9 March 2009 Ivey Hall rose

 

Lincoln University's connections with nature and the land are many and varied, and now, to quote poet Robert Browning, it's “roses, roses, all the way.”

Lincoln University's Alumni Association has organised the naming and availability of a special rose catalogued officially as “Ivey Hall.” This is a well-bred rose originally developed in the United Kingdom by respected rose grower Gareth Fryer, of Fryer's Nurseries, Knutsford, Cheshire.

The rose, introduced in the UK by Fryer's in 2006 under the name “Golden Smiles” is rated very highly by the breeder and was well received by customers. It was awarded the Gold Standard in an independent UK rose trial.

New Zealand rose breeder, Bob Matthews of Wanganui, has rights to it in New Zealand. It is a golden floribunda and will be released here under the name “Ivey Hall” at the Ellerslie Flower Show in Christchurch over 11-15 March, 2009.

The Lincoln University Alumni Association has already provided plants for the Rose Garden in Timaru, where alumnus Bill Steans is the Parks & Recreation Manager, and a number have also been planted in a display bed around Lincoln University's Memorial Hall.

The “Ivey Hall” Rose project has been led by Alumni Association Manager Sarah Currie, who is a passionate gardener. Well-known nurseryman Athol McCully, a Lincoln University alumnus, has been an enthusiastic mentor and supporter.

Sarah had the opportunity to visit Fryer's Nursery in Cheshire earlier this year and met breeder, Gareth Fryer. “He was very enthusiastic about the idea of having one of his roses associated with Lincoln University,” she says. “He has visited New Zealand and had existing connections with Bob Matthews. In fact, by coincidence, Bob and his wife happened to be at Knutsford the day I was there. Gareth hosted us to lunch and a tour of the nursery and associated garden centre. It is a fabulous place. One of his roses, “Lucky,” has won the Rose of the Year award at the latest Hampton Court Flower Show.”

At the Ellerslie Flower Show in Christchurch the rose will be on display in the HortGalore Marquee. Purchases won't be able to be made at the Show but orders can be placed there or, if you want to make an order after reading this article, you can do so by filling out the order form.