Last month, the Rose Trial Garden of Australia announced the winners for 2020, in an online presentation held in Adelaide and shared on their Facebook page.

The Trial Garden Awards is an important event that concludes years of work and observations of new roses in what is considered the most important trial garden in Australia.

We are happy to announce that we grow many of the awarded roses, and we certainly agree with the decisions of the judges.

Gold Medal was awarded to one of the best David Austin roses ever bred: Olivia Rose Austin, released just a couple of years ago.

A beautiful, healthy and well-balanced bush with medium to large fully cupped pink flowers and a lovely fruity fragrance.

We have Olivia Rose Austin available now in pot and bare-rooted to be pre-ordered for next winter.

The Silver Medal was awarded to an Australian rose, also the winner of the trophy Australian Bred Rose of the Year: Dusky Moon, bred by Richard Walsh.

Dusky Moon is a strong growing healthy shrub with highly fragrant blooms displaying a dusky mauve colour with a white reverse. It's available as bare-root for next winter, and we'll soon have some potted roses that we've planted just a few weeks ago (just check our Potted Roses' Collection).

Other awards have been given to Harmonize climber, Frida Kahlo,  No Surrender, Custard Cream, Darling Charlie and Orangerie.

Just a reminder to all members of The Rose Society of Australia: when you place an order with us, don't forget to use the Rose Society special Promo Code to receive your 10% discount on your new roses (contact your state Rose Society to know the Promo Code).

And to all our customers who haven't joined The Rose Society yet but will spend over $400 in one transaction with us until the end of this year, we are offering free membership for one year to The Rose Society (if they select this option at the checkout page).

This promotion is valid until December 31, 2020.

(In the picture: Custard Cream)

1) Watering 

It must be your priority if you want to grow healthy and strong roses: better less often and deeper than a little bit every day.

Always check the soil around your plant, or in the pot, and make sure it never dries out. 

Here are Brian's tips to water your roses correctly.

2) Fertilizing. 

“If you can, choose an organic-based fertiliser – explains Brian – with high NPK and trace elements”. 

NPK is for Nitrogen (for general health and leaf growth), Phosphorus (that stimulates root growth) and Potassium (for flowering and disease control); these three important elements can be given to your roses twice a year, in spring and summer.

“Every couple of weeks, use also liquid fish and kelp as a foliage spray; it’s very beneficial for maintaining your plant vigorous and healthy – says Brian – Adding composted bird and animal manure is also good for the roses; just make sure it’s very well composted and dry otherwise it could damage your plants".

3) Mulching.

“Mulch retains moisture around the plant and reduces watering, puts some organic material back in the ground and it’s the perfect environment for earthworms – explains Brian in this video -  It’s perfect to improve growth and reduce fungal problems”. 

Best kinds of mulch are lucerne or legume straw  (like peas’ beans), or any other kind of hay.

When you apply mulch, remember to leave a bit of space around the base of the plant.

4) Deadheading.

Clean your plant and cut your dead flowers regularly, in order to have new beautiful blooms in the following 6-8 weeks. 

Learn how to do it in this short tutorial video.