Kelly loves talking to people about roses and “experiencing their magic and beauty together”. She accepted the position of Branch President in 2025 to do just that. Her knowledge is extensive, working at Wagner’s Rose Nursery—agents for Delbard, David Austin, Barni, Bruce Brundrett and other roses. It jettisoned several years ago while Kelly was studying horticulture. The course work included an excursion to Wagner’s and a demonstration by Brian Wagner. Inspired, Kelly went from the classroom to the rose garden at Wagner’s, working with more than 800 cultivars on offer.

As President of the South East, Kelly leads a vibrant, active branch of 30 years standing. It has boasted some of the state’s most distinguished rosarians and is home to more members of the Rose Society of South Australia per capita than anywhere in the State. Kelly and the South East Branch members welcome new people who love to talk about roses, hear experts speak, visit beautiful gardens and enjoy friendships that seem grow as quickly as roses do in the South East.