THE WA Rose Society is anticipating fierce competition between growers as it prepares for its annual Autumn Rose Show in Guildford over the mother’s day weekend.
Award-winning grower Judy Chapell has been growing magnificent blooms at her High Wycombe property for more than 30 years.
“In the ‘80s my late husband won third prize in a St John Ambulance raffle which was a $50 voucher for a nursery,” she said.
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Ms Chapell said flowers were always around her during her childhood.
“When I was younger my foster father was a market gardener and flowers have always been one of my things,” she said.
“When my father remarried, my stepmother’s parents would give me a peace rose and I just loved them.
“Joyfulness has always been my favourite rose variety with its four different colours and very delicate fragrance.
“However at the moment people are going mad over Pope John Paul II which I have two of.”
Ms Chapell said her roses were often the target of flower thieves.
“I’m lucky have a quarter of an acre block and my place is completely taken up with plants which keeps me rather busy,” she said.
“But I have had to put a sign up warning any would-be rose thieves to please ask rather than taking whatever they please.”
The Autumn Rose Show is on May 13 and 14 at the Guildford Town Hall from 9am to 4pm.
Roses, potted colour and morning teas will be on sale.
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