One popular element in large English gardens is the use of "garden rooms", often referred to as
themed gardens. At Rosewood, in addition to many flower beds and borders, nine different
themed gardens have been landscaped, each with its own diverse planting and form. When
developing the different themed areas we aimed for interest and bloom throughout the whole year.
Click on any thumbnail image below to enlarge
themed gardens. At Rosewood, in addition to many flower beds and borders, nine different
themed gardens have been landscaped, each with its own diverse planting and form. When
developing the different themed areas we aimed for interest and bloom throughout the whole year.
Click on any thumbnail image below to enlarge
| ROSEWOOD'S THEMED GARDENS |
| THE ROCK GARDEN |
Solid seams of shale rock determined our choice of developing a rock garden in
the area immediately beyond the house. Work began in 1995, and this was
Rosewood's first themed garden.
Rock Gardens were a Victorian concept, emulating the natural mountainscapes
of the Alps & Pyrenees, where alpine flowers blanket the slopes in Spring.
Rock Gardens or "Rockeries" are still a popular feature in English gardens
today, however, here in East Tennessee we use other plants to achieve a similar
look as alpines won't survive our hot summers.
We use a variety of ground covers including moss phlox, evening primrose and
thyme, in combination with dwarf conifers. Unfortunately our "dwarf"
conifers are rapidly outgrowing their position, and sometime in the future we
will have to consider removing them, to get back to the look we orignally
intended.
the area immediately beyond the house. Work began in 1995, and this was
Rosewood's first themed garden.
Rock Gardens were a Victorian concept, emulating the natural mountainscapes
of the Alps & Pyrenees, where alpine flowers blanket the slopes in Spring.
Rock Gardens or "Rockeries" are still a popular feature in English gardens
today, however, here in East Tennessee we use other plants to achieve a similar
look as alpines won't survive our hot summers.
We use a variety of ground covers including moss phlox, evening primrose and
thyme, in combination with dwarf conifers. Unfortunately our "dwarf"
conifers are rapidly outgrowing their position, and sometime in the future we
will have to consider removing them, to get back to the look we orignally
intended.
| THE HEATHER GARDEN |
The Heather Garden is very special because it is full of color and bloom
throughout the winter months. (First photo to the left was taken in February)
Although heathers are great favorites in English gardens, they are seldom
grown in the southeastern states because the climate is felt to be unsuitable.
However, with the correct choice of plants; good soil preparation, and an
open, sunny site - a beautiful heather garden can be achieved - especially with
a combination planting of colorful conifers.
Plants from the 'Erica' family of heaths have been selected for this garden,
and bloom begins in November, peaking in early March. Although no longer
in bloom, the heathers combine with the conifers and barberries to provide
colorful foliage and interest throughout the rest of the year. (Second photo to
the left is the heather garden in summer)
throughout the winter months. (First photo to the left was taken in February)
Although heathers are great favorites in English gardens, they are seldom
grown in the southeastern states because the climate is felt to be unsuitable.
However, with the correct choice of plants; good soil preparation, and an
open, sunny site - a beautiful heather garden can be achieved - especially with
a combination planting of colorful conifers.
Plants from the 'Erica' family of heaths have been selected for this garden,
and bloom begins in November, peaking in early March. Although no longer
in bloom, the heathers combine with the conifers and barberries to provide
colorful foliage and interest throughout the rest of the year. (Second photo to
the left is the heather garden in summer)
| THE SHADE GARDEN |
As you pass through a clematis covered arch you enter the Shade Garden.
Full of bloom in April, when azaleas are surrounded by English bluebells,
this garden visibly cools during the heat of summer, with the softer shades of
the astilbes, hostas and hydrangeas.
Late fall offers a rich color palette, as the foliage of the Japanese maples,
fothergillas and other plants, turn various shades of red, orange and gold.
Very often gardens have areas that present a challenge and are more
problematic than most. The Shade Garden has been one of the most difficult
in terms of plant health and survival. In 2007 a "100" year freeze ,
preceded a severe drought, and this combination caused considerable plant
loss. The clay soil, which is particularly heavy and dense in this area,
continues to be difficult to work, although amendments are constantly added
in an attempt to improve it. The recent loss of a large pine which afforded
much shade, has now resulted in certain areas having far more sun - many
plants in that area were not sun tolerant. Gardening can be frustrating at
times!
Full of bloom in April, when azaleas are surrounded by English bluebells,
this garden visibly cools during the heat of summer, with the softer shades of
the astilbes, hostas and hydrangeas.
Late fall offers a rich color palette, as the foliage of the Japanese maples,
fothergillas and other plants, turn various shades of red, orange and gold.
Very often gardens have areas that present a challenge and are more
problematic than most. The Shade Garden has been one of the most difficult
in terms of plant health and survival. In 2007 a "100" year freeze ,
preceded a severe drought, and this combination caused considerable plant
loss. The clay soil, which is particularly heavy and dense in this area,
continues to be difficult to work, although amendments are constantly added
in an attempt to improve it. The recent loss of a large pine which afforded
much shade, has now resulted in certain areas having far more sun - many
plants in that area were not sun tolerant. Gardening can be frustrating at
times!
| THE BUTTERFLY GARDEN |
Developed to provide all the components needed for both the adult butterfly and
the larvae,the Butterfly Garden houses a shady arbor and a boardwalk lined
with weigelas and rose of sharon. Early spring is a beautiful time when the
dogwoods, lilacs and many varieties of virburnums are all in bloom. Redtip
photinias provide a windbreak for the garden, offering protection for the
butterflies and a good spot for roosting.
Although most butterflies prefer a sunny and sheltered area, there are one or
two species that enjoy woodland conditions. Fortunately there are both sun
and shade areas in this Garden, allowing us to use a more diverse range of
plants that appeal to all butterflies.
Sadly many species of butterfly are disappearing worldwide, due to the use of
chemicals, pesticides, and the loss of their habitat, however we are pleased to
note that over 40 different species of butterfly have been identified at the
garden.
We are an organic garden, and we do not use any harsh chemicals or
pesticides.
the larvae,the Butterfly Garden houses a shady arbor and a boardwalk lined
with weigelas and rose of sharon. Early spring is a beautiful time when the
dogwoods, lilacs and many varieties of virburnums are all in bloom. Redtip
photinias provide a windbreak for the garden, offering protection for the
butterflies and a good spot for roosting.
Although most butterflies prefer a sunny and sheltered area, there are one or
two species that enjoy woodland conditions. Fortunately there are both sun
and shade areas in this Garden, allowing us to use a more diverse range of
plants that appeal to all butterflies.
Sadly many species of butterfly are disappearing worldwide, due to the use of
chemicals, pesticides, and the loss of their habitat, however we are pleased to
note that over 40 different species of butterfly have been identified at the
garden.
We are an organic garden, and we do not use any harsh chemicals or
pesticides.
| THE HUMMINGBIRD GARDEN |
The Hummingbird Garden is essentially a partly shaded site, created for the
Ruby Throated Hummingbird. This particular species of hummingbird is the
only one to regularly frequent the Eastern United States. The combination of
flowers and nectar filled feeders keep the hummingbirds in residence from
April thru October.
Columbines, azaleas and weigelas bloom in spring, followed by red bee balm
in early summer. Peak of color is early to mid May. Annuals, such as
impatiens and red salvias, which have hummingbird appeal, are planted every
year. Many other suitable plants are also used to attract these fascinating and
territorial little creatures.
A series of steps lead from the Butterfly Garden into the Hummingbird
Garden, and these are very popular with wedding photographers, who see
them as a great photo opportunity spot for wedding groups.
Ruby Throated Hummingbird. This particular species of hummingbird is the
only one to regularly frequent the Eastern United States. The combination of
flowers and nectar filled feeders keep the hummingbirds in residence from
April thru October.
Columbines, azaleas and weigelas bloom in spring, followed by red bee balm
in early summer. Peak of color is early to mid May. Annuals, such as
impatiens and red salvias, which have hummingbird appeal, are planted every
year. Many other suitable plants are also used to attract these fascinating and
territorial little creatures.
A series of steps lead from the Butterfly Garden into the Hummingbird
Garden, and these are very popular with wedding photographers, who see
them as a great photo opportunity spot for wedding groups.
| THE VICTORIAN GARDEN |
| THE WINE & ROSES GARDEN |
The Wine & Roses Garden was developed in 2007, utilizing the site of our
former nursery bed area. This garden is very romantic and was designed
specifically for wedding ceremonies.
A gentle sloping ailseway forms the bridal entrance to this garden. The focal
point is a large white arbor, clad in climbing roses and clematis, which are
full of bloom for several weeks in May. Every year we add mandevilla and
morning glory vines to the arbor, and they create a full and lush effect by late
summer, lasting until the first frost.
We chose to color theme the Wine & Roses Garden in the full spectrum of
wine colors - white, pink, blush, red and burgundy. We have included a few
plants of the gardens's namesake - the "Wine & Roses" Weigela, which has
ruby trumpet shaped bloom in late April/early May, and rich burgundy
colored leaves throughout the rest of spring, summer and fall. Many plants
were selected for their sweet fragrance and romantic appeal, including roses,
sweet williams, buddleias and lilies. We decided to keep many of the antique
roses that were already growing in the original nursery bed area, and to those
added a selection from the modern "Knock Out" series of roses. The roses
are generally in bloom throughout most of the months that we are open.
A graceful weeping willow tree provides the backdrop to this Garden, creating
an intimate atmosphere while adding a real sense of tranquility.
former nursery bed area. This garden is very romantic and was designed
specifically for wedding ceremonies.
A gentle sloping ailseway forms the bridal entrance to this garden. The focal
point is a large white arbor, clad in climbing roses and clematis, which are
full of bloom for several weeks in May. Every year we add mandevilla and
morning glory vines to the arbor, and they create a full and lush effect by late
summer, lasting until the first frost.
We chose to color theme the Wine & Roses Garden in the full spectrum of
wine colors - white, pink, blush, red and burgundy. We have included a few
plants of the gardens's namesake - the "Wine & Roses" Weigela, which has
ruby trumpet shaped bloom in late April/early May, and rich burgundy
colored leaves throughout the rest of spring, summer and fall. Many plants
were selected for their sweet fragrance and romantic appeal, including roses,
sweet williams, buddleias and lilies. We decided to keep many of the antique
roses that were already growing in the original nursery bed area, and to those
added a selection from the modern "Knock Out" series of roses. The roses
are generally in bloom throughout most of the months that we are open.
A graceful weeping willow tree provides the backdrop to this Garden, creating
an intimate atmosphere while adding a real sense of tranquility.
This is a garden of interpretation, where we have taken many of the plants
mentioned in Shakespeare's works and used them in authentic Elizabethan
settings. The bust of Shakespeare overlooks the knot garden. Edged in box,
the compartments contain lavender, oregano and thyme. Blue forget me
nots and tulips are added for spring color, and various flowering annuals are
planted every year for bloom throughout summer. The rustic fence behind
the knot garden is covered with the rare and sweet smelling white musk rose
that Shakespeare often refers to in his works. This rose only blooms in
early/mid May.
The cottage style area contains a mixture of flowers and herbs, plus the
ancient roses that were mentioned by the Bard. Facing the knot garden, is
an area dedicated to Shakespeare's "Midsummer Nights Dream" where we
have recreated "Titania's" bank by carpeting a gentle sloping area with wild
thyme.
mentioned in Shakespeare's works and used them in authentic Elizabethan
settings. The bust of Shakespeare overlooks the knot garden. Edged in box,
the compartments contain lavender, oregano and thyme. Blue forget me
nots and tulips are added for spring color, and various flowering annuals are
planted every year for bloom throughout summer. The rustic fence behind
the knot garden is covered with the rare and sweet smelling white musk rose
that Shakespeare often refers to in his works. This rose only blooms in
early/mid May.
The cottage style area contains a mixture of flowers and herbs, plus the
ancient roses that were mentioned by the Bard. Facing the knot garden, is
an area dedicated to Shakespeare's "Midsummer Nights Dream" where we
have recreated "Titania's" bank by carpeting a gentle sloping area with wild
thyme.
Wherever possible, we have used plants authentic to the Victorian period
(1837-1901 - some are not easily attainable in commerce today, including
some rare cultivars of bearded iris that date back to the 1800s.
Garden statues were great favorites of the Victorians and our "Aphrodite"
Statue serves as a focal point in the long herbaceous border.
The herbaceous border is typical of the type of border seen in the late
Victorian period and is landscaped using many perennials. The peak of
bloom is July and August, and the border during those months is partcularly
lush and colorful, with plantings at the rear of the border often towering to 6ft
or more.
Facing the herbaceous border is a small rose garden, which is edged in
catmint and features the lovely Victorian polyantha rose, "Marie Pavie". This
flower bed also contains several plants of the old Victorian peony "Mons
Jules Elie". We also use Rose of Sharon, and have pruned them to create the
look of standard/tree roses, and their lavender blooms are pretty throughout
late July and August.
(1837-1901 - some are not easily attainable in commerce today, including
some rare cultivars of bearded iris that date back to the 1800s.
Garden statues were great favorites of the Victorians and our "Aphrodite"
Statue serves as a focal point in the long herbaceous border.
The herbaceous border is typical of the type of border seen in the late
Victorian period and is landscaped using many perennials. The peak of
bloom is July and August, and the border during those months is partcularly
lush and colorful, with plantings at the rear of the border often towering to 6ft
or more.
Facing the herbaceous border is a small rose garden, which is edged in
catmint and features the lovely Victorian polyantha rose, "Marie Pavie". This
flower bed also contains several plants of the old Victorian peony "Mons
Jules Elie". We also use Rose of Sharon, and have pruned them to create the
look of standard/tree roses, and their lavender blooms are pretty throughout
late July and August.
| THE SHAKESPEARE GARDEN |
| THE MEMORIAL GARDEN IN MEMORY OF DIANA, PRINCESS OF WALES |
The Memorial Garden was designed to honor the late Princess, with kind
permission given by her Foundation and representatives of her family. The
motto of the Foundation is "Diana, The Work Continues", and this relates to
the late princess's humanitarian works. With this sentiment in mind we
usually hold an annual charity event in the Gardens, and proceeds are
donated to worthy causes.
The Memorial Garden features a Hebe statue and fountain located in one of
the side borders, while a small statue of Peter Pan is the focal point of the
center island bed. The Peter Pan statue is a copy of a bronze that is in
Kensington Palace Gardens, London. (Kensington Palace was a former home
of the late Princess).
We have tried to create a very feminine, yet modern garden, to reflect her
personality. Flowers in soft shades of lavender blue, and peach are used,
along with the more vibrant and richer shades of apricot and coral. We avoid
dark colored plants. This garden is particularly attractive at the end of
June/beginning of July, when all the peach and apricot daylilies are in bloom.
A 90 ft length of trellis forms the backdrop to the "sunny" side border. Blue
was chosen because this color has become so popular with hardscapes in
England in recent years, plus it is a good compliment to the peach and apricot
flowers. Various roses and clematis are used on the trellis.
permission given by her Foundation and representatives of her family. The
motto of the Foundation is "Diana, The Work Continues", and this relates to
the late princess's humanitarian works. With this sentiment in mind we
usually hold an annual charity event in the Gardens, and proceeds are
donated to worthy causes.
The Memorial Garden features a Hebe statue and fountain located in one of
the side borders, while a small statue of Peter Pan is the focal point of the
center island bed. The Peter Pan statue is a copy of a bronze that is in
Kensington Palace Gardens, London. (Kensington Palace was a former home
of the late Princess).
We have tried to create a very feminine, yet modern garden, to reflect her
personality. Flowers in soft shades of lavender blue, and peach are used,
along with the more vibrant and richer shades of apricot and coral. We avoid
dark colored plants. This garden is particularly attractive at the end of
June/beginning of July, when all the peach and apricot daylilies are in bloom.
A 90 ft length of trellis forms the backdrop to the "sunny" side border. Blue
was chosen because this color has become so popular with hardscapes in
England in recent years, plus it is a good compliment to the peach and apricot
flowers. Various roses and clematis are used on the trellis.
| Overlooking the Shakespeare Knot Garden and the Victorian Garden in mid-Summer |
"This place is a jungle of beauty, a jungle controlled by a single mind; never allowed to deteriorate into a mere jungle,
but always kept in bounds by a master hand. The luxuriance is everywhere, a kind of haphazard luxuriance, which of
course comes neither by hap nor hazard"
This description of an English country garden was written by Vita Sackville West back in the 1940's for the famous London newspaper, the
"Observer". She was in fact describing Hidcote Manor Gardens in Gloucestershire, England, a garden of approximately 10 landscaped acres and
many "garden rooms". Now cited as the most famous garden in England, Hidcote was in fact developed by an American gentleman, Major
Lawrence Johnston, who started planning and laying out the gardens in 1910. Hidcote has since become the inspiration for many enthusiastic
gardeners, including ourselves. Vita Sackville West, herself an avid gardener, went on to develop "Sissinghurst" a garden of different
"themed rooms" which has also become one of the most well known and well loved gardens in England.
Both "Hidcote" and" Sissinghurst" are now under the ownership of England's National Trust. The gardens are open to the public, and visitors
worldwide are able to enjoy the beauty of the many themed areas contained in both gardens.
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| The Inspiration Behind Rosewood Gardens |
