John, an HRG member in Scotland, has sent in an inspiring footnote to our post on much-loved Rosa ‘Queen Elizabeth’ – showing what this stalwart rose can do to surprise us, even after many years.
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Queen Elizabeth rose
In 1954, a year after the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, the magnificent pink grandiflora rose ‘Queen Elizabeth’ named in her honour was introduced.
Continue readingHRG takes part in Virtual Flower Show
The Historic Roses Group is taking part in a Virtual Flower Show that is open this weekend on 17 and 18 April.
Continue readingThe Rose of Tralee on St Patrick’s day
Although the shamrock is Ireland’s national emblem, the beautiful wild dog rose, Rosa canina, has a role to play too, especially in poetry.
Continue readingBenign neglect can bring benefits
Anne in Chichester says: “For 10 years, I tended our parish gardens, and this past summer some of my plantings there benefited from a little benign neglect and put on a stunning display,
Continue readingTrailblazing women in roses
It’s well known that some of the most famous old roses were named in women’s honour, but women have also been trailblazers as collectors of roses and other plants.
Continue readingPruning roses around the world
Spring has sprung and rose bushes are starting to sprout, reminding us gardeners to get on with pruning.
Continue readingVisit to Mottisfont Abbey
The National Trust’s Mottisfont Abbey, Hampshire, holds the National Collection of pre-1900 old shrub roses in its beautiful walled garden. The virtual tour of Mottisfont’s rose garden brings back memories for HRG members of a delightful visit there. HRG members gathered there one June evening in 2018, when Jonny Norton, the new head gardener, welcomed […]
Continue readingFront gardens: the kindness of strangers
In some parts of locked-down London the city’s warm micro-climate means that many older roses are blooming even earlier than usual.
Continue readingJune 2016 garden visits
Some of the most enjoyable benefits of belonging to the HRG are select private day visits to gardens and nurseries with historic roses. In early June 2016 a small group visited Seale Nurseries in Surrey for a study morning, where we were welcomed by owners Catherine and David May.
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