By Rebecca Stevens

THE rose garden at Glasgow's Tollcross Park has been voted "blooming wonderful" by experts.

Members of the World Federation of Rose Societies have named the International Rose Garden a Garden of Excellence.

Glasgow is the first city in Scotland to receive the accolade which is awarded to gardens considered to be exceptional from a historical, educational and visual point of view.

The East End rose garden was nominated by the Royal National Rose Society and considered at the World Rose Convention in Vancouver.

Glasgow Lord Provost Bob Winter, said: "To receive such recognition is excellent news. It is a great achievement for the city and for staff involved."

An international panel of around 100 judges arrived in the city this week for the Rose Trials where the panel decides which plants are this year's winners.

Glasgow's International Rose Garden covers around one hectare and each year, since 1986, around 30 new varieties of roses are planted.

The main part of the garden has 16 beds with 240 varieties totalling approximately 4100 plants.

This year 32 varieties have been submitted by 14 rose breeders from countries such as France and the USA.

An awards ceremony will be held in the City Chambers with The Lord Provost's Cup awarded to the rose variety receiving the highest points.

In 2008 Tollcross Park was named Best Park in Scotland, based on its environment, design, access and maintenance as well as the level of community involvement.