Shakespeare, of course, had an attraction for the rose: Here are just two of his references:

''He wears the rose of youth upon him.'' - Antony and Cleopatra.

''From fairest creatures we desire increase, that thereby beauty's rose might never die.'' - Sonnets.

If Bill were still alive, he'd probably be an honorable member of WFRS. The group was founded in 1968 and represents more than 100,000 rose lovers. To hold the title of World's Favorite Rose and win induction into the Hall of Fame, a rose must progress through a nomination and voting that involves all of the 41 national chapters.

English rose hybridizer David Austin is known in the rose world for introducing new, fragrant English roses that are ''plump'' (fat roses?), redolent of ''heavy perfume of old roses'' and in a broad color range.

As the top choice of 41 countries, Rosa 'Graham Thomas' ''would seem vetted as a top variety for a very wide range of local growing conditions,'' notes the WFRS.

R. 'Graham Thomas' was introduced in 1983 and the first David Austin hybrid to ''fully-realize its hybridizer's vision for new fragrant English roses.'' The rose blooms are said to have a ''strong, fresh tea rose fragrance with a cool violet character. Its pure yellow color is not found in the old roses, says the WFRS and is rare among modern roses.''

The 'Graham Thomas,' more than any other David Austin variety, has become synonymous with the look and stature of David Austin English roses, says the WFRS. Mr. Austin named the rose for one of the leading horticulturalists of the 20th century, the late British horticulturalist, artist and garden writer Graham Thomas (1909 - 2003). Mr. Thomas was an enthusiastic collector of old roses and a frequent visitor to David Austin's nursery in Albrighton in England's West.

R. 'Graham Thomas' is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9 and has proved a good performer in areas where summer heat and humidity can be a problem. Summer pruning encourages repeat bloom.