Gardener and Photographer with a love of Roses and a magpie-eye for all things Horticultural
Crepuscule Crepuscule was raised by M Dubreuil in France in 1904. He has previously (1884) raised that little charmer Perle d'Or which bids fair to outlast most roses, like Gloire de Dijon. Nobody is raising these exquisite Noisettes these days. Crepuscule is of lax, semi-climbing growth and has been recommended for hedging, but I think…
Continue reading ➞ Heading into the second Walled Rose garden at Mottisfont Abbey….
Spong One of the most famous sports of Rosa x centifolia, originating in 1805, probably in England. It will reach 4ft (1.2m), bears typically rounded leaves of its parent and neat flowers about twice the size of De Meaux (also a sport of Rosa x centifolia), with the same good fragrance. Its failing is that…
Continue reading ➞ The Mottisfont Pictorial Rose Catalogue continues with another update…
Hippolyte White foxgloves come into their own in statuesque quality in contrast to the dark purplish colour of rose Hippolyte. This is a Gallica hybrid for which we have no date. Strangely it is almost prickle-less and in this way as in the shape and colour of the flowers Gallica ancestry is indicated. Reaching 5…
Continue reading ➞ Through the centuries – roses at Mottisfont Abbey
Adelaide d'Orleans This originated in France in 1826 (presumably from open-pollinated seed since hybrizing was not then understood) and suggests R sempervirens as a possible parent. Of extreme grace, the lax clusters hang down. It would not reveal is beauty if trained on a wall, so it is best over an arch or a tree…
Continue reading ➞ The parade continues – a perfect rose sanctuary at Mottisfont Abbey
The Rose Gardens at Mottisfont Abbey The gardens at Mottisfont Abbey are a year-round attraction. However, during June, when their unrivalled collection of Old-fashioned roses fills two (well, almost three) walled gardens with scent and dazzle the eyes with colour. It is an unforgettable experience. These roses have a historical importance beyond their beauty. They…
Continue reading ➞ Paradise is a Rose Garden – Mottisfont Abbey
If you want to find just the right rose for your garden, to compare one variety over another, learn about their varying forms and habits and take inspiration from planting combinations and companions, this is the place to do it. Quite staggeringly beautiful. Everything.
A slide show - the first of many to come - from an afternoon spent in the three Rose Gardens at Mottisfont Abbey, near Romsey in Hampshire. Rose Heaven. The collection of Old Roses, shrub roses, climbers and ramblers must be one of the most extensive and complete in the country - the rose gardens…
Continue reading ➞ Mottisfont Abbey Rose Gardens
and from our Doyenne of the Displays, Lady of the Carts, Madame Maestro.... Filled, finessed, crafted and created, displays at Petersham Nurseries, styling by Amanda - the newest member of the Horticulture Green Team. Roses by me....!
The Telegraph 3:00PM GMT 17 Mar 2010 Train Vintage Roses with old-fashioned style By Bunny Guinness Vintage or old-fashioned roses are highly evocative. Their very names - Damask, Musk, Gallicas - are redolent of the age of cucumber sandwiches on the lawn, trysts in bowers and tennis parties. All the things we no longer have…
Continue reading ➞ Train Vintage Roses with Old-Fashioned Style…
The Teddington Gardener 