Palmerston North coming up roses

Palmerston North's Esplanade rose garden has been named one of the world's top five rose gardens.

The garden won the triennial Garden of Excellence award at the World Federation of Rose Societies Convention in Glasgow, beating entries from more than 37 countries.

The Dugald Mackenzie Rose Garden was opened in 1964 and has more than 5000 roses.

Palmerston North deputy mayor Alison Wall said the garden was an icon.