I often travel back to this afternoon in my mind and heart. The sweet scent of roses beyond what you could ever imagine! I couldn’t believe the variety of roses and different fragrance each one had. With names like Emily Brontë, Desdemona and The Poet’s Wife it felt like being in a piece of English Literature. We were so fortunate to be able to explore David Austin’s personal gardens. The heart of his gardens was what I fell in love with most. So loved, so treasured and cared for.
After the gardens we toured through the greenhouses and had the opportunity see the breeding process. Breeding the roses is the most romantic process. Buds are painted with the pollen of different varieties to breed a new varieties. Their team breads thousands of rose varieties with only a handful going to market each year. It’s at least ten years between the conceptualization of a rose variety before it could end up in the hands of a florist or grower. Is that not the most beautiful thing you’ve ever heard!?
After our delightful morning in the gardens and tour of the greenhouses we were treated to a flower arranging class with Alicia Rico of Bows & Arrows Flowers and luncheon in a greenhouse. It was as dreamy as it sounds. Can’t wait to share more!
Photographed by Catherine Mead for Flutter Magazine
xo, Kay
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