The Generous Gardener, a David Austin climbing rose, is shooting up in my garden.  For a while I wondered what was going on as it showed no sign of climbing, then, a couple of weeks or so ago this monster cane with lateral shoots shot out of the base, right from ground level.  Look at it, it's like a tree and has reached the top of the 6ft fence already and couldn't look healthier!  Even so, it is still quite tender and could easily be snapped.  I need to guide it back towards the fence as it was heading for the sun which shines from the opposite side of the garden.   I've managed to tie it back a bit and as the cane ripens and gets more woody, I will try and train it more horizontally.  Right now, I'm frightened if I use to much pressure, it will snap off. 

The Generous Gardener - new, strong, cane

The Generous Gardener

http://www.davidaustinroses.com/english/Showrose.asp?Showr=4078

What is especially lovely about The Generous Gardener is that the flowers don't appear to be affected by the rain, they don't form balls of rotting buds which is the problem I have with William Morris.  It's such a pity because the William Morris climbing rose, also by David Austin roses, has a beautiful flower when not weather damaged.




William Morris rose, when perfect

On a smaller scale, I am really happy with some of my more recent rose acquisitions.   I can recommend Joie de Vivre which is full of the loveliest flowers and buds on a compact, healthy, bush.   I always think that the gloss on a rose leaf is indicative of disease resistance.  It's a good 'rule of thumb' I think. 




Joie de Vivre - RHS Rose of the Year 2011