It’s Licorice… I swear It’s Licorice

It’s Licorice… I swear It’s Licorice

David Austin
Much has been written about the David Austin roses said to smell like "myrrh" -- but as far as I can tell, not as much about what actual myrrh is supposed to smell like. Fair Bianca is one of the myrrh-scented types, but I can say here, at least, it is a licorice lover's delight. There is a surprising replication of old-school black licorice candy. Also, as I have said before, I find the Internet rumors of this variety being "sickly" both unjustified and unfair. I keep mine in a large pot (and tucked away in our detached garage for the winter). From April through November it sits against the south wall of the house, facing the steps to our back deck. Here is one of its late-October blooms...
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Combinations and Returns

Combinations and Returns

David Austin, Uncategorized
Let not the paucity of my posts suggest I have abandoned my gardening. It was indeed a tough year for the little green monsters, but the year included some stunning moments. Lots more posts and photos are coming soon! Jude the Obscure with its pet clematis.
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Introducing Fair Bianca

Introducing Fair Bianca

David Austin
...And fair the critter is so far. The latest addition to my David Austin collection. Since it shipped already in bloom, a few were banged up in transit, and I haven't had time to take some better photos. To see what I have so far, see Fair Bianca. (more…)
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Welcome, The Poet’s Wife!

Welcome, The Poet’s Wife!

David Austin
Impulse purchases are rare for me, but this one I couldn't exist. It was already in bloom, which meant I could smell it... With Lady Hillingdon sadly deceased (through my own negligence), there was an open space on the deck... Since there are a whole buncha buds on this one, stay tuned for more photos.
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Deck Pets and Winchester Cathedral’s Third Year

Deck Pets and Winchester Cathedral’s Third Year

David Austin
It's hard to believe, but these are the blooms of a sick rose. In the spring of 2016, I was fixated on obtaining a clone of Fair Bianca, a somewhat obscure David Austin variety no longer sold by David Austin. I settled on the closest thing I could find: a Winchester Cathedral, which I was able to order from a local garden center that happened to carry a limited selection of David Austin roses. It met the condition of being white and fragrant, if not quite the same form, and not possessing the pure myrrh scent for which Fair Bianca is known. In retrospect, this was like sourcing a pet through a puppy mill. Generalized garden centers are the worst possible place to buy roses, as they are not experts…
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