Blooms from October through summer, the unique rose, and the individual who illuminated a captivating portion of London with it
Article Title: A Tribute to Roger Phillips: His Legacy Lives On Through His Posthumous Book, "Trees"
In the heart of London, the garden of Eccleston Square stands as a testament to the encyclopedic knowledge and passion of the late gardening writer, Roger Phillips. For over 40 years, Phillips transformed this garden into a haven filled with diverse and often exotic plants, making it a must-visit destination for botanical enthusiasts.
Phillips's posthumous book, "Trees," published by Macmillan, is currently available for purchase at £35. This revised edition of the 1978 publication forms a lasting legacy to Phillips, who passed away in 2021. Apart from its comprehensiveness, the book is known for its unique style that combines simplicity of description with botanical authenticity.
The book features a Leaf Key Index, pioneered by Phillips, which provides detailed close-ups of individual tree leaves. This innovative approach adds a new dimension to the reader's understanding and appreciation of the trees.
One of the highlights of the Eccleston Square garden is the rose 'Cooper's Burmese' (or R. cooperi), which covers a red maple with large, pure-white single flowers. Another notable addition is the Crinodendron patagua, a tree from South America, which is probably the rarest tree in the garden.
The garden also boasts extensive collections of plants like ceanothus, camellias, tree peonies, and a variety of roses, some reaching prodigious size. One such rose is the Rosa 'Général Schablikine,' bred by Gilbert Nabonnand in 1878. This rose was named in honor of a Russian general and commemorates a notable historical figure.
The Rosa 'Général Schablikine' is celebrated for its continuous flowering period, blooming from October through to summer, offering an exceptionally long flowering season. Its historical significance and admiration by experts make it a prized rose among enthusiasts.
The National Garden Scheme, which includes the Eccleston Square garden, is overseen by George Plumptre, the chief executive. The Eccleston Square garden opens annually in May under the National Garden Scheme, providing visitors with a chance to witness the beauty and diversity of Phillips's creations.
For those interested in visiting the Eccleston Square garden or learning more about the National Garden Scheme, the website is www.ngs.org.uk. Phillips could have compiled a companion volume on trees from various parts of the world, including China, Australasia, and South America, but his focus on North America, Europe, the UK, and Ireland has resulted in a book that is both comprehensive and unique.
In conclusion, "Trees" is not just a book; it's a testament to Phillips's lifelong passion for plants and his dedication to sharing that passion with others. It serves as a guide for gardeners, a source of inspiration for enthusiasts, and a lasting tribute to a man who made a significant impact on the world of horticulture.
In contrast to the extensive knowledge and gardening expertises depicted in "Trees," Roger Phillips also had an appreciation for other aspects of lifestyle, such as fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden. For instance, one might imagine him crafting a section on the connection between the colors and textures of flowers and seasonal fashion trends.
Parallel to the National Garden Scheme's efforts to promote diverse gardens and horticulture, a similar platform could be established for showcasing the latest designs and trends in fashion-and-beauty, offering enthusiasts a comprehensive, one-stop resource for both gardening and personal style inspiration.
