The Cliveden Rose Garden: A Fragrant Journey Through Time

Nestled within the magnificent 18th-century landscape of Cliveden estate in Buckinghamshire lies a horticultural gem that has captured the hearts of rose enthusiasts for decades. The Cliveden Rose Garden, also known as the Glade Garden, is a testament to the enduring allure of roses and the visionary landscape design that has shaped this historic property.

Located at Cliveden Road, Taplow, Maidenhead, Buckinghamshire, SL1 8NS, the garden is easily accessible from central London thanks to the Elizabeth line and a short Uber journey from the tube station. This accessibility has contributed to its status as one of Britain's most celebrated rose gardens, frequently gracing the pages of gardening magazines, rose books, and catalogues, including the renowned David Austin rose publications.

Rose Garden A Relatively Recent Addition

Despite Cliveden's long and storied history, the rose garden is a comparatively recent addition to the estate's horticultural splendor. It wasn't until the 1950s that this iconic feature came into being, adding a new layer to the property's already rich tapestry of garden styles spanning from the late 1600s to the present day.

The Visionary Behind the Blooms

The mastermind behind this floral masterpiece was Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe, a renowned landscape architect commissioned by the third Lord Astor. Jellicoe's vision for the Cliveden Rose Garden was nothing short of revolutionary. He set out to create a unique 'Edwardian-style' rose garden that departed from traditional designs, opting instead for an organic, free-flowing space that contrasted sharply with the formal gardens typical of the era.

Lord Astor was so impressed with Jellicoe's design, which was sketched out the morning after their initial meeting, that work on the garden began immediately. This enthusiasm speaks volumes about the impact of Jellicoe's innovative concept.

The Rose Garden was laid out in 1959 as a 'Glade Garden' by Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe for the 3rd Lord Astor. Nearby, the Herbaceous borders were designed by Graham Stuart Thomas, inspired by the work of Gertrude Jekyll. The garden features approximately 850 roses, including a variety of shrubs, floribundas, and other types.

A Rose Garden in Flux

The journey of the Cliveden Rose Garden has not been without its twists and turns. In a controversial move, the rose garden was temporarily replaced with perennial plants after the garden was afected by rose disease. A decision that proved unpopular with visitors who had come to love the romantic allure of the roses. This deviation from the original vision highlighted the deep connection people had formed with the rose garden and its significance to the overall Cliveden experience.

Restoration and Rebirth of the Rose Garden

Responding to public demand, the National Trust undertook a comprehensive restoration project in 2011 - 2014. Under the guidance of Cliveden Head Gardener Andrew Mudge and his team of 12 gardeners and over 20 volunteers, the rose garden was meticulously replanted with 42 carefully selected rose varieties.

The restoration aimed to capture the essence of Jellicoe's original vision while ensuring the garden's longevity and beauty. Mudge and his team spent a year researching and designing the new garden, striving to recreate Jellicoe's concept of the garden as a "vegetable form, like a cabbage," with each bed intended to envelop visitors and draw them towards the center.

A Sensory Experience

Today, the circular garden boasts over 900 roses, creating a sensory experience that delights visitors from May through to autumn. The design incorporates roses of varying heights, with some reaching nearly 5 feet, to create an immersive experience. As visitors walk through the garden, the roses appear to close around them, filtering their fragrance through at many different levels.

The Color Palette

While the rose varieties have changed over time, Jellicoe's original color scheme has been retained as much as possible. The garden presents a sweeping palette that transitions from soft yellows in the eastern beds, symbolizing the early morning sun, through bright oranges representing the midday heat, and finally to deep reds on the western side, evoking the colors of sunset.

A Garden for the 21st Century

The restoration of the Cliveden Rose Garden represents a delicate balance between preserving historical significance and creating a space for modern visitors to enjoy. It stands as a testament to the ongoing evolution of the Cliveden estate and its commitment to horticultural excellence.

Sculpture Collection: Adding Artistic Flair

One of the most striking features of the Cliveden gardens is its impressive collection of sculptures, most of which were acquired by the 1st Lord Astor between 1893 and 1906. These artistic pieces add a layer of classical beauty to the natural splendor of the gardens.

As visitors approach the house along the lime tree avenue, they are greeted by the magnificent shell fountain known as the Fountain of Love. This stunning piece was sculpted by Thomas Waldo Story in Rome in 1897, commissioned specifically for this site by Lord Astor. Crafted from Carrara marble, it features a large shell supporting three life-size female figures attended by cupid. Near the parterre, visitors can also admire the "Tortoise" fountain, another creation by T.W. Story from around the same period.

The rose garden itself is home to several notable sculptures that add to its romantic atmosphere. These include the Wounded Amazon, a statue of Adonis (an unnamed Greek hero), and a striking statue of a woman standing on a fish, all purchased by W.W. Astor. These sculptures provide focal points within the garden, inviting contemplation and adding to the overall sense of timeless beauty.

Beyond the Rose Garden at Cliveden

While the Rose Garden is undoubtedly a highlight, Cliveden offers much more for garden enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the Long Garden with its impressive topiary, the Ilex Grove, and the Herbaceous borders designed by Graham Stuart Thomas. The estate also features miles of woodland walks, providing a diverse horticultural experience set against the backdrop of the River Thames.

In conclusion, the Cliveden Rose Garden is more than just a collection of beautiful flowers. It's a living, breathing testament to the art of landscape design, the passion of gardeners through the generations, and the enduring appeal of the rose. Whether you're a dedicated rose enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates natural beauty, the Cliveden Rose Garden offers a truly unforgettable experience, inviting visitors to lose themselves in a world of color, fragrance, and horticultural history.