Double rose win rare achievement

Otago Rose Society double Champion of Champions winner Wilma Graham holds her two champion roses,...
Otago Rose Society double Champion of Champions winner Wilma Graham holds her two champion roses, "Luis Desamero"(left) and "Looking Good". PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSON
Veteran rose grower Wilma Graham achieved a rare feat at the weekend by winning two Champion of Champions awards at the Otago Rose Society’s annual show in Dunedin.

This is only the third time such a double has been won at the show in the past 11 years.

After growing roses for about 30 years, Mrs Graham (80) enjoyed her most successful annual rose show at the weekend.

When she recently left her property in Caversham, Mrs Graham left behind about 100 established roses and at her new property at Green Island, she is growing only seven roses — two large varieties, and five of her beloved miniature roses.

However, she achieved an extraordinarily high strike rate.

Four of her miniature roses won first place prizes, including "Luis Desamero", which won Champion of Champions in the miniature section.

And one of her large roses, "Looking Good", won her the other champion of champions title.

Society president Dave Cannan paid tribute to her achievements and skill as a rose-grower, and also as a former society president, a life member and national judge.

Mrs Graham said she was a "pretty energetic person".

"I don’t feel my age. It keeps you fit. Gardening is a healthy thing to do."

She was initially unsure whether to enter the show again this year, but now is glad she did.

"I don’t grow them for show, I grow them for pleasure.

"I must be doing something right."

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