I had an opportunity to meet David Austin in 1986 at the Chelsea Garden Show in London. Mr. Austin’s roses were certainly impressive, but I am embarrassed to say I can’t remember more about his display because I was so totally entranced by the overall show. My first attempt at a David Austin roses were ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ and ‘Mary’. Both lacked vigor and the following spring I removed the ‘Gertrude Jekyll’. I kept the ‘Mary’ rose and by the end of the second growing season she was well established. Now I wish I had not been so quick to pull out the ‘Gertrude Jekyll’. ‘Mary’ rose has been thriving for many years now and every time I cut a bouquet of blooms I am reminded that gardening often requires patience.