A rose by any other name would be just as rich in symbolism, just as ubiquitous in our gardens, and just as fascinating to hear Michael Marriott talk about
Such a small world! many moons ago my husband went for a job at David Austin’s and was interviewed by Mr Marriott!! … he didn’t take the job unfortunately it was too far to travel!
We used to grow 60 roses in our small suburban garden…. We are now down to 50 !!roses hate our garden….it’s windy it’s coastal…. so salt spray is a massive problem….it’s extremely hot at the wrong time of the year… and can be extremely 🥶..which is what happened this spring!! Thanks to Mr Marriotts excellent advice we managed to save our poor plants..
I could not envisage a garden without roses…. despite it being a constant battle between them and us..
Growing 50 plants in conditions which you readily admit are sub-optimal tells me one thing: you are passionate about your roses! I fully subscribe to the notion of “right plant, right place”, but I also think that one of the great pleasures (and challenges) of gardening is in growing and nurturing and hopefully enjoying our favourite plants, even in the “wrong” place. I wish you and your roses well!
Also, what a funny coincidence about your family’s connection to Michael. I wonder, if your husband had taken that job, how many roses you’d have in your garden today…
I’m with you. I’ve only got three at the moment too - none of which I chose (two inherited, one gifted), though they all have their merits. Michael definitely inspired me to plant more, but I’m very close to having to adopt a “one in, one out” policy in the borders…
Such a small world! many moons ago my husband went for a job at David Austin’s and was interviewed by Mr Marriott!! … he didn’t take the job unfortunately it was too far to travel!
We used to grow 60 roses in our small suburban garden…. We are now down to 50 !!roses hate our garden….it’s windy it’s coastal…. so salt spray is a massive problem….it’s extremely hot at the wrong time of the year… and can be extremely 🥶..which is what happened this spring!! Thanks to Mr Marriotts excellent advice we managed to save our poor plants..
I could not envisage a garden without roses…. despite it being a constant battle between them and us..
Growing 50 plants in conditions which you readily admit are sub-optimal tells me one thing: you are passionate about your roses! I fully subscribe to the notion of “right plant, right place”, but I also think that one of the great pleasures (and challenges) of gardening is in growing and nurturing and hopefully enjoying our favourite plants, even in the “wrong” place. I wish you and your roses well!
Also, what a funny coincidence about your family’s connection to Michael. I wonder, if your husband had taken that job, how many roses you’d have in your garden today…
Thank you so much for this wonderful interview! It’s got me very excited about picking a few more roses for my garden. His book looks excellent too!
Thank you so much Rebecca, I’m so glad you enjoyed the interview. I’m intrigued by your phrasing: “a few more roses”. How many do you already have??
Haha not that many! I have a very small london terrace garden with only three different roses. But I’m pretty sure I’ve got space for a few more :)
I’m with you. I’ve only got three at the moment too - none of which I chose (two inherited, one gifted), though they all have their merits. Michael definitely inspired me to plant more, but I’m very close to having to adopt a “one in, one out” policy in the borders…