I spent today planting new roses into the sticky muck that is an excuse for soil in our town garden. Never have I required a crowbar to plant roses - until today! There is big rain due in the next few days so hopefully the roses will be happy. If they survive the soil conditions, they should resemble these:

Most of these are David Austin's (my favourites). From top to bottom, left to right: '

Lichfield Angel

', '

The Endeavour

', '

Jude the Obscure

', '

Triple Treat

', '

Summer Song

', '

Strawberry Hill

', '

Darcey Bussell

', '

Jane McGrath Rose

', '

Heidesommer

'.

I still need to choose a couple of climbing roses, so if you have a favourite, please suggest it to me.