In 1954, a year after the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, the magnificent pink grandiflora rose ‘Queen Elizabeth’ named in her honour was introduced.

The Historic Roses Group is taking part in a Virtual Flower Show that is open this weekend on 17 and 18 April.

Although the shamrock is Ireland’s national emblem, the beautiful wild dog rose, Rosa canina, has a role to play too, especially in poetry.

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,

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.

Spring has sprung and rose bushes are starting to sprout, reminding us gardeners to get on with pruning.

In some parts of locked-down London the city’s warm micro-climate means that many older roses are blooming even earlier than usual.

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.