This year we will be commemorating the centenary of Rose Berkeley’s death. Rose Willmott married Robert Valentine Berkeley in 1891. She was the younger sister of Ellen Willmott, the influential plant collector and first lady to be awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Victorian Medal of Honour. The anniversary of Rose’s death happens coincide with the launch of a new book about her sister, Ellen, who has been written with the assistance of our very own archivist Karen. We have a full season of activities planned, some wonderful talks, an exhibition about Rose’s influence in the Garden and a brand-new garden Trail reflecting Rose’s design impact.

Rose was the architect of much of the garden’s design and her influence is very evident in the Gardens today, from the use of the Fountain Gardens where she grew and bred daffodils, to the layout of the huge herbaceous borders which surround the Kitchen Garden. Throughout she was assisted by her sister Ellen. We invite you to participate in our wonderful celebration of Rose Berkeley’s life and her influence on the Gardens during this season.

There is an exciting timetable of events that is just being finalised and will appear shortly on our whats on section of our website.