Adelaide Botanic Garden's International Rose Garden has solidified itself as one of the premier rose gardens in the world after it received a highly sought-after international award last night.
The World Federation of Rose Societies announced Adelaide as the latest recipient of the Award of Garden Excellence, becoming just the fifth rose garden in Australia and first in South Australia to achieve the honour.
Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium director Michael Harvey said the garden, which is currently in its peak bloom, is a place which ignites the senses.
"There are more than 350 rose cultivars and 2,700 roses located in the International Rose Garden, so you're captivated by the sheer volume of colour as well as the incredible aroma attached to many rose varieties," he said.
The achievement came on the back of significant community support which went into upgrading the garden to meet international standards.
"As part of the 2021 Annual Appeal, we were able to raise funds to enable us to renew the plant collection, enhance the landscaping, implement new signage and plant labelling, as provide educational interpretation," Mr Harvey said.
"Without the support of our donors, volunteers and the expertise of our horticultural staff we wouldn't have been able to implement these changes which have ultimately led to receiving this global recognition."
To be nominated for the World Rose Federation's Award of Garden Excellence, the garden must be at least five years old, be open to the public, contain at least 500 roses and 100 different rose varieties and demonstrate sustained performance in conducting international rose trials.
Gardens considered for the award are also judged on overall beauty, educational information, rose diversity, amenity and other contributing factors.
There are over 60 other rose gardens with the accolade across the world.
Mr Harvey said events like the recent World Rose Convention and the Adelaide International Rose and Garden Expo has helped shine a light on the garden, and this latest award will be used to leverage visitation from global visitors.
"This honour puts Adelaide's rose garden firmly on the global map for local, interstate and international visitors," he said.
"Having these large-scale events in town have only increased the hype around our beautiful rose garden and tourists from all over the country, and beyond, will be queuing up to see our stunning, award-winning, display."
The garden is also home to the National Rose Trial Garden which tests roses for their suitability for the Australian climate before going on commercial sale in Australia.
