Roses offer wide versatility for your garden

Roses offer you a lot of options in how they can fit into your garden situation. Many roses can be containerised and are suitable for smaller gardens or where the ability to maintain plants in containers is a better option; miniature and patio varieties are excellent choice.

Most gardens can accommodate a bush rose. They come in a wide range of colours and growth habits, and you can easily select the right size and hopefully colour you desire.

Standard roses also offer you a bit more formality to a garden, and the ability to under-plant with annuals or perennials. If room allows in your garden, consider climbing roses. Climbers have a wide variety of flower forms and growth habits. If room is not a problem, then a rambler may be ideal. They have more pliable canes, but don’t repeat flower as well. Rosa "Wedding Day" is an excellent specimen, with clusters of scented creamy white flowers followed by small bright orange hips in the autumn.

Climbing roses are ideal for highlighting vertical and horizontal dimensions in your garden. They can also function as a visual barrier, providing height or depth to the garden or simply enhancing a garden.

A modern climber will repeat flower and is more restrained in the garden situation. Rosa "Golden Gate" has large golden yellow blooms, repeats well and is fragrant and healthy.

Take the opportunity to stroll through the rose garden and look at the wide variety of growth habits on display.