After 15 years and with 150 different roses now promoted through this scheme “Rose of the Month” has come to an end.
Way back in 2009, the late Kelvin Trimper AM, approached Radio 5aa’s gardening presenter Michael Keelan to see if there was interest in a monthly radio segment which would provide cultural advice as well as promoting a well-established rose to the listening audience. A committee of Rosarians was formed to select the 12 varieties promoted each year with the task of writing the promotional material shared by that committee. The ever popular “Gold Bunny” was the first rose featured in January 2010. Kelvin was a guest on Michael’s highly awarded radio programme each month, their banter was reflective of their friendship and mutual respect for each other.
The Rose Society of SA is grateful to Melanie Trimper for her unwavering support of this project, providing secretarial support for the duration.
Our relationship with Radio 5aa will not cease; a monthly segment will continue in the same timeslot (the Second Sunday each month at 8.40) with discussions on cultural advice continuing. We will also feature a recently released rose each month, to showcase the many exciting new roses on offer.