Gregg Lowery and Philip Robinson of Sebastopol, California, grow 3,000 varieties of roses. Gregg is the proprietor of Vintage Gardens, which specializes in antique and extraordinary roses. The garden is home to albas, damasks, gallicas, Chinas and other ancient classes of roses. Among them are the red and white roses believed to symbolize the two noble houses on opposite sides of the Wars of the Roses. Rosa gallica officinalis (also called the 'Apothecary's Rose' and 'Officinalis') (figure A) is believed to be the Red Rose of Lancaster; 'Alba Semi-plena' (figure B) is thought to be the White Rose of York. The 'Apothecary's Rose' was widely used for medicinal purposes, and legend holds that its famous striped sport, 'Rosa Mundi' (figure C), was named for Shakespeare's fair Rosamund. Climbing roses are also represented in Gregg and Philip's garden. To keep repeat-blooming roses flowering and encourage new growth, the two remove faded blooms. Only light pruning is required to keep roses in good shape during spring and summer. A new cycle of bloom will come on five to six weeks after deadheading. To enjoy continuous bloom, plant many varieties of repeat-flowering climbers in the same area.
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