David Austin Roses champions slow living with the bare root rose revival

The UK is in the grip of a stress epidemic, with Google searches for ways to lower cortisol – the body’s primary stress hormone – skyrocketing by a staggering 2850%. It’s no surprise then, that people are craving ways to slow down and de-stress, with #SlowLiving being used over six million times on Instagram as people seek to embrace a more mindful pace.  

With the slow living movement gaining momentum, renowned rose breeder David Austin Roses is encouraging individuals to return to mindful gardening through the timeless tradition of planting bare root roses. 

“In an age where speed, connectivity, and convenience dictate much of daily life, the slow living movement is a welcome cultural shift that calls for us all to disconnect from the demands of the modern world and find antidote in activities that encourage mindfulness, patience, and gratitude,” says David J. C. Austin, Chairman at David Austin Roses. 

A bare root rose resurgence  

This growing movement is bringing bare root roses back into the spotlight, with David Austin Roses reporting an increase in the sales of bare root roses over the past year. 

Known for their sustainable and cost-effective appeal, they have long been a gardener’s choice for establishing robust, healthy rose shrubs and climbers. Now, these dormant plants are resonating with a new generation of gardeners who value the art of traditional planting and joy of nurturing something over time, while seeking ways to enhance their own wellbeing.  

Mr Austin adds: “While it’s not new news that gardening is good for our mental health, bare root roses embody the essence of mindful gardening. Their planting process is a hands-on journey that rewards care, attention, and a connection to nature, allowing gardeners to nurture their wellbeing (and gardens) from the ground up. In a world that often moves too fast, tending to these roses offers a powerful moment of calm and purpose.” 

A popular gardening choice loved for their long-lasting beauty and low maintenance, bare root roses are a timeless gardening staple that offer an ideal way to spend time outdoors and embrace slow living in the midst of today’s fast-paced world.  

Unlike potted roses, they arrive in their dormant state without soil and with their roots exposed. This makes them ideal to plant in late winter and early spring before active growth begins and allows them to establish vigorous root systems that lead to healthy, long-lasting plants and stunning blooms for years to come. 

The resurgence of bare root roses also reflects a growing preference for sustainable and eco-friendly practices. By purchasing bare root roses, gardeners can reduce plastic waste as they are shipped in paper and potato starch, and as they are delivered without soil the packages are significantly lighter than potted plants, thus reducing transportation emissions.  

A bare root rose for every garden 

David Austin Roses, which has bred exquisite roses since 1961, has over 400 bare root roses varieties available. To help gardeners choose, the renowned rose breeder has carefully curated several bare root rose collections, offering four different bundles of three beautiful roses that perfectly complement each other.  

This includes the Beginner’s Collection (RRP £60), ideal for new gardeners looking for an easy yet rewarding experience; the Fragrant Garden Collection (RRP £60) perfect for creating delightful aromas for a calming sensory experience; the Perfect for Pollinators Collection (RRP £60), a trio of roses that will be enjoyed by eco-conscious gardeners and beneficial insects alike; and the Small Spaces Collection (RRP £60), with colourful blooms that make a big impact without overwhelming compact gardens.  

For more information about David Austin Roses and its range of exquisite bare root roses, visit www.davidaustinroses.co.uk.  

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Editors notes

For over 60 years, David Austin Roses has been growing roses on its family farm in Shropshire, lovingly nurturing them by hand until they are ready to be passed onto customers, to be enjoyed in their own gardens.