Hello Dear Rose Friends,
Today, 80 years ago, Graham Edward Sargeant was born at Vaucluse Hospital, East Brunswick … Happy Birthday, Graham!
To give you an insight into the crazy guy who writes Gra’s Garble and finds jokes to share with you each week, here are some highlights of his life …
- started school along with 47 others in 1949 - Grade 1C at Pascoe Vale Primary School
- 1951 – joined Cubs, went on to be a Scout, Senior Scout and Rover with 8th Coburg – reunions are still held every few years
- Spent 6 years at Brunswick Tech then joined Victorian Railways to complete a plumbing apprenticeship.
- Joined Essendon City Council in 1963 and Shire of Kilmore in 1973 as Health Surveyor – Graham did night studies for more than 17 years to attain different qualifications in By-Laws, Building Inspection, etc. etc.
- In 1988 he won the Australian Miniature Rose Championship at the 8th World Rose Conference in Sydney.
- Resigned from Shire of Kilmore in 1989 to work with Diana at the Silkie Gardens Rose Nursery in Kilmore which had become too busy for just one person to operate.
- Graham became Plant Manager, Research & Development Officer, Rose Breeder and apart from a slight diversion into raising Saler cattle during the early 90’s, he’s enjoyed roses as his No. 1 passion.
- He successfully bred “Gra’s Blue” which was entered into the Australian Rose Trial Grounds in 2013. It was awarded Bronze medal and Governor of Gifu (Japan) Award for Most Fragrant Rose of 2015 Trials. The rose continues to be a delight for rose gardeners around Australia.
There’s no doubt Graham’s love and passion for roses will never wain as this year we’re all curious and note some of his most recent rose seedlings show great promise – do ask to see them when you call into the Rose Farm!
There’s no doubt either, Graham is a ‘people’s person’ as he loves to stop and have a chat, listen to your story and share his knowledge and life experiences with those who take time to listen.
He’s a passionate reader and is always putting articles on my desk to include in the Rose Rambler along with a few simple jokes each week – his ability to see the fun in most things is a pleasure to share!
A giggle for you:
Q: Why was the clock bored?
A: It had too much time on its hands.
If you ever have an issue with your roses, don’t hesitate to be in touch with Graham as all emails addressed to him are printed for his attention – info@rosesalesonline.com.au and he’ll respond asap.
GRA’S SUPER BIRTHDAY SPECIAL …
buy any one of these fabulous pillar roses and get any other one of your choice FREE …
- Graham Thomas
- Westerland
- Dublin Bay
- Pierre de Ronsard
All the above are fragrant, will grow against a wall, perhaps in an obelisk or can also be free-standing with minimal support – they’re all super healthy, will flower over a very long season and offer bunches of flowers suitable for a vase.
JUST $42.50 PLUS PACK/POST FOR ANY TWO OF THE ABOVE ROSES – ONE OFFER PER CUSTOMER!
Graham standing in front of our 24 year-old plant earlier this week …
Another giggle for you:
Q: Guess who I bumped into on my way to get my glasses fixed?
A: Everybody!
Here at Clonbinane we’ve had lovely soaking rain just as lots of areas of Australia have experienced recently. So, we’ll lightly prune the bushes and have lots of fresh blooms throughout December.
Keep your secateurs handy at all times and trim constantly to ensure your rose foliage stays lush and healthy to support masses of flowers – remember, lots of healthy foliage = lots of magnificent blooms!
Have a happy week in your garden…