As April arrives and gardens begin to stir into life, one flower stands out not only for its vivid beauty but for its rich connection to history, healing, and literature. Rosa gallica officinalis, known as the Apothecary’s Rose, is more than an ornamental bloom. It carries with it centuries of meaning and a deep-rooted place in both horticulture and the poetic imagination.

We asked Harry Hoblyn, Head Gardener at Charleston, to share his insights into the remarkable garden that surrounds this historic home. Deeply intertwined with the artistic legacy of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, the gardens at Charleston are a living expression of their creativity.

A garden is more than just a collection of plants – it’s a living, breathing space that reflects your personality and creativity. One of the most powerful ways to shape your garden’s atmosphere is through colour.

There’s something truly special about a living wall, an ever-changing display of colour, scent, and texture. If you’ve ever dreamed of covering a wall, fence, or even a bare corner with a cascade of blooms, English Roses are the perfect choice. With their soft, romantic beauty and repeat-flowering nature, they will transform any vertical space into a floral haven.

Mother’s Day is a time to reflect on the women who have shaped our lives - our mothers, grandmothers, or any maternal figure who has left an imprint on our hearts. While we may not always be physically close to those we love, there is something enduring and quiet that keeps us connected: the beauty of a garden and the plants within it.

In the world of gardening, few plants embody romance and charm like rambling roses. Their cascading blooms, winding tendrils, and ability to transform spaces make them a true delight. Yet for many gardeners, choosing the right rambler can be a little challenginge. Which variety will flourish where? How do you pair them with other plants? And most importantly, how can you make them work for your garden, whatever its size or style?

In the quiet garden of history, roses have always been the unsung narrators of love and symbols of passion, loss, devotion, and yearning. In the first part of our Love Letter to Roses series, we explored the deep roots of these timeless flowers, their symbolic role in the language of love. Now, we turn to the roses themselves, each a character in its own right, bearing the essence of some of the most unforgettable love stories ever told.

For centuries, roses have been nature’s quiet confidants in the art of love, their petals carrying whispers of affection, longing, and devotion. These remarkable blooms have transcended cultures and eras, weaving their way into poetry, mythology, and cherished traditions. As we reflect on their history, we uncover a story as layered and evocative as the flowers themselves - a tale of beauty, meaning, and connection that has stood the test of time.

For David C.H. Austin, roses were his passion and life's work, each one telling a story of beauty, resilience, and romance. While he is celebrated for creating the English Rose, renowned for its timeless beauty and exceptional fragrance, his extraordinary legacy began with a quiet, serendipitous discovery: ‘Stanwell Perpetual’. 

At David Austin roses, we've crafted four beautiful rose collections, each picked to offer a unique selection of our much loved English Roses. These new collections highlight roses that bring both beauty and fragrance to your garden, with choices for every style and space. Whether you're just starting to incorporate  roses into garden or looking to add something special, there's a perfect fit waiting for you.

As the crisp chill of frosty mornings announces the arrival of autumn, the garden offers up one of its hidden treasures: rose hips. These vibrant red and orange fruits, emerging from spent blooms, bring a dash of seasonal colour and charm to any outdoor landscape. Rather than deadheading roses on hip-producing varieties, let the hips flourish and reap their beauty and benefits. Rose hips are not just ornamental, they provide a wealth of possibilities, from culinary treats to rustic crafts and offer a much needed winter food source to wildlife.

When it comes to creating an interesting garden, the way you arrange your plants can make all the difference. English roses are a perfect example of this with their beautiful blooms and fragrance. For truly captivating displays, consider planting them in clusters of three or five, especially if you select the same variety.