Moss. The stems and buds of this lovely rose are decorated with reddish green furry 'moss'. The buds open to large, rich pink, informal blooms that are very fragrant and quite frilly. Repeats well and is easy to grow. Prune lightly after flowering. From France 1852.

Damask. A graceful yet strong growing shrub with lush green foliage. The blooms are fragrant and look pale pink at first but open to pure white with a green centre. Rounded and flat in shape with a multitude of petals. Tolerant of poor soils and a little shade, summer flowering. From France - 1832.

Alba. An upright bushy rose with large flowers of very double creamy white produced in large sprays. This rose is very fragrant. Nearly thornless stems. Suitable for use as a climber. Blooms are long lasting.

Moss. Lovely, double, cupped blooms in a soft clear pink which emit a superb fragrance. The flowers are held on an erect mossy stem amid large, dark green foliage. Easily grown and performs well even in slightly poor soil. Recurrent. As the name suggests from France. 1898.

This rose should only be pruned lightly immediately after the first flowering and then only if required.

China Rose. An exceptionally graceful rose which bears masses of slender pointed buds of vivid red opening to soft yellow then changing to coppery tones of pink and later in the season crimson tones. A continuous, spectacular and unusual display. One of my firm favourites. Bred prior to 1896.

The name Mutablis means 'changeable' which is what really describes the flower colour best. This rose is also described as the 'Butterfly Rose' as the single flowers float and dance above the foliage like a - you guessed it - a butterfly.

Moss. An exquisite rose with tight buds clad with dark green 'moss' that open to reveal small flowers in sumptuous maroon-black highlighted with golden stamens. The blooms carry a sweet fragrance and appear in summer. Small dainty leaves and few prickles. France 1845.

Pronounced 'Nwee duh yoong' this rose is named for poet Edward Young whose poem 'Night Thoughts' was very popular in the 19th century.

Hybrid Musk. Rose lovers use all the superlatives when describing this rose as it is just so lovely. A prolific bloomer with clusters of large, semi-double blooms in tones of blush pink and cream. Handsome foliage and fragrant complete the picture. Hardy and reliable. 1924.

Penelope will have a display of beautiful hips in autumn if not completely dead-headed.

China. Beautifully shaped small flowers that are shaded a creamy buff-yellow with hints of pink. Nicely fragrant. The foliage is dark green and quite twiggy with almost thorn-less stems. A sweet little rose with buds that are perfect for a button-hole. 1884.

Sometimes referred to as yellow Cecile Brunner.

Hybrid. A relatively thorn-less rose with flat quartered flowers of soft velvety violet with just an amazing perfume. Free flowering right through to autumn. An exquisite rose which in full flush is quite superb. 1860. AKA Queen of the Violets. Deciduous

Hybrid Rugosa. Stunning large single rich scarlet red blooms that flower throughout the season. Excellent specimen planting, fence, hedge or impenetrable barrier. Large edible hips in winter. Moderate fragrant. A nice health bush that is tolerate of some shade and wind. Deciduous

Bred by Reimer Kordes (Germany, 1979).