It's not every day you get the chance to meet a legend, especially one from the world-famous Meilland family, known for their unparalleled contribution to the world of roses. My meeting with Alain Meilland was one such moment, one I cherish and one that has left a lasting impression on me. Every time we see each other, we begin our conversation with a heartfelt exchange: "How are you doing?" Prince Jardinier in the red?" This is our little inside joke, but behind this humor lies a shared dream.

How wonderful would it be to have an intensely fragrant red rose in our gardens and homes? A rose that not only delights the senses with its beauty and fragrance, but is also a symbol of passion and love. We laugh at the idea, but deep down, we know it's a desire we both cherish. However, as we both acknowledge, developing a new rose variety is no easy task. It requires patience, dedication, and a touch of genius—qualities the Meilland family possesses in abundance.

Rose breeding is an art form that the Meillands have practiced for generations, and each new creation is the result of years of careful selection, crossbreeding, and testing. The dream of a red rose with the fragrance and flower shape of 'Prince Jardinier' is ambitious. It may take years for this dream to become a reality, but the possibility alone is exciting.

Fortunately, the future of Meilland roses is in good hands. With Matthias Meilland, a representative of the next generation, at the helm, there is hope that our shared dream will one day become a reality. The prospect of one day christening this special red rose, together with Alain and Matthias, is something I look forward to. It would be a crowning achievement of our friendship, our shared passion for roses, and a testament to the continuous innovation within the Meilland family.

Until then, we'll enjoy the beautiful creations the Meillands have already created. Each rose tells a story, a story of love, devotion, and the eternal quest for beauty. Meeting Alain Meilland reminds me that behind every rose lies not only a rich history, but also a future full of possibilities. And who knows? Perhaps one day the red rose of our dreams will bloom, symbolizing our friendship and shared love of nature.