When the couple took on the lease ten years ago and decided to have a go at market gardening, having lived in London and briefly in Shanghai, they were enchanted. Shropshire, too, seemed magical, and so was their small cottage where they planted an orchard, and added some sheep, and roses<\/a> \u2013 and soon many more roses \u2013 both in their own garden, and for their business. Of all the luxurious stems grown at Stokesay Flowers, it is roses that are desired the most by customers. In their infinite variety, they give form to the couple\u2019s modus operandi: \u201cIt\u2019s all about the romance,\u201d says Victoria. \u201cAll of the decisions in our lives and in our gardens are made on that basis.\u201d<\/p>\n It is a narrow focus that allows a lot of freedom. Victoria, who was a professional gardener before moving to Shropshire, while Barney was a commercial surveyor, sees no romance in growing under cover, all year round: \u201cWe like the rhythm of quiet and sleep in winter, and waking up in spring.\u201d They prefer to offer flowers between April and October when they are \u201cproperly\u201d seasonal, supplying plants such as rambling roses, cut by the tumbling branch, if that is what is required. Even Pratley Flower and Plants, the British-grown cut flower specialists at New Covent Garden takes these unconventional items, as do \u201cthe discerning, bold, romantically inclined florists\u201d among their clients.<\/p>\n Read Victoria and Barney on growing roses for cutting<\/a> and head below for more from their garden.<\/p>\n What<\/strong> Sloping walled garden with good buildings and a small polytunnel in the footprint of a former glasshouse. Where<\/strong> Shropshire. Size<\/strong> One acre. Soil<\/strong> Well-balanced, medium-heavy soil. Climate<\/strong> Sheltered by high walls and a stand of tall conifers on the west side, although there is a frost pocket in the central area. Hardiness zone<\/strong> USDA 8.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Clouds of Nepeta<\/em><\/a> \u2018Six Hills Giant\u2019 mingle with orange Geum<\/em><\/a> \u2018Totally Tangerine\u2019, leading the eye to rockets of tawny orange Eremurus<\/em> x isabellinus<\/em> \u2018Cleopatra\u2019. The arbour is draped with two young Rosa<\/em> \u2018Adela\u00efde d\u2019Orl\u00e9ans\u2019 grown from cuttings.<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n An old pear grows on a west-facing wall, to which roses are slowly being added. The white tractor shed is currently the favourite nesting place for a brood of Barbu d\u2019Uccle hens<\/a>. Tall walls give shelter, aided by taller trees.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Even before the door is opened, Stokesay Flowers is a picture of vitality, its sign almost covered by an enthusiastic Rosa Wollerton Old Hall<\/em> (= \u2018Ausblanket\u2019). With plenty of green foliage, each flower colour complements the other.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The walled garden is contemporary to Stokesay Court, built in 1890. Its ambitions were curtailed after only 24 years, with the beginning of the First World War. Compost <\/a>bins<\/a> on the east-facing wall were a project for last winter.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/18\/2022\/06\/JI220621StokesayFlowers271V2-3569507.jpg?quality=90&crop=27px%2C763px%2C5947px%2C3961px&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
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