S. Reynolds (Samuel Reynolds) Hole

Samuel Reynolds Hole was an English Anglican priest, author, and horticulturist, born on December 5, 1819, and remembered in many books as S. Reynolds Hole. He served for many years in the church and became Dean of Rochester, while also building a wide reputation as an engaging speaker and writer.

Outside the pulpit, he was especially celebrated for his passion for roses. His writing on gardening helped popularize rose growing in Victorian Britain, and his name became closely tied to the world of horticulture as well as religion.

That mix of warmth, wit, and practical enthusiasm runs through his work. For readers today, he stands out as a figure who could move comfortably between cathedral life and the garden, writing in a way that made both feel vivid and welcoming.