Each rose has its own natural stature. Some remain compact and neatly shaped, while others reach outward or climb upwards, filling their space with ease. Understanding this from the outset helps you choose a rose that will sit comfortably in your garden, without needing to be held back.

Climbing and rambling roses are threads that run through every garden I create, quietly shaping and reshaping the mood of a place. There is so much to admire in a rose. Its colour, the form of each flower, its fragrance, and the way it ages all come together to create what matters most to me in a garden, its atmosphere.

Spring has a way of changing how we see things. The garden feels lighter, looser, and full of possibility. For stylist and fashion-obsessed Sarah Corbett-Winder, this season is full of promise.  Known for her effortless aesthetic, Sarah trades her wardrobe for garden gloves on the Welsh Shropshire border to learn the basics of rose planting from David Austin^®’s head rosarian, Liam.

Fragrance is one of the most memorable qualities a rose can offer. A single bloom can perfume a whole corner of the garden, while a path edged with scented roses can transform an ordinary walk into something quietly special. Yet not every rose smells the same, and understanding the different types of fragrance can help you choose varieties that bring the experience you are hoping for.

Shrub roses bring generosity to the garden. Their softly cupped blooms, graceful habit and long flowering season make them natural focal points within a border. Yet, when thoughtfully paired with companion plants, they become part of something even richer: a tapestry of colour, texture and life that unfolds through the seasons. Companion planting is not simply about filling the spaces around a rose. The right partners can extend seasonal interest, encourage beneficial insects and create a garden that feels harmonious and full of movement.

In our previous guide, “Choosing Your Rose Colour,” we explored how colour is often the first thing that draws us to a rose. Once colour has caught the eye, the next detail many gardeners begin to notice is the shape and size of the flower itself.