Formal Rose Gardens
Members of the genus rosa include species or wild roses and varieties or hybrids derived from those roses. Sometimes gardeners organize their rose specimens into formal rose gardens. A formal garden differs from an informal garden chiefly because the formal type includes few, if any, other plant species. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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Possibly the first and certainly the most famous formal rose garden was the one assembled, starting in 1799, by Josephine, wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. It consisted of about 250 species and varieties arranged in beds connected by paths. Climbers and ramblers grew on arches, pergolas and pillars.
Assembling a Formal Rose Garden
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Rose gardens can be organized in many different ways. Since the roses are the stars, a simple rectilinear design with a central feature -- a birdbath, statue or climbing rose pillar -- may work best. Roses can be grouped by type, color, size or growth habit.
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Public Gardens
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The best way to learn more about how to plan and maintain a formal rose garden is to visit existing gardens in your region. Botanical gardens, arboreta and educational institutions all over the United States often have dedicated rose gardens that are open to the public.
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References
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