New Australian-bred Renwick Rose Garden

A vibrant new community project is beginning to bloom in the Southern Highlands, with the Southern Highlands Regional Rose Society (SHRRS) creating a spectacular Australian-bred rose garden beside its meeting rooms at Renwick, NSW. Made possible through a $5,000 community grant from Wingecarribee Shire Council (WSC), the garden will become a living celebration of Australia’s rich rose-hybridising heritage, showcasing both historic and modern Australian-bred roses.

The transformation of the space is already well underway. Following the completion of paving and irrigation works by Council, horticultural apprentices carefully prepared the garden beds last month, laying the groundwork for what promises to become a stunning floral showcase. The support and sponsorship by Neutrog are most valued. To give the roses the strongest possible start, CHOCKABLOK was incorporated into the soil to improve structure, aeration and drainage, while also helping the soil retain valuable moisture — creating the perfect environment for healthy, thriving plants.

A special milestone in the project was celebrated on 22 April 2026, officiated by the Mayor of WSC, Jesse Fitzpatrick. The President of the Rose Society of NSW, Colin Hollis had the honour of planting the first rose, R ‘Lady of Australia’, a beautiful yellow rose bred by the late and highly respected Australian rosarian Bruce Brundrett. The planting was marked with a delightful morning tea attended by many of the volunteers, supporters and contributors who have helped bring the vision to life, making it a memorable occasion for everyone involved.

Over the coming months, the garden will continue to grow as more carefully selected roses are added to the collection. Seamungus and GOGO Juice will be used to water in the new plantings and support vigorous establishment, ensuring each rose flourishes in its new home and contributes to the beauty of the developing garden.

Excitement is already building ahead of the National Rose Championships 2026, which will be held in Camden this October and hosted by the Macarthur Rose Society. As part of the event, conference delegates from across Australia will enjoy a scenic bus tour through the Southern Highlands of NSW, with a special stop at the new SHRRS’ Renwick Rose Garden for morning tea and a firsthand look at this exciting new community space.

The Chairperson of the SHRRS, Annette Lane proudly announces that “Once completed, the Renwick Rose Garden will not only be a beautiful destination for rose lovers, but also a lasting tribute to the passion, creativity and dedication of Australia’s rose breeders and gardening community”.