The roses took centre stage at the annual celebration of Morwell's Centenary Rose Garden as part of the weekend's International Rose Garden Festival.
Over 4,000 roses bursting with spring colour were in full bloom for the two-day festival which drew local visitors and those from across greater Gippsland and Melbourne.
Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the garden, a crowd of more than 5,000 attended the festival and evening AGL Night Light installation, which returned to its full format for the first time in two years.
Among the highlights of this year's festival was the return of crowd favourite and ABC Gardening Australia host Costa Georgiadis along with Interactive Experiences from special guests Bluey and Bingo.
Visitors took the time to stop and smell the roses while making the most of a range of workshops and talks, with live music, roving entertainment and culinary delights from local food trucks among the crowd favourites.
Latrobe City Council Mayor, Cr Kellie O'Callaghan said that it was great to see this iconic celebration returning bigger and better to its full format.
"This free community event has become a highlight on the events calendar, attracting people from all walks of life who enjoy taking a stroll and enjoying the wonders of the garden, expertly maintained and presented by the Friends of the Rose Garden volunteers," Cr O'Callaghan said.
"Latrobe residents and visitors were treated to a magical experience, taking in the sights of the picturesque garden in full bloom. Events such as the Rose Garden Festival play an important role in increasing the region's local tourism offerings.
"There was a great sense of community and community pride across the weekend, as we celebrated our sense of identity. The Festival provides opportunities for our community to connect and enjoy our City's natural attractions."
The event was delivered by Latrobe City Council and made possible through the support of the Victorian Government's Regional Events Fund and major sponsor AGL.
