Inspiration

As Chelsea approaches, there’s a familiar feeling of anticipation, one we’ve come to know well over the years. Each rose we release carries with it over a decade of care, dedication and trust in the process. This year, we’re preparing to introduce a rose we hold especially close, our most prestigious yet, and we can’t wait to share it with you.

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.

There’s something truly enchanting about a garden bathed in soft, silvery light. As dusk falls, the moonlight gently highlights the beauty of white flowers, casting an almost ethereal glow. This is the allure of a moon garden - a space where you can escape, unwind, and find solace in the simplicity of nature.

Olivia Rose Austin^® (Ausmixture) is a rose that gently captures the heart with her soft, romantic blooms, fragrant petals, and timeless elegance. Versatile in every sense, she adapts effortlessly to a variety of garden styles, from the charmingly rustic to the sleekly modern and the gracefully formal. Whether you’re creating a welcoming cottage garden, a refined modern space, or an elegant formal retreat, Olivia Rose Austin^® (Ausmixture) is the perfect rose to tie it all together. Here’s how to integrate her into three distinct garden styles.

Roses are a staple in many gardens, bringing both beauty and fragrance. At David Austin^® Roses, we know how these versatile blooms can change the feel of your outdoor space. Choosing the right roses can enhance any garden, whether you're working on a traditional design, adding life to a shaded corner, or just enjoying the vibrant colours and scents they provide.

Standard roses are loved for their elegant, sculpted appearance and classic rose blooms perched atop long, sturdy stems. Often used as focal points in gardens, they bring a sense of structure, height, and timeless beauty. If you’re thinking about adding these unique roses to your garden, here are three inspiring ways to incorporate standard roses to create a lush, dynamic, and charming outdoor space.

Growing roses in pots is a fantastic way to enjoy their beauty, even if you're short on garden space. Whether you have a balcony, terrace, or just a small area in your garden, potted roses can add a touch of elegance and charm. You can create a stunning rose display that enhances your outdoor space with the proper care and a suitably sized pot.

A charming variety with deeply cupped rosette blooms in a rich sunset orange-yellow that softens to a delicate apricot hue, excluding a medium-strong Myrrh fragrance. This versatile rose is available as both a shrub and climbing rose, making it perfect for various garden settings.

Princess Anne^® (Auskitchen) is a striking English shrub rose bred by David Austin, known for its vibrant and enduring blooms.