Mary Rose

Mary Rose grows beautifully among the anise hyssop. I planted this one a few years ago in what was supposed to be a rose garden, but is now the herb garden. Since I haven't found a sage plant that I can't kill, I'm going to plant another David Austin rose in the herb garden instead. It should do well amidst the germander hedge where the sage was supposed to be.

David Austin roses are relatively easy to grow and smell absolutely wonderful. This one blooms repeatedly throughout the springtime and again during late summer into fall, slowing down only during Japanese beetle season. Most of the collection consists of repeat bloomers with between 50 and 100 petals.

I received a new David Austin catalog last week and am studying it thoroughly, trying to decide between dozens of beautiful roses. There are Old English roses, shrub roses, tree roses, climbers, ramblers, and even a few thornless roses. Gertrude Jekyll is at the top of the my list, as is Darcey Bussell, a rose so big and beautiful, it almost looks like a peony. I'll need to decide in time for fall planting. The David Austin website is helpful in trying to decide which variety is best for a particular growing zone.

Tyler, Texas (America's Rose capital) is home to the David Austin American headquarters, but Albrighton (UK) is home to the main garden center, tea room, and a multitude of rose gardens and sculptures. Unfortunately, it is not a very convenient commute from Missouri.