Rose breeder David Austin's has the aim in rose breeding, is to combine the fragrance and charm of form and shape of  the old roses; with the repeat flowering and wide colour range of the modern roses.  The resulting roses selected from crossing old and modern roses were called "English Roses"; but in New Zealand we commonly refer to them as "David Austin Roses"

As a youngster David was allotted a little patch of land on his father's farm, to encourage a love of gardening;  this started his experimentation and passion for breeding roses.

(This reminds me that my interest in gardening started when having moved to `town' from a dairy farm where there was always heaps to do, I would bother my mother with "what shall I do now".  She gave me a patch of ground running alongside of a hedge; and that was my first garden )

The roses generally have large flowers with many petals; it is hard not be charmed by the David Austin roses available today, they are simply gorgeous and most have heavenly scent.

The David Austin roses are lovely in bouquets; but they are seldom available and definitely need to be pre-ordered.  Summer brides often request them as they for fill the casual informal look of many wedding bouquets at the moment.   The prices are high for the blooms due to there scarcity, but for a special occasion they are definitely worth it; and mixed with other flowers the cost is more acceptable.

In our garden we grow the varieties `Munstead Wood'  and `Graham Thomas' and we have added this season; 'Heritage'  'Brother Cafael' and 'Clare Austin'

Take a look at the David Austin Roses web site; and if you are like me, you will want a pen and paper ready to note down the names of some of the beautiful varieties you would like for your own garden.   

In  the Nelson area local rose growers Tasman Bay Roses are able to supply many varieties by mail order and from their nursery in Motueka.