First roses planted in historic garden

The first batch of roses have been planted in Bushey Rose Garden today, Wednesday.

Pictured from left:
Norman Vincent, chairman of the Friends of the Rose Garden, Hugh Lewis, from Bushey Museum, Peter Dando, site manager Crispin and Borst, Cllr Jean Heywood, portfolio holder for environment, Richard Stubbs, Hertsmere Borough Council Asset Manager.

Friends of Bushey Rose Garden, staff from Bushey Museum, officers and councillors joined contractors on the site to witness the historic moment which is the next step in restoring the garden to its former glory.

Cllr Jean Heywood, portfolio holder for the environment, explained: "It has taken a long time to get to this point but we are all very excited about the roses going in.

“There is a massive programme of planting to go ahead which will totally transform the beauty of the garden and create something magical for the community to enjoy for years to come."

Work to restore Bushey Rose Garden has been virtually non-stop since the funding was secured from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund. Together with money from Hertsmere Borough Council, the £1.5m project has seen the garden completed stripped back in order to restore it to its former glory.

Planted today around the fountain were David Austen roses 'Heritage' (pale pink) and 'Glamis Castle' (white).  Approximately 500 roses will be planted in the garden in total.

Other progress on the site so far includes:

• Summer House - The roof has been completely replaced to make it water tight and new handmade tiles laid.
• Sunken Garden - The retaining walls around the fountain have been repaired and new rose pillars installed.
• Fountain - This has been thoroughly cleaned and repaired and is in the process of being restored to a working fountain.
• The Cloister - The red sandstone has been dismantled, cleaned and reconstructed to form a backdrop for music and theatrical performances.
• Lululaund Plaque - An artist has created a mould for the replacement plaque which will be a focal point at the end of the pergola.
• Paving - Each brick has been carefully lifted and as many as possible will be reused. Replacement bricks have been sourced and the path is being re-laid in the original ‘basket weave’ pattern.

It is anticipated the garden will reopen in late summer and you can keep up with progress via our 'Bushey Rose Garden' page or contact us on 0800 731 1810 to receive a regular newsletter.