from the ever increasing time they are spending in front of computers!

I am looking forward to seeing you all in Adelaide for the 2008 AGM/World Federation of Rose Societies Regional Convention to be held from 23^rd October to 1^st November.  The Rose Society of South Australia will be celebrating its Centenary so we are even more determined for you to be spoilt, pampered and given a great time.

Remember:

“A garden without a Rose is a garden without a soul.”

Peter Burton

President          

National AGM and Conference - 2008

Adelaide, 23rd October - 1st November 2008

Phone National Secretary for details

For programme and details Click on Rose Society of SA in LINKS

WFRS World Rose Convention - 2009

Click on Vancouver Convention in LINKS