ONE of the nation’s largest rose nurseries, which calls the Kalangadoo district home, is preparing to swing its gates to the public for its seventh open day event.
Wagner’s Rose Nursery owner Brian Wagner will guide visitors around the 50ha nursery, showing what is involved in commercial rose production and also giving tips on how to grow beautiful and healthy rose plants.
The annual nursery open day is designed to give people an opportunity to experience the unique rose nursery – set in the heart of the Limestone Coast’s Kalangadoo region – to be inspired to grow roses, or simply to enjoy the food, wine and roses on offer.
The family friendly day – held on the outskirts of Kalangadoo – will again be a major fundraiser for Penola Primary School, with students and parents throwing their support behind the event.
“For the last few years we have had amazing support from the Penola Primary School, with each class presenting a stall of their own, including a cake stand, sausage sizzle and drinks van, while the parent club helped out on the gate and with car-parking,” Mr Wagner said.
To add to the food stalls available on the day will be a gourmet food truck, along with boutique cider and beer producers and local wineries will provide wine for sale by the glass and bottle.
“As well as having the chance to take a tour around the paddocks of the rose nursery, there will also be plenty to see, drink and eat in the central space of the open day,” Mr Wagner
said.
“There’ll be plenty of entertainment to keep the kids busy including a jumping castle – weather permitting – for the younger ones, which frees up parents to really get out and enjoy the roses.”
Following a similar format to its highly successful open days over the past six years, Mr Wagner will host continual tours throughout the day in a relaxed paddock setting, while also being on hand to answer questions and provide information on rose growing.
“Whether you’re a keen rose grower, a novice or even if you just enjoy looking at roses, the open day will have something for everyone – it truly is a community event that everyone seems to enjoy,” Mr Wagner said.
“We are really pleased to be able to support this great community who supports us.”
The open day will be held on April 7 from 10am to 4pm with an entry of $8 per adult and children under 15 free.
Visitors are recommended to wear enclosed footwear.
