Our sense of smell is particularly important for the recall of memories, with certain wonderful fragrances - or unpleasant odours! - holding greater evocative power than others. Ian Limmer, head of the nursery and plant breeding programme at Peter Beales Roses, said: “Most of us have experienced the sensation of being transported back to a memorable occasion or certain strong feeling when triggered by a particular scent, such as the perfume of a loved one or the freshness of spring in the air. As one of the most distinctive scents of all, the fragrance or ‘attar’ of roses has great evocative power, which is why it valued so highly as a perfume. “The heady fragrance of roses can bring even more joy to the great outdoors – or at least an uplift in mood - not to mention the sheer visual delight which contributes to an overall sense of gorgeousness in a blooming garden. In terms of overall aesthetics, roses are one of the most definitive elements in the quintessential English country garden, whether they’re delicately climbing up walls, vigorously rambling over fences, standing pretty in containers, dividing spaces with style or filling out ornamental flower beds. The colour and variety is a matter of taste and how best to achieve the desired look, but to get the full benefit of the fragrance you should bring them forward into areas where you’ll be sitting or regularly walking past. Depending on the type of rose, there is variation in the fragrance, which can have undertones of musk, myrrh, fruit, spice or tea.