Nitty Gritty Roses

Here are just a few of the many stunning rose varieties grown at the Nitty Gritty Greenhouse this summer. David Austin English Roses, Floribundas, Grandifloras, Minis, Climbers and Hybrid Teas.

The roses that I most tend to gravitate towards are always soft apricot or peach in colour, with a fragrance that knocks your socks off. Roses like... The Generous Gardener,  Evelyn, Jude The Obscure or Tea Clipper. Although, I must say, Jude tends to be more creamy than peachy in my garden. That's alright, however, as the whites are my second favourite rose colour.  

White and cream roses like the fragrant Blanc Double de Coubert or White Pavement are amazing looking, without that droopy, soggy, used tissue look after the bloom is off the rose, so to speak.   

Lately, I have also been very enamoured with all the fascinating purple, burgundy and orange tones.  Roses such as Intrigue, Night Owl, Burgundy Iceberg, Fragrant Plum, and the vivid orange Tropicana. Fragrant Cloud and Candelabra are also superb. Sigh, so many great roses, so many beds to build and holes to dig.     

Though I love roses of any kind, I always try to purchase/sell roses that have great colour, fragrance, and disease resistance. In the long run, no matter how lovely it is, if it becomes too problematic, it should be culled out and replaced with a less needy variety. It hurts a bit at first but once it's gone, with a new thriving rose in it's place, all is forgotten. After all, not each and every fabulous rose can possibly be suited to everyones particular area and climate. Besides, there are so many great and wonderful roses out there to choose from.