British rose expert Luke Stimson leads tours of Whiting Nursery’s rose garden and answers questions at an open house at Whiting in St. Helena, Tuesday, 5:30-7 p.m. The open house, celebrating Whiting’s 50th anniversary, features hors d’oeuvres from Tra Vigne and wine from Smith-Madrone Winery. Children’s garden-themed art activities will be directed by Jamie Graff of Nimbus Arts.

Stimson represents David Austin Roses in 35 countries around the world and sees roses in every climate condition possible. He also specializes in educational programs about gardening, being an advocate of gardening “as a remedy to whatever-ails-you.”

Stimson’s lecture, 1:30-3:30 p.m., will focus rose-breeding, care and maintenance and assorted rose lore. The cost is $15 per person; there is limited seating; call to reserve a place if you’d like to attend.

Whiting Nursery is the only display garden for David Austin roses on the West Coast. The garden has the Dark Lady, Teasing Georgia, Ambridge Rose, Sophy’s Rose and Mary Rose.

In 2005 Twohey renovated and restored the nursery, operating since 1948 at the corner of Adams and Railroad avenues. “We wanted something that would feel like a country garden, with grounds inviting enough that people would stroll around at their leisure,” he said.

Twohey is also teaching two classes:

June 24: Container Gardening, 1-2:30 p.m., on designing, planting and maintaining colorful container planting.

July 14: Summer Lawn Care, 1:30-2:30 p.m., on how to keep your lawn lush and green all summer.

Classes are $10 per person, including refreshments and hand-outs. Pre-registration is necessary. Call 963-5358.

Whiting’s Nursery is at 738 Main St., St. Helena./Register