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 challenging. 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^®, we know that roses have their moments of glory, when they burst into bloom and fill the garden with colour and fragrance. But their beauty is built throughout the year, with careful planning, tending, and patience. By working with the rhythm of the seasons, you can ensure your roses are at their very best when their time comes, while preparing them to flourish year after year. Here’s how to set simple, achievable goals to keep your rose garden thriving.

Pruning your roses is more than just tidying up the garden, it’s a chance to shape them into beautiful forms and encourage blooms from top to bottom. With the right approach, pruning helps your roses to not only stay healthy but also bloom in stunning, well-balanced shapes.