Waikato Rose Society

28/06/2026

In this episode of Flower Farming in NZ, Jo Robinson is joined by Samantha Matthews of Matthews Nurseries, ⁠a third-generation family business that has been growing roses since 1947. Samantha takes us behind the scenes of modern rose breeding, sharing the science, patience, and passion required to develop new rose varieties that are beautiful, healthy, and suitable for New Zealand gardens and flower farms.
From planting 50,000 seeds and selecting just a few hundred seedlings, to years of spray-free trials and evaluation, Samantha explains why developing a new rose can take more than a decade.

In this episode of Flower Farming in NZ, Jo Robinson is joined by S...

24/06/2026

Some pro tips for planting your bareroot roses 🌹

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14/06/2026

Mid-winter Christmas done right! 🎄🌹
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at the WRS lunch — great food, even better company, and so much rose talk.

Special thanks to the team for organising, and to the Hamilton Working Men's Club for having us.

Now… bring on the 2026 rose season!
Hamilton Workingmen's Dart Club

12/06/2026

Are you ready for the rose season?

12/06/2026

For all your FIFA fans 😆
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30/05/2026

I know you want to prune your rose bushes, but you should really wait until July. Join us on one of our pruning demonstrations in July to get all the pro tips you need.

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27/05/2026

What an incredible result for the Waikato Rose Society! We are absolutely bursting with pride to share the winners of the NZRS 2027 Rose Calendar competition, announced at the recent NZRS AGM.

A massive congratulations to our talented members who captured the beauty of the blooms so perfectly that they’ve earned a place in this prestigious national calendar. Waikato growers took out the vast majority of the spots, a true testament to our members’ skill behind both the pruners and the lens!

Please join us in congratulating our very own winners (and yes, keep an eye out for that stunning cover shot!):

🌹 Avalanche – Bev Fletcher
🖤 Black Lace (and Cover Image!) – Adrian Bullen
✨ Glorious – Kirsty Bullen
💛 Graham Thomas – Irene Taylor
💚 Green with Envy – Barry Wilcox
🌺 On the Fence – Maggie Hong
🏙️ Sky Tower – Janet Pike
🙏 St Mary’s Rose – Eileen Wilcox

We also want to extend a huge congratulations to the other winners from our fellow societies, and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who entered. With the judging described as incredibly tight, you’ve all done us proud.

18/05/2026

Don't worry, you are not alone.
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13/05/2026

What a wonderful night at the Waikato Rose Society!
Huge thanks to Sheree Gare for sharing her passion for miniature roses – you could feel the love for every tiny bloom.
And a very special congratulations to Sheree, our newest Life Member of WRS – so well deserved! 👏