Rose growers were at the mercy of the recent chilly, wet weather and the show organisers were expecting fewer etries than last year.
However, there were roses galore, a total of 489 entries were made by 32 exhibitors, compared to last year of 355 entries by 33 exhibitors
For the second year running a St John's College rose was judged to be the best rose and this beautiful rose was entered by Hugh Collier of Knysna. Judging, which took place on the Friday, was handled by accredited ROSA (Federation of Rose Societies of South Africa) judges, Alta Nel of Cape Town and Sheenagh Harris who has recently moved to the Knysna area.
Knysna Rose Society chairman and the show's convenor, Stefanie Seydack won the show with 48 points, Hugh Collier of Knysna was second with 34 points and Cynthia Hewson of Gonubie (last year's show winner) third with 27 points.
For the photographic show, judging was undertaken by local photographer Ellé of Ellé Photography. Ellé expressed how pleased she was to see the knowledge and understanding shown by the 6 exhibitors who exhibited their pictures. Mary Hunter of Sedgefield won the Photo Challenge with 13 points, followed by Terry-Lyn Weir of Knysna with 10 points and Carol Kennedy, Leisure Island with 7 points. Hunter was the proud overall winner of the photographic challenge last year and this year her photo was judged to be the Best Photo on Show.
Trophies awarded:
- Knysna Mall Trophy (overall show winner by points) – Stefanie Seydack;
- Tew Cup (Queen of Show) – Hugh Collier;
- Took Lloyd Trophy (Section A - hybrid teas) – Cynthia Hewson;
- Five Roses Trophy - Linda Stevens of Plettenburg and Jan Shilton;
- Frazer Memorial Vase (Section B - Floribundas) – Stefanie Seydack;
- Miniature Plate (Section C - miniature roses) - Stefanie Seydack;
- Hi-Lo Challenge (Section D - Potomac Trophy) – Hugh Collier;
- ROSA Plaque (Section E - ECO Roses) – Carol Kennedy, Leisure Island;
- Novice Cup (Section F) – Stephen Rado;
- Municipality Trophy (Section H – retirement homes) – Formosa Gardens, Plettenberg Bay;
- Louis Matthee Trophy (Section J – heritage and modern heritage roses) – Barbara Byrne, Plettenberg Bay;
- Photo Trophy (Best Photo in Show) – Mary Hunter, Sedgefield.
At the prize-giving on the Saturday, Seydack thanked everyone for the abundance of roses that were entered and for the wealth of enthusiasm. Stefanie also thanked the many members of the Knysna Rose Society and Kashief Ismail of Knysna Mall who had worked incredibly hard to make the show happen.
Once again many sponsors provided the numerous prizes and they were thanked for their generosity and interest in the show:
Tuinroete AGRI, Blitsduk, Bunches, Chameleon Nursery, Effekto, Ellé Photography, Foto First, Grants Sports, Grow Green Organic Compost, HAL Fennel, Sheenagh Harris, Hedges Nursery, Knysna Mall, Lagoon View Nursery, Liquor City, L'Opera, Ludgwig's Roses (Soleil Cut Roses), Movie Mogul, NEL Tanks, Neutrog, ProTek, Alta Nel, Rovico & Leers, Toy Factory, Grant's Sport and Traddirs.
While the show was taking place Knysna Art & Craft Society members and Knysna Rose Society member, Stephen Rado, exhibited some of their stunning artwork. Knysna Art Society member, Margi Bolt also gave a demonstration of the use of watercolour in painting roses.
For the full results and photos, visit the society's website www.knysnarose.co.za.
