Come and see our ceramic poppy display, ‘Unknown Soldier’ and a planting of commemorative roses to mark this special anniversary
A meadow of ceramic red poppies are at the centre of Rosemoor’s marking of the Centenary of the end of the First World War.
The RHS has a long-standing connection with the armed forces, having lost many staff in the First and Second World Wars. Some of the current garden team at Rosemoor are also former members of the forces and so it is fitting that Rosemoor is commemorating the date with a unique display.
One hundred red ceramic poppies, beautifully interpreted and designed by South West-based artist Renée Kilburn are randomly dispersed in a wildflower meadow.
Standing tall among the poppies is a magnificent sculpture of an ‘Unknown Soldier’ affectionately known as George N. The life-size soldier is crafted by another Rosemoor local artist, George Hider from Taunton.
Finally, a permanent new addition to the Rose Gardens, one of the largest in the UK with more than 2,000 roses, is a special planting of Rosa Pax – the ‘Peace Rose’, a hybrid musk rose developed by the rose breeder Joseph Pemberton and launched in 1918 to commemorate the end of WW1.
Come and see the poppy and soldier installation until 11 November, Armistice Day 2018. It will then be incorporated into our annual Winter Sculpture Exhibition (ends 17 February 2019) and Glow winter illuminations.
The red poppies are available to purchase for £28, of which a £3.50 donation on every poppy sold goes to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
Armed forces personnel (serving and retired) together with a family guest have free admission to Rosemoor on Remembrance Day 11 November - (please bring ID or proof of status such as the Tri-Forces Veteran’s badge).
