Rose grower extraordinaire and long-term supporter of the Royal Adelaide Show Walter Duncan was recently presented The World Rose Award in Vancouver.

Presented at the World Rose Conference, the award recognises Walter’s years of work with the Rose Society of South Australia, his love of roses and contribution to promoting the rose through his inspirational talks and provision of information to the public.

Delighted to receive the award, Walter said attending the World Rose Conference was a wonderful opportunity to mix with fellow rose growers and world-renowned rose breeders. 

“We were also able to visit the world-famous Buchart Gardens and other wonderful gardens in, and around, Vancouver,” he said.

A Board member of the RA&HS since 1995 and member of the Horticulture Committee since 1975, Walter began growing plants and exhibiting at the Royal Adelaide Show in 1963. He is also an honourary life member of the Rose Society of South Australia Inc. 

During his illustrious rose growing career Walter has contributed to many of Adelaide’s public gardens, designing the old rose section at the Adelaide International Rose Garden and the modern rose garden at Carrick Hill. He is co-author of display garden at Hughes Park, in the Clare Valley, has featured in many publications. 

Walter now lives at The Heritage Garden in Sevenhill with wife, Kay. Both gardens have been opened to the public many times over the years, raising over $60,000 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.