Nestled in a Devon valley, RHS Garden Rosemoor blends formal and informal plantings to magical effect. Nestled in a Devon valley, RHS Garden Rosemoor blends formal and informal plantings to magical effect.

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Woodland

Woodlands are vital to the Rosemoor estate, forming a backdrop to the garden and a buffer against wind or any future development nearby. We have continued to acquire surrounding woodland where possible, either with existing funds or through generous member donations.

Planting for the future

At Rosemoor we take the long-term view and manage our woodlands for the benefit of future generations. In recent years, disease has endangered the existing plantations of Picea sitchensis (Sitka spruce) and Larix (larch), necessitating the felling of a large number of trees. We have taken this chance to develop new plantings and increase the diversity of our woodlands.

Creating a woodland tapestry

Projects have included the replacement of Sitka spruce in the Lower Woodland Walk with ornamental conifers including Sequoiadendron giganteum (giant redwood) and Sequoia sempervirens (coastal redwood), the development of a traditionally managed hazel coppice to replace a larch plantation behind the Learning Centre and, adjacent to this, a birch plantation.

When mature, the silver stems of the birches will be a spectacular sight, glinting in the sunshine. These quick-growing trees will act as 'nurse' trees for a natural succession of British woodlanders, such as oak, eventually producing a rich native woodland for future generations to enjoy.

Welcome to Gondwana

Another woodland project is making use of the sheltered and well-drained conditions of Torrington Wood, above Lady Anne’s Garden. It features plants from the regions that were part of the ancient southern 'supercontinent' Gondwana, which existed approximately 510–180 million years ago.

With the help of local school children, around 70,000 native bluebell bulbs have been planted in the adjoining beech wood to boost the existing population. Over time, the bulbs will bulk up, self-sow naturally and eventually carpet this area of woodland in violet-blue, sweetly scented, nodding flowers.

Local children also helped plant River Wood, a 5.3ha (12 acre) strip of land bordering the River Torridge, with some 6,000 native trees and shrubs.

Spring highlights

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Hyacinthoides non-scripta

bluebell

Camellia × williamsii 'Anticipation'

camellia 'Anticipation'

Magnolia 'Susan'

magnolia 'Susan'

Why do I love Rosemoor's woodlands? The beech woods with their orange autumn glow, then the bluebells and the fresh vibrant green foliage in spring. The majestic oaks standing like sentinels, guarding the smaller trees with their fern-covered limbs reaching out as if to protect them.

I also love walking through the conifers, which tower above fern- and moss-covered ground, and all the magical secret places waiting to be discovered or revisited among the tranquil woods.
Rod, RHS Garden Rosemoor Horticulturist

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