Chelsea Flower Show 2016: New Shropshire rose inspired by Roald Dahl
David Austin Roses is hoping the magic of Roald Dahl will help it win gold at the Chelsea Flower Show. It has produced a flower inspired by the children's author, who died more than a quarter of a century ago.
The new rose has won the approval of Dahl's widow Felicity, who visited the nursery near Albrighton and declared herself "thrilled". The rose experts produced the 'Roald Dahl' for the 100th anniversary of his birth.
The flower was hand picked by Felicity for its peach colour and shape.
Paul Constantine, project manager for the marketing team at David Austin Roses, said: "Felicity Dahl approached us about naming the rose. The rose she picked fits extremely well with the James and the Giant Peach story."
David Austin Roses has won 21 gold medals at the flower show in the past, and staff are keeping fingers crossed they will impress judges again.
Dahl died of leukaemia in 1990, aged 74, and yet he has never been more popular.
With more than 200 million books sold in 58 languages, his appeal to adults and children is universal.
David Austin Roses and Cholmondeley Castle Gardens are among those entering Chelsea Flower Show, which was launched last night by the Queen.
Bond stars Rosamund Pike, Naomie Harris and Judi Dench were among celebrities mingling with royalty at Chelsea for a VIP day.
Doors were opened to the public today, with the show set to run until Saturday.
David Austin Roses will showcase three new varieties of roses.
A team from Cholmondeley Castle Gardens, near Whitchurch, will present a garden at this year's show. Staff will work to recreate their Temple Garden in the Great Pavilion.
One of the judges at this year's show will be Shropshire florist and horticulturalist Howard Franklin, best known as an ex-president of Shrewsbury Flower Show.
