Located in the stunning countryside of North Yorkshire, Bolton Castle’s Rose Arbour Garden has flourished remarkably this summer, thanks to the dedicated efforts of head gardener Jason Hanslip and his team.
Despite a challenging wet and cold spring, the roses at Bolton Castle have thrived, showcasing a vibrant display that complements the castle’s historic charm.
The Secret Behind the Blossoms
Jason Hanslip attributes this year’s exceptional blooms to both the dedicated care provided by the gardening team and the beneficial weather conditions. Unlike the previous year’s warm and dry spell in April, 2024 saw substantial rainfall, which Hanslip believes allowed the roses to avoid early stress and flourish robustly. The castle’s commitment to green tourism has also played a crucial role, with no chemicals or pesticides used on the roses for the past two years.
“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,”
Hanslip explained.
A Blend of Heritage and Resilience
The Rose Arbour Garden has been meticulously curated with heritage roses that not only withstand the garden’s exposed conditions but also enhance its historical atmosphere. Hanslip has introduced varieties like ‘English Garden’ and ‘Mary’, known for their strong stems, to support the more delicate roses. The inclusion of ‘Quatre Saisons‘, one of the earliest repeat-flowering roses, adds a cloud of pink blossoms to fill any gaps.
“Our 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 strong stems to provide additional support to weaker varieties but also keep that traditional look. We also have many traditional roses like ‘Rosa Mundi’ which dates back to the 1600s,”
Hanslip noted.
Some other varieties that thrive at Bolton Castle include ‘La Ville de Bruxelles’ and ‘Ispahan’, both of which have proven resilient to the local rabbit population.
Expanding the Garden Experience
In addition to the Rose Arbour Garden, Hanslip and his team have introduced a willow tunnel connecting to the medieval herb gardens, which were enhanced last year. Future plans include transforming the quadrant lawns into a medieval knot garden, ensuring that every aspect of the garden is both historically accurate and visually stunning.
Jason’s meticulous maintenance routine includes pruning in February to remove dead, damaged, and crossing branches, thereby promoting healthy new growth. He also applies organic mulch and rose tonic to nourish the plants, coupled with regular monitoring using wildlife cameras to manage rabbit intrusions.
Visitor Experience
Visitors to Bolton Castle are in for a treat, as the Rose Arbour Garden is now at its peak. The gardens are open daily until November, offering a perfect backdrop for family days out, falconry displays, and weddings. The castle’s unique blend of historical ambiance and horticultural excellence ensures an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
For more information on visiting Bolton Castle, including ticketing and group bookings, please visit Bolton Castle’s official website.
