Saga of the Rose-Hunting Odyssey
We departed home on 15 November, planning to visit Treloars in Portland Vic, Wagners Roses in Kalangadoo SA, then the (late) Rose Guru of Oz ... actually David Ruston’s successors ... at Rustons Rose wholesalers in Renmark SA, who sold roses across Australia, and I believe internationally.
(We also planned to drop in on The Famous Dottie en route.)
Well, Treloars was OK. Not as many roses in flower as we had hoped, but enough to judge what we could order when the time comes.
Similar story at Wagners... even fewer flowers on show.
Then we headed for Rustons...
David Ruston established the 50-odd acres as a young man. We met him about three years ago, when he was well into his 80s. He was very proud of his creation, which by then had added a cafe, classic car showroom, wedding venue in an outdoor ‘garden room’ with an avenue of white standard roses leading to a living archway.
It was packed with tourists on our visit.
He was hoping his neice would take over, as his daughter was more involved in politics.
No such luck...
We discovered that the property had been sold twice since David’s death. It looks like nothing has been touched since he died. The cafe/reception building is shut and empty.
Weeds and kikuyu have overgrown what roses have survived. The place was desolate and depressing.
I’m sure that Renmark’s tourism numbers have dwindled since its closure.
It looks like the land has been purchased for future development of housing.
David must be spinning in his grave. A lifetime’s work wasted.