I have a passion for just about all roses, and right now, as they put on their brave last act, I feel especially tender towards them. The changes in light—intensity and duration—have affected their colors. The petals of my red and white-striped ‘Scentimental’ are now more red than white. Back in May the color ratio … Read more
Rose lovers owe a lot to English breeder, David Austin, who over the past several decades has led a movement among breeders that has re-introduced fragrance into the world of garden roses. For several decades after World War II, rose growers focused on other traits, especially the long stems and large, high-centered blooms that characterized … Read more
For several years, one of the big mail order nurseries has touted a lovely combination of climbing plants: the stalwart, yellow-flowered rose, ‘Golden Showers,’ and the purple clematis, ‘Etoile Violette.’ The two make a lovely color combination when they grow together; the buttery color of the rose contrasting with its color wheel opposite, dark purple. … Read more
It has been a long time coming, but someone has finally made a sensible pronouncement about roses. English garden writer, Charles Quest-Ritson, opines as follows in the December issue of Gardens Illustrated: “The traditional wisdom is that you should spray your roses regularly with fungicides—and feed them and prune them and make as much work … Read more
