IMMERSE yourself in the fragrance and spectacle of thousands of roses in bud and in bloom in two dedicated gardens during the Festival of Roses at RHS Rosemoor near Great Torrington from Saturday, June 15 to Sunday, July 14.
There’s no better place to admire the breadth of colour, shape and habit of these national favourites in early summer.
Boasting one of the UK’s largest collections of roses, Rosemoor is home to more than 200 different varieties and over 2,000 specimens, ranging from traditional cottage garden climbers to modern varieties, all planted in different settings and combinations in the heart of the garden.
The vast collection even includes cultivars classified as “endangered” and “vulnerable” so it’s well worth a visit.
These rose gardens were the first plantings in the “new” formal gardens at Rosemoor in 1992.
Originally added as a test case to see if roses could thrive in the West Country, where the damp climate and lack of pollution provide ideal conditions for black spot, varieties were selected for their reputation for disease resistance, vigorous growth and abundance of blooms.
The profuse summer show of blooms that proves that they have flourished 32 years later is quite spectacular!
Join one of the weekly tours scheduled for every Tuesday at 12pm throughout the festival to learn more about these beautiful blooms.
Speak to the friendly RHS Advisory team every Thursday to get expert advice on how to care for your own roses at home.
Many varieties of roses can be purchased in the Garden Centre.
Highlights of this month-long celebration include a Wedding and Hospitality Open Weekend on June 15 and 16, a special Rose Weekend from June 21 to 23 and the start of the Paul Harvey sculpture exhibition running from June 15 to September 1.
Garden Admission prices:
RHS Members and guests (one adult guest or up to two children): Free.
Adults: £17.45* incl Gift Aid - £15.85 excl Gift Aid.
Children 5–16 years: £8.75* incl Gift Aid - £7.95 excl Gift Aid.
Family ticket (two adults + two children): £41.95* incl Gift Aid - £38.10 excl Gift Aid.
Additional child (Family ticket): £7.95* incl Gift Aid - £7.20 excl Gift Aid.
Car-free travel offer adult (bus, cycle, on foot)**: £12.25* incl Gift Aid - £11.10 excl Gift Aid.
Car-free travel offer child (bus, cycle, on foot)**: £6.15* incl Gift Aid - £5.55 excl Gift Aid.
Universal Credit, Pension Credit and ESA***: £1.
* includes a 10 per cent donation to RHS.
**Proof of car-free travel will need to be provided before entering the garden.
***Please present proof of your Universal or Pension Credit or ESA on arrival.
For further details, visit: https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/rosemoor .