Rose Garden
I have a bed which is circular and approximately 5m in diameter. At the moment it is empty with just some ageing lavender around the edges. I plan to re-do the lavender as I think what is there is beyond help. I then plan to put roses in the middle. I have never really had roses before. What kind should I be looking for and how many do you think I will need. If anyone has any particular recommendations then that would be great, I have just received the David Austin catalogue so can go and look things up. I prefer 'normal' looking roses with big flower heads, not those with loads of petals squashed in (are these called doubles, or is that something different?). I am open to suggestions on colour but probably would not want red. I think I would like all the roses identical, what do people think about that? The bed is almost at the far end of my long garden so would mainly be looked at from a distance. Also is it normal to have just the roses and then the lavender around the outside or would you under-plant with something? There are currently some spring bulbs in the bed which I will add to for next year. Thanks
Posts
I think the type of rose flower shape you're talking about is the Hybrid Tea rather than the English Rose that David Austin specialises in.
Have a look here http://www.classicroses.co.uk/products/roses/lady-sylvia/ they have lots of choices which you can find via the search facility at the left hand side, but I think the one I've linked to - Lady Sylvia, would look gorgeous surrounded by lavender.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Thanks Dove. Are Hybrid Tea roses all small? All those I liked the look of and clicked on seemed to be small. I was imagining something bigger. The bed I am planning is likely to be mainly viewed from a distance so would like as much impact as possible.
You could have all of them the same colour e.g. white, but different types that would flower over a long season.
I love the idea of a rose garden with all the same rose for huge impact. I'd always tend towards wanting 'a bit of everything' but think your idea is much better. Look for a repeat flowering rose for a long season, and consider how it will look (or put an emphasis on surrounding areas/beds) when the roses are not in flower. Sounds gorgeous.
Thanks everyone. I was thinking that a visit to a rose garden would be a good idea. Can anyone recommend one in fairly easy travelling distance of Devizes, Wiltshire?