Everything will be coming up roses in Kiama over the last weekend in April, as thousands of beautiful blooms will go on display at the Roses by the Seaside Australian National Rose Championships.

“We are excited that the Rose Championships can finally go ahead in Kiama and that our National Patron, Mrs Linda Hurley (wife of Governor General David Hurley) will open the Show on Saturday,” says Rose Show Convener, Kristin Dawson.

“Judges as well as Rose Exhibitors and visitors will travel from all over Australia to attend this, the most significant event each year in the Australian Rose calendar.” 

The championship, which was postponed in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID, is hosted by the Rose Society of NSW and will incorporate the 46th Annual Illawarra Rose Show.

The event promises to be colourful, “Autumn roses are known for their deeper, more vibrant colours,” says Kristin. 

There will be a magnificent floral display there in the foyer set up by Joanne Fisher and the floral artists within the Rose Society.

A cocktail party on Friday night launches the weekend of events, which include lectures and social activities. 

The lecture series on Saturday includes a talk by Graham and Diana Sargeant on environmentally friendly approaches to managing and choosing healthy roses for the garden. 

Then Dr Uwe Stroeher, a microbiologist with Neutrog, will talk about his research on healthy soil and the product he has developed to assist in managing the difficulties in soil maintenance as we experience the impact of climate change in our gardens. He will have some free samples of this product to give away. 

On Sunday, highly regarded floral artist Judith Little will provide six presentations of floral art using roses as a predominant flower in the art. She will raffle the artwork at the end of the session.

On Sunday and Monday, a bus excursion will head off to the Nan Tien Temple, the Wollongong Botanic Gardens and the rose garden in Pioneer Park, Wollongong. Dot Hennessy, Senior of the Year in Wollongong, will be the guide.

The public are welcome to view the roses at The Pavilion Kiama from midday on Saturday April 30. Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley will officially open the Rose Show at 1.30pm, welcomed to the Region by the President of the Rose Society of NSW, Mr Colin Hollis and the Mayor of Kiama, Neil Reilly. 

Awards will be presented at a formal dinner on Saturday night at the Kiama Leagues Club. 

On Sunday, the Show will be open again between 9.30am and 4pm, when the raffle will be drawn. Exhibited roses will be sold to the public at 4.20pm. 

Roses by the Seaside will be held at The Pavilion Kiama, 2 Bong Bong St Kiama from Saturday, April 30 12pm to 5pm and Sunday May 1, 9.30am to 4pm.

Entry: Adults $5, Concession $3, Children under 16 free.

For further information, see: www.nsw.rose.org.au/roses-by-the-seaside or contact Kristen Dawson [email protected] or 0422157353