Kiama is about to blossom as The Illawarra Regional Rose Society prepares for its second annual Rosy Day at Burnett’s Nursery next Saturday (1 November).

Seasoned rosarians and gardening novices are invited to showcase their floral arrangements and learn more about the perennial plant alongside friendly company.

The event is a newly implemented approach to what used to be the Shoalhaven Festival of Roses, which carried on in Jamberoo until 2023. Unlike the Festival of Roses, these exhibitions will not be judged by a panel.

Visitors can expect to see a unique variety of photogenic displays and they can also tune into informative talks about garden maintenance, hybridisation, mulching, general rose care and how to craft the perfect posy.

Last year, there were about 100 attendees and IRRS chair Lorraine Vost is expecting a lot more this time around.

She said there has been an influx of community engagement and IRRS members following a successful four-day stint at the Berry Garden Festival.

“Some of the roses we see are no longer available to buy. There was one [from a bush] that was over 75 years old … Other people have got roses even older than that,” she said.

The event will be Lorraine's first Rosy Day after assuming the chair role, however her involvement with the society has spanned 10 years and included noteworthy contributions to the garden at Peace Park.

The event will run from 9am to 4pm next Saturday and is open to all members of the public.

Those wishing to display their roses are expected to arrive at the Palm Pavilion from 7.30-9.30am with their presentations in a container.