In a historic moment celebrating friendship, love, and community, the Harkness Rose Company unveils the John Ystumllyn Rose, the first-ever rose named after an ethnic minority individual. This momentous collaboration with the We Too Built Britain campaign marks a significant milestone in the UK’s horticultural landscape. John Ystumllyn, an 18th-century gardener, holds a special place in history as the first recorded Black person in North Wales. His union with Margaret Gruffydd marked the first interracial marriage in Wales.
With the creation of the John Ystumllyn Rose, the aim is to cultivate a symbol of unity and inclusivity, emphasizing the values of friendship, love, and community. By highlighting the story of John Ystumllyn, the rose inspires individuals from all backgrounds to embrace gardening as a profession or a fulfilling activity.
The John Ystumllyn Rose serves as a testament to the power of diversity and the contributions made by individuals of all ethnicities throughout history. It encourages people to recognize the rich tapestry of cultures that have shaped the nation and promotes a sense of belonging for all.
Through the launch of this ground breaking rose, the Harkness Rose Company and the We Too Built Britain campaign aim to foster a sense of empowerment, encouraging individuals from diverse backgrounds to engage with the world of gardening. By showcasing the possibilities and opportunities within this field, they aspire to inspire a new generation of gardeners and horticultural enthusiasts.
The John Ystumllyn Rose is not only a beautiful tribute to an extraordinary individual but also a catalyst for change and inclusivity. It symbolizes the importance of representation, acknowledging the contributions of ethnic minority communities, and promoting a sense of belonging for all.
As this remarkable rose blooms, it serves as a constant reminder of the strength that comes from embracing diversity and celebrating the stories of unsung heroes. The John Ystumllyn Rose stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring individuals to connect with nature, pursue their passions, and foster a more inclusive and united society.
David White, Managing Director of Harkness Roses stated his pride in creating this rose:
“We believe in the power of gardening to bring people together and want to make it more inclusive. When We Too Built Britain approached us, this felt like such a positive and joyous thing to do. This might be one of the most important roses that we have ever launched. We want our roses to reflect and resonate across society and we are proud to launch the first rose after an ethnic minority Briton.
We wanted to create a rose that does justice to the story of John Ystumllyn and that anybody in the country could easily grow, whether in a garden or in a pot on the patio. The John Ystumllyn Rose is a Hybrid Tea Bush Rose. It grows to 80cm tall and 60 cm wide. The flower itself is a beautiful golden yellow variety that doesn’t fade, it starts flowering early and goes on to the first frosts and has a lovely scent to it. We chose yellow because it conveys warmth and is associated with friendship. Even if some people do not garden themselves, we hope this rose will brighten up homes”.
What makes this rose even more special is that for every rose sold, we will put £2.50 into a fund that will support community gardening schemes and help young people from under-represented backgrounds.
