The Hills Shire Council is pleased to announce that Stage One of the Alfred Henry Whaling Memorial Reserve Rose Garden upgrade is now complete.
This included:
- Removing the old timber arbour and surrounding structures;
- Installing a new rose arbour, as well as concrete pathways, seating and a feature sandstone area; and
- Landscaping works.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne said she was pleased with the results.
"The rose garden is a much-loved community space enjoyed by many residents and visitors to The Hills Shire," Mayor Byrne said.
"These works come at the perfect time as we revitalise the neighbouring Waves into a state-of-the-art fitness and aquatic centre. Soon it will be possible to grab a coffee and a bite to eat from the new Waves cafe and then take a walk through the aromatic and picturesque rose garden.
"These upgrades will ensure this garden continues to be explored, relished and loved by generations to come," Mayor Byrne added.
Council is currently in the process of planting roses which will be trained to climb over the newly constructed arbour, creating a cathedral type focal point for the rose garden.
Council is also working with Soroptimist International to help celebrate their 100th anniversary in 2021. The variety chosen by the volunteer organisation is a dwarf variety of rose called 'Little Sunset' and will take pride of place in a dedicated garden bed adjacent to the arbour.
In addition to this, more construction is planned for the garden, including restoration of garden beds, upgrades to the stairs and pathways and more planting works.
The garden, which was established in 1972, is home to more than 4000 roses and 80 different species, which have been carefully manicured into the layout. Many of the varieties have been donated by local nurseries and rose societies.
Some of the special roses on display include the Australian Bi-Centennial Rose, The Hills Centenary Rose and the Olympic Gold Rose.
