The fearless rose gardener



OK, as we've seen, I do have a few roses. They're stuck in one bed, along with a whole bunch of perennials and bulbs. I'm ready to pull them out at any time if they misbehave badly enough.

However, there are those who have taken the plunge. They have chosen to create what is essentially a rose garden. Such are my neighbors Susan and Michael. They have a rather small back garden space (about 30' x 30'), and most of it is devoted to roses and their supporting structures, such as the arch, above. On the way to that focal point (which features William Baffin) are two matching trellises of Mme. Isaac Periere, one of the most fragrant Bourbons around. (Another is a rose we both happen to have, Louise Odier.)



Susan has interplanted clematis among most of these climbers. In large part, the roses are David Austen English roses, which love to climb whether they're supposed to or not, and actual climbers like New Dawn, Dublin Bay and Mme. Alfred Carriere. There are actually quite a few perennials and annuals scattered about, including many old-fashioned cottage garden favorites Susan grows from seed, but the roses are the first thing you see—and smell. Though difficult to show in pictures—maybe a ladder would help—this is the closest thing to a traditional walled rose garden I've seen around here, complete with a patterned brick walkway and inset pools (such as Jeckyl might have created). I hope she still has a good show when Garden Walk rolls around. It is a difficult time for roses, but the David Austens have pretty good rebloom.



I think this is Redoute, Heritage, and New Dawn, from the front in.

Comments

Jane M. said…
Very courageous. I am not so much. Like you, I confine my roses to one spot where they can be quickly and nonchalantly replaced should the need arise. ("Roses? What roses?") There is one exception, a little climber with sprays of pink, 'Jeanne La Joie', but that's on the far side of the garage, where only the neighbors can see it, with the asparagus.
Anonymous said…
So beautiful! How much sun does this gorgeous rose garden get? And what are the annuals andperennials interplanted with the roses. Proof positive that roses will grow in zone 5 (or colder)!
Anonymous said…
I have battled with my roses here in Australia too and I am thinking of giving some of the the shovel. I really wanted one of these picture book rose gardens you see in the books but - hell it hard to get that bushy look. Mine look like sticks and if I am lucky I get one or two flowers for all the fuss. I am glad I am not the only one who cannot grow them that well.
Annie in Austin said…
The idea of neighbors with a rose garden is much more appealing than the idea of owning one. You can visit and enjoy the fragrance, EAL, and then go home leaving Michael and Susan to deal with the work ;-]

I'm trying to catch up on 2 weeks of everyone's posts - and think your photo of the butterfly on the white heliotrope is lovely.

Annie at the Transplantable Rose
LostRoses said…
It's nice when the neighbors have such lovely scenery. What a delightful rose garden, and being traditionally walled is especially intriguing.
Anonymous said…
Just started to plant some new roses..
If your neighbour can grow such beautiful roses in your area, I should be able to suceed here in Toronto, Canada.
The roses are wonderful and I wonder how you protect them in the winter?
cheers

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