Roses in the Stables Border
I love the look of roses growing in and around striped Phormiums. In the winter of 2013 I carefully planted some recycled roses along the front of the Stables Garden, and then crossed my fingers. Would the big Phormium hybrids be happy to share airspace and sunshine with them?
Roses in the Stables Garden
And what colours would they be? How exciting. But, perhaps more importantly, would they live? Thanks possibly to the topsoil I added, and a strict spring watering regime, all have settled in.
Delightful Retro Roses
They are all delightful 'retro roses' - hybrid teas which were popular back in the 1970s. I have Michelangelo (the Sam McGredy version), Margaret Merrill, and the soft pink Aotearoa. Then there's Whiskey Mac, such a subtle colour, and my real favourite.
Whisky Mac Rose
The roses all belonged to a town gardener who had to sell and move into a rest home. It's nice to think they live on in their new country home in the Stables Garden.