Sorry no B&B! We did consider converting ‘The Dog House’ - ex kennels in the woodland tucked away at the top of our land - into a holiday let. However, we spent everything we had on the refurb of the main house!
@Marlorena yes, Soul does spoil in heavy rain but unaffected by a few light showers. We do get terrific monsoon rain on occasion though, which tests many a rose. It’s a fabulous rose in all other ways. Be interesting to see how Tack’s fares.
@zugenie We've been to Mottisfont several times but have never managed to see the roses in full blooom. We went in early May last year so some of the early bloomers were out but many of them were on the cusp. We've also been at the end of June and in early July and found the roses have already finished. They do get very busy in June and have extended opening hours to cater for the extra demand. It's certainly worth the trip if you're better at timing than I am ( come to think of it they probably have a webcam or information on their website which might give you the best idea when to go).
I’m really interested to see how everyone’s Buff Beauties turn out this year, as it crept to the top of my wish list. Please feel free to bombard me with pics - close up and at distance. x
Thank you @Suesyn I was thinking of going at the end of May (for my birthday!), they say early June is the best time so hopefully that’s close enough!
I've been to Mottisfont a few times, going back to the 1980's. It was quieter then and they had a small little cafe where we were introduced to an old gentleman who was now blind, but lived nearby at a place called Michelmersh..  His name was Brigadier Clough and he was with Monty at El Alamein in 1942.  He told a good tale.. I recall he was seriously annoyed with his Housekeeper who had just spent the princely sum of £50 on cushions at the Mottisfont Fair.. we never heard the last of it to be honest. [this was 1986]..
I loved the gardens, perhaps not quite so much the last time I went, but best time is first two weeks in June, often raining though and blooms on Old Roses can ball in wet weather and look bedraggled, but always a lot to see..  you're bound to miss some earlier roses, and too soon for later ones, but most will be out then. Do take lots of photos. @zugenie
What's causing some new leaves to wrinkle quite badly like this, I can never see any evidence underneath of the culprits. Some roses seem to be more affected than others.Â
@Fire I transferred Buff Beauty to a large pot this Spring from the pot it came in last year, and it is thriving...masses of new growth, spreading rather than upright I would say, and plenty of buds in small clusters. To be honest though, they're not the prettiest buds I've ever seen, so I wait with interest to see what the blooms look like. Â
@Fire Buff Beauty ready to plant out. This was another late bare root purchase from roses.it. Has taken off like a rocket and I will give it plenty of space.Â
First Bloom on Graham Thomas. Below a topknot of leaves it’s badly defoliated from BS:
Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
Posts
.. I suspect your rose is 'Korresia' from the photo and description. It's always been a popular rose, found everywhere.. [aka 'Sunsprite' / 'Friesia']
https://www.helpmefind.com/rose/l.php?l=21.355696
.. as for Ciaran's.. yes 'Double Delight' as per @newbie77 it's noted for its strong fragrance and considered one of the best in these types of roses..
https://www.helpmefind.com/rose/l.php?l=21.356151
@Marlorena yes, Soul does spoil in heavy rain but unaffected by a few light showers. We do get terrific monsoon rain on occasion though, which tests many a rose. It’s a fabulous rose in all other ways. Be interesting to see how Tack’s fares.
I have lots of of newbies, newbie. I look forward to all their first blooms so hard to choose.. perhaps Buff Beauty, or maybe Lady Hillingdon. Of the pinks, two bourbons, Catherine Guillot which has just opened a small bloom and Mme. de Sévigné still to come.
I recall he was seriously annoyed with his Housekeeper who had just spent the princely sum of £50 on cushions at the Mottisfont Fair.. we never heard the last of it to be honest. [this was 1986]..
I loved the gardens, perhaps not quite so much the last time I went, but best time is first two weeks in June, often raining though and blooms on Old Roses can ball in wet weather and look bedraggled, but always a lot to see..  you're bound to miss some earlier roses, and too soon for later ones, but most will be out then. Do take lots of photos. @zugenie
I transferred Buff Beauty to a large pot this Spring from the pot it came in last year, and it is thriving...masses of new growth, spreading rather than upright I would say, and plenty of buds in small clusters. To be honest though, they're not the prettiest buds I've ever seen, so I wait with interest to see what the blooms look like.
First Bloom on Graham Thomas. Below a topknot of leaves it’s badly defoliated from BS: