New roundabout smells of roses thanks to Garden History Society

Volunteers from the local Australian Garden History Society are making a rosey difference to the newly established roundabout on the New England Highway.

The Australian Garden History Society has embarked on a project to install a sustainable drought resistant garden by planting 160 roses in the centre of the roundabout.

Armidale Regional Council Mayor Cr Simon Murray said the Garden History Society approached Council to create the rose garden and link it with the magnificent heritage rose garden the society has completed at the National Trust Saumarez Homestead.

“The garden has been designed to showcase plants that thrive in our climate and survive in drought- conditions,” said Cr Murray.

‘The altitude, climate and soil of Armidale make it ideal for rose growing and the combination of decorative gravel mulch will contribute to efficient water saving techniques.”

The Rugosa rose will feature at the roundabout and is eminent for its low maintenance needs, toughness and glorious long lasting flowers. The roses will be accompanied by scoria gravel mulch as it doesn’t absorb moisture and instead, promotes moisture to move directly down into the soil.

The region has long been recognised for its roses with many local rose gardens opening to the public. The nearby Saumarez Homestead has a magnificent display of roses in their heritage rose garden, which is also established and maintained by Australian Garden History Society.

The local gardening group has been working over several weekends to develop the garden.  The roses will be watered at the time of planting and minimally after using raw water from a nearby catchment.

Armidale Regional Council and Australian Garden History Society would like to thank Back Track Boys, Black Mountain Nursery, Ducats, Armidale Pumps & Irrigation, Roads & Maritime Services and John Hiscox for their generous support throughout the project.

Published on 11 Jul 2019