I noticed the first bloom of the year on my Olivia Austin rose today, and it reminded me that we have another trip to plan to the David Austin rose gardens and plant centre, but this time we’re taking my mum. In 2015 my boyfriend and I bought my mum her first David Austin rose called ‘Winchester Cathedral’ from one of our favourite flower nurseries. So many delicate petals, it was a real beauty. I can’t wait for this years blooms, it’s looking very healthy. After getting my mum a DA rose, we decided to go to the DA rose gardens and choose some more. I already knew that I wanted the Olivia Austin rose and The Generous Gardener (climber). I’d wanted them for a while, so it was lovely to go and choose them in person. Walking around I fell in love with the rose gardens. It reminded me of my favourite place (the place I hope to get married one day), Castle Ashby.  Although the scale wasn’t the same as the castle gardens, it was equally as pretty. It gave me so much garden inspiration.

   (My Mum’s Winchester Cathedral)

 

The gift shop was beautiful too. If you love roses and gardening, and a nice tea room, I highly recommend going to the David Austin centre in Wolverhampton. Be prepared for difficult decisions though. I was really good and only took home the two rose bushes I intended to buy, but I saw at least another 10 that I want. Now added to my list, I’ve already planned where about in the garden they will all go. One great thing about David Austin rose is how fragrant they are. Some of them smell gorgeous. Walking around the centre on a sunny day was like a day dream. I wish it was my garden that I could walk around every day. The roses are also very healthy and disease resistant. I have countless roses and the David Austin ones are the ones that never get a sign of blackspot. They are definitely worth the money you pay.

Here are some photos I took during our visit. Be warned, you may fall a little bit in love…

 

 

 

Next up, as well as returning to the DA centre, we want to visit Perch Hill and maybe take a class with Sarah Raven. Craig is really into plants like me so I think we’d both enjoy it. If I go, i’ll of course blog the day (or weekend, I can’t remember how long the course is).

Much Love,

S

xx