Search for a rose that fits Rosafari

CHALLENGE: TO FIND FLOWER BEFITTING YEAR'S THEME

- Ludwig Tashner

Bushveld Dawn Lioness GrandiRosa

Gardening expert imagines a day in the life of a safari-goer.

Every rose has a name and a personality which sets them apart from other flowers.

With about 500 varieties, there is likely to be a rose for every occasion and the challenge at this year's October Rose Festival, which opens today, was to find roses fitting in with the theme of "Rosafari".

Here's how I see a day in the life of a rose safari:

For serious safari-goers a day of game spotting starts in the bushveld at dawn.

Like any dawn, the large, shapely blooms of Bushveld Dawn glow with shades of bright salmon, suffused with pink and softened by soft cream on the reverse of the petals.

The tall, rugged rose performs without any fuss.