EVENTSWednesday 20th June to Sunday 8th July 2007 ? Annual Rose Festival at Coughton Court, WarwickshireThe acclaimed annual Rose Festival at the Throckmorton Family Gardens at Coughton Court takes place 20th June ? 8th July this year (2007). The Festival celebrates the award winning Rose Labyrinth which is one of several themed gardens within the historic walled garden, but undoubtedly the jewel in its crown. Around 200 different varieties of shrub, climbing and rambling rose are grown, along with a wide range of herbaceous under planting such as geraniums, violets and achilleas. Rose varieties include Damasks, Albas and Noisettes and many other old fashioned English Roses. The breathtaking array of styles and scents make this rose garden something very special and a living celebration of the importance and history of garden roses. The Rose Garden was designed by Mrs. McLaren-Throckmorton's daughter Christina Williams as a labyrinth with a statue of Fair Rosamund in the centre surrounded by several roses called Rosa Mundi. Rosamund Clifford was the lover of King Henry II and was poisoned in the labyrinth at Woodstock by the jealous Queen Eleanor. The Rose Labyrinth is the first British garden to be awarded "The Award of Garden Excellence?. This award recognises it as one of the finest rose gardens in the world including France, Japan, India and the USA. The award was given by The World Federation of Rose Societies that represents rose societies in 36 countries and over 100,000 rose lovers. Events include: 20th June - Official opening of The Rose Festival by Val Bourne. 11am 28th June - Presentation of the "The World Federation of Rose Societies - The Award of Garden Excellence 2006" by Ann Bird, President of the Royal National Rose Society and Dr Gérald Meylan, President of the World Federation of Rose Societies. 11am 28th June - Michael Merriott from David Austen Roses will present a talk and practical demonstration on using roses in your garden. 2pm |
