The summer solstice on June 21 marks the longest day of the year, a period when many plants reach their peak growth due to extended sunlight. Among them, roses are currently flourishing, making it an ideal time to visit gardens renowned for their rose collections.

One such location is Dunham Massey, a National Trust property in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, which features an extensive rose garden showcasing hundreds of varieties. The garden not only offers visual appeal but also historical significance. During the First World War, Dunham Massey was repurposed as the Stamford Military Hospital. To commemorate this history, the garden includes a rose named “Stamford’s Sanctuary,” a climber with ruffled, fragrant yellow blooms that fade to lemon. Bred by renowned rosarian Peter Beales, this variety is known for its repeat flowering and suitability for small arbours.

Visitors to Dunham Massey can also appreciate the Rosa “Dunham Massey,” a shrub rose with double, quartered candy pink flowers and a light fragrance. Also developed by Beales, this rose was specially commissioned by the National Trust to mark the opening of the Rose Garden in 2013. This season, the garden has introduced Rosa “Mary Delany,” planted over the entrance archway. This delicate climber produces lightly scented pink blossoms and is nearly thornless. Over time, it is expected to create a floral arch welcoming visitors. The rose is named after Mary Delany, an 18th-century English artist known for botanical illustrations. It was previously called “Mortimer Sackler” but was renamed to dissociate from the Sackler family, owners of Purdue Pharma, which manufactures OxyContin, a highly addictive opioid linked to widespread public health issues in the United States.

In terms of pest control within the rose garden, senior gardener James emphasizes a natural approach. Rather than using sprays or chemicals, the garden relies on ladybirds to manage aphids and other pests such as whiteflies, thrips, and spider mites. Ladybirds can consume thousands of aphids over their lifetime, making them effective natural predators. James notes that allowing these beneficial insects to thrive helps maintain plant health without chemical intervention.

Gardeners can encourage ladybirds by avoiding pesticides and providing overwintering shelters such as piles of leaves, logs, or purpose-built “ladybird hotels.” Simple DIY options include arranging pine cones under a roofed structure or creating layered cardboard spirals inside a cleaned bottle to offer protective crevices. Drilling holes in logs also serves as suitable habitat. While ladybird larvae are available for purchase at garden centers, it is advised to ensure buyers select native species to support local ecosystems.

As roses reach their seasonal peak, gardens like Dunham Massey provide an opportunity both to enjoy their beauty and learn sustainable cultivation and pest management practices.