Familiar blooms are found around world

Wherever you travel in the world, there's a chance of meeting a familiar plant with a tale to tell.

- BY TOM PATTINSON

Some years ago, whilst visiting Adelaide Botanic Garden on the other side of the globe, Judy and I came upon a bed of the 'Alnwick Garden' rose, a cultivar that was introduced at Chelsea Flower Show 2001 by David Austin in celebration of the recently launched Jacques and Peter Wirtz-designed attraction.

Fast forward 24 years to a fortnight ago and we were standing in the Tuileries Garden Paris, also influenced by the Belgian father-and-son design team.

In such circumstances comparisons are made. Are there any changes to the design? Are the current plant choices comparable with those back home?