One of the four RHS gardens, Rosemoor is in Great Torrington, Devon. We visited this year, on Monday 24^th, following the June Rose Weekend. The very long cold spring has held everything back this year, including the planned spectacular Roses. We chatted to one of the garden apprentices, who told us by this time, they would normally have undertaken the second week of deadheading, but this year, were only just beginning. There were still lots of other Roses, but the ramblers were mostly tight in bud and with a little sunshine would look gorgeous by now, filling the air with heady scent. Apologies for not writing sooner, after a few days in Devon, we came home to find our garden had sped up and was bursting with jobs to do.

Shrub rose garden with rope swags

The Shrub Rose garden was opened in 2004 by Alan Titchmarsh and includes a mix Gallicas, Albas, Damasks and Moss old roses and modern shrub roses, grown alongside Clematis, perennials, bulbs and the permanent rope swag structures, clothed in ramblers and climbers.

Rosa Goldfinch

Rosemoor is set within 26 hectacres of gardens and woodland, besides the roses, there is much to see. The long borders were just starting to flourish and burst with life and it was encouraging to see many bees collecting pollen and nectar.

Astrantia Roma

We visited last October for the Apple day and were delighted to be able to join Pete Earl, the Fruit and Vegetable expert, with over 20 years experience at Rosemoor alone, on a guided tour of the Kitchen Garden. Packed with fruits, vegetables and flowers to encourage pollinators and a very small sign asking visitors not to ‘sample’ any produce, to avoid spoiling the garden for others. The temptation was overwhelming as the garden is mouthwatering but I did resist! This time we made a meandering beeline for the Pottager adjacent to the Rose gardens and then onto the Kitchen garden.

Rosemoor has large wildflower areas, that sat so naturally with the rest of the gardens that had they been areas of plain manicured grass they would of looked out of place.

Wildflowers at Rosemoor

The late spring has held back everyones fruit and veg, including Rosemoor’s, but still it is inspiring.

Kitchen Garden

A mix of beautifully pruned fruit espaliered across walls and fences, large plots of vegetables a stylish thatched seating area and a charming Mr McGregor’s garden hut and plot are amongst the many features here.

Mr McGregors plot

Dorothy Eckford Sweet Pea in the Kitchen Garden

The Kitchen Garden although like many others is not yet at its peak, the structure and promise make it a joy to visit. Lots of Sweet Peas, Sweet Rocket and Salsify, jostling with Fruit and Vegetables.

Salsify

Sweet Pea

Rosemoor is open every day except Christmas Day from 10.00a.m, you could allow a whole day if you would like to fully explore, giving time for lunch or just dip into key areas if short on time. The garden changes with the seasons and our only regret is that we do not live nearer.