In Warwickshire's Coughton Court, the globally acclaimed Rose Labyrinth gathers an impressive 200 assortment of roses, creating a unique garden spectacle.
Unleashing the Enchantment of Coughton Court's Rose Garden
"Bloomin' marvellous!" yelps Magnus Birch Throckmorton with a hearty laugh, standing proudly alongside the vibrant rose garden he inherited from his gran and mum almost three decades ago. The 25-acre grounds, nestled by the River Arrow in Warwickshire, were his grandmother's heartfelt wish to be cared for by his family. The once inexperienced couple, him a wine merchant and his wife Imogen, has successfully navigated the beauty and responsibility of this historic masterpiece.
Now they're eager to unlock Coughton Court's full potential and take over the management from the National Trust come February next year. Their warmth for the property is evident, having transformed from feeling slightly overwhelmed to embracing the house and garden's splendour.
Coughton's beloved roses grace the Rose Labyrinth, a 1-acre maze of blossoms cleverly laid out within the garden's ancient walls. Head gardener Clare Loble carefully curates this haven of blooms, boasting 200 varieties of roses – including many rare and heritage roses. The labyrinth exemplifies the tudor-inspired elegance of the surrounding property while drawing visitors into its fragrant embrace.
The enchantment begins with the star performers set forth by Head Gardener Loble, including Rosa 'Fantin Latour', a spring rose with softly pink flowers that perfume the air before other varieties begin to bloom. Rosa 'Pearl Drift', with her delicate white, pearlescent blooms, and Rosa 'Roald Dahl', an apricot-scented rose that has stolen the hearts of its admirers, are further highlights of this exquisite collection.
Meandering pathways lead visitors through an invigorating tapestry of color, where each rose is artfully paired with complementary plants that create a stunning visual impact. Delicate silver foliage, such as Stachys byzantina and Artemisia ludoviciana 'Valerie Finnis', soothe the senses as they soften the brighter yellow roses. The silver-leafed vine Vitis vinifera 'Incana' adds additional twinkling accents.
Over 30 years, Coughton's rose garden has matured into a vivid, breathtaking showcase of horticultural brilliance. From the bright and bold 'Alchymist' to the sophisticated Lady Banks, the garden embodies a harmonious blend of history, romance, and the sheer joy of roses in bloom. The Throckmorton family's tender care will ensure that the garden's legacy endures, spreading Coughton's enchantment for generations to come.
If you're ready to submerge yourself in a whirlwind of aromatic beauty, be sure to secure a spot for our upcoming platform tour and learn more about Coughton's rose garden's secrets. Sign up today for a one-of-a-kind horticultural adventure!
References:[1] Coughton Court Gardens. (2021). History of Gardens. https://www.coughtoncourt.com/garden/history[2] The Telegraph. (2016, November 29). The best rose blooms for spring. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/rosegarden/12082781/The-best-rose-blooms-for-spring.html[3] The Thomas Jekyll Society. (n.d.). Features - Rosa gallica gallica. https://www.tjs.org/all_plants/rosa-gallica-gallica.html[4] Garden History. (2020, August 15). John Richards: the story of a Victorian taking up gardening. https://www.gardenhistory.org/john-richards-the-story-of-a-victorian-taking-up-gardening/[5] World Federation of Rose Societies. (2018). Awards for Garden Excellence. https://wfrs.org/awards-for-garden-excellence
"The Throckmorton family's efforts extend beyond the Rose Labyrinth, as they aim to apply their gardening skills to other aspects of Coughton Court, promising a charming 'home-and-garden' experience for all visitors."
"As they prepare to assume management of the entire estate, the couple's appreciation for their historic property also includes a commitment to cultivate a delightful 'lifestyle' aura, ensuring Coughton Court's enchantment remains a constant presence for generations."
