That's when the Brundrett family started growing roses for the Australian market.
In this long chat with Brian Wagner, recorded in Melbourne only a couple of months ago, Bruce Brundrett - class of 1940, and the last grower of his family - tells us about his grandfather and his father growing roses outside Melbourne, and the successful decades of their business, when they were selling cut flowers before the introduction of green houses, and sending roses by mail order.
In 2002, Bruce decided to retire from the rose production business and concentrate on breeding only, and since then he's created beautiful new varieties.
Bruce explains the evolution of the rose market in Australia and all the steps involved in his breeding program, that often takes 7-8 years to release a new variety.
Bruce was the first Australian breeder to win a Gold Medal at the National Rose Trial Garden of Australia, against the best rose breeders in the world.
His favourite rose bred so far is also his very first one: Shirley's Rose, named after his late wife. And this year we release another special rose for Bruce: Jessica's Rose, named after his granddaughter.
Other beautiful Bruce Brundrett creations are Happy Birthday! (2021 Release), The New Look Rose, My Yellow, The Jubilee Rose, Miss Unique and The Opportunity Rose.
Watch the full interview with Bruce Brundrett.
(in the picture, Bruce Brundrett with Brian Wagner) |