David Austin and His Roses

It takes a singular blend of passion and patience to breed the finest of roses, and David Austin OBE, 87, has both in abundance. ‘I’m forever looking eight years into the future because that's the time it takes for a rose seedling to progress through our rigorous selection process and trials, before being launched,’ explains Mr Austin, holder of the RHS's prestigious Victoria Medal of Honour. His horticultural crystal ball gazing stretches back more than half a century, and has seen his breeding programme deliver some 220 new varieties into the world. ‘We’re continually broadening the range of English roses, both in terms of flower and growth, as well as improving their health and vigour,’ he adds ...

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