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12 Tips for Designing Beautiful Rose Beds

Michael Marriott, senior rosarian of David Austin Roses in Shropshire, England, shares his top tips for designing rose beds, borders and gardens.
By: Lynn Coulter

Image courtesy of David Austin Roses

Rosarian Michael Marriott

Michael Marriott has been growing roses for over 25 years. Click through the gallery for his top tips on designing your very own rose garden.
Be One With Your Roses

Be One With Your Roses

"Do not be afraid to plant roses close to paths or seats where they may spill over. Their proximity makes it all the better for appreciating their beautiful flowers and delicious fragrances."

Image courtesy of David Austin Roses

Three's Company

"If planted closely together (approximately 18" apart), a group of three roses can look exactly like one large shrub. Massing color is more dramatic than featuring three separate plants with space in between."
Play With Texture

Image courtesy of David Austin Roses

Play With Texture

"A trimmed bush and trimmed lawn complement the full bushy shape of English roses."
Use Roses on Arches and Pergolas

Image courtesy of David Austin Roses

Use Roses on Arches and Pergolas

"English Rose climbers are perfect for small arches. They are not overly rambunctious, thus are easy to keep under control. A major benefit with English Roses is their wonderful ability to flower from the ground up. Flowers head to toe!" 

Image courtesy of David Austin Roses

Flower Friends

"Pair roses with blue or purple-hued companion plants, like this David Austin 'Golden Celebration' with blue campanula."

Image courtesy of David Austin Roses

Plant Them in Pots

"Roses look superb in pots and are an excellent way of bringing flowers onto patios or deck areas."
Try a Mixed Bed

Image courtesy of David Austin Roses

Try a Mixed Bed

"English roses mix perfectly with other plants. Their large flowers contrast with the small flowers of the perennials and the rounded habit of their bushes contrasts nicely with the spiky forms."
Use Them As Hedges

Image courtesy of David Austin Roses

Use Them As Hedges

"Roses make excellent hedges and are more interesting than most non-flowering hedges."
Color Block

Image courtesy of David Austin Roses

Color Block

"Combine roses with perennials in garden beds for a lush effect. Plant clusters of each to create blocks of color."
Contrast With Blue

Image courtesy of David Austin Roses

Contrast With Blue

"It’s incredibly effective to contrast any color rose with plants that have blue or purple flowers. 'Lady of Shalott' is magnificent against the vivid blue of salvia."
Blend Big and Small Blooms

Image courtesy of David Austin Roses

Blend Big and Small Blooms

"Mixing small flowered roses with large flowered varieties helps to highlight their individual beauty."
Go With the Flow

Image courtesy of David Austin Roses

Go With the Flow

"Many English roses have a beautifully rounded habit from top to bottom. Many people think roses should be stiff and upright, but who can deny that this is a very beautiful sight? When petals drift onto the garden path, it's an added treat."

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