Historical information

Flower shows or Horticultural exhibitions were a popular form of entertainment and scientific pastime in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and were widely reported on and followed. Ballarat was a major centre for nurseries and prided itself as a garden city promoting many shows at all levels including grand national exhibitions. Exhibitors ranged from professional hybridists, nurserymen and florists to amateur growers. This award represents the cottage or amateur class in flower shows and was awarded circa 1907.

Significance

This item has well documented provenance and remains at Hymettus with the family to whom it was awarded. It forms part of a significant and representative horticultural collection which reflects the involvement of generations of the family with horticulture in a centre known as The Garden City. It contributes to our understanding of social and family life in twentieth century Ballarat, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes of garden history, local history and social history.

Inscriptions & markings

Written onto card, 'Three Varieties of Roses'. Miss J. Taffe.