I worked at David Austin Roses for 35 years as head Rosarian. During this time I became one of the world's leading authorities on roses and designed many private and public rose gardens around the world. I grow many roses in my own garden, which I run on organic principles and have never sprayed. I select only those varieties that combine both health and beauty and I grow them alongside other plants to help prevent the spread of pests and diseases. I'm a great believer in common sense gardening and when it comes to pruning, I'm keen to go back to basic principles so that students can easily apply their knowledge to any rose they encounter. I'm a passionate believer that the rose is the most garden worthy of all plants. What other plant can potentially have a beautiful individual flower, a wonderful fragrance, flower for several months of the year and be easy to look after? In addition the rose is used as a symbol in many different aspects of our culture from religion to the legal system.
I wanted to teach and share my knowledge through Learning with Experts to help share my passion for roses globally. I'm also keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. I look forward to seeing you in class.