Queensland, Australia

I have always grown roses in my gardens in Kingaroy (17 years) and Brisbane (23 years). We retired to my family's farm and rose growing as a passion in 2006. Since 2007 I have planted in excess of 1000 roses, old, heritage and modern and am always looking for another rose to grow and love.
The farm, established in 1891, supported dairying, small crops, sugar cane, ginger and now we transition to cattle to keep the fertile land clean and the roses supplied with the best fertiliser! As well we grow Pongamia Pinnata for bio fuel (well, we hope!) and Cabinet Timber trees for the family to eventually harvest.
In the last few years I have been learning more about breeding roses and am enjoying seeing the results and planning more sophisticated crosses. Rugosas and gallicas do not like this area so I am learning to avoid roses with strong breeding in those types. Pity!
Florists and rose lovers enjoy my roses for their perfume as well as their variety and beauty. But it has to be admitted that this can be difficult country for roses - hot and humid. Still the results, while short of Melbourne's best, justify seeking out varieties that tolerate and even thrive in this climate.

Experienced (57 years)

Breeder, Society member, Show exhibitor

Last visit: More than a year ago