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Our water recycling scheme, ensuring sustainable growth

At David Austin®, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Through our BLOOM initiative, we are committed to caring for the environment while ensuring our beautiful roses thrive. One of the key ways we achieve this is through our water recycling scheme.

Two reservoirs and a stream

On-site, we have two reservoirs and a nearby stream. Together, these vital resources provide the water needed for our roses. Our water capture and recycling system collects 60-80% of the rainwater and excess irrigation water that falls on our nursery. In fact, this system supplies over 90% of the water we need each year.

The combined capacity of our two reservoirs and the stream totals an impressive 126,000 cubic metres of water, equivalent to filling about 50 Olympic-sized swimming pools!

How we recycle water

Our water recycling process is simple. We collect rainwater from our buildings and any surplus irrigation water used for our roses. After filtering and treating this water, we store it in our two reservoirs for reuse.

The bottom reservoir collects surface runoff and rainwater, which is then pumped into the top reservoir, along with water from the stream. To ensure the water is of high quality, we test pH levels weekly and check for harmful pathogens. Due to the size of our main reservoir, we actually have to use a dinghy to collect water samples. This water is held until it is needed for irrigation, typically from April to September.

When it's time to water our roses, the water flows from the top reservoir through a siphon to a holding tank. From there, it is gravity-fed back to our roses, ensuring efficient use of every drop. We use a copper dosing machine to treat the water, effectively removing harmful spores that could affect our roses. Once treated, the water is distributed throughout our nursery to keep our plants healthy.

Our commitment to sustainability is more than just a policy; it's woven into our daily operations. Through our BLOOM initiative and water recycling scheme, we work diligently to protect the environment while growing our beautiful roses. At David Austin®, we take pride in leading the way in sustainability, ensuring our roses bloom beautifully for many years to come while caring for the planet.

    • Mme. Hardy
    • Mme. Hardy
    • Mme. Hardy
    • Mme. Hardy
    • Mme. Hardy
    • Mme. Hardy

    Mme. Hardy

    Old Rose
        • Delivered without foliage or soil
        • Arrives in plastic-free packaging
        • Traditionally, Planted in dormancy in the winter months (October-April)
        • Planting bare roots in the winter allows their roots to establish and produce bountiful blooms by the next flowering season
        • Cost-effective, particularly when planted on mass.
        • Established root ball
        • Arrives in our signature recyclable pot
        • Planting advised as soon as possible depending on weather conditions
        • Includes generous soil and controlled-release rose food
        • Perfect for gifting
        • Adds instant blooms when planted in summer
        Email me when back in stock
          • £3.95
          • £5.95
          • £5.95
          Description
          Glistening white blooms, each with a green eye, held in nicely poised clusters. A strong Old Rose fragrance. Strong, bushy growth. Hardy, 1832.
          Characteristics
          • Colour: White
          • Flowering: Once Flowering
          • Fragrance: Strong,Old Rose
          • Bloom Size: Medium
          • Family: Old Rose
          • Size: Large Shrub
          • Height: 5ft (150cm)
          • Width: 4ft (125cm)
          • Breeder: Hardy
          • Year of Introduction: 1832
          Location
          • Mixed Border
          • Roses ideal for Shady AreasShady Areas
          Growing conditions
          • North, East, South, West Facing
          • Full Sunlight
          • Roses ideal for Shady AreasPartial Sunlight
          • Roses Suitable for All Soil TypesAll soil types
          How to plant a shrub rose
          Frequently asked questions

          Need more help? for individual help or advice, we encourage you to contact our friendly, knowledgeable team on 01902 376300.

          Bare root roses are dormant plants and can be planted November and April.

          Potted roses are available all year round and can be planted at any time of the year.

          Aside from extreme weather, roses can be planted at any time during the year. The extreme weather conditions that we advise against planting in are when the ground is frozen, water-logged or during a drought.

          We take every care to breed, grow and deliver the best roses. If a rose fails to grow or arrives damaged, we will replace it free of charge. The 5 year guarantee applies to roses purchased
          directly from David Austin. If you would like to request a replacement or refund of a rose within the 5 year guarantee period, please complete our Returns form.

          Call us on 01902 376300

          Email us help@davidaustinroses.co.uk

          • Monday–Friday
            8:30am — 6:00pm
          • Saturday
            8:30am — 4:30pm
          • Sunday
            Closed
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