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Benjamin Britten – David Austin Rose
The very warm weather in Birmingham has certainly kicked my roses into high gear. I guess intense doses of “Mills Magic Rose Mix” and Haven Brand “MooPoo Tea” have helped too!
I was excited to see the very first bloom on my David Austin Roses this evening. It is from one of the 2 Benjamin Britten shrubs. This rose has an unusual color for an Austin rose. It is an orange red. It puts me in mind of the coloring of “Gypsy”, a hybrid tea rose and has a slight fragrance. This will be it’s first full season in my garden.
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About Chris VanCleave - America's Favorite Rose Gardener
Christopher R. VanCleave – America’s Favorite Rose Gardener
Nicknamed "The Redneck Rosarian”, Chris VanCleave is passionate about gardening and growing roses. He is an active member of the Birmingham chapter of the American Rose Society, serving two terms as President. In 2007, he created the Rose Chat Podcast which has reached over a half a million listeners with news and information on growing on growing the world’s most beloved flower, the rose.
He was a contributor to the 2015 Southern Living Gardening Book, has appeared on P. Allen Smith’s Garden Home television show and was featured in the June 2015 issue of Southern Living Magazine. Locally, Chris serves as Chairman of the Helena Alabama Beautification Board where he has spearheaded efforts to create a sustainable landscape in one of the top one hundred places to live in the United States.
His writing is seen at About.com and on his popular website; RedneckRosarian.com, where he chronicles his gardening adventures and explores an intrinsic mix of life, faith and gardening.
An agent of change with over 20 years’ experience in process innovation, Mr. VanCleave is leading the charge to reinvigorate horticultural societies and helping them to reach their full potential in the social media age.
The Redneck Rosarian 
>Beautiful! In our intense sun, I love bright blooms like this. And what a wonderful form!
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>I'm so excited to see your first rose..and what a beauty. The only David Austin I have is Heritage which is leafing out lovely but I'll be waiting a while for blooms here in southern/middle TN.
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>Chris, it so interesting to see the same rose variety grown in two very different climates. In my neck of the woods, the cool coastal area of Washington State, the rose is more cupped and tightly formed and almost two-toned. Open blossoms wilt easily on days over 80 degrees so I'm surprised to see the rose flourishing in Alabama. Glad it is!
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