Visiting the enchanting rose garden at Mottisfont Abbey, National Trust

Stepping into the rose garden at Mottisfont Abbey on a golden summer evening is an unforgettable experience. Mottisfont Abbey, a National Trust property in Hampshire, is home to a breathtaking display of beauty that has been enchanting visitors for decades. This historic garden boasts an impressive collection of over 500 varieties of roses, spanning from ancient to modern times. Even better, it is open until 8PM during the month of June, so that visitors can enjoy the roses in the soft romantic light. Here's a closer look at what you can expect to find in this mesmerizing garden.

Discover a world of roses

Much of Mottisfont’s rose garden is contained in a historic walled garden. After walking through the charmingly rose-framed entrance, you are greeted by an abundance of pinks, purples, reds and whites. Among the many varieties on display, you'll find Rosa ‘Souvenir de la Malmaison’ – a sumptuous pale pink bourbon rose inspired by the Empress Josephine’s famous garden. This variety is known for its full, cup-shaped blooms and delicate fragrance.

You'll also find delicate China and tea roses in shades of cream, pink, and red, including Rosa ‘Lady Hillingdon’ – a tall, vigorous climbing tea rose with clusters of double, apricot-yellow blooms. These roses are known for their delicate beauty and their ability to thrive in warm, sunny conditions.

Further into the garden is a series of archways and trellises covered with climbing rose varieties, creating a picturesque feature I couldn’t step away from.

Ancient varieties

If you're a fan of ancient varieties, you'll love the selection of roses on display at Mottisfont Rose Garden. One of the most famous ancient varieties on display is Rosa ‘Gallica Officinalis’. This light crimson and deeply scented shrub was brought to England from Persia by the Crusaders and has been a favorite among gardeners for centuries.

Another ancient variety that you won't want to miss is the highly scented ‘Quatre Saisons’. This autumn damask was grown by the Romans and is known for its deep pink blooms and spicy fragrance.

Enjoy the unique features of Mottisfont gardens

In addition to the stunning variety of roses on display, Mottisfont Rose Garden also features a range of unique and captivating elements. Take a stroll through the Walled Garden, which was originally built in the 1700s and has been lovingly restored to its former glory. Here, you'll find a wide range of plants and flowers, including a collection of old-fashioned shrub roses. Notable features of the garden design include the central fountain, which provides a focal point for the garden, and the rustic arches and trellises that support the climbing roses. The garden is also carefully integrated with the surrounding landscape, including the nearby River Test, which adds to the garden's natural beauty and charm.

Or, explore the Font Stream, which runs through the garden and adds a tranquil element to the already serene atmosphere. As you follow the stream, you'll pass under the boughs of mature trees and come across a range of plants, including a selection of stunning white roses.

The National Collection of Old-Fashioned Roses

The Mottisfont Rose Garden is home to the National Collection of Old-Fashioned Roses, a collection of over 500 varieties of roses that have been preserved and maintained for future generations. The collection includes some of the rarest and most unusual Old-Fashioned Roses in the country, and is an important resource for researchers, gardeners, and rose enthusiasts.

History of Mottisfont rose gardens

The story of Mottisfont Rose Garden is one of transformation and dedication. Originally established as a priory in the 13th century, Mottisfont Abbey was eventually acquired by Gilbert Russell, 10th Duke of Bedford in 1934 and converted into a country estate. After changing hands several times, the estate was ultimately donated to the National Trust in 1957 by the 3rd Lord Montagu of Beaulieu.

The walled garden, which now houses the rose garden, was originally intended to supply the estate with fresh produce. However, in the early 1970s, renowned horticulturist Graham Stuart Thomas was invited to Mottisfont to design a rose garden in the walled garden.

Using his vast knowledge and expertise, Thomas created a rose garden that would showcase a diverse range of roses, both old-fashioned and modern varieties. Today, the garden features over 500 types of roses, with an emphasis on classic English roses, each one a testament to the passion and dedication of those who have worked to create and maintain this beautiful space.

Visiting the Garden

The Mottisfont Rose Garden is open from March to October each year and is a must-see for anyone who loves roses, history, or gardens in general. The garden is easily accessible by car or public transport and is located just a short walk from the village of Mottisfont. Rose season lasts from June 1 - July 1 in 2023 and the gardens are open until 8 PM on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Mottisfont is free for National Trust and Art Fund members.

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