The David Austin Rose Catalogue

A friend of mine recently went on a trip to Germany, where she attended an international flower show. She was interviewing different rose growers for research here back home. I had asked, if it wasn't too much, if she could bring me home a copy of the David Austin rose catalogue to browse through.

I always see the ads for ordering it in British Country Living, but I never have.

I was quite excited when she handed it to me the other week, and I've since been reading up on different varieties in hopes of possibly ordering a few more for my gardens.

I was so lucky the other year - in fact, the girl working the garden centre probably thought I was nuts - to find two varieties in town. I have never seen them sold here in Canada, and last year I searched all over unsuccessfully.

Here are some that I have dogeared.

Carolyn Knight

Gentle Hermione

Queen of Sweden

Lady Emma Hamilton

And both Lichfield Angel and William and Catherine.

This is the variety I have planted - Winchester Cathedral.

Have any of you had any luck ordering roses by mail? Or even Peony roots? I've also found quite a few lovely varieties that are very reasonable on eBay, but I'm so leery.