Rose planting ceremony creates blossoming friendship
A blossoming friendship is growing between Te Awamutu’s Rose Society and Waipā District Council staff.
A joint-planting of five new, rare rose varieties by both groups went smoothly on Thursday, despite subpar weather at the town’s iconic reserve.
Spirits were high in spite of the rain, as staff and Society members gathered for the planting of three rose beds in Te Awamutu’s prized Rose Garden on Gorst Avenue.
Council’s Parks Leading Hand, Mike Tobin, said he appreciated the Society coming down to the gardens and supporting the activity.
“The Rose Garden is the jewel in the crown of Te Awamutu and the Rose Society have been so open to working with us here. They’re very supportive and happy to help out.”
Tobin said the Rose Gardens were a key part of the town’s identity as the Rose Town.
“It’s one of the healthiest rose gardens in the country.”
Te Awamutu Rose Society president Diana Jones was present at the planting ceremony, and together with Tobin, planted the final rose bush.
Jones said the recently-reformed Rose Society was focused on nurturing the craft in the region, and prior to its disbandment years ago had been a budding community within the town.
“I’ve been in the Society since 1986 — they’re a great group. It was quite a big deal getting it back up and running again. We’ve started off with 40-odd members, and most of them are new.”
Tobin said the day was a good opportunity for members of the team to connect with the Te Awamutu community as well as learn the delicate craft of rose-growing.
“Most of the team are involved here, and everyone gets involved in the big prunings during the year. We get all 45 beds done in a day and a half.”
Five new varieties of roses were planted, including some grown by rose growers from around New Zealand.
Three of the new varieties; ‘Love Bug,’ ‘Quintessential’ and ‘Feeling Better’ would blossom into red or pink roses, while ‘Lemon and Lime’ and ‘Night Light’ would bloom yellow . Keen anthophiles can expect to see the new blooms as early as November.
With a keen eye and a green thumb, the Council Parks team will continue to tend to Te Awamutu’s Rose Garden.
