?I am not an armchair gardener. For the last forty years of my life I have broken my back, my fingernails and sometimes my heart in the practical pursuit of my favourite occupation.? - Vita Sackville West 1958 Ann Chapman is a celebrated rosarian from New Zealand who is the author of several books on roses including "Women In My Rose Garden". About 20 years ago, she and her husband purchased Trinity Farm that they transformed into the largest organic, no spray rose gardens in New Zealand with over 1500 roses under cultivation. Many of our best-loved heritage roses are named after women and in this charming book, Ann Chapman explores the lives and stories behind the evocative names. We may be familiar with Mary Queen of Scots, Amy Robsart and Jeanne d'Arc, but who were Adelaide d'Orleans, Nancy Steen and Nur Mahal? Among the 35 women described here are serene queens, duchesses and aristocrats, courageous heroines and pioneers, as well as the passionate gardeners who contributed much to the cultivation and preservation of the roses named for each one. Each biography is beautifully illustrated with a portrait of the woman and a sumptuous photograph of her rose by the acclaimed French naturalist photographer Paul Starosta. Women in my Rose Garden will make a perfect gift, not only for rosarians and gardeners, but for all those with a love of history, romance and adventure. Join us for this fascinating conversation with Ann Chapman