Enthusiasms

This Month: Old Roses

- LUKE HONEY

Although our tiny London 'garden' spends most of its life in the shade, and there's enough room to swing a proverbial cat, I'm a keen gardener. I discovered that certain Old Rose varieties grow surprisingly well in the shade (and in tubs), opening the horticultural doors to romantic, scented and historical blooms. Many of these have interesting stories, which we have now managed to establish with some success: Madame Isaac Péreire (a fragrant, deep cerise), La Reine Victoria (a romantic, dusky pink), and Charles de Mills (an arresting, dark maroon).