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Our Roses Around the World Collection wouldn’t be complete without the inspiring work of New Zealand’s Mike Athy, a trailblazing rose breeder whose dedication to creating robust, disease-resistant roses has gained international acclaim. From his early years experimenting in his parents’ garden to winning multiple awards on the world stage, Mike’s 20+ year journey exemplifies the perfect blend of passion, resilience, and innovation. His story is one of determination and creativity—a commitment to making roses accessible and beautiful for every gardener.
Mike Athy’s fascination with roses began on the scenic East Coast of New Zealand, where he grew up surrounded by lush landscapes and his parents' thriving garden. Though he faced early setbacks in hybridizing, Mike was captivated by the art of cross-pollination and the diversity roses offered. This early intrigue turned into a lifelong pursuit, with Mike dedicating years to studying and experimenting with roses to create something truly special.
Despite having no formal training in horticulture, Mike gained invaluable hands-on experience working in nurseries and botanical gardens. In the early 2000s, his breeding work started turning heads, introducing rose varieties that brought together the best of beauty and resilience. Known for their gorgeous blooms, rich fragrance, and exceptional disease resistance, Mike’s roses began winning awards worldwide, including accolades at the prestigious Biltmore International Rose Trials.
Mike’s dedication to roses extends beyond aesthetics; he’s a champion of eco-friendly and sustainable gardening practices. To ensure his roses thrive in real-world conditions, Mike goes against traditional methods, rarely watering or fertilizing and never spraying. He is relentless in testing his roses, removing any that show signs of susceptibility to significant disease damage. This approach ensures that only the strongest, most resilient roses make it to gardens, giving gardeners peace of mind and a beautiful, low maintenance rose.
Mike’s story is as inspiring as his roses. Working from his own backyard, he competes with some of the world’s top breeders. His success in international trials is a testament to his skill and determination. Through a rigorous process, he carefully cultivates around 15,000 seeds each year, with only the finest varieties passing his meticulous standards after years of observation and selection.
Today, Mike Athy’s roses are celebrated for their strength, beauty, and accessibility. He’s transformed his love for roses into a mission, creating varieties that anyone can grow and enjoy. With contributions to Roses Around the World, Mike invites gardeners to bring his innovative, award-winning roses into their own gardens, where they can appreciate the blend of science, art, and nature represented in each bloom.
Jackson & Perkins is proud to highlight Mike Athy in our Roses Around the World Collection. His work reminds us that even the simplest beginnings can lead to extraordinary achievements, inspiring gardeners everywhere to cultivate beauty and resilience, one rose at a time.
