Southern Sydney Rose Group member Braidan Swan has been named the Australian National Reserve Exhibition Rose Champion at the 2018 Australian Rose Championships held in Brisbane earlier this month.
Mr Swan, from Alfords Point, won with his orange-red hybrid tea rose titled “Happy Anniversary”.
Mr Swan said he was surprised that out of the hundreds of entries, his rose had been selected as the Reserve Champion.
“I am definitely surprised but also delighted,” he said.
A Southern Sydney Rose Group spokesman said the achievement was significant given that Mr Swan was competing against the top rose exhibitors in Australia and his entry was chosen by experienced national judges.
Mr Swan attributed his success to the growing and exhibiting skills he had acquired as a member of the Southern Sydney Rose Group, which is part of the Rose Society of NSW.
“I would urge anyone with an interest in roses to join their local group” Mr Swan said.
He said you don't have to be a rose expert to join the society.
“In fact, it is the exact opposite,” he said. “Through the membership you learn how to improve your rose growing skills.”
The Southern Sydney Rose Group normally meets at the Loftus Community Hall, 129 Loftus Avenue, Loftus on the third Saturday of the month. However, the next meeting will be on Sunday, October 21 from 1pm-3pm and Mr Swan will be there with his championship ribbon and award certificate. Details: Lyndall, 0414 490 167.