As a rose breeder, I would like to expand your title to "Best Roses in My Fields", and the first which comes to mind is 'Elina' (Dicjana), an ivory/primrose Hybrid Tea bearing classic high-centred blooms, as it excels in just about every climate. Then I think of 'Freedom' (Dicjem) a deep and unfading yellow with brilliant glossy foliage. 'Simply Heaven' (Diczombie) is a beautiful colour, difficult to describe, but creamy lemon shot through with bronze is pretty accurate! These three Hybrid Teas are the most disease resistant in our fields, and are consistently good throughout the season.

The best Floribunda is 'Irish Eyes' (Dicwitness) which was awarded the title of Rose Of The Year 2000 in the UK. It flowers and flowers, covered in masses of small yellow and scarlet blooms, with a vigorous habit. The colour is so vibrant it stands out in the crowd.

To choose the best Patio rose is more difficult, as so many perform well with us. I feel the best is 'Danny Boy' (Dicxcon) introduced in 2000, because of its novel colour - rusty orange - combined with perfect miniature Hybrid Tea-shaped blooms, and a stiff bushy habit which makes it ideal for both buttonholes and flower arrangements. It is closely followed by 'Sweet Magic' (Dicmagic) a golden orange and sweetly scented, 'Tear Drop' (Dicomo) white blooms little affected by bad weather, 'Shine On' (Dictalent) beautiful colour blend of pink and orange, and 'Marry Me' (Dicwonder) camellia pink blooms which last and last.

My favourite Shrub rose is 'Wine and Dine' (Dicuncle), grown exclusively by ourselves. It is an extremely vigorous variety with double blooms of deep pink with ivory centre. It can grow to around 2 metres, is very healthy and makes a spectacular hedge or wind-break.

All of these varieties are featured on our website at www.dickson-roses.co.uk

We would always recommend customers to visit their nearest rose growing nursery during the summer months to see for themselves how the roses perform, and the vast range of colours and habits. Always try to choose a recent introduction as it will generally be more disease resistant.