Each year since the Rose Gardens at Hopton Hall, Derbyshire have been opened to the public. After many years of closure, neglect, but now lovingly restored by new owners of the Hall, we make a point of visiting…. you might say it has become a bit like a pilgrimage.
Each visit is both the same but also very different. The winter, spring and weather vagaries present a challenge for the gardening staff and each year we are welcomed by a different colour palette of splendour. The only constant is the Topiary and maze hedging (like a Knot Garden), all laid out as in the original garden plans. A sloping maze of pathways through and arround the roses take you on your personal tour…..
The Rose Gardens are only open in July (the woodlands are open in February for Snowdrops) and on a hot sunny July afternoon it isn’t a bad spot to just potter and take the time to smell the rich aromas.
For others it is a great location to sketch and paint….
Then when you wish to end your visit, a detour to the Lake. Enjoy a few tranquil moments whilst you get your breath back… more often than not you can play spotting the dashing Dragonflies…. but they are quick.
Enjoy your weekend…. and as always….
Please Remember ….
Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other
8th July
(C) David Oakes 2023
DAVID OAKES - IMAGES. 
How marvellous!
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It’s hard to belive that a place like this got neglected for many years. Now it look magnificant again, your pictures proof it.
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Indfeed yes. It was a private garden and never open to the public. Part of a larger estate attached to a grand old house. Fortunes changed and neglect set in. Eventually a new owner with deep pockets arrived and the estate and the gardens have been given new life. We did see the gardens when restoration was first stated. You could detect the outlines but frankly could never have visualised the outcome.
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