In 1961, rose breeder David Austin released the fragrant Constance Spry to the horticultural world, re-igniting the love for colorful, fragrant English Roses.  Since then, David Austin has developed and released over 200 varieties of roses, beginning his eponymous company in 1969.  While prized by gardeners and horticulturalists alike for nearly 30 years, David Austin's beautiful roses were not widelay available as cut flowers for florists.  So, in 1992, the David Austin Company began developing varieties which could be used for the cut flower market.  In 2004, Emily (now known as Cymbeline) and Patience were the first two varieties released to the floral market.  There are now 5 varieties available to florists, and 2007 marks the first year the David Austin English Roses are widelay available in the US market.  Grown and distributed by Green Valley Floral in Salinas, CA, they require special cooler growing conditions for maximum beauty.

When fully open, English garden roses resemble a peony in appearance, with lush colorful blooms and a delightful fragrance.  Their large heads and thin stems mean it's still some time before garden roses are suitable for vased arrangements, but they are perfect for bridal bouquets and special event work, where appearance and fragrance are prized over vase life.  Two of their gorgeous roses are shown below.

"When fully open, the blooms reveal many neatly arranged petals nestling in folds within the heart of the bloom. The soft, peachy shades of Juliet combine well with other colors, creating a feeling of warmth and romance."

Green Valley also entered these roses in SAF's Outstanding Variety Competition, and we have some photos of their additional varieties below.

Miranda "Spectacular rose-pink blooms made up of many wavy petals, perfectly arranged to form beautiful, almost flat rosettes.  The outer petals have a lovely streaked green effect, which adds to the garden style."
Patience "When fully open, these roses portray a sense of grandeur from yesteryear."

You can see Green Valley Floral's selection of garden roses at http://www.greenvalleyfloral.com/gardenroses.htm.  While we do not normally stock these flowers in our shop, they are easily available for your wedding or special event work.  If you want garden roses as part of your wedding, contact us for a consultation--we'll be happy to create all of your wedding floral needs (remember, we're in the Butler/Pittsburgh PA area, so if you're not around Pittsburgh, check with your local florists instead).

For a history of David Austin Roses, check out http://www.davidaustinroses.com/american/Advanced.asp?PageId=1906.