As neither of us are keen on rose gardens, preferring to see roses used as shrubs in mixed borders, we missed out the “Queen’s Mother’s Rose Garden” and the “Shrub Rose Garden”. As the Winter Garden had been redesigned by well-known garden designer Jo Thompson it was in the middle of a rebuild so we had to miss out that garden too.
Thus the first of the themed gardens we explored was the “Cool Garden” designed in 2019 by Jo Thompson and was based on imaginative use of water rills lined with granite setts with curved stone walls. The planting features grey foliage and blue, white and pastel flowers.
Sculptures of birdlife added liveliness and extra beauty to the Cool Garden. The wren added a strong contrast to the birds of prey.
We also enjoyed how the crisp white pieces featuring seabirds and a barn owl sat within the greenery.
It never ceases to amaze me how sympathetically sculpture fits into gardens. The RHS is very good at exhibiting sculptural pieces in their gardens and over the years we have enjoyed several.
The next garden room we entered was a strong contrast to “The Cool Garden” being “The Hot Garden”. The planting was so different as was the feel of the garden. It was a clever decision placing these two gardens next door to each other.
There was a strong contrast in the planting within “The Hot Garden” utilising stronger, brighter colours.
Another of the themed gardens here at Rosemoor that we have always enjoyed is the Cottage Garden, so I will share some photos of that area next. On the way to the cottage Garden we stopped to have a look at this lovely wildflower bank and these two strongly coloured, cheerful looking roses.
The Cottage Garden itself was full of interesting plant combinations and some old apple trees.
I will finish off looking at RHS Rosemoor with a gallery of photographs taken as we explored these wonderful, inspirational gardens.
We will be visiting other RHS gardens before too long and we know we will really appreciate the expertise of the staff and volunteers.
greenbenchramblings 