Celebrating The Lark Ascending
A performance to celebrate 100 years
On December 15th 1920 Ralph Vaughn Williams' classical piece 'The Lark Ascending' premiered for the first time in Shirehampton Public Hall. 100 years on it is being performed once more in the same venue.
Performed by the Bristol Ensemble and soloist Jennifer Pike, it was also streamed online in a fitting tribute to both the difficult year we have had and the advancement of technology in the 100 years which have passed.
Ralph Vaughn Williams' classical piece was not only the inspiration behind the name of our English Shrub Rose 'The Lark Ascending' but was also voted the nation's favourite piece in 2020 by Classic FM and Desert Island Discs.
Composed at the start of the First World War, this much loved piece of music depicts the song of a skylark.
"Everything has unconsciously bled into this work – the sense of stillness, a yearning for peace, and Vaughan Williams’s love of the countryside."
Take a closer look at The Lark Ascending®
-
Creating a rustic Thanksgiving table with rosehips and seasonal foliageThanksgiving is a wonderful opportunity to gather with friends and family, celebrating everything we are grateful for. To bring rustic charm to your Thanksgiving table, consider using rose hips in your décor. These vibrant, berry-like fruits add a seasonal touch and symbolise abundance and gratitude, making them perfect for this special holiday. If you’re lucky enough to still have roses in bloom, you can add a few of these flowers alongside the rose hips for a fragrant finishing touch to your arrangements.Read more6 days ago -
Eustacia Vye (Ausegdon), a rose inspired by Hardy’s heroineThe Eustacia Vye (Ausegdon) rose, introduced in 2019, is a truly beautiful and unique addition to any garden. With soft, glowing apricot-pink blooms, each flower is full of ruffled petals that gradually open into full rosettes. As the blooms mature, its colour fades from rich apricot to paler tones, adding a sense of delicate beauty. Held on striking, red-tinged stems, this rose has a strong, fruity fragrance that fills the air.Read more8 days ago -
Winter care guide for English rosesWinter brings a time of rest and quiet beauty in the garden, and David Austin English Roses are no exception. While these exquisite plants are hardy and resilient, they thrive with thoughtful care during the colder months. Whether your garden faces harsh frosts or milder seasonal changes, this guide will ensure your English Roses are well-prepared to burst into leaf come spring.Read more9 days ago -
The perfect gifts for gardeners this ChristmasWith Christmas around the corner, many of us are looking to find that special gift that will bring warmth and joy to those we love. If you have a gardening enthusiast in your life, why not give them something that truly resonates with their passion for nature?Read more16 days ago -
Garden Trends for Autumns autumn settles in and leaves drift to the ground, your garden embraces the season’s quiet beauty. While many plants wind down, roses continue to add their charm, through the vibrant colours of their rose hips. These small, jewel-like fruits bring lively splashes of red, orange, and even purple, creating a striking contrast against bare stems and adding rich colour to your autumn landscape.Read more19 days ago -
Flowers Fit for a King: Celebrating King Charles III Birthday with Royal-Inspired RosesA fitting spotlight on some royal-inspired David Austin® roses in celebration of His Royal Highness King Charles III birthday. Each distinguished English rose with royal connections has been bred and grown with pride in the heart of Shropshire, each embodying the heritage of the British monarchy whilst adding quintessential charm to any garden.Read more20 days ago
