David Austin’s
Sometime around 1946, when he was just 20, “a copy of George Bunyard's book on old roses” gave David Austin the idea of crossing the beautiful old scented roses, which had all but died out, with modern roses. Modern roses are lovely, but you will often see the wistful expressions of those who have just sniffed a beautiful rose and found it smells like snow.
Bouquet of David Austin roses with lady's mantle Austin hoped he could restore the fragrance of roses. For fifteen years he cross-bred the wide colour range and repeat-flowering qualities of modern roses with heavily scented old roses - gallicas, damasks, and albas. He introduced his first variety in 1963, and the scent of the roses he called English Roses wafted through the garden world. Their scents were deliciously fruity; quintessentially old rose; the scent of the tea chest laced with lemon; and classic myrrh. The rose called The Generous Gardener scented the air with a complex fragrance that was a blend of musk, myrrh and old rose. Heady stuff, and irresistible.
David CH Austin and David JC Austin The son of Shropshire farmers, Austin now oversees one of the world’s largest garden rose breeding programmes with his son, David. He has introduced more than 200 hardy varieties. Their fragrance is wordlessly lovely. In June 2007, for his services to horticulture, David CH Austin OBE was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's birthday honours list.
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David CH Austin, OBE
The rose called the Generous Gardener Roses carry their fragrance in volatile oils and alcohols which evaporate during the day and are replenished at night. Their perfume is strongest in the morning.
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