Shropshire grower says it's a good year for the roses despite rain
The weather has seen many gardeners abandon their flowers this summer – but a world-famous Shropshire rose grower is banking on a bumper crop thanks to the typically British conditions.
David Austin Roses, in Albrighton, said that after a disastrous start to the year its gardens were seeing a host of brilliant blooms which were expected to improve further during the next month.
Michael Marriott, technical manager and rosearian, or rose expert, said this year’s crop had been ‘particularly strong’.
He said: “The roses in the garden have come out wonderfully and already have flowers developing on them.
“The bloom is just starting now and will last through September.
“The roses are also growing really well in the commercial fields, where we sell roses to the public.
“We’ve always known roses love lots of water but it’s something a lot people do not understand.”
Mr Marriott said the company often had to use its irrigation system to ensure the roses had enough water throughout the summer but the recent downpours had meant there had been no need.
He added: “Rain is much better than anything like that and we will save a huge amount of money not having to use the irrigation to transport water to the dry patches.
“It can be a very expensive business storing and using water so this summer has shown us how valuable the rain can be.
“People often think the typical British summer is quite wet but a lot of the time our soil dries up.”
Mr Marriott said the company had been badly affected by the rain earlier in the year as visitor numbers had dried up.
But, with the roses starting to flower again in earnest, he was hopeful they would return.
He said: “By mid-September the roses will be looking at their best and it’s free to come and see them as well.”
For further information about David Austin Roses call 01902 376300.
By James Fisher