Choosing roses is a personal thing. Some people remember their grandparents’ favourite roses, such as Whisky Mac or the Duke of Windsor and want to plant up a bed of them because they once were the best varieties. But, despite being good in their time (1960s and 1970s), they are now old, have lost their vigour and disease resistance and don’t flower so much (it happens to us all eventually!). So, we don’t always advocate being guided by old books and fond memories of yesteryear. Choose today’s equivalent of these oldies and they will perform a whole lot better. Our online catalogue and paper catalogue give our opinion on how good a rose is, but this is only a guide, it can vary from area to area. Take advice from nurserymen and visit rose gardens, but most of all have fun choosing.