Thursday, 12 December 2024

Society’s 73rd show comes up roses

    By Gillian Vine
    1. The Star

    Champion of Champions was novice exhibitor Andrew Simms’ "Hamilton Gardens". PHOTOS: GILLIAN VINE
    Champion of Champions was novice exhibitor Andrew Simms’ "Hamilton Gardens". PHOTOS: GILLIAN VINE
    Despite erratic weather before the Otago Rose Society’s annual show on Saturday, there was a splendid array of quality blooms.

    First-time exhibitor Ursula Marlow won with "Absolutely Fabulous".
    First-time exhibitor Ursula Marlow won with "Absolutely Fabulous".
    As well as individual flowers, entries in the mixed bowls and individual roses in frames delighted visitors.

    The show, held at St Peter’s Church hall in Hillside Rd, had about the same number of entries as last year, society president Dave Cannan said.

    J Russell’s "Tequila Sunrise" won first prize for a famed rose in a frame at the Otago Rose...
    J Russell’s "Tequila Sunrise" won first prize for a famed rose in a frame at the Otago Rose Society show.
    He was particularly pleased at the increase in the number of novice entries, one of which — an open bloom of hybrid tea "Hamilton Gardens" — scored the Champion of Champions award for Andrew Simms, of Mosgiel.

    New exhibitor Ursula Marlow made a successful debut; several of her roses won prizes.

    Bowls of mixed roses delighted the public at the Otago Rose Society show.
    Bowls of mixed roses delighted the public at the Otago Rose Society show.
    One of Mr Cannan’s entries, yellow hybrid tea "Glorious", was named premier bloom in the decorative open section.

    The Otago Rose Society celebrated their 75th anniversary this year and the show was their 73rd, as the society’s first public show was held in 1952.