MORWELL is arguably better known for its power stations than its natural beauty.
However, the Gippsland town has earned equal billing with the likes of France, Japan and Portugal.
And it's all thanks to the Morwell Centenary Rose Garden.
Together with six other gardens - including the Beaujoire Rose Garden in France, the Roseiral da Quinta do Arco in Madeira, Portugal and Japan's Jindai Botanical Rose Garden - the 1.6ha oasis recently won the the World Federation of Rose Societies' 2009 award of garden excellence.
The federation represents 41 countries and more than 100,000 global rose lovers.
In the federation's 40-year history, only 30 rose gardens around the world have been given the award, according to Friends of the Garden secretary Pat Claassens.
"It was suggested three years ago that the gardens enter the awards and the Friends of the Garden had to jump through quite a few hurdles to get there," says Pat, one of about 40 volunteers who maintain the gardens.
"When we were told we had won we were all quite shocked," she says.
"I think it was a pruning day when we heard and so we all had morning tea in the garden."
The award was announced in June at the federation's annual convention in Canada and an award ceremony was conducted in Morwell by the Rose Society of Victoria earlier this month.
Society president Ian Spriggs says Morwell's is the second garden in Australia to be recognised with the award, the other being the Victoria State Rose Garden at Werribee, in 2003.
"One of the great things about it is it's run by volunteers and it's not a commercial property," Ian says.
"Some of the other countries who win get a lot of money to spend on their roses. This is a world-class garden that has been developed and maintained by volunteers, with help from the Latrobe City Council.
"It should give them a real thrill and a kick-along."
The gardens were created in 1991 on a disused railway site to commemorate Morwell's 100th birthday.
There are 110 beds and about 4000 roses, comprising 260 varieties of hybrids and traditional favourites.
There is also an Australasian Rose Breeders Section, which showcases historical and modern rose breeding in Australia and New Zealand.
When the roses aren't blooming, spring bulbs, camellias, azaleas, annuals and perennials ensure color and aroma continue to make the gardens a highlight of the town.
And to conserve water, a computerised irrigation system has been installed.
Pat says all work is a labour of love, with some of the volunteers working in the garden for nearly 20 years.
"Each week on a Tuesday morning we hold a working bee. Most people have their own beds that they maintain," she says.
"We do it because we love roses.
"The win, I feel, has helped lift the spirits of the community after the recent bushfires.
he garden gives people the chance to relax and take time to smell the roses."
Morwell Centenary Rose Garden Norman Sharpe Reserve, Commercial Rd, Morwell, visit http://www.morwellrosegarden.com.au
World Federation of Rose Societies, visit www.worldrose.org
