My quick trip to Perth

Well, I'm back from 5 days in Perth. Flew over for my elder sister's wedding, where I arrived late, about halfway through the ceremony, and later in the evening I stood too close to a candle and my hair caught fire. Other than that, it was a great evening, even though no-one wanted to stand too close to me because I smelled like burned hair

Anyway, we managed to squeeze in quite a bit of rosing while I was there. We first visited Swiss rose nursery to buy a wedding gift (we chose Mr Lincoln in the end... It seemed classic and romantic, so hopefully a good choice for a wedding present!). My younger sister and I had great fun sniffing everything and discovering new roses. I was most impressed with a gorgeous fragrant yellow called Sweet Caitlin, which was grown as a small climber (do you grow her David? If not, you should!!!), and I also fell in love with an Aussie bred rose called Governor McQuarrie (this rose is so amazing Doug! I'm sure you have him already, but if you don't you must rush out and purchase!).

Another day we went up to Melvilles, and spent a couple of hours wandering around their gardens, which were incredible. Most of you will be aware that Melvilles changed hands recently and the new owners are building some sort of resort there, and work is well underway. Doug, I'm sorry to report that the Alister Clark and Aussie rose display bed has been bulldozed to make way for the building works, so we weren't able to see any Aussie roses. There were a lot of teas, a couple of China's and a few Noisettes grown in the display gardens, along with heaps of Austin's and moderns. But not heaps of antiques in stock. I wanted to buy some roses for my younger sister who has just bought her first house, and she had decided on Cl. lady Hillingdon and Cl. Comtesse de Labarthe for her gazebo, but they weren't available - the only climber they had for sale was Crepuscule

So off we went to Dawsons Garden World, smallish local nursery that has a good selection of roses grown on Fort. rootstock. They had a few Aussie bred roses there, and we purchased a Cl. Lorraine Lee to grow over my sisters fence (she wanted something very thorny to deter bad guys from climbing into her back yard, and she loved the blooms of LL), and we also bought a Lamarque to grow over her fairly large garden shed.

All in all, a very fun rosey holiday. Although my family now thinks I am the biggest rose nerd on the planet and they laughed at me a lot

PS. I just had a look on HMF for Governor MacQuarrie, and there is only one photo! I am astounded. This rose was so darn good - I saw zero disease, vigorous growth (it was trained along a low fence), HUGE enormous gigantic beautiful flowers and a very strong lovely fragrance. I mean, what's not to like?

Nurseries should be flogging this rose. It should be selling like hot cakes. Even I am going to buy one (if I can find it), and it will be my one and only Hybrid Tea, lol. That's how good it is, in my opinion.

Wow! Must have a decko at this amazing rose. Sounds just like my type of rose.

BTW..... burnt hair is not a good look!! LOLOL

This has answered my post about Hybrid Musks Zoe.

" I was most impressed with a gorgeous fragrant yellow called Sweet Caitlin, which was grown as a small climber (do you grow her David? If not, you should!!!), "
When we were down at Swanes, they had a very small one one in a pot. It was highly recommended by Kim Rupert fro the US. It is on next years list already.

Duckie

On the subject of the rose Governor Macquarie(Grant) I do have it and I believe it to be an outstanding rose. It can be purchased from Swanes.

Well, muscovyduckling, I guess you had a hot (burning) time in Perth. On the serious side, sounds like you packed in a lot with your quick visit, be sure to come back now.

I have had it for a number of years and it is one of my favourite roses.Healthwise the best in my garden and takes the extreme heat to.Grows very tall and sideways but flower and perfume outstanding.For you guys in melb try Gardenworld on springvale rd they always seem to have it there.

Sadly, Paul, I think I brought the Melbourne weather with me. As a result, it poured at my sister's wedding, and I think the northern suburbs copped a fair bit of hail. But I prefer it that way - I can't handle the heat anymore!

Good to hear so much great feedback about The Guv'ner! What a smashing rose.

And David, glad to hear Sweet Caitlin is on your list  I see Treloars sells it. I'm trying to decide between Sweet Cailtlin, Marechal Niel, or trying to get hold of Mrs Graham Hart somehow.

I accidentally got hooked on yellow roses. Your fault David.

Zoe, it has been mentioned before, but you could have worse addictions than, "I accidentally got hooked on yellow roses. Your fault David."

Cool story Doug! What a great rose to be a part of.

I'm sorry to hear that Trevor has passed away.