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Ashington Manor Farm (Yeovil)

After a two-night stay at The Swan Hotel in Wells , we departed for Exeter. Along the way, our first stop was Ashington Manor Farm, the home of the husband and wife garden designers Julian and Isabel Bannerman.  Roses are a specialty of the Bannerman's, but sadly, we were too early to see any. That disappointment was curtailed by touring their magnificent farmhouse, which we were invited to roam around at leisure. And Julian Bannerman, who did most all the talking, was a very entertaining man.  Gathering at the front door - We actually entered at the side of the house, right off the patio, which led to this room, where the Bannerman's greeted us. The massive table was filled with books they had written as well as magazine articles about their gardens. As we were listening to Julian's speech, I happened to notice Isabel Bannerman's book "Husbandry" on the table and immediately recognized it as a book I have at home but have not gotten to yet. At the time, I ha...

The New David Austin Roses for 2021

'Gabriel Oak'


Two new roses have just been introduced by David Austin Roses.  Both roses are named for Thomas Hardy characters and will be available in the U.S and the U.K. this year. They can also be ordered from the company. See details below to get their sumptuous free catalog.

The following descriptions are from the David Austin Roses press release:

'Gabriel Oak'

'Gabriel Oak' is a a magnificent variety bearing large, many-petaled rosette blooms in a striking shade of deep pink. Over time, the outer petals pale slightly. The wonderful fragrance is strong and fruity. A vigorous rose, it forms a shapely, broad, rounded shrub with mulberry purple stems and dark green foliage. It grows 4 feet tall by 4 feet wide. Named after the beloved character of Thomas Hardy's 1874 novel Far From The Madding Crowd.

'Eustacia Vye'

'Eustacia Vye' is an exceedingly pretty rose with glowing mid-pink flowers with a touch of apricot. The rich hue gradually pales over time. Held on red-tinged stems, the blooms begin as shallow cups that open to full rosettes packed with delicately ruffled petals. The delicious fragrance is strong and fruity. 'Eustacia Vye' is a repeat-blooming rose with a strong, vigorous shrub and exceptional good health. It grows 4 feet tall by 3 feet wide. Named after the flawed heroine of Thomas Hardy's The Return of the Native.

'Eustacia Vye'

 

 

To request a catalog, visit davidaustinroses.com  or email US@davidaustinroses.com or call 800-328-8893.  I received last year's catalog and it is a beauty!

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Photos of roses always elicit an immediate sigh from me, although the few I have have never thrived. I've committed to putting more effort - and water - into caring for them this year. If my efforts yield real results, I expect I might go a little crazy with new additions in 2022.

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  2. David Austin roses are so gorgeous, but I don’t think they’d do well in the Southeast at all without a lot of spraying.

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  3. They are so gorgeous, sigh. I'm losing so many to crown gall.

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  4. I always admire roses, especially those on trellises or growing over and around houses. I don't grow them because I have never had much luck with them. I admire them from afar.

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  5. Although I do not grow roses, looking at these blooms make me happy. Very happy indeed. I always stop and smell the roses that I see on my walks. Often I'm disappointed there is no scent. It seems like the fragrance is often the trade-off when they are bred for beauty and resiliency. It appears the two new selections you mentioned are plenty fragrant. I'm almost scared to open the online catalog... it could prove an expensive temptation :-D

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  6. Oh, my favorite topic. Last week I placed my order for seeds and my DA roses. I just keep thinking I am going to need a bigger garage, since I grow them in containers. :) For some reason, I am not attracted to the new roses this year. Probably because I am still in cloud 9 from Emily Bronte last year. :)

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