9 June 2007 – Royal National Rose Society brings living dictionary to the public
The Royal National Rose Society is celebrating after hundreds of visitors came to its famed Gardens near St Albans when it re-opened to the public after four years this weekend.
The official opening by renowned gardening expert Peter Seabrook followed the presentation of Season Ticket Number 1 to the Mayor of St Albans, Councillor Kate Morris. Then visitors streamed in to get a taste not only of the spectacular roses and other plants, but also of Rosebuds the new café run by Kingfisher Catering for the Society.
The opening marks the latest phase in the renaissance at the Rose Gardens, which Society President Ann Bird said would become a "living dictionary" of roses.
Richard Adams, chief executive of the Royal National Rose Society said: "After four years of hard work, the fantastic reaction of our visitors had made it all worth while. The gardeners, staff and many volunteers have made this day possible and I am sure they feel as happy as I do. I thank them all."
The Royal National Rose Society Gardens, completely rebuilt to a design by Michael Balson & Co, re-opened on 9 June and the season runs until 30 September, with admission between 10am and 4:30pm.
Admission of £5 per person (£4 per person in groups of 20 or more) and visitors who present a ticket for Hatfield House are eligible for a 50p discount. Season tickets are available at £20.
Gardens redesign
The Rose Society Gardens have been completely redesigned by landscape designer Michael Balston and feature:
- A rose collection of more than 7000 plants and 2500 varieties
- A collection showing the history of the rose
- Roses in a garden setting showing different styles of planting
- Gardens to give inspiration for growing roses in small spaces
- The newly replanted Queen Mother garden
- A dedicated pond for dragonflies
Renowned gardening expert Peter Seabrook and RNRS President Ann Bird officially open the new Rose Gardens
RNRS President Ann Bird and Deputy President Rod Petty toast the opening of the Society's revamped gardens
A good sized crowd of members and guests arrived to enjoy the first official open day.
A short video of President Ann Bird's opening speech - click arrow to play
A short video of Peter Seabrook opening the new gardens - click arrow to play
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