A rose masterclass hosted by Bradford garden centre has raised funds for a charity supporting children with life-limiting illnesses.

In celebration of National Rose Month, Andy Rollings from the long-established, family-owned rose breeder David Austin Roses visited Tong Garden Centre to share his advice on planting, pruning, feeding, and caring for roses. The audience enjoyed a cream tea while listening to the talk, then joined in a Q&A session and supported a raffle to win David Austin roses, which raised £200 for Martin House Children's Hospice.

"Whether you're new to rose growing or a rose aficionado, Andy's talk was full of practical hints and tips that will help your roses to thrive, said Yorkshire Garden Centres' Commercial Plant Manager, Marc Salama.
 

"I particularly liked the deadheading and pruning advice to keep your roses in good shape, and the reminder to take time to enjoy the sight and scent of the roses in your garden! It was interesting that his favourite rose is the English Shrub Rose Oliva Austin, as this is one of our bestsellers due to its early blooms, repeat flowering and fruity fragrance. It's a beautiful rose."

Mr Rollings said: "I was honoured and thrilled to be at Tong for the first of what I hope will be many more rose talks with Yorkshire Garden Centres. I was humbled and surprised by the number of guests, all keen and enthusiastic to learn more about David Austin roses. There were some great questions, and we're delighted the roses raised £200 for a superb charity."

Tong Garden Centre occupies a 19-acre site in Tong village. It is one of Yorkshire's biggest independent garden centres with 11,600m2 of retail space and parking for up to 700 cars. It is part of the Yorkshire Garden Centres (YGC) family which also owns Tingley, Otley, Bingley, York, Scarborough and Pennine Garden Centres.