The joy of gardening in France Supporting Open Gardens Jardins Ouverts

SEPTEMBER 2019 MEETING

Dear all,

Just six of us, apart from Ariane and myself, Sheila Harris, Joy Collett, Lucy Shepherd, and Helen Gray. Sadly our specimens of roses were in short supply after the long, hot summer. My roses have all been ravaged by the deer, electric fence next year! But Ariane’s garden looked amazing, very green and verdant, some lovely Queen Elizabeth roses everywhere, as well as red and yellow roses still blooming. We enjoyed a most delicious tea, and mainly talked about which roses we would like to order at the next Rose group meeting .

Joy is going to redo a bed in her garden, and would like a white rose, not more that 1 m high, and I would like a deep yellow climbing Rose. Sheila suggested “ Bathsheba” (see picture) which is very vigorous. So many suggestions were made, for pots Lucy recommended “ Sevilliana” which has flowered all summer, and Helen said both “ Ivors Rose” and “Baronne Edmond de Rothschild that is a lovely pink and white climber, have flowered all summer. (See illustrations below).

Carelle Sherwood

NEXT ROSE GROUP MEETING

on Tuesday October 15th at 3 pm at Sheila Harris lovely home.

MAY MEETING

Sheila and Michael Harris hosted sixteen Rose Group members at their delightful home and garden, on the first glorious afternoon for a while. As you can see from the photographs the table was loaded with colour and perfume.

Nevilee brought Jardin de Granville and Burgandy Ice, and Janet a David Austin rose.

Jane’s bouquet included Generous Gardener, Teasing Georgia and Crown Princess Margarita. Lucy had Rugusa's, Versuvius, rambling rector, and more. James and Helen Gray bought Summer sweetheart, Rose Gaujard, Twice in a Blue Moon, Hot chocolate, Peacekeeper, Beatrix potter, and Rural England.

Jane and Richard brought Wisley, Desdemona, Simply Sally and Elaine Savage had a beautiful selection from Winchester Cathedral, le Notre, Perfume Royal, Masquerade, Pierre de Ronsard, Golden wedding, Happiness, James Galway, Queen Elizabeth. Ariane’s blooms were Sentimental, Blue Eden while Michael brought Blush beauty, Princess Alex of Kent, and Marilyn Monroe.

From Cilla’s garden came Pacific dream, Kimono, Pierre de Ronsard, and Burgandy ice. Joy’s selection was L' aimant, Desdemona, and Jardin d Granville. Helen had blooms of J de G, Papa Mielland, Gruss van Archan. Martin’s four lovely roses came from his new garden, and he is looking for identification, inspiration and new ideas?

Carelle’s roses were Etoile de Holland, Paul scarlet, For your eyes only, Pink petue, and Graham Thomas.

Sheila and Mike gave us an amazing tea, with artistic open sandwiches and blueberry cake.