Love affair with roses

Roses are still a major part of British gardens. They might seem old-fashioned; they might be prone to a host of pests and diseases; and for several months of the year they may be nothing more than a skeleton of bare, spiked sticks. But we love them. And we plant them in their millions.

But whereas the average garden and the average gardener can manage a few new roses each year (and despite some people recommending April as the time to plant roses, the peak planting time is almost upon us right now) spare a thought for the man who, several years ago, decided he wanted a new rose garden. So, he planted 1,800. He chose them with care – for their colour, vigour and outstanding performance, and they were supplied by Suffolk-based Notcutts Nurseries.Designed by Robert Bryant, the stunning rose garden now forms a major feature within the grounds of Highnam Court, a magnificent country house set in 27 acres of parkland and ornamental gardens on the outskirts of Gloucester. The idea for the rose garden came from the rose gardens at Windsor Castle and led him to embark on a project using hybrid tea and floribunda roses because of their ability to enhance a formal setting and extend the flowering season.

The roses, ordered in October and delivered the following month, included Iceberg, Trumpeter, Royal William, Ingrid Bergman, The Times, Halcyon Days and Centenary. Other varieties included Buxom Beauty, Congratulations, Flower Carpet, Surrey, Berkshire, Pink Bells, Rambling Rector and Temptress. The planting scheme concentrates on blocks of colour, hence the fact that red, white and pink-flowered varieties proliferate.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Which is the way it's always been; public parks and gardens long since adopted similar schemes, and ordinary gardeners followed suit. If you want to plant roses (although on a less lavish scale), preparation is the key to success. Dig a reasonable hole, throw in a good measure of well-rotted manure and a handful of bonemeal, and then get

your rose.

If it comes in a pot, tease it from its container and spread out its roots in the hole; if it comes barerooted, prune any damaged ones and then stand the plant in water for a few hours before planting.Throw in the soil, firm it down to make sure all the air is squeezed out, water well and retire to watch. Within a matter of days, the first green shoots of recovery should start to appear.

Pruning established roses is best done just as the sap starts to rise. The idea is to get rid of any damaged wood and old flower-heads, and to encourage fresh growth. Some varieties appreciate harsh pruning while others require merely the lightest touch with a pair of sharp secateurs.

When you have finished, apply a handful of bonemeal around the base of the plant and finish off with a hefty mulch of old compost or rotted.

YP MAG 10/7/10