One of the earliest cultivated plants, the rose is the quintessential garden flower. Whether damask, tea or moss rose, their intense colour, velvety petals and often fabulous scent mean they have been nurtured and coveted for centuries. In Roses, Antonia Swinson celebrates the pleasure roses can bring to our lives.
The book begins with Rose Essentials, a tour through the long history of roses, including rose lore and traditions and their uses in perfume and aromatherapy.
Next, Roses at Home showcases these stunning flowers in beautiful interiors; with posies casually arranged in coloured glasses or simple jugs, single stems displayed somewhere special, and more formal arrangements for special occasions. Antonia celebrates their unique appeal with the help of some inspiring passages of poetry.
Finally, in Roses for Celebrations, she applauds the role of the rose in life's special occasions with great ideas for gifts, Valentines and, of course, weddings.