Post by dorsetmike on May 8, 2024 21:40:50 GMT
Late May & early June sees the start of roses flowering in the south, might I suggest the following place for those interested in photographing them; Mottisfont near Romsey Hants, a National trust property, home to the national old rose collection mostly varieties bred pre 1900. Those of you that are NT members will see an article with pics in the current magazine.
Although roses are the main attraction there are many other flowering plants surrounding them a veritable riot of colour and fragrance. The "old roses" anly flower once at the beginning of the season, from late May for about 4 weeks. There are over 1,000 roses in the gardens, in 3 connected walled gardens, with paths and lawns to walk on, a few seats scattered around.
Pre Covid I used to go at least once each year.
If using film have a few rolls with you, digital have a spare card.
Google "Mottisfont" and then click on "Visiting in rose season"
Every rose has a label stuck in the ground alongside giving name and the date of when that variety originated -if known- at least one just says "Ancient" probably introduced by the Romans!
As well as the gardens there is the house, a bit of the river Test, the largest known Plane tree (about 300 years old)
Also a small shop selling rose plants among other things and a café. Fair size car and coach park.
On Fridays 7, 14 and 21 June you can enjoy 'celebration evenings' with live jazz from the FB Pocket Orchestra, plus wine tastings and wine for sale by the glass and bottle from award-winning Hampshire vineyard Black Chalk.
National Trust members get in for free, non members have to pay, details on the website, also "How to get there" info. 3.5miles from Romsey off the A3057, look for brown tourist info signs.
