General News
25 November, 2021
Rose Show winners recognised
WINNERS from this year’s 123rd Mortlake Rose Show gathered in the garden of prominent entrant Rae Risk this week to share in what they feel truly makes the show a success – each other.
WINNERS from this year’s 123rd Mortlake Rose Show gathered in the garden of prominent entrant Rae Risk this week to share in what they feel truly makes the show a success – each other.
The three women were among those to take out some of the top prizes this year, but agreed the accolades were a small part of an event which brings people together to share in the passion of gardening.
Ms Risk has perhaps been the longest-serving exhibitor in the annual rose show.
The first record of her involvement dates back to 1988 when she and husband Les won the Eric Greenrod award for the most successful exhibitor in the show.
In the 33 years since, the now 91-year-old has won the awardnine times.
She has also won the Griffen Cup seven times, has been awarded to the most successful exhibitor in the cut flower section, and has also taken home the Moyne Shire Trophy for the most successful exhibitor in the rose section.
While Rae earned her third Mortlake Garden Club prize for the best collection of roses this year, she said the opportunity to support an historic event and provide a boost for her beloved town was all she wanted.
“I want to make a show,” she said.
“I like doing it to make a show for Mortlake because the social aspect is wonderful for the town.
“It’s not about winning but I think it is an honour for a lady of 91, nearly 92.”
Ms Risk is an avid gardener who has scattered her property with a diverse array of colourful flora, which to this day, with a little extra help, continues to earn accolades.
“I love the garden,” she said.
“Just to look at all of the flowers, even the little pansies, is just magnificent.”
Ms Risk was not the only veteran to earn a win at this year’s show, with Norma Parker grabbing the coveted most successful exhibitor in show (E.C Greenrod Perpetual Tray) and most successful exhibitor in floral design (Dorothy Allen Memorial trophy).
Ms Parker has been participating in the show since moving to Mortlake a decade ago.
“I have won the Dorothy Allen Memorial Trophy the last few times so I am pleased to have won,” she said.
“I do a lot of floral art. I like to go out in the garden and choose what colours to go in to the pots and think about the designs.”
Ms Parker said she was pleased to return as an exhibitor after restrictions had seen the event cancelled last year.
“It gives you something to do and I like to see all the roses and different displays, and what people have got in their gardens,” she said.
“I had never been a gardener until moving here, and it’s sort of taken on a leaf of its own.”
The 123rd Rose Show was not just an occasion for the experienced entrants, with newcomer Georgie Oates winning most successful exhibitor in the rose section, and the six rose and the three rose arrangements.
Ms Oates moved to Mortlake earlier this year and said she thought entering would be a good way to meet others in the community.
“We’re the most recent custodians of a beautiful old garden and it has some amazing roses,” she said.
“There is no point in having them waste away in the garden for only us to see.
“Coming out of COVID-19 restrictions we hadn’t been able to have visitors coming over so it was nice to bring some of the garden out for others to enjoy and admire.”
Ms Oates said her first Mortlake Rose Show experience was “great fun”.
“I loved talking all things garden with new people,” she said.
“I will absolutely be entering again. My kids had a great time and they did well with their entries – they’ve been growing poppies and orchards at home.
“Hopefully we will continue to pass it down.”
Other winners at the 123rd Mortlake Rose Show include:
Moyne Shire Trophy for best rose in show – Judy Paton;
Edna Spokes Memorial Trophy for champion Iris – Gladys McKenzie; and
Nettie Draffen Memorial Prize for best entry of flora design – Margaret Donoghue.
