NEWS31 January 2006 ? New head gardener at the Royal National Rose Society Gardens
President, Ann Bird and Trustees of The Royal National Rose Society are delighted to announce the appointment of Neil Oakman as Head Gardener to the 'Royal National Rose Society Gardens? at the Society?s HQ in St Albans, Hertfordshire. Neil comes to the Society with an excellent background in horticulture. Previously head gardener of the Beale Arboretum at West Lodge in Hertfordshire; where he was in charge of over 35 acres of beautiful grounds, including over 8 acres with more than 600 species of tree; he is a hands-on person with qualification in landscape design and lots of experience with people. One of Neil?s first jobs with the Society will be to oversee the planting and completion of the new £500,000 Gardens at Chiswell Green. THE GARDENS The translation of the designs of Michael Balston from paper to reality are now well advanced. The area around the Edland Pavilion, with its elegant and easy access, has been converted into one of the focal points of the new Gardens and one from which visitors will enjoy a overview of the many sections and collections of roses. The newly grassed area in front of the pavilion will offer the opportunity for special events (eg. weddings) to be held against a background of one of the best rose collections in the World.
Three new water features in the Gardens and a ?maze? of new paths will add to the attraction for those studying or just enjoying the thousands of different roses and associated plants that will be on display. The Presidents? Walk is being revitalised with a planting scheme that will start with white roses and then range through the many pastel shades to the stunning and passionate reds and purples of the genus, with scent that will be heavenly. OPENING A formal opening is planned for early/mid summer but members of the Society will benefit from a private preview at the Society?s Annual General Meeting. More details will follow but the Garden is not a closed project and members of the press are welcome to ask for an informal tour of the work in progress. The Society is one of this country?s leading single genus horticultural societies. The Trustees are determined to improve the Society and to make the Gardens, once again, of world repute. We appeal for journalists to follow the story of the rebirth and development of these beautiful gardens. |
