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

How wonderful it would 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 scent but is also a symbol of passion and love. We laugh at the idea, but deep down we know it is a wish we both cherish. However, as we both acknowledge, developing a new rose variety is no simple task. It requires patience, dedication, and a touch of genius – qualities the Meilland family possesses in abundance.

Growing roses is an art form that the Meillands have practised for generations, and every new creation is the result of years of careful selection, crossing, and testing. The dream of a red rose with the scent and flower shape of 'Prince Jardinier' is ambitious. It may take years before this dream becomes reality, but the possibility alone is thrilling.

Fortunately, the future of the 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 come true. The prospect of one day, together with Alain and Matthias, naming this special red rose is something I look forward to. It would be a crowning moment of our friendship, our shared passion for roses, and a testament to the ongoing innovation within the Meilland family.

Until then, we enjoy the beautiful creations the Meillands have already brought forth. Every rose tells a story, a story of love, dedication, and the eternal quest for beauty. The meeting with 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, as a symbol of our friendship and shared love for nature.