Belfast, and in particular what’s colloquially known as ‘Lady Dixon’, has a strong association with the rose.
While this famous flower provides the theme for what’s now the annual Rose Fair (scaled back from Rose Week), a series of city council-supported events at the aforementioned south Belfast park, it could be argued that the horticultural heritage aspect is undersold.
The City of Belfast International Rose Trials were first held in 1965, so this year would appear to mark their 60th anniversary (the first roses to be trialled were planted the previous year).
It’s very possible that in the coming weeks we’ll hear more about the plans to recognise this significant milestone but fearing that it could go completely unnoticed, it’s important to record it here.
The Rose Society of Northern Ireland trials, which take place in series of circular gardens on fertile, south-facing slopes amid mature parkland overlooking the River Lagan, are about testing the latest roses submitted by breeders from all across the world.
To the uninitiated this may sound quaint and even quixotic but roses, which have the advantage that they can be sold via mail order dormant as bare root, are big business.
At the end of the trials, for which the final judging this year takes place this Friday July 4, we will know the names of this year’s best hybrid tea, best shrub, best floribunda, best miniature and best climbing, along with an overall gold medal winner (which is actually a cup) for the supreme rose.
The trials were the brainchild of then young rose enthusiasts Craig Wallace and Sam McCredy. The then director of Belfast Parks, Reg Wesley, helped bring their idea to fruition.
An award at the Belfast Rose Trials – like trials in Germany, Belgium, Japan, Australia, and many more – is regarded as the hallmark of excellence and an asset when selling into a lucrative international market.
The popular ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ rose on display at Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park in Belfast. PICTURE: MAL MCCANN
I must concede that it’s been well over a decade since I visited the rose gardens at Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon but I recall them being something to behold. The only possible criticism was that there were too many roses.
Having perused the beds or wandered through the pergolas, one came away intoxicated by the scent and dazzled by the colours of some 45,000 roses, each a different variety. Every kind of rose you can imagine was there.
So if, like me, you don’t much care for the formality of a hybrid tea or floribunda, you’d find plenty of arching climbers and far-reaching ramblers to satisfy that unbridled inclination. Traditionally, I liked my roses like my women: the wilder the better, meaning it was usually dog roses (Rosa canina) and Rosa rugosa.
As I’ve got older – as old as the Rose Trials, as it happens – my tastes have become a little more refined, in roses at least. Personal favourites are both ramblers – the luscious red ‘Rambling Rosie’ and ‘Rambling Rector’, which bears beautiful, fragrant, creamy-white flowers – perfect for screening a hard surface or unattractive feature.
To provide a contrast to the beauty, class and sophistication of the roses on display at Lady Dixon, the council has given this year’s Rose Fair a country and western theme.
Next weekend (Friday July 4-Sunday July 6) will see a programme of events that include live music, dancing, musical theatre, food demonstrations, children’s activities, a rodeo bull, fairground rides, and a craft fair. Admission is free.