The Lark Ascending rose by David Austin – meaning, story, and music
The Lark Ascending rose from David Austin – a story that keeps rising
The The Lark Ascending rose from David Austin is one of those roses you don’t just see, but also feel.
With its warm apricot-colored flowers, open heart, and bee-friendly nature, it’s a rose that immediately finds a place in the garden and in your heart. The semi-double flowers appear in large clusters and create a light, natural effect – as if they move with the wind.
But behind this rose lies a special story.
Why is this rose called The Lark Ascending?
The name of this rose is inspired by the world-famous musical piece The Lark Ascending.
David Austin didn’t choose this name by chance. The piece symbolizes lightness, freedom, and rising up – exactly the feeling this rose evokes when it blooms in the garden.
A meeting in the greenhouse
Last month, Kees and Mea visited us at Belle Epoque.
Two warm, friendly people with a beautiful story.
We talked about the name of this rose. About what it means.
And then Kees began to tell:
“I first heard this piece over thirty years ago. As a bird lover familiar with the sound of a singing skylark, I was immediately captivated by this music.”
He explained how, if you listen carefully, you can really hear the skylark taking flight.
Since that moment, I have listened to it differently.
The story behind the composer
The musical piece was written by Ralph Vaughan Williams.
He began it in 1914, just before the outbreak of the First World War. A time full of tension and uncertainty. Much like today.
The inspiration came from a poem by George Meredith from 1881, about the song of the skylark.
The piece was completed in 1920 due to the interruption of the First World War: a quiet romance for violin and orchestra.
The violin represents the lark – singing as it rises, higher and higher, away from the earth.
The music breathes calm, space, and a warm summer day.
But perhaps also a longing for freedom.
The skylark – a forgotten sound of spring
What makes the story even more special: the skylark is now rarely heard.
Where it was once the sound of spring, it has now almost disappeared from our landscape. For many, it has become a memory.
That’s exactly why this piece of music – and this rose – touches something deeper.
A bee-friendly rose with character
The The Lark Ascending rose is not only beautiful but also valuable for the garden.
- Open flowers – attractive to bees and insects
- Warm apricot and gold tones
- Airy blooms in large clusters
- Strong, healthy growth
This rose fits perfectly in borders, natural gardens, and mixed plantings. A true atmosphere creator that brings life.
A rose with a story
For me, this is what makes Belle Epoque special.
Not just the roses, but the stories that come with them.
The people who come by.
The memories that are shared.
Every rose carries something with it.
Listen to The Lark Ascending yourself
Do you want to truly experience the story?
Listen to The Lark Ascending (click this link)
Take a seat in your garden for a moment.
Close your eyes.
And listen to how the lark takes flight.
Greetings,
Wouter
