BEHIND THE QUILT
FIELDS OF ROSES
“Bowling Green Lane in Albrighton, Shropshire is the home of David Austin Roses, a family farm surrounded by fields of roses that have inspired gardeners around the world.
“I first visited the Austin nursery 30 years ago and bought a deliciously-scented, lemon-yellow Pilgrim rose. I was delighted to see the same rose in our present garden when we came to look around – I took it as a good omen – and I’ve added many more since, in every shade.
“I chose a Fat Eighth bundle of Vanessa Goertzen’s Love Note fabric to make my quilt. The collection has a lovely selection of pinks to create my blooms and both cool and warm shades of green to add depth to my foliage. The rose blocks rely on a good graduation of colour to give them their full, English rose character, so bear that in mind when choosing fabric.
“Although my quilt is inspired by the farmhouse and rose fields, the nursery has exquisite rose gardens, which you can visit for free… although I defy you to leave without buying a rose!” – Nicola Dodd
You will need
■ Floral prints – One (1) Fat Eighth bundle or twenty-four (24) Fat Eighths*
