CELEBRITY gardener and Jane Austen’s House ambassador Alan Titchmarsh was in Chawton last Monday to plant a vibrant Jane Austen rose in the museum garden. 

The Jane Austen rose was specially developed by Harkness Roses for the museum and was unveiled by Alan Titchmarsh at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May.

Following an introduction from museum curator Mary Guyatt, Mr Titchmarsh planted the rose alongside Philip Harkness, of Harkness Roses, and Celia Simpson, head gardener at the museum.

As he did so, Mr Titchmarsh talked about the frequency in which gardens were mentioned in Jane Austen’s letters and described her Chawton home as a “very special” place for the planting of the new rose representing, as it does, a celebration of Jane Austen’s life in her bicentenary year.

A bright and vibrant orange bush rose, reflecting the vibrancy of Austen’s characters, the rose has a light sweet scent and great depth of colour, radiating warmth.

Harkness Roses is donating a percentage of the proceeds from the new rose to support Jane’s Fund, the museum’s fundraising appeal to restore Jane Austen’s precious home.

Mr Titchmarsh also highlighted the museum’s recent Bring Jane Home campaign and urged the public to donate their new £10 notes to the museum.

Speaking after Monday’s event, curator Mary Guyatt said: “Everyone was really happy to see Alan planting the Jane Austen rose in the author’s very own garden. It’s been a pleasure to work with Harkness Roses and today was another highpoint in Jane’s bicentenary year.”

The Jane Austen rose is available to order from the museum shop as well as via Harkness Roses.