A team of gardeners have rolled up their sleeves and started the annual pruning of more than 7,000 roses at Brisbane’s New Farm Park.
Brisbane City Council says the important tradition helps the much-loved floral display bloom bigger, better and more vibrant come springtime.
New Farm Park is a major attraction in Brisbane with more 200,000 people visiting the park each year and one of the most popular areas is the picturesque rose garden.
The garden is tended to year-round; however, the largest pruning is completed in winter when the plants are in a dormant or semi-dormant state.
This reduces stress on the plants and is more efficient for gardeners with less leaves making it easier to remove unhealthy growth and shape the flowers’ structure.
“We all know Brisbane has the best lifestyle in Australia and one of our major drawing cards is our incredible New Farm Park,” said Central Ward Councillor, Vicki Howard.
“Each year residents and visitors from all over come for gatherings and celebrations, and to relax, exercise and connect to nature.
“The rose garden is the most picturesque place to enjoy the best New Farm Park has to offer.
“I feel incredibly blessed to represent such a vibrant and beautiful area of Brisbane and I want to thank the dedicated Council Officers who work hard to keep the garden this way.
“I encourage all residents to take the time to visit in just a couple of months’ time to enjoy the beauty and quite literally smell the roses,” she said.
The first roses were planted in 1928 by Parks Superintendent Henry Moore. Now, there are three main types of roses on display – Heritage roses, Floribunda roses and Hybrid tea roses.
The pruning process takes about two weeks and the roses tend to bloom eight to 10 weeks after.
