'A Good Year for the Roses' at Bolton Castle

Monday, 1st July 2024

PRESS RELEASE 1 July 2024

It’s a good year for the roses ….

Bolton Castle’s Rose Arbour Garden flourishes this Summer

Many of us have been bemoaning the wet and cold spring this year culminating in the proliferation of slugs and snails in our gardens to finish off any growth we may have managed to save, however, Jason Hanslip head gardener at Bolton Castle near Leyburn, thinks the castle’s blooms are some of the best he has ever seen at the castle thanks in part to effort, but also the weather!

Jason who leads on all the gardens surrounding Bolton Castle which is part of the Bolton Estate in North Yorkshire, has committed additional time and effort to the castle’s roses this year. Building on the good work that had already been spent on this part of the garden, he added to the beds with heritage roses that grow well on this exposed piece of garden and fit well within the philosophy of growing specialist roses that enhance the castle’s unique historical atmosphere. He also thinks the success of the roses has been helped by the wet spring weather. 

Says Jason: “We didn’t experience the very warm dry spell we had in April last year, but we had a lot of rain instead in 2024.  I am convinced that because of this our roses weren't subjected to any stress early in their growing and have been able to flourish.  With our Green Tourism endeavours in mind, we have not used any chemicals or pesticides on the roses in the last two years so with all the elements combined, our roses are looking their very best. The ground and existing roses had been well managed, but with this type of exposure to the elements a few had lost their way and were looking a bit tired. These roses experience strong icy winds coming down the valley, so I wanted to strengthen the beds with new varieties such as 'English Garden' and 'Mary' which have a strong stems to provide additional support to weaker varieties but also keeping that traditional look, and 'Quatre Saisons' which is believed to be one of the first repeat flowering roses which produces a cloud of pink blossoms to fill any gaps. We also have many traditional roses like 'Rosa Mundi' which dates all the way back to the 1600’s and is also referenced in the 1200's. Other roses that work well here and seem to be able to survive the rabbits include one of my personal favourites 'La Ville de Bruxelles' and 'Ispahan'.”

In addition to the work on the Rose Arbour Garden, Jason and has team have added a willow tunnel to join to the medieval herb gardens, which were enhanced last year. He and the team are also planning to start work to transform the quadrant lawns into a medieval knot garden. Mindful of all aspects of the gardens, Jason also has to consider the view from the tower around 120 metres above the gardens as well as the enjoyment of all the visitors and events that take place at Bolton Castle across the summer.   

Jason’s tips include regular maintenance pruning in February which includes removing all dead, damaged and crossing branches then remove a quarter of the plants growth keeping its shape all the way through which will help the plant promote fresh healthy new growth, then he mulches around the base of the plant with a good organic matter, when the growth is starting to merge he then gives the roses a feed with an organic rose tonic and repeats when necessary, he has the benefit of employing wildlife cameras to see where rabbits are entering the rose gardens, if at all, or just breeding within the boundaries of the rose beds. A labour of love for sure, but visitors to the castle are just bowled over with the beautiful results.

Bolton Castle is open every day until November with the Rose Arbour Garden now at its very best.  For visitor tickets as well as groups information, please visit Bolton Castle in Wensleydale, family days out, falconry and weddings

ENDS

See Bolton Castle in Wensleydale, family days out, falconry and weddings for all events from now until 2 November 2023.

For general information on Bolton Castle, visit https://www.boltoncastle.co.uk/

For media information and images, and photo and filming opportunities, please contact Kendra Grahame-Clarke at Kendra PR on 07910 214474 or email Kendra@kendrapr.co.uk

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Bolton Castle, near Leyburn, North Yorkshire, DL8 4ET

Tel: 01969 623981 Email info@boltoncastle.co.uk

https://www.boltoncastle.co.uk/

Please note dogs are not allowed in the Castle and we cannot allow dogs in the gardens. Dogs Must Not Be Left Unattended In Hot Cars. Please refer to our home page on our website for details and alternative options for your pet.