Roses are red, violets are blue. Come smell the flowers, it’s a great thing to do!
Flower enthusiasts are invited to stop and smell the roses in New Farm Park over the next few weeks or risk missing out.
Brisbane Cabinet Chair of Community, Arts and Nighttime Economy Vicki Howard said: “Few things better signal that Spring has finally sprung in Brisbane than the blooming roses of New Farm Park.”
“New Farm Park is one of Brisbane’s most beloved backdrops but it gets even better in spring when our roses are in bloom,” Cr Howard said.
“The park attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and is home to a vast array of plants and flowers, including more than 7,000 roses.
“With more than 2,100 roses bushes already showcasing open blooms, and many more in bud yet to flower, now is the perfect time to embrace Spring and spend and afternoon enjoying Brisbane’s parks and green spaces.”
After undertaking a rigorous pruning schedule in June, the roses are expected to look their best from early September through into early October.
First planted in 1914 and then redesigned in 1949, the rose garden was initially home to between 10,000 and 20,000 roses.
The 1974 floods saw a thick layer of silt cover the garden beds and require the entire area to be replanted from scratch.
Cr Howard said that almost 50 years later the success of the gardens lies in the dedication of experienced Council horticulturalists and apprentices, some of which who have worked on the garden for more than 20 years.
“The New Farm Park rose garden was established more than 100 years ago, and has survived some of Brisbane’s historical weather events, including heatwaves and flooding,” she said.
“The work of Council horticulturalists to prune and tend to the roses in the winter means that we can all enjoy the incredible variety of blooms on display in spring.
“New Farm Park is home to many different rose varieties and colours including Heritage, Floribunda and Hybrid tea roses.
“This spectacular display won’t last for long, so I encourage everyone to make a day at New Farm Park over the coming weeks to see our fantastic roses in full bloom.”
Other classic rose varieties in the park include Iceberg, Playboy, Peace and Mister Lincoln roses.
For more information, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or call Council on (07) 3403 8888.
