Those who are passionate about this flower can now join The Southern Highlands Regional Rose Society, which is having its inaugural meeting February 18.

Society secretary Ray Bradley said the society’s formation was prompted by residents seeking to be involved in a rose-dedicated group.

Residents can attend meetings to discover every aspect of the rose, including the history and romance behind perfumed roses, and learning how to smell a rose.

“At the inaugural meeting, our first guest speaker will be Ian Roxby – a Southern Highlands resident who has broad experience in growing roses in a cold climate environment,” Mr Bradley said.

“He will be advising attendees on the roses that he has found grow successfully in this area.”

Workshops will also be held with a focus on how to grow roses in a Highlands climate and which varieties are most suitable to the area.

“As many Highlands residents have moved from warmer climates, the roses grown in the Highlands may be different varieties from those grown in the area they have moved from,” Mr Bradley said. 

“The workshops will be comprehensive including details on species, growing, pruning and fertilising.  Information will also be provided to attendees on the benefits of belonging to the Rose Society.”

An interim committee comprising Ralph Parsons as chair, Roslyn Parsons as treasurer and Raymond Bradley as secretary was established to assist the formation of the Southern Highlands Regional Rose Society.

The inaugural meeting will be held in the Mittagong CWA Rooms at Winifred West Park, Old Hume Highway, from 1.00pm to 3.30pm on February 18.

For more information, email ralphros@bigpond.com or rbb1945@bigpond.net.au, or call 4871 0091 or 4861 4090.

The Rose Growing Workshop will be held March 11 from 10.30am to 3.00pm. Bookings are essential by March 6 and the cost is $30, including morning tea and a light lunch.

To register, email rsnswsecretary@gmail.com, call Kristin on 4244 3765 or call Colin on 4236 0456.