At David Austin's Nursery we were fortunate to see the roses at their best. They were all in bloom on a fine day in a dry summer that meant they were all free from black spot. The pergolas and circular walled garden of the display area providede a setting that made all the blooms, but for a dull Chinese green flowered one (Rosa x odorata 'Viridiflora') look desirable.

photographs by John Metcalf