I don't know why modern has negative connotations for some people. David Austin's Roses are not Brave New World Roses that are created in a sterile laboratory off the freeway somewhere, where trees don't grow. They aren't roses that appear like plastic without fragrance. In fact they are mostly sensual and tactile, combining the best of the old world with what we've learned about roses over the years. David Austin Roses seem to be created at an intersection where science meets God.

In the case of David Austin roses what is meant by modern is that he has taken the best of the past and combined it with a load of experience, resulting in a unique breed of roses, sometimes referred to as English Roses. You may feel that they are other worldly, some of the most extraordinarily beautiful specimens that our Earth has to offer. The ancients used to attribute the beauty of the rose to the Gods from early times on. If they saw David Austin's roses, they would probably worship the soil where they grew. I am speculating, but I think I've made the point.

David Austin Roses come from many genetic lines. Someone asked what the difference is between say Bourbons and David Austin Roses. The difference is that no one is really breeding Bourbons, Portlands, Hybrid Musks, Hybrid Chinas, or Noisettes, these days. For the most part Hybrid Perpetuals have been replaced by the more popular Hybrid Teas. Some rosarians have fabulous collections of Hybrid Perpetuals, but people are not breeding new ones. David Austin has taken roses from many lines and crossed them, so there is a full gamut of habit, disease resistance, shape, form, fragrance, tolerance to different climates, and coloring. Some are even like fragrant Floribundas. Although the roses are classed together, we really can't conclude about their habit as a whole-like we might Gallicas, or Albas let's say. There are too many genes in the pool.

In any event, the David Austin's are new and exciting. It is wonderful to live in a time when their popularity is exploding. I can only imagine what it was like to live at the time of the turn of the eighteenth century, when what seems to be the last revolution in roses occurred. I think that David Austin's Roses have had a profound impact on our rose gardens. His roses have retrained my eye. I am always looking for creative ways to integrate them into the landscape. There are so many dimensions to their beauty. His books have helped me understand his philosophy. As a lover of roses, it is difficult not to be innovated to add these roses to the garden, the vase, or the party. These are the roses I choose to give, when I want to show someone I care.

English Roses are the now roses. One day they will be antiques. Who knows what they will think then. They will most certainly receive high praise.

I live in Southern California where English Roses behave differently than they might in England, let's say. From what I have seen of these roses they can adapt quite differently to gardens given the same climate. Here in Southern California we are notorious for our English Roses that behave differently then they would in other areas. They have received some criticism for being tender as a whole. All I can do is share my experiences with you. I can describe the roses in my garden and explain how they have done. There are many experts on English Roses. Peter Schneider has information and a newsletter that might be helpful if you live in colder areas of the U. S. I would also suggest going to a local rose garden (hopefully there is one) and seeing which roses do well in your area. A local rose society may have some answers. (Try the American Rose Society, or Heritage Rose Group) Link to my page on rose societies for more help on Peter Schneider or Rose Groups here: Rose Societies