Showing love for roses all summer long

Roses are at their peak for the solstice and one standout garden delivers endless inspiration

- DIARMUID GAVIN

The summer solstice today marks the longest day of the year. In gardening terms, plants are at full throttle photosynthesis and growth, taking advantage of maximum sunlight levels.

Roses are at their peak right now and it’s a great time to go and visit gardens that are renowned for their rose collection.

Dunham Massey is a National Trust property in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, with a beautiful rose garden. Hundreds of rose varieties fill it with colour and perfume.

During the First World War, it was temporarily used as the Stamford Military Hospital and to honour this history there is a rose called “Stamford’s Sanctuary”. Bred by Peter Beales, this is a climber with a profusion of ruffled fragrant clear yellow blooms that fade to lemon. It’s repeat flowering and would be lovely on a small arbour.