George Thomson (rose breeder)
Australian amateur rose breeder From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
George Thomson was an Australian hybridist and amateur rose breeder, known for creating disease-resistant roses tailored to the Australian climate.
George Thomson | |
|---|---|
| Born | George Thomson Scotland |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Occupation | Rosarian |
| Known for | rose breeder |
Thomson was born in Scotland and trained with Alex Cocker of Cockers Roses in Aberdeen, at the rose gardens at Sissinghurst Castle and also completing an apprenticeship at Kew Gardens.[1][2]
He earnt a Diploma in Horticulture and Professorship in Animal Husbandry in the United Kingdom[2] and joined the British Army.[3]
In the mid-1950s the Thomson family emigrated to take up dairy farming in Victoria with George following in 1958 at 22 years of age.[3]
In 1958, Thomson emigrated to South Australia, settling in Willunga, near Adelaide. He was employed as foreman at Centennial Park Cemetery, Adelaide and managed a dairy farm.[2]
Career as a hybridist
Thomson was considered to be one of Australia's most productive rose breeders, planting over 350,000 seeds each year.[4] He worked closely with long established rose nursery Ross Roses, contributing new roses to its 'True Blue' collection, which is bred specifically for the Australian climate.[1][5]
In 2016 the Australian bred rose, Fields of Fromelle became the first Australian bred rose to be planted in France. To do this the rose was exported to a nursery in the Netherlands and then planted at the ‘Australian War Cemetery’ in Fromelles and at the ‘Battle of Fromelle Museum’.[6]
He moved to Narracorte, South Australia in 2019, still undertaking rose breeding as a hobby.[7]
Awards and recognition
In 1999 he was awarded the Australian Rose Award in recognition of his work.[10] He was a member of the South Australian Rose Society and the Australian Rose Breeders Association.[2]
Notable roses
George Thomson roses include:
- Fields of Fromelle (2022) planted at the Australian War Cemetery in Fromelle.[11]
- Jurlique Rose (2014) for Jurlique to celebrate the company's 30th Anniversary.[12]
- Society Belle (2008).
- Crown Princess Mary (2006), named after Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark.[13]
- Lady Phella (2005), winner of a bronze medal at the National Rose Trial Garden of Australia.[14]
- Qingdao Rose (2001), a red rose for the Qingdao Rose Garden, South terrace, Adelaide.[15]
- Wildfire (2000), a rose featuring yellow, orange and red clusters, created for the created a CFS and emergency services fund.[3]
- Mrs Mary Thomson (1996).
- Howard Florey (1998), named after Nobel Prize-winning scientist Lord Howard Florey.[16]
- Hans Heysen, believed to be of ‘Pierre de Ronsard’ parentage.[12]
References
External sources
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