Festival of Roses, 14 June – 13 July, celebrates 35th Anniversary of the planting of the largest collection in the southwest.
The largest collection of roses in the southwest, comprising more than 200 different varieties and over 2,000 specimens at RHS Garden Rosemoor, is about to give an incredible performance in its 35th year of existence.
Mild spring weather, with intervals of rain followed by plenty of sunshine, have brought ideal growing conditions for these popular but prickly plants. This year’s annual Festival of Roses, running 14 June -13 July, is a chance to explore the collection at the height of its early summer beauty, although there are plenty of blooms to admire already. From shrub roses of historical significance to the most modern rose introductions, ground cover roses to climbers, the breadth of variety in shape, colour and fragrance really is something to experience.
Roses have always been at the heart of these horticultural gardens – the clue is in the name! When the gates opened on 1 June 1990, roses formed the first ornamental plantings in two dedicated gardens, outlined by more than 1,200 hedging yews which, back then, were dwarfed by the roses. Created to test the resilience of different rose varieties in the unique climate of the Torridge river valley, North Devon, it is clear to see the experiment has been a success. These beautiful plants have thrived within the shelter of their now tall yew walls, through the hard work and dedication of the succession of teams who have tenderly cared for them over the decades.
The Queen Mother’s rose garden features a spectacular number of hybrid tea roses and floribundas, arranged in a dazzling colour wheel pattern. Over time the garden team has worked to reinvigorate many of these beds with new varieties that are naturally tough and healthy.
The shrub rose garden, by contrast, is a gorgeous informal display of interwoven roses, herbaceous perennials and annuals. Come autumn it will see the replacement of the original wooden supports, which have finally succumbed to the wet after 35 years, with new metal structures.
Sally Newbrook, who manages the care of these gardens says ‘The hours of care and love we put into the rose gardens really does pay off when you see those first blooms open and smell their amazing scents. It is wonderful to see the joy they bring to our visitors’.
Visitors can join a weekly rose tour every Tuesday at 12noon throughout the festival to learn more about these beautiful blooms, or, enjoy a general garden tour starting at 11am every day (places allocated on a first-come-first-served basis).
A visit during the Rose Weekend, Friday 20 – Sunday 22 June, will give you access to a rose-themed craft and food fair, featuring some of the best artisans in the West Country, plus a schedule of live music within ear shot of the fragranced gardens (daily performances at 11am–12noon and 2pm–3pm). Learn more about these charismatic plants by taking in a rose walk and talk at 12.30 and 3.3pm Friday to Sunday or, get your thorny questions answered at the special Rose Advisory Service between 11am – 4pm on each day of Rose Weekend. The Rose Weekend at RHS Rosemoor is supported by Atkins Ferrie Wealth Management.
There’s truly no better place to admire these national favourites this year – book in advance online and save on entry (members and under 5’s go free).
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