Allowing the right amount of space between roses is one of the quiet secrets of a well-balanced garden. When shrub roses are planted too closely together, the border can quickly feel crowded as the plants mature. Planted too far apart, however, and the planting may appear sparse, with bare patches of soil between each rose.

Training a climbing or rambling rose is one of the most rewarding tasks in the garden. With a little early guidance, those long, searching stems can be encouraged exactly where you want them, turning walls, arches, fences, and pillars into living tapestries of bloom. Left entirely to themselves, roses will still grow, but thoughtful training brings balance, structure, and a far richer display of flowers.

English Roses are tolerant and healthy by nature, and will cope with wintry weather without fuss. Our advice and videos on rose care over the winter will provide you with everything you need to ensure your roses continue to thrive when the warmer weather arrives.

I once had one of my gardens described as a firework display in slow motion.  A visual that struck a chord. The idea of a slowmoving theatrical performance is something that is always in my mind when I’m plotting out a garden. 

You may be familiar with Sue Kent as a regular presenter of Gardener’s World, but this year she also made her debut into the world of garden design too, securing a Silver Gilt Medal and much deserved People’s Choice Award for her #knollingwithdaisies garden design. Centred around creating a place to rest and enjoy the garden, the aim of the garden being easy to care for and providing a sanctuary for pollinators and other wildlife.