Gardening And Roses

They have promised you a rose garden

Gardening tips and trails are a distinct feature of this year’s Bushey Festival, which runs from July 2-17.

The horticultural extravaganza starts off with a talk at the Bushey Centre on July 5, titled Roots in History and Growing Forever, by National Trust lecturer and Chelsea Physic Garden guide Mike Watts. The results of the annual Bushey in Bloom front garden competition, organised by Bushey Horticultural Society will also be announced on the night.

On July 7, it’s over to Shoots in Stanmore for a plant and gardening demonstration with tips on how to get the best out of ten top summer plants.

The newly refurbished Bushey Rose Garden is a destination of itself to see how many different kinds of roses are coming along. The venue is also playing host to three events – Laughter Therapy, July 8, the Watercolour Challenge, July 16, and a Sunday Jazz concert, July 17, which are sure to draw the crowds.

For the first time as part of the festival fortnight, North Bushey Family Gardens’ Trail is inviting visitors to gather at Holy Trinity Church for a wander around the area’s borders and arbours while enjoying a teddy bear hunt and cream tea on July 10.

Other green-fingered events include the Bushey House Garden Party where visitors can tour the house and the lovely gardens tended by gardener David Crisp, before retiring for some tea and entertainment.

Also look out for Summer Memories on July 13, a flower arranging demonstration by Maureen Hastings at Church House on Bushey High Street and the Flower Festival at Sacred Heart Church, July 15-17, where this year’s floral theme is Glory/Gloria.

The festival boasts an exciting mixture of music, drama, dance, arts, sporting activities, entertainment and quizzes.

Among the highlights is an interactive performance of Gilbert & Sullivan’s Trial by Jury from scratch in which the audience joins in with soloists from the renowned Purcell School.

Also on offer is a super evening of favourite operatic arias and ensembles by Bushey Opera Group called Viva Verdi, a Jazz Night with the Bushey Band, a talk on behind the scenes in Harrods and the welcome return of the popular Nick Ross Orchestra, playing the Glenn Miller sound.

Bushey Museum and the Lucy Kemp Welch Gallery will also be hosting exhibitions during the festival.

Full details of how to get tickets are available in the leaflet and on the website and there will be a box office at Bushey Museum , Rudolf Road, on Saturdays June 25, July 2 and 9. Details: 07770 868891, www.busheyfestival.org.

Easy to grow roses, the three best choices for beginners Rose Garden

. And yet, if you are a beginning gardener, you may doubt your ability to cultivate a successful rose garden. Do now say, is no worry because there are several species that are ideal for beginners. .

In the last ten years in particular rose to grow new varieties were introduced simply to eliminate the intimidation factor. The cultivation of these beautiful plants. If you've tried to grow roses in front, without much success take courage.

Gardening with roses, a practical and inspirational guide

An English rose garden, gardening with roses at Mottisfont Abbey

Gardening with roses, designing with easy-care climbers, ramblers, & shrubs

The American rose annual

Gardening with roses, step-by-step guide to rose care