FRYER’S Roses has used the show to launch a new rose in support of the Knutsford town mayor’s supported charities.

The Manchester Road garden centre, part of the Blue Diamond group, has worked with current mayor Cllr Neil Forbes and his predecessor, Cllr Jan Nicholson, to launch the rose as a symbol of the continuity of the council role.

‘The Mayor’ rose is a pretty vintage pink and gold blend floribunda, which will continue to bloom throughout the summer. It has semi-double blooms with a light fragrance, which open to attract bees.

Cllr Forbes said: “Both Cllr Nicholson and I are honoured that there is a rose from Knutsford’s very own Fryer’s Roses being named ‘The Mayor’.

“Fryer’s Roses plays a big part in Knutsford’s history, having been here since 1912, and we are delighted that Blue Diamond Garden Centres are so supportive of the town and will be donating £1 to the mayor’s charities for every rose sold.”

The bare root rose will be dispatched from November, costing £12. Potted roses, at £17.99, will be available in April.

The RHS Tatton Park flower show, first held in the park in 1999, has grown to attract around 80,000 people over the course of the week, and 2017 focuses largely on the use of space.

From the dominant bus stop boulevard - fittingly complemented by an old London bus serving Pimms and champagne - to a multi-level garden and city centre planting, there was plenty to take in for the time-stretched gardener.

Water company United Utilities used their show garden to highlight the problem of run-off flooding, by putting together a porous front garden.

Show sponsors Bruntwood also draw on the urban theme, creating an experiment using plants commonly found in city centres - areas where its developments are generally sited.