Congratulations to Bob Matthews of Matthews Nurseries Ltd Whanganui who was recently presented with the New Zealand Rose Award for service to the rose in New Zealand.
Bob’s lifelong passion for roses started at a young age. Bob, along with wife Cath took over Matthews Nurseries Ltd from Bob’s parents in 1978 and since then, it has become one of New Zealand’s largest and leading rose growers.
Bob has given countless hours of his time and expertise to industry organisations. He has also welcomed many visiting groups and individuals to the nursery and given many talks and demonstrations over the years.
Bob began breeding roses in the early 1990’s with over 60 of his varieties introduced to the market in New Zealand and overseas. His varieties are known for their health, easy care nature and repeat flowering abilities. For the last 20 years, Bob has trialed his seedlings under a completely spray-free environment.
He has won numerous awards at the NZRS Trials in Palmerston North and in overseas trials. His most well-known and successful variety is ‘My Mum’ named for his mother Pearl. This has been voted by New Zealand Rose Society members as their top favorite floribunda rose. Bob has also named roses for various causes including ‘Lest We Forget’ for the Returned Servicemans Association, ‘Pink Ribbon’ for the Breast Cancer Foundation and ‘Blue September’ for the Prostate Cancer Foundation New Zealand.
In addition to breeding roses, Bob has been involved with importing new varieties from overseas breeders. After years of quarantine and trialing, many new varieties have been introduced to New Zealand gardeners.
Congratulations Bob on this honour.
