Vale Kelvin Trimper

It is with great sadness that the Board and the staff of the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium (BGSH) notes the passing of Kelvin Trimper AM.

Kelvin had a long association with the BGSH among a list of many local and international horticulturally focused groups and organisations. His enthusiasm for gardens was known and appreciated by many. He was a strong supporter for the advancement of public space tree management, passionately promoting a ‘right tree, right place’ philosophy.

As a leading and internationally respected rose expert, he generously shared his expertise, knowledge, and industry connections with BGSH over several decades.

In an official capacity, his membership on the BGSH Board spanned from 1998 to 2002. During that time he was involved with several subcommittees and working groups including the Botanic Wine and Rose project.

The Botanic Wine and Rose Development was a $32 million dollar capital works project which refurbished the Goodman Building and Tram Barn A for use by the BGSH, and supported the construction of the National Wine Centre.

Kelvin’s expertise as an advocate and advisor to many aspects of the project included the development of the International Rose Garden, which was opened by the Premier on the 20 October 2000.

The International Rose Garden was established for the promotion of the State’s rose industry and to help create a new tourism focus in the Adelaide CBD. The International Rose Garden and the co-located National Rose Trial Garden, considered one of the leading rose trail gardens internationally, are a lasting and special legacy of Kelvin’s work for South Australia.

Most recently, Kelvin’s tireless work associated with the International Rose Garden at Adelaide Botanic Garden was instrumental in receiving the Award of Garden Excellence from the World Federation of Rose Societies, in late 2022.

This project had been a passion for Kelvin, and he worked closely with our leaders, horticultural staff and volunteers over many years to bring this wonderful achievement to fruition.

Kelvin tirelessly advocated for the tourism potential of roses gardens, and of gardens generally. His energy and enthusiasm to bring Adelaide’s roses to the world was infectious, his focus to this cause is acknowledged by many, and his achievements, love of roses, and larger than life warmth and generosity will be remembered at BGSH for many years to come.

Kelvin was a true friend of the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium, and our thoughts are with his family and the broader rosarian, gardens, and conservation communities.