We established our Midlands Rose Society Heritage Rose Garden in 2017 and used Gwen Fagan’s wonderful book, ROSES at the CAPE of GOOD HOPE often to check names of roses and read the interesting articles she had written about these roses she had found whilst doing research for this book.

Over the last 7 years, we have managed to plant 138 different varieties of Old Garden Roses with quite a few more which still have to be identified. We were then so excited to hear that Gwen was coming to Natal and she was going to visit our garden.

Gill Wilson and I were so honored to welcome Gwen to our garden on a lovely cool Autumn morning. She arrived with her carer, Bridget and Caroline Kewley who had arranged this wonderful tour from Natal and back to Cape Town, stopping off along the way to visit the Rosarium in Bedford, the Knysna and Garden Route Rose Society, Plettenberg Bay and Graaff -Reinet. Gwen loved our garden and said it was most beautiful and she couldn’t believe the size of some of the roses, particularly Rosa Laevigata. We had to remind her that most plants and Rose bushes grow bigger in Natal.

Two days later, Gwen was able to meet over 55 of our members at the Beaulah Rose Farm where she gave a wonderful talk on her life and how her love of roses began. She insisted on standing throughout her presentation for more than half an hour. An amazing lady who will celebrate her 100th birthday later this year. Members brought along her book which she was most happy to sign. We thank Gwen most sincerely for visiting us.

Gail Birss- Chairlady