Peter was a huge supporter of Plant Heritage, and as a world leader in classic roses he held the National Collection of Rosa spp for 22 years at his nursery in Attleborough, Norfolk, where he amassed over 1,100 timeless roses.
19 Gold Awards
Peter Beales was awarded 19 gold awards at RHS Chelsea Flower Shows and over 100 more at other flower shows, as well as the Lawrence Medal for the best exhibit at any RHS Show. The company was awarded the President’s award for his chosen best exhibit at Chelsea and Peter received a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Garden Media Guild for his writing and devotion to the world of roses.
He lectured around the world and published his autobiography in 2008, “Rose Petals and Muddy Footprints”.
Prior to starting his rose business, Peter completed two years of national service in the army, before training as a nurseryman in North Walsham and working as a nursery manager in Surrey. He met his wife Joan, who passed away in 2012, whilst on national service and the couple moved from Surrey to Norfolk. The couple were married for 51 years and have a son Richard, who is the firm’s managing director; a daughter Amanda, company marketing director and four grandchildren.
