Blooming Beauty: The History and Heritage of Roses at New Farm Park

New Farm Park is a stunning 15-hectare expanse of greenery and natural beauty located by the Brisbane River. But did you know that the park has a rich history that dates back to the 1800s? Originally farmland, the area was transformed into a racecourse in 1846 before closing in 1861. Fast forward to 1913, when the Brisbane City Council acquired the land and reopened it as the picturesque New Farm Park in 1919. One of the key features of New Farm Park is the rose garden.

At the park's inception, there were only 800 roses, but the number steadily grew, and by 1940, more than 20,000 rose plants were thriving on the grounds. Harry Oakman, the park's head gardener at the time, redesigned the flower beds to showcase the roses' variety and colors, educating visitors about the garden's beauty.

Three young girls with dolls' prams are on the grass alongside the rose garden. New Farm Powerhouse, can be seen behind the tree line. New Farm Park, Brisbane, 1938. State Library of Queensland.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the number of roses increased even further, with The Telegraph, Brisbane's evening newspaper, reporting that there were over 40,000 roses in the park in 1965. However, the infamous 1974 floods ravaged the park, covering the rose beds with silt and destroying many of the original plants. Despite this setback, the park was eventually restored, and today, it boasts a rose garden containing 7,000 rose bushes.

Pink rose bed, New Farm park, October 1984. Queensland University of Technology.

The infamous 1974 floods covered the rose beds with silt and many of the original plants were lost with beds needing to be started from scratch.

Flood damage at New Farm caused by the 1974 Brisbane Flood. State Library of Queensland.

The rose garden at New Farm Park is not only home to modern hybrid varieties, but also many heritage-listed roses. These roses have been cultivated for at least 100 years, making them an essential part of Australia's horticultural heritage. Among these heritage roses are the "Cabbage Rose," which dates back to the 17th century, and the "Souvenir de la Malmaison," named after Napoleon's wife, Empress Josephine.

Aerial view of New Farm Park November 2022

Today 1 of 7,000 roses bushes held in New Farm Park

Today, visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll through the park's lush gardens, which provide a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With the Brisbane River as a backdrop and thousands of roses in bloom, it's no wonder that New Farm Park remains one of Brisbane's most beloved destinations.