A festival of roses

Enjoy the heady scents and deep colours of thousands of roses this summer.

RHS Garden Rosemoor is located between Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks in Devon, and is nestled in the sheltered nooks of the Torridge Valley. This enchanting garden is set to become even more captivating this summer with a celebration of England’s favourite flower, the rose. The garden will be hosting a five-week-long festival from the 16th June to the 22nd July, showcasing the breathtaking colours and scents of our national flower, set against the backdrop of acres of stunning woodland.

“Wander through the 65-acre gardens and discover thousands of scented blooms on display in one of the UK’s largest collections of roses…”

Wander through the 65-acre gardens and discover thousands of scented blooms on display in one of the UK’s largest collections of roses, with more than 200 different varieties and a wealth of hues and perfumes. From cottage garden climbers, to bright and beautiful container varieties, there will be a rose to inspire and suit all gardens. If you want to discover the history of this famous flower, then join in on guided walks along the rose trail leading from the Queen Mother’s Rose Garden, to the Long Borders and on to the Cottage Garden, discovering the stunning selection of varieties on display, along with their fascinating stories.

Then head to Rosemoor’s Garden Kitchen, which will be celebrating roses throughout the month with a delectable series of rose-inspired and rose-infused treats, from rose meringues to rose and raspberry cakes. Plus, every Wednesday, rose–themed afternoon teas are running which will include a flower arranging demonstration by an expert florist with the chance to ask questions afterwards.

Look out for the group of ‘Rosa Pax’ roses planted this year to celebrate the centenary of the end of the First World War. Latin for ‘peace’, ‘Rosa Pax’ is a hybrid musk rose, and was developed by rose breeder Joseph Pemberton in 1918 to commemorate the end of WWI and all the lives that were lost. These roses are highly scented, with large clusters of flowers, which bloom for months and are still highly sought after today. So, if you want to celebrate a breathtaking showcase of colours and scents, then make sure to get to RHS Garden Rosemoor this summer and join in the festival spirit.

RHS GARDEN ROSEMOOR

Torrington EX38 8PH

www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/rosemoor