Contemporary Town Garden, Surrey
Rose garden, Isle of Man
Location: Isle of Man
Client: Private
Style: Rural
Status: Completed
Project: Country Gardens & Landscapes, Residential, Work in Progress
A rose garden rich in meaning
This private garden on the Isle of Man, in the north west of the Island, draws on the Isle of Man’s Celtic, Christian, and Scandinavian heritage to root it in place. Engraved stones dating from the 6th century provide a historical and visual link, displaying Manx motifs and imagery that emerge from this cultural fusion.
A sequence of garden rooms reflects this heritage. One is a contemplative space, planted with a salon of roses enclosed within a cloud-hedged parterre of yew that weaves through the garden, echoing Manx motifs and flourishes. Plant choices are rich in meaning: roses for love and passion, yew for strength, regeneration, longevity and protection, and rosemary for friendship, memory, and fidelity.
Roses named after influential women include Rosa Queen of Sweden, Rosa Jacqueline du Pré, and Rosa Gertrude Jekyll, selected through thoughtful conversations with the client.
