Media Releases
01 March 2008
SPECIAL ROSE TO MARK CANBERRA’S 100TH BIRTHDAY
The ACT Government has begun work on creating a special rose to celebrate the Centenary of Canberra in 2013.
Chief Minister Jon Stanhope said that as Canberra was a community of keen gardeners, it had been no surprise that a "Centenary Rose" had been suggested as a worthy project in the Centenary of Canberra Blueprint. And he was pleased that the idea would become a reality.
"Australia has a history of creating roses to mark special occasions, including for the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000 and the Centenary of Federation in 2001," Mr Stanhope said.
"The creation of a brand-new flower is a beautiful way to celebrate our city’s 100th birthday, and a fantastic way for us to share our pride with the rest of the world.
"There is much to consider when creating a rose that will reflect Canberra’s place at the heart of the nation. We need to develop a rose which is drought tolerant, pest resistant and suited to Canberra gardens, as well as a floral emblem capable of representing our maturation into a world-class city.
"Previous creations to mark special occasions have become extremely popular with gardeners. For example, the Canberra Federation Rose, bred to commemorate the Centenary of Federation, bears light pink flowers that gradually mature into a rich burgundy.
"The success of such creations demonstrates the value of creating a lasting — and living — legacy to commemorate our centenary."
The historic rose gardens of Old Parliament House amount to a botanical museum, each rose representing a significant story in the development of the nation. On a domestic level, Canberra’s many spectacular residential rose gardens perform the same function.
Centenary organisers will consult experts in the field over the coming months with a view to creating a rose which will be flowering in Canberra’s gardens in 2013.
A rose is just one of the commemorative projects for the Centenary year. It is anticipated that coins will be minted and stamps designed to mark the occasion. A Centenary vehicle number plate is also planned for release.
