a special gift

[Teabag]

I want to get a special something for my parents sapphire wedding anniversary (45 years). I was thinking of an old english rose, one with an in your face scent which I am told these roses have, and with a glorious colour, any suggestions about this or any ideas for a special gift for the garden would be appreciated.

[Clanad]

I realize it's impractical to actually order roses from this source, http://www.jacksonandperkins.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/CategoryDisplay?cgmenbr=201&cgrfnbr=119&header_sel= but at least you can see what they look like.  I have numerous English Roses in my garden and they are the center piece of many varieties.  I especially appreciate how hardy they are. In addition, perhaps you could find a garden store that has these: http://www.special-tplus.com/images/Products/20189.jpg

http://www.special-tplus.com/view.asp?*************=70&page=homedecor

Best wishes for 45 years!

[mystress]

One of the most scented of Roses is "Fragrant Cloud",lots of flowers;disease resistant and doesn't get TOO big.This is a repeat flowerer,not one of the old roses that has one flush and it's over.

IF you are going to buy a rose (hopefully primarily for scent and colour) then do so now,or when they are flowering from a Garden Centre/Nursery/etc; as that way you can guarantee the colour and the scent.Ordering from a catalogue is all very well, but colour prints are often poor,and what is a "nice" scent to one,is not to another.

[Clanad]

While Fragrant Cloud is a very attractive rose and is quite scented, it is a hybrid tea varietal.  This means that it is more difficult to maintain and is more susceptible to disease, especially Black Spot (fungus). Additionally, all hybrids have a propensity to begin growing from below the "knot" where the hybridizers in-grafted the new variety into a stock or field rose.  This new growth will not produce flowers and will grow quite wildly.  While Black Spot can be controlled, the English roses are not hybrids and therefore, more resistant.  There's no arguing that tea roses are more attractive as cut roses than English or damask roses.  Here's a picture of Fragrant Cloud: http://community.webshots.com/photo/10778622/307489

[woofgang]

why don't you try a David Austen rose? Repeat flowering, disease resistant and the scent is amazing. you can order off the website click here http://www.davidaustinroses.com/english/

[Teabag]

Thank you for all your answers, it was appreciated and I really enjoyed looking at all the georgeous roses. I think I will have to get more than one, and a trip down to the David Austin garden centre approaches!!

Have a lovely day in the sunshine Ta Ta
Teabag.