Historic rose garden

Flowering starts in May with the blooming of the first wild roses; the peak of their glory is in early summer, when most varieties are in full flower. An array of bewitching fragrances Don’t be disappointed if you missed these fireworks; modern varieties flower several times until the first frosts of autumn, making way for spectacular fruiting that can be viewed in winter.

What did roses look like in ancient times?

The rose collection in the botanical garden traces the history of the flower from ancient times to the middle of the 19th century, when artificial methods of hybridisation were discovered. Learn how the rose has evolved over time with the help of a sample of just some of the thousands of varieties across the world. This has been the result of selection, crossing and sometimes just good luck! As a consequence, roses have become increasingly varied in terms of colour, fragrance and even the shape of the flower itself.

What’s in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet

                Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, Act 2 scene 2

Shall we lose ourselves in the enchanting fragrances? Notice the scent of chocolate that tickles your nostrils; if you look down at the foot of the rose bushes you will see they are protected by cocoa bean husks.

Map of the garden