Almost, nearly there: David Austin’s finest – the promise of a good year for the roses?

This time last year, nothing. Barely a bud, nothing even closely resembling a flower. The month-long Sub-Zero ºC that was March 2013 put back the roses until July. This year, after a mild winter and some early sunshine (and the possibility of a long warm summer), I think it will be a good year for…

The Dirt Diaries preview new US introductions from David Austin

The Lark Ascending I'm chuffed that Lynn Hunt and The Dirt Diaries included some comments of mine on the new crop of David Austin roses set to conquer America in 2014 (not every UK introduction crosses the pond automatically and if they do, it is at least a year later than their original Chelsea debut).…

A fragrance by any other name

Jude the Obscure - with a strong citrus scent, fruity, with guavas and white wine This article is by Robert Calkin, originally published in The Royal National Rose Society Historic Rose Journal Autumn 2013. If you are not a member of the Historic Rose Group, articles such as these are just one reason to join!…

An English Rose… and another…

A whole lot of David Austin - not much writing, but plenty of pictures for this Friday night. Grace David Austin rose, Grace, with distinctive quilled petals. One of the shorter bush roses and also excellent in a container. Princess Anne A rose of exceptional health, immune to powdery mildew and blackspot and flowering in…

A History Lesson

Boscobel, an English rose from David Austin This is Boscobel, one of the roses introduced last year by David Austin, and fast becoming a favourite - it is delightfully fragrant with large flowers which mix pink with stronger tones of peach and even orange. I've yet to see it planted in a big group, but…

David Austin roses – introductions 2012/13 and … 2013/14

Tranquility, The Lark Ascending, Boscobel and Heathcliff- four of the five new roses introduced by David Austin last year. Apart from Albrighton Rambler, whose appearance we might better be able to guess (and is likely to repeat flower..?), the other 2013/14 additions, Carolyn Knight, Thomas A Becket and The Lady Gardener will have to remain…