The Director's Chair

 

Staging a new planting is exciting, if a little exacting!  Each plant will have a role to play as the story unfolds over the season, the art is in identifying the the stars at audition. For me,choosing new roses is like filling a bag of pick'n mix at the cinema; a kaleidoscope of tantalising colour,sumptuous scent, delicate form; complete sensory overload. With modern horticulture there are so many to choose from, depending on the desired effect, am I looking for 'Shabby Chic' or 'Understated Elegance'? It's hard to say before I settle into the Director's Chair and wait for the magic of the muse. 
One of my favourites is Darcey Bussell, a rich crimson rose which blooms freely all summer, scattering the soil with purple-petal confetti throughout the season.  Elegant and stylish, just like her namesake,  'Darcey' will provide depth and poise in the planting, her co-star is another  David Austin, the English rose 'Grace'.  Flamboyant in apricot she will add a touch of Hollywood glamour to the scene, a perfect contrast to Darceys delicate but controlled form. Grace blends well with reds and purples, forming a branching shrub with repeat flowers that scent the air throughout the summer.  Her arching tendrils will silhouette sensuously against the deep crimson back-drop, setting the scene perfectly for the perennials!