Kingham Plough, fit for a queen

Liz Nicholls

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Oxfordshire

We enjoy The Plough in Kingham which has earned rave reviews as one of the best foodie pubs with rooms in the country

One week on and I can’t stop rabbiting on about my fairytale slice of Cotswold heaven… So I might as well tell you about it as well.

Kingham, out in the laciest Oxfordshire fringes, is the sort of honey-hued village that tourists dream about but rarely wake up to. The 17th century Plough, right opposite village green, canopied by an awesome oak, is arguably (from a visitor’s POV) its beating heart, throbbing with friendly, thirsty locals. Among this fun-loving crowd is the amazing Blur bassist and cheesemaker Alex James (who hosts The Big Feastival on his idyllic dairy farm) and his big family.

The Plough has won rave reviews and Gastro Pub awards as one of the UK’s best, earning foodie fame thanks to Great British Menu winner Emily Watkins. Since 2019 it’s been in the capable hands of Matt and Katie Beamish who have worked with the likes of Raymond Blanc, Jamie Oliver and Fergus Henderson, and for hotels across the country. Even if you’re a hotel-hopper of Princess and the Pea proportions, you’re sure to be won over by the full royal flush of hospitality.

Swathed in summertime blues in the middle of a tricky week, I was lucky enough to book into a room above the oak-beamed barn that was fit for a queen. Tucked into the eaves, this super-classy space was the perfect luxe crashpad for two hungry girls, with its rolltop bath, double vanity sink and humungous, comfortable bed big enough to accommodate a side of morris dancers (maybe next time).

Back down into the pub for that much-anticipated dinner and we were greeted by the smiley staff and punters with a welcome warmer than the weekend heatwave. The interior is achingly cool and quirky (think mismatched furniture and original art and photography on the wall, all for sale).

A rarity for me (I’m very decisive when it comes to food, and only food) the menu presents a challenge because all of the seasonal dishes conjure up pure magic. Matt and Katie continue Emily’s legacy of championing local artisan products and sourcing the best fresh, local ingredients in this fertile patch, resulting in first-world conundrums such as: “watercress, wild garlic and pea soup or Smoking Brothers teriyaki salmon tartar, with caviar, avocado & wasabi, radish & crostini…” And that’s just for starters. The chicken liver parfait, with crispy chicken skin, sauterne and the most adorable still-warm mini brioche was the ultimate choice, by the way, and I want it again.

Proving that this is a proper boozer rather than pretentious in the least, the mains include (I gawped, and, yes, also tried) a stunning fish & chips and an epic cheeseburger, all cooked on the new wood-fired grill and oven. But there was no food envy because I fell, hook, line & sinker, for my pan-roasted tender halibut, in white wine sauce, with asparagus, Cornish Mussels (which I don’t normally even like), samphire and little copper saucepan of new potatoes with hazelnuts (my new fave combo).

Afterwards, we devoured a carrot cake baked Alaska with blood orange sorbet but (rubbernecking at the nearby tables) the baked mint chocolate torte, meringue and fruit and sticky ginger cake with rum butterscotch sauce, lime curd and coconut sorbet seemed to hit the spot as well.

Throw in a couple of cosmic Cosmopolitans to start and bookend the meal with a couple of fat fingers of Cotswold Cream (which puts Baileys in the shade) and I was grinning like a Cheshire cat, having left all my troubles at home.

The pub has an amazing wine list, if that’s more your jam, and the friendly team recently launched a new outside catering service, The Potted Goose, for private parties.

As the lucky winner of our May competition is about to enjoy, the Plough’s Little Barn, a luxurious two-bed self-catering cottage 300m from the pub, sleeps four and includes wood burner, fully equipped kitchen, wifi and outdoor space with barbecue. I’d consider booking in for any kind of special occasion (or when there’s a y in the day of the week) as soon as I can.

And, just when the hype is at fever pitch, I have to say that the Plough offers what might just be Britain’s best breakfast – so heartwarming for your onward journey that I had to hunt down the source of the sourdough (Marks Cotswold Bakery) to buy some of that sourdough to take home…

Double rooms £150-£195 a night on a B&B basis. Little Barn from £375 a night on a B&B basis. Dog-friendly rooms £10 a night extra per dog. Call 01608 658 327 or visit The Kingham Plough.

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Clean up pet pongs with Vax

Liz Nicholls

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Oxfordshire

We review the new VaxSpotWash Home Pet-Design which is designed to make your carpets, rugs and upholstery shiny and new

The things we deal with for our pets, hey? The filth… the fury… the faeces…

Obviously, any pet owner will tell you that the companionship their furry friend offers far outweighs the drudgery.

But, at this time of year especially, you might find that distinctive animal pong tends to linger, and the quest to clean up muddy paw prints can leave you hot & bothered. Since having my joyful rainbow carpet staircase fitted, I’ve been pining for a VAX gizmo to keep it looking vibrant. And then recently, an elderly, and somewhat smelly cat came to stay, in addition to the stompy-booted teenager and black sprocker. As one of those numpties who got a white boucle sofa over lockdown (in my defence it was given to me by a friend who had a spare one, and it was before I had black pets) it’s fair to say I lost the battle with the fur, footprints and fragrance some time ago.

“it’s fair to say I lost the battle with the fur, footprints and fragrance some time ago’

So I was delighted to test drive the new VAXSpotWash Home Pet-Design which is surprisingly small (30cm high) and cute enough to slot into a kitchen shelf. But it has plenty of power – it’s proven to rid your home 99% of potential harmful bacteria. Crucially, it’s also easy to use, with various attachments to slot on to the cleaning hose (it must be idiot-proof because, trust me, I’m not great with technology).

Attaching the extra-wide two-in-one wash tool I set to work on my stairs and was delighted to find that working this deep-pile carpet required much less elbow grease than my previous efforts. And, prompting a little whoop, the grime and god-knows-what being sucked away by the SpinScrub hand tool into the dirty water tank was sooo satisfying. You just go back and forth over the carpet et voila! The Vax will do its magic, leaving the carpet cleaner, shiny and new, without leaving it wet.

Being lightweight, the gadget politely tells you when the dirty water tank is full, and switches itself off. Pouring away the treacle-coloured liquid that comes off your floors will make you think again about how clean you ever managed to get it in the first place. Trust me, it’s gross!

I then happily set to work on my wool carpets and upholstery, including my much-neglected car without breaking too much of a sweat. The odour-neutralising solution is instantly pleasing and I was very pleased to bid farewell to that ubiquitous wet-dog smell.

The next time tea got spilled on the landing involved significantly less drama, and swearing, than it would have previously. And then when the cat inevitably went whoopsie on the rug I was almost zen (for me).

I can safely say that this little poppet is my favourite recent addition to the household. Using it is pleasing and even addictive – one of my new favourite weekend activities now is get the house to myself for a bit to ‘get my Vax out’. In fact (don’t tell anyone) I talk to it affectionately, even more than the dog.

Buy the VAX SpotWash Home Pet-Design direct from vax.co.uk for £199.99, including 1 x 250ml VAX Spot Washer Antibacterial Solution, 1 x VAX 250ml Pet Stain & Odour Remover, free delivery and a free Stain Removal Kit worth £30, when purchasing direct from VAX.

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Thames Valley Food & Drink Festival

Round & About

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Head to Brightwell Vineyard for a splendid array of wine and artisan treats, June 17th & 18th

The third edition of The Thames Valley Food & Drink Festival – (thamesvalleyfestival.co.uk) – returns to Brightwell Vineyard, just outside of Wallingford, over the weekend of June 17th & 18th.

The line-up includes over 30 lip-smacking independent food and drink producers drawn from the Thames Valley region – including six independent English wine producers – with negligible food miles.

On offer is wine and food tastings, self-guided walks among the vine rows, artisan food stalls, with plenty of seating to eat and drink while listening to live jazz, swing, and popular melodies, soaking up the far-reaching countryside views. The festival takes place in the grounds of Brightwell Vineyard who will be showcasing their award-winning wines, including Bacchus, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Chardonnay and its prestigious English Brandy.

Wine buffs (and bluffs) can also sample English wines from six leading local vineyards including Brightwell, Dawes Hill, Fairmile, Jojo’s, Freedom of the Press and Hendred. Each offering subtly different white, rosé, red and sparkling wines grown on the mineral rich soils of the Thames Valley and Chiltern Hills. Those whose tipple is a spirit will not be disappointed, with artisan makers including the GB Mead Company, vermouth from In the Loop Drinks, gin from Henley Distillery and Old Sun Rum. South Oxfordshire Brewery will be serving-up pints brewed only five miles away.

A tantalising array of artisan fare is designed to tempt the tastebuds of visitors from far and wide, and food vendors will ensure nobody leaves hungry with stalls including savoury tarts from Tarte in a Box, vegan cakes from The Witches Kitchen, doughnuts from Oh So Dough, Alex’s delicious sweet and savoury Crepes, Marlow Cheese, and wraps with Bohemian Rhapsody, Supreme Burgers, surf n Fries and the Pizza Boys. Sample local charcuterie, biltong, or Johnny Hot Stuff’s chilli sauces. Perhaps book a home delivery hamper from Riverford Organics. There’s tableware by Blue and White Company, and beeswax candles from Henley.

The Horsebox Coffee is back too, offering a range of hot drinks including freshly ground coffees.

Doors are open from 11am to 5pm on both Saturday and Sunday, with ample free parking on site for visitors.

Prices: Tickets purchased in advance for one Day entry cost £9 per person, with children under 10 free. Purchase a full ticket for £14 which includes festival entry, six tasting vouchers, a tasting glass and glass holder. Tickets purchased at the gate on the weekend will be £10 and £15 respectively. Cash and cards welcome.

For tickets and further information see thamesvalleyfestival.co.uk.

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Q&A with Richard O’Brien

Liz Nicholls

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Oxfordshire

The 50th anniversary tour of the legendary smash-hir musical The Rocky Horror Show, will time warp its way to Aylesbury. Richard O’Brien shares a few thoughts on the show as we head into Pride month.

Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical is celebrating 50 years of non-stop partying with this special anniversary production. Since it first opened in London in June 1973 at the Royal Court Theatre, The Rocky Horror Show has become the longest continuous run of a contemporary musical anywhere in the world. The show has been seen by over 30 million people worldwide in more than 30 countries and translated into 20 languages as it continues to delight audiences on its sell-out international tour.

Q. What was your original inspiration behind the Rocky Horror Show?

“Someone asked me to entertain the Christmas staff party at the EMI Film Studios and so I wrote a song (Science Fiction Double Feature) and with the help of some jokes, performed to much laughter and applause. In the New Year I wondered whether it might serve as a prologue to the gem of an idea that I had for a musical. I shared that thought with Jim Sharman who had directed Jesus Christ Superstar. Jim liked the concept and away we went…”

Q. Why do you think it is still successful today, half a century later?

“It is simply a musical comedy and as long as it rocks, and the audience are laughing what more could you wish for? It’s very inclusive, it’s very easy to watch. It’s not rocket science as far as narrative is concerned – Brad and Janet are a couple that we kind of recognise as Adam and Eve or Romeo and Julie, like a stereotypical couple – we can all relate to them. It is also a fairy tale which allows us to feel comfortable with its rites of passage storyline. A retelling of Hansel and Gretel if you like, with Frankfurter standing in for the wicked witch.”

Q. What about the show do you believe makes audiences feel comfortable joining in?

“The innocent rather naughty fun of it draws not only a ‘theatre’ crowd but also people who want a fun evening and a guaranteed return on the investment of their ticket price.”

Q. What was happening in your life at the time you wrote The Rocky Horror Show?

“I was a recent father of my first child and out of work when I wrote the show. 1972-73 was a moment of change. Glamrock and overt sexuality was around, gay people were coming out and there was a ‘buzz’ in the air. There are certain parts of the world where we are a little bit more free to be ourselves. London is certainly one of them. Back in the Seventies you had gay bars, but now you don’t need to because if you walk into most bars in London there will be a gay man behind the bar. That is rather nice.”

Q. How do you believe the show supports those who are questioning their identity or sexuality?

“The support for the LGBT community was unintended but it is a very welcome addition to the laughter and toe tapping.”

Q. Has the show supported your own journey surrounding your identity?

“It must have been, some extent, cathartic but I have always gone my own way and played the cards that I was dealt at birth the best way I can.”

Q. Do you have a favourite character?

“I would have loved to have played Rocky, that would have been cool, wouldn’t it? But one thing is essential, you have to be rather handsome, and you know, muscular, and that ain’t going to work. I could have played Janet. They’re all so stupidly wonderful these characters, they’re iconographic.”

Q. How do you think the live shows compare to the film?

“The live show has an energy that the movie doesn’t have – it wasn’t intentional, but the film was very slow. Once some fans came up to me and said, “did you leave the gaps between the lines so that we the audience could say our lines?” I said, “Well, ok yes”. But no we didn’t, The move is a very surreal, almost dreamlike journey, the live show is far more rock and roll.”

Q. What’s your favourite part of the show?

“The noise at the end of Rocky is wonderful – it is empowering and exhilarating at the same time it is quite joyous. Rocky never fails to deliver. Each performance lifts the heart and the nightly laughter and roars of approval leave the whole cast with a sense of wellbeing and accomplishment that you rarely get from any other shows.”

Q. The Rocky Horror Show remains a huge hit around the world. Do you think the show would be as successful if written today?

“Timing is very important as is luck. Zeitgeist sums it up. There are lots of variables in this equation, for instance, would it have been as successful is someone other than Tim Curry had played the lead?”

Q. How has the show developed over time? Have there been any adaptations in the past 50 years?

“It has remained much the same through the years. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.”

“If it ain’t broke don’t fix it”

Q. How different do you think your life might have been without Rocky?

“I have no idea but, I would have had a good life because I am made that way. My journey has been a different one than others. I guess some people have a game plan. I would imagine they’re rather humourless. Most of us get an opportunity and we wing it. Luck plays an awfully big part in our lives. You should never underestimate that. I am the luckiest person on the planet. I shall be happy as long as I can keep singing.”

The Rocky Horror Show is on at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre stage from 3rd-8th July

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Neil Gaiman Q&A

Liz Nicholls

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Oxfordshire

Author Neil Gaiman answers a few questions ahead of the forthcoming tour of the National Theatre’s adaptation of the award-winning book The Ocean at the End of the Lane

Q. The book is loosely based on your childhood. What was the starting point?

“The book began with me wanting to try and explain to my wife where I grew up and what that world was like. She could take me to her childhood home because it’s still the same, but I couldn’t take her to where I grew up [in East Grinstead] because the place had long since been demolished; lots of lovely neat little housing estates covered the gardens and the fields and lanes. So for it was kind of an effort to try and evoke a past and a sense of place. An interesting side of for me too was that I realised that I hadn’t heard, for a very long time, the Sussex accent of my childhood. Mrs Weller came in and cleaned once a week and Mr Weller came in and did the gardens. They were probably in their 80s and they had proper Sussex accents – almost like a West Country burr. I resolved to write a novel with that in too.”

Q. How did you create the Hempstocks?

“I was told by my mother – quite erroneously, I discovered, when I did my research – that the farm half-way down our lane was in the Doomsday Book. And that was the start of the Hempstocks in my head; who they were and what I wanted to do with them.”

Q. Do you find writing about family especially fascinating?

“I don’t think I’ve ever been able to avoid writing about family, even when I thought I was writing about something else. Whether it’s biological family or the family we make. In the novel I created a semi-fictional family for myself, and in the play version it was one step further away from my family, which I think look back on is incredibly healthy! But the boy is definitely me.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever been able to avoid writing about family”

Q. The play received amazing reviews when it premiered. Without any spoilers, do you have any favourite moments?

“There is something astounding about the moment when they enter the ocean. That completely fascinates me. And you’re going to see miracles made out of bits of rubbish and old plastic bags and nightmarish birds beyond your imagination It still takes me by surprise every time I watch.”

Q. Is it true that you were so moved by the play when you saw it in rehearsals that you cried?

“I saw the first full run through. About ten minutes from the end I had tears running down my face. I thought that this was terribly embarrassing and I was discreetly trying to flick them away.”

Q. You describe yourself as a storyteller. What inspired you to be a writer?

“I’m not sure that all writers are frustrated performers, but for me it was the joy in getting to be all of the characters. As a writer you get to do that. Being a kid who loved book I could think of nothing cooler than giving people the pleasure that I got.”

Directed by Katy Rudd (Camp Siegfried) and adapted by Joel Horwood (Skins, I Want My Hat Back) The Ocean at the End of the Lane (suitable for ages 12+) will land at Oxford’s New Theatre, 20th-24th June.

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Wildlife campaign will support the NHS

Round & About

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Families are encouraged to join 30 Days Wild, the campaign by Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) to connect with nature every day in June, backed by the NHS.

Wildlife trusts across the UK have run the 30 Days Wild challenge every June for nearly a decade, encouraging people to take one wild act each day. This can be anything from watching wildlife from a window to listening to birdsong or taking a meal or drink outside.

For the first time the initiative has won the backing of the UK’s National Health Service. Liz Shearer, BBOWT’s community engagement director, said: “We are over the moon that the NHS has endorsed our challenge: we have always known that spending time in green spaces can have huge health benefits for many people, helping to lower heart rate and blood pressure and reduce anxiety, but now we have the official support of our fantastic health service. Try taking one tiny act to connect with nature and see what it does for you – you could change your life.”

Last year more than 500,000 people took part in 30 Days Wild, including more than 5,000 in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. Across the UK, 114,245 households, 11,740 schools, 898 care homes and 1,384 businesses joined in.

Anyone taking part can order a free activity pack, with different packs for families, individuals, businesses and schools containing activities, games and packets of wildflower seeds to sow. A survey of nearly 1,000 participants last year found that people’s favourite activities were watching wildlife and listening to birdsong (85%).

The NHS has decided to back 30 Days Wild as it celebrates its 75th anniversary celebrations this year. The Greener NHS programme at NHS England will showcase NHS gardens and green spaces that support biodiversity, improve air quality, and provide health benefits for staff and patients, both physically and mentally – across the NHS estate.

Join 30 Days Wild and download a free activity pack at 30 Days Wild.

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Globe Theatre – a great all-rounder

Round & About

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London’s iconic open-air wooden ‘O’ shaped theatre has lots to enjoy over the summer…

With tickets to shows starting from £5, the Globe is a world-class and affordable way to experience the best the city has to offer. Spend a full day exploring the world of Shakespeare in the new exhibition, on a guided tour or in a family workshop, and enjoy a delicious meal at the Swan, before watching a show.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream runs until 12th August starring artistic director Michelle Terry as Puck, there’s a special Midsummer midnight matinee on 24th June.

The Comedy of Errors runs until 29th July, Macbeth 21st July to 28th October, and As You Like It 18th August to 29th October.

Midsummer Mechanicals, The Olivier Award nominated family show, based on A Midsummer Night’s Dream, runs 22nd July – 26th August, following Peter Quince’s acting troupe – known as the Mechanicals – as they attempt to recapture the success of their first hit Pyramus and Thisbe, a show so bold, brilliant and chaotic that it went down in theatre history.

Running throughout the summer, Family Workshops and Storytellings are the perfect way to introduce younger audiences to Shakespeare and bring his plays to life. Guided Tours and Sword Fighting Demonstrations created for younger audiences are the perfect addition to a full family day out at the Globe.

Audiences can enjoy a pre-show drink with a stunning view across the Thames and overlooking St Paul’s Cathedral, or indulge in A Midsummer Night’s Dream themed afternoon tea at our on-site restaurant Swan at the Globe.

Visit Afternoon Tea – Swan London Bar & Restaurant and Shakespeare’s Globe | London.

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Build It Live home inspiration

Round & About

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Grab your free tickets to kick-start your dream home project, with a visit to Build It Live in Bicester on 10th & 11th June

If you’re planning a self-build, renovating a property or looking to add more space to your current home, then you can’t afford to miss this! As the UK’s most practical self-build and renovation show, Build It Live has been designed to help people through each stage of the process – from finding land to hiring an architect, and sourcing materials for your build.

The exhibition, which will take place at Bicester Heritage, will provide two full days of inspiration, advice and practical tips to ensure you get the home you want – finished on time, and on budget. Within the exhibition hall, you’ll be able to meet hundreds of the UK’s leading suppliers and manufacturers, offering everything from build systems to sliding doors, so you can compare products before making those important buying decisions.

But that’s not all! The show has been designed as a one-stop shop for all your information needs. Over the two days, you’ll be able to attend free seminars and workshops, hosted by industry experts and covering topics such as how to fund your self-build project, heating options for your home and the different routes to managing your project.

Architects, planners and finance experts will also be on hand, offering free, independent advice in one-to-one sessions. You’ll be able to sit down and have a face-to-face chat, talk through your plans or concerns, and gain the insight you need to move your scheme forward!

Here are just some of the other great features you’ll be able to experience at the show:

THE LAND ZONE

Stop by the Land Zone to browse real plots for sale across the UK, gain advice about the various route to finding land, and speak to representatives from the latest serviced plot projects.

THE NAKED HOUSE

See a cut-away show home at ‘first fix’ – a fascinating insight into how things are installed in a new home, from insulation and underfloor heating, to the roof trusses and floor joists.

SELF-BUILDERS’ OWN STORIES

Gain inspiration and confidence from Build It readers who have already completed their own project. Hear their story, pick up some top tips, and learn from their mistakes.

STRIKING GLAZING OPTIONS

The show will offer a wide variety of specialists, demonstrating a huge range of glazing options, from bifold and sliding doors, to windows and rooflights.

TROUBLESHOOTING CLINICS

The show will also have four dedicated clinics, for build costs, heating, basements and extensions – where you’ll be able to chat to experts and troubleshoot your scheme.

Don’t miss out! The standard ticket price is £12 per person, but as a Round & About reader you can claim a pair of complimentary tickets to the show. For further information and to book your free tickets, visit: Book tickets to Build It Live Bicester 2023

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St Helen’s new sixth form centre

Round & About

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Students, staff, governors and guests have celebrated the official opening of St Helen and St Katharine’s new Sixth Form Centre – the Benedict Building

Deputy Lieutenant of Oxfordshire – and former Headmistress of St Helen and St Katharine – Lady Cynthia Hall joined the celebrations to cut the ribbon and declare the Benedict Building officially open.

In her speech, Lady Hall emphasised the importance of a dedicated Sixth Form Centre that recognises the need for a more grown-up space and where Sixth Form students’ studying needs are attended to.

The new state-of-the-art building is a physical articulation of the school’s vision for Sixth Form and is all about creating spaces that respond to how students work and how they relax. It deliberately anticipates the design ethos of higher education, smoothing the transition from school to university. It features nine spacious classrooms, a range of study spaces, an HE library, a lecture and performance hall, a large common room – and, of course, the all-important café.

Headmistress Rebecca Dougall reflected on the occasion: “I am enormously proud that we have delivered on a vision to create a building that inspires the amazing students from St Helen and St Katharine – and indeed from Abingdon School – and one which anticipates the the aesthetic and utility of the best architecture to be found on university campuses. We are hugely grateful to our outstanding project partners from TSH Architects, Ridge and Partners, and Benfield and Loxley who translated our vision for Sixth Form into a wonderful space and design and delivered an environmentally considerate building.”

The Benedict Building has been warmly received by the school community and Sixth Form students have enjoyed choosing their favourite spots as they have settled into their new home. Esme (Lower Sixth) shared her experience of the new centre: “The spacious, bright, university-like workspaces make me feel so much more motivated to work. The common room is the perfect social area to relax and wind down during break times. When leaving for lessons or study periods, we feel ready to be productive, especially when being fuelled by snacks from the café.”

St Helen and St Katharine will be hosting an exciting Sixth Form Experience Open Day on Tuesday 20th June where students who are thinking of joining the school will have the opportunity to take part in taster lessons and extracurricular activities. Parents will join at the end of the day for a tour of the school and to hear from the Headmistress and current students about life in St Helen’s Sixth Form.

Find out more: shsk.org.uk/visitus.

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Roses galore in our gardens

Round & About

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Gardening expert Cathie Welch talks all things roses to mark Rose Awareness Week, June 19-25

As it’s rose awareness week I’ve been asked to write about roses. Well these are a plant that did not faulter in the heat or the cold, in fact they have thrived. There are many types of roses and it’s my job to educate and inspire so here goes…

Anyone who knows me will be aware that Rosa ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ named after the iconic garden designer is my favourite for scent, colour and sheer beauty! It comes from David Austin roses and can be a bush rose or a climber. I also adore ‘Munstead Wood’ for fragrance but this one is sadly no longer available. Instead opt for ‘Gabriel Oak’ or ‘Desdemona’ among others. These are all traditional or old fashioned rose types.

Roses for cutting need longer stems and a fabulous one is ‘Queen Elizabeth’ (pink) and ‘Alexander’ (orange). For a classic red rose choose ‘Fragrant Cloud’ one of many hybrid teas. These are all modern roses and there are many suppliers of these in garden centres and nurseries as well as online retailers. Plant fairs abound throughout summer and there is no better feeling than a car full of scented roses! There are also wild roses and single roses which are more bee friendly and even ground cover roses and those for the smallest patio. They really are a delight and worth their high maintenance reputation.

Cultivation

Roses are very hungry plants and need rich soil. They love a clay soil enriched with well rotted manure in full sun. Many of them are grafted onto rootstocks of wild roses so occasionally you get suckers which need to be cut off at ground level. Regular feeding is important in the form of compost and a high potash rose fertiliser. Ash from the woodburner is a traditional favourite. Pests and diseases can be a problem depending on variety but regular checking can catch them early. Try to be as organic as possible when selecting sprays. Dead head regularly after flowering to encourage more blooms.

Pruning

This is what sends everyone into a panic as it’s all dependant on the type of rose you are growing. Bush roses are usually Hybrid tea or floribuda so they have single large blooms or clusters. Hybrid teas are generally cut harder. Climbing roses are pruned similarly but usually spur pruned onto a framework during the winter months. Ramblers that flower once are pruned after flowering in the summer, taking out flowered shoots and tying in the new ones. Shrub roses often have hips and don’t need such drastic pruning, if they can be left then occasional renovation can work. Don’t be tempted to trim with hedgecutters unless a hedge!

CGS Courses

Please ask for details as I am running pruning courses throughout Spring and Autumn. Each plant has a different requirement and learning about pruning techniques is addictive! I can also come and teach you in your own garden.

Consultancy gift vouchers available too.

Website: Cathie’s Gardening School

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