The rose is more than one of Britain's best-loved garden flowers. Look closely and you'll see it woven throughout English history - from Royal ceremonies, to marking places of interest on road signs. 

For centuries, roses have represented beauty, love, loyalty and even the joining of rival Royal houses. Today they are just as recognisable in our gardens where their colour, character and unmistakable fragrance continue to earn them pride of place. 

One of the reasons roses have remained so popular for generations is their versatility . Whether you have a sprawling country garden, a small town garden, a balcony or simply a patio, there's a rose to suit your space. They can be grown in borders, trained up walls and arches as climbers or planted in containers to add colour and fragrance to even the smallest outdoor spaces.

What surprised us most whilst looking into roses, was that some of Britain's most famous roses are grown using peat-free compost, which shows you don't need peat to grow healthy, beautiful plants bursting with colour. With thousands of varieties available- from classic hybrid teas and romantic English roses, to compact patio roses and vigorous ramblers - there really is something for everyone to fall in love with.

We had recently met a local Cumbrian gardener whose passion for David Austin roses has transformed his new-build garden into a beautiful, cottage style haven.  What once was a blank canvas is now overflowing with roses, perennials, and wildlife! This shows just what is possible with good soil, thoughtful planting and a little patience. 

He definitely inspired me to purchase my first David Austin roses - Claire Austin and Summer song.

Stay tuned for interview in part 2!