In 2019 the garden at Langdon was just being conceived. I started gardening there in April that year and certain plans took shape in my mind. This was my second planned and planted bed.
Brief: Create a formal border to support a formal lawned area.
Solution: Whenever I hear formal border I think of roses.
There is only one place to buy really good roses and that is from David Austin. There are 5 different roses in this border planted in a repeated pattern.
1. Boscobel
2. Mayflower
3. Tranquility
4. Olivia Rose Austin
5. Vanessa Bell
Pollinator-friendly partners
These were chosen because they are repeat flowering and highly scented. The roses are underplanted with Geranium ‘Rozanne’ and Alchemilla Mollis and lavender. These
plants provide additional interest to the rose border and provide welcome nectar for pollinators.
Now we are 5 years on. The rose border continues to thrive and thrill every year. This year it is
particularly splendid. The rose heads are the size of saucers and smell delicious.
Making confetti
Every year we have a glut of rose petals that usually get composted but this year the rose petals
are being put to very good and special use. Sally and Brian are getting married! We will have our
own Langdon grown confetti ready and waiting to be used at the celebration.
It has been a joy preparing this for their special day. I was lucky enough to pick up a dehydrator
from the online Faversham Sharing Group last year. This has been invaluable in drying the rose
petals which maintains their colour and scent. Once the petals are completely dried they are stored in cardboard boxes, sealed and put in a cool, dark cupboard to stop any fading and to also prevent any mould growth. My house smells amazing!
If anyone would like to try drying rose petals and would like more information about how to go about this, contact me through the Langdon email (thelangdongarden@gmail.com) or Facebook or Instagram @langdon_garden
I look forward to throwing our confetti later this year.
Gail the Gardener
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