As I too have been discovering this year, judging a rose (like your Benjamin Britten) based on this abnormal weather is a risky business - in fact I'm beginning to think any rose needs 2-3 years before we know what it's really like, and even then that the same rose may perform differently in a different spot. You were really lucky with that Ancient Mariner! I have a few and have found that it really needs a big pot or preferably should go in the ground - it will get to at least 5-6 feet in a few years - one of mine has a fair number of stems reaching 7 feet. I was intrigued by the red spots, which I have seen too - searching the internet, it seems to be either a reaction to extreme heat, or to rain, or to be botrytis - but the spots are temporary and won't permanently affect the plant whatever the cause. I envy you your Emma Hamilton - maybe another grower will start offering it - that sometimes happens with discontinued DA roses (especially when the breeder's protection ends after 25 years). Your Penelope Lively is looking very good - perhaps this will become a DA classic. "I wasn't going to buy any more" and "impulse buy" - I think a lot of us will recognise those words!
Thanks Nik for your tips. I am thinking about a spot in the ground for my Ancient Mariner. Planning on new border and moving some plants about soon as it’s the best time to do it . I agree that Penelope will be a classic !
Glad to know that I'm not the only one to say I'm not buying any roses and then gives in! Your Ancient Mariner was definitely a good price Lin. Our garden centres charge £30 full price for David Austin's roses and I'd happily pay £16.49 for such a lovely rose in the sale.
I liked how you described the grass. It does give a little pop to the landscape. My Benjamin is very healthy, but only had about 5 blooms this year. I live in a hot, dry area.
Lovely update Lin. I’ve discovered if we want a rose to do well then suggest on a TH-cam video you’ll be getting rid of it the following year and my experience is guaranteed to turn the rose around to do very well. 😂. Lovely to see your new purchases I hope they do well for you. Anyway about the secret love affair that you and I have been enjoying the last couple of months, I think we should keep it secret from your brother for a while longer before informing him. So for time being we should continue to have this rampant affair but let’s keep it secret so nobody else knows. :)
As I too have been discovering this year, judging a rose (like your Benjamin Britten) based on this abnormal weather is a risky business - in fact I'm beginning to think any rose needs 2-3 years before we know what it's really like, and even then that the same rose may perform differently in a different spot. You were really lucky with that Ancient Mariner! I have a few and have found that it really needs a big pot or preferably should go in the ground - it will get to at least 5-6 feet in a few years - one of mine has a fair number of stems reaching 7 feet. I was intrigued by the red spots, which I have seen too - searching the internet, it seems to be either a reaction to extreme heat, or to rain, or to be botrytis - but the spots are temporary and won't permanently affect the plant whatever the cause. I envy you your Emma Hamilton - maybe another grower will start offering it - that sometimes happens with discontinued DA roses (especially when the breeder's protection ends after 25 years). Your Penelope Lively is looking very good - perhaps this will become a DA classic. "I wasn't going to buy any more" and "impulse buy" - I think a lot of us will recognise those words!
Thanks Nik for your tips. I am thinking about a spot in the ground for my Ancient Mariner. Planning on new border and moving some plants about soon as it’s the best time to do it . I agree that Penelope will be a classic !
Glad to know that I'm not the only one to say I'm not buying any roses and then gives in! Your Ancient Mariner was definitely a good price Lin. Our garden centres charge £30 full price for David Austin's roses and I'd happily pay £16.49 for such a lovely rose in the sale.
So lovely Lin they are all doing so well. Your garden is looking great, love that grass too. Ancient Mariner what a bargain well done you.
Omg 😊
I liked how you described the grass. It does give a little pop to the landscape. My Benjamin is very healthy, but only had about 5 blooms this year. I live in a hot, dry area.
🌺🌺❤️👌🙏
Lovely update Lin. I’ve discovered if we want a rose to do well then suggest on a TH-cam video you’ll be getting rid of it the following year and my experience is guaranteed to turn the rose around to do very well. 😂. Lovely to see your new purchases I hope they do well for you. Anyway about the secret love affair that you and I have been enjoying the last couple of months, I think we should keep it secret from your brother for a while longer before informing him. So for time being we should continue to have this rampant affair but let’s keep it secret so nobody else knows. :)
Ok. I won’t tell if you don’t 😂