Stopping to Smell the Roses

"One almost feels like royalty, doesn't one?" Brushing shoulders with Lord Penzance, Baroness Rothschild and Lady Mary Fitzwilliam and with the heady scent of 600 different roses filling the air, 'One' doesn't dare argue.

An unexpected visit from the Mother in Law is enough to strike fear in the hearts of many an Aussie male.  But I pulled out my trusty Swiss army knife of local attractions and we headed off to Werribee Park. Located 20 km west of Melbourne with something to appeal to everyone, this unique site houses the historic Werribee Mansion, the Victorian Open Range Zoo, Shadowfax Winery and the State Rose Garden.

Being Mid November and the best time to visit, Roses were on today’s agenda and we were lucky enough to meet Leonie Freeman, an extremely passionate and knowledgeable volunteer at the Rose Garden whose description of pruning roses with a quick “Snip, Snip, Snip” had me almost convinced that I could turn my single Iceberg rose into a garden as beautiful as the one we ware walking through.  

As we went for a “wander and a chat” with Leonie, from every direction we were greeted with a new and intoxicating scent inspiring happy memories of grandmothers and country gardens. The vibrant colours of the roses made the world seem a much brighter place; from deep, rich crimsons through to oranges and yellows that could cure the deepest blues. Every rose has a story, and we happily wandered through the 5-hectare garden, where the phrase to ‘stop and smell the roses’ lived up to its reputation.

The original concept of the State Rose Garden was raised in 1976, but it wasn’t until 1986 that the garden became a reality. A reality that appeared to be short-lived. With a change in Government, the bulldozers were set to remove the humble beginnings of the magnificent garden in which we stand.  Luckily for us, The Victoria State Rose Garden Supporters rallied to save the garden and today up to 70 volunteers a week work hard to grow and maintain this stunning garden that is well worth a visit…with, or without, the Mother in Law.

Our tour of the garden continued past the equestrian jumps utilised during the season by the National Equestrian & Polo Centre, conveniently located next door. At this point Leonie lamented the need to prune back the beautiful roses surrounding the jumps to “protect the horse’s dangly bits”.  I get the distinct impression that Leonie is more concerned about her roses than any horses that dared graze themselves, although apparently James Packer does look “quite striking” on his polo horse.

After a day in the roses, a picnic lunch and an education that I never expected, we headed home to my single Iceburg rose. A quick “Snip, Snip, Snip” and my four solitary white roses were sent on their way, with a happy Mother in Law. Another visit successfully negotiated!

 

The Victorian State Rose Garden is located on K Road, Werribee. The best time to visit is between October and July and entry is free. www.vicstaterosegarden.com.au