Australia

My passion for growing roses all began in 2006 when I first bought myself a DA rose called, 'Heritage'.
At that time, I was suffering from a major illness and also depression at the same time. I decided to purchase a plant in the hope that it could cheer me up and that I have something to take care off during my rough time. When I saw 'Heritage' at the nursery, it was love at first sight. It was filled with several buds, and the leaves looked very healthy. When 'Heritage' bloomed and grew I was very impressed. The canes were lax and almost free of thorns. The blooms have this strong lemon scent that wafted around during summer and the bush itself looked very 'graceful' that you immediately feel 'calm' and stress-free simply by staring at it.
'Heritage' has completely changed my perspective on roses in general. As a kid, I never took much interest on roses. In fact, I hated the roses that my mother grew in our old house. They looked bare and ugly most of the time and the flower heads (roses) were never that appealing. I later realised that they were hybrid teas and they grew no bigger than 60cm because my mother always cut the flowers off for indoor.
Sadly I no longer grow Heritage because it came down with a rose mosaic virus. However, this rose got me interest in other David Austins and old fashion roses.

To this date. I don't really have a favorite rose. But I do love the look of David Austin's, 'Evelyn'.I love the colour, the name and blooms on Evelyn. I have tried growing this rose three times but the canes were not hardy enough and they always ended up with some kind of infection.

2012
Evelyn, St Swithun, Claire Austin, Duchesse de Montebello, Felicite Parmentier, Laguna
Comte de Champagne.

Last visit: More than a year ago