Rose garden is at its best for annual fundraiser

Annette Hildesheim stands beside Integrity, one of her favourites. Photo / Duncan Brown

Annette Hildesheim's Pretty and Pink Rose Garden is "looking unbelievable this year" for an annual event.

"I keep going out and seeing it and thinking 'is this my garden?'"

She has raised $8500 over four years with every dollar going to Local Support Breast Cancer.

Ms Hildesheim had the idea for the annual event after hearing about a friend who had lost her daughter to breast cancer.

"I just cried all the way home, but then I wiped the tears away and thought 'I'll do something positive'.

"But it's the people who come, they're the ones helping - if people don't come I can't help."

It's not just roses in the 358 pots that decorate Ms Hildesheim's garden: "I've got every flower in there, I like to have something to complement the roses.

"But I never have anything orange - it's not a peaceful colour."

Since Ms Hildesheim moved to the Omega Place property 30 years ago her garden has expanded.

She does "every single thing" herself, including trimming the edges with a carving knife and dressmaking scissors.

"I just can't help myself."

Ms Hildesheim's Pretty and Pink Rose Garden will be open this weekend from 10am to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday, at 2 Omega Place.

Bring a gold coin donation for Local Support Breast Cancer.