Rose Society of South Australia
To encourage, improve, foster and extend the cultivation
and appreciation of the Rose
and appreciation of the Rose
Joy Johnson is the first recipient of the Dean Stringer OAM Award.
An intensely productive year—to the Society’s benefit—saw Joy Johnson named the inaugural winner of a new Rose Society of South Australia award, commemorating and honouring the late Dean Stringer OAM ARA SMA, who passed away in October 2022.
Joy was humbled to receive the Dean Stringer OAM Award from President, Gavin Woods, at the Society’s Christmas luncheon at Auchendarroch House.
The award, established by Council upon the first meeting of its term, recognises a member who has made an outstanding contribution over the previous year. The winner is determined by the President and announced at the Christmas function.
Joy, who re-joined Council this year, accepted the position of Show Manager which she has carried out on top of her Councillor and other responsibilities. Her organisation of the Spring Rose Show was considered to be outstanding.
Joy was already well known for many other activities within the Rose Society and allied organisations. Among them has been preparing suppers for Members’ Meetings and refreshments for exhibitors at rose shows, deadheading roses weekly, at the International Rose Garden, and providing maintenance on a regular basis for the National Rose Trial Garden of Australia.
As a floral designer of long-standing, including fulfilling the role of President of the Floral Design Council of South Australia for many years, Joy has brought her floral design skills, management proficiencies and creative energy to many a rose show and function. This included encouraging floral designers from many clubs to become involved in a spectacular floral display immediately outside the Adelaide International Rose and Garden Expo in late 2022. She designed and coordinated the overall display, creating many elements on the spot. Joy is equally highly regarded for her willingness to volunteer for less obvious tasks, as well as her balanced counsel, and support and encouragement of other rosarians in their various rose-related pursuits.
Joy Johnson