KNYSNA NEWS - On Monday 28 August the committee of the Knysna Rose Society, along with the five members who lost their houses and gardens in the recent fire, gathered for the presentation of a very generous donation from Gold Reef Rose Society in Johannesburg.

Each of the women received R1 000 to help with the restoration of their gardens. Fellow rosarians in Johannesburg felt the need to show empathy with victims and to encourage them to start again with the scorched remains.

The most amazing miracle that has resulted from the burnt sticks after the fire is that beautiful new strong growth has pushed up from the base of the rose bushes after receiving the recent welcome rain. 

Four of the gardeners have already encountered this with their rose bushes, proving just how resilient these beautiful plants are.

The society has awarded a year's free membership and a voucher to choose a rose plant from Outeniqua rose nursery. 

Another gift is the donation of 150 rose plants from Dr Mike Bevis-Challenor who recently retired to Leisure Isle and who previously owned Duncan's Roses in Elgin. 

He is a new member on the committee and his donation will go a long way to spreading the love of the rose.

Witnessing the rebirth and regeneration of plants, trees and shrubs must surely give hope after so much devastation, and with the support and help of people who care enough to show this, we wish all who have suffered loss to be encouraged to garden again and have the strength to rise above their sadness. 

Supplied by Carol Kennedy, Knysna Rose Society chair

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