I recently visited Arley Hall and Gardens in Knutsford, Cheshire. The Hall itself is Grade II listed and the Cruck Barn Grade I. The Hall was built between 1832 and 1845 whereas the Barn dates back to the 15th century. The gardens were first planted about 260 years ago and have evolved over time. Probably the best-known feature of Arley is the impressive long double herbaceous borders. These lead to the rose garden with a long border and irregular island beds of roses underplanted with hardy geraniums.
The list of roses is extensive and includes Rosa Dupontii, Felicia, Marguerite Hilling, Gloire de France, Belle Isis, Fantin Latour, Golden Wings, Portmeirion, Buff Beauty, Amber Flower Carpet, Tuscany Superb, Pax, Mac Millen Nurse, Eglantyne, Rose de Resch, Jenny Duval, Cardinal de Richelieu, Rachel’s Delight, Raubritter, Open Arms, Foliolosa, Pendulina, Cantabrigiensis, Quatres Saisons, Complicata, Petite de Hollande, Mousseuse du Japon, Rose de Meaux, Alfred de Dalmas, Jacques Cartier, Duchess of Portland, Centenaire de Lourdes, Old Blush, Our Beth, Duc de Fitzjames, White Max, Gypsy Boy, Adam Messerich, Charles de Mills, Souv. De la Maison, Isaphan, La Noblesse, Blanchefleur, Reine des Violettes, Rosa Mundi and Scotch Briar Bakewell.
The friendly head gardener, Dave, gave me some cuttings of Briar Bakewell which I very much appreciated. It has super dark crimson bloooms and a lovely fragrance. There is a wonderful array of plants in the garden. Dave is sourcing as many old vintage varieties as he can – hardy perennials are his special interest.
My own garden at Woodseaves has a collection of old roses, all of which are listed on a spreadsheet. Members may contact John West if they wish to see this list. I am especially interested in rare and unusual varieties.
A local farmer, Mark Hussey, contacted me when his family’s farm was put on the market as he was keen for me to propagate one of the old roses from the garden. The rose is as yet unnamed. It dates from before World War I and is a climber with fragrant, soft primrose yellow blooms. I have propagated it successfully and will bring plants to the AGM in September for members to trial in their own gardens. There is no charge for these plants.
Jean Haywood
Woodseaves Garden Plants, Salop