There is nothing quite like the opulence of a blanket of pristine white roses draped nonchalantly in the green of a garden. To create a wonderful balance of elegance and impact, try training white rambling or climbing roses up brick walls, or generously intersperse white shrub roses within a simple border for a beautifully calming effect.

When planning an outdoor space it is important to step back and consider the whole view. Layering a white climbing or rambling rose behind a shrub border will add depth and interest, both up close and from afar.

For true simplicity, select a single variety of crisp, warm or blush white blooms which will
fade as they age. For a touch more complexity, combine white varieties of different bloom styles.

For a softer, more rustic, informal approach to white, plant with a bit more freedom, selecting varieties which are slightly off-white or even cream. The effect is still fresh and classic but with the warmth of a country farmhouse kitchen. Spill the blooms over the side of an old pot, along the cusp of a wall or over an obelisk in a walled garden for an elegant, effortless effect.