Summer 2002 - 2003

Dear Fellow Gardener,

My passion for growing roses brings me so much pleasure I'd like to share some with you. I am therefore writing to introduce myself and to invite you, most warmly, to visit my garden.

The Perfumed Garden is well known throughout Australia for the introduction of David Austin Roses. This style of rose, which combines the form, fragrance and hardiness of old world roses with the recurrence of the modern hybrid teas, is most appealing, shown by its enormous popularity in recent years. Many gardeners may remember my business at Moorooduc, which has been relocated to The Briars, a prominent historic park and tourist attraction on the Mornington Peninsula. It remains the registered collection of David Austin roses for the OPCAA (Melb Bot. Gardens) and The Perfumed Garden name has been reinstated. Each year, newly released roses are added to the collection and well over 100 varieties, most with multiple plantings, are now on display in the garden and available for sale from the nursery.

The collection itself is well worth seeing, but the wonderful site has further allowed me to indulge my love of Old World Roses. The Roseraie (covering approximately 2 acres) has been designed to show examples from the earliest species or wild roses, through gallicas, damasks, albas, china etc to the modern hybrid teas. If you have been confused by the complexity of these classifications, you will find our planting is designed to be helpful, whilst those more familiar with old roses, can see for themselves rare specimens they have only been able to read about. The gardens demonstrate a broad range of planting styles, structures, and combinations. In the companion planting, I choose varieties that are unusual, complement the roses and extend the interest of the garden through the seasons.

In each busy day there is a moment when I am able to lose myself in the true essence of roses - their beauty of form and fragrance in these peaceful surroundings, transports me from the world outside. It is this feeling I want to share with you.

If you would care to contact me, I can help you plan a memorable visit.

Best regards,

Sophie Adamson

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